Questions and Replies

Reply:

a) All lease agreements for regional offices as requested are attached as Annexure A. Table 1 below names of regional offices, square meterage and price per square meter.

Table 1: Regional Offices

Region	Square Meter	Price per square meter
Western Cape Region – Paramount Property Fund Limited	Office: 2895 m² 55 Parking bays	Office Space: R109.44/m2 Parking: R1295.75 / bay
Eastern Cape Region – Zambli 216 (Pty) Ltd	4594 m² - Office 996.2 m² - Registry 172 Parking bays	Office Space R 115.00/m2 Registry: R75.00/m2 Basement Parking R475.00 Covered Parking: R350.00 Open Parking: R325.00
KwaZulu Natal Region – 200 Pietermaritz Street (Pty) Ltd	3447 m² 99 Parking bays	Office Space: R106.39/m2 Parking: 610.47
North West Region – North West Development corporation	2670 m²	Office Space including Parking: R268.45 m²
Gauteng Region – Rebosis Property Fund Ltd	4131 m² 33 Parking bays	Office Space: R161.86/m2 Covered Parking: R1322.39
Mpumalanga Region - Streak Street Investments (Pty) Ltd	Office Space: 3071.36 m² Storage room 330 69 Parking bays Patios: 261.07	Office Space: R238.19/m2 Storage: R238.19 Patio: R130.44 Covered Parking: R626.09
Limpopo Region –Omtay Property Holdings (Pty) Ltd	4277 m² 73 Parking bays	Office Space: R171.96/m2 Parking 501.83

b) The rates per square metre are within market related prices.

c) Directors and/or members of each landlord for buildings occupied by SASSA regional offices are displayed in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Company names and Directors

Company Name	Directors	Position
i) Paramount Property Fund Limited	Name	Surname	Position
	Leon Norbert	Sasse	Director
	Estienne Konrad	De Klerk	Director
	Gerald	Volkel	Director
	Francois Johan	Schindehutte	Director
ii) Zambli 216 (Pty) Ltd	Collen Ndevhu	Motsoahae	Director
iii) 200 Pietermaritz Street (Pty) Ltd	Govinsamy	Chetty	Director
iv) North West Development Corporation	Mokgele Ernest	Mojaki	Non-Executive Director
	Monica Kedibone	Sentle-Mokeke	Non-Executive Director
	Kenneth	Konopi	Non-Executive Director
	Sharon	Maleka	Non-Executive Director
	Tebogo	Malaka	Non-Executive Director
	Nkamoheng	Phadu-More	Non-Executive Director
	Mmanake	Msiza	Non-Executive Director
	Shima	Nokaneng	Non-Executive Director
	Senzo	Ncongolo	Non-Executive Director
	Kabelo	Mafokwane	Company Secretary
v) Rebosis Property Fund Ltd	Zandile	Kogo	Director
	Asathi Lwandile	Mamane	Director
	Joel	Naidoo	Company Secretary
	Otis Ndora	Tshabalala	Director
	Oratile Refiloe	Mosetlhi	Non-Executive Director
	Sandra Olive Nomthandazo	Mqina	Director
	Phahlani Lincoln	Mkhombo	Business Rescue Practitioner
	Jacques	Du Toit	Business Rescue Practitioner
vi) Streak Street Investments (Pty) Ltd	Willie	Du Plessis	Director
	Philippus Lodewikus	Du Plessis	Director
vii) Omtay Property Holding (Pty) Ltd	Suliman Omar	Tayob	Director
	Safwan Suliman	Tayob	Director

 

Reply:

The Department has over the past few years encouraged qualifying people to approach SASSA for any form of grant and have had all those who qualify approved. However, the biggest challenge is that most of homeless people live a nomadic life and most of them do not have addresses and IDs. The drive to register the homeless to receive social grants was also implemented and intensified during covid-19 especially for those who were in shelters. It should be noted that homelessness is a cross cutting issue which is the responsibility of various government departments such Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlement, Health and Social Development. The department’s role is to provide psychosocial support, assessment and reunification services. There is no budget allocated to this function within social development and therefore it is an unfunded mandate. Currently only Gauteng and Western Cape are funding shelters for homeless people through equitable share.

Reply:

1. (aa) Minister

(a) Destinations	(b i) Total cost accommodation	(b ii) Total cost travel	(b iii) Other cost (ground transport and S&T)
Minister MT Kubayi-Ngubane - was appointed on 29 May 2019
14/07/2019 – 18/07/2019 United States of America	38 852.14	68 472.60	13 372.18
12/08/2019 – 19/08/2019 Tanzania	52 347.71	20 843.93	12 787.03
08/09/2019 – 15/09/2019 Russia	106 426.96	129 191.86	90 619.72
29/09/2019 – 03/10/2019 Dubai – trip cancelled due to ill health of Minister/ cancellation costs for flight only	0.00	82 320.93	0.00
20/10/2019 – 25/10/2019 Japan	66 191.50	78 193.93	16 840.70
24/11/2019 – 28/112019 Ghana and Nigeria	48 278.18	76 717.04	8 502.69
01/12/2019 – 08/12/2019 Egypt	64 541.40	39 226.95	3 535.03
13/01/2019 – 16/01/2020 India	40 979.74	141 801.36	9 078.55
02/03/2020 – 07/03/2020 Germany – trip cancelled due to Covid-19/ cancellation costs	22 064.55	73 549.93	405.00
01/06/2020 – 31/05/2021	None	None	None
Minister LN Sisulu - was appointed on 5 August 2021
30/11/2021 – 03/12/2021 Spain	308 855.82	148 895.00	12 542.61
01/12/2021 – 08/12/2021 Dubai, United Emirates	122 797.65	271 016.30	51 403.34
10/12/2021 – 16/12//2021 United Kingdom	20 045.22	218 789.50	17 643.60
16/04/2022 – 18/04/2022 Philippines	58 425.73*	112 314.40*	14 194.96*
09/05/2022 – 12/05/2022 United Arab Emirates	80 176.22*	148 809.40*	17 958.60*
06/06/2022 – 08/06/2022 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia	Paid by host	55 279.90*	15 663.12*
14/06/2022 – 01/07/2022 United Kingdom	164 028.60*	132 981.62*	11 727.03*
10/07/2022 – 13/07/2022 Russia	81 521.17*	139 619.90*	29 004.79*
19/09/2022 – 26/09/2022 Japan	Claim not received from DIRCO	228 310.92*	7 092.78*
26/11/2022 – 02/12/2022 Saudi Arabia	Paid by host	182 750.40*	7 315.11*
Minister P de Lille - Appointed on 6 March 2023
The Minister did not, as yet, travel internationally

* Costs for the 2022-2023 financial year still needs to be audited

(bb) Deputy-Minister: Mr AF Mahlalela - Appointed on 29 May 2019

(a) Destinations	(b i) Total cost accommodation	(b ii) Total cost travel	(b iii) Other cost (ground transport and S&T)
24/10/2019 – 26/10/2019 Tanzania	6 330.91	54 529.93	6 911.31
20/01/2020 – 25/01/2020 Spain	21 247.60	56 216.93	9 075.88
18/02/2020 – 24/02/2020 Cote D’voire	33 657.72	59 332.64	12 221.49
29/05/2022 – 03/06/2022 Germany	28 512.07*	84 619.40*	8 690.73*
24/09/2022 – 27/09/2022 Indonesia	27 826.63*	135 268.55*	9 941.51*
03/10/2022 – 08/10/2022 Tanzania	41 107.69*	93 546.35*	12 945.22*
24/10/2022 – 27/10/2022 Botswana	23 685.90*	18 464.96*	3 720.42*

* Costs for the 2022-2023 financial year still needs to be audited

2. (a) Minister

Since 1 June	Total cost incurred for domestic air travel
Minister MT Kubayi-Ngubane - was appointed on 29 May 2019.
2019 – 2020	R 633 445,09
2020 – 2021	R 172 433,25
Minister LN Sisulu - was appointed on 5 August 2021.
2021 – 2022	R 242 031,09
Minister LN Sisulu
2022 – 2023	R760 388.28*
Minister P de Lille - Appointed on 6 March 2023.
2022-2023	R9 446.52*

(b) Deputy Minister Mr AF Mahlalela - Appointed on 29 May 2019.

Since 1 June	Total cost incurred for domestic air travel
2019 – 2020	R 591 138,38
2020 – 2021	R 101 739,65
2021 – 2022	R 110 123,98
2022 – 2023	R178 446.84*

* Costs for the 2022-2023 financial year still needs to be audited

Reply:

(1) The Minister for the Public Service and Administration (MPSA) has not been provided with any reports from any government institution nor the University of Fort Hare as such is unable to comment on such reports. The MPSA has noted media reports and can confirm that the allegations made are false, baseless and untrue.

(2) The Minister has not been involved in any academic fraud and dismisses all and any unsubstantiated allegations levelled against her. The Minister is committed to living-up to the oath of office that she has been sworn to.

End

Reply:

1. Hopefield farm falls under the portfolio of the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, not the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

(a), (b) Falls Away.

2. Falls Away.

Reply:

1. Active surveillance of high impact animal diseases is taking place and the general farming community is advised to observe and report all conditions to the nearest State Veterinarian.

2. Most of the time a farm that experiences outbreaks of animal disease is quarantined. The farmers are advised to establish their own biosecurity protocols and to observe those principles. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development establishes guidelines in terms of Veterinary Procedural Notices (VPN) to guide all in sundry on the necessary approaches.

3. Yes. Areas around the Kruger National Park are hotspots for animal diseases. The other area of concern is Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve and other game parks.

Reply:

(a)(b) The business analysis and approval of submissions made by prospective producers for assistance are against a standardised measure of guidance as given through computerised budget (commonly called ComBud). Based on economic data generated the enterprise budget per hectare of a commodity under analysis is determined/created to guide an approval process.

The general norm for these two production factors is that labour contributes approximately 15% cost to the total farming cost while machinery contributes approximately 9% cost to the total gross value of the operation. Thus, the Department provides support using such margins as apportioned per data attributed to a commodity per given geographical area.

It should be noted that labour classification includes both seasonal and permanent personnel while the kind of commodity being analysed for support might include a variety of machines (this includes combine harvester, fertilizer equipment, planting equipment, spaying equipment etc.) and all are measured and costed.

(c) DALRRD through producer support programmes like Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), Land Development Support (LDS), Ilima//Letsema, Blended Funding Scheme (BFS), and Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs) assisted small and medium scale farmers with mechanisation and overhead related costs including labour for the specified period.

Reply:

a) The conservation provisions refer to any applicable legislation dealing with the conservation of animals. These could be under the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment, or even provincial government.

b) The inclusion of this provision serves to ensure that animals that are slaughtered under the Meat Safety Act, No 40 of 2000 must be slaughtered in compliance with provisions of any other applicable legislation in the Republic of South Africa.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), working with the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) is implementing a sustainable vaccine production strategy, central to which is finding a competent vaccine manufacturing partner to contract manufacture vaccines on-behalf OBP. A consistent availability of vaccines will alleviate the challenge of farmers not finding vaccines when it is time for vaccination.

Reply:

On 16 April 2023, South Africa as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) participated in its emergency meeting and received an update on the situation in Sudan by the AU PSC chair for the month of April 2023 and by H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. PSC Members noted with deep concern the escalation of violence and called for parties to halt hostilities immediately, and the return to the negotiations led by the AU, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations (UN).

The South African Government has since welcomed the start of pre-negotiation talks between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces which commenced in Saudi Arabia on 6 May 2023. South Africa further reiterates the centrality of the African Union and IGAD in the pre-negotiation and subsequent talks to ensure long-standing solutions to challenges faced by Sudan.

Reply:

(a) Limpopo and Eastern Cape Provincial Education Departments are the two provinces that had such cases and can be best placed to respond on what form of support they offered to parents. 

(b) The Department of Transport, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, have developed a National Learner Transport Policy (NLTP); which was approved by Cabinet in 2015, with the sole intention of regulating the implementation of learner transport programme.  The Learner Transport Programme is a shared responsibility between the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Transport.

The provisioning and prioritisation of learner transport programme is a provincial competency; and the national Departments of Basic Education and Transport monitor the provisioning of learner transport programme in provinces.  The National Policy provides that national government will oversee the implementation of the Policy in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including provinces, municipalities and school governing bodies (SGBs) amongst others. 

In cases where parents have lost their children through subsidised learner transport programme, the provincial Departments of Education and Transport provide psycho-social support to the affected learners and parents.

Reply:

(a)(i) (aa) (bb) (cc)

Province	(a)(ii)	(aa)	(bb)	(cc)
	Total No. of Schools	Generators	UPS	Generators and UPS
	All Schools	Public Schools
EC	5 311	5 046	**	*	**
FS	1 029	953	24	0	0
GP	2 991	2 056	2	0	0
KZN	6 021	5 895	51	8	10
LP	3 847	3 646	**	**	**
MP	1 784	1 673	156	5	9
NC	586	545	11	0	0
NW	1 548	1 448	66	0	0
WC	1 754	1 464	**	**	**
National	24 871	22 726	310	13	19

**Note: Schools have been installing Generator, UPS and Solar systems using school budgets and provinces are in the process of collecting the information to update the infrastructure system.

(b) Annexure A is attached

Reply:

(a)(i) The number of calls to the Home Affairs Contact Centre toll-free number: 0800601190 received during 2022 are as follows:

aa) Daily average calls for the period under question is 2647 calls

bb) Weekly average calls answered for the period is 12828

cc) Monthly calls answered, cases created and resolved are as below

Month	Calls Answered	Cases Created	Cases Resolved	Percentage Resolved
Jan-22	41474	17850	16065	90%
Feb-22	41953	16151	14374	89%
Mar-22	76536	19889	18098	91%
Apr-22	58116	13247	11922	90%
May-22	65736	19827	17844	90%
Jun-22	57940	12267	11040	90%
Jul-22	58796	17034	15160	89%
Aug-22	65180	18406	16197	88%
Sep-22	61436	13389	11648	87%
Oct-22	50871	12935	10994	85%
Nov-22	52417	13523	10953	81%
Dec-22	36649	6488	5190	80%
Total calls	667104	181006	159953	88%

(a)(ii) Total calls answered by the Contact Centre through the 0800601190 number for 2022 calendar year is 667104

(a)(iii) Calls answered by the Contact Centre through the 0800601190 number from 01 January to 31 March 2023 is 120721 is tabulated below:

Month	Calls Answered	Cases created	Cases resolved	Percentage resolved
Jan-23	41994	18437	16040	87%
Feb-23	45300	19012	16920	89%
Mar-23	33427	4609	3779	82%
Total calls	120721	42058	36739	86%

b) Total number of Contact Centre Agents is 88 and the number of Contact Centre Agents handling calls from the toll-free line is 68

END.

Reply:

The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Conditional Grant Framework, as gazetted in the Division of Revenue Act, stipulates the targeting criteria as "provide nutritious meals in quintile 1 - 3 primary and secondary schools as well as identified special schools on all school days".  Most schools in rural areas participate in the school feeding programme.  The DBE will welcome the names of the schools (in rural areas) not participating for consideration. 

Reply:

No, Thabo Bester does not have an Identity Document- at least not one issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

a) The question should be referred to the Department of Correctional Services

b) The Department does not do any audit of inmates at Correctional Services facilities. We expect the Department to approach us if there are any issues of identity to be dealt with.

END

Reply:

The error that affected Marveke Shibambu in the November 2022 examination, is regretted; and is certainly the exception to the highly rigorous processes and control measures in place in the national examination system.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has developed over the years a rigorous and robust National Marking system that targets zero defect at every step.  Answer scripts from every examination centre, are subjected to four levels of moderation and a range of checks and control measures, and this avoids errors. The DBE on an annual basis conducts a review of all its processes with the individual Provincial Education Departments, post the examination; and the error that occurred will be thoroughly discussed, and additional measures will be put in place to mitigate errors of this nature.

The Provincial Education Department (PED) has completed a full enquiry on this error and has established that this is an administrative error relating to mark transfer from one document to another. There are tracking mechanisms in place on candidate scripts and control sheets with responsibility codes attached to Markers and Administrators, that would have gone through this script.  The implicated individual has been identified and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

It also needs to be noted that the DBE has an appeal process in place to allow candidates who think they may have been disadvantaged to request for a remark or a recheck and also to view their scripts. This is part of the principle of fairness and justice in the examination process.

The DBE will continue to reinforce its oversight and control of marking and moderation processes and PEDs will be instructed and supported to improve their control measures based on the review that will be conducted with each province. The DBE will also embark on standardising the roles and responsibilities of Examination Assistants and Quality Checkers to ensure greater accountability across the value-chain of the marking process. In standardising the roles and responsibilities, one of the examples to be used is the error that affected Marveke Shibambu especially its negative impact on a learner's life career.

Reply:

The South African Police Service deals with the criminal element of cable theft and vandalism. It is advised that the question be forwarded to the Ministry of Police, who can respond to it appropriately.

End.

 

Reply:

1 (a) Between 2012/13 and 2021/22, state-owned companies (SOCs) received about R266.6 billion in bailouts from government, which has crowded out important social and other expenditure. The 2022 Budget Review outlined the need for a new framework for managing bailouts to state-owned companies to reduce fiscal risks and promote long-overdue reforms. In addition, National Treasury has issued an Instruction Note in 2020 (No.09 of 2020/21) on the minimum criteria which must be met before entities submit for approval or concurrence with regards to guarantees, indemnities, security and restriction on borrowings. The above-mentioned Instruction Note has resulted in a decrease in requests for government guarantees from SOCs as a result of requests not meeting minimum criteria. Managing the state’s guarantee portfolio is therefore a key mechanism to decrease the continued support for loss-making SOCs.

(b) The COVID-19 SRD grant has been extended only until 2023/24. Government is still considering various options, including employment and labour market activation initiatives, in providing support to the working-age population. No final decision yet.

(c) Between the 2022 Budget and 2023 Budget, the consolidated budget deficit expected for 2022/23 declined from 6 per cent to 4.2 per cent of GDP. The deficit is projected to narrow to 4 per cent of GDP in the fiscal year ending 31 March 2024 before reaching 3.2 per cent of GDP in 2025/26, as the main budget deficit narrows and social security funds, provinces and public entities move into a combined cash surplus in the outer year. Over the medium term, the composition of consolidated spending improves, continuing the shift towards capital rather than current spending. The medium-term fiscal strategy aims to:

i. Achieve fiscal sustainability by narrowing the budget deficit and stabilising debt.

ii. Support economic growth by maintaining a sustainable fiscal stance, directing resources towards infrastructure, increasing spending on policy priorities and contributing to energy reforms.

iii. Reduce fiscal and economic risks, including building fiscal buffers for future shocks and providing targeted conditional in-year support to key public entities and by taking a portion of Eskom’s debt with strict conditions.

2. To this end, the National Treasury remains committed to narrowing the budget deficit and stabilising debt. In the medium term, this will be achieved mainly by controlling non-interest expenditure growth and the use of a portion of revenue improvements to narrow the budget deficit and keep debt stabilisation on track. In-year allocations are made to mitigate economic and fiscal risks associated with selected SOEs.

Reply:

The PIC’s does not provide any loans to individuals in their personal capacity. The PIC invests in companies or entities through the provision of funding using debt instruments that are disclosed in clients’ Integrated Annual Reports and its Annexures, that is available on the websites of the Clients.

Reply:

a) Status of the amendments to the Protected Disclosures Act, Act 26 of 2000

(i) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has conducted a review of the Protected Disclosures Act and Witness Protection Act, amongst other pieces of legislation, that have a bearing on whistle-blower and witness protection. This is intended to assess the level of protection to witnesses and whistle-blowers, identify and address gaps, if any, in the current legislation.

(ii) This review, which will include consultation with stakeholders and the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, will be implemented by the end of April 2023.

b) At this point, there are no delays as the comprehensive review is on track to be completed as per the deliverables in the State Capture response plan by the President by the end of April 2023.

END

Reply:

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs does not maintain the data that the honorable member requested regarding the cost incurred by each municipality in each province to replace wires that have been stolen.

End.

 

Reply:

The sports field in Ward 20 in Moretele is not the responsibility of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. It is advised that the honorable member send the inquiry to the Ministry of Sport, Arts, and Culture so that appropriate solutions can be provided..

End.

 

Reply:

a) As a response to the specific skills shortage challenge affecting both the Department and the national water sector, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) established the Learning Academy in 2007 which is a technical and scarce skills development programme. It represents an investment in sustaining quality in DWS entry level human resources, thereby ensuring that in the long term, the DWS will remain competitive and be able to deliver on its mandate.The Learning Academy is designed to meet specific organisational requirements, lead a sustained campaign to secure a steady supply of high-level skills in water-related science, engineering, and technical disciplines in order to meet projected demands within DWS and the water sector as a whole.

The Learning Academy responds to the imperatives mentioned with a dual focus by addressing both the academic and professional development components that will provide aspiring engineers, scientists and technicians with the opportunity to be exposed to real-time professional experiences and valuable work experience in order for them to register with relevant professional bodies such as the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the South African Council for Natural Science Professions (SACNSP) and the Geomatics Council for Surveyors (ex PLATO).

The Learning Academy has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with strategically selected Institutions of Higher Learning. The Institutions of Higher Learning serve as administrators of the bursaries and administer the funds on behalf of DWS. As the bursary scheme feeds the Professional Development Component, bursaries are granted pre-graduate to post-graduate levels within a wide variety of scarce, critical and technical skills that can address the needs of DWS and the water sector. The DWS has allocated 1050 comprehensive bursaries to deserving students since 2007.

The Work Integrated Learners are defined in the context of the Learning Academy as individuals who must successfully undertake a period of Experiential Training in order to obtain their academic qualifications. There are 358 Work Integrated Learners that have completed the work since 2007.

The Professional Development Component deals with the development of Graduate Trainees. The Graduate Trainees are predominantly bursars of DWS who, on completion of their qualifications, are appointed and placed in the workplace for a minimum period of four years, where they are exposed to real-time service delivery aspects, skills development and Departmental projects (on-the-job training) under the guidance of a mentor. The trainees are thus guaranteed practical, instructional and hands-on experiences which will allow them to acquire relevant professional knowledge and skills and attain formal professional registration and recognition through the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the Geomatic Council or the South African Council for Natural Science Professionals (SACNASP). All Learner Interns and Graduate Interns are appointed as per Directive on Developmental Programme in the Public Service (18 May 2018). In total the Learning Academy has contracted 855 Graduate Interns since April 2007.

b) With regard to the integration of young and established professionals in the water sector, the Water Institute of South Africa (WISA) has an established board of Young Water Professionals that have created a community of Young Water Professionals all over South Africa. The Department has recently established a branch for Young Water Professionals to integrate our newly registered Young Water Professionals into this community and by doing this, empowering them with the latest and best information in the Sector.

In addition to this, the Department has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Wetskills (a Netherland organisation) which will give South African Young Water Professionals the opportunity to participate in international competitions to expose and integrate them into the international water community.

 

---00O00---

Reply:

The Department of Correctional Services has not entered into any contracts with the mentioned service provider, however the mentioned company is a sub-contractor of the Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (Pty) Ltd (BCC) which operates the Manguang Correctional Centre (MCC) as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Correctional Centre under sections 103 – 112 of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998, as amended (CSA)

END

Reply:

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) invests according to the mandates of its clients in line with section 10(4) of the PIC Act as amended. Any potential investment in Eskom will be in line with client mandates or their approval and assessed on its merits taking into account the expected returns and associated terms and conditions, especially the security thereof.

Reply:

I have been advised that the department, through the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), conducted a research study in August 2022 on the impact of loadshedding on its funded clients. This study was commissioned as a survey to 1 500 sefa clients, however only 214 clients responded, and the following are some of the findings identified:

• • Respondents suffered loss of revenue and production due to loadshedding.
  • 76% of respondents indicated that they do not have alternative power in place to mitigate the effect of loadshedding.
  • To cope with the impact of loadshedding, most respondents indicated that they utilised the loadshedding schedule to plan their business operations and have reduced their production.
  • Majority indicated that they require assistance with funding to acquire alternative energy source and assistance with restructuring of their loans in respect of their loan repayment obligation with us.
  • Most respondents were operating in manufacturing, retail trade, hotels and restaurants, construction, transport, community services, financial services, agriculture, mining and quarrying.
  • Majority of these businesses were in operation for 1 to 5 years.

The DSBD together with its agencies, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and sefa, is considering the introduction of interventions to address these challenges. The DSBD and its agencies are looking at a three-pronged approach for supporting SMMEs and Co-operatives affected by loadshedding:

(i) The Power Purchase Product (PPP) is an immediate relief for formal and informal enterprises (alternative power sources). It is an initiative of the Small Business Development Portfolio (DSBD, Seda and sefa) to support SMMEs with alternative energy generating equipment (generators and Photovoltaic installations - PV). The programme will be implemented via the existing programme structures as follows:

• • Informal business to be supported via DSBD’s Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP).
  • Micro businesses to be supported through Seda’s Asset Assist Programme
  • Small to Medium enterprises to be supported through sefa’s Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP).

(ii) Guarantee programme via the Bounce Back Scheme administered by Khula Credit Guarantee (KCG) on behalf of government. This is a medium to long term intervention that still require intense discussion relevant parties including the National treasury who are the custodian of the scheme.

• • Ongoing discussions with National Treasury indicate their interest and consideration of opening up the bounce back scheme to all Development Finance Institutions.

(iii) Consultation with various stakeholders for a broader offering (key focus on promoting innovative ideas).

• • Ongoing consultations with various departments and relevant agencies with a view of working together to come up with long-term and sustainable energy supply solutions.

The Department is currently awaiting endorsement from National Treasury before all these schemes can be implemented.

Reply:

(a-b) It is the responsibility of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to ensure adequate water availability through the development and management of infrastructure for water resources, as well as enhance the provision of sustainable and reliable water supply and sanitation by local government. The responsibility to supply water and sanitation services lies with municipalities that are Water Services Authorities (WSAs). Regional Bulk infrastructure is provided and managed through Water Boards as water providers.

To deliver on its mandate, the DWS’ plans for water and sanitation services are to:

• Implement 25 large bulk infrastructure projects over the medium term.
• Supporting 44 district municipalities with developing water and sanitation reliability plans over the medium term.
• Assess annual municipal strategic self‐assessments across all WSAs authorities on an ongoing basis.
• Transfer funds and monitor the performance of municipalities that receive funds through the regional bulk infrastructure grant and water services infrastructure grant in terms of the annual Division of Revenue Act.

The DWS monitors the condition of municipal water and sanitation infrastructure through three incentive-based regulatory mechanisms:

• The Green Drop Report, which focuses on sanitation (waste-water treatment systems and effluent quality).
• The Blue Drop Report, which focuses on water (water treatment and water quality).
• The No Drop Report, which focuses on non-revenue water and water losses through leakages.

(i) There are several initiatives underway to improve the management of water and sanitation countrywide which include the following:

• National Government will ensure that grant funding in the water sector is allocated with the objective of restoring functionality of existing wastewater infrastructure according to the findings of the Green and Blue Drop reports. VROOM-informed restoration-focussed grant management will be effected with support from National Treasury.
• DWS as a Regulator will improve the implementation of Section 19 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) to ensure that directives are issued with timeframes for implementation. Failure to respond will trigger remedial action being taken at cost of the non-complying entity or municipality.
• DWS will take steps to improve its capacity to be more effective in this duty. There are engagements with the Department of Cooperative Governance as well as National Treasury to explore ways of utilising conditional grants for the purpose of remedial intervention.

(ii) The DWS has allocated R23billion from the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant and R15bn from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant over the medium term. The purpose of the grants is to provide financial support to municipalities to:

• Build new bulk water and sanitation infrastructure.
• Refurbish and upgrade ageing infrastructure.
• Provide secondary bulk infrastructure (new or augmentation projects).
• Develop sources such as boreholes and spring protection.
• Implement water conservation and water demand management projects.

---00O00---

Reply:

The Minister of Human Settlements has not received any report regarding the above-mentioned matter. The question from Hounouable Member Ceza was referred to the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements and it reported as follows:

1. The Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements is fully aware of the matter and is conducting an internal investigation so as to get all the facts regarding the allegations that monies were paid by the community of Delmas in Victor Khanye Local Municipality. Once the investigation is completed, its outcomes will be shared with the Minister of Human Settlements who will in turn share the same with the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements.

2. Currently, the information at the disposal of the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements suggests that in July 2008, the Province appointed the South African People’s Homeless Federation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), as a Support Organisation for the construction of 50 fully subsidised RDP houses, as part of the then Peoples Housing Process (PHP) Programme for R4, 331, 840.70. The project took place in Botleng Ext 3 within the erstwhile Delmas Municipal area of jurisdiction. All fifty (50) fully subsidised RDP houses were delivered and paid for by the Department.

3. In June 2010, the South African People’s Federation was appointed by the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements to construct One Hundred and Fifty (150) RDP houses within Botleng Ext 3, still as part of the PHP Programme, within the area which is now under the jurisdiction of the Victor Khanye Local Municipal for R3, 611, 008.00.

According to the provincial department of Human Settlements, this project was subsequently scaled down to Fifty Five (55) RDP houses as some of the beneficiaries could not qualify on Housing Subsidy System (HSS) because they received Seven Thousand Five Hundred Rands (R7 500) as part of the Discount Benefit Scheme from the Independent Development Trust [IDT], providing for serviced sites and Title Deeds to qualifying beneficiaires. Most of these beneficiaries had title deeds due to serviced sites acquired as part of the Discount Benefit Scheme. All fifty (55) fully subsidised RDP houses were delivered but some were not paid in full for by the Department, this due to delays in the submission of claims for services rendered by the said Support Organisation.

Reply:

1. Sole proprietors earn business income as the base for the personal income tax. To calculate the taxable business income they would be able to claim depreciation and other capital allowances just like any other business. Therefore, should their investment conform to the requirements of the allowance, they will be able to claim the 125% tax deduction.

2. The rebate of 25% will not be available on any expenses that already enjoyed the 125% deduction against business income. If that deduction was not claimed, then a sole proprietor will be able to claim the rebate.

The policy process for the 2023 tax legislative amendments is underway. The Frequently Asked Questions document that was published on the day that the Minister of Finance delivered the Budget Speech states (and available on the website www.treasury.gov.za) that :

“This incentive will be included in the annual tax amendments. A draft version of the legislation will be published for public comment no later than the publication date of the 2023 Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill. The Minister tables tax bills during the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in October each year. Parliament considers the amendments after which the President can assent to the amendments – usually by January of the year after the announcement. The aim of this note [the FAQ document] and the draft legislation to follow is to provide as much upfront clarity as possible so that individuals do not feel they need to wait for the tax bills later in the year before making a decision to invest and benefit from the incentive. The guidance provided is, nevertheless, subject to the outcome of the consultative process on the proposal and Parliament’s ultimate decisions on the legislation giving effect to the

proposal.”

Reply:

1. The National Treasury regularly revises or transfers funds of different programmes, when allowed by the law, via the Budget or Adjustment processes, published in various Adjusted Appropriation Bills and the Adjusted Estimates of Expenditure. Information is available in such Budgetary documents.

a) R755.303 million was transferred from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Defence to cater for the extended deployment of about 1 495 members of the South African Defence Force members in Mozambique until 15 April 2023. These funds will be used for compensation of employees and for items such as food rations, fuel, ammunition and transport. Additional details on the funding shift are provided on page 80 and 202 of the 2022 Adjusted Estimates of National Expenditure.

b) R2.937 billion was shifted to the Department of Public Enterprises to assist Transnet SOC Limited to repair infrastructure and assets that were damaged by the floods that occurred in April 2022 in KwaZulu-Natal. The National Treasury has put conditions on the allocation, to ensure that funds are spent towards approved areas and this will be monitored through monthly meetings to be held between the National Treasury, the Department of Public Enterprises and Transnet.

2. The shift was approved by Parliament through the Adjusted Appropriation Act. This was done after the Department of Social Development (DSD) declared savings. This was once-off adjustment.

3. No other departments had funds shifted for these purposes.

4. (a) A total of R9.162 billion savings was declared by DSD in 2022/23 and approved by parliament through the Adjusted Appropriation Act and the 2nd Adjusted Appropriation Act. R5.462 billion in the Adjusted Appropriation Act and R3.7 billion in the 2nd Adjusted Appropriation Act. The shifts in the adjustment budget are described above. (b) In the 2nd adjustment budget:

(i) R2.4 billion was shifted to the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies for the recapitalisation of the South African Post Office;

(ii) R1 billion was shifted to the Department of Public Enterprises for settlement of business rescue plan obligations; and

(iii) R300 million was shifted to the Department of Home Affairs for political party funding.

Despite these shifts, it is likely that DSD has underspent in 2022/23, to be confirmed when DSD submits its Section 32 Report (and the statement) in terms of the Public Finance Management Act.

Reply:

a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) allocates Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) vouchers according to the verified commodity including size of operation. All vouchers that were issued were from R1000.00 as the prescribed minimum amount, no beneficiary received less than the minimum amount. Voucher amounts that appear to be below the prescribed minimum amount are re-issue vouchers after initial redemption was done (balance of the farmers’ allocated awards). The process allowed farmers to partially redeem their vouchers up to five times to use up the allocated amount.

b) No farmer was allocated R7.00 voucher.

Reply:

1. The packaging facility at the FSPU is not functional due to disputes among the members of the Secondary Cooperative. The Department has on several occasions attempted to intervene, without much success. In addition, the Department is encouraging the Secondary Cooperative to convene an elective Annual General Meeting to ensure that the new leadership is elected. The appointment of the new leadership is likely to address some of the social dynamics within the Cooperative. At the moment, the Department has security services at the FPSU to safeguard the facility.

2. No specific action was taken against any person, especially the officials of the Department as they are not directly responsible for the non-functionality of the Huntington Packhouse. Additionally, the Department intervened by taking the members through cooperative governance training, which covers aspects of conflict resolution. This was done with the hope that the training will equip the members with skills to resolve their conflicts.

Reply:

1) The Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with Provincial Education Departments, including the Eastern Cape, is working with disability, parents and civil society organisations to ensure that out-of-school learners are placed in schools. In addition, the Department of Basic Education wrote to Provincial Heads of Departments requesting them to ensure that out-of-school learners of compulsory age of attendance have access to appropriate learning programmes. 

a)  

PED	ACTUAL
EC	1685
FS	697
GP	1772
KZN	957
LP	1216
MP	1120
NC	262
NW	521
WC	1646
TOTAL	9876

b) The Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with Provincial Education Departments, including the Eastern Cape, is working with disability and parent and civil society organisations to ensure that out-of-school learners are placed in schools. In addition, the Department of Basic Education wrote to Provincial Heads of Departments requesting them to ensure that out of school learners of compulsory age of attendance have access to appropriate learning programmes.

2) In 2014, the Department of Basic Education promulgated the Policy on Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS), which provides guidance regarding the assessment and placement of learners according the level of support required.   

Reply:

Yes. Some success has been observed in area of job placement.

The NARYSEC programme was mainly focused on providing the youth with skills programmes since inception. In 2022/23 the NARYSEC policy was revised to make provision for partnerships with the private and public sector as well as civil society for exit employment opportunities and business enterprises to increase.

After the revised policy, the first group of young people from rural areas was 705 who reported for the programme in line with the revised policy and commenced their Induction and Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP) on 18 July 2022. The youth who completed the programme participated in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) pass out parade. 21 of the 705 dropped out from the programme. Currently 684 youth completed YLDP and are attending skills development programmes with various colleges for a duration of between six and 18 months depending on the type of training programme they have enrolled for. This will then be followed by exit into identified opportunities. (Please refer to Annexure A).

With regard to up-skilling youth trained since 2010, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is currently auditing the learner database by tracing all the young people who have been trained since the inception of the programme, to determine their current economic status. The outcome of the audit will form the basis for the development of a structured up-skilling programme to assist those who might still be unemployed. Since the implementation of the new NARYSEC policy in March 2022, a total of 280 rural youth located in Gauteng and Limpopo have been upskilled during the 2022/23 financial year and have been linked to exit opportunities. (Please refer to Annexure B).

ANNEXURE B OF NA-QUESTION 207 OF 2023

Province	Economic Opportunity	No. Youth	Learning Programme
Gauteng West Rand District, Sedibeng District and City of Tshwane, Gauteng	Upskilling of exited NARYSEC youth. Through South West Gauteng’s collaboration with Lulaway, these youth will be place into temporary employment at various Guvon Hotels for a period of 12 months.	25	Skills Programme: Hospitality Reception
	Upskilling of exited NARYSEC youth. As part of the YES Programme with Lulaway, South West Gauteng College will host these youth at their Call Centre upon completion of training for a period of 12 months during which time the youth will receive a stipend.	50	Skills Programme: Contact Centre Management
	Upskilling of exited NARYSEC youth. South West Gauteng College will fund these youth for 12 months upon completion of training at various Two Oceans Marketing outlets, which are distribution and merchandising outlets. Youth will receive a stipend during the 12 months from the College.	50	Skills Programme: Wholesale and Retail Operations
	Upskilling of exited NARYSEC youth to place them in a better position to access employment in the areas they have previously been trained in.	25	Skills Programme: New Venture Creation
LIMPOPO Waterberg District Modimolle Mookgophong Mogalakwena Lephalale Bela Bela Thabazimbi	These learning programmes will have direct potential opportunities for the 130 youth upon the completion of their training. Most of the youth to be upskilled have registered enterprises and are already in production. Through the Directorate Cooperative and Enterprise Development (CED), 80 of the youth have been assisted to register primary cooperatives in poultry production and goat farming, while another50 youth are already producing in small scale backyard gardens.	50	Skills Programme: Animal Production (Broiler)
		30	Skills Programme: Animal Production (Small Stock)
		50	Skills Programme: Vegetable Production & Small Business
TOTAL	280

Reply:

It is important to highlight that thus far, there is no empirical evidence to indicate that the employment equity amendments in relation of regulation of sector EE targets might have unintended consequences on employment or in encouraging employers to change their operations to pursue restructuring or computerise and /or mechanise operations. Noteworthy is that, investors and all employers operating within the Republic are required to comply with national labour laws.

END

Reply:

a) The Onderstepoort Biological Products OBP) was never expected to produce Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine. It has never produced FMD vaccines. This is owing to the fact that the disease is classified as a trans- boundary animal disease which is very infectious, and its vaccine should be produced under very strict biosecurity environment. The laboratory capability at the OBP is therefore not suitable for production of this vaccine.

For some years, ARC had been experiencing budgetary constraints, which got exacerbated by dilapidating and aging equipment and infrastructure. Owing to budgetary constraints, the ARC could not retain expertise that brain drained to competing industries. This has resulted in the Department importing vaccine from a suitable facility in Botswana.

b) Government spent R78 286 339 during financial year ending 31 March 2023 in procuring the vaccine from Botswana through the OBP (SOC) Ltd.

Reply:

a) The following steps are taken to strengthen security within Correctional Centres:

• Monitoring of the Gang Combatting Strategy and check list;
• Dealing with complaints and requests immediately;
• Protect whistle-blowers/ inmates that provide reliable information;
• Ensure through searching which includes amongst others, cells, bars, windows, inmates and officials, service providers and visitors are conducted daily and recorded on relevant registers;
• The continuous training and adherence to all security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
• Matter of potential escape incidents be elevated to National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structures (Nat Joints/ PROVJOINTS) and other law enforcement structures – to formulate more dynamic and integrated approach;
• Create a data base to record potential escapees/ ex-escapees and attempted escapees;
• Continuous search and clean-up operations.

b) Measures put in place to curtail incidents of escapes are as follows:

• Continuous training of officials on identification and profiling of gangs;
• Monitoring of the escape prevention plan;
• Reduce overcrowding by the implementation of the multi-prong strategy;
• Prevent idleness by subjecting inmates to sports, recreational programmes, social and physiological services;
• Establishment of a well-resourced information gathering teams at centre level to prevent escapes.

END

Reply:

The Eastern Cape Province's Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs submitted the response listed below. I've been given the following advice as a result:

(a) The MEC established a team to investigate the allegations at Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality. The team visited the municipality to conduct an investigation from 11 to 15 July 2022, and conducted interviews with relevant officials; analysed documentation and obtained evidence. A report was thereafter prepared for consideration by the MEC.

(b) Limitations in terms of the scope of the investigation caused delays in the investigation. Due to the fact that most of those implicated are no longer with the municipality, the office of the MEC referred the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS), to allow SAPS to deal with the matter.

End.

Reply:

 

1. a) 

Province	2023/24
	Budget
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
Northern Cape	R      191,481,000.00
North West	R      450,000,000.00
Western Cape	R      493,299,000.00
RSA	R   4,175,636,000.00

(b) Learner Transport Programme is funded through the Equitable share allocations to Provinces by Treasury. Learner Transport Programme is managed through the Learner Transport Policy published in 2015 and responsible Provincial Departments of Education and Transport are responsible for the administration of the budget through their internal controls, Treasury regulations and oversight to ensure accountability for the control of the allocated budget.

2. Yes, Each Province has received their full budget for the 2023-24 financial year. See above table.

3. (a) 875 985 Learners rely on Scholar Transport Nationally.

    (b&c) 685 157 Learners are being provided and use learner transport programme. Details below.

Reply:

a. There are no specific ECD centres for children with disabilities, but rather a focus on inclusiveness for all children, and as a result children with disabilities are expected to form part of the ECD programmes.

b. In terms of training of ECD practitioners, the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) guides that early learning programmes should be accessible to young children living with disabilities, as set out in the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy as well as in the Children's Act 38 of 2005. This means not only the inclusion of children with disabilities in early learning programmes, but the provision of linkages to other early intervention services to create opportunities for improved access to ECD programmes for all children. Therefore, in line with foregoing, the training provided to practitioners through the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for all levels of ECD qualifications, has a module that deals with children with special needs. 

Over and above this, the Department has appointed UHAMBO Foundation which provides training on inclusive practices to ECD practitioners, capacitating them on how to deal with different types of disabilities within their centres.              

                                                                                        

Reply:

Sections 152(1)(c) and 153 of the Constitution state that one of the objectives of local government is to promote social and economic development. These objectives are further articulated in the Municipal Systems Act (2000). The Property Rates Act No. 6 of 2004 enjoins municipalities to impose rates on property, exclude certain properties from rating in the national interest and make provision for municipalities to implement a transparent and fair system of exemptions, reductions, and rebates through their policies.

The Property Rates by laws of municipalities make provision for the following types of Agricultural properties,

(i) agricultural purposes;

(ii) business and commercial

purposes;

(iii) residential purposes;

(iv) eco-tourism or conservation; or

(v) trading in or hunting of game and

(vi) farm properties not used for these purposes.

Successful rural development is critical for the long-term sustainability of rural municipalities. Vibrant local economies generate both demand for basic municipal services and the resources to pay for them.

The Municipalities provide the following services to farmers directly;

Road infrastructure that connects rural areas to urban centres and facilitates the mobility of goods and people within the area. Roads provide the connections necessary for local markets to develop and facilitate the provision of public services, such as ambulances and policing. Good feeder roads (access roads) can allow the supply of perishable foods to high-value urban markets.

The supply of water infrastructure, water treatment plants, sewer treatment plants and distribution networks are maintained by the municipalities. The importance of electricity infrastructure in rural areas cannot be over emphasised. Most municipalities who distribute electricity are responsible for the infrastructure installation, repairs and maintenance of the electricity network on farms.

The rate payable by agricultural properties is usually a maximum seventy five percent (75%) of the residential rate payable. The differential rates are calculated as a percentage differential if the municipality does not provide that service to farms for instance; a 20% differential because the farm owner provides more than ten (10) houses to farm workers or a 5% differential due to the fact that the municipality does not provide rural roads.

Municipal bylaws and policies also provide for the granting of a agricultural rebate in respect of agricultural properties which are solely used for agricultural purposes.

(b) Section 154 of the Constitution enjoins national and provincial government to provide support packages to Municipalities. Multi - sectoral Teams led by the Departments’ senior officials have developed support packages for municipalities in general and those that are dysfunctional in particular. The District Development Model is the mode through which this support packages are imported to the Municipality.

End.

Reply:

a) The table below records the reported African Horse Sickness outbreaks: summary report from December 2022 to April 2023.

Province	2022 Dec	2023 Jan	2023 Feb	2023 Mar	2023 Apr		Total
Gauteng	1	5	11	33	2		55
Limpopo	0	0	0	0	0		0
KZN	0	0	0	0	0		1
Free State	0	1	1	0	0		2
ECP	0	13	2	0	0		15
NWP	0	0	1	3	0		4

b) The main cause the death of the reported horses that died from African Horse sickness is the disease itself.

Reply:

a) The Department is not aware of any specific cases related to respiratory diseases and resulting deaths attributed to the mine relating to the community or its employees. The Department will continue to investigate all complaints received within the prescripts of the prevailing legislation.

b) The Department has been actively involved in facilitating discussions between all stakeholders in due consideration of the Departments regulatory role. The choice to seek alternative relief away from the existing engagements and structures created to facilitate these engagements is the choice of specific individuals and NGO’s.

The Mine continues to engage those who are directly affected in respect of relocations and has signed agreements with a majority of the identified officials. They have advised that they continue to engage those with whom they have not yet reached an agreement. The Mine has also indicated that they will abide by the decisions, directives or requests of the Court accordingly.

Reply:

(a/b) No, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) does not have any current contract with the security company G4S. Security service in the department (COGTA) is provided by Prime African Security and (MISA) is provided by TPD Security Services. All the companies were procured through a public tender.

(i) and (ii) Not applicable

End.

Reply:

a) The land claim has been referred to court under case number: LCC62/2019 for adjudication on the merits of the claim and the matter is still pending.

b) The Claimants are aware of the status of the matter, they are legally represented and participating in the matter.

 

END

Reply:

a) Total number of 82 761 claims have been settled since inception until 31 December 2022.

b) R51 billion. The breakdown is as follows:

• Land cost is R25 billion;
• Financial Compensation is R21 billion; and
• Grants is R5 billion.

END

Reply:

(a) The claim is targeted for settlement in the third quarter of the 2023/24 financial year. Upon the settlement of the claim, the Department will commence with the payment process and payment will be effected within 90 working days after signing of the distribution agreement with the individual households.

(b) The implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by the Department in 2022 had resulted in the discontinuation of financial compensation payment in phases. As a result, this necessitated the Department to also include Lower Nqgumeya and Upper Zingcuka villages in the verification.

The process of verifying and screening those villages took longer than projected, due to the confirmation of legitimate beneficiaries and the delays in submitting the necessary documents by the beneficiaries. The list of beneficiaries has been adopted.

END

Reply:

a) The procurement process is at an advertisement stage with SITA Bid Reference Number RFB 2713-2022 initially meant to close on the 31 March 2023, however, due to an Erratum that had to be issued by SITA the bid closing date had to be extended to 05 May 2023.

b) The current contract was extended for a period of three (3) months ending 26 June 2023 and this extension is contingent on the long-term maintenance and support contract that is being procured through State Information Technology Agency (SITA) being awarded successfully. The Department is also working on a long-term solution which is a virtual courtroom platform that enables face-to- face online court sessions from anywhere in the country.

Reply:

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is not tasked with regularly estimating the number of municipalities affected by sewage spillages and the magnitude of the harm they create.

Municipalities are required to report, in terms of section 20 of the National Water Act No 36 of 1998, incidents of sewer spillage to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) which is the water services regulatory authority. DWS has the power to issue non-compliance directives in terms of section 20 (4) (d) of the National Water Act, No. 36 of 1998 for failure to take reasonable measures to contain and minimise the effects of incidents like sewage spillages. Furthermore, DWS maintains a National Information System in accordance with section 67 of the Water Services Act No. 108 of 1997 that provides information to enable monitoring the performance of municipalities on Water Services Authority functions including wastewater management.

The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG), together with all other National and Provincial Departments, have a responsibility in terms of section 154 of the Constitution to support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to perform their functions, including to ensure that wastewater systems are properly functioning well.

Where municipalities fail to perform their functions despite the support provided, the relevant provincial executive and national executive may intervene in accordance with either section 63 of the Water Services Act No. of 108 of 1997 or section 139 of the Constitution.

End.

Reply:

(a) No. The Department of Basic Education is not intending to develop policy on hair in respect of religious identities of learners. There is sufficient education policy frameworks to guide such matters. The challenge emanates from School Codes of Conduct that tend to require children to dress their hair in a particular fashion. Therefore, the Department is working with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) and the Centre for Child Law to develop an human rights compliant exemplar code of conduct for schools in order to assist schools avoid human rights violations.

(b) Provincial Education Departments will be in a position to support principals and teachers regarding prevention and management of discrimination, prejudice and related intolerance in school management.