Questions and Replies
02 June 2023 - NW1642
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) Whether, considering that the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations as amended (April 2017) require an EIA process through the compilation of a Basic Assessment Report (BAR) and Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPr) to apply for a prospecting and/or mining licence in accordance with certain Acts and regulations (details furnished), he will furnish Ms A M M Weber with the (a) mining licence and EIA and (b) EMPr for Portions 3, 11, 12 and 13 of Kernsig Twaalf Pty Ltd, in the Emakhazeni Local Municipality in Mpumalanga; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he will furnish Ms A M M Weber with the (a) prospecting licence and BAR and (b) EMPr for Portions 28, 46, 72 and 73 of the farm Elandspruit 291 JS (DMRE Ref: MP 30/5/1/1/2/16326 PR) situated in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, under the Middelburg Magisterial District in Mpumalanga; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether he will furnish Ms A M M Weber with the (a) mining permit and EIA and (b) EMPr for Portion 2 of the farm Elandspruit 291 JS (DMRE REF: MP 30/5/1/3/2/13516 MP) situated in the specified municipality in Mpumalanga; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- The Department does not have any record of an application lodged by Kwernsig Twaalf (Pty) Ltd and the property description is incomplete.
- There is no prospecting licence or BAR issued for the said application as it is still in process.
- There is no Mining Permit or EIA issued for the said application as it is still in process.
02 June 2023 - NW1522
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
With regard to the administrative problems of his department failing to properly and/or timeously review the curricula of foreign medical institutions for the purposes of registering as a medical professional in the Republic, despite such institutions appearing on the list of World Directory of Medical Schools and the qualifications being verified and authenticated by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, what (a) systems and/or processes will his department be implementing to streamline the process to ensure smooth transition for foreign graduates and (b) is the timeline involved for the implementation of the systems and/or processes?
Reply:
The World Directory of Medical Schools is a product of partnerships between the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) a member of Intealth. These organizations do not control nor monitor training at medical schools.
The WFME is a global organization concerned with education and training of medical practitioners. It is a private non-profit organization developed to share ideas on education and training of medical doctors among between institutions, who wish to do so. It does not regulate the standards of education and training of practitioners across the world. The listing of qualifications in the World Directory of Medical Schools does not imply that the standard of training is assessed for comparability; neither does it confer portability of a qualification across international borders for the purposes of practicing medicine.
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a regulatory body, which has a mandate of protecting the interests of the public in the Republic of South Africa. The HPCSA, is empowered by section 15B (c ) of the Health Professions Act to: “upon application by any person, recognize any qualification held by him or her (whether such qualification has been obtained in the Republic or elsewhere) as being equal, either wholly or in part, to any prescribed qualification, where upon such a person shall, to the extent to which the qualification has been recognized, be deemed to halt such prescribed qualification’’.
The HPCSA through its relevant board (The Medical and Dental Professions Board) controls the entry into the labour market of all who wish to practice medicine and related disciplines in the country (South Africa). When the HPCSA grants a license for an individual to practice medicine under its jurisdiction, it implies that such an individual is deemed competent to enter the profession.
The challenge arises when a prospective registrant presents a qualification obtained from a foreign country. The HPCSA has no mechanism of quality assuring medical training in foreign jurisdictions. The only means and process which comes close to evaluating the training environment and the standard of a qualification is to scrutinize the documents submitted by a potential registrant.
This provides limited information about the standard of training obtained in foreign countries. The evaluators can only attempt to infer from the limited information they have at their disposal as to what level of competency the qualification confers on the holder. It can be expected that other regulators around the world face similar challenges when they are presented with similar situations.
To get around these problems, the South African Qualification Authorities (SAQA) and quality assurance bodies have developed an outcomes-based approach in describing abilities conferred by qualifications on the holders. There are other countries around the world such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and many other European Union countries, which have adopted the same system of describing their programmes, degrees, and qualifications. “Learning outcomes are statements of what a student is expected to know, understand and/or be able to demonstrate after completion of a process of learning” (ECTS Users Guide, p 47).
- The current implemented systems and/or processes of streamline the process to ensure smooth transition for foreign graduates/ graduates trained outside the republic of South Africa is working well and is not being changed nor replaced.
- The HPCSA is committed to a turnaround time of 90 days to finalise an evaluation of each programme received. Where the need arises, additional meetings by the Programme Evaluation Team can be arranged to avoid unwanted delays.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1752
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) What are the reasons that she appointed certain persons (names and details furnished) as board members of SA Tourism after she was advised not to appoint them by the Portfolio Committee on Tourism; (2) whether she has found that this is direct nepotism and capturing of the SA Tourism Board by a certain party and a certain company (names furnished); if not, why not; if so, what steps will she take to rectify the situation?
Reply:
(1) What are the reasons that she appointed certain persons (names and details furnished) as board members of SA Tourism after she was advised not to appoint them by the Portfolio Committee on Tourism?
The appointments were made in accordance with Section 13 (b) of the Tourism Act, 2014. The said appointments were made prior to the Department’s appearance before the Portfolio Committee meeting which the Member is referencing.
(2) Whether she has found that this is direct nepotism and capturing of the SA Tourism Board by a certain party and a certain company (names furnished)
No, there is no nepotism and capturing of the SA Tourism Board. The Board members are appointed in Non-Executive positions.
02 June 2023 - NW1458
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Health
Considering that in November 2022 the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority gave notice of their investigation into Tembisa Hospital on the procurement of hospital consumables and medical devices, what was the outcome of the specified investigation?
Reply:
According to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the Regulatory Compliance inspectors conducted investigations of which terms of reference were based on the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act No. 101 of 1965) as amended, read with Medical Devices Regulations relating to Medical Device establishment licensing and the distribution (that include sales) of medical devices including In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD’s).
The investigations included amongst others, meeting with Tembisa Hospital Executive management, visiting the addresses of referenced businesses, meeting with Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
All the stock at hand supplied by the unlicensed companies found at Tembisa Hospital was seized by SAHPRA inspectors during the investigations. The Regulatory Compliance inspectors finally deposed multiple affidavits as evidence for contravention of the Act and the Regulations referred to above. The matter is currently handled/managed by the DPCI and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The latest update received is that based on the SAHPRA inspectors’ evidence in the form of the affidavits, the DPCI conducted raids of the alleged suppliers of medical devices and that more raids and arrests are imminent.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1480
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What measures has he put in place to ensure that accused offenders with minor offences will not be held in custody unnecessarily for a longer period, because their bail applications could not be processed due to the fact that 419 courts are dysfunctional during load shedding?
Reply:
All arrested offenders must appear before a lower court within 48 hours. During the first appearance, when an accused is brought to court in custody, the court must determine if the accused can be released from custody, either on warning or on bail. It is seldom that accused offenders with minor offences will not be released on bail or on warning.
The enquiry done by the court to decide on the release of an accused offender with minor offences, most of the time, consists of oral addresses by the prosecutor and accused offender or his/her legal representative. The court will only hear oral testimony under oath in cases where the State objects to the accused offender to be released on bail, and these will be in cases where more serious offences are involved. The applications for bail in minor offences are thus not impacted by loadshedding, as no oral testimony under oath must be heard by the court.
Even in extraordinary cases, if the court is required to hear oral testimony during a bail application where it relates to a minor offence, these cases receive preference and will be heard during time available in court outside of the period of loadshedding.
02 June 2023 - NW1408
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Given that mining communities in the Mokopane Local Municipality are lamenting about a number of issues that have been raised with his department to no avail (details furnished), what (a) are the reasons that his department has failed to intervene and (b) is the department’s policy position in respect of such complaints that are not being addressed which drive such communities to take up drastic measures out of frustration for not being heard?
Reply:
The department has been addressing and will continues to address all complaints brought forward, either from the mine communities or any other affected parties in this regard. Recently, the department was invited by Public Service Commission to participate in the Public Service Citizens Forum in Mogalakwena Local Municipality whereby, the communities of Mogalakwena were accorded an opportunity outline the challenges that they are experiencing with regard to Mining companies operating in Mogalakwena. The Department responded and provided clarity to all the issues/questions raised by the communities.
Social Labour Plans, Granted Environmental Authorisation and approved Environmental Management Programme are monitored during compliance inspections conducted by the Department, where a Mining Company is found to be non-compliant, a directive/ notice are issued by the Department instructing the company to remedial the contraventions, if the non-compliance persists, the department will issue another directive/ notice which indicates our intentions to cancel the mining right. The mining companies are mandated to adhere to the implementation of Social Labour Plans, Granted Environmental Authorisation and approved Environmental Management Programme.
02 June 2023 - NW1600
Marais, Ms P to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether her department has the power to provide any relief measures to nurse aides working at the Eros School for Cerebral Palsy and Learning Disabled, who have been working for more than 15 years as casual workers with no employment benefits; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what relief and (b) by what date will the nurse aides be employed on a permanent basis?
Reply:
Please note that the national Department of Basic Education does not appoint health workers to schools, but the respective provincial education departments (PEDs) do. The Hon Member may refer the question to the relevant province for response.
02 June 2023 - NW1594
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether the United Arab Emirates president’s family did undergo the required customs declarations and inspections for any goods and/or items they brought into the Republic, in accordance with the customs and excise legislation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, customs officials performed their duties in the presence of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Border Management Authority officials.
END
02 June 2023 - NW1524
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 277 on 8 March 2023, he has found that the (a) Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights, which was formally reported at the African Union Assembly during February 2023 and (b) final agreement reached at the World Trade Organisation on waivers and flexibilities relating to pandemic use of patented vaccines had an impact on the Draft Patents Bill; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, in what way will the specified instruments have an impact on the Bill?
Reply:
The impact of the Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights and the agreement at the World Trade Organisation on waivers and flexibilities relating to pandemic use of patented vaccines are being considered. Should no changes be necessary, the Bill will be finalised for public consultation. Should changes be necessary, these will be effected prior to the release of the Bill.
-END-
02 June 2023 - NW1456
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Health
What is the current update on the retaining of medical insurance as a low-cost benefit option until the full integration of the National Health Insurance?
Reply:
The National Department of Health is determined to implement National Health Insurance (NHI) as the only viable and sustainable intervention to effectively transform the South African health system into one that offers equitable, accessible, affordable and quality health care to all irrespective of their social or economic status. A tiered approach to the provision and access of needed health services is contrary to the values of the Constitution, specifically the rights of every South African as enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
Concerning developments around the Low Cost Benefit Options (LCBOs), the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), the statutory body responsible for regulatory oversight of all duly registered medical schemes, issued Circular 13 of 2023: Update on the status of the Development of LCBO Guidelines dated 28 March 2023. This Circular provides an industry update. In this Circular, it was indicated that through a series of industry consultative meetings initiated in 2015 with key government departments, regulatory entities and industry stakeholders, three Advisory Committees supported by technical work-streams were established by the CMS to work on developing draft LCBOs guidelines. The Committees produced the LCBOs Framework Report and Risk Assessment & Roadmap, together with the proposed LCBO guidelines, which were published in Circular 53 of 2022 for public comments and inputs.
Subsequently, at the request of stakeholders and other interested parties, Circular 57 of 2022 was issued, notifying the public of an extension for submitting comments. At the end of the public comments period, 44 submissions had been made to the CMS. The comments and inputs primarily covered three core areas, namely (i) legal and compliance matters; (ii) benefits and pricing issues; and (iii) the market and affordability of products.
The CMS is at the tail-end of thoroughly evaluating all comments so as to finalise the LCBO guidelines and recommendations. It is also crucial that appropriate policy options presented to the Ministry of Health are adequately evaluated and assessed to ensure they do not conflict with the purport, object and intent of the Medical Schemes Act, Act 131 of 1998 and the Department’s policy priorities, especially in relation to the phased implementation of NHI. To this effect, the CMS established an Internal Working Committee consisting of key business functions to provide further inputs on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee.
The purpose of the Internal Working Committee was to provide an independent and informed view on industry issues to the Minister of Health as per Section 7 of the Medical Schemes Act, Act 131 of 1998.
It must be noted that there is no intention for LCBO to be integrated into the NHI environment. Instead, the intention is to create an integrated health financing system that prioritises the health of all South Africans through ensuring access to a comprehensive set of personal health services. Within such a system, medical schemes would only play a complementary role as suggested in Clause 33 of the NHI Bill that is currently serving in Parliament.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1507
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What (a) total number of healthcare workers have emigrated in each year since 2019 and (b) is the name of each person’s health profession; (2) what (a) total number of medical staff were hired (i) nationally and (ii) in each province due to the COVID-19 pandemic in (aa) 2020, (bb) 2021 and (cc) 2022 and (b) number of the contracts have been terminated?
Reply:
1. (a)(b)The National Department of Health does not record the data of healthcare workers that emigrate and therefore is unable to provide records of healthcare workers that emigrated in each year since 2019.
2. The table below provide data on medical staff that were hired (i) nationally and (ii) in each province due to the Covid-19 pandemic (aa) (bb) during the financial year 2020/2021 and the (b) number of contracts that have been terminated during the financial year 2020/2021.
2020/21 Summary Medical Related Professionals appointed and terminated during the financial year 2020/2021 |
||
|
Sum of Appointments (Permanent and Other) |
Sum of Terminations (Permanent and Other) |
Eastern Cape |
5232 |
3257 |
Free State |
2264 |
1314 |
Gauteng |
9367 |
4758 |
KwaZulu Natal |
8620 |
5580 |
Limpopo |
20274 |
14970 |
Mpumalanga |
1990 |
1248 |
Northern Cape |
983 |
661 |
Western Cape |
5076 |
3751 |
Grand Total |
53 806 |
35539 |
The table below provide data on medical staff that were hired (i) nationally and (ii) in each province due to the Covid-19 pandemic during (cc) the financial year 2021/2022 and the (b) number of the contracts that have been terminated during the financial year 2021/2022
2021/22 Summary Medical Related Professionals appointed and terminated during the financial year 2021/2022 |
||
|
Sum of Appointments |
Sum of Terminations |
Eastern Cape |
8403 |
7628 |
Free State |
2615 |
1753 |
Gauteng |
8079 |
6899 |
KwaZulu Natal |
6608 |
5031 |
Limpopo |
2845 |
2808 |
Mpumalanga |
1625 |
1373 |
Northern Cape |
591 |
728 |
Western Cape |
4065 |
3594 |
Grand Total |
34 831 |
29 814 |
END.
02 June 2023 - NW363
Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What are the details of the (a) destination and (b) total costs for (i) accommodation, (ii) travel and (iii) any other costs incurred for international travel of each (aa) Minister and (bb) Deputy Minister of his department since 1 June 2019; (2) What is the total cost incurred for domestic air travel for each (a) Minister and (b) Deputy Minister of his department since 1 June 2019?
Reply:
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
1. (aa) Minister
a) Destination |
(i) Accommodation |
(ii) Travel |
(iii) Other |
b) Total |
Refer to Annexures A and B |
R361 344.01 |
R948 008.04 |
R1 309 352.05 |
(bb) Deputy Minister
a) Destination |
(i) Accommodation |
(ii) Travel |
(iii) Other |
|
Refer to Annexure C |
R146 320.00 |
R297 220.18 |
R443 540.18 |
- (a) Minister: R1 126 517.27
- Deputy Minister: R872 197.00
Department of Correctional Services
(1) There were no international trips undertaken by both the Minister and Deputy Minister that were paid by the DCS from 2019 to date.
(2) The total amount spent on domestic air travel since 01 June 2019 to 31 January 2023 for the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and Deputy Minister of Correctional Services is as follows:
(2)(a) Minister of Justice and Correctional Services (Correctional Services Vote):
The budget and expenditure for the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services is under the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
(2)(b) Deputy Minister of Correctional Services:
END
02 June 2023 - NW1744
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, considering the presentation that the Auditor-General of South Africa made to the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on 3 May 2023, which demonstrated that, state-owned companies (SOEs) have faced rampant corruption, mismanagement and financial loss since he took over as Minister of Public Enterprises, he intends to resign for failing to stabilise the SOEs; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details ?
Reply:
No.
Only six SOEs fall within the Department of Public Enterprises mandate. A large number of SOEs are the responsibility of other departments.
The following are some of the steps taken by the SOEs to fight corruption and stabilize their finances and operations:
Since 2018, the department has launched initiatives to eradicate fraud and corruption in the SOEs. This includes holding perpetrators of state capture and corruption to account. Progress to date in fighting corruption is as follows:
- Eskom
-
- Contracts amounting to R14.7 billion were subject to state capture.
- R4,8 billion is being claimed against former contractors and Eskom’s former directors.
- Eskom and SIU successfully recovered R2 billion unlawfully paid to contractors.
- Eskom has opened 11 criminal cases for investigation by law enforcement agencies with the view to ensure that perpetrators of state capture are prosecuted.
- 2 cases of corruption are before the courts, one relates to ABB and another one relates to former Acting GCE Mr. Koko.
- Consultations with CIPC and law enforcement agencies are unfolding to imminently launch director delinquency proceedings against 13 former directors of Eskom.
- 25 names of former senior executive of Eskom have been identified for inclusion into a state-wide central database of officials implicated in state capture and other administrative corruption.
- A central database to be used to monitor that individuals do not resurface elsewhere in the state is being established.
- DPE’s complaint laid with IRBA resulted in Mr. Aaron Buyiswa Mthimunye being fined R5.1 million and being barred from practicing as an auditor for incorrect audit opinion in respect of Eskom’s 2016 audit.
- The complaint laid with SAICA against Mr. Anoj Singh resulted in him being barred from practicing as an auditor and fined 50% (exact figure not provided) of the costs of the disciplinary hearing.
- The MOI of Eskom was revised in 2019 and all board tender committees were done away with.
- 12. SIU launched investigations into 14 coal transportation service provider concerning payments from 2016 to 31 January 2021.
- Five employees were suspended, one resigned during the interview with the investigating team and one resigned prior to commencement of the investigation.
- The official who resigned during the interview received R3.1m from one of the vendors under investigation.
- The SIU Tribunal issued an order in October 2021 to freeze R11.5m held in a bank account of an entity, which a senior Eskom official was a signatory, and the official was dismissed.
- 15 criminal cases are being investigated in relation to coal transport contracts.
1.13 Four diesel suppliers are implicated in potential wrongdoing are under investigation. SIU has referred 5620 matters to Eskom for institution of disciplinary proceedings as follows:
- 5464 for failure to submit financial declarations that are integral in preventing and detecting conflict of interest concerning the management of Eskom's resources.
- 135 for failing to declare or get approval for doing work outside of Eskom.
- 11 officials red flagged through lifestyle audits.
- 10 officials referred through whistle blower reports.
- 14 officials referred concerning findings from build contract investigations.
- 1 official in relation to coal transportation contract.
1.14 Contracts cancelled by Eskom as a result of SIU’s investigations:
- CSA - R6.955bn.
- Build contracts – R4.128bn.
- Total – 11.083bn.
1.15 Contracts declared invalid by the courts:
- CSA - R3.7 bn.
1.16 Savings/Losses Prevented
- CSA: Setting aside Brakfontein CSA – R2.684 bn.
- CSA: Cancellation of Koorfontein CSA - R5.550 bn.
- Build Contract matter before Dispute Arbitration Board (Stefanutti Stocks) - R400m.
- ABB: Prevention of future losses – R1.45bn.
1.17 Evidence referred to assist Eskom in Defence contractors' claims before the Dispute arbitration Board:
- Stefanutti Stocks R.6 bn.
- Tubular - R60m.
- Tenova – R300m.
- ABB – R1.45 bn.
- Total R3.41bn.
2. Transnet
-
- The total value of tainted contracts identified by the Commission amounted to R41.2bn.
- Transnet successfully recovered R744m from CRRC and Liebher R1.181bn.
- Transnet opened 12 criminal cases for investigation by law enforcement agencies with the view to ensure that perpetrators of state capture are prosecuted.
- 4. The value of contracts under investigation is as follows:
- Procurement of 1064 locomotives - R49,46bn;
- Liebherr crane contracts - R1,084bn;
- ZPMC crane contract – R961m.
- Regiments and Trillian advisory services contract - R1.49bn;
- Nedbank interest rate swaps transaction facilitated by Regiments that has cost Transnet R2.339bn payments and interest rate of around R531m and fees of R146m paid to Regiments;
- Neotel contract for installation of CCTV cameras in ports with potential civil recovery of R834m;
- Global Software Solutions (GSS) contract for wagon optimisation project amounting to R250m;
- Commission paid to GSS for facilitating the IT contract awarded by Transnet to SAP on a R165m contract; and
- Zestilor for cession of Transnet hardware from T-Systems to Zestilor contract valued at R154,2m.
2.5 Value of successful civil recovering:
- R18m paid to CRRC for an advanced payment made for spares that were not delivered; and
- R54m paid to Liebherr for the crane contract.
2.6 Transnet and SIU progressing with litigation to:
- Review and set aside of1064 locomotives contract and just and equitable relief;
- Review and set aside of ZPMC 1064 locomotives contract and just and equitable relief;
- Review and set aside Neotel CCTV cameras contract and just and equitable relief;
- Review and set aside Liebherr crane contracts where just and equitable relief sought is that the settlement agreement of Liebherr is just and equitable remedy;
- Claims of R521,37m against Trillian and Regiments (both in liquidation) and former Transnet officials related to the transaction advisory services; and
- CRRC interdict and forfeiture of CRRC funds in South Africa (SARS has executed against R4.9bn and it is unclear what will remain after tax assessments are completed).
2.7 The DPE is currently finalising consultations with CIPC with the view to imminently launch director delinquency proceedings against 25 former directors of Transnet.
3. South African Airways
3.1 Value of contracts tainted by state capture that are under investigation amount to R1.8bn.
3.2 10 criminal cases have been opened with law enforcement agencies for investigation.
3.3 SAA and SIU are progressing with launching of the following civil claims:
- ARR/JM Aviation – R1.bn relating to corruption between third parties, board members and employees of SAA;
- Recovery of R14m emanating from disposal of Ground Processing Units at a loss of R5.64m;
- Motion papers filed at Special Tribunal to set aside a contract and recover R85m plus interest pertaining to leasing of aircraft from FlyoFofa Airways;
- Airbus/Pembroke - R824m regarding tender irregularities and contract non-compliance issues on sale and lease back agreement of aircraft; Zonkesiswe/IEPS Protection Services – R985m regarding irregular payments and contract extensions.
3.4 R130m savings registered concerning cancellation of a contract amounting to R170m that was awarded irregularly to Ugandra/TATA (Tata Consultancy Services).
3.5 McKinsey (Sale of obsolete stock)- SIU facilitated civil reimbursement of R14m contract by McKinsey.
3.6 former director (Yakwe Kwinana) was fined R6.1m and barred from practicing as a CA subsequent to a complaint laid by the department.
3.7 The MOI of SAA was revised in 2019 to do away with all board tender committees.
4. Denel
-
- Former board chairperson implicated in state capture referred to Law Society to prevent them from practicing.
- All recommendations of criminal contained in the state capture report are under investigation by law enforcement agencies.
- DPE is currently finalising consultations with CIPC with the view to imminently launch director delinquency proceedings against 9 former directors of Denel.
- Former director (Daniel Mantsha) referred to LPC for discipline.
5. Alexkor
-
- State capture report currently being analysed and cases being prepared for referral to law enforcement agencies.
- All recommendations of criminal cases contained in the state capture report are under investigation by law enforcement agencies.
- DPE is currently finalising consultations with CIPC with the view to imminently launch director delinquency proceedings against 25 former directors of Alexkor.
In addition, many other initiatives are in place (e.g., the intervention of government to take part of Eskom’s debt onto the sovereign balance sheet) to stabilize the SOEs.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
02 June 2023 - NW1717
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
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 Eskom’s inability to meet the Republic’s electricity demands, the increasing frequency of loadshedding, and the possibility of a nationwide collapse of the grid; (2) whether, with many essential services currently sharing the same grid with surrounding residential areas, leading to some areas not experiencing loadshedding for months while others face additional load shedding, there is any plan in place to establish separate reticulation lines, dedicated transformers and substations for essential service providers; if not, why not; if so, (3) whether the plan is feasible; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how long is it envisaged to take to implement the plan and (b) what are the potential risks to the stability of the electricity grid associated with such reengineering. (4) what are the details of how he and Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd intend 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:
According to the information received from Eskom:
(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 this has been completed, 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.
(2) 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.
(3)(a)(b) 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. The impact on grid stability is minimal, as the System Operator will continue to balance demand and supply.
(4) The Minister has decided to file an urgent appeal to set aside the judgment. Therefore, the application by the Minister to appeal will suspend the operation and execution of a judgment of the High Court, pending the outcome of the application.
However, Eskom continues its endeavours to provide whatever relief is possible, given the design of the grid that the hospital or essential service is connected to. All of the above, is, of course, dependent on the total megawatts available from the generation system. It is the latter that is the fundamental cause of the current limitations on energy availability.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
02 June 2023 - NW1523
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1)What are the reasons that the Draft Patents Amendment Bill, which is vital to pandemic readiness, access to medicines and to local manufacturing, has repeatedly been delayed; (2) whether his department is experiencing external pressures from third parties such as trade entities from the United States trade and European Union to delay the Bill; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of the pressures; (3) on what date is it envisaged that the Bill will be tabled in Parliament?
Reply:
1. The draft legislation had been prepared by the department for consideration. There were two processes that needed to be taken account of however, prior to Cabinet consideration of its contents. The first relates to the World ~Trade Organisation (WTO) discussions on flexibilities to international rules on intellectual property. The second was the discussions held under the auspices of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on an African Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights.
Significant progress has been achieved on both, with conclusion on a WTO agreement covering vaccines, reached in June 2022; and finalisation of the AfCFTA Protocol in February 2023. The content of draft legislation can thus be evaluated against these changes in the global regulatory landscape by Cabinet during its consideration of the Bill, which is expected shortly. The legislation will be released for public comment within one week of approval by Cabinet.
2. Officials of the Department have not experienced external pressures from any trade entities from any country and no entity would be privy to the content of the draft legislation until same is released publicly.
3. It is intended that the draft Bill would be submitted to Cabinet shortly after completion of the process referred to in 1 above.
-END-
02 June 2023 - NW1667
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) What is the role and functions of community prosecutors and (b) how are they involved in the administration of justice; (2) With regard to the work done by community prosecutors, (a) what total number of such prosecutors have been appointed and (b) at which service points are they stationed?
Reply:
1. (a) Community Prosecutors are seasoned legal professionals who engage with local communities and relevant stakeholders to address the public safety concerns of a local community. Therefore, the Community Prosecution Initiative is a partnership between prosecutors, communities, law enforcement, NGOs and local authorities.
Community Prosecution Initiatives engage the community to identify local public safety challenge, develop and implement solutions to address these concerns and/or community irritants.
The Community Prosecution Initiative takes a victim-centric approach, prioritising the needs of victims of crime and the most vulnerable. The initiative provides practical services to local and disadvantaged communities through awareness raising, developing lasting solutions to ongoing crime problems and partnering with community-based organisations, local government and the SAPS.
(b) Community Prosecutors assist communities in building safer neighborhoods by
jointly developing solutions on ongoing forms of public safety concerns, including serious and violent crimes. Community Prosecutors assist their court-based colleagues to prosecute more strategically by targeting crime syndicates, criminals and repeat offenders. In addition, this approach will also assist in removing less serious cases from the court rolls (by implementing solutions for community irritants) to allow for increased court time for serious cases to be dealt with.
Community Prosecutors work with relevant stakeholders to develop crime prevention interventions, focusing on quality-of-life crimes, while also engaging in public education and information programmes.
2. (a) Nine (9) out of eleven (11) posts advertised are currently filled. These
permanently appointed officials on Senior Public Prosecutor level, are responsible as provincial coordinators, to oversee current implemented sites, facilitate stakeholder cooperation, manage the identification and implementation of new sites (a minimum of 3 new sites per division for the current financial year) and ensure impact delivery of all sites.
There are also Community Prosecutors appointed on a rotational basis who do Community Prosecutions work, over and above their daily prosecution work. These rotational Community Prosecutors are managed and their functions co-ordinated by the permanent Community Prosecutors.
2(b) The following table depicts the Division, Office, Site and Community Initiative type currently rolled out within the NPA:
Division |
Office |
Site |
Initiative |
Eastern Cape |
Gelvandale |
Gelvandale |
Gender-Based Violence and Substance Abuse |
Eastern Cape |
Motherwell |
Motherwell |
Substance & Drug Abuse |
Eastern Cape |
East London |
East London |
Liquor Outlets |
Eastern Cape: Mthatha |
Butterworth |
Msobomvu |
Gender-Based violence |
Eastern Cape: Mthatha |
Mthatha |
Ngangelizwe |
Gender-Based violence |
Free State |
Bloemfontein |
Bloemfontein |
Substance & Drug Abuse |
Free State |
Sasolburg |
Sasolburg |
Substance & Drug Abuse |
Gauteng North |
Mamelodi |
Mamelodi |
Gender-based violence |
Gauteng North |
Vaalrand |
Brakpan |
Gender-based violence |
Gauteng South |
Alexandra |
Alexandra |
Liquor Outlets |
Gauteng South |
Kliptown (Eldorado Park) |
Kliptown (Eldorado Park) |
Substance & Drug Abuse |
Gauteng South |
Johannesburg |
Hillbrow |
Substance & Drug Abuse |
KwaZulu-Natal |
Pietermaritzburg |
Plessislaer |
Reduction of Assaults |
KwaZulu-Natal |
Umzinto |
Umzinto |
Reduction of Assaults & Domestic Violence |
Limpopo |
Giyani |
Giyani |
Gender-Based Violence |
Limpopo |
Mankweng |
Mankweng |
Gender-Based Violence |
Mpumalanga |
Ermelo |
Ermelo |
Stock Theft |
Mpumalanga |
White River |
Msholozi |
Gender-Based Violence |
North-West |
Molopo District Court |
Molopo |
Stock Theft |
North-West |
Odi |
Moretele |
Stock Theft |
North-West |
Ikageng (Potchefstroom) |
Klerksdorp |
Stock Theft |
Northern Cape |
Kuruman |
Kuruman |
Gender-Based Violence |
Northern Cape |
Phutanang Kimberley |
Galeshewe |
Gender-Based Violence |
Western Cape |
Wynberg |
Browns Farm |
Gender-Based Violence |
Western Cape |
Bellville |
Delft |
Gender-Based Violence |
These officials are currently located in the respective DPP offices in the divisions. Currently, there are 25 Community Prosecution Initiatives rolled-out within the NPA. Out of the 25 initiatives that are already confirmed and running, the majority relate to Gender-Based Violence (14) followed by Substance and Drug Abuse (5), and Stock Theft (3), Reduction of Assaults (1) and Liquor Outlets (2), respectively.
02 June 2023 - NW1462
Marais, Ms P to ask the Minister of Health
Considering that in 2020 the Commission for Gender Equality compiled a report on the forced sterilisation of black women and noting that the specified report included recommendations that his department had to implement over four months, (a)(i) what recommendations have not been implemented and (ii) why have such recommendations not been implemented and (b)(i) what recommendations have been implemented and (ii) on which dates were the specified recommendations implemented?
Reply:
a) (i)-(ii) 12.1 The Commission will refer this report and its findings to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (Health Professions Council of South Africa) and the complaints contained herein. The HPCSA guides and regulates health professions on all aspects pertaining to professional conduct and ethical behaviour. Thus, they ought to engage with this report on this matter as they have the necessary capacity to investigate the professional conduct and behaviour of the implicated health care practitioners.
Recommendation was supposed to be implemented by the Commission and not the Department of Health
12.2 The Commission will refer this report and its findings to the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and the complaints contained herein. The SANC guides and regulates nurses on all aspects pertaining to professional conduct and ethical behaviour. Thus, they ought to engage with this report on this matter as they have the necessary capacity to investigate the professional conduct and behaviour of the implicated health care practitioners.
Recommendation was supposed to be implemented by the Commission and not the Department of Health
12.5 The Commission will present this report as part of its petition to the SALRC for amendments to legislation that ensure consent is properly obtained such as counselling prior to consent, the timing of obtaining consent and compulsory information that must be provide.
Recommendation was supposed to be implemented by the Commission and not the Department of Health
b) (i)-(ii) 12.3 The NDOH, upon receipt of this report must interrogate and scrutinise the provisions of the Sterilisation Act and interrogate consent forms for sterilisations to ascertain whether the provisions contained therein provide for and protect the principle of informed consent in all respects. The NDOH must report to the CGE within 3 (three months) of receipt of this report as to what concrete steps the Department will take in order to ensure that the eradication of the harmful practice of forced sterilisation.
Date of implementation: November 2020
12.4 The NDOH, upon receipt of this report must facilitate dialogue between themselves and the complainants in order to for them to find ways of providing redress to the Complainants.
Date of implementation: 3-4 June 2021
12.6 The NDOH must revise consent forms to bring them into conformity with the guidelines provided by International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and standardised for all sterilisation procedures. The NDOH should also print consent forms in all official languages, and the explanation around the procedure, particularly its irreversible nature should be given in the patient’s language of choice. This must be executed and attested to;
Date of implementation: December 2022
12.7 The NDOH must make it an operational policy requirement that where a patient agrees to sterilisation, they must be given a “cooling off” period in order to fully appreciate the risks and consequences of their sterilisation procedure.
Date of implementation: December 2021
12.8 Standard timeframes should be put in place in relation to when the discussion around sterilisation should take place. Patients cannot be informed about this process minutes before going to theatre. Patients must also be informed that they are at liberty to change their minds at any time before the procedure takes place.
Date of implementation: December 2022
12.9 The DOH must ensure that their filing systems, both manual and electronic are standardised for ease of coordination. Feedback to the latter must be provided within 3 months from date of this report.
Date of implementation: Process is ongoing.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1504
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether his department has any records showing any rise in sexually transmitted infections from 1 January 2022 to date; (2) what (a) is the rate of HIV/Aids transmission from mother to child that his department has recorded in the past year to date, (b) has his department identified to be the most contributing factor to the specified rate and (c) measures has his department implemented to ensure that the rate of transmission does not persist?
Reply:
1. Between 2022 and 2023, new episodes of STIs increased from 358 060 to 385 657 nationally, according to our District Health Information System (DHIS).
2. (a) The transmission rate from mother to child has declined over the years from 0.55% for FY 2019/2020 to 0.44% for FY 22/23 . In the past year to date transmission is 0.44% (DHIS).
(b) The most contributing factors for MTCT include:
(i) maternal factors include elevated viral load, symptomatic disease, poor adherence to- and failure to use antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and breast-feeding period;
(ii) obstetric factors are per-vaginal delivery, rupture of membrane;
(iii) neonatal factors are low birth weight, breastfeeding, prematurity;
(iv) Seroconversion during pregnancy and post-delivery, leading to viraemia which is the presence of the virus in the blood, if the mother is not on treatment.
(c) measures that the department implemented to ensure that the rate of transmission does not persist are:
- Offering HIV testing at every Basic Antenatal Care (BANC) (write in full please) visit and implement Test and Treat, as prevention of primary HIV infection;
- Educate patients about the unintended pregnancies in women of childbearing age. This includes making condoms available, and offering PreP to HIV negative women in pregnancy and post delivery, voluntary Male Medical Circumcision (VMMC);
- improvement of maternal viral suppression rates at delivery and in the post-delivery period through potent, well-tolerated antiretroviral regimens (TLD) as 1st and 2nd line therapy, strategic use of maternal viral load monitoring, linking of mothers to post-delivery HIV care and integration of mother-infant health care;
- provision of enhanced prophylaxis to infants of mothers with elevated HIV viral loads in the breastfeeding period, while every effort is made to regain maternal viral suppression;
- Supporting women with the safe childbirth practices and appropriate infant feeding;
- Making use of infant HIV testing and other post-natal healthcare services;
- Roll out of HIV and AIDS Treatment literacy.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1450
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) are the reasons that his department is failing to pay service providers within the 21 day-period, as required for payment of service providers and (b) steps has he taken to remedy the specified situation?
Reply:
The Department is required to pay invoices within 30 days (not within 21 days) in terms of Treasury regulations 8.2.3 which states “Unless determined otherwise in a contract or other agreement, all payments due to creditors must be settled within 30 days from receipt of an invoice or, in the case of civil claims, the date of settlement or court judgement”
National Department of Health
a) The department pays majority of its invoices within 30 days upon receipt of a valid invoice. The delays were due to budgetary constraints within some programmes and some suppliers changing their banking details after the invoice is submitted for payment or in some cases the suppliers ‘s bank details are inactive. Suppliers fails to submit proof of delivery even when they were requested to do so.
b) The department reprioritise within the programmes and economic classification where possible for payment of service providers and constantly engage with the National Treasury to increase the earmarked funds particularly for the CCMDD programme. The department continuously engage with service providers to address challenges that causes the delays on payments of invoices.
Eastern Cape
a) The EC Department of Health has been and is still experiencing challenges on paying creditors within 21 days. This is due to Accruals and Payables, which are reflected below:
- 2019/20 = R3,808 billion,
- 2020/21 = R4,433 billion,
- 2021/22 = R4,659 billion and
- 2022/23 = R4,202 billion (draft stage because of verification and validation processes, which will lead to the inclusion of the final figure of the Accrual and Payables on the 2022/23 Annual Financial Statements to be submitted to AGSA on 31 May 2023). Cumulatively, these Accruals and Payables amount to R17,102 billion. They are not budgeted for instead they consume the budgetary allocation given in a particular financial year. In other words, the department with its limited equitable share allocation attempts to prioritise the payment of SMMEs, which are the priority of the present administration and partially pay the major suppliers, which supply medication for the patients. The department negotiates with the major service providers for medicines to continue rendering services to the department for the sake of our patients. If patients cannot get the medication the department can and is exposing its self to be sued by the health services consumers.
- The cycle of non-payment of creditors within 21 is repetitive in nature due to these Accruals and Payables and inadequate allocation on the Equitable Share. There are no challenges on Conditional Grants payments because they are ring-fenced and are timeously transferred to the EC Province.
b) The Eastern Cape Department is doing the following:
- Negotiating with the EC Provincial Treasury to finance the Accruals and Payables
- Increased its legal capacity to fight the medico legal cases – The Noyila case, which was decided in favour of the department will go a long way in averting the lump sum payments not only for the EC Department of Health but for entire Health Sector in the public administration. This case is at the Supreme Court of Appeal and the EC Department is vigorously defending it. The medico legal court orders have been major contributors to the high value of the Accruals and Payables.
- Negotiating with National Department of Health to share substantially NHLS, SANBS and AFROX costs because of the dual and implicit nature of transactions related to the services rendered by these creditors.
- Developed cost saving projects to deal with the major cost drivers in the department.
Free State
a) Free State Department of Health had cash flow challenge in the last quarter of 2022/23 Financial Year which resulted in supplier invoices not being paid within the prescribed period.
b) Free State Department is currently prioritising invoices aging 30 days and older to reduce payables.
KwaZulu-Natal
a) The Department has always endeavoured to process all invoices received within the prescribed 30-day period by Treasury Regulation paragraph 8.2.3 and to this effect, achieved the following outcomes during 2022/23:
NUMERATOR |
DENOMINATOR |
PERCENTAGE |
13699 |
15483 |
88.48% |
27005 |
28471 |
94.85% |
26561 |
27563 |
96.36% |
25091 |
26234 |
95.64% |
27871 |
28905 |
96.42% |
31169 |
31954 |
97.54% |
35810 |
36874 |
97.11% |
26880 |
27905 |
96.33% |
22246 |
23428 |
94.95% |
29508 |
30824 |
95.73% |
29340 |
30226 |
97.07% |
31714 |
33008 |
96.08% |
326894 |
340875 |
95.90% |
As can be seen from the table above, the Department’s overall compliance level is quite substantial. The Department is acutely aware of the impact that non-compliance has on its suppliers and is constantly striving to improve its performance in this regard. However, it should be noted that the Department does face the following constraints on a daily basis and it is highly unlikely that the Department will be able to substantially improve on its current 95.90% performance to achieve the ultimate goal of 100% payments processed within 30 days:
- The sheer size of the Department results in enormous volumes of payments being processed on a monthly basis. This is hampered by critical skills and staff shortages at many of the institutions due to limited financial resources and the inability to fill posts.
- The decentralised nature of the Department makes it vulnerable to factors outside of its control. Such factors would include problems with the system downtime, slow processing power, IT connectivity issues, stolen copper lines, load shedding etc.
- Problems being experienced with suppliers, i.e., partial delivery of goods, erroneous and/or incorrect invoices, outstanding credit notes, delays being experienced with suppliers registering/verifying their details on National Treasury’s Central Suppliers Database and closed/inactive supplier bank accounts has resulted in payments being rejected by the banks.
- The challenges experienced with the network by various institutions also cause delays in processing of payments.
b) The Department has implemented LOGIS which is a computerized Logistical system, at Head Office, Umgungundlovu District Office and Greys Hospital Office which will provide warning of invoices that are about to reach 30 days on the system. Further to that the Department has engaged with Telkom SA who is currently implementing the alternative connectivity strategy through the existing DOH/Telkom Master Service Agreement (MSA) LAN Connectivity – The one site network was completed at 42 hospitals on the 28th April 2023. The WAN/ Internet connectivity – This has been delayed pending the exemption from Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
Limpopo
a) Limpopo Department of Health has paid 99% of valid invoice received as at 31 March 2023. However, the non-compliance is due to slowness//non availability of the payments systems and negligence on part of officials.
b) Timeous notify the system controller on the performance of the system-by-system users (Hospitals, Districts and vertical programmes). Corrective action has been taken against responsible officials.
Mpumalanga
a) The Department pays most of its service providers within 10 days as per provincial policy, however, some invoices are disputed due to incorrectness. This causes delaysin the finalization of payments within the PFMA payment period or agreed period.
b) The Department continuously engages service providers and in cases where such challenges are experienced, requests speedily redress.
Northern Cape
a) The Northern Cape Department of Health is currently unable to pay all its invoices as and when they become due and payable. While the Department is doing everything possible and committed to comply with the 30-day payment instruction, the current demand on services and the inadequate budget allocation makes it a challenge to meet this obligation.
Below is our performance in the past two financial years:
b) The Department is strengthening its financial control environment to ensure prudent budget allocation and implementation.
- The roles and responsibilities of programme managers are clearly defined and are gatekeepers to ensuring that the budget of the Department is not overloaded.
- Strict monitoring of financial outcomes and adequate funding of new projects before implementation.
- Strict accountability and consequence management on financial transgressions.
North West
a) The North West Department of Health could not pay all its invoices for goods and services for the 2021/2022 financial year, starting from the third quarter. In the main, the challenge has been inadequate budget allocation over the years as opposed to the ever-increasing burden of diseases and price escalation on non-negotiable items such as medicine supplies, laboratory services, security services, patient catering, etc.
This was confirmed by the consultants appointed by the National Treasury in a project to review the public finance management practice in the health sector in North West Province. According to their diagnostic report, it appears that in terms of the comparisons made, the North West Department of Health in terms of a fair budget allocation can argue that it is indeed underfunded by R1,1 billion, R2 billion and R2,6 billion over the MTEF up to 2023/2024 financial year. In light of the above, accruals amounting to R1,3 billion had to be settled in 2022/2023 financial year which then negatively affected the current year budget allocation for goods and services.
b) The Department had to prioritize the contractual obligations payments from the third quarter to ensure that accruals which will be carried over to the 2023/2024 financial year are reduced. As a result, the department is projecting accruals percentage reduction of more than 50% from the previous year. The Provincial Treasury has since injected an amount of R200 million into the departmental budget over the MTEF period effective from 2022/2023 financial year and this is a positive move towards ultimately dealing with the accruals. Over and above the contribution by the Provincial Treasury, the Department has reprioritized an amount of R150 million from compensation of employees to goods and services and this is bearing desired results considering the projections.
Western Cape
a) The department strives to pay its service providers within 30 days of receipt of the invoice and in terms of Treasury Regulation 8.2.3. Treasury Regulation 8.2.3 states that: “Unless determined otherwise in a contract or other agreement, all payments due to creditors must be settled within 30 days from receipt of an invoice or, in the case of civil claims, the date of settlement or court judgement”.
b) The department continues to monitor internal controls to track the movement of invoices from the date of receipt to the date of payment. The department will upskill staff to ensure that strengthened internal controls are adhered to and tracking of goods delivered or services rendered against correct orders and ensuring that the quantity and quality of goods and services to be received and received are in line with ordered goods/ services and ensure that payment of supplier’s invoices are made timeously.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1610
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Noting the continuous reports on the shortage of doctors, nurses and general workers in public healthcare facilities, will he (a) outline the total number of personnel shortages in each province and (b) indicate the date when the vacancies will be filled?
Reply:
The Compensation of Employees (COE) when compared to the allocated budget for 2021/22 financial year has shown a decrease of 0.3% (R458.4 million) in 2022/23 and a further additional 4.0% (R6.1 billion) decrease in 2023/2024 baseline.
This has negatively affected Human Resources Capacity in the Public Health Sector, and has forced Provinces to freeze/cut posts funded through the Equitable Share to avoid overspending in Compensation of Employees (COE). The situation was further aggravated by the cessation of the Covid-19 Grant budget as on 31 March 2023, which resulted in termination of employment contracts for employees employed through the Grant.
Currently, Provinces are unable to fill existing vacant posts, despite service delivery needs/demands. Instead, they (Provinces) are required to prioritize filling of posts across all levels of care within the available budget.
In order to mitigate the above, the Provincial Department of Health have introduced several interventions to address the shortage of health workers (i.e. amongst others doctors, nurses and general workers) in healthcare facilities, which amongst includes:
- Prioritisation of the posts in the Annual Recruitment Plan – where funding permits
- Prioritisation of the posts for conditional grant funding
- Filling of replacement posts considered and approved through Annual Recruitment Plan
- Provision of internship and community service programmes
a) In accordance with the PERSAL report below, extracted on 30 April 2023, the overall vacancy posts are 45 072 (i.e. 35 462 health related posts and 9 610 administration and support related posts) in the public health sector.
1.1 Health-Related vacant post (Occupational Groups) per provincial departments as at April 2023 |
|||||||||||
|
EC |
FS |
GP |
KZN |
LP |
MPU |
NDoH |
NW |
NC |
WC |
Grand Total |
DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMMES |
0 |
0 |
0 |
101 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
23 |
0 |
568 |
700 |
EMERGENCY SERVICE AND RELATED PERSONNEL |
270 |
576 |
574 |
191 |
69 |
21 |
0 |
112 |
134 |
124 |
2071 |
ENGINEERING RELATED AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
4 |
22 |
19 |
17 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
13 |
5 |
28 |
116 |
HEALTH ASSOCIATED SCIENCES AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
575 |
1454 |
1769 |
1133 |
272 |
136 |
47 |
474 |
355 |
524 |
6739 |
MEDICAL SCIENCES AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
421 |
719 |
1166 |
1077 |
678 |
152 |
10 |
197 |
111 |
341 |
4872 |
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
15 |
324 |
44 |
38 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
11 |
446 |
NATURAL SCIENCES RELATED AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
0 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
NURSING AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
4 |
1264 |
107 |
20 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1403 |
|
NURSING ASSISTANT |
255 |
718 |
368 |
513 |
101 |
143 |
0 |
320 |
122 |
213 |
2753 |
PROFESSIONAL NURSE |
2033 |
1616 |
3753 |
2832 |
731 |
506 |
1 |
710 |
325 |
561 |
13068 |
SOCIAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
1 |
44 |
26 |
35 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
13 |
6 |
33 |
164 |
STAFF NURSE |
303 |
533 |
484 |
1014 |
186 |
246 |
0 |
142 |
57 |
157 |
3122 |
Grand Total |
3881 |
6012 |
9468 |
7058 |
2067 |
1230 |
60 |
2010 |
1116 |
2560 |
35462 |
1.2 Admin Related vacant posts (Occupational Groups) per provincial departments as at April 2023 |
|||||||||||
|
EC |
FS |
GP |
KZN |
LP |
MPU |
NDoH |
NW |
NC |
WC |
Grand Total |
ADMINISTRATIVE LINE FUNCTION AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
191 |
443 |
882 |
739 |
44 |
163 |
60 |
300 |
195 |
339 |
3356 |
AGRICULTURAL RELATED AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
6 |
28 |
72 |
34 |
26 |
18 |
0 |
57 |
1 |
0 |
242 |
ARTISAN AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
53 |
225 |
3 |
251 |
48 |
3 |
0 |
19 |
19 |
101 |
722 |
COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION RELATED PERSONNEL |
16 |
5 |
18 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
16 |
0 |
19 |
85 |
ECONOMIC ADVISORY AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
2 |
75 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
198 |
311 |
|
HUMAN RESOURCE AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
1 |
14 |
124 |
212 |
0 |
1 |
9 |
52 |
1 |
102 |
516 |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND RELATED PERSONNEL |
9 |
33 |
19 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
8 |
5 |
35 |
124 |
LEGAL AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
11 |
|
MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
365 |
1060 |
662 |
893 |
311 |
481 |
86 |
264 |
74 |
40 |
4236 |
REGULATORY AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
Grand Total |
642 |
1818 |
1857 |
2164 |
429 |
666 |
186 |
717 |
297 |
834 |
9610 |
b) Even-though, the is a systematic process of approving funding and advertisements of posts by Accounting Officers (through the Annual Recruitment Plan) a further consultation with the Provincial Treasuries supersedes filling of vacant posts to avoid exceeding Cost of Employment (COE) budgets. It therefore not possible to mention a specific date but to alert that the filling of posts is prioritized across the Public Health Sector.
02 June 2023 - NW1506
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
With reference to the Draft Regulations on the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical Conditions (NMCs) published in the Government Gazette on or about 15 March 2022, and then the subsequent publishing of the Health Regulations Relating to the surveillance and control of NMC’s on or about 4 May 2022, what are his department’s reasons for (a) listing COVID-19 as a Category 2 NMC, (b) not putting duration on the listing of COVID-19 in general as an NMC in the Health Regulations given the weakness of the current strain and abandonment of all COVID-19 restrictions and (c) not differentiating between COVID-19 variants and instead listing COVID-19 in general as an NMC, as opposed to only listing severe variants?
Reply:
a) COVID-19 has always been category 1 notifiable medical condition. In the latest Notifiable Medical Condition list published in February 2023, COVID-19 is listed as part of the Respiratory disease caused by a novel respiratory pathogen under category 1.
b) The Notifiable Medical Condition list consists of conditions that are of public health concern and need to be put under surveillance for early detection and effective response in case of an outbreak, epidemic or pandemic. There is therefore no time duration of having a condition on the NMC list.
c) Any of the communicable notifiable medical conditions can have more than one variant of the causative agent, therefore it is not practical to amend or update the NMC list whenever a new NMC variant is detected. Information on emerging variants is shared in relevant platforms with public health stakeholders to facilitate clinical management of cases.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1501
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether his department has taken steps to rectify the shortcomings that were experienced during the hard lockdown of the pandemic such as the distribution and backlogs of medication to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he has found that patients living with HIV and AIDS receive their medication on time; if not, what are the reasons that the challenge of patients who do not receive their medication on time is still a persisting issue; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no backlogs in the distribution of medication. Additionally, there have been no major supply chain challenges related to the essential medicines during the pandemic period.
2. During the pandemic period, patients on chronic therapy, including patients on antiretorvirals, received at least two months’ supply of the medication in an effort to reduce pressure on facilities. Additionally, patients received medicines via the CCMDD programme.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1521
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) total number of foreign educated and trained persons in the medical field, by category of medical profession, who either return or come to the Republic seeking to become registered and/or employed within the public health service, (i) have applied to write the required examinations to become qualified and (ii) were rejected and (b) were the reasons for such rejection in the (i) 2020, (ii) 2021 and (iii) 2022 academic years?
Reply:
a) The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)’s Registrar has informed the Minister that –
(i) 382 foreign-qualified persons applied for registration as medical practitioners;
(ii) 5 foreign-qualified persons’ applications were rejected during the period 2020, 2021 and 2022.
As per table below:
Year |
Number applied and accepted |
Number applied and rejected |
Total |
2020 |
116 |
0 |
116 |
2021 |
83 |
5 |
88 |
2022 |
178 |
0 |
178 |
Total |
377 |
5 |
382 |
(b) (i) In 2020 – None were rejected;
(ii) In 2021 – 5 were rejected, because upon assessment, it was found that the universities where the 5 applicants studied did not meet the standard to be either equivalent or satisfactory compared to the South African standard for registrability;
(iii) 2022 – None were rejected.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1845
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1) Whether, with reference to the use of open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) to supplement the electricity supply to mitigate load shedding, there has been an increase in storage capacity for diesel at the OCGT sites to cater for the increased usage; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether any emergency measures have been put in place in the event of a breakdown of an OCGT; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether the OCGTs are able to run at the required capacity for an extended period; if not, what are the alternatives; if so, (a) at what capacity are they running and (b) for what period is it anticipated that they will run?
Reply:
1) As part of our contingency measures for the high utilisation of the OCGTs, additional offsite storage has been secured in Mossel Bay and in Cape Town.
(2)Eskom has experienced maintenance and engineering staff to address any failures at the OCGTs with the support of the Original Equipment Manufacturer.
(3)(a) and (b) The OCGTs can run at the anticipated load factors for an extended period. YTD for FY2024, the OCGTs are running at a load factor (GLF) of 22%. The OCGTs are expected to run at approximately 20% for the winter period, until the end of August 2023. The required OCGT load factors after this period will depend on the performance of the generation fleet and the demand
02 June 2023 - NW1696
De Villiers, Mr JN to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he will furnish Mr J N de Villiers 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 in the (aa) 2021-22 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023?
Reply:
The breakdown of the procurement allocation submitted by health public entities in terms of the percentages allocated to the indicated enterprises (i-iv) is provided in the table below, per the (aa) 2021-22 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023:
Enterprises Categories b (i-iv) |
(aa) 2021/22 |
2022/23 |
(bb) Since 1 April 2023 |
Percentage of allocation |
Percentage of allocation |
Percentage of allocation |
|
South African of Medical Research Council |
|||
(i) Small, medium and macro enterprises |
1% |
1% |
1% |
(ii) Cooperatives |
0% |
0% |
0% |
(iii) Township enterprises |
0% |
0% |
0% |
(iv) Rural enterprises |
0% |
0% |
0% |
Council for Medical Schemes |
|||
(i) Small, medium and macro enterprises |
63.13% |
50.07% |
48.45% |
(ii) Cooperatives |
0% |
0% |
0% |
(iii) Township enterprises |
0% |
0% |
0% |
(iv) Rural enterprises |
0.28% |
1.10% |
0% |
South African Health Products Regulatory Authority |
|||
(i) Small, medium and macro enterprises |
66% |
84% |
100% |
(ii) Cooperatives |
0% |
0% |
0% |
(iii) Township enterprises |
5% |
1% |
0% |
(iv) Rural enterprises |
0% |
0% |
0% |
National Health Laboratory Service |
|||
For Requests for Quotations (RFQ) of less than R1m |
|||
(i) Small, medium and macro enterprises |
37.9% |
61.5% |
71.7% |
(ii) Cooperatives |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0.0% |
(iii) Township enterprises |
1.1% |
0.4% |
2.3% |
(iv) Rural enterprises |
0.7% |
0.1% |
0.2% |
For Requests for Bids (RFB) with a value of over R1m |
|||
(i) Small, medium and macro enterprises |
6% |
21% |
0% |
(ii) Cooperatives |
0% |
0% |
0% |
(iii) Township enterprises |
0% |
2% |
0% |
(iv) Rural enterprises |
0% |
5% |
0% |
Office of Health Standards Compliance |
|||
(i) Small, medium and macro enterprises |
29.02% |
29.23% |
38.09% |
(ii) Cooperatives |
0.03% |
0% |
0% |
(iii) Township enterprises |
2.87% |
0.01% |
13.73% |
(iv) Rural enterprises |
0% |
95.31% |
0 |
END
02 June 2023 - NW1737
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether Eskom has an official and/or unofficial policy or practice where, in the event of illegal connections being found in a residential and/or business area, the entity suspends electricity supply to the entire area, causing power outages for legitimate consumers, in some areas for up to six months as was reported in one area, and for 10 weeks now in Umkomaas on the south coast of KwaZulu Natal; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the relevant details of the policy and (b) on what legislative provisions is the policy based; (2) whether he will intervene and/or investigate the situation and furnish Mr N Singh with a report upon the conclusion of the investigation and/or intervention; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to the information received from Eskom:
1. 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. Some customers were found to have converted themselves to prepaid meters and had installed sub-meters.
Eskom did not disconnect or suspend electricity to this area; however, the transformer had 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 the 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.
(a) and (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. 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.
2. The response provided above adequately addresses the matter.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
02 June 2023 - NW1832
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1501 on 2 October 2020, wherein he undertook to provide the location of the memorial to fallen miners, ordered and paid for in 2017 by the Mine Health and Safety Council (details furnished) and noting that to date, no location of the specified memorial has been provided, he will confirm if the monument has indeed been installed; if not, what are the reasons that the memorial has not been installed; if so, what are the relevant details of the address where the memorial may currently be viewed; (2) whether, in view of the total amount of R 4 649 032,46 that was paid by his department to the service provider for the memorial, any additional money has been paid to the service provider; if not, what is the position in this regard; if, so, what total amount has been paid for the memorial to date?
Reply:
1. The Mine health and Safety Council (MHSC) identified the Workers Museum and Mary Fitzgerald Square as the most appropriate locations to install the memorial for the fallen mineworkers. Permission to continue with the project on the site was given by the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), then the project was initiated. However, the initial permission was not honoured as a result of the changes of officials and administrators at the CoJ. In this regard, the monument will be placed at the MHSC Office Building whilst there is ongoing engagements regarding the identified sites at the City of Johannesburg.
2. The total project amount was R4 800 000,00 inclusive of value added Tax. The cost of R1 513 333.06 for additional concept and technical designs that were required for installation of the monument at the identified location was incurred, bringing the total to R6 313 333.06.
02 June 2023 - NW1710
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether she will furnish Mr S Ngcobo with a comprehensive breakdown of the procurement allocation of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her in terms of the percentages allocated to (i) small-, medium- and micro-enterprises, (ii) cooperatives, (iii) township enterprises and (iv) rural enterprises with a view to evaluating the effectiveness of the set-aside policy of the Government in fostering an inclusive and diverse economic landscape (details furnished) in the (aa) 2021-22 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023?
Reply:
(a) I have been informed by the Department as tabled below.
Years |
(i) Small, Medium and Micro-enterprises |
(ii) Cooperatives |
(iii) Township enterprises |
(iv) Rural enterprises |
(aa) 2021-2022 |
Total procurement allocation for the department amounted to R101 131 716 of which 40% (R61 775 393) was spent on SMME’s. |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
(bb) 1 April 2023 |
Total procurement allocation for the department equals to R436 966 of which 40% (R174 786) is allocated to SMME’s. |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
(b) South African Tourism
I have been informed by SAT that the service provider appointments were treated in accordance with the applicable Preferential Procurement Regulation.
Years |
(i) Small, Medium and Micro-enterprises |
(ii) Cooperatives |
(iii) Township enterprises |
(iv) Rural enterprises |
(aa) 2021-2022 |
Total procurement spends for the entity amounted to R 732 340 185.38 of which 40% (R 292 936 074,15) was on SMME’s. |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
(bb) 1 April 2023 |
Total procurement spends for the entity equals to R1 343 895.20 of which 40% (R537 558.08) was on SMME’s. |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
02 June 2023 - NW1701
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether he will furnish Mr W F Faber 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) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) (aa) In terms of the Office of the Chief Justice, the percentages spent in the 2021-22 financial year, are as follows:
Period |
Total spend |
Small-, medium- and micro-enterprises % |
Cooperatives % |
Township enterprises % |
Rural enterprises % |
Quarter 1 |
69,785,125.26 |
72.98% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
Quarter 2 |
52,492,150.99 |
45.61% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
Quarter 3 |
92,865,669.87 |
80.50% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
Quarter 4 |
123,673,529.10 |
48.72% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
2.95% |
Total |
338,816,475.22 |
61.95% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.03% |
(a) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) (bb) In terms of the Office of the Chief Justice, the percentages spent since 01 April 2023, are as follows:
Period |
Total spend |
Small-, medium-and micro-enterprises % |
Cooperatives % |
Township enterprises % |
Rural enterprises % |
Quarter 1 |
8,739,025.93 |
59.99% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.04% |
Total |
8,739,025.93 |
59.99% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.04% |
02 June 2023 - NW1596
Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether the United Arab Emirates president’s family complied with all quarantine and health-related regulations upon arrival at the Bulembu Airport in Qonce, as required by the South African port of entry legislation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, the health related issues were complied with by the officials of the Border Management Authority which now comprise officials transferred from the Department of Agriculture.
END
02 June 2023 - NW1149
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, since his reply to question 1380 on 26 July 2021, the Government still intends withdrawing from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) In October 2016, the 5th administration of South Africa took a decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (“Rome Statute”). Following this decision, South Africa sent a written notice to withdraw from the Rome Statute to the Secretary General of the United Nations. In January 2017, the African Union (AU) took a decision followed by a resolution issued in February 2017 encouraging member nations to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). In addition to South Africa, two other AU members, Burundi and Gambia, also indicated their intentions to withdraw from the Rome Statute in 2016. However, Gambia reversed its decision immediately after a newly elected government assumed power in February 2017. Burundi, on the other hand, has become the first country to withdraw its membership from the ICC.
(b) In February 2017, the North Gauteng High Court unanimously ruled that the withdrawal notification sent by South Africa to the United Nations was unconstitutional and invalid without prior parliamentary approval, and ordered the Government to rescind the notice with immediate effect. In line with the court decision, the South African government revoked its notice of withdrawal from the Rome Statute in March 2017.
(c) The International Crimes Bill, introduced in Parliament in 2017, whose purpose was to withdraw South Africa from the ICC by repealing the Implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act 27 of 2002, has been withdrawn from Parliament.
(d) Since that time, numerous developments within the ICC have taken place, including the adoption of the “Understanding with respect to article 97(c) consultations” by the Assembly of State Parties in December 2017. This Understanding, which was adopted as a result of concerns raised by South Africa, provides for a process for States to consult with the ICC in relation to a request for cooperation. In addition, the African Union’s resolve to reform or transform the ICC from within rather than through withdrawals and the failure to provide an African alternative court to the ICC are some of the notable developments.
(e) South Africa is considering a legislative amendment that would domesticate the Rome Statute so that it reflects all the articles of the Rome Statute. This includes provision of article 98 of the statute that requires a waiver of immunities for persons charged by the ICC from third party countries where there is no referral by the United Nations Security Council.
(f) In terms of International law, South Africa remains a full member of the ICC with all the rights and obligations that accrue to all members of the Rome Statute.
02 June 2023 - NW1457
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Health
Noting that in public healthcare facilities at present, especially in clinics, the majority of pharmacy dispensary duties are done by nurses, which then has an impact on nurses focusing on delivering health services within their scope, what (a) total number of healthcare facilities (i) have a shortage of pharmacists and (ii) rely on nurses for dispensary duties and (b) steps does he intend to take to remedy the specified situation?
Reply:
It is not correct to conclude that majority of pharmacy dispensary duties at clinics, are carried out by nurses. These functions may also be performed by a pharmacist’s assistant (post basic) functioning under the indirect supervision of a pharmacist. Only professional nurses who have been authorised in terms of Section 56(6) of the Nursing Act 53 of 2005, are allowed to dispense medicines up to schedule 4. In some clinics, pharmacist assistants have been appointed to perform duties related to managing medicines in the facility. The process of task sharing is meant to optimise the utilisation of different categories of staff in the team to alleviate bottlenecks that may hamper the dispensing of medicine at a clinic and it does not affect nurses focusing on delivering health services within their scope
a)(i) The tables below provide a Persal breakdown of filled and vacant posts per provinces as of February 2023, which actually shows that vacant posts are minimal and does not impact negatively on service delivery.
Summary of filled and vacant Pharmacy post per province as at April 2023 |
|||||||||||||||
|
EC |
ECP Total |
FS |
FS Total |
GP |
GP Total |
KZN |
KZN Total |
LP |
LP Total |
|||||
Title |
Filled |
Vacant |
Filled |
Vacant |
Filled |
Vacant |
Filled |
Vacant |
Filled |
Vacant |
|||||
CLINICAL PHARMACIST |
3 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
- |
-- |
- |
- |
- |
-- |
- |
-- |
- |
PHARMACIST |
319 |
18 |
337 |
83 |
38 |
121 |
364 |
20 |
384 |
499 |
15 |
514 |
389 |
26 |
415 |
PHARMACIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE) |
61 |
14 |
75 |
34 |
14 |
48 |
88 |
32 |
120 |
139 |
11 |
150 |
60 |
22 |
82 |
PHARMACIST (INTERN) |
48 |
0 |
48 |
1 |
13 |
14 |
71 |
4 |
75 |
170 |
66 |
236 |
154 |
83 |
237 |
PHARMACIST ASSISTANT |
141 |
15 |
156 |
|
3 |
3 |
86 |
13 |
99 |
210 |
50 |
260 |
25 |
4 |
29 |
PHARMACIST ASSISTANT (POST-BASIC) |
456 |
49 |
505 |
343 |
99 |
442 |
636 |
20 |
656 |
1077 |
78 |
1155 |
325 |
35 |
360 |
Grand Total |
1028 |
97 |
1125 |
461 |
168 |
629 |
1245 |
89 |
1334 |
2095 |
220 |
2315 |
953 |
170 |
1123 |
Summary of filled and vacant Pharmacy post per province as at April 2023 |
||||||||||||
|
MPU |
MPU Total |
NW |
NW Total |
NC |
NC Total |
WC |
WC Total |
||||
Titel |
Filled |
Vacant |
Filled |
Vacant |
Filled |
Vacant |
Filled |
Vacant |
||||
CLINICAL PHARMACIST |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
PHARMACIST |
250 |
12 |
262 |
209 |
17 |
226 |
68 |
3 |
71 |
246 |
16 |
262 |
PHARMACIST (COMMUNITY SERVICE) |
52 |
4 |
56 |
80 |
0 |
80 |
39 |
1 |
40 |
39 |
6 |
45 |
PHARMACIST (INTERN) |
11 |
2 |
13 |
16 |
0 |
16 |
8 |
2 |
10 |
22 |
1 |
23 |
PHARMACIST ASSISTANT |
23 |
5 |
28 |
41 |
14 |
55 |
12 |
8 |
20 |
24 |
2 |
26 |
PHARMACIST ASSISTANT (POST-BASIC) |
207 |
9 |
216 |
139 |
13 |
152 |
158 |
15 |
173 |
576 |
22 |
598 |
Grand Total |
543 |
32 |
575 |
485 |
44 |
529 |
285 |
29 |
314 |
907 |
47 |
954 |
(b) Provinces have established recruitment Task Team that prioritises the filling of positions in line with service delivery needs. To ensure that their expenditure on recruitments does not exceed the allocated Cost of Employment (CoE) Budgets. Where there are records of shortages of health care workers (including Pharmacists), the department mitigates by appointing contract employees to address shortages. To ensure further continuity of services, the department offers permanent employment where funding permits.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1676
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(a) What number of naturalisation ceremonies have taken place from 1 May 2019 to date, (b)(i) on what date and (ii) at what location did each ceremony take place, (c) what number of approved applicants currently require a naturalisation ceremony and (d) what is the schedule for naturalisation ceremonies for the 2023-24 financial year in terms of (i) dates and (ii) locations?
Reply:
(a) The were no naturalisation ceremonies that have taken place from 1 May 2019 to date.
(b)(i) No ceremonies have taken place.
(b)(ii) As indicated above there has not been ceremonies conducted.
(c) The “naturalisation ceremonies” were discontinued a long time ago.
(d)(i)(ii) There are no “naturalisation ceremonies” planned for the near and foreseeable future.
END
02 June 2023 - NW1711
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Whether he will furnish Mr S Ngcobo 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:
Through its procurement, the dtic group has a concerted effort to ensure that it procures from SMME, women, youth and people with disability, inclusive of township and rural enterprises.
The following information has been submitted by the dtic-group:
(a)&(b) DTIC and its Entities |
(aa)&(bb) Financial Period |
b(i) |
Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) including B-BBEE Commission |
2021-22 |
56% |
Since 1 April 2023 |
93,36% |
|
Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) |
2021-22 |
There was no direct allocation to SMMEs. However, CIPC procures through RFQs and tenders from suppliers registered on the CSD. This includes SMMEs. |
Since 1 April 2023 |
There was no direct allocation to SMMEs. However, CIPC procures through RFQs and tenders from suppliers registered on the CSD. This includes SMMEs. |
|
Companies Tribunal (CT) |
2021-22 |
60% |
Since 1 April 2023 |
65% |
|
Competition Commission |
2021-22 |
85% |
Since 1 April 2023 |
98% |
|
Competition Tribunal |
2021-22 |
57.59% |
Since 1 April 2023 |
68.52% |
|
Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) |
2021-22 |
45.63% |
Since 1 April 2023 |
58.82% |
|
Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited (IDC) |
2021-22 |
50.65% |
Since 1 April 2023 |
78.74% |
|
International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) |
2021-22 |
46% (R928 047.80) |
Since 1 April 2023 |
71% (R213 420.34) |
|
Since 1 April 2023 |
0% |
|
National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) |
2021-22 |
55% |
Since 1 April 2023 |
R1.2 million |
|
National Credit Regulator (NCR) |
2021-22 |
58% |
Since 1 April 2023 |
54% |
|
National Empowerment Fund (NEF) |
2021-22 |
The National Empowerment Fund has procured goods and services to the total amount of R35.8 million for the period under review with a combined percentage of 75% being spent as follows:
Qualifying Small Enterprises – R9,9 million (28%) |
Since 1 April 2023 |
From 1 April 2023 to date a combined percentage of 89% of the total amount of R2,5 million being spent as follows:
Qualifying Small Enterprises – R560k (22%) |
|
National Gambling Board (NGB) |
2021-22 |
2.72% |
Since 1 April 2023 |
1% |
|
National Lotteries Commission (NLC) |
2021-22 |
|
Since 1 April 2023 |
|
|
Since 1 April 2023 |
||
National Regulator For Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) |
2021-22 |
(i)(aa) 16% (R5 240 909,60) |
Since 1 April 2023 |
(i)(bb) 84% (R4 873 670,00) |
|
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) |
2021-22 |
43.2% |
Since 1 April 2023 |
Procurement spend for this category is unknown as the data is only manually calculated against B-BBEE certificates on quarterly basis. |
|
South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) |
2021-22 |
100%
|
Since 1 April 2023 |
100%
|
-END-
02 June 2023 - NW1745
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Whether the Government intends to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), considering how trade under the AGOA agreement has gone back to figures that were seen before it was signed, meaning that the AGOA agreement has ceased to be beneficial to the Republic and most of its African partners of the agreement; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the reasons? [
Reply:
Trade with the United States is regulated by two types of legal instruments: the first is the multilateral framework of the World Trade Organisation, under which the largest part of SA exports to the US is classified; and unilateral preferential market access arrangements, such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).
AGOA is a preference granted by the United States to sub-Saharan countries qualifying in terms of criteria established by the US Congress. AGOA is currently set to expire in 2025. Decisions around renewal are taken by the United States and it is then up to exporters from eligible countries to utilise the preferential access to the US market.
South Africa together with other African countries have put forward the proposal for the extension of AGOA beyond 2025.
While the value of trade under AGOA has decreased, it continues to provide benefits to South African exporters, which assists with job creation and has positive spill-over effects in the region. Given the size of South Africa’s employment challenge, every trade benefit that is available should be utilised.
In light hereof, South Africa continues to engage the United States on the future of AGOA and the value of extending AGOA beyond the current expiry date.
-END-
02 June 2023 - NW1460
Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Health
Given that in March 2022 two specified persons (names and details furnished) were implicated in a fraud and corruption scandal relating to the issuing of a personal protective equipment tender valued at R43 million and subsequently suspended, and noting that the specified persons have returned to their posts on an acting basis, (a) by what date does his department envisage to find permanent officials for the specified posts and (b) what was the outcome of the fraud and corruption cases against the two persons?
Reply:
The two officials referred to in the Parliamentary Question were criminally charged by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) based on the referral from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). They were then suspended based on these criminal charges. We have since been informed by the Director-General of the Northern Cape Province that these officials were reinstated after the criminal charges were withdrawn on the 8th December 2022.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1603
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Health
Following reports of a Congolese national arrested for practicing medicine without being registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), what (a) total number of persons have been caught practicing medicine without HPCSA registration and (b) steps has (i) he and (ii) his department taken to prevent unregistered doctors from practicing medicine and putting the lives of persons at risk?
Reply:
a) Section 17 of the Health Professions Act (Act no.56 of 1974) makes registration with the Council a prerequisite to practice any health professions registrable in terms of the Act and practicing while not registered amounts to a criminal offence.
According to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA/Council), 124 persons have been arrested for practicing medicine without registration with the HPCSA.
b) In 2014 Council established an Inspectorate Office as a compliance enforcement unit to enforce compliance through conducting inspections of the registered practitioners, suspected/erased practitioners, and to attend to complaints of illegal practice by unregistered persons (bogus practitioners). The office works closely with other regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies to protect the public against illegal practices by unregistered persons (bogus practitioners). The Council also conducts awareness campaigns to educate the members of the public on how to identify and report bogus practitioners.
In the public healthcare system, one of the requirements for employment is verification of registration with the Health Professions Council before a person can be employed as a doctor. This verification prevents an unregistered person from practicing in the public healthcare system.
In the private healthcare sector, medical schemes also have a verification system in place before doctors can be reimbursed for services rendered.
Unregistered persons evade these systems by working in the private sector where they either only accept cash payment or work in the practice of a registered doctor.
02 June 2023 - NW1463
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Health
Given that the Mamelodi Hospital still takes on the majority of level 2 healthcare patients from Mpumalanga, even though the specified province has its own healthcare facilities, (a) does Mpumalanga have post level 1 healthcare facilities, (b) what steps are being taken by his department to resolve the crisis on a more permanent basis and (c) which facilities are being developed and capacitated in Mpumalanga to cater for the various health needs of the persons who reside in the province?
Reply:
a) Yes, Mpumalanga has post level 1 healthcare facilities as follows:
- 2 x Tertiary Hospital offering level 3 &2 services namely Rob Ferreira and Witbank tertiary hospitals.
- 3 x Regional Hospitals offering level 2 &1 services namely Ermelo, Mapulaneng and Themba regional hospitals.
b) The National Department of Health in collaboration with the Mpumalanga department of health are working on the improvement of some key services as indicated in response(c) below.
The Mpumalanga department of health is only referring level 3 cases to Steve Biko and George Mukhari Academic hospitals for services that the province doesn’t have, for example Cardiology Services and Oncology Radiation Services.
Patients who are going to Mamelodi hospital are going there on their own accord and they are not being referred by the province because those services are available and accessible to the Mpumalanga communities.
c) The Mpumalanga Department of Health has already established the Chemotherapy services at the Witbank and Rob Ferreira hospitals. Patients in need of this service are no longer being taken to Gauteng.
The province is currently processing the establishment of Nephrology Service to have the in-house dialysis services for patients. The province has started with phase 1 planning for the upgrading the Maternity and Mental health Units at the Kwa Mhlanga hospital. The plan is to expand more services until all domains are covered however this depends on the availability of funds.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1604
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether he convened a meeting for the purposes of synthesizing the task team report with the Executive Committee and provincial departments within 60 working days after the Public Protector’s report on allegations of undue delay by his department was issued to address the challenges experienced by Clinical Associates that was released on 30 November 2021; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether his department engaged with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to request that the matter of prescribing rights be finalised without further delay within 30 working days after the Public Protector’s report on Clinical Associates was issued; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether his department re-engaged with the Department of Public Service and Administration to motivate for the holistic review of the Occupational Specific Dispensation as a remuneration framework in the Public Health Sector that is inclusive of Clinical Associates within 60 working days after the Public Protector’s report on Clinical Associates was issued; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether his department will meet the deadline of 30 November 2023 to conduct and finalise the review of the Clinical Associates performance programme to assess various aspects of the programme, including uptake since its establishment, impact on health services, career pathing and/or advancement prospects of Clinical Associates, status of mid-level policy interventions generally and other parameters that may be of relevance to guide decisions on the programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Clinical Associates matters raised in the Task Team report as well as the proposals for addressing some of the concerns raised in the report were presented to the National Health Council Technical Advisory Committee (NHC Tech) which is a forum that consist of the NDoH’s Executive Committee with Provincial Heads of Health Departments on 18 November 2021.
NHC Tech accepted the proposal to undertake a comprehensive review of the Clinical Associates programme.
2. The Department engaged with the HPCSA on the matter of prescribing rights
for Clinical Associates and was appraised about the application made by the Council to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) in terms of the provisions of Section 22A of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965) to add Clinical Associates to the list of authorized prescribers.
3. The National Department of Health has held meeting(s) with the Department of Public Service and Administration to table issues pertaining to the conditions of service for the Clinical Associates as raised in the Public Protector’s report. The issue of Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) is being dealt with through a process lead by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). DPSA has commissioned Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) to conduct a Personnel Expenditure Review (PER), that includes the review of OSDs in the public sector.
4. The Department has commenced with the process of conducting the review of the Clinical Associates programme performance. The Terms of Reference and data collection tools for the review have been drafted and a process is underway to get them approved. It is therefore envisaged that the review will have been conducted by 30 November 2023. However, finalization of the review and recommendations thereof will be subject to various approval processes of the Department that may extend beyond 30 November 2023
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1734
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Considering that the Government is still in possession of more than 25 million vaccine doses despite a decline in the number of persons who come in for vaccinations and booster shots, what (a) number of vaccine doses is the Government expecting to go to waste as the World Health Organisation has recently declared an end to the COVID-19 global health emergency and (b) is the monetary value of the specified vaccine doses?
Reply:
(a) The estimated number of doses of vaccine that may go for waste is:
- Janssen® COVID-19 vaccine (Janssen vaccine) is 20 780 450.
- Comirnaty® vaccine (mRNA COVID-19 vaccine) (Pfizer vaccine) is 7 479 930
(b) Monetary value of these vaccines is:
- Janssen vaccine = R 2 677 716 836
- Pfizer vaccine = R 1 208 569 690
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1689
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether she will furnish Mr M Bagraim with a comprehensive breakdown of the procurement allocation of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her in terms of the percentages allocated to (i) small-, medium- and micro-enterprises, (ii) cooperatives, (iii) township enterprises and (iv) rural enterprises with a view to evaluating the effectiveness of the set-aside policy of the Government in fostering an inclusive and diverse economic landscape (details furnished) in the (aa) 2021-22 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023?
Reply:
(a) Procurement allocation of the Department is as follows:
TYPE OF SHAREHOLDING |
% SPEND |
NUMBER OF SUPPLIERS |
AMOUNT SPENT |
Women Shareholding 100% |
28.50% |
38 |
R4 387 777 |
Women Shareholding other % |
52 |
R151 487 683 |
|
Disability % |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Black % |
64.20% |
156 |
R251 977 964 |
Youth |
1.36% |
52 |
R7 719 112 |
(b)
(i) small-, medium- and micro-enterprises
There is no procurement allocation for small-, medium- and micro-enterprises
(ii) cooperatives
There is no procurement allocation for cooperatives
(iii) township enterprises
There is no procurement allocation for township enterprises
(iv) rural enterprises
There is no procurement allocation for rural enterprises
Procurement breakdown is not allocated as per the classifications above in (i) to (iv), but is done as per attached Table.
02 June 2023 - NW1497
Marawu, Ms TL to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, with regard to the implementation of remedial action from the Public Protector’s report on allegations of undue delay by his department to address the challenges experienced by Clinical Associates that was released on 30 November 2021 (details furnished), his department has notified the Department of Public Service and Administration about the remedial actions recommended by the Public Protector; if not, why not; if so, (2) whether his department has made any progress in terms of implementation thereof; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The National Department of Health has held meeting(s) with the Department of Public Service and Administration to table the issues pertaining to the conditions of service for the Clinical Associates as raised in the Public Protector’s report;
2. Progress through different interventions is underway within the legal framework to implement recommendations of the Public Protector’s report. Albeit challenges, as conditions of services are transversal matters that affects other categories of employment.
- The process on Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) is dealt though a procedure lead by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). DPSA has commissioned Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) to conduct a Personnel Expenditure Review (PER), that includes the review of OSDs in the public sector. The scope of the project, amongst others, includes a review and analyse in the public sector covering the following functional areas- Employment trends, personnel expenditure and impact of the current in the public sector; Collective bargaining and wage setting mechanisms/ arrangements; and Allowances, Benefits and other incentives.
- Even though issues on Rural Allowance are included in the above process, the Policy on Rural allowance is currently being reviewed at the Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council (PHSDSBC). This process is expected to will inform the continuation of Policy and address the issues mentioned in the Public Protector report.
- The department has commenced with the process of reviewing the current commuted overtime policy, which will inform the continuation of the Policy and address the issues mentioned in the Public Protector report. In the meantime, Clinical Associates continue to benefit for Overtime like any other health related professional in accordance with conditions of services as outline in collective agreement in the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 3 of 1999 read together with DPSA Determination on the Management of Payment of Overtime
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1380
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) With reference to her reply to question 618 on 22 March 2023 regarding the 191 sexual misconduct cases reported, what is the (a)(i) name of each school and (ii) in which province, (b) circuit, (c) name of each school where the four teachers were struck off the SA Council for Educators roll indefinitely, (d)(i) name of each school and (ii) in which province were the 19 educators found guilty of sexual abuse only, (e) age of the educator and/or teacher in each of the four and 19 cases and (f) age of the victim in each case; (2) whether any of the cases resulted in pregnancy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
(1)
No. |
School name |
Age of the Educator |
|
Age of the leaner |
Verdict |
Sanction |
Offence[1] |
1 |
Laerskool Pionier Primary School |
30 |
|
12 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register indefinitely |
Sexual relationship with a learner |
2 |
|
Witterdrift HS |
|
19 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Sexual assault and sexual relationship with a learner |
3 |
|
St Barnads High School |
|
15 and 16 years |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Sexual assault of learners |
4 |
|
Isikhokelo Primary School |
|
12 and 13 years |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Sexual harassment and assault of learners |
5 |
|
Nkgopoleng Secondary School |
|
Grade 10 , Pregnant and gave birth in 2015 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Sexual relationship and impregnation of a learner |
6 |
Thuto-Thebe SS |
28 |
|
20 years |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Sexual Relationship with a learner |
7 |
Christiaan De Wet Combined School |
53 |
|
16 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Sexual relationship with a learner |
8 |
Kuyakhanya PS |
33 |
|
14 and 16 years |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Sexual assault of learners |
9 |
Enkwenkwezini Primary School |
51 |
|
13 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Assault of a learner |
10 |
Welkom Prep School |
46 |
|
14 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Sexual harassment of a learner and use of improper language on learners |
11 |
Melkhoutfontein Primary School |
23 |
|
16 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Sexual assault of a learner |
12 |
Ntwampe Technical High |
54 |
|
16 to 17 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Forcing learners to strip naked as a punishment |
13 |
Madiba-A- Toloane Secondary School |
53 |
|
17-19 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Locking up learners in a strong room overnight |
14 |
Blackhill Primary School |
30 |
|
12 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Locking up a learner in a strong room overnight |
15 |
Kagisho Com |
60 |
|
16 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Severe assault of a learner |
16 |
Xolani Primary School |
36 |
|
12 to 13 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Assault of learners |
17 |
Mpatleng |
49 |
|
18 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Severe assault of a learner |
18 |
Naluxolo Primary School |
31 |
|
12 to 13 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Assault of learners |
19 |
Luthuthu Jnr Sec School |
50 |
|
12 |
Guilty |
Removal from the register Indefinitely |
Gross negligence by putting a learner in a pit latrine |
[1] It should be noted that when the organisation submitted 19 names of teachers who were removed from the roll of educators, 9 of the offences were not sexual harassment, but other offences as indicated in the tables.
Information on which provinces the schools are located in is contained in the attached annexure.
(2) ) One case resulted in pregnancy, see number 5 on the above table.
02 June 2023 - NW1746
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
What (a) South African companies are involved in the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) that seeks to build intra-African infrastructure that will assist in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and (b) projects are prioritised by the PIDA programme to advance the slow growth of the internet provisions in the African continent? [
Reply:
a) The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) is a programme of the African Union (AU) launched in 2012. It is coordinated through the AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in cooperation with regional economic communities, regional and continental technical agencies, and participating countries. The Presidency acts as the focal point in South Africa for PIDA.
According to the Virtual PIDA Information Centre, the following South African firms and entities have been involved in the development and implementation of the PIDA Priority Action Plan (PIDA PAP1 2012-2020):
No |
Project Name |
SA Firms/Entities |
Status |
01 |
Durban Port Expansion |
Transnet |
Ongoing |
02 |
Maputo Port Expansion (Maputo and Matola Drybulk Terminal) |
Grindrod and Zutari |
Ongoing |
03 |
Dar es Salaam-Isaka-Mwanza Standard Gauge Railway Project |
DBSA |
Ongoing |
04 |
Beitbridge One Stop Border Post |
Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Bank, Nedbank, ECIC and Raubex Group Ltd |
Ongoing |
* Source: PIDA Dashboard, company websites and media
b) With regards to the internet and Information and communication technologies (ICT), the PIDA Dashboard indicates a total of 114 projects that have been prioritised under PIDA PAP1. A further 11 anchor projects have also been approved for the PIDA PAP2 2021-2030, which is the second PIDA priority action plan for the period 2021-2030.
-END-
02 June 2023 - NW1466
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
In light of the fact that his department has reiterated its stance and position on the National Health Insurance being a gateway to clear the way for universal healthcare coverage in the Republic, and noting that numerous remote areas in rural township and informal settlement areas do not have adequate exposure to both public and most private healthcare facilities, how does his department intend to develop healthcare coverage and access in remote areas without a fair and cosmopolitan spread of healthcare facilities?
Reply:
National Health Insurance (NHI) describes a totally reformed health system that strives to achieve equity in provision of services. The objective it to achieve Universal Health Coverage where every person gets the health care that they need, when they need it, where they need it and without incurring any financial hardship. NHI is designed to redress some of the worst inequities that characterize the South African health system. These inequities continue to significantly affect the most vulnerable, poor sections of our society, especially those that reside in rural, far-flung areas that continue to struggle to access and utilize needed health services.
It is because many communities, both remote areas and those who live in townships and informal settlements of urban areas, have poor access to health services that we need the NHI.
As the Bill provides for the NHI Fund will be mandated to use strategic purchasing to develop healthcare coverage and access that is equitable. This includes purchasing services from private providers whose facilities are in close proximity to communities that can presently not use those services. It also means changing the way that services are paid for so that providers find it more attractive to move to areas that are presently inhospitable to them because there is no advantage over working in an established urban community.
The introduction of capitation payments and contracting units for PHC will systematically shift resources to communities where resources are presently well below average and are unacceptable. Using a single set of benefits and common formulary the system will reduce overheads and duplications and make more of the existing funds available for services rather than administration and profit-taking.
These provisions are clear in the NHI Bill which has reached the point of the vote in the National Assembly.
The National and Provincial Departments of Health continue to implement a number of interventions directed at maintaining existing infrastructure (clinics, hospitals, CHCs, etc.); refurbishments as well as the commissioning of new ones to address quality and related challenges, with a strong focus on facilities located in mainly rural and disadvantaged areas.
The National Department of Health embarked on the development of a Health Integrated Portfolio System (HIPS) or previously known as the Ten-Year Infrastructure Plan. The system utilised Geographic Information System (GIS), topographical data, locations of current and future planned facilities, demographics and the road networks, to determine accessibility gaps. Projects identified via the gaps will be prioritised and executed as per the normal health infrastructure planning and delivery cycles. This will provide an objective tool to prioritise investments in Health Infrastructure. The first draft of the tool is already expected within the 2023/2024 financial year and will be utilised to guide allocation of funds hence forth. Further to the above the Department is focusing on addressing maintenance, refurbishment, upgrades, and/or replacements as well as new infrastructure in remote rural areas and informal settlements in preparation for the implementation of NHI.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1728
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
What (a) amount is tourism expected to gain from the BRICS Road Show that took place in Mpumalanga on 4 April 2023 and (b) steps does the Government intend to take to ensure that other regions in the Republic also attract tourists during the specified period?
Reply:
(a) What amount is tourism expected to gain from the BRICS Road Show that took place in Mpumalanga on 4 April 2023.
The BRICS Roadshows are arranged by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. That Department is best placed to reply to this question.
(b) What steps does the Government intend to take to ensure that other regions in the Republic also attract tourists during the specified period.
The BRICS Roadshows are arranged by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. That Department is best placed to reply to this question.
02 June 2023 - NW1464
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Noting the reports of the Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases (CCOD) in Mines and Works on the insubordination of mines regarding the payment of levies, what (a) are the names of the mines that have been inconsistent over the past three years and/or not paid levies to the CCOD, either indefinitely or on time, and (b) steps has his department taken to assist the CCOD in ensuring that levies by mines are paid out to the entity duly and on time?
Reply:
a) The names of the mines that have been inconsistent over the past three years and/or not paid levies to the CCOD, either indefinitely or on time are:
- Wearne Aggregate Quarries
- Rhino Minerals
- Manhattan Corporation Pty Ltd - Gravellotte Mine
b) Inspections are undertaken by the finance inspectors of the CCOD to assess the mines and works on accuracy of risk shifts and levy payments; the Deputy Director (Revenue) has written to the above mines and works requesting payment of the levies. Meetings are being set up with the Compensation Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer of the above mines and works. As a last resort, the legal section of the department will be consulted to assist through the state attorney’s office to begin legal proceedings against the defaulting mines and works.
END.
02 June 2023 - NW1743
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Considering how the energy crisis constitutes an infringement of the constitutional rights of ordinary South Africans, what are the reasons that he is challenging a decision by the High Court to exempt schools, hospitals and police stations from load shedding? NW1991E
Reply:
The Government is appealing the rationale of the decision of the High Court to exempt schools, hospitals and police stations from load shedding as the implementation of this decision is impractical. Load shedding is a measure that is implemented to protect the Grid from collapsing and the schools, hospitals and police stations do not have an isolated connection to the Grid and are rather part of the integrated Grid system which makes it difficult to only switch on those institutions during load shedding.
In addition, it is worth noting that where possible Eskom is able to exclude some of those institutions from load shedding. To date, Eskom’s number of supply points identified are 196 police stations, 22371 public schools and 2960 public health establishments. Also, most of the hospitals and SAPS offices do have generators to enable them to circumvent load shedding.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
02 June 2023 - NW1663
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(a) What total amount did the National Lotteries Commission pay for printed copies of its integrated annual reports for (i) 2020, (ii) 2021 and (iii) 2022, (b) who were the suppliers, (c) what total amount were they paid, (d) what total number of copies of the relevant report was printed in each specified year, (e) how were the reports distributed and (f) to whom? [
Reply:
The National Lotteries Commission has furnished me with the following response to the question
The NLC paid the following amounts for copies of its annual reports:
2020: R1, 987, 926
2021: R2, 695,956
2022: R2, 600, 897
The supplier in all three years was INCE (PTY) LTD.
The number of copies printed were as follows:
2020: 205 copies printed;
2021: 200 copies printed;
2022: 70 copies printed.
I am advised that an official with relevant information on the distribution of the copies of the Annual Report is currently on suspension and therefore not all the requested information is available. I have further requested the NLC to provide an updated report on the distribution of annual reports as soon as the information is available.
The SIU has made substantial progress with probing allocation of grant monies under the pro-active scheme. I have requested that the NLC also investigates all its procurement contracts and have proposed that the terms of the SIU be widened to cover procurement and payments to consultancies. Given the amounts of money involved in the printing of the annual report, this expenditure should also be covered by the internal and external investigation.
-END-
01 June 2023 - NW1950
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
In view of the finding by Statistics South Africa that 90 037 girls aged 10 to 19 years gave birth in the period March 2021 to April 2022 across all provinces, and considering the high rate of teenage pregnancy in the Republic, what are the full relevant details of plans that her department has in place to curb the teenage pregnancy crisis in schools?
Reply:
Following the launch and the dissemination of the DBE Policy on the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy in Schools, currently the Department is developing a Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy Implementation Guide for schools, in an effort to support the school leadership. Furthermore, the department continues to strengthen the implementation of programs that contributes to the prevention of learner pregnancy, i.e., Integrated School Health Program, Comprehensive Sexuality Education from Grade 4 – 12 and peer education programs that support uptake of sexual and reproductive health services.