Questions and Replies
25 May 2023 - NW1439
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Considering that a Dassault Falcon 900B luxury jet was utilised to fly fugitives, Mr Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana, from Tanzania to the Republic and that the return trip allegedly cost taxpayers R1,4 million, what (a) total number of quotes were sourced and (b) are the full, relevant details of (i) all quotes, (ii) the details of each company, (iii) the total amount quoted by each company and (iv) the name of the service provider used; (2) whether his department will attempt to recoup the total specified cost from G4S; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) The Department of Home Affairs is a participant in the National Treasury’s RT61-2018 transversal contract for the hiring and leasing of aircrafts and helicopters to the state. Thirteen (13) service providers who are accredited on this contract were approached to submit quotations for the service. Out of the thirteen service providers, three responded. The Department selected the cheapest option from the quotations which were received.
(1)(b) The information is as follows:
(i) The quotes received were from:
- National Airways Corporation;
- Y and P Logistics;
- Cobra Aviation.
(ii) The total quoted amount for each is as follows:
- National Airways Corporation: R 1 412 927.00;
- Y and P Logistics: R 1 546 700.00; and
- Cobra Aviation: R 1 997 000.00.
(iii) National Airways Corporation was selected to render the service at an amount of R1 412 927.00.
2. No, the Department will not attempt to recover the costs relating to the charter flight from G4S. The Department does not have a legal basis to recover the cost of the charter flight from G4S as there is no contract or contractual relationship with G4S.
END
25 May 2023 - NW1512
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) On what date was the Director-General (DG) first advised of the proposed sponsorship deal with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, (b) what (i) details was he provided with and (ii) was the response of the DG once he was provided with a full briefing and (c) what oversight mechanisms exist for her department to intervene in instances where it is clear that the SA Tourism Board is not making sound decisions?
Reply:
(a) The Director General was never advised of the matter.
(b) (i) None
(ii) The Director General was never briefed on the matter but learnt about it from media. Upon learning about it from the media, the Director General immediately wrote to the Acting CEO enquiring if the information contained in the article was true and also raise other related governance matters associated thereto. This information was never received to date.
(c) The Department may only know of matters communicated and/or reported to it by the entity and basis of which the Department advises the Executive Authority on appropriate action. Where matters are not brought to the Department’s attention, it would have no means of overseeing such. However, the Board members individually and severally have fiduciary duties which they must uphold at all times and for which they take full accountability.
25 May 2023 - NW1341
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)With reference to disciplinary action and/or any related action taken against staff in each level within her department (a) in the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2023, (i) what number of disciplinary cases were dealt with in each month, (ii) on what date was each case initiated and concluded, (iii) what were the reasons for the action, (iv) what number of staff members were found (aa) guilty and fired, (bb) guilty and not fired and (cc) innocent; (2) what (a) alternative sanction was meted out in each case where a staff member was found guilty but not fired and (b) were the reasons that staff members were found not guilty in each specified case?
Reply:
(1) With reference to disciplinary action and/or any related action taken against staff in each level within the department
(a) in the past three financial years
Financial Year 2020/2021 |
(i) What number of disciplinary cases were dealt with in each month,
April 2020 - September 2020: No Cases
October 2020: Two Cases
November 2020 – January 2021: No cases
February 2021: One case
March 2021: Two cases
(ii) on what date was each case initiated and concluded,
- Initiated 26 October 2020 and concluded 25 November 2020
- Initiated 29 October 2020 and concluded 29 November 2020
- Initiated 25 February 2021 and concluded 13 April 2021
- Initiated 24 March 2021 and concluded 15 June 2021
- Initiated 30 March 2021 and concluded 01 July 2021
(iii)What were the reasons for the action?
- Gross negligence relating to management of projects
- Gross negligence relating to management of projects
- Misuse of departmental vehicle
- Misuse of departmental vehicle
- Misuse of departmental petrol card
(iv) What number of staff members were found:
(aa) No staff members were found guilty and fired
(bb) Three staff members were found guilty and not fired
1. The Presiding Officer imposed demotion and final written warning sanctions which were reduced by the appeal authority to a written warning and three months’ suspension without pay on the basis that the sanctions imposed by the Presiding Officer were too harsh.
2. The Presiding Officer imposed combined sanctions of a final written warning and one-month suspension without pay on the basis that she pleaded guilty, she was honest, there was no unmanageable elements of dishonesty which could affect the employer/ employee relationship and that the broken employment relationship could be salvaged.
3. The Presiding Officer imposed a final written warning on the basis that he could be rehabilitated, was a first offender and pleaded guilty.
(cc) Two staff members were innocent;
1. The Presiding Officer dismissed the charges against the employee on the basis that there was a time delay between the discovery of the alleged misconduct and the preferring of the charges. This is factually incorrect as the charges emanate from a forensic report that arises from outcomes of a prior year audit. The matter has been referred to the Labour Court for review of the decision of the presiding officer.
2. Same as the (cc) 1 above.
(2) (a) What alternative sanction was meted out in each case where a staff member was found guilty but not fired and
- Written warning and three (3) months suspension without pay
- Final written warning
- Final written warning and one-month suspension without pay
(b) what were the reasons that staff members were found not guilty in each specified case?
Inordinate delay in the institution of disciplinary proceedings against the employees. The Department has since escalated the matters to the Labour Court.
Financial Year 2021/2022 |
(i) What number of disciplinary cases were dealt with each month?
April- June 2021 no cases
July 2021 1 (one) case
August 2021 – March 2022 no cases
(ii) On what date was each case initiated and concluded?
Initiated on 13 July 2021 and concluded on 18 August 2021
(iii) What were the reasons for the action?
Misleading the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to authorise several trips and accommodation with the belief that the trips and accommodation were for work purposes when that was not the case.
(iv) Number of staff members were found guilty and fired
(aa) No staff members were found guilty and fired
(bb) guilty and not fired.
The Presiding Officer imposed a sanction of dismissal but on appeal the sanctions were reduced to three months’ suspension without pay by the Appeals Authority.
(cc) No staff members were found innocent.
(2 ) (a) What alternative sanction was meted out in each case where a staff member was found guilty but not fired and
Three months’ suspension without pay.
(b) What were the reasons that staff members were found not guilty in each specified case?
No staff member was found not guilty.
Financial Year 2022/2023 and (b) since 1 April 2023, |
(i) What number of disciplinary cases were dealt with in each month:
April – August 2022: No disciplinary cases
September 2022: One case
October 2022: No cases
November 2022: Three cases
December 2022: No cases
January 2023: One case
February 2023: No cases
March 2023: Three Cases
(b) Since April 2023: There were no disciplinary hearings.
(ii) On what date was each case initiated and concluded?
- Initiated 21 November 2022 and concluded 01 February 2023
- Initiated 18 January 2023 and concluded 23 January 2023
- Initiated on 07 November 2022 and 02 March 2023 but not concluded
- Initiated on 29 November 2022 and 08 March 2023 but not concluded
- Initiated on 06 September 2022 and 14 March 2023 but not concluded
(iii) What were the reasons for the action?
- Misuse of state vehicle
- Signing of business plan relating to a project without authority
- Gross negligence relating to management of projects
(iv) Number of staff members were found:
(aa) One staff member was found guilty and fired
(bb) No staff members were found guilty and not fired
(cc) One staff member was found innocent
The employee was found not guilty of signing Business Plan without authority. The ruling was based on the testimony of the employer’s witness that new developments revealed that the employee had the necessary authority to sign the Business Plan since a letter which was not made available to them at the time of their investigation, confirmed that the employee was acting Chief Director and was justified in signing the Business Plan.
(2) (a) What alternative sanction was meted out in each case where a staff member was found guilty but not fired and
There are no alternative sanctions. One official who was found guilty has submitted an appeal to the Executive Authority regarding their dismissal verdict.
(b) What were the reasons that staff members were found not guilty in each specified case?
The Presiding Officer established that the staff member had an authority as Acting Chief Director to sign the business plan.
25 May 2023 - NW1449
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) What total amount did her department spend on the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) in the past financial year; (2) whether she will furnish Mr A Matumba with a list including the (a) names of the companies that benefited from the GTIP, (b) manner in which the specified companies benefited and (c) total amount that was spent on the companies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
(1) I have been informed that the total GTIP grant disbursements between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 amounted to R13 663 433 million. In addition to disbursements in the 2022/2023 financial year a further R22.3 million was registered as commitments for 31 GTIP applicants that were approved and another five approved applicants for which grant adjustments were approved. Once contracts between the IDC and approved applicants are concluded to trigger project implementation, registered commitments will change to disbursements.
An additional amount of R130 million was also transferred to the IDC from the Department in the 2022/2023 financial year to recapitalise the GTIP and ensure availability of funds required to open up additional application windows after taking into account existing commitments and future estimated expenditure on pipeline applications.
(2) Whether she will furnish Mr A Matumba with a list including the
(a) Names of the companies that benefited from the GTIP ** |
(b) Manner in which the specified companies benefited |
(c) Total amount that was spent on the companies |
||
Applicant number |
Renewable energy generation |
Energy efficiency equipment |
Water efficiency equipment |
Value of grant funding disbursement |
1 |
X |
X |
|
R 937 367.00 |
2 |
|
|
X |
R 52 191.60 |
3 |
X |
|
|
R 378 962.00 |
4 |
X |
|
|
R 319 727.56 |
5 |
X |
|
|
R 302 557.13 |
6 |
|
|
X |
R 75 545.09 |
7 |
X |
|
|
R 21 078.00 |
8 |
X |
|
X |
R 564 679.55 |
9 |
X |
|
|
R 372 371.23 |
10 |
X |
|
|
R 310 367.00 |
11 |
X |
|
|
R 163 028.88 |
12 |
X |
|
|
R 429 812.50 |
13 |
X |
|
|
R 247 626.25 |
14 |
X |
|
|
R 395 827.08 |
15 |
X |
|
|
R 115 667.62 |
16 |
X |
|
|
R 218 246.00 |
17 |
X |
|
X |
R 441 064.05 |
18 |
X |
|
|
R 478 869.84 |
19 |
X |
|
|
R 1 000 000.00 |
20 |
X |
|
|
R 571 743.45 |
21 |
X |
|
|
R 1 000 000.00 |
22 |
X |
|
|
R 155 569.00 |
23 |
X |
|
|
R 331 339.86 |
24 |
X |
|
|
R 391 946.08 |
25 |
X |
|
|
R 406 288.88 |
26 |
X |
|
|
R 286 108.45 |
27 |
X |
|
|
R 346 922.22 |
28 |
X |
|
|
R 915 156.60 |
29 |
X |
|
|
R 912 785.37 |
30 |
X |
|
|
R 317 636.49 |
31 |
X |
|
|
R 431 609.81 |
32 |
x |
|
|
R 270 881.38 |
33 |
x |
|
|
R 400 457.00 |
** Application of the POPI Act
Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013
25 May 2023 - NW1051
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What number of vacancies exist in her department, (b) what are the key under-performance areas, (c) how will she address the specified areas and (d) what time frame will she need to turn the specified areas around?
Reply:
(a) Number of vacancies exist in her department.
39 as of 01 April 2023.
(b) The department’s vacancy rate target is to keep the vacancy rate below 10% which has been achieved. However, the existing vacancies still need to be filled.
(c) and (d) The Department will continue to fill the vacant funded positions.
25 May 2023 - NW1513
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) What (a) capacity-building programmes have been initiated and concluded in the past three financial years and since 1 April 2023, (b) are the dates in each case and (c) number of participants were selected for each programme; (2) (a) what number of participants completed and graduated in each programme respectively and (b) how are participants selected for each programme; (3) what (a) was the budget allocated for each programme and actual amount spent for each programme and (b) processes, procedures and/or mechanisms are in place to ensure that each programme is completed by the required date; (4) what (a) are the timelines, deadlines, milestones and time frames in respect of each programme, (b) are the criteria for measuring it and (c) was the set conclusion date for each programme in each case and actual conclusion date for each programme in each instance respectively?
Reply:
REPLY 1 April 2021 – March 2022 1(a) Capacity-building programmes initiated and concluded |
1(b) Dates in each case |
1(c) Number of participants selected for each programme |
2(a) What number of participants completed and graduated in each programme respectively |
3(a) Budget allocated for each programme |
3(a) Actual amounts spent for each programme ** |
Food and Beverage Cluster 3 (Northern Cape, Eastern Cape & Western Cape) |
Start date: 01/09/2021 End date: 31/03/2023 |
340 |
225 (EC: 55, WESTERN CAPE: 98 and NC:72) |
R 20 380 280.00 |
R15 351 303.00 |
Start date: 01/08/2021 End date 31/01/2023 |
165 |
108 |
R 10 119 680.00 |
R8 007 541.00 |
|
Western Cape Food Safety Quality Assurer |
Start date: 28/05/2021 End date: 31/08/2022 |
170 |
111 |
R 11 118 478.00 |
R8 620 874.00 |
Free State Professional Cookery |
Start date: 02/09/2021 End date: |
120
|
108 |
R 7 127 038.00 |
R6 654 549.00 |
Northern Cape Professional Cookery |
Start date 26/05/2021 End date: 31/12/2022 |
60 |
39 |
R 4 192 995.00 |
R3 257 554.00 |
Free State Hospitality Youth Training Programme (Fast Food Services) |
Start date 01/11/2019 End date: 30/09/2023 |
250 |
235 learners active, 8th months at host employers. They will exit in June 2023. |
R 17 462 400.00 |
R11 365 326.00 |
Kwa Zulu Natal & Western Cape Wine Service Training |
Start date: 01/09/2021 – End date: 31/12/2022 |
252 100 KZN 152 WC |
224 88 KZN 136 WC
|
R 17 181 791.00 was allocated to both Provinces managed by one service provider. |
R16 335 587.00 |
REPLY 1 April 2022-March 2023 1(a) Capacity-building programmes initiated and concluded |
1(b) Dates in each case |
1(c) Number of participants selected for each programme |
2(a) What number of participants completed and graduated in each programme respectively |
3(a) Budget allocated for each programme |
3(a) Actual amounts spent for each programme ** |
Food and Beverage Cluster 3 (Northern Cape, Eastern Cape & Western Cape) |
Start date: 01/09/2021 End date: 31/03/2023 |
340 |
225 (EC: 55, WC: 98 and NC:72) |
R 20 380 280.00 |
R15 351 303.00 |
Free State Professional Cookery |
Start date: 02/09/2021 End date: |
120
|
108 |
R 7 127 038.00 |
R6 654 549.00 |
Free State Hospitality Youth Training Programme (Fast Food Services) |
Start date 01/11/2019 End date: 30/09/2023 |
250 |
235 learners active, 8th months at host employers. They will exit in June 2023. |
R 17 462 400.00 |
R11 365 326.00 |
Gauteng Food Safety Quality Assurers |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress. |
R1 441 875.00 |
R249 382.00 |
Western Cape Food Safety Quality Assurers |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress. |
R1 441 875.00 |
R228 690.00 |
North West Food Safety Quality Assurers |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress. |
R1 441 875.00 |
R252 005.00 |
Limpopo Food Safety Quality Assurers |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress. |
R 1 177 375.00 |
R337 410.00 |
Mphumalanga Food Safety Quality Assurers |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R 1 177 375.00 |
R343 754.00 |
Western Cape Wine Service Training |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R 1 346 310.00 |
R329 670.00 |
North West Wine Service Training |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 31/08/2023 |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R1 362 295.00 |
R313 335.00 |
Limpopo Service Training |
Start date: 10/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R 1 361 375.00 |
R621 977.00 |
Mpumalanga Wine Service Training |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R1 360 225.00 |
R624 487.00 |
KwaZulu Natal Wine Service Training (Skills programme 3 months) |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 31/08/2023 |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R1 320 320.00 |
R598 130.00 |
Mpumalanga Food and Beverage (learnership 12 months) |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 31/08/2024 |
100 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R6 786 350.00 |
R753 407.00 |
Limpopo Food and Beverage |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 31/08/2024 |
100 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R6 786 350.00 |
R737 963.00 |
Gauteng Food and Beverage |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 30/09/2024 |
120 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R8 074 920.00 |
R805 727.00 |
KwaZulu Natal Food and Beverage |
Start date 01/03/2023 End date: 30/09/2024 |
140 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R8 457 330.00 |
R1 901 944.00 |
North West Food and Beverage |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 30/09/2024 |
100 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R6 740 600.00 |
R1 141 625.00 |
Free State Food and Beverage |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 30/09/2024 |
100 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R6 089 100.00 |
R818 010.00 |
REPLY SINCE 1 APRIL 2023 1(a) Capacity-building programmes initiated and concluded |
1(b) Dates in each case |
1(c) Number of participants selected for each programme |
2(a) What number of participants completed and graduated in each programme respectively |
3(a) Budget allocated for each programme |
3(a) Actual amounts spent for each programme ** |
Free State Hospitality Youth Training Programme (Fast Food Services) |
Start date 01/11/2019 End date: 30/09/2023 |
250 |
235 learners active, 8th months at host employers. They will exit in June 2023. |
R 17 462 400.00 |
R11 365 326.00 |
Gauteng Food Safety Quality Assurers |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress. |
R1 441 875.00 |
R249 382.00 |
Western Cape Food Safety Quality Assurers |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress. |
R1 441 875.00 |
R228 690.00 |
North West Food Safety Quality Assurers |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress. |
R1 441 875.00 |
R252 005.00 |
Limpopo Food Safety Quality Assurers |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress. |
R 1 177 375.00 |
R337 410.00 |
Mpumalanga Food Safety Quality Assurers |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R 1 177 375.00 |
R343 754.00 |
Western Cape Wine Service Training |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R 1 346 310.00 |
R329 670.00 |
North West Wine Service Training |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 31/08/2023 |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R1 362 295.00 |
R313 335.00 |
Limpopo Service Training |
Start date: 10/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R 1 361 375.00 |
R621 977.00 |
Mpumalanga Wine Service Training |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R1 360 225.00 |
R624 487.00 |
KwaZulu Natal Wine Service Training |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 31/08/2023 |
50 |
*Training delivery completed and placement with the host employers in progress |
R1 320 320.00 |
R598 130.00 |
Mpumalanga Food and Beverage |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 31/08/2024 |
100 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R6 786 350.00 |
R753 407.00 |
Limpopo Food and Beverage |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 31/08/2024 |
100 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R6 786 350.00 |
R737 963.00 |
Gauteng Food and Beverage |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 30/09/2024 |
120 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R8 074 920.00 |
R805 727.00 |
KwaZulu Natal Food and Beverage |
Start date 01/03/2023 End date: 30/09/2024 |
140 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R8 457 330.00 |
R1 901 944.00 |
North West Food and Beverage |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 30/09/2024 |
100 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R6 740 600.00 |
R1 141 625.00 |
Free State Food and Beverage |
Start date: 01/03/2023 End date: 30/09/2024 |
100 |
*Training delivery and placement with the host employers in progress |
R6 089 100.00 |
R818 010.00 |
* I have been informed by the Department that learners get placed after the theoretical training. Placement is done for all the learners since it is part of their learning process, what is not guaranteed is the appointment of learners after completion of the programme.
** In terms of the unspent budget, the budget shows the full amount set aside for the specific skills programme. The skills programmes are mostly at the beginning of the implementation hence it shows such high unspent budget. As and when the project unfolds, the money will be paid to learners for stipends and the service providers are paid for training and project management fees. The money is paid in line with the achievement of the set milestones for the project which is spread over the project time.
(2) (b) How are participants selected for each programme?
The approved advertisement from the Department is published through the various platforms such as online platform; departmental website, uploaded through the provincial departments and municipalities as well as appointed service providers’ website. The recruitment and selection of prospective learners is managed by the appointed service provider in consultation with the Department.
(3) (a) What was the budget allocated for each programme and actual amount spent for each programme?
Please see tables above on the budget allocated and amount spent per programme.
(b) What processes, procedures and/or mechanisms are in place to ensure that each programme is completed by the required date/?
The Department has the following mechanism and instruments in place to manage the implementation of unemployed youth training programmes:
Service Level Agreements and Business Plan signed between the department and the implementing agents:
- Enforce compliance in line with the PFMA, SCM processes, Preferential
Procurement and Broad-Based Economic Empowerment Act.
- Monitor and evaluate projects delivery in accordance with the agreed scope of work assessment of performance,
- Report breach of contract based on project performance during implementation to management, seek legal advice on identified areas and SCM on procurement matters especially the tender deviation process (Tender documentation).
(4) (a) What are the timelines, deadlines, milestones and time frames in respect of each programme?
Project timeline is as follows:
Upon appointment of the service provider, the development, vetting process and final approval of the service level agreement (SLA) and conclusion of the project Business Plan (BP) are finalised. Project implementation is 12 months, the set timeline is 18 months which makes provision for submission of the completion report and project annual financial statements accompanied by supporting evidence.
Deadline is set out in the signed SLA. On or before the 5th of every month the appointed service provider submits the following to the department:
Project Progress Report (PPR) on project expenses incurred and status of achieved deliverables for assessment and approval by the Department.
EPWP report on number of active learners and drop outs, number of job days accumulated, monthly stipend expense and 1% UIF contribution. It should be noted that the report is accompanied by signed attendance registers as evidence on payment processed.
Milestone document: clearly defines all project milestones from 1-5 on deliverables, submission of all required evidence and payment due to the service provider upon assessment and approval of achieved deliverables.
(b) What are the criteria for measuring it?
The signed SLA, BP and implementation plan are used as instruments to measure the overall training deliverables. It should be noted that the impact of the training is measured according to the retention or absorption rate of skilled learners into temporary or permanent employment opportunities.
(c) What was the set conclusion date for each programme in each case and actual conclusion date for each programme in each instance respectively?
The information on project start date and end date is included in the above tables under the column 1(b).
25 May 2023 - NW1495
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)What number of (a) foreign nationals have been appointed at the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) to date, (b) the specified foreign nationals possess scarce and critical skills that could not be found in the Republic and (c) foreign nationals have acquired permanent residence status in the Republic; (2) whether he has found that the process of acquiring permanent residence status of the foreign nationals at CGE was legitimate; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) how has he found (a) was a certain person (name and details furnished) appointed at the CGE in the first job which did not require scarce skills, for the specified person to end up being promoted to the position of chief executive officer and (b) did the person acquire the permanent residence status in the Republic?
Reply:
Honourable member you are asking us about the activities of a chapter 9 institution. I wish to refer you to Chapter 9, section 181 (4) and (5) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996.
181 (4) No person or organ of the state may interfere with the functioning of these institutions.
(5) These institutions are accountable to the National Assembly and must report on their activities and the performance of their functions to the Assembly at least once a year.
In my understanding Honourable Member, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is accountable to you as a Member of the National Assembly and should report on their activities to you in the National Assembly.
I would humbly request you to follow that route.
END
25 May 2023 - NW1514
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) What are the (a) relevant details of the infrastructure maintenance and beautification programmes that have been initiated and concluded (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2023 and (b) dates in each case; (2) what (a) was the budget allocated for each programme, (b) actual amount was spent on each programme, (c) processes, procedures and mechanisms are in place to ensure that each programme is completed by the required date, (d) are the timelines, deadlines, milestones and time frames in this regard and (e) are the criteria by which it is measured; (3) what was the set and actual conclusion date for each programme in each case?
Reply:
(1) I have been informed by the Department that the details of infrastructure maintenance and beautification programmes for 2019 – current are as follows:
2019-current 1 .(a) Infrastructure maintenance and beautification programmes that have been initiated and concluded |
1(b) Dates in each case |
Infrastructure maintenance programme in 19 National Parks (National State-owned Assets) :
|
2019-2023, project completed |
Infrastructure maintenance programme in Provincial State Owned Assets The following projects in five provinces are being implemented as part of the 2023/24 Annual Performance Plan Eastern Cape
Free State
Limpopo
Mpumalanga
Western Cape
The following projects are being implemented as part of the 2023/24 Operational Plans NC Doornkloof Nature Reserve NC Rolfontein Nature Reserve NC Goegap Nature Reserve GP Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve EC Hluleka Nature Reserve KZN J L Dube Precinct NW Mafikeng Hotel School NW Pilanesberg Nature Reserve |
Conditional assessments were completed in 2021/22, contractor procurement was completed in 2022/23 and implementation rolled out from 2022/23 In 2023/24 implementation will commence on the NC and GP projects. In 2023/24 planning is being concluded for EC, KZN and NW projects, implementation is subject to budget availability. |
(2) Programme |
(a) Budget allocated for each programme |
(b) Actual amount spent on each programme |
(c) What processes, procedures, and mechanisms are in place |
(d) Timelines, deadlines, milestones and time frames |
(e) Criteria by which it is measured |
Infrastructure Maintenance in 19 National Parks funded by the Department of Tourism |
R120,000,000 |
R119,999,945 |
The implementation of the programme was continually monitored through quarterly PSC meetings, site visits, monthly financial and progress reporting. |
The programme implemented by SANParks started in 2019. The quarterly targets were to monitor the implementation of the programme until its completion in March 2023. |
The programme aimed to create jobs and SMME opportunities and improve the core tourism infrastructure product offering. These were therefore measured according to the number of work opportunities in the programme. The labour statistics are as follows: 953 temporary jobs were created in some of the most remote areas of the country, 67 SMMEs recruited with 345 women and 519 youth employed in the programme. |
Infrastructure Maintenance Programme in 19 National Parks funded from the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) Fund |
R 25,582,809 |
R 25,582,809 |
The implementation of the programme was continually monitored through quarterly PSC meetings, site visit, monthly financial and progress reporting |
October 2021 - June 2022 |
The labour statistics are as follows: 639 temporary jobs were created in some of the most remote areas of the country, with 396 of the EPWP participants youth (62%) and 272 women (43%). |
Infrastructure maintenance programme in Provincial State Owned Assets |
R 124 417 191 |
Programme is currently being implemented, budget spend can only be provided once the programme has been completed. |
The implementation of the programme is continually monitored through monthly site visits, meetings, financial and progress reporting. |
As outlined in the table above |
The programme aimed to create job and SMME opportunities and improve the core tourism infrastructure product offering. These were therefore measured according to the number of work opportunities in the programme. |
(3) What was the set and actual conclusion date for each programme in each case?
The Infrastructure Maintenance Programme in National Parks funded by the National Department of Tourism commenced in 2019 with a 24-month term for implementation. However, with a disruption caused by COVID-19 in 2020, the programme was therefore extended and was completed in March 2023. The Infrastructure Maintenance Programme in National Parks funded through the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) Fund was implemented between October 2021 - June 2022. The Infrastructure Maintenance Programme in Provincial State Owned Assets is currently being implemented as indicated in the Tables above.
25 May 2023 - NW1633
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) With reference to all the schools in the Johannesburg Central district which her department monitors with regard to maintenance and build construction, (a) in the past three financial years and (b) from 1 April 2023 to date, what total budget was allocated to each school in each specified financial year for (i) maintenance, (ii) upgrades and (iii) new construction; (2) what total amount was spent for each school in each year for (a) maintenance, (b) upgrades and (c) new construction; (3) what were the commencement dates for such maintenance, upgrades and new construction for each school; (4) how does the assessment of her department’s monitoring ascertain the need for such maintenance, upgrades and new construction for each school?
Reply:
Kindly note that the matter is not under my control and therefore I cannot account for it as per the provision of section 92(3)(b) of the Constitution and Rule 134(5)(b) of the NA Rules.
25 May 2023 - NW779
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What number of applications for appointment of the Board of the SA Tourism were received (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 January 2023 in each case, (b) what number of applications missed the set deadline, (c) what is the name of each applicant, (d) what is the name of each board member who has resigned, (e) what were the reasons for each resignation, (f) what processes were followed in each case when appointing board members, (g) on what date were the names of new board members gazetted in each case and (h) were they appointed?
Reply:
2020/2021 FINANCIAL YEAR
The SA Tourism Board was appointed for a period of three years from 1 June 2018 to 31 May 2021 and was properly constituted. There was however only one resignation of Ms Pam Yako as the SA Tourism Board Chairperson.
2021-2022 FINANCIAL YEAR
(a)What number of applications for appointment of the Board of the SA Tourism were received |
(b) What number of applications missed the set deadline. |
(c) What is the name of each applicant. |
(d) What is the name of each board member who has resigned |
(e) What were the reasons for each resignation |
(f) What processes were followed in each case when appointing board members. |
(g) On what date were the names of new board members gazetted in each case. |
(h) On what date were they appointed. |
118 |
N/A |
Due to POPIA Act the names of the names of the applicants will not be disclosed. |
N/A |
N/A |
|
N/A (finalised in 2022/2023) |
N/A (finalised in 2022/2023) |
2022-2023 FINANCIAL YEAR
(a)What number of applications for appointment of the Board of the SA Tourism were received |
(b) What number of applications missed the set deadline. |
(c) What is the name of each applicant. |
(d) What is the name of each board member who has resigned |
(e) What were the reasons for each resignation |
(f) What processes were followed in each case when appointing board members. |
(g) On what date were the names of new board members gazetted in each case. |
(h) On what date were they appointed. |
118 (Received in 2021/2022) |
N/A |
Due to POPIA Act the names of the names of the applicants will not be disclosed. |
N/A |
N/A |
|
8 November 2022 |
|
SINCE 1 JANUARY 2023
(a)What number of applications for appointment of the Board of the SA Tourism were received |
(b) What number of applications missed the set deadline. |
(c) What is the name of each applicant. |
(d) What is the name of each board member who has resigned |
(e) What were the reasons for each resignation |
(f) What processes were followed in each case when appointing board members. |
(g) On what date were the names of new board members gazetted in each case. |
(h) On what date were they appointed. |
There were no Board nominations in 2023. |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Work commitments. |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
25 May 2023 - NW1435
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
Whether her department has any plans to ensure Artificial Intelligence transformation in the Public Service; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has developed the Digital Government Policy Framework and the Public Service Digital Transformation Strategy as part of initiatives to guide the public service in embracing the use of Artificial Intelligence in planning and service delivery. Government considers, AI “as a set of computer science techniques that enable systems to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision making, and language translation”.
The following are already being implemented to ensure that the transformative nature of AI is fully harnessed:
- The department is leading research into the Future of Work and the required skills in partnership with the Public Service Education and Training Authority (PSETA), WITS and TUT;
- A skills audit is being rolled out using the Public Service Skills Audit Methodology to identify the current skills, qualifications and competencies that are already available within the state;
- Full rollout of the GovChat platform, which is a chatbot-based solution that enables citizens to access government services and information via popular social media platforms. The GovChat platform proved very efficient during the lockdown period as government responded to the COVID-19 pandemic where it made it easier for citizens to interact with the government and access services;
- Taking advantage of partnerships with the Private Sector to deliver services digitally;
- Making use of digital booking system to manage long ques and speed service delivery for popular services such renewal of vehicle and driver licenses (Department of Transport), IDs and passports (Department of Home Affairs), registration of learners in schools (Education) and delivery of chronic medication (Department of Health);
- Continued innovation at the South African Revenue Service showcasing how technology can be used to improve organisational performance, leading to citizen satisfaction;
- Use of WhatsApp, USSD, and email platforms to process 14 million Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant applications, and successfully granting six million qualifying applicants in a short space of time by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies’ partnership with several universities to establish AI institutes to promote skills development and innovation; And
- The promotion of AI linked softwares and workspaces for office productivity and functionality.
The Department is alive to the possibilities that AI will have in revolutionising industries as diverse as health care, education, law, criminal justice, journalism, aerospace, and manufacturing, with the potential to profoundly affect how people live, work, and play. However, it also acknowledges the existence of significant obstacles that require attention, including ethical considerations in AI usage, tackling the issue of data scarcity, ensuring universal access to AI benefits, and addressing the digital divide, among other challenges.
To fully capitalize on the potential of AI, it is crucial for all participants in the ecosystem to play their respective roles. These include:
- Government: Policy makers must adopt a long-term perspective and act as coordinators and regulators of the ecosystem to ensure that its benefits are accessible to all.
- Academia: Academia drives state-of-the-art research, serves as a breeding ground for tomorrow's high-growth AI start-ups, and must collaborate with industry to continuously retrain the workforce.
- International AI community: Collaboration with the international AI community is vital for South Africa's development in AI, as it will enable the country to compete on a global level.
- Industry: Industry is responsible for providing broadband connectivity, funding, expanding the use of AI technologies, and retraining the workforce for an AI-enabled future.
- Civil society: Civil society is responsible for extending the advantages of AI to underserved communities and serves as an alarm system for regulating AI risks in the future."
The National School of Government (NSG) continues to host Masterclasses to create awareness on the use of artificial intelligence in the public service.
The DPSA, in partnership with the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), the Wits School of Governance, the DCDT and international partners including the Danish Agency of Digitisation, the OECD and the United Nations University is compiling global best practices to strengthen streamlining of open digital governance and transformation. Denmark is the highest-ranking country on the eGovernment Survey and according to the 2022 UN eGovernment Survey, South Africa is ranked the highest on the Continent on digitisation and digital transformation and this approach will assist the country to retain the top spot.
The CPSI is also investing in supporting innovators within and outside of government who contribute to the digitisation and digital transformation of the Public Sector including through “hackathons” and piloting projects such as Guardian Health which uses AI in improving diagnostics in Health. Top of FormThe approach to the adoption of AI is rooted in the professionalisation and wage bill management imperative for meeting the needs and expectations of society through improving the efficiency and effectiveness of office work by automating routine tasks, improving collaboration, and providing intelligent insights and recommendations.
The department acknowledges the numerous advantages that can be attained by integrating AI into various sectors and the abovementioned approach showcases how these and the challenges are being comprehensively responded to.
Bottom of FormEnd
25 May 2023 - NW1632
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) With reference to all the schools in the Johannesburg South district which her department monitors with regard to maintenance and build construction, (a) in the past three financial years and (b) from 1 April 2023 to date, what total budget was allocated to each school in each specified financial year for (i) maintenance, (ii) upgrades and (iii) new construction; (2) what total amount was spent for each school in each year for (a) maintenance, (b) upgrades and (c) new construction; (3) what were the commencement dates for such maintenance, upgrades and new construction for each school; (4) how does the assessment of her department’s monitoring ascertain the need for such maintenance, upgrades and new construction for each school?
Reply:
Kindly note that the matter is not under my control and therefore I cannot account for it as per the provision of section 92(3)(b) of the Constitution and Rule 134(5)(b) of the NA Rules.
23 May 2023 - NW1362
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)What (a) is the allocated budget for scholar transport for each province and (b) procedures and processes are in place to ensure that the budget allocated for scholar transport is not mismanaged; (2) whether each province has received their full budget for the 2023-24 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what total number of learners in each province (a) are reliant on scholar transport, (b) are provided for and (c) are able to make use of scholar transport?
Reply:
1. (a) Funding of learner transport is provided by the provincial treasuries through provincial equitable share. The total budget of scholar transport for 2022/2023 was R4,175,636,000.00 and is illustrated in the table below:
Province |
Annual Budget 2023/2024 |
Eastern Cape |
R 694,000,000.00 |
Free State |
R 102,400,000.00 |
Gauteng |
R 1,046,934,000.00 |
KwaZulu Natal |
R 266,400,000.00 |
Limpopo |
R 466,231,000.00 |
Mpumalanga |
R 464,891,000.00 |
North West |
R 450,000,000.00 |
Northern Cape |
R 191,481,000.00 |
Western Cape |
R 493,299,000.00 |
TOTAL |
R 4,175,636,000.00 |
(b) The Department of Transport has developed a National Learner Transport Policy in order to ensure effective and efficient management of learner transport across the country. The policy provides that a standardised measure of remuneration for subsidised learner transport and that it shall be based on total kilometres travelled. Factors such as road conditions and travel distances shall determine the cost of a service. The Department has further developed a standard contract guideline that provinces could use in the contracting of transport operations. The policy further provides that the implementing departments must ensure that learner transport services are undertaken according to procurement legislation and Treasury regulations.
2. Funding of learner transport is provided by the provincial treasuries through provincial equitable share. There is no funding of scholar transport from National Department of Transport.
3. According to the progress reports for provinces in relation to the National Learner Transport Programme for the financial year of 2022.2023, the implementation of the programme is summarised as follows:
23 May 2023 - NW127
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, after the announcement he has made regarding the fixing and closing of potholes throughout the country, he will furnish Mr K P Sithole with (a) specific updates on the work that has been done in this regard in each province and (b) a report on the financial expenditure to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Roads Authority |
Progress Reported |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eastern Cape |
Within the province of the Eastern Cape work is allocated to in-house and outsourced services depending on the availability of resources such as personnel and funding. Demonstrated below is the work that has been done up-to-date.
As demonstrated above the province has repaired 28 967.62 m² potholes using a combination of In-house and outsourced services. In the process of repairing potholes the province has incurred R5 104 703.51 expenditure up-to-date. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Free State |
The programme started on 8 August and the Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport have identified roads to form part of the Vala Zonke Programme. Some roads have already been attended to and oversight visits taken place by the Minister, together with the Deputy Minister and MEC responsible for PR&T. The following roads formed part of the National Launch:
A total of 15 407 square meters of potholes have been attended to in the Free State.
No contractors or implementing agents are involved. Teams from the Department perform the activities. To date the Free State spent R6,9 million on the procurement of material for the fixing of potholes by Departmental Maintenance teams |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gauteng |
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has introduced two apps to improve the Department's response to the problem of potholes. The first app, PotholeFixGP allows the public to report potholes on any public road in Gauteng to the Department. Potholes reported by the public on provincial roads are then attended to by the Department's maintenance teams, while potholes reported on municipal and SANRAL roads are referred to the relevant road authority for attention. The app was launched on 28 May 2022 and to date, the public has reported 5 419 potholes using the PotholeFixGP app, with 990 potholes reported on provincial roads, 4 379 on municipal roads and 50 on SANRAL roads. The Department has repaired 566 of the potholes reported on provincial roads to date. The second app is an in-house maintenance app that the Department's maintenance teams use to record potholes found by them and to then report when these potholes have been repaired. This app was introduced at the end of May 2022 and to date the Department's maintenance teams have used the app to capture information for 13 291 potholes that have been repaired on the Gauteng provincial roads. At an average area of 3.4 m2 per pothole, the total area of the 13 291 potholes repaired by the Department is 44 875 m2. At an average rate of R 130/ m2 to repair a pothole, the total amount spent to repair the 13 291 potholes is R 5.8 million. (Note: The R 130/m2 is based on the rate supplied to the CSIR by the Department when we prepared the inputs for the 2021/2022 RAMP. SANRAL has reported rates of R 700/ m2 to R 1 500/ m2 to repair potholes. Using a rate of R 700/ m2, the cost to repair the 13 291 potholes would be R 31.4 million and at R1 500/ m2, it would be R 67.3 million.) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
KwaZulu Natal |
Since the launch of Vala-Zonke Program on the 8th August 2022, the Kwa Zulu-Natal Department of Transport repaired a total of 275 137 .83 m2 of blacktop compared to a provincial target of 311 963.53 m2 . The above was achieved by combination of internal teams and external service providers with a total spend of R 190 919 230.08 as at the end of the 6 month period. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Limpopo |
Since the launch of pothole patching operation in August 2022, 92 513m2 have been repaired. The operation is carried out mainly through departmental workforce augmented by about 2 000 temporary beneficiaries. In this regard, the cost is estimated at R26 million based on material and workman-hours. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mpumalanga |
The Mpumalanga Department of Public works, Roads and Transport has been repairing potholes in line with Vala Zonke pothole repairing programme using both outsourcing and internal approaches. To date, Transport Infrastructure ten months performance report indicates good performance when compare annual planned targets of 142 186 m2 vs 173 585 m2 ten months actual outputs. The Department is investing more in building internal capacity, four mechanised potholes patching machines are in operational on tourist roads in the Province and more potholes square metre are achieved within short space of time. The Mpumalanga Department of Public works, Roads and Transport has an expenditure of 52% on surfaced road potholes patching allocation as shown below.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northern Cape |
The Northern Cape Department of Roads and public works has been repairing potholes in line with the Vala Zonke Programme launched by National Department of Transport. The table below show the m2 of pothole patched and expenditure since the launch of the programme in August 2022 up to December 2022.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North West |
DR KENNETH KAUNDA DISTRICT The annual target for the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District for the 2022/2023 fiscal period is 6970.00m² (as it appears on the District’s Operational Plan for 2022/23). For the period 01 April 2022 to 10 February 2023 the output is 29575.20m² and 9530 potholes patched (in-house and outsourced). 34270.80 bags (25kg each covering 0.5m²) were applied to achieve the output of 29575.20m² (8728 potholes patched) at an expense of Operation Vala Zonke / Kwala Kaofela was launch on 01 August 2022. For the period 1 August 2022 to 10 February 2023 the District patched 5696.19m² and 4156 potholes (in-house and outsourced). Included in the District’s output of 29575.20m² and 9530 potholes patched, service providers (outsourced output) contributed the following: i) 2300.00m² and 280 potholes (rollover from appointment in 2021/22) and ii) 1050.00m² and 148 potholes; and iii) 9089.80m² and 374 potholes = a total of outsourced output achieved of 12439.80m² and 802 potholes patched in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District for 2022/2023 (01/04/22 – 10/02/2023) The expense in respect of the 12439.80m² (802 potholes patched by appointed service providers in terms of the Framework Agreement PWR 125/20B amounted to R4 614 873.52 for the 2022/23 fiscal year. The total cost implication in respect of 29575.20m² and 9530 potholes patched in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District for the period 01 April 2022 to 10 February 2023 amounts to R6 671 121.52 BOJANALA DISTRICT The total work done from August to December 2022 which is Q1 and Q2 is 8407m2 and number of total Potholes is 11 915.9 for the 2022/23 financial year. For Q3 the total work done from January to February 2023 is 671m2 and number of total Potholes is 698.20 for the 2022/23 financial year. The cumulative total as of 03 February 2023 for work done is 12614m2 and for number of Pothole is 9078. The total expenditure for the District is as follows: 1. Asphalt readymix = R1 970 640.00 2. Cement = R166 800.00 3. 9,5mm Crushed road stone= R619 476.00 4. KRS Drums = R543 375.00 5. Small Equipement = R231 816.00 6. Diesel = R3 079 320.00 TOTAL = R 6 611 427 NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA DISTRICT In-house maintenance 6147 m² - Material cost R511 462,5 NB: Coldmix only R83,2 per m² Outsourced Projects 392,3 m² – R32 361,45 : work done and number of Potholes patched is 1721 from 14 July to September 2022 for Q2 In-house maintenance 12 295 m² - R1 762 519 R143,35 per m² NB: Composition of Emulsion and Crusher stone; plus Coldmix Work done and number of Potholes patched 3443 from 1st October to December 2022 for Q3 In-house maintenance 3298m² - R532 308 R161,40 per m² NB: Composition of Emulsion and Crusher stone Work done and number of Potholes patched 1045 from 1st January to 30th January 2023. The Total number of Potholes patched to date is 22 132m2 and number of Potholes to date 6209 DR. RUTH SEGOMOTSI MOMPATI DISTRICT The total work done from August to December 2022 which is Q2 is 4 958.29 m² and number of total Potholes patched is 5 142 for the 2022/23 financial year. The total work done from 1st October to December 2022 which is Q3 is 845.13 m² and number of total Potholes patched is 896 for the 2022/23 financial year The total work done from 1st January to 17th February 2023 which is Q4 is 289.47 m² and the number of total Potholes patched is 321 for the 2022/23 financial year The Total number of Potholes patched to date 6 092.89 m² and number of Potholes to date 6 359 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Western Cape |
The Western Cape Government, Department of Transport have performed routine maintenance works on the provincial road network to repair and fix potholes. The amount of blacktop patching repaired from 1 April 2022 to 31 December 2023 was 17 444 square meters. The Department do not have the itemised financial reports for the repair and fixing of potholes and cannot provide this information. |
23 May 2023 - NW1715
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Whether she will furnish Mr N G Myburgh with a comprehensive breakdown of the procurement allocation of (a) her Office 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:
Breakdown of the procurement allocation in terms of percentages allocated:
(aa) 2021-22
HDI’s |
Department |
Entities reporting to Minister |
(i) SMME’s |
29% |
N/A |
(ii) Cooperatives |
24% |
N/A |
(iii)Township Enterprise |
4% |
N/A |
(iv)Rural Enterprise |
1% |
N/A |
(bb) 1 April 2023
Specific Goals |
Department |
Entities reporting to Minister |
SMME’s |
4% |
N/A |
>51% Black Owned |
7% |
N/A |
Women |
2% |
N/A |
Youth |
1% |
N/A |
Persons with Disabilities |
0 |
N/A |
Military Veterans |
2% |
N/A |
Local Municipality |
0 |
N/A |
Thank you.
23 May 2023 - NW1779
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) Whether any of the companies that colluded and corruptly manipulated in siphoning billions of Rand from the State were awarded tenders by his department in the past two financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether any of the directors of the specified companies have been charged criminally; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the directors; (3) whether steps that were taken by the State against the treasonous act were adequate, considering the amounts of monies involved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2043E
Reply:
In response to all questions, the Department requested Parliament to engage the Party to provide the list of companies indicated as specified, as it was not provided with the Question.
On 16 May 2023, office of the Procedural Advisor: Questions, confirmed that the information has as yet not been received.
As such, the Department is not in a position to currently respond to the question, but will do so once the information is provided by the Party.
23 May 2023 - NW1273
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Following the announcement this week that the central line in Cape Town will be operational for the first time since 2019, what (a) lines nationwide are currently being evaluated as candidates for refurbishment and/or restructuring and (b) are the current largest issues holding back the refurbishment; (2) what collaboration is currently underway with the SA Police Service or other spheres of government to focus on (a) protecting the specified lines and (b) ensuring that any progress is permanent; (3) what total volume of refurbishment materials are currently being (a) imported and/or (b) supplied through South African producers?
Reply:
(1) (a) Daveyton-Dunswart-Germiston; Vereeninging-George Goch (via Midway); Kwesine Germiston; Cape Town-Khayelitsha; Cape Town-Kapteinsklip; Kelso (Umbongontwini) – Durban; Cape Town-Kraaifontein; Cape Town-Wellington; East London-Berlin; Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage; Cape Town-Strand; Crossmore-Durban; Springs-Johannesburg; Randfontein-Johannesburg; Durban-Stanger; Pinetown-Durban; Germiston-Vereeniging (MTN); Cape Town-Malmesbury; Cape Town-Worcester; Nigel-Springs; Eerste Rivier-Muldersvlei; Johannesburg-Oberholzer; Germiston-New Canada (Booysen); Wests-Durban; Mabopane-Pienaarspoort (via Capital Park).
(b) The main issues holding back refurbishment are: load shedding affecting some of operational areas supplied by the Municipality (Connect power supply from substations), encroachment and community unrests activities, which affects the acceleration of the key projects for the Recovery Programme.
(2) PRASA Protection Services has collaboration with SAPS, Crime Intelligence, as well as the State Security Agency. Regional meetings between Law Enforcement and PRASA Protection Services takes place every 2 weeks, with National meetings conducted on a monthly basis.
PRASA is represented on the Economic Sabotage of Critical Infrastructure (ESCI) Forum and collaborates with SOE’s, such as Telkom, Eskom, Transnet, etc… The ESCI Forum meets on a monthly basis.
3. At this stage it is not possible to quantify the volumes of material that PRASA is currently utilizing – however, we can report that:
(a) Materials such as rails, turnouts, wheels, and major cables on the General Overhaul and toilets on the Mainline Passenger Services Coaches are imported.
(b) Major spares, namely windows shrouds, interior panels, interiors seats floorboards, insulation material and paint are bought through South African producers and are sourced locally.
23 May 2023 - NW1562
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What are the reasons for the delay in the reconstruction and/or repair of the De Aar Magistrates Court building after the extensive damages caused to it by a fire in January 2020?
Reply:
A portion of the building accommodating De Aar Magistrates Court was gutted by fire on 8 January 2020. The cause of the fire is unknown although it is believed to have been caused by arson. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the De Aar fire Department has not been able to supply a fire damage report.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) was on site within days to clean up and assess the damage caused in order to confirm structural integrity and habitability. Unfortunately, the structural integrity was compromised as well as electrical and other installations. Consequently, consulting engineers were appointed to compile an assessment report and cost estimate to execute the repairs.
Due to the high cost estimate of R35 208 465.00, the DPWI Regional Office in Kimberley had to seek approval and allocation of funds from DPWI National Office in Pretoria, and the funds were approved in April 2023.
Alternative rental offices were allocated as a temporary measure in order to alleviate overcrowding. Since only a portion of the facility was damaged by the fire, the front section of the building is still in use. Furthermore, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development placed a mobile temporary structure on the premises to serve as an additional court room.
In the main, the delays were caused by the outstanding fire damage report from the SAPS and Fire Chief.
END
23 May 2023 - NW1589
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) plans are in place to build proper bridges in areas such as the Eastern Cape, where there are a number of makeshift bridges which have been constructed by residents so to cross rivers and streams and (b) are the details of the time frames that have been put in place in this regard?
Reply:
a) Government has always been constructing bridges for vehicles and pedestrians across provinces, and addition to this is response to SONA, as Welisizwe bridges are planned for rollout. The Eastern Cape is one of the Provinces that will be receiving 19 Welisizwe bridges that will be concluded in October 2023.
b) During the 2023/24 financial year, additional 17 bridges are planned for construction. The DPWI and SANDF are integral Departments in this program.
23 May 2023 - NW1322
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Transport
In light of the high volume of trucks operating and damaging the roads, what steps has she taken to rebuild the railway system that has been ruined?
Reply:
The approval of the White Paper on National Rail Policy (NRP) by Cabinet on 22 March 2022, assured a new and vibrant future for the rail industry in South Africa. The NRP contains specific policy direction on rail infrastructure, access, economic regulation and the market structure geared to dramatically change rail transportation in South Africa and intends to re-establish rail as the backbone of freight transportation and urban commuter mobility.
Transnet and PRASA, both wholly owned by the Government, has been experiencing significant performance problems over several years (massive capital investment backlog, inadequate funding, obsolete and ageing infrastructure, deteriorating rolling stock, and outdated technologies and insufficient specialised technical skills) that has contributed to rail’s generally declining state.
The implementation of the NRP has wider strategic implications for rail infrastructure management, ownership and access control. The NRP opens up opportunities for new players to participate in the investment and delivery of rail services. These opportunities, if implemented successfully, will draw rail friendly freight back to rail.
23 May 2023 - NW1433
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether the Government intends to report (a) Mr Tony Blair, (b) Mr George W Bush and (c) Mr Barack Obama to the International Criminal Court for the (i) flagrant disregard of international law and (ii) invasion and bombardment of Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan which led to millions of lives being lost; if not, why not; if so, when?
Reply:
South Africa, like many other countries, continues to voice its concerns about perceived imbalances in the International Criminal Court's (ICC) prosecution strategy. Accountability and equal treatment are principles that South Africa continues to advance in the realm of international law, and international criminal justice in particular. In particular, the Court has the potential to hold the most powerful countries accountable for their unlawful actions in the international arena.
The ICC is a treaty body and operates within a legal framework defined by the Rome Statute. The investigations and prosecutions are guided by specific criteria and jurisdictional limitations. The ICC's jurisdiction is primarily based on crimes committed on the territory of States that are party to the Rome Statute or crimes committed by nationals of those States, in territories of other States.
Iraq is a not a State Party to the Rome Statute, however, the ICC has jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed on its territory by nationals of States Parties such as the United Kingdom which is a Rome Statute State Party. On 9 December 2020, the Prosecutor closed the preliminary examination into Iraq/UK and decided not to request the opening of an investigation, having concluded that none of the potential cases arising from the situation would be admissible before the ICC at the present time. This is without prejudice to a reconsideration based on new facts or evidence. The Court may in future, as new evidence comes to the fore, reopen its investigation into crimes committed on the territory of Iraq. However, as there is no statute of limitations in international law for atrocity crimes, this does not prevent the United Nations from establishing a special tribunal to investigate the crimes committed on the territory of Iraq.
Afghanistan deposited its instrument of accession to the Rome Statute on 10 February 2003. The ICC may therefore exercise its jurisdiction over crimes listed in the Rome Statute committed on the territory of Afghanistan or by its nationals from 1 May 2003 onwards. On 31 October 2022, the Pre-Trial Chamber II of the ICC authorised the prosecution to resume investigations into the situation in Afghanistan which remain ongoing.
The South African Government calls on the ICC to investigate fully and with equal priority, all atrocity crimes committed within the context of the Afghanistan and not to deprioritise any aspect thereof. In addition, South Africa will engage the Prosecutor on the progress of all preliminary examinations and situations, including investigations into all crimes committed on the territory of the State of Palestine.
Pakistan is one of those States, along with the United States and Russia, that have not ratified the Rome Statute or deposited a declaration which would grant the ICC jurisdiction over its territory. The Court therefore does not have jurisdiction over crimes committed on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Ultimately, the ICC's ability to prosecute individuals from certain countries rests on various factors, including political will, international cooperation, and the evolving nature of international law.
Efforts are being made to address concerns about the impartiality of the ICC. South Africa as a State Party will continue to engage in dialogue and participate in discussions on potential reforms to enhance the Court's functioning and address perceived imbalances.
22 May 2023 - NW1515
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
What total number of public servants are facing disciplinary action for unlawfully benefitting from grants including the R350 Social Relief of Distress grant as at 1 March 2023?
Reply:
The total number of public servants facing disciplinary action for unlawfully benefitting from the R350 Social Relief of Distress grant, as at 1 March 2023, is 176.
End
22 May 2023 - NW1739
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether the money used in respect of the more than R99 million worth of fertilizer that was due to be handed over at an event in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, will be considered as wasteful expenditure since the event was cancelled; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No. There was no wasteful expenditure as the event was not cancelled, but postponed to the following week. More than 116 415 bags of 50kg each were already distributed and used by the small-scale growers.
22 May 2023 - NW1378
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) are the details of the profit revenue that has been generated from Cannabidiol (CBD) as at the latest date for which information is available, (b) is the actual variation in percentage between use of the CBD for recreational purposes versus its use for health, (c) total number of jobs have been created from the CBD economy and (d) total number of (i) women and (ii) persons living with disabilities are employed in the specified sector?
Reply:
a) South Africa is in the process of developing the Cannabis Industrialisation Masterplan, which is led by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD). The Master Plan has several pillars in regulatory systems, sustainable seed supply systems, research and innovation, enterprise and suppliers and market development, and education and communication/awareness – lead by the Departments of Justice (DOJC); Health ((NDOH); Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD); Science and Innovation (DSI); Small Business Development (DSBD); Trade, Industry and Competitions (DTIC); Social Development (DSD); and Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) respectively. The South African cannabis market is attested to be R28 billion, however the DTIC reported to the Master Plan Committee that a service provider has been appointed to investigate the actual economic potential and actual revenue of cannabis per sector in South Africa.
b) The DSI’s African Natural Medicines Platform has documented that the entire cannabis plant can be used for health purposes. It is the tetrahydrocannabinol that is generally used of recreational purposes through inhalation (smoking) and not the other ingestible products. The projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for health and recreation is 30% and 31% by 2027 respectively.
c) It is projected that a total of 900 000 general population and 250 000 traditional health practitioners may be part of decent jobs created through aspects of the value-chains including primary production, product development, agro-processing, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, marketing, and commercialization. The Presidency has commissioned the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to fast-track the approval of the Masterplan including documentation of key economic milestones reached.
(d) There is no data on the total number of people employed in the cannabis industry in South Africa. It is the mandate of the DTIC to investigate the economic potential of the Cannabis Industry, including women, youth and people living with disabilities, per sector, e.g., medicines, textile, cosmetics, etc.
22 May 2023 - NW1570
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) Whether, with regard to the various visas available to foreign nationals for entrance to and/or residence in the Republic, he and/or his department established standards for the time period a decision on an application will be made for each of the visa types; if not, (a) why not and (b) what are the standards for each visa type; if so, (2) whether time frames for decision-making are managed by regulations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which regulations and (b) how does his department implement the Batho Pele principles; (3) what is the average time it has taken over the past two years for a decision on each visa type to be made and communicated to the applicants; (4) whether his department has assessed the economic impact of legal immigration on the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what is the impact in Rand value; (5) whether his department will assess the economic value and/or impact of legal immigration; if not, why not; if so, by what date?
Reply:
- 1. The Department has turnaround times for visas that have a direct economic contribution in as far as employment and investment are concerned. The turnaround times are as follows:
- Critical Skill work visa: turnaround time is 4 weeks
- General work visa: turnaround time is 8 weeks
- Business visa: turnaround time is 8 weeks
2. The Immigration Regulations do not make provision for time frames for decision-making on visa applications.
- Section 7 of The Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002 which confers powers to the Minister in relation to the Immigration Regulations does not prescribe the time frames for decision-making.
- The Department endeavours to process visa applications in line with the principle of Service Standards as envisaged in the Batho Pele Principles. The volume of applications received and accepted daily by the Department currently exceeds the available human resource capacity in the Chief Directorate: Permits to issue, in equal measure, the equivalent number of outcomes to applicants The Department has already been open and transparent by publicly announcing that the current backlog will be cleared by June 2024.
3. The visa categories which are measured as per the Department’s Annual Performance Plan are critical skills, business and general work visas. Performance over the last two financial years indicates the following:
- Financial Year 2022/23: the average number of weeks to finalise Business and General work visas was between 4,3 and 4,7 weeks.
- Financial Year 2022/23: the average number of weeks to finalise Critical Skills work visas is between 6 and 6,5 weeks.
- Financial Year 2021/22: the average number of weeks to issue Business and General work visas was between 5,3 and 6 weeks.
- Financial Year 2021/22: the average number of weeks of Critical Skills work visas issued was between 4,6 and 5 weeks.
4. The Department has not assessed the economic impact of legal immigration on the Republic, as yet. Such an exercise will require an independent research study to be commissioned.
5. The Department has successfully collaborated with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on research work for the development and drafting of The Critical Skills List. Once DHET invites research proposals the Department will request that a study on the economic impact of legal immigration on the Republic be considered on behalf of Home Affairs.
END
22 May 2023 - NW1365
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)With reference to her reply to question 546 on 22 March 2023, (a) to which position has Mr Paul Maselo been appointed in her department and (b) what are the full details of all candidates (i) shortlisted and (ii) interviewed for the position occupied by the specified person?
Reply:
- (a) The Department has no records of the appointment of Mr Paul Maselo.
22 May 2023 - NW1546
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the cost of the expenditure on the 89 individuals assisting with accreditation of student accommodation service providers?
Reply:
The response from National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) indicates that there is no expenditure relating to accreditation of student accommodation incurred to date. The scheme has not approved or paid any invoices from student accommodation accreditation.
The student accommodation accreditation is a new project and there is no past information from which realistic projections of expenditure can be made. The cost of accreditation when it is performed will be funded by revenue generated from accommodation providers. When accommodation providers register their property on the portal, there will be fees that will be invoiced by the portal to the accommodation service provider and those fees will include cost of expenditure for accrediting the property.
Now, there is no expenditure for student accommodation accreditation as NSFAS has not incurred any expenditure on student accommodation accreditation. As soon as expenditure records, preferably audited, will be submitted to the Honorable Member.
22 May 2023 - NW1477
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether the concerns that were raised by the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development regarding the legitimacy of the ITB Holding company and its standing to undertake and/or perform business activities and transactions have been raised with the King of the Zulu nation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No, This will be raised with the Chair of the ITB for further processing with the realm of the KwaZulu-Natal Ingonyama Trust Amendment Act, No. 9 of 1997.
22 May 2023 - NW1182
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What is the total number of buildings that his department has identified as suitable to be converted into student accommodation since the last report of property that was handed over to the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
The Department identified several properties and vacant land parcels located around the universities in nine (9) out the eleven (11) Regions and a total of 68 properties were identified. The lists of properties were shared with DHET and site visits were conducted in some properties for assessments and verification.
Below is the summary of identified properties:
REGION | IDENTIFIED PROPERTIES | VISITED & VERIFIED | NOT VISITED / VERIFIED |
Port Elizabeth | 13 Properties | 10 | 3 Properties to be visited |
Durban | 21 Properties | 21 | |
Polokwane | 8 Properties identified | 0 | 8 Properties to be visited |
Mmabatho | 17 Properties identified | 8 | 9 Properties still to be visited |
Johannesburg | 1 Block of flats identified | 1 | |
Bloemfontein | 1 Block of flats identified | 1 | |
Kimberly | No properties identified | ||
Mthatha | No properties identified | ||
Pretoria | 1 Block of flats identified | 0 | 1 property to be visited |
Nelspruit | 4 Properties identified | 0 | 4 Properties to be visited |
Cape Town | 2 Properties identified | 2 | |
Total | 68 | 43 | 25 |
22 May 2023 - NW1377
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether the Republic is currently conducting Cannabidiol (CBD) research; if not, why not; if so, (a) what specific outcomes are envisaged to be gained from the research, (b) what total number of studies are being conducted and (c) where do the scientists get the resources required for the research; (2) whether there is a particular strain that the scientists are working on; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) (a) who are the beneficiaries of CBD research and (b) what total number of (i) women and (ii) persons living with disabilities who own spin-off companies and/or start-ups have benefited from the research?
Reply:
1. Various government entities and private organisations are conducting research on cannabis species, i.e., hemp and marihuana. The Cannabis Industrialisation Masterplan prioritises research, development and innovation on CBD for various health conditions and industrial applications.
a) It is envisaged that various research outcomes from CDB research will yield commercial health products for the treatment of priority health conditions like cancers, diabetes, neurogenerative diseases, hypertension, depression and selected infectious diseases such as upper respiratory infections, etc.
b) The current landscape on cannabis research has been part of the discussion of the Masterplan Committees. The DSI’s African natural medicines consortium has been tasked to investigate this by the Presidency-commissioned team. However, the DSI is currently funding a consortium of researchers and indigenous knowledge holders at the Council for Industrial and Scientific Research, University of Free State, Agricultural Research Council, University of Pretoria, and University of KwaZulu-Natal.
c) The DSI funds a consortium of universities, science councils and indigenous knowledge holders. The Department of Small Business Development and Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Economic Development has also partnered with the DSI team led by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
2. Various research consortia, both private and government-led teams are studying various cannabis strains found in and around South Africa. The DSI teams are interested in local land races of marihuana and hemp. The focus is on two new strains of hemp being investigated by the Agricultural Research Institute, and both Cannabis sativa and indica strains for industrial, medicinal, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical applications.
(3a) The DSI Consortium priorities indigenous knowledge holders as beneficiaries, whilst the Department of Small Business Development beneficiate rural or village farmers and small, medium and micro enterprises. There is currently no country data on the total number of research projects, beneficiaries and breakdown by gender, age or people living with disabilities. The Masterplan in general recognises the need to beneficiate these two groups, including women, youth and people living with disabilities.
(3b) The DSI in partnership with the DSB and Gauteng Department of Agriculture are supporting 20 small, medium and micro-enterprises at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
(i) Of the 20 small, medium and micro-enterprises supported, 13 are owned and led by women who are or work indigenous knowledge holders.
(ii)There are no people living with disabilities, but there is a consideration to publish a directed call at people living with disabilities in the second phase of the programme.
The start-ups will receive two value-added products each and will have the potential of employing up to ten individuals each. A follow-up study will be conducted to evaluate their impact following upscaling of their projects. The DSI is funding infrastructure initiatives to support cannabis research in various universities and science councils.
22 May 2023 - NW1545
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What is the expenditure on fuel and/or diesel during Stages (a) 4 and (b) 6 of load shedding for (i) his department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to him?
Reply:
Name of the SETA |
(a) (ii) Expenditure of fuel and/or diesel during Load shedding Stage 4 by 31 March 2023 (2022/23) |
(b) (ii) Expenditure of fuel and/or diesel during Load shedding Stage 6 by 31 March 2023 (2022/23) |
AGRISETA |
R37 788 .00 |
R0.00 |
BANKSETA |
R43 521.66 |
|
(Diesel expenditure from April 2022 to 31 March 2023 for both stages. Due to the Frequent change between stages, it is not possible to separate the expenditure for each specific stage. |
||
CETA |
R 1 462 605.26 |
N/A |
CATHSETA |
R300 878.00 |
|
It must be noted that the SETA does not keep a log of fuel/diesel expenditure per stage of load shedding. |
||
CHEITA |
R2312.00 |
R2251.00 |
ETDPSETA |
R120 512.82 |
R248 843.12 |
EWSETA |
R113 974.59 |
|
Comments: It is not practical to split the cost between stages of load shedding |
||
FASSET |
0 – Part of the Landlord’s responsibility |
0 – Part of the Landlord’s responsibility |
FOODBEV SETA |
R 223 624.25 |
R 335 436.58 |
FP&M SETA |
R 71 456.98 |
R0.00 |
HWSETA |
R189 534.27 |
N/A |
The amount of R189 534.27 could not be split between stages 4 and 6 of load shedding because the diesel recovery invoice from the landlord just reflects electricity recovery and it is not split according to stages. |
||
INSETA |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
Kindly note that INSETA rented the building occupied in the financial year 2022/23 and the landlord was responsible for the fuel/diesel used during loadshedding and no cost increase was incurred by INSETA. |
||
LGSETA |
R 193 462.83 |
N/A |
R17 587.53 per month fixed (Started from May 2022) |
||
MICT |
R 365 979.71 |
|
The expenditure incurred is for all stages of load shedding, the diesel costs are incurred by the landlord and charged to the SETA. There is no distinction between stages of load shedding. |
||
MERSETA |
R30 000.00 to R45 000.00 per month |
R46 000.00 to R72 000.00 per month |
MQA |
R534 978.92 |
|
Diesel supply is for all stages 1-6 as in some cases we would have varied stages of load shedding in a day or week. An accurate estimate of consumption for stages 4 and 6 could not be determined. |
||
PSETA |
R 233 416.18 |
N/A |
The amount spent for the 2022/23 financial year is R233 416.18. PSETA is unable to split the amounts between stages 4 and 6. |
||
SASSETA |
R324 497.67 |
N/A |
It is not practical to reliably determine the cost of diesel per stage of load shedding, as they change daily and sometimes hourly. SASSETA incurred a total of R324 497.67 on diesel because of load shedding during the 2022/2023 financial year. |
||
SERVICES SETA |
R4531 56.75 |
|
Services SETA - Diesel refilling spends for the financial year (no tools to measure costs between stages) |
||
TETA |
R281 673.25 |
R281 673.25 |
W&R SETA |
R 494 821.00 |
R0.00 |
22 May 2023 - NW1544
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
With reference to the ageing infrastructure of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) which has been identified as one of their biggest challenges, what (a) is the lifespan of the infrastructure, (b) is the cost to replace the ageing infrastructure and (c) has he found is the impact that ageing infrastructure has on the operations of the CSIR?
Reply:
a) The typical anticipated lifespan of a commercial and light industrial building generally falls within the range of 50 to 60 years. However, it is worth noting that a majority of the CSIR buildings surpass this age threshold, as they are over 60 years old. Currently, significant efforts and investments are dedicated to building maintenance with the objective of extending the lifespan of these assets. The remaining useful life of these buildings is estimated to be between 10 to 15 years. In addition to the building infrastructure, the electrical utilities infrastructure also warrants attention. As a general guideline, electrical systems are expected to have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years. However, within the CSIR portfolio, a significant portion of the electrical infrastructure exceeds the 40-year mark. Furthermore, a considerable portion of the research infrastructure is outdated and does not meet present-day standards.
b) The cost to replace building infrastructure and associated support infrastructure is an estimated cost of R4bn. The CSIR is currently undergoing a building condition assessment to provide a more detailed insight in the maintenance and renewal requirements to ensure that we prioritise investment appropriately. The outcome of this building condition assessment is expected by July 2023.
c) The impact of aging infrastructure for the CSIR can be significant and wide-ranging. Some of the key impacts include:
Decreased Efficiency: Aging infrastructure can lead to reduced operational efficiency and effectiveness. Outdated equipment, systems, and facilities will require more frequent repairs and maintenance, leading to increased downtime and decreased productivity. This will hinder research activities, delay projects, and limit the institute's overall output.
Safety Risks: Aging infrastructure can pose safety risks to researchers, staff, and visitors. Electrical systems, plumbing, and structural components can deteriorate over time, potentially leading to hazards such as electrical failures, water leaks, or structural collapses. These risks can compromise the well-being of individuals and the integrity of research operations.
Obsolescence: As technology advances, outdated infrastructure will become incompatible with modern research equipment and methodologies. This can limit the institute's ability to conduct state-of-the-art research, attract top researchers, or collaborate with external partners. It may also result in a competitive disadvantage compared to institutions with up-to-date infrastructure.
Increased Maintenance and Operating Costs: Aging infrastructure typically requires more frequent and costly maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. Outdated systems are less energy-efficient, leading to higher utility bills. The need for constant repairs and replacements can strain the CSIR financial resources, diverting funds from research programs and other essential areas.
Inability to Meet Regulatory Standards: Regulatory standards for research facilities often evolve to ensure the safety of personnel, protection of the environment, and compliance with ethical guidelines. Aging infrastructure will struggle to meet these updated standards, leading to potential non-compliance issues and difficulties in obtaining necessary certifications or permits.
Impact on Recruitment and Retention: Researchers and staff are more likely to be attracted to institutions that offer modern, well-maintained facilities. Aging infrastructure may deter talented researchers from joining or remaining at the CSIR, as it can impact their ability to conduct cutting-edge research, collaborate effectively, and provide a conducive working environment.
22 May 2023 - NW1453
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Given that Indigenous Knowledge Registration Systems (IKRS) have been cited by his department as pivotal systems in the preservation of indigenous knowledge, (a) what kind of indigenous knowledge is stored in the specified systems and (b) how accessible are the IKRS to the (i) general public and (ii) academic populace?
Reply:
a) What kind of indigenous knowledge is stored in the specified system?
The knowledge in the system is constructed around indigenous claims of communities across the country. It includes knowledge on African Traditional Medicine, indigenous food, agriculture, astronomy, arts and culture, governance and other Indigenous Knowledge disciplines. The current metadata makes provision for multimedia recordings of African Traditional Medicine and indigenous food.
The other knowledge in the system is the Pharmacopoeia, that is, a list detailing various medicinal plants and their treatments to different ailments.
b) How accessible are the IKRS to (i) general public and (ii) academic populance.
The system has different levels of access, that is, open access and confidential access.
(i) The public
The public can access the National Indigenous Systems Office (NIKSO) page. It is constituted by the 2019 IK Act in all 11 official written languages.
The IK contents of community’s multimedia recordings is classified for confidential access only and it is not open to the public as the IK Regulations governing such access has not yet been Gazetted.
(ii) The academic populace
The academic populance can access the Pharmacopoeia and the NIKSO page.
22 May 2023 - NW1379
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Of the research work conducted by South African institutions including research conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, how much work has resulted in Intellectual Properties (IPs) in the past five years; (2) what total number of (a) IPs have resulted in job opportunities and (b) jobs have been created in the past five years; (3) what total number of IPs are not being utilised for the benefit of South Africans; (4) which IP can be used to benefit South Africans in terms of infrastructure, namely housing, roads and energy, but are not utilised for the purpose they were researched for; (5) what total amount has his department spent in the past five years on IPs which are not utilised for the benefit of South Africans?
Reply:
1. The Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act (IPR Act) was enacted in 2010 with an objective to ensure that intellectual property (IP) emanating from publicly funded research and development (R&D) is identified, protected, utilised, and commercialised for the benefit of the Republic.
In terms IPR Act, institutions (including Higher Education Institutions and Science Councils) must report to the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), a specialised service delivery unit with the Department of Science and Innovation, on all matters pertaining to the IP contemplated in the Act, including all IP from which it elects to obtain statutory protection and the state of commercialisation thereof.
These biannual reports are referred to as IP disclosures (in other words research outputs which could be translated ideas into products, processes and services).
Over the past 5 years the following number of IP disclosures were reported to NIPMO:
Financial year |
Number of IP disclosures reported |
Number of institutions |
2018/19 |
300 |
24 |
2019/20 |
248 |
27 |
2020/21 |
226 |
24 |
2021/22 |
241 |
21 |
2022/23 |
217 |
27 |
2. The Department of Science and Innovation conducted a National Survey of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (IP and TT survey) at publicly funded research institutions. The inaugural baseline survey was published in 2017, for the survey period 2008 to 2014. The second IP and TT survey for the period 2014 to 2018, was published in 2021 (Copy of the survey reports available on DSI website at: https://www.dst.gov.za/index.php/resource-center/rad-reports/tt-ip-survey )
In terms of the second IP and TT survey for the period 2014 to 2018, institutions reported over 1250 actionable IP disclosures, over 900 granted patents, 300 granted trademarks, 65 registered designs and 45 new plant breeders’ rights applications.
Institutions further reported that they concluded, over the survey period 2014 to 2018, 290 IP licences, 235 of which yield revenues of R185 million. More than R23 million in commercialisation revenue was paid to over 270 IP creators or enablers situated within these institutions. Institutions yet further reported that they formed 55 start-up/spin out companies, which employed over 320 people.
A total of 100 start-up/spin-out companies were formed since 2008, 95% of which were from HEIs. Of the 100, 72 remained operational as of 2018.
The Department will embark on the third National IP and TT Survey in the 2022/23 financial year for the survey period 2019 to 2022.
3. Section 5(1)(e) of the IPR Act, provides that a recipient must refer disclosures for which it elects not to retain ownership or not to obtain statutory protection to NIPMO within 30 days of it making such an election. These referrals are made on an IP1 Form as prescribed by the Act.
As part of submitting an IP1 Form to NIPMO, the recipient must select the "reasons for referral”. The options available are: 1) Put into the public domain; 2) Not statutorily protectable; 3) Abandonment of IP: Unfavourable Search and/or examination; and 4) Abandonment of IP: Lack of market and commercial potential.
If a recipient states as reason for its referral “Put into the public domain” or “Abandonment of IP: Lack of market and commercial potential” it is compulsory for such IP disclosure to be advertised on the Innovation Bridge Portal for at least 45 days prior to NIPMO approving the abandonment of the IP.
The Innovation Bridge Portal is an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation, supported by the World Bank Group, and the Department of Small Business Development and hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (access to the Innovation Bridge Portal at https://www.innovationbridge.info/ibportal/)
The purpose of the Innovation Bridge Portal is to be “an open innovation platform that brings entrepreneurship ecosystem stakeholders together for the benefit of innovators and entrepreneurs. It seeks to promote collaboration amongst public and private ecosystem stakeholders, to become that “one-stop shop” repository of information, opportunity, and network connection”.
Over the past 5 years the following number of IP1 referrals were submitted to NIPMO and approved for abandonment:
Financial year |
Number of IP1 referrals reported to NIPMO |
2018/19 |
30 |
2019/20 |
37 |
2020/21 |
18 |
2021/22 |
28 |
2022/23 |
29 |
Furthermore, Sections 14(2) and 14(3) of the IPR Act make provision that NIPMO must conduct reviews of non-commercialised IP in consultation with the recipient. Should it come to NIPMO’s attention, during the review process, that some IP may be commercialised, NIPMO must engage in further consultations with the recipient in an endeavour to ensure that the IP is commercialised. In this regard NIPMO has drafted and published NIPMO Interpretation Note 12 entitled “Procedure for the review of non-commercialised intellectual property at institutions”.
NIPMO initiated, as part of a pilot, the review of non-commercialised IP of its first institution in 2022/23. The pilot results necessitated NIPMO to consider alternative approaches to follow when engaging on non-commercialised IP. These alternative approaches will be researched and implemented in 2023/24 as part of the second stage of the pilot.
4. As at 25 April 2023, there are the following number of inventions being advertised on the Innovation Bridge Portal for further development and/or uptake:
Number of inventions |
Industry/Sector |
28 |
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply |
16 |
Manufacturing |
12 |
Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities |
7 |
Mining and quarrying |
3 |
Transportation and storage |
3 |
Construction |
5. NIPMO has two funding mechanism to assist with the protection, and technology transfer of IP emanating from publicly financed research and development, namely the i) IP Fund and ii) OTT Support Fund.
(i) IP Fund
Section 13 of the IPR Act established the IP Fund to provide financial support to institutions (higher education institutions and science councils) for statutory protection and maintenance of their IP/IP rights.
NIPMO developed and published NIPMO Guideline 2 entitled “The Intellectual Property Fund Rebate Guideline” to define the scope of assistance. In accordance to this guideline NIPMO can provide up to 50% rebate for costs incurred by the institution depending on availability of funds from the South African National Treasury.
(ii) OTT Support Fund
The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) Support Fund was established in 2011 in response to the mandate given to NIPMO by the IPR Act to support i) the establishment and maintenance of OTT, ii) building human capacity and capabilities within these offices and to iii) ensure that IP is identified, protected, utilised and commercialised for the benefit of South Africans.
Since the establishment of the OTT Support Fund, NIPMO has committed over R270 million to 35 institutions in support of activities such as human capacity development, access to IP Analysis Tools, conducting of IP audits, hosting of IP awareness activities, and attending NIPMO endorsed trainings.
To date, over 160 contract positions were (fully or partially) funded by NIPMO at OTTs since its establishment.
In 2019, NIPMO recognised the need to support more activities relating to the commercialisation of IP and has since committed over R14 million for activities including contract drafting, techno economic feasibility analysis, market assessments, business plan development and technology marketing relating to IP disclosed to NIPMO.
Due to the nature of IP and long lead time it takes to translate a research output into a commercial success, it is not possible to quantify the total amount the Department has spent in the past five years on IP which are not utilized for the benefit of South Africans.
It can be reported that the Department has recently started actively tracking the number of disclosures reported to NIPMO that are licensed for the first time as part of its Annual Performance Plan. For 2021/22, 5 institutions licensed 20 disclosures for the first time and in 2022/23 6 institutions licensed 17 disclosures for the first time.
In addition, NIPMO undertook a commercialisation trend snapshot for 2021/22. As part of OTT Support Fund requirements, NIPMO receives bi-annual/annual reports on active agreements from OTTs. These reports cover all activities within the OTTs and specifically its commercialisation endeavours.
For the 2021/22 financial year, NIPMO analysed reports received from 16 institutions. Of the 16 institutions, 9 (or 56%) concluded an IP license or were in discussions to conclude such in 2021/22. The top four sectors of commercialisation activities for 2021/22, following the analysis of the OTT Support Fund reports, are i) Medical and Health (32%), ii) Computer related services and Electronics (17%), iii) Food technologies/services (8%) and iv) Energy (7%).
22 May 2023 - NW1538
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)What is the budget allocation of the (a) National Skills Fund (NSF) and (b) sector education and training authorities (SETAs); (2) what is the staff component of (a) NSF and (b) each SETA; (3) what is the budget allocation for (a) salaries of (i) NSF and (ii) each SETA and (b) rentals of properties utilised by both the NSF and SETAs respectively; (4) whether there is an overlapping of responsibilities between NSF and SETA; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (a) responsibilities that overlap and (b) reasons for the replication of responsibilities; (5) what number of job opportunities have NSF created for women, people with disabilities and the youth?
Reply:
1. (a) National Skills Fund (NSF), according to Section 27(2)(a) of the Skills Development Act No. 97 of 1998, the NSF is funded by 20% of the collected skills levy. The table below shows the NSF budget allocation for the year under review (2022/23), the current financial year (2023/24), and the two subsequent years.
b) Budget allocation for the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) for 2023/24 financial year.
Name of the SETA |
Total SETA Budget Allocation for 2023/24 Financial Year |
AGRISETA |
R608 419 000.00 |
CHIETA |
R689 384 000.00 |
BANKSETA |
R1 900 983 000.00 |
CETA |
R1 039 538 000.00 |
CATHSSETA |
R349 967 000.00 |
ETDPSETA |
R 1 262 588 744.00 |
EWSETA |
R355 790 000.00 |
FASSET |
R619 985 575.00 |
FOODBEV |
R559 000 000.00 |
FP&M SETA |
R395 565 835.00 |
HWSETA |
R849 968 000.00 |
INSETA |
R640 889 930.00 |
LGSETA |
R959 939 000.00 |
MICT |
R1 101 955 232.00 |
MERSETA |
R1 736 763 138.00 |
MQA |
R106 380 043.00 |
PSETA |
R147 518 982.00 |
SASSETA |
R623 800 000.00 |
SERVICES SETA |
R1 881 000 000.00 |
TETA |
R891 893 383.00 |
W&R SETA |
R2 120 919 000.00 |
2. (a) The NSF Staff component/complement of the NSF is made up as follows:
Total number of approved Posts |
Total filled posts |
Current Vacancies |
Number of Interns (WiL / Graduates) |
179 |
125 |
44 |
34 |
b) The SETAs Staff component/complement is made up as follows:
Name of the SETA |
SETA staff compliment as at 31 March 2023 (“inclusive of temporary staff and interns”) |
AGRISETA |
114 |
CHIETA |
54 |
BANKSETA |
72 |
CETA |
166 (115 – permanent & 51 – Interns) |
CATHSSETA |
77 |
ETDPSETA |
138 |
EWSETA |
56 |
FASSET |
76 |
FOODBEV SETA |
67 |
FP&M SETA |
63 |
HWSETA |
158 (148 permanent, 5 – temporary and 5 – internships) |
INSETA |
113 |
LGSETA |
120 |
MICT |
126 |
MQA |
157 |
MERSETA |
300 |
PSETA |
64 |
SASSETA |
139 |
SERVICES SETA |
247 |
TETA |
130 |
W&R SETA |
277 |
3. (a) (i) and (b) the table below presents the NSF employee cost budget allocation and rental for the year under review (2022/23), the current financial year (2023/24), and the two subsequent years.
a) (ii) Budget allocation for salaries Allocation by 31 March 2023.
Name of the SETA |
Budget allocation for salaries by 31 March 2023 |
AGRISETA |
R76 249 000.00 |
CHIETA |
R60 955 000.00 |
BANKSETA |
R72 212 174.00 |
CETA |
R120 609 000.00 |
CATHSSETA |
R58 197 000.00 |
ETDPSETA |
R126 087 489.00 |
EWSETA |
R32 560 000.00 |
FASSET |
R44 782 306.00 |
FOODBEV SETA |
R58 000 000.00 |
FP&M SETA |
R37 009 477.00 |
HWSETA |
R117 725 000.00 |
INSETA |
R80 030 602.00 |
LGSETA |
R81 199 000.00 |
MICT |
R96 300 000.00 |
MERSETA |
R173 648 212.00 |
MQA |
R106 380 043.00 |
PSETA |
R51 542 594.42 |
SASSETA |
R106 800 00.00 |
SERVICES SETA |
R208 000 000.00 |
TETA |
R88 638 344.00 |
W&R SETA |
R189 099 000.00 |
b) what is the budget allocation for property rentals by 31 March 2023.
Name of the SETA |
Budget Allocation for property rentals by 31 March 2023 |
AGRISETA |
R755 486.00 |
BANKSETA |
R4 017 630.00 |
CETA |
R6 784 739.52 |
CATHSETA |
R5 800 000.00 |
CHIETA |
R3 312 000.00 |
ETDPSETA |
R25 658 645.00 |
EWSETA |
R4 100 000.00 |
FASSET |
R5 500 000.00 |
FOODBEV SETA |
R6 3 000 000.00 |
FP&M SETA |
R6 875 645.00 |
HWSETA |
R12 651 000.00 |
INSETA |
R7 200 00.00 |
LGSETA |
R15 900 000.00 |
MICT |
R10 331 751.00 |
MERSETA |
R16 104 833.00 |
MQA |
N/A (MQA owns the building) |
PSETA |
R8 586 810.80 |
SASSETA |
R11 600 000.00 |
SERVICES SETA |
R20 000.00 (1 Office at a TVET College) |
TETA |
R5 302 562.00 |
W&R SETA |
R 23 000 000.00 |
4. (a) Succinctly, areas of possible overlaps and duplicates between SETAs and the NSF are:
- Funding for capacity development for the PSET sector including funding on research and college infrastructure improvement.
- Skills development beneficiaries/learners funding through bursaries, scholarships for occupations in high demand, and learners in rural areas.
- Skills development funding through SMMEs and Cooperatives programs.
- Skills development funding of worker education.
(b) By the legislative nature of the Skills Development Act 1998 SETAs’ primary responsibility is to facilitate skills development and training in their specific sectors whilst the NSF has a non-sectoral mandate based on the prevalent national priorities expressed in various national skills development strategies at a given time and space. The NSF’s reach on skills development and training funding is therefore broader than the SETAs given the sector and non-sector differentiation.
The Ministerial Task Team (MTT) Report on the Strategic Review of the National Skills Fund (NSF) July 2022, recognised that the NSF as a skills development entity is positioned within the broader national context to support the attainment of key government policies and plans to address the triple challenge of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, however, highlight possible overlap responsibilities between NSF and SETAs considering the following:
i) The mandate of SETAs and the NSF is based on the Skills Development Act 1998 confirms that the NSF’s role is to fund skills development for national priorities (across all sectors),
ii) Therefore, leave SETAs to focus on the skills development needs of the different sectors of the economy (sector-specific).
iii) Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are established in terms of Chapter 3, Section 9(1) of the Skills Development Act, No 97 of 1998, with a responsibility to:
- To register learnerships;
- To develop Sector Skills Plans;
- To accredit training providers;
- To implement the NSDS goals;
- To collect levies from employers;
- To provide career guidance to learners;
- To provide and disburse funding for training; and
- To implement training/learning programs such as internships, learnerships, work-integrated learning, in-service training, bursaries, and artisanship.
iv) The SETAs are mandated in terms of the Skills Development Act to liaise with the National Skills Authority on the national skills development policy, the national skills development strategy, and sector skills plans.
v) This may result in the SETAs allocating funding to projects identified as national priorities as identified in the national skills development strategy (now the National Skills Development Plan, 2030) which the NSF is mandated to fund.
The NSF is mandated to fund projects identified by the Minister and the Director General. SETAs, on the other hand, are mandated to allocate grants, with some being mandatory to levy paying employers and some discretionary. The discretion of SETA’s funding could be directed at any priority including possibly the projects related to the achievement of the purposes of the Skills Development Act as the NSF does.
5. The NSF is tasked with the responsibility of providing funding, which is focused on national priorities and providing resources to unlock and catalyse national human development potential. The NSF’s ultimate beneficiaries are the learners funded by NSF for skills development that are on learnerships, internships, apprenticeships and in various skills development programs; and the PSET system through which the education, training and skills of learners are developed.
These interventions consist of workplace-based components; therefore, learners are placed in the workplace during their learning period. Furthermore, the NSF committed to undertaking the evaluation study which includes a tracer study in the current financial year to explore the learner’s perceptions of who is employed or self-employed after completing their interventions/programs and evaluate post-school education-to-work transitions of learners/students/graduates. This will, in effect, provide NSF with data on the effectiveness of the interventions/programs for obtaining employment or self-employment.
Furthermore, the NSF is in the process of establishing its own research chair which will assist with evaluation studies for the 2020 to 2025 strategic period including tracer studies and will further assist in determining how many beneficiaries have since obtained jobs. The study is due to commence upon completion of the five-year cycle.
The NSF has in recent years made a concerted effort to train persons with Disability and the table below provides an overview of a number of beneficiaries targeted for the NSF interventions in relation to Persons with Disability:
Portfolio of Projects |
Number of beneficiaries targeted |
Number of beneficiaries with disabilities |
Unsolicited Proposals |
1 041 |
1 041 |
Closed Projects: RFP UIF / Rural 2018 – 2021 |
445 |
445 |
Artisan Development – in process |
2% of 5 885 |
118 |
TVET College Phase III – in process |
2% of 21 594 |
432 |
Current RFP: Persons with Disability evaluation processes underway. |
2 630 |
2 630 |
According to the Evaluation of the National Skills Fund Report by the NSA (page 110), from 2015 to 2020, 168 566 learners were funded and enrolled with 137 019 completing their training. Of the learner who completed 11 424 became self-employed, 11 807 continued to study full-time whilst 38 192 became fully employed and economically active citizens within two years of the NSF intervention.
The beneficiaries interviewed for the study confirmed an increase of household income whilst 65% found the skills learned useful and beneficial, and 70% indicated that the training funded was in line with the skills acquired. Further, 10 883 are no longer available for work due to several reasons i.e., illness, retirement and change of personal circumstance. 64 713 remain unemployed as at the time of the study due to lack of opportunity and/or absorption by the employers and the remainder had planned to study further.
For the period 2021/2022 financial year, the National Skills Fund trained 81 532 learners through NSF funding for education and training in various occupational programs with beneficiaries participating in work placement through the learnerships and/or artisan-related programs. Of the total beneficiaries, 51 109 were women and 35% were youth below 25 years and 45% were youth between 25 and 35 years.
22 May 2023 - NW1516
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
What (a) total number of public servants faced disciplinary action for fraud and serious misconduct in the (i) 2019-20, (ii) 2020-21 and (iii) 2021-22 financial years and (b) is the (i) breakdown of the figure for each government department and (ii) description of the nature of fraud and/or serious misconduct?
Reply:
(a). According to information captured on PERSAL:
- The total number of public servants who faced disciplinary action for fraud and serious conduct in the 2019-2020 financial year is 44
- The total number of public servants who faced disciplinary action for fraud and serious conduct in the 2020-2021 financial year is 28
- The total number of public servants who faced disciplinary action for fraud and serious conduct in the 2021-2022 financial year is 31
(b) See table underneath for (i) the breakdown of the figure for each government department and (ii) a description of the nature of fraud and/or serious conduct.
Number of Public Servants disciplined for Fraud and Misconduct |
||||||
2019/ 2020 |
2020/ 2021 |
2021/ 2022 |
Total |
|||
Total |
(i) National/ Provincial departments |
(ii) Description |
44 |
28 |
31 |
103 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
Agriculture and Rural Development |
Fraudulent medical certificate |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs |
Misrepresentation fraud & dishonest absenteeism |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Education |
Fraud in the internship intake |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Fraud regarding learners reports of grade 5 social science |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Allegation that educator committed fraud by accepting cooked marks |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Allegation that official committed fraud with regard to English trail examination paper |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Failed to secure the school cheque book resulting in fraudulent withdrawals |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Educator alleged to have underpaid educator assistants and general school assistants and other fraudulent activities. |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Submitting a fraudulent document |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Health |
Absent without reporting, fraudulently claiming nightshift allowance and submitted false statement |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Fraudulently obtained/falsified and presented a sick note and contravened the code of conduct |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Fraudulently obtained/falsified and presented a sick note with the intention and contravened the code of conduct |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Fraudulent medical certificate, under the influence, intoxication and late coming |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Officer committed alleged fraud and corruption, misconduct |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Exposed kids to Covid-19 in hospital and ordered more food on daily basis for kids which exceeded the number of kids in the crèche |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Stealing and committed fraud |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Tender fraud |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Human Settlements |
Intentionally submitted a fraudulent offer of employ |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Mpumalanga |
Health |
Fraudulently misuse petrol for own benefit |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
National |
Correctional Services |
Theft or bribery, fraud, corruption or any combination |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
Breaching security, theft, bribery, fraud and corruption |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Submission of fraudulent medical certificates |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Official submitted fraudulent medical certificates |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Official submitted fraudulent medical certificates for sick leave |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Employment and Labour |
Fraud, violating SOP, contravening Code of Conduct |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Environment, Forestry and Fisheries |
Official is alleged to have committed fraud when procuring stationery and printer cartridges |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Higher Education and Training |
Dishonesty/ negligence/ fraud,, unauthorised loading of an employee on the payroll |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Justice and Constitutional Development |
Corruption fraud and bringing the name of the department into disrepute |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Fraud |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
||
Fraud and corruption |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Fraudulent medical certificate, gross dishonesty |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Fraudulent S&T claim |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Fraudulently received small claims monies |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Police |
Allegedly committed fraud by applying for a SAPS e-mail address for a civilian |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Submitted a fraudulently obtained sick certificate |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Arrested on a charge of fraud, employee left his/her post without permission |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud complaint against SAPS official |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Allegation that SAPS member received a bribe to return a vehicle taken by the Hawks. The vehicle was not returned. |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Complaint that suspect fraudulently changed the licence of a vehicle into his name without his consent |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Corruption, fraud, using state vehicle without consent (misusing state vehicle) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, fraudulent entries in SAPS 132(b) log sheet - used state vehicle without consent |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud |
5 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
||
Fraud, sold items to a supplier without the necessary authority. The money was paid directly into the officers private account |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, member pretended to be the rightful owner of a house which he rented out |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, altered medical certificate |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud case |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, altered medical certificate |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, falsified medical certificate |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, falsifying official documentation |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
||
Fraud, forged signature |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, fraudulent sick certificate |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, members travelling overseas booked off sick / took family responsibility leave |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, members travelling overseas booked off sick / took family responsibility leave |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, purchased braai packs on police account for a station lecture |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraudulent sick certificate submitted |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Inciting employees to submit fraudulent applications to access housing allowance |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Member submitted a fraudulent insurance claim |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud, allegedly used state vehicle without permission |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Member fraudulently changed chassis and engine numbers of stolen and hijacked vehicles |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Submitted fraudulent monthly reports and non-compliance to instructions |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud and theft |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Perjury, false statement, fake insurance claim (Fraud) |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Dishonesty - made fraudulent entries in registers |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Used fuel cards of state owned motor vehicles and committed 33x counts of fraud |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud - ordering food without paying, smoking in rooms, not paying for visitors and removing crockery from rooms |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraudulently issued an affidavit to sell stolen stock cattle(10) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud – ordering food without paying, smoking in rooms, not paying for visitors and removing crockery from rooms |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
||
Theft and fraud |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
North West |
Community Safety and Transport Management |
Fraud |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
Fraud and unacceptable behaviour |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraudulent claims |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Fraudulent S&T claims |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Education |
Fraud |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Western Cape |
Education |
Fraud |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Committed an act of fraud |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Employee failed to prevent financial mismanagement which resulted in fraud |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Falsifying documentation, fraud, mismanagement of finances |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraud or dishonesty iro overtime claims |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
||
Fraudulent statement of senior certificate results |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Employee committed fraud by marking another employee present on the school attendance register |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Employee allegedly has fraudulent qualifications |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Copied CV and in doing so committed a fraud and alternatively a dishonest act |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||
Submitting fraudulent medical certificate |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Health and Wellness |
Fraud activities with regards to government cars fuel cards |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Fraudulent activities regarding fuel cards |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Fraudulent medical certificate. |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Submitted fraudulent sick note |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||
Data source: PERSAL |
||||||
Compiled by the DPSA |
||||||
Excluding Defence and State Security Agency |
End
22 May 2023 - NW1539
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) intellectual property (IP) rights have been sold to international companies that have not benefited South African companies, (b) amount were they sold for, (c) were the spin-offs companies accrued from the specified IP rights and (d) number of jobs did the international companies create in their respective countries?
Reply:
- INTRODUCTION
The Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act (IPR Act) was enacted in 2010 with an objective to ensure that intellectual property (IP) emanating from publicly funded research and development (R&D) is identified, protected, utilised, and commercialised for the benefit of the Republic.
Section 11(1)(c) of the IPR Act further states that "The recipient determines the nature and conditions of intellectual property transactions relating to any intellectual property held by it, but must take into account the following: preference must be given to parties that seek to use the intellectual property in ways that provide optimal benefits to the economy and quality of life of the people of the Republic" [own emphasis added].
In terms of the IPR Act, recipients[1] (including Higher Education Institutions and Science Councils) must request approval from the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), a specialised service delivery unit with the Department of Science and Innovation, to enter certain IP transactions.
The IP transactions requiring NIPMO approval, is summarised in the table below, indicating the legislated form to be submitted.
Legislatively prescribed IP Form to submit |
|
LOCAL IP TRANSACTIONS |
|
Exclusive, royalty-free licence |
IP8 |
Non-exclusive, royalty-free licence |
IP8 |
Assignment |
IP4 |
OFFSHORE IP TRANSACTIONS |
|
Exclusive, royalty/revenue-bearing licence |
IP6 |
Exclusive, royalty-free licence |
IP6 |
Non-exclusive, royalty-free licence |
IP8 |
Assignment |
IP5 |
2. IP TRANSACTIONS IN MORE DETAIL
Assignment is a legal term for the transferring of rights, property, or other benefits to another. The IPR Act makes provision for local or offshore assignment. The legislative background will be set out below:
A recipient intending on transferring (or assigning) its IP emanating from publicly financed R&D within South Africa must submit a IP4 form to NIPMO for approval (see Regulation 11(9) of the IPR Act). In addition to the IP4 form, the recipient must motivate that the assignment is in the public interest or provide reasons as to why the IP cannot be commercialised through other means such as an exclusive licence (Regulations 11(10) of the IPR Act).
A recipient wishing to assign IP offshore or outside South Africa must submit a IP5 form to NIPMO for approval (Regulation 12 (7) of the IPR Act). In addition to the IP5 form, the recipient must satisfy NIPMO that there is insufficient capacity in the Republic to develop or commercialise the IP locally; and that the Republic will benefit from such offshore transaction (Section 12(2) of the IPR Act).
Regulation 17 of the IPR Act states that “Failure by a recipient to obtain from NIPMO, approval for an intellectual property transaction for which approval is required in terms of the Act and these regulations; will render such Intellectual Property transaction and relevant agreement void from the beginning”.
The offshore IP transactions that were submitted to NIPMO for approval since the promulgation of the IPR Act are summarized as follows:
Financial year |
IP transaction activities |
2012/2013 |
1 offshore IP transaction received
|
2013/2014 |
No applications received. |
2014/2015 |
4 offshore IP transaction received and approved
|
2015/2016 |
1 offshore IP transaction received
|
2016/2017 |
2 offshore IP transactions received and approved
|
2017/2018 |
3 offshore IP transactions received
|
2018/2019 |
2 offshore IP transactions received
|
2020/2021 |
1 offshore IP transaction received
|
2021/2022 |
2 offshore IP transactions received
|
2022/2023 |
4 offshore IP transaction received and approved
|
To date NIPMO has received 20 offshore IP transactions to consider for approval. Of these 20, 14 were approved, 3 were not approved, and 3 required no approval from NIPMO as it fell outside the scope/provision of the IPR Act.
3. RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS POSED
“What (a) intellectual property (IP) rights have been sold to international companies that have not benefited South African companies, (b) amount were they sold for…”
The IPR Act was promulgated on 22 December 2008 and commenced on 2 August 2010 following the publication of a proclamation for its’ commencement in the Government Gazette. Furthermore, no provision was made in the IPR Act indicating that the IPR Act has retrospective application and one can assume that the IPR Act applies prospectively (in order words, for IP generated from publicly financed R&D after 2 August 2010).
As can be seen from the introduction above, no offshore IP transaction referred to NIPMO was transferred to international companies that have not benefitted South Africa.
Regulation 10(1)(c) of the Exchange Control Regulations of 1961 states that “prior National Treasury permission must be obtained before entering into any transaction whereby capital or any right to capital is directly or indirectly exported from the Republic”. National Treasury evaluates and approves (where appropriate) the transactional value of each IP transaction transferred outside of South Africa.
The IPR Act, defines “benefits” as "contribution to the socio-economic needs of the Republic and includes capacity development, technology transfer, job creation, enterprise development, social upliftment and products, or processes or services that embody or use the intellectual property”.
NIPMO assess each submitted application, to determine whether such IP transaction could reasonably benefit South Africa, and if so, will not approve the transaction.
Hence National Treasury considers the transactional value while NIPMO evaluates benefit to the country as defined within the IPR Act. NIPMO therefore does not have the data on the amount for which the IP was sold/transferred.
Question (c) were the spin-offs companies accrued from the specified IP rights and Question (d) number of jobs did the international companies create in their respective countries?
After the NIPMO approval for the assignment of IP, the IPR Act does not require the assignee and assignor to report on the status of the IP in perpetuity.
With respect to offshore assignment, once the transaction is approved the IP becomes the property of the offshore assignee, and the assignor loses control over the IP, and therefore NIPMO no longer receives updates on the IP from the assignor.
In light of the above, we are unable to answer these questions.
4. CONCLUSION
Failure to obtain approval from NIPMO for an IP transaction for which approval is required in terms of the IPR Act; will render such IP transaction and relevant agreement void from the beginning.
It should be appreciated that NIPMO is unable to report on data that was not reported. Should it come to our attention that IP emanating from publicly funded R&D was indeed transferred without the Republic benefitting, the IPR Act and Regulations make provision to cancel that IP transaction.
-
Section 1 of the IPR Act: "recipient" means any person, juristic or non-juristic, that undertakes research and development using funding from a funding agency and includes, an institution ↑
22 May 2023 - NW1592
Makesini, Ms M to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1) Whether the 2017 project relating to the contract of the North West to Drop Out (PTY) LTD to construct 300 houses and 300 VIP toilets in the Dinie Estate was completed, if not; why not, if so, at what total cost?
Reply:
I am informed by the North West Department of Human Settlements that the low-cost subsidy housing project by Drop Dot (Pty) Ltd has not yet been completed. The initial plan was to build 300 units and 300 VIP toilets but this was revised to 276 units and toilets as a result of untraceable beneficiaries during the construction process.
The provincial Department was anticipating to complete the project before the end of April 2023, but heavy rains between December 2022 and March 2023 resulted in unforeseen construction delays. The North West Department of Human Settlements will complete the project before the end of 2023-2024 financial year.
According to the HSS report, the total budget was R46,402,299.85. So far, R34,520,227.90 has been spent with 191 units completed and 85 outstanding.
22 May 2023 - NW1319
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light of his limited interventions within the intergovernmental relations framework, what other options are available to mitigate the total collapse of the bulk water and sanitation infrastructure in the Republic?
Reply:
The reliability of municipal water and sanitation services is generally deteriorating, evidenced by the Green Drop and Blue Drop assessments. To mitigate the total collapse of services/infrastructure, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is strengthening its regulatory role over municipal water and sanitation services.
During this financial year we will be consulting on updated and more comprehensive norms and standards for water and sanitation services, in terms of the Water Services Act. We will also publish a National Regulatory Dashboard showing the extent of compliance with the national norms and standards for water services for all Water Service Authorities, drawing on existing monitoring information. We are also in the process of introducing standardised regulatory enforcement protocols to be implemented by all our regional offices, to make our regulatory actions more consistent.
One of the underlying causes of the decline in municipal water services, both in terms of the reliability of service delivery and in terms of financial sustainability, is the non-implementation of certain key requirements of the Water Services Act by municipalities. The Act distinguishes between Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers and requires municipalities to separately manage and account for the roles of Water Services Authority and Water Services Provider. It further requires Water Services Authorities to ensure that Water Service Providers provide access to efficient and sustainable water services to everyone. Almost all Water Service Authorities have been failing to do this.
To address this, we are considering introducing some amendments to the Water Services Act, with the aim of further clarifying the roles, responsibilities and functions of Water Services Authorities and Water Services Providers; setting minimum standards for the functioning of Water Services Providers which must be enforced by Water Services Authorities; and providing the Minister with powers to regulate these matters. We will be consulting on these proposed amendments with a view to taking them through the cluster system to Cabinet during this financial year.
---00O00---
22 May 2023 - NW1452
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Considering that in numerous presentations by his department it was cited that the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project will bring about skills development and employment opportunities to the Republic, (a) what total number of job opportunities are prospectively planned for the eventual roll-out of the SKA project, (b) what kind of skills will be developed in the process and during the roll-out of the SKA project, (c) by what date does he envisage the specified aspirations will be realised and (d) how will the SKA project impact the youth in townships and rural areas?
Reply:
a) The basis for determining the number of job opportunities that will arise from the deployment and operation of the SKA project is guided by analysis that was done on the job opportunities[1] that were created through the establishment and operation of the South African MeerKAT telescope – a precursor to the SKA telescope. An independent economic modelling exercise indicated that the MeerKAT construction program for the period 2012 to 2022 and the operational phase since 2018 has created 5 606 direct job opportunities. The model that was used to calculate the job opportunities created through MeerKAT was applied to the construction and construction and operation of the SKA telescope over the next 10 years. With the funding that is likely to flow to South Africa, it is estimated that a further 16 475 job opportunities will be created. This number will continuously be reviewed to always ensure the best available data. In addition, appropriate monitoring has been put in place to enable reporting of direct job opportunities that will flow from SKA construction, due to commence this year.
b) The scope of skills development is broad and is further supported by strategic skills development interventions undertaken through the Human Capital Development (HCD) Bursary Programme of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). At a national level, the design and construction of the SKA will enhance the development of skills in data science; compute and big data storage technologies; electronic engineering; radio frequency engineering; software development; project management and systems engineering. These skills are extremely relevant in the 4th industrial revolution and are easily transferred as we witnessed when SARAO was appointed to coordinate the National Ventilator Project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional skills development interventions undertaken within the Karoo ensure that these communities are able to participate meaningfully in the construction and operation of the SKA. This includes business development skills for local SMME’s, as well as artisan training (such as the training of electricians), which has catalysed the development of an Artisan Training Centre in Carnarvon.
c) Projections on job opportunities are based on a ten-year horizon, starting in 2023. However, skills development across the skills identified above has been ongoing since the commencement of the MeerKAT project.
d) Establishment of the SKA project in the Karoo provides a range of opportunities for the development of youth in rural communities surrounding the telescope. Already, learners are being supported through several interventions at schools, including science engagement; robotics programs; maths and science educator support; and school holiday programs. Learners who pass grade 12 and qualify to study a science or engineering related degree at university are granted bursaries by SARAO – so far, 34 learners from the local community have been awarded bursaries. A further 72 have been supported to study at TVET colleges. Following the development of the Astro-Tourism Strategy, SARAO is piloting a program to train youth in the Karoo as Astro-tourism guides – with the intention of exploiting potential Astro-tourism opportunities in the future. This will be enhanced through the establishment of the SKA Science Tourism Visitor Centre and this project is currently going through the detailed engineering design phase. SARAO participates in various outreach programs that are organised by the Department of Science and Innovation and its entities for the youth from the townships.
-
1 job opportunity = 1 full time equivalent (FTE) year ↑
19 May 2023 - NW1502
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1) What are the reasons that the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality residents in KwaZulu-Natal will face 22% higher electricity rates tariff from 1 July 2023 compared to other provinces once the city’s draft budget for 2023-24 is approved; (2) whether he will furnish Mr N Singh with the official guidelines for rate tariffs for the 2024-25 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) We advise the member to direct the question to the Department of Cooporative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
(2) The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is the regulatory authority, inter alia, on municipal electricity pricing guidelines. It publishes an annual determination of Municipal Tariff Guidelines and the revision of Municipal Tariff Benchmarks around May of each year, which is applicable to the following financial year (commencing in July 2023).
The public commenting period for the 2023/24 determination closed on 04 May 2023 and NERSA will accordingly publish their decision regarding the 2023/24 guidelines in due course.
19 May 2023 - NW1551
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
What total amount (a) did Eskom set aside in its budget for the current financial year to buy diesel for the open cycle gas turbines and (b) of the specified budget has been spent to date?
Reply:
(a) The budget available for the Eskom Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGT) for the 2023/2024 Financial Year is R19,6 billion including IPP OCGT spend.
(b) The year-to-date spend for the 2023/2024 Financial year, as of 8 May 2023, is R3 billion.
End.
19 May 2023 - NW1555
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What total number of South African ambassadors were invited back to the Republic for the investment conference in Sandton between 12 to 14 April 2023, (b) what was the total cost of the (i) tickets, (ii) accommodation and (iii) subsistence allowance for her department and/or the Government in this regard and (c) which ambassadors that were budgeted and paid for did not arrive?
Reply:
a) The Department planned and budgeted for the attendance of 46 South African Heads of Mission of the investment conference in Sandton between 12 to 14 April 2023.
b) The total cost so far of the (i) tickets, (ii) accommodation and (iii) subsistence allowance for the Department is:
(i) tickets - R820 567.79
- accommodation - R285 600.00
- subsistence allowance - R25 800.00
- Ambassadors that were budgeted and paid for but who did not arrive are:
c) Ambassador PS Sizani (Berlin, Germany); Ambassador NC Mfeketo (Washington, USA); Ambassador DT Dlomo (Mexico City, Mexico)
19 May 2023 - NW1529
Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(a) What number of litres of diesel did Eskom use for the purposes of power generation in the (i) 2021-22 and (ii) 2022-23 financial years and (b) what was the total cost of the diesel used in each of the specified financial years?
Reply:
According to Information Received from Eskom:
(a)(i)
In the 2021/22 financial year, 571 295 617 litres of diesel were used.
(a)(ii)
In the 2022/23 financial year, 937 508 149 litres of diesel were used.
(b) The total cost of diesel consumption in FY21/22 was R6,407 million and R21,356 million in FY22/23.
Note that the R6,407 million included the rebate of R2,297 million, which was retrospectively written off for the FY21/22 in the FY22/23. Excluding the rebate, the total cost of diesel consumption was R8,704 million.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
19 May 2023 - NW1550
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What is the current breakdown in terms of projected power output of all Independent Power Producers that have reached financial close across the Republic?
Reply:
The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme has to date contracted 115 Projects with a total capacity of 9218 MW. 92 projects have reached COD totalling 7209 MW and 24 Projects are still under construction.
19 May 2023 - NW1769
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1) a) What steps has she taken to completely eradicate mud houses in Vezubuhle in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in Mpumalanga (b) on what date will basic services be provided for the specific area?
Reply:
a) I am informed by the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlemnents that in the previous financial year, it met with all Municipalities requesting the list of areas with unsafe and unihabitable mud houses. The Department received a list with 501 mud houses in 20 wards from Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in April 2023. Ten (10) houses were received in Vezubuhle in Wards 18 and 20. According to the province, the list was only received in the current financial year, resulting in these projects not being planned and budgeted for 2023-2024. The Department shall prioritize the eradication of mud houses within the next Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF).
b) The Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements is currently busy with the formalization of informal settlements in the area which will result in the provision of bulk infrastrucrture and basic services.
19 May 2023 - NW1549
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
Whether, with regard to media reports that an emergency Cabinet meeting convened by the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, to consider the Minister’s plan to slow the decommissioning of old coal power stations deliberated on the possible use of privatepublic partnerships to fund investments in the coal power stations, there are any private investors who have come forward to partner with the Government to invest in the old coal power stations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
Members of the Cabinet are accountable collectively and individually to Parliament for the exercise of their powers and the performance of their functions. Any unauthorized or premature disclosure of Cabinet meetings or information undermines the collective responsibility of the Cabinet.
End.
19 May 2023 - NW1795
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Police
What are the (a) statistics of SA Police Service officers found on the wrong side of the law in the past five years in each province and (b) crimes that were allegedly committed by the officers?
Reply:
Find reply here
19 May 2023 - NW1535
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
With reference to the state of disaster that has been declared due to the load shedding crisis, what are the reasons that Rand Water reservoirs and all other water reservoirs and/or feeds and systems are not exempt from load shedding as it directly impacts the supply of water to residents?
Reply:
The NRS048-9 specification states that bulk potable water supply points should be exempted from loadshedding where the network allows this. The issue is that the bulk water supply points very rarely have the necessary independent network connections that would allow this to happen, and the water pumps are distributed very widely in the electrical networks, so excluding them would mean unacceptably large amounts of load would not be available for loadshedding, reducing the effectiveness of the loadshedding system as a tool to stabilise the Grid.
End.
19 May 2023 - NW1569
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
Whether the Republic has experienced stages 7 and 8 of load shedding since he assumed office; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full and relevant details?
Reply:
As of 12:00 on 8 May 2023, Stage 6 loadshedding is the highest stage of loadshedding to be implemented in South Africa. Stage 7 or 8 load-shedding have never been implemented. The NRS048-9 Code of Practice differentiates between loadshedding and load curtailment, the latter being the instructed, partial reduction of demand from large industrial customers. On occasion, load curtailment, up to Stage 4, has been implemented in conjunction with Stage 6 loadshedding. Each stage of load curtailment is approximately 5% of the large customer demand with Stage 4 load curtailment being up to 1000MW of demand that is removed from the power system.
End.