Questions and Replies
07 June 2023 - NW1821
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
With reference to electronic visa applications (a) in the past three financial years and (b) from 1 April 2023 to date, (i) what total number of applications were (aa) received and/or (bb) issued in each month, (ii) from which countries were applications received in each month and (iii) what is the average time taken between an application received and a visa being issued in each month?
Reply:
(a)(i)(aa) Total received in the last 3 financial years from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2023 is 28 289.
(b)(i)(aa) Total received from 1 April 2023 to 26 May 2023 is 5 474.
(a&b)(bb) Total combined issued outcomes: 33 763
(a&b)(ii) Countries of application: Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Kenya, Philippines, Egypt, China, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mexico, Uganda, Congo, Saudi Arabia, Iran.
(a&b)(iii) Average turnaround time: 10 working days.
END
07 June 2023 - NW1820
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
With reference to nomad visa applications (a) in the past three financial years and (b) from 1 April 2023 to date, (i) what total number of applications were (aa) received and/or (bb) issued in each month, (ii) from which countries were applications received in each month and (iii) what is the average time taken between an application received and a visa being issued in each month?
Reply:
(a)(b)(i)(ii)(aa)(bb)(iii) The Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002 does not make provision for a nomad visa. As a result, there were no nomad visas issued by the Department for the periods mentioned above.
END
07 June 2023 - NW1808
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether he is still considering the establishment of the Independent Economic Regulator for setting of water tariffs; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is the alternative; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
In August 2022, the Minister established a Regulatory Commission comprising of eleven (11) Commissioners who, as a collective panel of experts, possess various sets of economics, financial, social and technical qualifications and experience. The Commission was established in terms of Section 99 of the National Water Act and serves as the Minister’s advisors and provides a level of autonomy in improving the transparency and predictability in regulatory decision making.
The Minister is of the view that this regulatory model needs to be given a chance. Therefore, the required legislative provisions were made in the revised draft National Water Act to empower this Commission.
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07 June 2023 - NW1869
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What (a) does the expanded mandate of the Amatola Water Board entail that warrants a claim of R4 million (details furnished) and (b) successes has the specified board currently achieved through the specified mandate; (2) what are the details of the (a) actions taken by the specified board to prevent a Day Zero situation and (b) expenditure that was incurred by the board regarding the Nelson Mandela Bay water crisis; (3) whether his department has instructed an independent auditor and/or monitoring group to oversee the expenditure of the board as the board fees have been approximately 18 % over budget and the initiative has empty coffers; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the findings of the independent auditor and/or monitoring group and (b) is the protocol of his department in dealing with poor performance and initiatives that are financially draining in the event of their failure?
Reply:
1. (a) In May 2022, the Minister issued a directive to Amatola Water in terms of Section 41 (1) and Section 63 (1) of the Water Services Act, to urgently intervene and address water shortages in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Municipality (NMBMM) owing to the ongoing drought. The required scope of work for the intervention was to address the following:
- Governance of the water services function within Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Municipality.
- Represent the Minister in terms of Section 73 in fulfilling the Water Services Authority function for the duration of the Section 63 intervention.
- Assisting the municipality with the implementation of the Drought Alleviation Action Plan towards prevention of a “Dry Tap” scenario (especially in the western part of the Metro), through, amongst others: implementing and enforcing water restrictions; implementing a drought awareness communication plan; providing assistance with the water conservation and demand management strategy.
b) The outcomes of the intervention include:
- Accelerating the move of the Impofu barge which stretched available water on the Kromme system from 16 days to 375 days
- Working with the provincial Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to ensure restrictions are developed and are reasonable while ensuring that the local dams are given the maximum opportunity to recover
- Furthering work towards transforming the water and sanitation business into a resilient professional and reliable service entity
- An improved drought communication strategy was rolled out in collaboration with NMBMM and Mandela Bay Development Agency
- Facilitating work done by non-governmental Organisations and private sector stakeholders like Coca-Cola Beverages SA on drilling boreholes at municipal owned properties around the municipality
- Eliminating the backlog of leaks in July 2022, and immediately attending to new ones
- Encouraging private sector support, such as the Business Chamber leak repairs and the Strategic Water Partnership Network Memorandum of Understanding
- Creating enabling conditions to accelerate municipal processes
- Supporting the downward trend of water demand
- Supporting water augmentation projects.
- Finalising the capacitation of key positions in the technical team
The Amatola Water Board's approach has been collaborative and initiating a partnership with the NMBM to identify and unblock challenges. The experts have been using their experience and skills to amongst others; advice; share best practices; anticipate challenges and propose common solutions. Close collaboration with the Political Oversight Committee; City officials and organized business has contributed a great deal in moving Day Zero much further from becoming a reality.
2. a) Please refer to the response above in question 1 (b).
b) The total expenditure that was incurred by the Board in relation to the NMBMM water crisis is as follows:
Financial Year 2022 |
R305 338. 58 |
Financial Year 2023 |
R282 550. 74 |
Travel costs |
R112 409. 78 |
Total costs: |
R700 409. 10 |
3. The Department did not instruct any independent auditor and/or monitoring group to oversee the expenditure of Amatola Water Board. Board members are paid based on the DWS Policy on Board Practices and the remuneration of board members of entities reporting to the Minister of Water and Sanitation. According to this policy, Board Members are remunerated on an hourly rate basis for meetings attended. The maximum number of hours that may be remunerated per month for the Chairperson of the Board is 50 hours and Board Members is 40 hours. Any additional hours to be remunerated such as may arise in extraordinary circumstances, should be approved by the Minister prior.
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07 June 2023 - NW1803
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What are the reasons that a certain person (name furnished) is refusing to register the birth of a certain person (name and details furnished) despite him sending paternity tests to the District Manager Operations at Tshwane District?
Reply:
Attempts were made to invite the applicant for the 9 and 10 May 2023 Late Registration of Birth (LRB) Committee sittings in Temba Local Office. However, his number went to voicemail. Contact was later made with the applicant through other means and the date of 15 June 2023 is scheduled to finalise the application. The applicant has committed his availability to attend on the said date.
END
06 June 2023 - NW1593
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, in light of the visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan's family to the Republic using Bulembu Airport in Qonce as a port of entry, all the necessary visas and travel documents for the United Arab Emirates president’s family were verified and approved in accordance with the Republic’s immigration laws and regulations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, all entry requirements were complied with – no exemptions were approved.
END
06 June 2023 - NW1595
Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) Whether, in light of the visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan’s family to the Republic, any prohibited and/or restricted items were identified during the customs inspection; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether appropriate measures were taken in accordance with the customs and excise regulations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1&2) Yes, customs duties were performed in the presence of members of the South African Police Service and officials of the Border Management Authority (BMA).
END
06 June 2023 - NW1479
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What prompted his department to write a letter giving the Premier of Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, the right to establish an international port of entry in an unused former homeland airport in Bisho?
Reply:
The Minister of Home Affairs had at no stage given Mr Oscar Mabuyane, “the right to establish an international port of entry in an unused former homeland airport in Bisho”
Upon receipt of the request/application, the Minister acted in terms of section 9A of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 to designate Bulembu Airport in (Bhisho) as a port of entry and exit.
The Minister took steps to comply with regulation 8 of the Immigration Act.
END
06 June 2023 - NW1698
Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether he will furnish Mr J Engelbrecht with a comprehensive breakdown of the procurement allocation of (a) his department and (b) every entity reporting to him 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:
Department of Home Affairs and Border Management Authority
a) No, the Department has not set aside any specific percentages of its procurement allocation to (i) Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), (ii) cooperatives, (iii) township enterprises or (iv) rural enterprises in the (aa) 2021/22 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023. When issuing bids, the Department targets Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Level 1 entities, Emerging Medium Enterprises (EME) or Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE), 100% Black-owned entities with a preference for Black youth, Black women, or Black people with disability.
b) No, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has not set aside any specific percentages of its procurement allocations to (i) SMMEs, (ii) cooperatives, (iii) township enterprises or (iv) rural enterprises in the (aa) 2021/22 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023. When issuing bids, the BMA targets Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Level 1 entities, Emerging Medium Enterprises (EME) or Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE), 100% Black-owned entities with a preference for Black youth, Black women, or Black people with disability.
b) Government Printing Works
The departmental allocation for respective categories of businesses and applicable financial years is contained in the table below. In line with the below, the Exempted Micro Enterprises (EME) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE) represent small, medium and micro enterprises.
Response |
Classification |
Total allocation |
Percentage |
(aa) 2021/2022 Financial Year |
|||
b(i) |
SMMEs |
||
EME |
R161 013 937,00 |
3,62% |
|
QSE |
R477 725 670,00 |
12,57% |
|
b(ii) |
Cooperatives |
R0,00 |
0% |
b(iii) |
Township |
R6 426 068,00 |
0,14% |
b(iv) |
Rural |
R107 183 843,00 |
2,41% |
(bb) April 2023 to Date |
|||
b(i) |
SMMEs |
||
EME |
R13 647 717,50 |
0,63% |
|
QSE |
R53 774 481,74 |
3,36% |
|
b(ii) |
Cooperatives |
R0,00 |
0,00% |
b(iii) |
Township |
R1 024 610,00 |
0,05% |
b(iv) |
Rural |
R2 859 613,48 |
0,13% |
c) Independent Electoral Commission
(aa) 2022-23 financial year
Before the introduction of the categorisation of enterprise types by Generic, Qualified Small Enterprises and Exempt Micro Enterprises, the industry norm was to report on SMMEs paying more focus on the number of full-time employees in the entities. The norm as per the current trend is to report on the enterprise types which mainly looks at the categorisation of companies in terms of annual turnover. The advantage of reporting on enterprise type is that information can be verified against Central Supplier Database.
The report below, therefore depicts awards on competitive bidding for the specified period based on the following:
- Generic Entities
- Qualified Entities (QSE)
- Exempt Micro Enterprises (EME)
- Ownership by Black People
- Ownership by Black Youth
- Ownership by Black Women
- Ownership by people living in townships
- BEE Status Levels
- BEE Ownership
It must be noted that the moratorium imposed on procurement in the last financial year as a result of the application of the Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2017 resulted in fewer procurement activities taking place during the period.
BEE or Non-BEE Status |
|||
Type |
Contract Value |
Contract % |
|
BEE |
R97 713 187 |
51% |
|
Non-BEE |
R92 638 492 |
49% |
|
Total |
190 351 679 |
100% |
|
Tenders Awarded by Enterprise Type |
|||
Type |
Contract Value |
Contract % |
|
Generic |
100 067 915 |
53% |
|
QSE |
7 794 593 |
4% |
|
EME |
82 489 171 |
43% |
|
Total |
R190 351 679 |
100% |
|
Tenders Awarded by BEE Contributor Status Level |
|||
B-BBEE Contracts |
Contract Value |
% Contract Value |
|
Status Level 1 |
R111 510 789,36 |
59% |
|
Status Level 2 |
R 31 099 606 |
16% |
|
Status Level 3 |
R 0 |
0% |
|
Status Level 4 |
R45 437 108,29 |
24% |
|
Status Level 5 |
2 304 175,00 |
1% |
|
Status Level 6 |
R 0 |
0% |
|
Status Level 7 |
R 0 |
0% |
|
Status Level 8 |
R 0 |
0% |
|
BEE Non-Compliant |
R 0 |
0% |
|
Total |
R 190 351 679 |
100% |
|
Black Ownership |
|||
B-BBEE Contracts |
Contract Value |
||
Black People |
R 144 914 570 |
||
Black Youth |
R 51 286 544 |
||
Black Women |
R 100 860 862 |
||
Black with Disability |
R 0 |
||
Ownership by people living in rural or underdeveloped areas |
R 0 |
||
Ownership by people living in townships |
R 8 894 424 |
(bb) 1 April 2023 -12 May 2023
END
06 June 2023 - NW1278
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What measures are being put in place to ensure that Palestinians who visit the Republic enjoy the same rights as their Israeli counterparts who do not need a visa to travel to the Republic whilst Palestinians are required to have visas? What measures are being put in place to ensure that Palestinians who visit the Republic enjoy the same rights as their Israeli counterparts who do not need a visa to travel to the Republic whilst Palestinians are required to have visas?
Reply:
I have approved a waiver of visa requirements for diplomatic and official/service passport holders for Palestinian nationals. The drafting and finalisation of the Visa Waiver Agreement with the Palestinian Authority is at an advanced stage and I will make an announcement in due course.
As far as Palestinian ordinary passport holders are concerned, the Department intends to finalise waiver of visa requirements for this category by the end of June 2023.
END
05 June 2023 - NW1284
Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether she has been informed that the Chris Hani District Municipality has been unable to collect revenue for services and that businesses are alleged to owe the specified municipality in excess of R10 billion; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps has she taken to ensure that the municipality has the necessary capacity to collect (a) revenue and/or (b) outstanding debts from (i) businesses and (ii) communities? NW1446
Reply:
The the Municipal Manager of Chris Hani District Municipality provided the following table which represents the age analysis of the Chris Hani District Municipality as at 31 March 2023:
A. The municipality is owed by the consumers of its services an amount of R2,3 billion as at 31 March 2023 and of which the majority of the consumers that owe the municipality are domestic, businesses, indigents, municipalities and government departments.
There are notable slight decreases on businesses, government departments, municipalities, indigents, non-profits organisation, except the domestic consumers.
- The municipality has capacity in the Budget and Treasury Office, where there is a Revenue Unit which still has vacancies that are yet to be filled at the latest June 2023.
- The Municipality introduced a debt rehabilitation program that has been running for almost two years ending on the 30 June 2023. This is intended to assist the consumers with long outstanding debts. This was taken to the roadshows and the maximum assist is up to 50% write off for qualifying consumers.
- Indigent consumers of R98 million have been approved and the write-off was effected in April 2023. The reduction will be reflected in the May 2023 In-Year Monitoring Report.
- The Municipality has sourced a solution such as SMART Metering Water Meters that will be a phase approach that will focus more on businesses, government departments, schools, municipal areas and effluent areas etc. This solution will resume in beginning of May 2023.
- On the SMART Metering Water Meters Project, the focus will be more on the pre-paid solution in order to recoup the water revenues.
- Despite the strides of the municipality in trying to collect, there is a culture of non-payment including the government department.
- The municipality is issuing 14 days disconnection notices to all consumers except the households due to Constitutional imperative related to Human Rights. However, businesses, government departments (but not all, like clinics), are disconnected where there is non-payment.
- Payment arrangements are entered into, with all consumers, who responds to the disconnection notices and actual disconnections.
- Employees and Councillors, payment arrangements are revisited and are increased, and further disciplinary processes and code of conduct are implemented.
B) Chris Hani District Municipality total outstanding Debt as at 31 March 2023 an amount of R2,3 billion.
C) Businesses total outstanding Debt as at 31 March 2023 an amount of R135 million.
D) Remaining Total outstanding except the above, B and C.
End
05 June 2023 - NW1314
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)(a) How far is the process of procuring own material that will be utilised during State funerals in order to avoid acquiring the services of external service providers, (b) what items have been purchased so far and (c) what amount did the specified items cost; (2) whether the procurement process has started yet, if not, (a) what are the reasons for the delay and (b) by what date will the matter be resolved; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1479E
Reply:
1. (a) The process started last year (2022) however due to challenges with bid committee sitting the tender lapsed. The process will be started this current financial 2023/2024
(b) The items that have been procured already are the following:
(i) Chairs;
(ii) Tables;
(iii) Sound system;
(iv) Air conditioning;
(v) Mobile toilets;
(c) R1 629 388.82
2. (a) The procurement has commenced.
(b) The award is expected to take place on the month of September 2023
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1314 (Written Reply) Ms A M Siwisa (EFF) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: |
The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1314 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.
The input has been provided by the Prestige Business Unit.
I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 1314 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.
________________________
MR. M SAZONA
CHIEF DIRECTOR: PRESTIGE
DATE:
Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments
________________________
MS. N MAKHUBELE
ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL
DATE:
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:
MINISTRY
PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Department of Public Works l Central Government Offices l 256 Madiba Street l Pretoria l Contact: +27 (0)12 406 1627 l Fax: +27 (0)12 323 7573
Private Bag X9155 l CAPE TOWN, 8001 l RSA 4th Floor Parliament Building l 120 Plein Street l CAPE TOWN l Tel: +27 21 402 2219 Fax: +27 21 462 4592
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NUMBER: 1314 [NW1479E]
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 13 of 2023
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 21 APRIL 2023
DATE OF REPLY: APRIL 2023
1314. Ms A M Siwisa (EFF) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
(1) (a) How far is the process of procuring own material that will be utilised during State funerals in order to avoid acquiring the services of external service providers, (b) what items have been purchased so far and (c) what amount did the specified items cost;
(2) whether the procurement process has started yet, if not, (a) what are the reasons for the delay and (b) by what date will the matter be resolved; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1479E
REPLY:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(a) The process started last year (2022) however due to challenges with bid committee sitting the tender lapsed. The process will be started this current financial 2023/2024
(b) The items that have been procured already are the following:
(i) Chairs;
(ii) Tables;
(iii) Sound system;
(iv) Air conditioning;
(v) Mobile toilets;
(c) R1 629 388.82
(a) The procurement has commenced.
(b) The award is expected to take place on the month of September 2023
__________________________
MR. S ZIKALALA, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE:
05 June 2023 - NW1786
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
By what date will (a) the Matatiele Local Municipality and (b) all other Eastern Cape municipalities that have failed to deliver services to residents be placed under administration?
Reply:
According to the information received from the Province of the Eastern Cape:
- There is no intention by the Executive Council of the provincial government to place Matatiele LM under administration.
- There is no intention to place any other municipality in the Eastern Cape under administration – it must be noted that the department and provincial government have a constitutional mandate to provide support to municipalities so that they can deliver services to their communities.
It is acknowledged that there is a plethora of challenges that municipalities are confronted with which have a negative bearing on the delivery of services to communities, such circumstances warrant that provincial government provides support to municipalities.
On the basis of what has been outlined, there is therefore no intention to place municipalities under administration but to provide the necessary support to that will unblock bottlenecks and enhance service delivery.
End
05 June 2023 - NW1794
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
a) How far is her investigation into the corruption that happened in AB Xuma Local Municipality which saw millions of Rands meant to build a stadium being misused and (b) why has it taken so many years for the investigation to be concluded and those implicated held accountable?
Reply:
The response below was provided by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the Eastern Cape province. Accordingly, I have been advised as follows:
(a) The MEC established a team to investigate the allegations at Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality. The team visited the municipality to conduct an investigation from 11 to 15 July 2022, and conducted interviews with relevant officials; analysed documentation and obtained evidence. A report was thereafter prepared for consideration by the MEC.
(b) Limitations in terms of the scope of the investigation caused delays in the investigation. Due to the fact that most of those implicated are no longer with the municipality, the office of the MEC referred the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS), to allow SAPS to deal with the matter.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1691
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether she will furnish Mr M Chetty 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:
The departmental of Cooperative Governance did not have a specific procurement any specific procurement goal and specific allocation for small, medium and micro-enterprises, cooperatives, township enterprises and rural enterprises as the process then was aligned to Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2017.
(aa) 2021/22
The Department has however spent R124, 700 030.00 (R124,7.million) on BBBEE scorecard as per Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2017.
In terms of the BBBEE scorecard:
- 76% was spent on Black People amounting to R110, 076, 246.00
- 37% was spent on Black Women amounting to R11, 862, 775.00
- 24% was spent on Youth amounting to R2, 761, 009.00
(bb) 01 April 2023
For the month of April 2023, the department of Cooperative Governance spent R706 601,50 on specific goals as per the Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2022.
In terms of the specific goals:
- 80% was spent on Black People amounting to R619 689
- 20% was spent on Black Women amounting to R77 222.50
- 40% was spent on Youth amounting to R9 690.
The Department is committed towards economic growth of the country by empowering the Small Medium and Macro Enterprises (SMMEs) particularly in rural areas and township. and the department has directed its preference in terms of specific goals to Blacks, Women, Youth and business owned by people living with disabilities as guided by the Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2022.
Our records for period under review (2023/24 FY) reveal that the new score card is in line with the Prefential Procorement Regulations 2022.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1887
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether his department will encourage the implementation across all provinces of initiatives such as the Cleaning and Greening Expanded Public Works Programme in Gauteng, which resulted in the creation of 6000 temporary work opportunities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the temporary opportunities targeted at the youth are due to the upcoming elections in 2024; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. As one of the Lead Sector Departments of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and the Environmental Affairs (DFFE) is entrusted with a crucial legislative mandate to ensure all citizens within the Republic of South Africa live in a clean and healthy environment and use its resources in a sustainable manner for the benefit of current and future generations. Over the years, the DFFE has developed legislation for the implementation of such greening and cleaning programmes.
Historically, the implementation of environmental programmes similar to the Cleaning and Greening launched in Gauteng Province has been achieved by forging collaborations with stakeholders operating within the environmental sector, other government institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) amongst others. In this regard, the Department of Public Works (DPWI) has also been long implementing such similar projects through the Facilities Management Unit using the Departmental line function budgets.
In line with the findings of the DFEE which states that waste services access remains highly skewed in favor of more affluent and urban communities, I will encourage and engage other relevant stakeholders to implement the Cleaning and Greening projects at scale in all provinces whilst also establishing ways to upscale the DPWI implemented projects focusing on cleaning.
2. As the Minister responsible for the overall coordination of the EPWP in South Africa, I am not aware of any link between the launch of the Gauteng Province Greening project with the upcoming 2024 elections. It should be noted that initiatives of this nature are aimed at promoting a clean South Africa free of waste and illegal dumping. This kind of programme's major goal is to alter people's attitudes and behaviours around waste and its management as well as encourage them to start taking control of and responsibility for keeping their neighbourhood clean. It has become clear that while many existing awareness campaigns temporarily make places look cleaner, they do not promote long-term habits that discourage littering and unlawful dumping. This programme aims to fill that gap by promoting sustainable practices that do just that. Furthermore, it should be noted that recruitment of participants in EPWP is guided by the Recruitment Guidelines which are premised on principles of fairness, transparency and equity focusing on all poor and unemployed people of South Africa.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1887 (Written Reply) Mr S S Zondo (IFP) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: |
The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1887 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.
The input has been provided by the Expanded Public Works Programme Business Unit.
I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1887 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.
_________________________
MS. CJ ABRAHAMS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME
DATE:
Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments
________________________
MS. N MAKHUBELE
ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL
DATE:
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:
05 June 2023 - NW1683
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)With reference to traditional leaders in the Republic as they are recognised in Chapter 12 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, what were the total costs of the Council of Traditional Leaders in the (a) 2019-20, (b) 2020-21 and (c) 2021-22 financial years; (2) what were the total costs of the administration and support services for traditional leaders in each province, including but not exclusively, (a) staff salaries, (b) offices including but not exclusively office construction costs and/or rentals, (c) services delivered, (d) printing and stationery and (e) all other costs; (3) by what constitutional processes and/or legislation is relied on for each hierarchy of traditional leadership that is elected in each province?
Reply:
1. The Council of Traditional Leaders as contemplated in section 212(2)(b) of the Constitution, 1996, was established under the Council of Traditional Leaders Act, 1997 (Act No. 10 of 1997). However, this Act was repealed by the National House of Traditional Leaders Act, 2009 (Act No. 22 of 2009) which Act established the National House of Traditional Leaders in accordance with the provisions of section 212(2)(a) of the Constitution. This 2009-Act was subsequently repealed by the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019 (Act No. 3 of 2019) (TKLA). The TKLA provides for the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. There is thus, currently no Council of Traditional Leaders as contemplated in section 212(2)(b) of the Constitution and referred to by the Honourable Member.
(a) to (c): Fall away.
2. The Honourable Member should note that the information on costs and expenditure related to the operations of traditional leadership institutions and support provided to traditional leaders resides with the relevant provinces. However, from the information that the Department received from four provinces (Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal and Limpopo) the costs of staff salaries, offices (office construction and rentals) printing and stationery is as follows:
ITEMS |
EASTERN CAPE |
GAUTENG |
KZN |
LIMPOPO |
Staff salaries |
R 6 089 280 |
R260 000 |
R6 332 000 |
R95 383 788 |
Offices: office construction and rentals (once off costs) |
R6 010 920 |
R410 000 |
R575 000 |
R600 000 |
Office furniture (once off costs) |
R190 000 |
R0 |
R0 |
R1 912 000 |
Printing |
R0 |
R0 |
R22 000 |
R2 580 000 |
Stationery |
R263 750 |
R50 000 |
R0 |
R501 600 |
Other administration and support services costs |
R19 180 124 |
R250 000 |
R3 979 000 |
R29 958 194 |
TOTAL |
R31 714 074 |
R970 000 |
R10 908 000 |
R130 933 582 |
Accordingly, we have approached provincial governments to provide the information as per the Honourable Member’s request and as soon as the information from the provinces is received, the Department will share it with the Honourable Member.
3. Section 7(1)(a) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act (TKLA) makes provision for the following traditional leadership positions: King or queen, principal traditional leader, senior traditional leader and headman or headwoman. These positions apply throughout the country since the TKLA is a national law that prevails in the case of conflict with a provincial law dealing with the same matter. The Honourable Member should note that the majority of traditional leadership positions are hereditary in nature. It is only in some instances where the position of a headman or headwoman is an elected position in which case the provisions of section 8(2)(b) of the TKLA must be complied with.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1624
Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What total number of municipalities in each province have (a) infrastructure maintenance plans in place and (b) implemented such plans (i) fully and/or (ii) partly?
Reply:
a) The total number of municipalities with infrastructure maintenance plans in place per province is as follows:
Province |
Number of municipalities with infrastructure maintenance plans |
|
1 |
Eastern Cape |
34 |
2 |
Free State |
15 |
3 |
Gauteng |
10 |
4 |
KwaZulu Natal |
34 |
5 |
Limpopo |
11 |
6 |
Mpumalanga |
20 |
7 |
North West |
1 |
8 |
Northern Cape |
31 |
9 |
Western Cape |
15 |
b) The total number of municipalities in each province that have implemented infrastructure plans either fully or partly are as follows:
Province |
Number of municipalities with infrastructure maintenance plans |
|||
Total |
(i)That implemented fully |
(ii)That implemented partly |
||
1 |
Eastern Cape |
34 |
14 |
20 |
2 |
Free State |
15 |
0 |
15 |
3 |
Gauteng |
10 |
0 |
10 |
4 |
KwaZulu Natal |
34 |
1 |
33 |
5 |
Limpopo |
11 |
1 |
10 |
6 |
Mpumalanga |
20 |
0 |
20 |
7 |
North West |
1 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
Northern Cape |
31 |
2 |
29 |
9 |
Western Cape |
15 |
0 |
15 |
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1768
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What is her contingency plan to intervene and resolve the problem of destitute families who cannot bury their family members in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in the Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga?
Reply:
When there is a death in the family, and the family is unable to bury their loved one, the municipality always liaises with the affected family through the ward councillor. The provincial department of Social Development is also engaged to assist with burial expenses, as it (the department), is budgeting for such. The municipality carries the expenses for burial services of paupers, and this is budget for by the municipality.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1911
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether she and/or her department are responsible for the flushing toilets installed in rural areas; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what measures has her department put in place to maintain the flushing toilets installed in rural areas as most of the toilets are not working due to either a lack of water and/or the sewer system not properly working, which in the end causes leaks and (b) who is to be held responsible for the conditions of the toilets?
Reply:
No, neither the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs nor the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG) is responsible for the flushing toilets installed in rural areas. The provision of sanitation to households in general, and of flushing toilets in rural areas, as well as operational and maintenance of the sewer systems is the responsibility of the municipalities that have been designated Water Services Authorities (WSAs) in terms of the Water Services Act 108 of 1997.
DCOG provides support and strengthens the capacity of WSAs in accordance with section 154 of Constitution by deploying technical support through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA). When a WSA fails to fulfil its obligations in terms of the Constitution, and the provincial executive has also failed to intervene, the national executive may intervene in terms of section 139 (7) of the Constitution.
(a) and (b) Not applicable.
End
05 June 2023 - NW1638
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(a) What innovative and proactive measures are being considered and/or have been implemented to urgently and effectively combat the ongoing issue of cable theft and minimise its impact on residents' access to electricity and (b) in what manner is the Government working in collaboration with stakeholders, such as law enforcement agencies, private sector partners and local communities, to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach to eradicating the pervasive problem in the future?
Reply:
The criminal component of cable theft and damage is dealt with by the South African Police Service.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1753
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Considering how contracts of implementing agents of the Community Work Programme were terminated on 31 March 2023 while the participants have not yet signed their annual employment contracts, and noting that most of the participants have not been paid their April stipend and that no communications have been made with them, how does her department ensure (a) timeous payments and (b) supervision of the specified programme?
Reply:
a) The contracts of the Implementing Agents (IA)were not terminated, they expired as per Service Level Agreement with the department. The department is finalising the contracting of site staff (it should be noted that some of the implementing agents did not terminate the contracts of the site staff upon IA contract expiration and this led to delays in finalising the site staff contracting. Communication of delay in April payments was sent to the participants via sms. The participant payments for April are currently sitting at 99.9% as at 15May 2023. The 0.1% relates to errors in Timesheets which have been referred back to sites for correction. The department has augmented capacity in Payment unit and are already receiving training and this will expedite the payment process.
b) The department has contracted Provincial Managers, District Managers and Site Managers who are supervising the programme. Furthermore, there is provincial and national COGTA capacity (Chief Directors and Directors for each province) who are playing an oversight role. The Local Reference Committees are also in existence to provide support in terms of CWP implementation at ward level.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1843
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) With regard to the Independent Development Trust (IDT), what total number of personnel have been seconded from private organisations in the past three years; (2) whether any of the specified personnel have been appointed full-time at the IDT following the secondment; if not, what are the relevant details of the period of their secondments; if so, what are the relevant details of the appointment processes that were followed; (3) what total number of former project managers from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa have been appointed at the IDT; (4) whether proper appointment processes were followed regarding the specified project managers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2094E
Reply:
1. Four (4) people were seconded from private organisations in the past three years.
2.Two (2) of the personnel were each appointed on five-year contracts, following the IDT recruitment processes.
With regard to the 2 other personnel that were not appointed:
(a) the secondment period for one was for eight (8) months (01 April 2022- 30 November 2023) and
(b) the other was seconded for one (1) month (1 – 31 October 2023)
3. No project managers from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) were appointed at the IDT.
4. As, no project managers were appointed, therefore there was no appointment processes to be followed.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1843 (Written Reply) Ms S J Graham (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: |
The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1843 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.
The input has been provided by the Independent Development Trust and duly processed by the Inter-Governmental Relations Business Unit.
I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 1843 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.
________________________
MR. A MTHOMBENI
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: IGR
DATE:
Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments
________________________
MS N MAKHUBELE
ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL
DATE:
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:
05 June 2023 - NW1738
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
To what extent is the Government prepared to assist numerous municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal that have been warned to expect and prepare for heavy rains which may cause flooding and infrastructure damage, in the event that the municipalities need to act swiftly and move citizens who are at risk to safer places; (2) whether the affected persons will be taken to the same temporary shelters which were provided to flood victims a year ago and who are still in those shelters; if not, where will affected citizens be accommodated; if so, what are the relevant details
Reply:
1. The municipalities and areas at risk are prioritised by government on the dissemination of early warnings and advisories as issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for informed decision-making by responsible organs of state including communities. The department through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has been working together with relevant organs of state and the province to coordinate efforts in the implementation of sustainable interventions such as finding suitable land for rebuilding and settlement of communities for building back better, to promote resilience, prevent or minimise the impacts of flooding incidents.
Furthermore, the department through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) is assisting municipalities in developing or reviewing the Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs) and Land Use Plans which incorporates the review of the high flood lines and prohibiting future construction of infrastructure in flood prone areas, and wetlands. This minimises the risks of flood damage to infrastructure.
MISA is assisting municipalities in design standards and upgrading of flood prone infrastructure by reviewing, among other things, design return periods (useful in calculating the riskiness of the structure) to take into account the new maximum probable flood trends due to climate change. Municipalities are further being assisted with reviewing by-laws and building scheme controls. These measures aim to prohibit building in high-risk flood zones as well as reducing the damage that floods may cause for example through enhancing flood attenuation measures such as discouraging paving surfaces unnecessarily and enforcement of the by-law provisions. MISA also advises municipalities to develop yearly Summer Season Flood Mitigation plans that includes activities such as road stormwater drainage systems cleaning.
2. The information from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre in KwaZulu-Natal province indicates that alternate temporary shelters are identified by municipalities concerned. In most cases, nearby community halls are identified as alternative shelter. In some instances, available churches identified for support. There is currently no active shelters accommodating affected communities in the province.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW2069
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1)What are the detailed statistical methodologies that were used in establishing the racial benchmarks under the Employment Equity Amendment Bill [B14-2020]; (2) whether the methodologies were subjected to rigorous scientific validation to ensure their reliability and accuracy; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the outcomes of such validation processes?
Reply:
- Hon. Cardo, fortunately we no longer have the racist apartheid government that use to establish the racial benchmarks. Secondly, there is no Employment Equity Amendment Bill [B14 – 2020] that is currently deliberated in Parliament.
- Given what is outlined in (1) above, the second part of your question falls off!
05 June 2023 - NW2070
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
With regard to the formation of the racial benchmarks in the Employment Equity Amendment Bill [B14-202], (a) what specific data sets were employed and (b) how were the data sets (i) sourced, (ii) checked for accuracy and (iii) adjusted to account for potential statistical bias and/or anomalies?
Reply:
I sincerely have no details of the Bill that I have no knowledge off. In the Department we are currently busy looking as some gaps that may be there in some of our labour laws. These have not reached Parliament yet. As they are busy deliberated at NEDLAC level. Once those deliberations are accordingly processed, I have no doubt in my mind that they will reach Parliament and at that stage you will once again have an opportunity of adding your voice Hon. Cardo. When it comes to Employment Equity Amendment Bill [B14 – 202…]
there is none that is currently debate in Parliament or anywhere for that matter and therefore, I am not clear what you are referring to.
05 June 2023 - NW1599
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(a) What steps has her department taken to assess and ensure that the construction of the Nogqala Bridge in Ward 19, Engcobo, in the Eastern Cape is above board before granting the Engcobo Local Municipality an additional amount to complete the specified project and (b) who will be held accountable for fruitless and wasteful expenditure and the recovery of the monies, considering that millions of Rand have already been spent but there is no construction of a bridge?
Reply:
a) The construction of the Nogqala Bridge in Ward 19, Engcobo, in the Eastern Cape Province is being funded by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) that is administered by the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG). There was no additional amount granted for the construction of the Nogqala Bridge project.
The initial amount of R12 977 495.30 inclusive of VAT that was approved on 5 November 2021 is the only amount granted to-date. The total expenditure to-date for both professional services and construction is R 9 697 930.02 inclusive of VAT. The project budget of R12 977 495.30 is therefore not yet fully spent.
The contractor that was appointed for the project was terminated for failing to implement the project in terms of the conditions of the contract and abandoning site. Engcobo Local Municipality is currently in the process of procuring a replacement contractor. The bids are currently going through the Bid Evaluation and Bid Adjudication process.
The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent professional engineers are providing technical support to Engcobo Local Municipality throughout the project life cycle from planning, design development, preparation of terms of reference for procurement and construction monitoring.
b) Should the Auditor General of South Africa (AG) declare wasteful and fruitless expenditure on this project, or anywhere in the Audit Report, the AG or the Accounting Officer will determine who is liable in accordance with the Municipal Finance Management Act and all applicable pieces of legislation and Treasury prescripts.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1831
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether, with reference to the former minister’s reply to question 68 on 24 February 2023, wherein she confirmed that the department had informed her that the security companies engaged at Knoflokskraal had fulfilled their brief (details furnished), he will furnish Mrs C Phillips with the relevant details regarding the total number of (a) completed structures on the relevant properties when a certain security company (name furnished) took over on 29 September 2022, (b) half-completed structures demolished and/or removed by the specified company when they took over on the specified date and (c) completed structures on the relevant properties when the contract of the company expired on 29 October 2022; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he will furnish Mrs C Phillips with the relevant details regarding the total number of (a) completed structures on the relevant properties when a different security company took over on 29 October 2022, (b) half-completed structures demolished and/or removed by the specified company when they took over on the specified date and (c) completed structures on the relevant properties when the contract of the company expired on 29 November 2022; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
(1)
(a) The number of completed structures were not recorded on 29 September 2022. However, they were recorded during a count carried out by the Sheriff of the Court in August 2022 as 4880.
(b) No further demolitions were carried since February 2022.
(c) The number of structures were not recorded at the end of the security company’s contract. However, they were recorded in August 2022 as 4880.
(2)
(a) The number of completed structures were not recorded when the security took over.
(b) There were no further demolition of structures since February 2022.
(c) The number of completed structures were not recorded on 29 November 2022.However, they were recorded during a count carried out by the Sheriff of the Court in August 2022 as 4880.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1831 (Written Reply) Mrs C Phillips (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: |
The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1831 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.
The input has been provided by the Cape Town Regional office and Real Estate Management Services Business Unit.
I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1831 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.
_________________________
MS. P PENXA
REGIONAL MANAGER: CAPE TOWN
DATE:
I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1831 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.
_________________________
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. 1831 (Written Reply) Mrs C Phillips (DA) 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:
05 June 2023 - NW1747
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What (a) measures has she taken to compel (i) businesses and (ii) government departments who are owing municipal debt to pay the debt and (b) is the envisaged time frame in this regard?
Reply:
(a)(i) The Minister has no legal authority to compel businesses who are owing municipalities debt to pay that debt to municipalities. Chapter 9 of the Municipal Systems Act and section 28 of the Municipal Property Rates Act have provisions which municipalities can utilise to collect revenue, including debt.
Section 97(1)(g) of the Municipal Systems Act states that a municipality’s credit control and debt collection policy must provide for “termination of services or the restriction of the provision of services when payments are in arrears.”
Section 102 of the Municipal Systems Act allows a municipality to consolidate any separate accounts of persons liable for payments to the municipality; credit a payment by such a person against any account of that person; and implement any of the debt collection and credit control measures provided for (in Chapter 9) in relation to any arrears on any of the accounts of such a person. The application of the word “person” in law goes beyond a natural person.
In its interaction with municipalities, the Department reminds municipalities to implement their credit control and debt collection policies and terminate or restrict services to the property in question and the account be handed over for collection where necessary.
It is also recommended that municipalities issue notices in terms of section 28 of the Municipal Property Rates Act to recover outstanding amounts from the property owners through the attachement of rentals from the tenants of the owing properties.
(a)(ii) Similar to the response to (a)(i) above, the Minister has no legal authority to compel government departments who are owing municipalities debt to pay that debt to municipalities. Municipalities can, where appropriate, use similar measures mentioned in (a)(i) above to compel government departments that are owing debt to municipalities to pay that debt to municipalities.
Government departments are encouraged to service their municipal debt and where disputes and /or discrepancies arise, make use of the inter-governmental debt forums to resolve those. In the event that government departments continue to not service their debt and there is no justifiable reason, municipalities should implement credit control and debt collection policies.
(b) Based on the response to (a) above, there are no envisaged time frame that can be provided.
End
05 June 2023 - NW1614
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(a) Which measures has she put in place to ensure that residents are not denied access to residential areas due to greed of councillors and (b) what action has been taken against the councillors?
Reply:
In accordance with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA), municipalities choose which areas become residential areas. The Councilors Code of Conduct establishes guidelines for councilor behavior. Sadly, the honorable member's query does not specify which municipality's people would have been denied access to residential areas because of council members' greed.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1759
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
By what date will residents of Ward 14 in Moretele be provided with housing as they were promised Reconstruction and Development Programme houses by the Moretele Local Municipality since 2018, but to date the specified municipality has not kept its promise?
Reply:
For the purpose of providing RDP homes, the municipalities collaborate closely with the department of Human Settlement. It is advised that the Ministry of Human Settlement receive this inquiry in order to receive appropriate answers.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW2193
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1) Whether he will furnish Dr M J Cardo with the specific steps taken to validate the methodology used to set the racial benchmarks under the Employment Equity Amendment Bill; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
Reply:
Dr M J Cardo, currently there is not Employment Equity Amendment Bill that is before Parliament, none whatsoever!
Secondly, Dr M J Cardo, kindly find within yourself the ability to understand that this current democratic government is formulating laws having been instructed by the Constitution of the Republic. These are the laws that are all aimed to correct all that was wrong in our terrible and horrible past, before our democratic breakthrough. Our Constitution instructs us to redress the imbalances of the past.
Lastly, once again I state Employment Equity Amendment Bill all Members of Parliament deliberated on, including yourself Dr M J Cardo aims at ensuring the reflection of South African demographics in all societal facets including at the workplace. Reason being, the apartheid racist South Africa empowered only a single racial group, and the current government has the task of developing, uplifting, empowering and heartening all who live in this country.
05 June 2023 - NW2071
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(a) What steps were taken to factor in the unique characteristics and challenges of different industries, as well as the differences between urban and rural areas, in the calculation of the racial benchmarks in the Employment Equity Amendment Bill [B14-2020] and (b) how does the methodology accommodate the inherent variability and complexity of the socio-economic landscape of the Republic?
Reply:
There is no Employment Equity Amendment Bill [2020] be that as it may, our laws do contain checks and balances of different nature. In some instances, they may not be the one that some people desire, but they would certainly be the ones that will ensure that we are consistent with our beloved Constitution which was adopted by the Constitutional Assembly of the Republic of South Africa on 8th of May 1996 and signed by the first President of our Democratic South Africa, His Excellent Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela in Sharpville on the 10 December 1996.
05 June 2023 - NW1758
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
By what date is it envisaged that residents of Thabazimbi in Limpopo, who are currently without water, will be provided with adequate water supply by the Thabazimbi Local Municipality?
Reply:
For the provision of water, the municipalities collaborate closely with the department of Water and Sanitation.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1352
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether she has been informed that the Council of Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality resolved on 25 January 2023 to appoint Dr Edward Rankwana as Municipal Manager, in spite of letters opposing the appointment that were submitted within the requisite time frame to her and the Member of the Executive Council, Mr Zolile Williams, on behalf of the Democratic Alliance listing a myriad of reasons as to why Dr Rankwana was not a suitable candidate for re-appointment, such as the fact that, at the time of his appointment in January 2023, he was 67 years of age and that at the end of this term he would be 72; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether there has been any request from the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality to waive the application of the retirement age regulation; if not, what action will be taken against the Council for the appointment in contravention of the regulations; if so, what particular skills set does Dr Rankwana possess that would warrant such a waiver; (3) whether she will instruct the Council to revoke the appointment and re-advertise the position; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- The Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality Council's 25 January 2023 decision to name Dr. Edward Rankwana as the Municipal Manager has not been shared with the Minister..
- The Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality has not requested that the Minister waive Dr. Rankwana's retirement age in accordance with regulation 41(2) of the Regulations on appointment and conditions of employment of senior managers.
- I am unable to decide at this time what course of action should be followed.
End
05 June 2023 - NW1906
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What collaborative efforts has she taken with the Department of Human Settlements to address municipal spatial injustice to provide residents of Emakhazeni Local Municipality in Sakhelwe Township, Siyathuthuka, Emthonjeni and Emgwenya with stands to build houses?
Reply:
Provision and demarcation of stands to build houses is competencies of municipalities applying Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA).
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1859
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether municipalities provide her department with a breakdown of outstanding debt owed and the collection rates; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what was the total amount owed to the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality by the (a) Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and (b) Provincial Government of the Free State on (i) 1 May 2022 and (ii) 1 May 2023; (2) what has been the collection rate achieved by the specified municipality in each calendar month since 1 May 2022?
Reply:
No, municipalities does not provide the department with a breakdown of outstanding debt owed and the collection rates. The information required by honourable member is monitored by the National Treasury in terms of Section 41 of Municipal Finance Management Act.
It is recommended that the question be redirected to Minister of Finance to provide responses accordingly.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1706
Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Whether he will furnish Ms K L Khakhau with a comprehensive breakdown of the procurement allocation of (a) his department and (b) every entity reporting to him 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) The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) awarded tenders in terms of the Preferential Procurement Regulations (PPR), 2017 to designated groups in terms of percentages to:
(i) Small -, Medium- and Micro-enterprises for:
(aa) 2021-22 Financial Year as per the table below:
DESIGNATED GROUPS - MAIN CONTRACTOR |
COUNT OF AWARDS |
VALUE OF AWARDS |
% Awarded Count to the Designated Group |
% Awarded Value to the Designated Group |
Contractor Category of SMME? (EME/ QSE/ NON_EME/QSE) |
||||
EME |
154 |
723 374 143 |
57% |
23% |
QSE |
54 |
797 058 548 |
20% |
26% |
Non_EME/QSE |
58 |
1 604 705 898 |
22% |
51% |
(bb) 2022-23 Financial Year as per the table below:
DESIGNATED GROUP - Main Contractor |
COUNT OF AWARDS |
VALUE OF AWARDS |
% Awarded Count to the Designated Group |
% Awarded Value to the Designated Group |
Contractor Category of SMME? |
||||
EME |
183 |
1 334 210 574 |
76% |
56% |
QSE |
31 |
338 383 610 |
13% |
14% |
Non_EME/QSE |
25 |
707 957 842 |
10% |
30% |
ii) Cooperatives for
(aa) 2021-22 Financial Year as per the table below:
DESIGNATED GROUP - Main Contractor |
COUNT OF AWARDS |
VALUE OF AWARDS |
% Awarded Count to the Designated Group |
% Awarded Value to the Designated Group |
Contractor Cooperative Majority Black Owned? |
0 |
0 |
0% |
0% |
(bb) 2022-23 Financial Year as per the table below:
DESIGNATED GROUP - Main Contractor |
COUNT OF AWARDS |
VALUE OF AWARDS |
% Awarded Count to the Designated Group |
% Awarded Value to the Designated Group |
Contractor Cooperative Majority Black Owned? |
0 |
0 |
0% |
0% |
(iii) Township Enterprises for
(aa) 2021-22 Financial Year as per the table below:
DESIGNATED GROUP - Main Contractor |
COUNT OF AWARDS |
VALUE OF AWARDS |
% Awarded Count to the Designated Group |
% Awarded Value to the Designated Group |
Contractor Rural/ Underdeveloped/ Township Enterprise Majority Owned? |
76 |
538 609 269 |
28% |
17% |
(bb) 2022-23 Financial Year as per the table below:
DESIGNATED GROUP - Main Contractor |
COUNT OF AWARDS |
VALUE OF AWARDS |
% Awarded Count to the Designated Group |
% Awarded Value to the Designated Group |
Contractor Rural/ Underdeveloped/ Township Enterprise Majority Owned? |
113 |
1 183 731 654 |
47% |
50% |
iv) Rural Enterprises
In terms of the PPR, 2017 the Rural Enterprises were provided for under one designated group, namely: Rural/Underdeveloped/Township Enterprises category. Information pertaining to the rural enterprises is therefore contained in the aforementioned category of designated groups as per the PPR, 2017 and cannot be disaggregated.
ENTITIES INPUT
In respect of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB):
Awardees of “set-aside” procurement allocation |
Percentage allocated (aa) 2021/22 |
Percentage allocated (aa) 2022/23 |
Percentage allocated (bb) since 01 April 2023 |
((i) small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) |
N/A |
N/A |
20% |
(ii) cooperatives |
N/A |
N/A |
|
(iii) township enterprises |
N/A |
N/A |
|
(iv) rural enterprises |
N/A |
N/A |
2021/2022 and 2022/2023 – cidb’s targeted spend was based on BBBEE Levels in line with Regulation 04 of National Treasury PPPFA 2017. The cidb targets were not set based on the procurement allocations in the table above.
For 2023/2024 cidb has drafted a policy, pending cidb Board approval to implement percent spend for targeted procurement. The cidb has set procurement targets based on the Human Development Index (HDI) to achieve the goals. These targets are:
- 50% of procurement spend to be directed to HDI-owned or controlled businesses.
- 20% of procurement spend to be directed to women-owned or controlled businesses.
- 5% of procurement spend to be directed to businesses owned or controlled by people with disabilities.
- 20% of procurement spend to be directed to locally owned businesses.
In respect of the Independent Development Trust (IDT)
Awardees of “set-aside” procurement allocation |
Percentage allocated (aa) 2021/22 |
Percentage allocated (bb) since 01 April 2023 |
((i) small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) |
The percentage of BBBEE expenditure stood at 44 per cent against a target of 70 per cent expenditure (R999,0713 million). |
In the 2022/23 financial year, the IDT recruited 96 contractors into the CDP. Of these 44 (46%) are women (out of a target of 40 women contractors) and 37 (39%) are youth (out of an annual target of 30 youth contractors). The next stage is to ensure that these contractors are allocated enough contracts to enable them to grow and move up the next level according to the CIDB grading. BBBEE Expenditure: the IDT spent 45 per cent of programme expenditure on BBBEE-compliant entities. A sizable percentage of the contractors are women. Expanded Public Works Programme: A total of 109,871 work opportunities were created through the EPWP NSS Programme against an annual target of 64 000 work opportunities. Seventy-one per cent (71%) of the participants were women, 55 percent were youth, and one per cent being people with disabilities. |
(ii) cooperatives |
0.00% |
0.00% |
(iii) township enterprises |
0.00% |
0.00% |
(iv) rural enterprises |
0.00% |
0.00% |
In respect of the Council for the Built Environment (CBE)
Awardees of “set-aside” procurement allocation |
Percentage allocated (aa) 2021/22 |
Percentage allocated 2022/23* |
Percentage allocated (bb) since 01 April 2023 |
((i) small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) |
82.25% |
89.00% |
100%* |
(ii) cooperatives |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
(iii) township enterprises |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
(iv) rural enterprises |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
*Information not asked for in the Parliamentary question, but provided for context.
In respect of Agrément South Africa (ASA):
Awardees of “set-aside” procurement allocation |
Percentage allocated (aa) 2021/22 |
Percentage allocated (aa) 2022/23* |
Percentage allocated (bb) since 01 April 2023 |
((i) small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) |
51% |
23% |
23% |
(ii) cooperatives |
0% |
0% |
|
(iii) township enterprises |
0% |
0% |
|
(iv) rural enterprises |
0% |
0% |
*Information not asked for in the Parliamentary question, but provided for context.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1706 (Written Reply) Ms K L Khakhau (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: |
The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1706 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.
The input has been provided by the Supply Chain Management and all Entities reporting to the Department, processed by the Inter-Governmental Relations Business Unit.
I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1706 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.
_________________________
MR. I TLHASEDI
CHIEF DIRECTOR: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
DATE:
I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1706 is true and correct, as informed.
________________________
MR. A MTHOMBENI
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: INTER-GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE:
Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments
________________________
MS. N MAKHUBELE
ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL
05 June 2023 - NW1613
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)What are the details concerning the relocation of residents of Mafelandawonye 1, 2 and 3 in the City of Johannesburg; (2) whether she, in consultation with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Human Settlements, identified unoccupied buildings that can be renovated and utilised for human settlement; if not, why not; if so, what are the further, relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Human Settlements is qualified to provide the information requested by the honorable member.
End.
05 June 2023 - NW1682
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)With reference to traditional leaders in the Republic as they are recognised in Chapter 12 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, what is the total number of traditional leaders who are paid any remuneration by any sphere of government in each (a) province and (b) category of leadership hierarchy including but not exclusively kings, inkosis, indunas and any other hierarchy of traditional leaders; (2) what were the total amounts of remuneration paid to traditional leaders in the (a) 2019-20, (b) 2020-21 and (c) 2021-22 financial years in each (i) province and (ii) category of traditional leadership hierarchy, including but not exclusively kings, inkosis, indunas and any other hierarchy of traditional leaders? NW1923E
Reply:
The Department of Traditional Affairs does not have at its disposal the information that the Honourable Member is requesting as the remuneration of traditional leaders is a competency of Provincial Governments.
End
02 June 2023 - NW1930
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What permanent plan does he have to improve the situation of long queues at the labour centres across the Republic?
Reply:
The Department is in the process of implementing a number of long term strategies to reduce the length of queues at the labour centers. These are:
- The appointment of queue marshals to direct the clients efficiently to the correct service area
- The appointment of more than 2500 client service officers to deal with UIF applications and payments more effectively
- The upgrade of ICT-systems to enable clients to register as work seekers, be referred for employment and other income generating opportunities on-line
- The implementation of a UIF USSD and mobile application that allows all UIF clients to apply on-line and submit payment continuation forms, any other required documents and make enquiries online, thus finalising their claims, without having to visit the labour center at any time. This service is available at no cost to the clients
02 June 2023 - NW1872
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
Whether Eskom has an official or unofficial policy and/or practice, where in the event of illegal connections being found in a residential and/or business area, it suspends the electricity supply to the entire area, causing power outages for legitimate consumers, in some areas for up to six months while for 10 weeks currently in Umkomaas, on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal; if not, what (a) is the position in this regard and (b) steps of intervention will he take to deal with this practice; if so, what are the relevant details of the policy and its legality?
Reply:
a) The failed transformer PAMS 65 that is referred to by the Honourable Mr Singh was replaced on Saturday 13 May 2023 according to the process where all customers who had tampered with their meters to avoid paying for electricity had paid the required fine and illegal connections had been removed. Important facts to note regarding this transformer are that some customers were found to have converted themselves to prepaid meters and had installed sub-meters; in such cases, the revenue does not come to Eskom.
Eskom never disconnected or suspended electricity to this area; however, the transformer overloaded and isolated itself due to overload caused by illegal connections, bypassed meters, and vandalism of the infrastructure.
Eskom is experiencing a very significant increase in transformer failures in residential areas due to meter tampering, illegal connections, and vandalism of Eskom’s infrastructure. Replacement of infrastructure without addressing the root cause has become unsustainable, costly, and unsafe for Eskom’s technicians and members of the public, specifically also innocent children.
In such cases, Eskom has an obligation to eliminate the associated safety risk before a transformer is replaced. The replacement of transformers without resolving the problem leads to repeated failures and unsafe conditions for our technical team and the community, and this is also financially unsustainable.
The existing infrastructure has been installed to cater for the supply requirements of Eskom’s legally connected customers.
(b)In addition to the Electricity Regulation Act and its licence conditions, Eskom is required to comply with, among others, NRS 047 Part 1: Quality of Service (“NRS 047”) and the Distribution System Code (“the Distribution Code”), attached to this as Annexures A and B, respectively, which regulate matters pertaining to unplanned supply interruptions. Clause 4.5.3 of NRS 047 regulates the restoration of supply after unplanned interruptions. Under “normal circumstances”, Eskom would be required to follow the restoration period provided in NRS 047. This provision must be read together with paragraph 18.4(1) of the Distribution Code, which requires customers to comply with instructions from Eskom before the supply of electricity is restored. Paragraph 3(1) of the Distribution Code, furthermore, states that Eskom is required to take remedial action to relieve any condition that may jeopardise the reliability of the Distribution system.
Therefore, before the transformer can be replaced and supply restored, an audit must be conducted, and the customers normalised. In line with the regulations and Eskom’s processes, community members who are found to have tampered with their meters are issued with tamper fines of R6 052.60 per tampered meter and all illegal connections are removed. Furthermore, at least 75% of customers legally connected to the transformer must be in good standing before the transformer is replaced. This is to ensure that the infrastructure on the ground will be able to cater for the required load.
02 June 2023 - NW1905
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
In light of how load shedding has caused damage to municipal electrical transformers and affected the lives of citizens, what (a) remedial action has he taken to restore damage to houses and (b) viable measures has he taken to repair damaged electrical transformers?
Reply:
Loadshedding in general causes damage to municipal electrical transformers and “damage to houses”. This is not necessarily the case. This has to be corrected and clarified upfront.
(a) Loadshedding in itself cannot reasonably cause damage to houses. Loadshedding itself cannot cause such damage, but there is a possibility that electrical power surges as a result of loadshedding, where voltage rises or falls above or below acceptable thresholds that may cause damage to equipment and / or appliances. Eskom’s customer agreements and conditions of service stipulate these possibilities for which the customers must take reasonable precautions such as, not leaving energised electric appliances unattended.
The remedial action applicable, where negligence on the part of Eskom can be proven, is through the official Eskom claims process and customers may be compensated after a validated claim. In order for customers to plan around loadshedding, Eskom has published its schedules and the stage changes are also communicated as and when they are triggered.
(b) Switching transformers on and off as in the case of loadshedding, is a general Eskom Distribution network occurrence. However, for planned switching or maintenance activities, automatic clearing of network faults occurs via protection operations. The equipment is designed for such eventualities.
Well-maintained networks and transformers should be able to withstand the burden of loadshedding, both on the Eskom network and the municipal networks, however failures can still occur. The Eskom and municipality tariffs also account for the required planned maintenance and /or upgrading and replacement or repairs of failed equipment and it is therefore up to the relevant supply authority such as Eskom or the municipality, to plan and budget for eventualities of such transformer maintenance, repairs and/ or failures.
Eskom Distribution does have such “viable measures” in place in the form of network maintenance and refurbishment strategies and execution plans, as well as strategic transformer spares. Transformer repair contracts with reputable suppliers, internally and external to Eskom are also in place to repair damaged transformers that can be repaired. Eskom Distribution cannot reasonably comment on measures taken by municipalities to deal with transformer failures.
02 June 2023 - NW1877
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, arising from the debacle surrounding the speculation on whether the Republic supplied Russia with arms and weaponry, the Deputy Minister for the first time visited the Denel manufacturing plant when he as the Minister conducted a site visit on 12 May 2023; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, are site visits not undertaken routinely by either him or the Deputy Minister; (2) Whether the purpose of the site visit was to inspect the nature of the weapons produced by the plant; if not, what was the purpose of the site visit; if so, (3) Whether any of the weapons produced at Denel are known and overseen by his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) Whether the Deputy Minister appraised himself of the weapons and equipment produced at the specified plant during the site visit because of the United States Ambassador to the Republic raising his concerns publicly; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2128E
Reply:
1. The Minister did not conduct a site visit to Denel on 12 May 2023. On that specific week, the Minister was on an official visit to the People’s Republic of China. Site visits to operations of State-Owned Enterprises (SOCs) are part of the oversight mechanisms available to the Minister, Deputy Minister, and the Department to get a first-hand appreciation of the state of operations at each SOC and to interact with management and employees at the shopfloor level.
2. The primary purpose of the visit was not about inspecting weapons produced by Denel. The visit was part of the induction process for the Deputy Minister since his appointment in March 2023. The visit has given the Deputy Minister an opportunity to engage with management and employees of the Denel divisions and to visit the operations. The display of weapons on the day was the initiative of Denel to showcase the capabilities to the Deputy Minister and their relevance to national security.
3. Yes, all the weapon systems in the custodY of Denel are known by the Department. These are reported on in Denel’s Corporate Plan, Quarterly Reports and Annual Reports. Denel’s portfolio of weapons and weapon systems is regulated through the National Conventional Arms Control Act.
(4) Yes. Denel’s presentation outlined all the capabilities and product portfolio of the two divisions. Denel management confirmed to the Deputy Minister that Denel has not sold any military hardware or product to the Russian Federation.
The Ambassador of the United States to South Africa, has, in recent weeks, apologized for his unfounded claims.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
02 June 2023 - NW2024
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) (a) What is the extent of financial allocation to the Tourism Infrastructure Maintenance Programme and (b) how have the specified funds been utilised to improve tourism infrastructure in the Republic; 2. whether she will furnish Ms H Ismail with (a) a comprehensive breakdown of the expenditure and its allocation to specific projects in each province and (b) an evaluation of the impact of the investments on the overall quality and accessibility of tourism infrastructure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) (a) I have been informed by the Department that the extent of financial allocations to the Tourism Infrastructure Maintenance Programme is as Tabled below.
Tourism Infrastructure Maintenance in Annual Performance Plan 2023/24 |
|||
Province |
Projects |
Number of projects |
Total Value |
Eastern Cape |
|
6 |
R23 155 555,45 |
Free State |
|
4 |
R19 812 088,34 |
Limpopo |
|
5 |
R15 581 126,15 |
Mpumalanga |
|
4 |
R14 806 055,98 |
Western Cape |
|
6 |
R21 602 105,31 |
(b) How have the specified funds been utilised to improve tourism infrastructure in the Republic.
The funds have been utilised for infrastructure maintenance at the sites listed in the table above. These state owned provincial sites are tourism assets.
(2) (a) A comprehensive breakdown of the expenditure and its allocation to specific projects in each province
Province |
Projects |
Budget (Including maintenance and professional service provider fees) |
Current Expenditure |
Eastern Cape |
1. Thomas Baines Nature Reserve |
R3 846 954,33 |
R720 078,92 |
2. Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve |
R3 495 172,70 |
R967 795,03 |
|
3. Double Mouth Nature Reserve |
R3 495 172,70 |
R1 992 618,51 |
|
4. Oviston Nature Reserve |
R3 471 831,27 |
R1 501 562,87 |
|
5. Mpofu and Fordyce Nature Reserve |
R4 224 132,34 |
R160 629,65 |
|
6. Cwebe and Dwesa Nature Reserves |
R4224132,34 |
R54 183,61 |
|
Free State |
7. Gariep Dam Resort |
R4 953 022,08 |
R128 592,70 |
8. Maria Moroka Resort |
R4 953 022,08 |
R128 592,70 |
|
9. Phillip Saunders Resort |
R4 953 022,08 |
R328 736,18 |
|
10. Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve |
R4 953 022,08 |
R814 239,23 |
|
Limpopo |
11. Makapans Valley WH |
R3 116 225,23 |
R1 784 311,46 |
12. Nwanedi Nature Reserve |
R3 116 225,23 |
R1 993 254,48 |
|
13. Blouberg Nature Reserve |
R3 116 225,23 |
R2 150 442,00 |
|
14. Musina Nature Reserve |
R3 116 225,23 |
R1 864 144,17 |
|
15. Modjadji Nature Reserve |
R3 116 225,23 |
R2 142 211,68 |
|
Mpumalanga |
16. Manyeleti Nature Reserve |
R3 701 514,00 |
R2 302 675,88 |
17. Andover Nature Reserve |
R3 701 514,00 |
R2 305 689,40 |
|
18. Songimvelo Nature Reserve |
R3 701 514,00 |
R2 792 223,71 |
|
19. SS Skosana Nature Reserve |
R3 701 514,00 |
R2 475 707,10 |
|
Western Cape |
20. Khayelitsha Lookout Hill |
R3 600 350.89 |
R2 390 511,14 |
21. De Hoop Nature Reserve |
R3 600 350.89 |
R1 046 725,70 |
|
22. Wolvekloof Nature Reserve |
R3 600 350.89 |
R1 787 692,35 |
|
23. Cedarberg Wilderness |
R3 600 350.89 |
R1 466 089,98 |
|
24. Goukamma Nature Reserve |
R3 600 350.89 |
R1 828 543,97 |
|
25 Kogelberg Nature Reserve |
R3 600 350.89 |
R2 007 848,37 |
(b) An evaluation of the impact of the investments on the overall quality and accessibility of tourism infrastructure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
The maintenance projects serve to improve the condition of existing tourism infrastructure. Public infrastructure assets are critical for economic development, maintenance extends the life and efficiency of public infrastructure assets.
02 June 2023 - NW1910
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether SA Tourism has established partnerships with destinations such as Robben Island in marketing such iconic tourist attractions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
No, SA Tourism does not have formal partnership(s) with Robben Island and other iconic destinations.
However, I have had a meeting with the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture on Wednesday 31 May 2023.
We are, now, in the process of ensuring we Market Robben Island as a Heritage Site.
02 June 2023 - NW1901
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Mr S Tambo (EFF) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether his department considers itself liable for jeopardising the health rights of patients in public hospitals by implementing load shedding in public hospitals; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the costs of opposing the North Gauteng High Court order to exempt public facilities and (b) are the details of the costs?
Reply:
The Department of Public Enterprises does not consider itself liable for jeopardizing the health rights of patients in public hospitals as the implementation of load shedding is a protective measure implemented by Eskom to avoid the posibility of a grid collapse. The costs of opposing the North Gauteng High Court order are minimal compared to the consequences of a grid collapse. If the grid system is left unprotected it will lead to disastrous consequences for the whole country, including patients in hospitals.
It is worth noting that the line function departments as well as Eskom are working on putting measures in place to protect the health facilities from being affected by load shedding. Eskom is currently working on a plan to exclude more health facilities and the line function Departments such as the Department of Health are procuring as much generators within their constrained budgets to alleviate the effects of load shedding.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
02 June 2023 - NW1895
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Whether the Government will subsidise rooftop solar panels for households and small , medium- and micro-enterprises, in line with the 4th mandate of the National Energy Crisis Committee to unleash businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) resolution has already found expression in National Treasury announcement of allowing tax rebates in as far as rooftop solar installation by households and The Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME).
02 June 2023 - NW1898
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
In view of the Minister of Finance’s announcement that he is funding the transmission and distribution at Eskom, (a) what is the status of the generation of power and (b) how is it funded?
Reply:
According to the information received from Eskom
(a) Most of Generation’s coal-fired stations are currently operating at below aspiration, leading to a fleet Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 52.6% year-to-date as of 22 May 2023. The Generation Operational Recovery Programme, with the support of Eskom’s Board, aims to sustainably recover the performance of the plants over the next 24 months. The return of the three (3) units at Kusile before the end of 2023 will improve the situation significantly by adding up to 2 160 MW to the grid.
(b) Funds for Generation activities are sourced from operations, i.e., from income allowed in NERSA revenue determinations.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
02 June 2023 - NW1873
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1) What immediate steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to critical services, such as water and sanitation pump stations, hospitals and other essential services, considering the inability of Eskom to meet the electricity demands of the country, the increasing frequency of load shedding and the possibility of a nationwide grid collapse; (2) Whether there is a plan to establish (a) separate reticulation lines, (b) dedicated transformers and (c) substations for essential service providers as currently many essential services share the same grid with surrounding residential areas, leading to some areas not experiencing load shedding for months while others face additional load shedding; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) is the specified plan feasible and (ii) how long will it take to implement; (3) Whether there are any potential risks to the stability of the electricity grid associated with such a reengineering; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, will he furnish Mr N Singh with the comprehensive details which include how he, together with the First Respondent in the Matter: Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, intends to meet the 60-day court ordered directive handed down in the High Court, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, Case No: 005779/2023 on 5 May 2023?
Reply:
(1) At present, Eskom is engaging with both the Department of Health and the Department of Water and Sanitation regarding their points of supply in the Eskom supply area identified as critical. Once completed and where possible, measures will be implemented to mitigate the impact of loadshedding as far as practically possible. Currently, Eskom exempts or partially exempts 25 public health establishments within its area of supply.
The Ministry of Electricity has developed costing scenarios for installing an embedded generation (solar installation) to address the impact of load shedding and mitigate the impact of high diesel costs on medical facilities (large and small hospitals).
Small Hospital (400kW power load) based on a 4-hour outage period for battery storage, solar panel and inverters option; R13 million per hospital capital expenditure is required. Large Hospital (1MW power load) based on a 4-hour outage period for battery storage, solar panel and inverters option; R59 million per hospital capital expenditure is required.
Based on the Department of Health figures, to cover 137 Hospitals (varying between small and large), R10.1 Billion capital expenditure will be required to provide a combined Solar, Battery and inverter solution.
In contrast, for the same 137 small hospitals, diesel generators will cost R89.1 Million in capital costs, whilst large hospitals will cost R411 Million (capital costs). However, the operating cost (primarily diesel purchase) will cost R3.3 Billion and R655 Million annually for large and small hospitals, respectively.
A rapid deployment of embedded generation or “micro-grid” solutions, including roof-top solar for hospitals, other critical installations, and economic hubs, will be possible through an aggregated power purchase agreement. Ministry to issue RFI before end of July 2023 and outline a fast track procurement process to secure IPPs for micro gridding.
(2) (a), (b), (c), (i) and (ii) Where a facility is deeply embedded in the network, partial exemption at lower stages of loadshedding has been granted. Eskom has concluded a preliminary assessment of establishing dedicated feeders for certain hospitals. This assessment has been shared with the Department of Health, and discussions on implementation are ongoing. A similar approach will be followed for other critical infrastructure. The implementation time is envisaged to take between 12 to 24 months, after the investment decision, depending on the type of solution and other factors such as environmental approvals and land acquisition.
(3)The legal matter before the Courts falls within the responsibility of the Minister of Public Enterprises and the Honourable Member should accordingly direct the question to the relevant Ministry.