Questions and Replies

Reply:

1. Hosting clients is a standard practice in any commercial environment. The SABC has not had a sales conference in years. The total cost was R1 448 085. The original booking was made on 22-24 August 2022, but the event was postponed to February 2023 to ensure that the right attendees attend.

2. Conferencing: R628 975
Accommodation: R589 811
Transport: R43 554
Merchandise: R150 000

3. This was not a trade exchange transaction.

4. This was a combined Marketing and Sales event to optimise costs and maximise benefits. The clients that attended the conference already spend more than R2,5bn annually across SABC platforms. The event showcased the SABC’s capabilities and transformational efforts with the objective to protect the current revenue as well as to increase the revenue spend. Clients responded very favourably and were very excited about the SABC’s plans, which enabled them to plan better.

 

Thank You.

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom

Eskom is of the view that the approach related to Econ Oil and ABB was carried out fairly, within the prescripts of the law and to protect Eskom’s financial and reputational interests as is required by the Public Finance Management Amendment Act (PFMA). Eskom is of the view that there was no mistake in the of supplier discipline process and the correlating sanction imposed on Econ Oil and its director.

Ms Madokwe focuses on just two companies, being Econ Oil and ABB. Eskom is currently working through a backlog of ~230 supplier disciplinary matters and has, within the past two months, initiated ~50 supplier disciplinary actions. All may not translate into a deregistration from Eskom’s supplier database, however various sanctions including deregistration, may be levied once the disciplinary process for each supplier is finalised.

As relates to the action taken against Econ Oil, Eskom is dealing with a highly litigious company which is exercising its legal rights through “forum shopping” by initiating action in multiple judicial fora tying up Eskom in spurious litigation. Eskom acknowledges that Econ Oil has the constitutional right to seek just and equitable legal remedy and is accordingly dealing with these matters (despite the time and cost) as they arise.

The ABB matter is distinguishable from Econ Oil in a number of respects. ABB was awarded the contract for the supply and installation of the Control and Instrumentation Systems at Kusile Power Station (the Project).

ABB made a voluntary disclosure in respect of conduct relating to the Project and is cooperating in all relevant criminal investigations related thereto, which has been facilitative of criminal charges being brought against implicated Eskom officials, including Mr Matshela Koko, Eskom’s former Chief Executive Officer. In addition, in December 2020, ABB repaid approximately R1.56 billion to Eskom. In December 2022, ABB agreed to repay an additional R2.5 billion to the NPA. The ABB matter is also distinguishable as ABB was midway through performing an existing Scope of Work as related to the Project, which Eskom requires ABB to compete.

Nevertheless, ABB is flagged on the Eskom supplier database and is unable to bid for future contracts. As such, ABB is effectively in the same position as Econ Oil and cannot be awarded future contracts. Once all relevant processes have been completed in respect of ABB, ABB will be taken through Eskom’s supplier disciplinary process and the consequent time period of its removal from the Eskom Supplier Database will be determined.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane PJ. Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

I was advised by SAPO as follows:

(a) The Post Office branch was loss making and was identified as part of the postal network optimisation programme and amalgamated with the Benoni Post Office.

(b) There were three employees – 2x Tellers opted for a voluntary severance package at end of March 2023 and 1x was transferred to the Dunswart Post Office.

(c) The branch has been permanently closed.

(d) The box holders will be reallocated post boxes at the Benoni Post Office. There is also a street delivery in the area.

Thank You.

Reply:

As indicated in the oral reply question 55 given on 01 March 2023, the number of sexual offences backlog cases have declined since 31 December 2021 and thus the number of sexual offences backlog cases as at 31 December 2022 is significantly lower than the year before.

With regards to the number of sexual offences backlog cases as at 31 December 2021 (a) 2844 charges were withdrawn,

(b) of the 2797 cases finalized with a verdict, 1844 cases were finalized with a guilty verdict.

We remain concerned about the high rates of charges withdrawal and attrition in cases sexual offences. However, it must be noted that the December 2021 period fell within the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic when the restrictions of COVID-19 regulations were still operational. This inevitably led to a decline in the number of witnesses and accused persons who came to court and this unfortunately contributed to a higher figure of withdrawn charges. However, it should be noted that some cases are subsequently reinstated on the court roll as soon as the challenges that led to the withdrawal of the charges had been resolved.

END

Reply:

1. The formal extradition request, together with the Arabic translation thereof, was delivered by South Africa to the authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 25 July 2022.

2. No additional documentation was requested by the UAE authorities relating to the extradition request as at 1 February 2023. All documentation was submitted in the initial extradition request.

Reply:

a) The role of the Shareholder representative is to ensure that the Board of a State-Owned Company (SOC) is held accountable and the Board in turn holds the Executive accountable. In the case of Eskom, the shareholder was concerned about the devastating impact of loadshedding on the households, businesses and the South African economy. On 30 September 2022, a new Eskom Board was reconstituted with a task to reposition Eskom to play a key role in the energy sector. Furthermore, the new Board had to deal with immediate loadshedding issues, procurement, elimination of corruption and ensuring that there is reliability of energy supply in the medium to long term.

It is for that reason that the Board had to evaluate the tenure of the former Eskom Executive management including Mr Andre De Ruyter to account for his tenure as the Eskom Group CEO. Unfortunately, in the course of the process, Mr De Ruyter choose to resign before the Board evaluation process.

b0 That was not for the shareholder to determine as explained in the above response, that was for the Board to determine unfortunately, Mr De Ruyter chose to resign before that evaluation process by the Board could commence.

Nonetheless, there were many engagements with the Board, Management and CEO on the declining performance of generation and my concerns about the lack of improvement in output of generation plant.

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Melanchton Makobe PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

(1)

(a) 40% salary cut all employees                                   R1 078 405 519 (annually)

(b) 6 000 employees                                                     R1 139 217 297 (annually)

(2) SASSA only started to charge penalties from the 2020/2021 FY. Penalties to the value of R75 624 598 have been imposed on the SA Post Office from 2020/21 FY to 2020/23 FY.

Find here: SASSA PENALTIES

 

Reply:

1. Nieu-Bethesda is a Retail Postal Agency (RPA) and the owner is Grace Nel.

(a) No Post Office staff are allocated to RPA
(b) No Part Time staff at RPA

2. The last payment loaded was for end of February 2023, an amount of R1500.

3. The Nieu-Bethesda RPA’s contract is still valid.

Thank You.

Reply:

I wish to inform the Honourable Member as follows:

a) The Backlog Reduction Framework has been finalised and approved on 7 April 2022.

b) The Framework has been partially implemented.

(i) The initial Phase was implemented with the establishment of the Departmental Backlogs Reduction Committee. At this stage, as part of the second phase of implementation and in order to establish a Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Stakeholders’ Forum, the Department has developed a National Integrated Criminal Court Optimization (NICCO) Framework and Governance Structure that seeks to address challenges to the efficient running of our courts in an integrated criminal justice system manner with the participation of all relevant stakeholder JCPS departments and entities. We are currently seeking the approval of the JCPS Directors-General Cluster to implement this Framework and Governance Structure which seeks to report to the JCPS Directors-General Cluster to ensure the responsibility and accountability of all stakeholder departments and entities to optimize the efficiency of our criminal courts.

In the meantime, the Provincial Heads of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) are meeting with the JCPS role-players at the provincial level, and attending meetings of the Judges President of the Provincial Efficiency Enhancement Committees (PEEC) to discuss and unblock any blockages encountered in court performance at provincial level. Meetings of the Regional Efficiency Enhancement Committees (REEC) chaired by the Regional Court Presidents of the Provinces, as well as District Efficiency Enhancement Committees (DEEC) chaired by the Chief Magistrates or Judicial Heads of Offices are further attended, where the matters concerned are addressed at the Court levels.

(ii) It should also be noted that the percentage of the sexual offences in the criminal court, which are currently on the backlog roll as at the end of February 2023, is at 36, 9%.

Furthermore, the DoJ&CD is committed to collaborate with all the relevant stakeholders in the JCPS Cluster as well as the Judiciary to reduce the relevant backlogs, and thus improving citizens access to speedy and efficient justice.

Reply:

(1) In case of loadshedding or any other offline situation the SA Post Office has procedures in place that all manual transactions must be captured within 24 hours on an online platform. It will not interrupt normal operations.

(2) It is procedural for branch managers to conduct end of day balancing. Daily reports are generated from Finance and IT of any branch that did not capture an end of day and forward to regional operations for correction. Quality and oversight audits are conducted to ensure procedures and processes and adhered to. Receipt book are used to verify capturing.

Thank You.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

a) The old Digitech website did not meet DCDT specifications.

b) The site has been redesigned and is now live on www.digitech.gov.za

c) The security of the new Digitech site has been enhanced and new design has been implemented.

d) R 743 644.95

e) The redesign was concluded on 30 March 2023 and the site has now live.

Thank You.

Reply:

(1), (2), (3)

Find here: National 5G coverage

Reply:

The Department and its Entities presented to Minister, Programmes of Action (PoA) being undertaken and executed in collaboration with the sector. The Minister was satisfied with the PoA and called for the acceleration, so that digital transformation enables efficiency in service delivery; and that digital communication services are affordable and accessible.

In this regard, the Minister has negotiated his PA with the President which include the PoA.

There was no disruptions or instability as the Department and its entities continues to implement his PoA which support the MTSF.

 

Thank You.

Reply:

(a)&(b) Postbank has a pre-schedule annual marketing programme that include on the ground engagements with customers and prospective customers for the purposes of creating its brand visibility as well as products awareness. This is in addition to offering financial literacy programmes to the unbanked and under-banked in line with its founding mandate.

The marketing programme is annually pre-scheduled during the beginning of each financial year to access all provinces of the Republic of South Africa. In each province Postbank systematically identifies historically disadvantaged areas utilising publicly available market data which demonstrates the areas where the financially unserved and under-served are predominantly located. In addition, the periods of the activations are timed around significant national calendar events including public holidays and weekends to maximise their reach.

The Western Cape Province’s activations was timed in Postbank’s marketing programme calendar to coincide with the State of the Nation Address. Prior to this, it had anticipated announcements relating to the progress in relation to the Postbank corporatisation journey and developments in relation to the Postbank Amendment Bill. Similar activations in accordance with its annual calendar were also activated in other provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State, and the Eastern Cape. Langa Township, Gugulethu Township, Struisbaai, Grabouw (Taxi Rank), Hermanus (next to the local clinic) and Strand (Broadway square) were areas already scheduled for activation during in the period in question in Western Cape province.

 

Thank You.

Reply:

Yes, the rationalisation project has been undertaken by the Department, with the initial phase involving the acquisition of Broadband Infraco (BBI) by Sentech. This will entail the transfer of the 74% shareholding in BBI by the State to Sentech, whilst the 26% will remain with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Sentech has since concluded and submitted a due diligence report and turnaround plan to the Department, which together with the Sale Share Agreement are still under consideration by the Department.

The Department is also working on the repurposing of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) so that it can timely and adequately respond to its clients whilst leading the digitalisation of Government and other related deliverables. In this regard the Department will employ the expertise of an external service provider to conduct a deep study of the SITA business model, with the aim to improve Government services to Departments and the citizens. This aim is to conclude this work by end of FY2023/24.

The Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) is also in the process of being dissolved due to duplication of roles. On 30 November 2022 the Cabinet approved the:-

a) commencement of the process to disestablish the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA);
b) transfer of the USAASA functions to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and relevant entities under the portfolio
c) transfer of the management of the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF), temporarily to the Department while formalizing the corporatization of the South African Postbank SOC Limited.

 

Thank You.

Reply:

The total number of standby generators at SA Post Office sites is 32 across all provinces. Post Office branches within shopping centres make use of the centre’s generators during loadshedding. Other standalone sites are not equipped with emergency generators.

Post Office branches are able to continue providing services in an offline situation during loadshedding. They are able to process transactions on a manual basis and capture these as soon as power is restored and the branch goes online again. Mail delivery and acceptance can also continue during loadshedding.

Thank You.

Reply:

The question relates to the performance of judicial functions, which falls under the purview of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice. It is advised that information relating to the performance of judicial functions, be directed to the Chief Justice.

Reply:

a)  The total cost of the partially achieved Vaal River Intervention Programme since its inception is as follows:

Vaal River Intervention Programme expenditure
Vaal River Intervention Programme expenditure classification	2019/20	2020/21	2021/22	2022/23	Costs to date
Goods and services (OPEX)	224,701,156	168,332,863	200,721,371	159,649,698	753,405,090
Payments for capital assets (CAPEX	-	-	23,375,713	103,404,225	126,779,939
Total Vaal River Intervention Programme	224,701,156	168,332,863	224,097,085	263,053,924	880,185,029

b) The projected cost for the entire intervention has been estimated at a value of R7.6 billion.

Reply:

The Victor Khanye Local Municipality is supported by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) to implement Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WCWDM) projects to reduce non-revenue water.

The DWS approved funding of R68 million over a period of three financial years (2022/2023 -2024/2025) to be allocated to the municipality for the WCWDM projects. The intended outcomes are:

• To reduce water losses in Botleng Ext. 3 to 7
• Ensure that water is supplied to Botleng Ext. 3 to 7 through the reconfiguration of existing pipelines and installation of new pipelines to address the intermittent water supply
• Ensure installation of water meter in every household
• Management of different water pressure in the water supply systems in Botleng Ext. 3 to 7
• Raise awareness on water conservation.

 

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Reply:

a)  The Department through the Bucket Eradication Programme implemented 5 projects in David Kruiper Local Municipality from 2013 to 2017. These include

Area	No. of toilets eradicated
Pabalelo	596
Kalksloot	120
Rosedale	1771
Louisvale	600
Dakota Weg	306
Total	3393

b) Several areas or settlements are being formalised which still use the bucket toilet system and are considered “new” buckets. These cases occurred after the implementation of interventions aimed at reaching the target set in 2015, hence they have not yet been addressed.

c) The Department has noted the moving target however, an implementation plan will be developed to attend to the remaining bucket toilets including the required bulk services necessary for planning and budgeting purposes.

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Reply:

Gauteng has been experiencing water shortages in recent weeks. Water supply interruptions have largely been a function of unstable electricity supply as well as incidents of vandalism. Rand Water has always maintained that their infrastructure capacity is sufficient to meet the current real demand. Nevertheless, Rand Water has ringfenced R42 billion to rehabilitate and augment their infrastructure. Rand Water has sufficient funding headroom to fund this programme and does not require additional government funding yet.

The improvement of supply is being ensured through engagements with Eskom and other electricity suppliers. To this extent, Rand Water is also implementing their own strategies towards an energy mix approach which includes hydropower generation, photovoltaic and installation of generators to mitigate the risk of energy supply. These initiatives are all underway and being implemented.

 

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Reply:

The Mbashe Local Municipality is supported by the Department of Water and Sanitation through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) and is implementing two water augmentation projects over a three-year period to address water supply challenges in the municipality. The table below provides details of the projects:

Project Name	Number of people to benefit	Budget	Implementation year
Equipping of boreholes in Mnquma and Mbhashe	1 886	R37 599 984	2023 - 2026
Drilling and testing of boreholes in Mbhashe, Mnquma and Great Kei	9 830	R21 881 418	2023 - 2026

The Xhora and Sundwana Bulk Water Schemes (BWS) currently being implemented by the Amathole District Municipality funded by DWS through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG). The Sundwana Bulk Water Scheme is at an advanced stage of planning which is expected to be concluded in 2023/2024; whilst commencement of construction is planned for 2024/2025. Construction on the Xhora BWS which includes a dam, Wastewater Treatment Works, reservoirs, and bulk pipelines has been completed. Construction for additional pipelines and reservoirs is at 61% and planned for completion in September 2023. The summarised details for both projects are indicated in the table below.

Project Name	Number of people to benefit	Budget	Implementation year	Status
Xhora BWS	67 000	R494, 082, 388.00	2009 - 2020	Contracts 1-7 all 100% completed
			2020 - 2023	Contract 8 is at 61% anticipated to complete in September 2023 with pipelines and reservoirs.
Sundwana WSS	126 782	R682 873 392	2024/25	Advanced stage of planning

Areas affected by outages due to the electricity crisis are provided with water through water tankering. There are ongoing discussions between the municipality and Eskom for the exemption of water infrastructure from loadshedding.

 

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Reply:

(1) Details of grant funding paid to the Uthukela District Municipality in KwaZulu Natal from 1 July 2016 to 31 January 2023 provided in table below:

Financial year	(a) total amount of each payment	(b) date of each payment
2016/17	RBIG: R 64 000 000 WSIG: R 81 807 000 Total = R145 807 000	Paid in tranches as per payment schedule for schedule 5B allocations approved by National Treasury: RBIG dates: 29/08/2016 (R40 000 000) 21/10/2016 (R24 000 000) WSIG dates: 15/07/2016 (R24 542 000) 14/10/2016 (R40 904 000) 20/01/2017 (R16 361 000)
2017/18	RBIG: R 75 052 000 WSIG: R 82 500 000 Total: R157 552 000	Paid in tranches as per payment schedule for schedule 5B allocations approved by National Treasury: RBIG dates: 21/07/2017 (R30 000 000) 25/01/2018 (R45 052 000)   WSIG dates: 28/07/2017 (R41 250 000) 27/10/2017 (R24 750 000) 09/03/2018 (R16 500 000)
2018/19	RBIG: R 45 000 000 WSIG: R108 493 000 Total: R153 493 000	Paid in tranches as per payment schedule for schedule 5B allocations approved by National Treasury: RBIG dates: 29/01/2019 (R40 000 000) 25/03/2019 (R5 000 000)   WSIG dates: 20/07/2018 (R20 000 000) 19/10/2018 (R25 000 000) 26/03/2019 (R63 493 000)
2019/20	RBIG: R 10 000 000 WSIG: R108 000 000 Total: R118 000 000	Paid in tranches as per payment schedule for schedule 5B allocations approved by National Treasury: RBIG dates: 07/11/2019 (R5 000 000) 27/03/2020 (R5 000 000)   WSIG dates: 16/08/2019 (R30 000 000) 22/11/2019 (R40 000 000) 28/02/2020 (R38 000 000)
2020/21	RBIG: R 39 399 000 WSIG: R 90 000 000 Total: R129 399 000	Paid in tranches as per payment schedule for schedule 5B allocations approved by National Treasury: RBIG dates: 31/03/2021 (R39 399 000)   WSIG dates: 31/07/2020 (R36 000 000) 27/10/2020 (R30 000 000) 09/02/2021 (R24 000 000)
2021/22	RBIG: R 0 WSIG: R80 000 000 Total: R80 000 000	Paid in tranches as per payment schedule for schedule 5B allocations approved by National Treasury: RBIG dates: n/a   WSIG dates: 29/07/2021 (R25 000 000) 20/10/2021 (R30 000 000) 07/03/2022 (R25 000 000)
2022/23	RBIG: R 0 WSIG: R60 800 000 Total: R60 800 000	Paid in tranches as per payment schedule for schedule 5B allocations approved by National Treasury: RBIG dates: n/a   WSIG dates: 02/09/2022 (R20 800 000) 27/10/2022 (R40 000 000)
Total	R845 051 000

(c) Conditions attached to each payment:

• RBIG condition: Funds are to be used for implementation of the Driefontein Bulk Water Project
• WSIG condition: Funds are to be used to implement projects approved by the Department of Water and Sanitation

(2) Yes, funds were expended in terms of the conditions imposed and for the purposes prescribed in terms of the grant frameworks gazetted every year. The details of the conditions are mentioned in 1(c) above. With regards to the purpose, the details are as follows:

RBIG:

• To develop large regional bulk infrastructure serving numerous communities over a large area within a municipality.

WSIG:

• Facilitate the planning and implementation of various water and sanitation projects to accelerate backlog reduction and enhance the sustainability of services;
• Provide basic and intermittent water and sanitation supply that ensures provision of services to identified and prioritised communities, including spring protection and groundwater development;
• To implement water conservation and water demand management projects.

(3) No funds were paid to the municipality for the payment of outstanding debt with Umgeni Water. The RBIG funds were used for implementation of the Driefontein Bulk Water Project. The WSIG funds were used for implementation of projects approved by the Department of Water and Sanitation. The projects that were implemented with the WSIG funds are as follows:

1. Ezakheni/ Ladysmith Water Conservation and Demand Management (Lombardskop)
2. Mimosadale Water Project
3. Indaka & Okhahlamba Boreholes
4. Wembezi Water Conservation and Demand Management
5. Imbabazane ward 7 sanitation
6. Kwanobamba/Ezitendeni Water Supply Project (phase 1F)
7. Wembezi Water Conservation and Demand Management
8. Ezakheni/ Ladysmith Water Conservation and Demand Management
9. Reticulation to Ennersdale , Epangweni and Bhekuzulu
10. Estcourt Industrial Pipeline Upgrade
11. Moyeni/Zwelisha Water Treatment Works Upgrade and Bulk Rising Main
12. Spring Protection District Wide
13. Ladysmith Network Pipeline Replacement
14. Loskop (Mqedandaba) Water Reticulation Phase 1

(4) None of the RBIG and WSIG funds were paid to Umgeni Water by the municipality.

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Reply:

a) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) has requested the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to increase the day-to-day maintenance threshold from R100 000.00 to R1 000 000.00 per incident.

DPWI has granted approval to the request and DoJ&CD has revised the delegations accordingly effective from 01 October 2022. This increase has since been communicated to all Provincial Offices of DoJ&CD for immediate implementation. The devolution does, however, have limitations with regards to the disciplines and specialised work that will remain within the custodianship of DPWI as per the current approved day-to-day Maintenance guidelines.

DPWI as custodians have reviewed the current day-to-day Maintenance guidelines to ensure process improvements, in relation to execution of the maintenance and operations services function to ensure alignment in respect to asset care obligations between the DoJ&CD and DPWI. A workshop on Day-to-day Maintenance and Devolution of R1 million to DoJ&CD was conducted by DPWI to DoJ&CD on 23 March 2023. Discussions and engagements were undertaken on contents and implementation of the reviewed guidelines and DoJ&CD requested more time to review and peruse the guidelines with all provinces. The current 2019 Guidelines remain in effect until such a time that they are rescinded.

There have been 70 completed projects implemented through the newly approved delegation threshold of R1 million per incident. These refurbishments will improve the conditions of the courts and ensure that the infrastructure is maintained and fit for the intended purpose.

Reply:

There has been sporadic water supply especially in the high lying areas such as the Rampodi and Thabeng sections in the Motlhabe Village due to increased demand, unauthorised household connections in the area and ongoing loadshedding.

In the short-term, the Moses Kotane Local Municipality (LM) has made funds available for drilling and equipping of additional boreholes to augment the current water supply. It is envisaged that this work will be completed by end of June 2023. The municipality is providing water through water tankers in the affected areas, whilst exploring medium to long term interventions.

In addition, the municipality has resolved that all unauthorised household connections should be formalised and metered to ensure sustainability of water supply as most of these connections are on the main pipeline supplying the village.

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Reply:

1.The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is mandated and limited to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)’s recommendations approved by the fourth Parliament and pay the recommended reparations to people that have been declared as victims by the TRC. Therefore, the Department cannot, not under this mandate, come up with initiatives to consider victims of apartheid excluded from the TRC process and reparations.

Below are the TRC’s recommendations, approved by the fourth Parliament, that the Department must implement:

1. Once off Individual grant of R30 000.00;
2. Symbols and monuments;
3. Medical benefits and other forms of social assistance; and
4. Community Rehabilitation.

2. The Department met with Khulumani Galela campaign in 2022 and undertook to receive a list of the Khulumani members on protest at the Constitutional Court for purposes of verifying the campaign members that are TRC identified victims and to enable the members’ access to Parliament’s approved TRC reparations. The Department provided the information to Khulumani as requested. The Department also indicated its obligation to implement the decisions of Parliament to pay the recommended reparations to people that have been declared as victims by the TRC.

3. The President’s Fund does not have any investors but has donors with the last donation received in 2012. In terms of concerns expressed, the President’s Fund is not aware of any correspondence in this regard.

Reply:

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) continues to embrace the advantages that technology present and leverages on it. The modernisation of court processes remain key priority areas for the OCJ to improve access to justice for all in accordance with section 34 of the Constitution.

The Court Online system has been rolled out to the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria and Johannesburg. The CaseLines evidence management platform, is an integral part of the total Court Online Solution, and is being utilised in the Gauteng Division of the High Court. The implementation of the total Court Online solution is subject to the litigation process which is underway in the courts.

END

Reply:

(1)(a)(i)(ii). The costs incurred by the Department relates to the sitting of the South African Geographical Names Council including public awareness workshops, honoraria, travel, and accommodation is R12 732 430,32.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture does not have information related to costs incurred by (b) each local municipality and (c) the Eastern Cape province fiscus relating to public consultations and committee sittings.

(2). The details of the 103 names given in the previous answer include existing name registrations that have been done in the Eastern Cape. The name changes are 23 and are listed in the tables below and include (a) old name and (b) new name.

(c) However, the Department does not determine the rand value cost related to name changes but pays for Council sittings, public awareness workshops and honoraria for members as indicated above.

No	New_Name	Feature Description	Date	Province	Previous Name
	Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport	Airport	2021-02-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Port Elizabeth Airport
	Gqeberha	City	2021-02-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Port Elizabeth
	Kariega	City	2021-02-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Uitenhage
	King Phalo Airport	Airport	2021-02-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	East London Airport
	Makhanda	Town	2018-06-29 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Grahamstown
	Makhazi	Village	2019-03-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Makazi
	Marhubeni	Village	2020-03-23 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Marubeni
	Khwenxurha	Village	2022-08-26 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Mooiplaas
	Gxarha	Town	2022-08-26 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Morgan’s Bay
	Enxuba	Town	2022-08-26 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Cradock
	Qumrha River	River	2022-08-26 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Komga River
	Tlokoeng	Town	2021-03-16 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Mount Fletcher
	Mahlubini	Village	2021-03-16 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	St Augustine
	Makhalitseng	Human Settlement	2021-12-10 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Kinirha Poort
	Ngqayi	Village	2021-02-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Katkop
	Nqanqarhu	Town	2021-02-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	MaClear Town
	Ntabozuko	Town	2021-02-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Berlin
	Qonce	Town	2021-02-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	King William’s Town
	Pirie Mission	Village	2021-02-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Pierie Mission
	Khohlombeni	Settlement/Village	2021-02-22 0:00:00	Eastern Cape	Mfabantu
	KwaMaqoma	Town	2023-03-13 17:00:04	Eastern Cape	Fort Beaufort
	Ben Mbizweni		2023-03-13 17:03:27	Eastern Cape	Brooksnek
	KwaNojoli	Town	2023-03-13 17:05:36	Eastern Cape	Somerset East

(PQ 1397 21 April 2023)

Reply:

1. As per the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the scene was handed over to South African Police Services (SAPS) for investigation in relation to the fire that had occurred in the affected cell. It was based on the SAPS investigation by means of an autopsy that it was determined that the body found in the cell did not match that of offender Bester. The investigation also revealed that the individual suffered blunt force trauma and did not exhibit smoke inhalation. The matter is currently under investigation by the SAPS, therefore all further details in relation to the investigation should be directed to the SAPS.

(2)(a) The initial incident of fire which was purported to be a suicide was reported to SAPS on 03 May 2022.

(2)(b) The inquest case in relation to the purported suicide was recorded as CAS25/05/2022 by the SAPS.

(3) The case is currently under investigation by the SAPS of which this is the only institution which is able to provide progress in this regard.

(4) Facts about the escape were provided to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services on 13 April 2023, as conclusive information became available. No information was provided to the subcommittee as it forms part of the Portfolio Committee. Media briefings were held by the DCS on the following dates: 30 March 2023 and 13 April 2023, to ensure that the public is informed on the matter.

The facts relating to allegations of murder fall outside the scope of DCS and as such should be directed to SAPS.

END

Reply:

a) The department as part of its mandate to ensure all persons in South Africa are here on lawful basis regularly conducts business inspections and operations to ensure that businesses are not employing undocumented foreign nationals.

b) The department in conducting this operation, wanted to ensure that all employees were correctly documented and legally in South Africa. At this operation 5 restaurants were inspected and 15 undocumented persons were arrested including the employers who paid fines for employing undocumented persons.

END

Reply:

(1)(a) As soon as the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) discovered that the offender had indeed escaped from lawful custody the matter was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation.

(1)(b) A case of escape was opened with the SAPS on the 12 January 2023. In addition a track and tracing team was established to re-enforce the tracing and re-arrest of the offender. None of the victims were informed of the escape in line with the General Procedure in relation to informing victims about offender/perpetrators who died, escaped from custody.

(1)(c) Not applicable.

(2) The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was not informed directly by DCS. However, a criminal case was reported to the SAPS for further investigation and possible prosecution by the NPA.

END

Reply:

(1)(a) There are no special concessions in place to speed up applications of work visa renewals for the staff of embassies and consulates.

(1)(b) All special concessions by the Minister or Director-General are shared with staff, both local and abroad. The interpretation and the application of the contents of these concessions are shared with all staff to ensure uniformity.

(2) The work visa application of the staff member at the Indonesian Embassy was received by the Department on the 19th of September 2022. It was adjudicated and the rejection outcome dispatched on the 24th of October 2022. As per the checklist attached to the application at the time of submission, the applicant was informed that his application was incomplete. He insisted to submit without the required documents.

(3) The Immigration Act prescribes the manner in which the Minister can intervene in the processing of visa applications. Section 8(6) stipulates that an applicant aggrieved by a decision of the Director-General contemplated in subsection (5) may, within 10 working days of receipt of that decision, make an application in the prescribed manner to the Minister for the review or appeal of that decision. The applicant has not submitted an Appeal to the Minister regarding the rejection.

END

Reply:

1. Yes. Registration for newly developed vaccines may be granted within a shorter time frame in emergency situations. Following the support of the need to make the vaccine available by the Director of Animal Health and consultations with potential manufacturers of the vaccine if available in the country, there will be speeding up of the evaluations for urgent consideration by the Registrar of Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Seeds and Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947), and these will be considered if such products meet the requirement in terms of safety, efficacy, and quality.

2. Yes. In exceptional circumstances, where there is no other product for the intended use, the Department may fast track the review of registration applications in terms of the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No 36 of 1947). The registration of new vaccine product applications by the private sector in terms of the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. Act 36 of 1947) is receiving attention and registration may be granted within a shorter time frame.

Reply:

1. I presume the Honourable Member is referring to a criminal investigation by the South African Police Services (SAPS). Like all such criminal investigations, the National Treasury is generally not informed of such investigations, unless any specific request is required from the National Treasury by SAPS. In terms of section 106 of the Municipal System Act, the MEC for Local Government (Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs) may conduct investigations if there are allegations of maladministration, fraud and corruption and other serious malpractices. The MEC would generally inform the National Treasury of the outcome of the investigation.

Also in terms of Section 5(2)(d) of the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA) “National Treasury may investigate any system of financial management and internal control in any municipality or municipal entity and recommend improvements”

2. National Treasury was not informed of the millions of Rand that was allocated by Dr A B Xuma Local Municipality to build Ngcobo Stadium.

a) The Transferring Officer i.e., the national department administering the conditional grant is responsible for the allocation and monitoring of funds to municipalities, as well as the approval of projects to be implemented and the budgets for the projects. The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) administers the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and National Treasury receives monthly financial reports, and quarterly financial and non-financial reports on the overall programme performance, and not on specific projects.

b) The specific details pertaining to the said project would be at the disposal of DCoG, i.e. the budgeted amount for the project, the progress on the project, and whether the project has been completed or not and also the reasons.

3. National Treasury was not informed that the stadium was incomplete when the municipality asked for a top up for the Nogqala bridge in Ward 19.

a)The National Treasury is not ordinarily informed of what projects have been approved for implementation and specific project budget for a particular year. The department administering the conditional grant is responsible for the administration of the programme and the said department must hold recipient municipalities of the grant accountable on the funding, approved projects and also ensure compliance with the conditions of the funding as outlined in the conditional grant framework.

4.Unless this is a conditional grant with such conditions, the DCoG is responsible to ensure compliance with the MIG framework in the Division of Revenue Act by holding municipalities accountable on allocated funding and approved projects to ensure projects are implemented and completed at the approved amounts, in compliance with the set conditions. Where funds are unspent at the end of the year and are not eligible for rollover and or funds are not spent in line with the intended purpose, the DCoG will not recognise such expenditure and, National Treasury will be duly informed and the said funds will be recouped from future transfers due to the municipality. Where maladministration, fraud and corruption and other serious malpractice is suspected, the onus is on the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to initiate an investigation in terms of section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act.

Reply:

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) continues to embrace the advantages that technology present and leverages on it. The modernisation of court processes remain key priority areas for the OCJ to improve access to justice for all in accordance with section 34 of the Constitution.

The Court Online system has been rolled out to the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria and Johannesburg. The CaseLines evidence management platform, is an integral part of the total Court Online Solution, and is being utilised in the Gauteng Division of the High Court. The implementation of the total Court Online solution is subject to the litigation process which is underway in the courts.

END

Reply:

Yes, the IMF has projected growth of 0.1 per cent for 2023 in its latest World Economic Outlook, published last month during its Spring Meetings, which is lower than the National Treasury’s projected GDP growth of 0.9 per cent in 2023 published in the 2023 Budget Review. There are other more recent projections on growth in 2023, and market consensus is currently for growth of 0.6 per cent in 2023. While growth projections are low and risks are high, the likelihood of a recession will largely depend on the impact of load shedding along with high inflation, rising borrowing costs and weak external demand. The National Treasury will announce a further update on its projections in the MTBPS later this year in October 2023.

The 2023 Budget projection itself was a downward adjustment from projected growth of 1.4 per cent for 2023 in the MTBPS last year. The 2023 Budget revision was informed by the negative impacts of loadshedding on the economy, stubbornly high inflation and accompanying rising borrowing costs and a relatively less supportive external environment among others. Since the publication of the Budget Review, some of the risks to the economy that were identified have materialized. These include the further worsening of domestic structural constraints in electricity and logistics, which continue to limit production and exports; a higher cost of living and higher borrowing costs which are expected to weigh on consumption and investment. Additionally, real GDP growth in the final quarter of 2022 was worse than anticipated by most forecasters, including the Treasury, (declining by 1.3 per cent). This contraction meant that annual GDP in 2022 came out weaker than expected, at 2 per cent, posing adverse carry-over effects into 2023. Beyond this, significant risks still remain including weaker global growth and lower commodity prices.

On balance however, while the occurrence of these risks weighs on the 2023 Budget Review economic growth outlook, available high-frequency data at the start of 2023 points to a marginal rebound in GDP growth in the first quarter. This is also supported by the lower than initially anticipated intensity of load-shedding in the first quarter of 2023. Moreover, GDP growth is expected to gradually recovery in the second half of 2023, as the worst impact of the electricity supply shortages start to ease following the peak winter demand period, and some electricity generation capacity is restored. Taken together, the prevailing view is for a positive GDP growth in 2023, albeit with higher downside risks compared to the time of the Budget Review. Lastly, the additional potential impact of the prevailing risks to the outlook can be seen in the uniform downward revisions by other official forecasters, which on aggregate still show positive growth projections in 2023.

Reply:

1. (a) Nationally, approximately 15 000 applications.

(b) The total number of applications that were successful since 2020 is 1 595.

2. Yes. As an example; using just two provinces for 2023/24 financial year. Mpumalanga received 310 applications and only 22 (7%) applications were approved for funding. While in North West the province received 8 088 applications and only 68 (1%) could be approved. Reasons for this amongst others are as follows:

• Some of the applications that were declined do not have proof of land ownership/access: no title deed, no lease agreement nor permission to occupy. State resources cannot be spent on land illegally occupied.
• Some applications are declined due to conflicts amongst beneficiaries. The conflicts must be resolved first before the investment is made available from public funds.
• Availability of water for the envisaged production plays a major role in whether the projects or application will be approved. In some instances, the water source must first be identified, and authorisations be received before the project is approved for funding of infrastructure. This work (pre-funding support) gets done in all instances where production potential is established.
• The demand for support far exceeds the amount of money available (the resources from government).

The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) programme is only responding to 11% of the need for support as expressed through the number of applications received versus the number of applications that can be supported.

Reply:

Section 4(3) of the Customs and Excise Act prohibits the Commissioner and/or SARS officials from disclosing any information relating to any person, firm or business acquired in the performance of SARS duties, except in circumstances outlined in the Act. Accordingly, SARS is not able to disclose information requested to the Minister and Parliament.

Reply:

(a) & (b). My department and the Entities reporting to me have no contract with the security company G4S.

Reply:

(a). The policy supporting the concept of the Creative Ambassadors is the Culture Promotions Act, Act 35 of 1983, read with Culture Promotion Amendment Act, 1998, which is stated under sub-paragraph (iii) below, was used to take this decision by the Minister. Amendment of section 2 of Act 35 of 1983 (Culture Promotion Amendment Act, 1998), as amended by Proclamation No. R36 of 1995.

1. Section 2 of the Culture Promotion Act, 1983, is hereby amended-

(a) by the substitution in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) for the words preceding subparagraph (i) of the following words: "(a) in order to foster develop and promote arts and culture.in the Republic-”.

(b) by the addition to paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of the following sub-paragraphs:

"(iii) develop pilot projects in order to further the work of the Department in promoting arts and culture throughout the country”.

The Creative Ambassadors concept is being piloted in 2023/24 for a year and is important in addressing the absence of targeted programmes that positively caters and engages the plights of many heroes/heroines of the creative industries sector in their post-careers lives.

(b). The criteria used is as follows:

In its Pilot/Inaugural Phase, the Minister used simple criteria to appoint Creative Ambassadors. Also, during this Pilot, the Minister will make a determination of whether to continue this way or whether to invite the public to make nominations that will later lead to their appointment.

The Ambassador:

1. must be a practitioner within the cultural and creative industry.
2. must be a leader in their Cultural Domain, with over 5 years’ experience.
3. must be a resident of South Africa and over 18 years of age.
4. must have national popularity and following based on having showcased their craft on National, and/or Continental and/or international level.
5. must have participated in community arts and culture initiative(s)/project(s) as either a leader or a supporter or a mentor.

In addition to the abovementioned, the Minister will use his prerogative (using Culture Promotion Amendment Act, 1998) to appoint Ambassadors in an inclusive manner that these persons represent all domains, considering – gender, geographic spread, disability, expertise/experience, and age (i.e., youth)

Reply:

1. No, municipalities do not currently report all their tenders to the National Treasury.

National Treasury issued MFMA Circular 83 (2016) regarding the advertisement of bids and the publication of notices in respect of awarded bids, cancelled bids, variations, and extensions of existing contracts on the eTender Publication Portal. This circular makes provision for the publication of tender opportunities and awards on the National Treasury Tender portal. Since this is a Circular, it is not mandatory for municipalities to publish procurement opportunities on the Treasury tender portal, unless the Municipality Council adopts the circular as policy. Some municipalities publish their tender opportunities while others are not publishing on the eTenders portal. National Treasury is considering reforms to make such publication of tender awards mandatory, but this will likely require legislative amendments.

2. We do not have any tender information regarding Zululand District Municipality or any procurement-related data for this municipality.

Reply:

a) The event was held on 20 April 2023

b) The event had 360 guests.

c) The event was held at a venue called Galleria Conference Centre, Woodmead

d) The total amount spent to host the event was R16 097 000.00. More than two thirds of this budget went towards incentives and funding for the Grammy winners to develop cultural workers in their respective fields, this will be co-ordinated together with the department and the recipients.

a) The name of the company that received the tender is Abstract Group Media & Marketing Events

b) The budget was sourced from the Cultural and Creative Industry Development budget.

c) It was for the 2023/24 financial year.

Reply:

(a&b) The inter-Ministerial Committee that was assigned the responsibility off reviewing the employment of foreign nationals is chaired by the Minister of Employment and Labour and the Minister of Home Affairs. The task team includes departments in the security and economic cluster as well as employers and unions. The following departments are involved: Department of Transport, Department of Employment and Labour, Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Services and the Bargaining Council. The task team also includes the All Truckers Driver Forum (ATDF), the Road Freight Association (RFA), The Truckers Association of South Africa (TASA), amongst others.

The task team has so far developed an 11point plan with the employers and unions involved in the trucking and logistics sector. This plan was finalised in June 2022. The plan includes the following:

i) Facilitate the appointment of the Task Team

ii) Validity of Foreign Driving Licences

iii) Enforcement of the VISA requirement in issuance of a work visa

• Validity of SA driving licences issued to Traffic Register Number (TRN);

• Interphase between NaTIS, DHA and SAR

iv) Registration with the labour laws ATDF and other organisation to provide details of companies that they are aware of employing foreign nationals

v) Operating Licence processes for freight industry

vi) Driver Capacity and skills (Driving training project)

vii) Integrated and Multi-disciplinary joint law enforcement operations conducted

viii) Amendment of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000

ix) Review the Cross-Border Road Transport Legislation

x) Review of the TRN

xi) Registration of operator in terms of section 45 of the National Road Traffic Act, 2000 (NRTA) - Assessment of the requirements for an “Operator Permit/Card” as per the National Road Traffic Act to determine its effectiveness to achieve the objectives to seek compliance to other laws in South Africa

Due to the economic challenges that arise when there is disruption in this sector, the plans of the IMC have focussed on the trucking and logistics sector. Meetings on this matter are held monthly led by senior officials of the Department of Transport and the Department of Employment and Labour. With regard to addressing the employment of foreign nationals, a total of 1291 drivers have been inspected for their immigration status with 131 found to be undocumented. The Department of Home Affairs through its Annual Performance Plan has planned to conduct 1296 inspections/operations in this financial year to combat the employment of illegal foreign nationals.

END

Reply:

1. Yes. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has a general disease detection and notification protocol to detect and notify of outbreaks of animal diseases before they spread to the rest of the Republic. For Foot and Mouth Disease, there is a continuous survey in the FMD protection zones to identify possible spread of FMD from neighbouring countries or the Kruger National Park. Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Pestes des Petits Ruminants are two diseases that South Africa is currently free from, and this internationally accepted freedom status is based on ongoing surveillance for these two diseases in the higher risk areas to the north of the country. There is also continuous surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza through regular testing of commercial poultry farms, commercial ostrich farms and backyard poultry farms. In addition, there is a passive surveillance system, whereby any suspect case of high impact diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, African Swine Fever, Avian Influenza, Rift Valley Fever, etc will be followed up by the state veterinarian, who will submit samples for which DALRRD will pay.

2. (a) Yes, there is a generic plan or protocol to control Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) through the movement of buffalos which are well known to introduce FMD and a general disease contingency plan that is used in case of the outbreak of disease.

(b) There is a contingency plan for highly pathogenic avian influenza and a general disease contingency plan in place to handle trade-sensitive diseases.

3. (a) Yes, the plans are always available to the stakeholders and always implemented during disease outbreaks.

(b) Yes, the plans are always implemented during disease outbreaks. Control measures on the ground are implemented by the provincial veterinary services. Such measures will differ, depending on the disease and the affected area and population, but in general it will include quarantine of affected premises and movement control. Further control measures will be agreed upon between the affected provinces and the National Directorate Animal Health.

 

Reply:

a) The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has two concession contracts namely Kutama Sinthumule and Mangaung Correctional Centre.

b) The Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (Pty) Ltd is contracted to run operations at Mangaung Correctional Centre and South African Custodial Services (Pty) Ltd is contracted to manage Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre.

END.

Reply:

a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has not quantified the losses but relied on the comprehensive information submitted by the affected provinces. The extent of losses reported for the past three years since 2020/21 is approximately R1 054 000 000 attributed to floods and drought combined. This amount excludes fires and small incidents that are not reported.

b) DALRRD supported the affected provinces with:

• R138 million in 2020/21 financial year through the funding from National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC). Breakdown:

Provinces	Purpose of funding	Allocations
Eastern Cape	Borehole development and fodder production	R35 000 000
KwaZulu-Natal	Dam rehabilitation, re-scooping silted dams	R4 000 000
Limpopo	Siting, drilling, testing, equipping, water tanks and drinking troughs, wind mills, installation of reservoir, ground reservoirs with troughs, installation of pump cage and generator, stands and energy source	R18 640 000
Mpumalanga	Production inputs, ripping, ploughing, planting, rolling, spraying herbicides, fire breaks, fencing, cutting, racking, bailing, discing, swathing/ windrower, transport and piling of bales, drilling and equipping of boreholes, provision of animal feed.	R12 160 000
Northern Cape	Fodder provisions; extension of fodder bank irrigation, clearing of prosopis, transportation of fodder to all districts	R35 689 000
North West	Provision and transportation of fodder	R8 000 000
Western Cape	Vouchers for provision of fodder	R25 000 000
Total		R138 489 000

• During the year 2021/22 DALRRD supported the Western Cape farmers with R48 million for fodder support for drought-stricken farmers in the Karoo. This funding was obtained through the NDMC.
• During 2022/23 DALRRD allocated R30 million to support KwaZulu-Natal farmers with repairs of damaged infrastructure, fertilisers and seeds following the flood disaster.

Furthermore, DALRRD continues to issue early warning information and advisories as well as awareness to assist farmers with their preparedness plans. For the 2023 floods, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces have submitted the request for funding to the NDMC with the support from DALRRD. The NDMC is yet to respond to these applications.

Reply:

No there is no external power putting pressure on the government of South Africa.

Reply:

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza protocol is being applied. The farm is placed under quarantine, no eggs and birds can leave the farm. Birds on infected properties have been destroyed. Cleaning and disinfection are being applied. The outbreak has been reported as per normal protocol to the World Organisation for Animal Health and trade partners.

Reply:

Yes.

a) There are 97 clients that have been assisted in obtaining longterm leases since 2021.

b) 34 clients were women.

Reply:

The Regulations Relating to Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure provides that: 

(i)    " All schools must have a school library or a media centre and a minimum, adequate and suitable school library collection." These may be in a form of a mobile library, cluster library, classroom library, centralised library or a community library. Since the promulgation of the Regulations, all new and replacement schools are being provided with libraries and there are also standalone programmes by PED's to provide these. Of the schools that have provided information, 3 205 primary schools have corner libraries and information is being collated on these and schools using mobile and community libraries. Further, over 213 000 learners have been provided with learner devices and connectivity  in the 2022/23 financial year only. This gives these learners access to reading material through online libraries.

(ii) With regard to laboratories, all schools that offer science subjects must be provided with a laboratory. This can be in a form of a fixed laboratory, mobile laboratory or in a form of a classroom  or safe container as determined by the school. All new and replacement schools are also  being provided with laboratories and there are also standalone programmes by PED's to provide these.

COMPILED BY:

MR E RAMASEDI MAFOKO

DIRECTOR: GRAND MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE

DATE: 09/05/2023

OFFICIALS INVOLVED

QUESTION NO: 1505.   IS APPROVED

MR D VANDERWESTHUIJZEN

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: SECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE: 11/05/2023

QUESTION NO: 1505.   IS APPROVED

DR G WHITTLE

ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

DATE: 11/05/2023

QUESTION NO: 1505.   IS APPROVED

DR MR MHAULE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER

DATE: 12/05/2023

QUESTION NO: 1505.   IS APPROVED

MRS AM MOTSHEKGA, MP

MINISTER

DATE: 15/05/2023