Questions and Replies
17 December 2024 - NW1982
Tito-Duba, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Police
What (a) are the details regarding the recent illegal medicines factory bust in Durban and (b) measures has the SA Police Service put in place to ensure that there is no recurrence of the same problem?
Reply:
a) Information was received of a pharmacy that was irregularly dispensing scheduled medication without a prescription. The matter was reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Durban Central Serious Organised Crime Unit. An enquiry docket was registered vide Durban Central Serious Organised Crime CAS 9/10/2023.
On the 7 December 2023 an operation was planned and executed by theDurban Serious Organised Crime, South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) at Kwa Siza Medi Centre in Durban. During the search, various medications were seized and forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Pretoria for analysis. No meaningful analysis could be conducted on the medication.
The team was unable to secure evidence of scheduled medication being dispensed by persons not permitted. Registers and written records of all dispensed medication was scrutinised. No contraventions of the Medicines Control Act, 1965 (Act No. 101 of 1965) were detected. No person could be charged due to lack of evidence to prove any offences. And the enquiry was subsequently closed as negative.
b) The DPCI, SANEB Section under Serious Organised Crime is responsible for the monitoring of drug trafficking, chemical monitoring, which includes theft or robbery of precursor chemicals associated with illegal drugs production; national and international controlled deliveries relating to suspected illegal drugs consignments and human couriers by land, sea and air. The SANEB Section works closely with the SAHPRA in all operations involving contravention of Medicines Control Act, 1965 (Act No. 101 of 1965).
17 December 2024 - NW2352
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Given the recent issues within various associations, including the SA Football Association, what steps has his department implemented to (a) improve governance, (b) address internal conflicts and (c) ensure that the management of the bodies aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability?
Reply:
(a). The Department works with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) in dealing with matters relating to improving governance within Federations. To this end, as part of its SASCOC membership, the SA Football Association has adopted the Norms and Standards on Good Governance. SASCOC subjects its members to these norms and standards on an annual basis.
(b)&(c). The National Sports and Recreation Act 18 of 2007, particularly Section 13(1)(a), directs that “Every sport or recreation body must in accordance with its internal procedures and remedies provided for in its constitution, resolve any dispute arising among its members or with its governing body. The section further sets out the processes and procedures to be followed in dealing with these matters. In addition, Section 13(5)(a) sets out the conditions within which the Minister may intervene. In terms of Section 13 (5) (b) (ii) of the National Sport and Recreation Act, the Minister is debarred from involvement in matters relating to administration unless the remedies provided for in the Act have been exhausted.
17 December 2024 - NW1954
Van Rooyen, Mr DD to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to various so-called high profile court cases that failed due to the spurious basis on which they were initiated, coupled with the alleged misuse of state law enforcement agencies, leading to serious reputational damage and career destruction of targeted individuals, how will he ensure that public law enforcement agencies such as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation are not used for spurious reasons or alleged victimisation of political opponents?
Reply:
To prevent the misuse of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for spurious reasons or the victimisation of political opponents, several safeguards outlined in Chapter 6A of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995), are in place.
The DPCI operates with the independence required to prevent, combat, and investigate national priority crimes, including serious organised crime, serious corruption and serious commercial crime, as specified in Section 17B of the SAPS Act. This independence is critical to ensuring its operations are free from improper influence or external pressure.
Personnel within the Directorate are subjected to stringent integrity measures, under Section 17E of the SAPS Act, including mandatory security screenings and the disclosure of financial and other personal interests, to safeguard against corruption and undue interference.
Section 17E (9) of the SAPS Act, explicitly prohibits any individual or organ of state from improperly interfering with or obstructing members of the Directorate, in the execution of their duties, with such actions constituting an offence.
17 December 2024 - NW2208
Beesley, Mr AD to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What is the (a) detailed breakdown of the amounts owed by each municipality to (i) Eskom and (ii) Water Boards and (b) aging profile of the specified amounts?
Reply:
(a)(i) & (b) The total amount owed by municipalities to Eskom is R107,350,345,759.00, as per the summary below:
Section 41(2)(b): Amounts owing and the age profile of outstanding amounts relating to Bulk Electricity Sales
|
||||||
Name of Municipality |
Current Account |
16 - 30 days |
31 - 60 days |
61 - 90 days |
90 days+ |
Total Arrear Debt |
Summary of Municipal Arrears |
15,574,122,360 |
0 |
8,669,678,479 |
8,004,989,564 |
77,101,555,356 |
109,350,345,759 |
The the detailed breakdowns of Eskom debt per municipality are provided in Annexure A, on page 2 below.
(a)(ii) & (b) The total amount owed to Water Boards by municipalities is R23,719,891,641.00, as provided in the summary below:
Water Boards |
TOTAL BALANCE |
CURRENT |
DAYS 30 |
DAYS 60 |
DAYS 90 |
DAYS 120+ |
TOTAL LESS CURRENT |
TOTAL MUNICIPAL DEBT – OCT 2024 |
23,719,891,641 |
3,616,641,667 |
1,582,178,822 |
759,981,067 |
631,162,304 |
17,129,691,132 |
20,103,249,974 |
The detailed breakdowns of the debt per municipality are provided in Annexure B .
ANNEXURE A – BREAKDOWN OF ESKOM DEBT PER MUNICIPALITY
ANNEXURE B – MUNICIPAL DEBTS TO WATER BOARDS
MUNICIPALITY ACCOUNT FOR OCTOBER 2024 |
|
|
|
||||||
WATER BOARD |
|
TOTAL BALANCE |
CURRENT |
DAYS 30 |
DAYS 60 |
DAYS 90 |
DAYS 120+ |
TOTAL BALANCE LESS CURRENT |
|
1 |
Amatola |
Buffalo City Municipality |
32,337,738 |
31,857,403 |
6,096 |
474,240 |
- |
- |
480,336 |
|
|
Amathole DM |
381,915,615 |
18,799,843 |
15,502,708 |
16,501,402 |
15,079,190 |
316,032,471 |
363,115,771 |
|
Ndlambe LM |
1,237,021 |
1,237,021 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Ndlambe Municipality |
43,243 |
43,350 |
(107) |
- |
- |
- |
-107 |
|
|
Joe Gqabi District Municipality |
569,217 |
3,630 |
3,513 |
3,630 |
3,630 |
554,816 |
565,587 |
|
|
Joe Gqabi DM (DUKH002) |
400,866 |
1,701 |
33,133 |
1,701 |
1,701 |
362,630 |
399,165 |
|
|
Joe Gqabi DM (DUKH003) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0 |
|
|
OR Tambo District Municipality |
4,292,380 |
1,611,450 |
(53,072) |
0 |
408,425 |
2,325,578 |
2,680,930 |
|
|
OR Tambo DM (DORT002) |
532,196 |
4,866 |
4,011 |
- |
487,634 |
35,685 |
527,330 |
|
|
OR Tambo DM (DORT003) |
19,525,231 |
13,878,556 |
19,618 |
2,289 |
1,439,968 |
4,184,801 |
5,646,675 |
|
|
Makana Municipality Water Tankers |
500,618 |
4,289 |
60,883 |
32,673 |
32,366 |
370,406 |
496,329 |
|
|
Dr Beyers Naude LM |
548,870 |
4,385 |
2,941 |
19,549 |
19,467 |
502,529 |
544,485 |
|
|
Koukama |
47,377 |
14,450 |
28,558 |
- |
332 |
4,037 |
32,927 |
|
|
Blue Crane Route LM |
14,582 |
14,450 |
132 |
- |
- |
- |
132 |
|
|
AMATOLA TOTAL |
441,964,955 |
67,475,394 |
15,608,413 |
17,035,484 |
17,472,712 |
324,372,951 |
374,489,561 |
|
|
|||||||||
2 |
Vaal Central Water |
Mangaung LM |
895,354,961 |
104,890,560 |
8,691,271 |
9,041,664 |
8,937,582 |
763,793,884 |
790,464,401 |
|
Matjhabeng LM |
7,395,248,213 |
136,988,916 |
150,588,650 |
135,350,266 |
106,479,880 |
6,865,840,499 |
7,258,259,296 |
|
|
Magalies Water / Maquassi Hills LM |
429,949,843 |
9,044,601 |
10,310,436 |
8,353,321 |
7,673,528 |
394,567,957 |
420,905,242 |
|
|
Nala LM |
429,661,816 |
10,805,971 |
12,409,204 |
10,796,400 |
8,892,359 |
386,757,881 |
418,855,845 |
|
|
Joe Morolong LM |
2,073,040 |
811,026 |
825,700 |
159,892 |
451,662 |
-175,240 |
1,262,015 |
|
|
Dikgatlong LM |
39,046,170 |
980,838 |
630,262 |
1,022,356 |
0 |
36,412,713 |
38,065,332 |
|
|
Gamagara-Khathu LM |
1,335,960 |
612,375 |
702,937 |
0 |
0 |
20,647 |
723,585 |
|
|
Tsantsabane LM |
121,309,715 |
2,195,237 |
2,229,150 |
2,048,194 |
1,898,283 |
112,938,850 |
119,114,478 |
|
|
Khai-Ma LM |
26,556,400 |
911,211 |
249,431 |
506,679 |
0 |
24,889,079 |
25,645,189 |
|
|
Nama-Khoi LM |
291,694,468 |
7,245,945 |
6,940,460 |
3,312,027 |
2,554,203 |
271,641,833 |
284,448,523 |
|
|
Kopanong LM |
821,357,637 |
12,973,314 |
12,781,500 |
14,307,756 |
12,549,144 |
768,745,923 |
808,384,322 |
|
|
Mantsopa (Excelsior) |
3,653,581 |
203,840 |
158,943 |
0 |
129,154 |
3,161,644 |
3,449,741 |
|
|
VAAL CENTRAL WATER TOTAL |
10,457,241,803 |
287,663,835 |
206,517,946 |
184,898,555 |
149,565,796 |
9,628,595,672 |
10,169,577,968 |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Capricorn DM |
9,257,172 |
9,257,172 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0 |
|
Greater Letaba Mun |
61,149,499 |
2,761,482 |
3,002,482 |
3,318,300 |
2,766,039 |
49,301,197 |
58,388,017 |
|
|
Greater Tzaneen Mun |
230,122 |
155,686 |
563 |
586 |
586 |
72,700 |
74,435 |
|
|
Fetakgomo LM |
26,099,341 |
2,125,793 |
2,839,524 |
2,798,854 |
2,544,432 |
15,790,738 |
23,973,548 |
|
|
Sekhukhune District Municipality |
186,369,861 |
15,347,628 |
15,098,591 |
4,850,244 |
1,233,527 |
149,839,872 |
171,022,233 |
|
|
Mogalakwena LM |
13,479,909 |
4,455,038 |
4,494,460 |
4,395,202 |
12,970 |
122,239 |
9,024,870 |
|
|
Mopani DM |
317,101,774 |
20,556,867 |
2,037,221 |
2,267,542 |
2,269,307 |
289,970,837 |
296,544,907 |
|
|
Vhembe DM |
156,146,527 |
15,897,887 |
16,209,860 |
16,419,265 |
13,424,236 |
94,195,278 |
140,248,640 |
|
|
Polokwane Mun |
32,479,804 |
30,874,287 |
- |
- |
- |
1,605,518 |
1,605,518 |
|
|
LEPELLE NORTHERN WATER TOTAL |
802,314,007 |
101,431,840 |
43,682,700 |
34,049,993 |
22,251,096 |
600,898,378 |
700,882,167 |
|
|
|||||||||
4 |
Magalies Water |
Rustenburg Local Municipality |
8,940,149 |
9,715,324 |
6,376,790 |
8,170,249 |
1,997,627 |
(17,319,840) |
(775,174) |
|
|
Thabazimbi Local Municipality |
231,045,482 |
7,094,756 |
7,479,825 |
7,839,588 |
3,162,020 |
205,469,293 |
223,950,726 |
|
Moses Kotane Local Municipality |
60,534,073 |
16,138,452 |
14,919,366 |
16,563,628 |
3,260,082 |
9,652,545 |
44,395,621 |
|
|
City of Tshwane |
42,674,406 |
11,195,577 |
9,667,306 |
5,323,721 |
2,666,213 |
13,821,589 |
31,478,829 |
|
|
Modimolle Local Municipality |
52,050,067 |
2,744,692 |
2,055,533 |
2,539,944 |
563,869 |
44,146,030 |
49,305,375 |
|
|
Bela-Bela Local Municipality |
7,417,587 |
1,879,049 |
1,731,272 |
2,146,481 |
475,751 |
1,185,033 |
5,538,538 |
|
|
Moretele Local Municipality |
20,409,088 |
7,246,812 |
5,653,980 |
6,360,350 |
1,214,137 |
(66,190) |
13,162,276 |
|
|
Maquassi Hills LM |
354,299,401 |
4,323,901 |
4,434,297 |
3,522,229 |
4,276,647 |
337,742,327 |
349,975,500 |
|
|
Ditsobotla LM |
85,428,788 |
606,563 |
546,563 |
509,338 |
198,993 |
83,567,331 |
84,822,225 |
|
|
Mahikeng LM |
114,655,497 |
20,020,051 |
16,118,687 |
15,850,550 |
6,291,164 |
56,375,044 |
94,635,445 |
|
|
Ngaka Modiri Molema DM |
61,684,333 |
1,512,067 |
1,613,941 |
1,529,963 |
411,225 |
56,617,136 |
60,172,266 |
|
|
MAGALIES WATER TOTAL |
1,039,138,872 |
82,477,244 |
70,597,560 |
70,356,041 |
24,517,729 |
791,190,298 |
956,661,627 |
|
|
|||||||||
6 |
Overberg Water |
Hessequa |
914,299 |
914,299 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Theewaterskloof |
2,732,575 |
2,014,035 |
234,534 |
247,357 |
- |
- |
718,540 |
|
OVERBERG WATER TOTAL |
3,646,874 |
2,928,334 |
234,534 |
247,357 |
0 |
0 |
718,540 |
|
|
|||||||||
8 |
Rand Water |
JOHANNESBURG WATER (SOC) PTY |
1,223,803,932 |
897,181,084 |
326,622,848 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
EKURHULENI METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY |
689,034,856 |
500,896,830 |
188,138,025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
188,138,025 |
|
TSHWANE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY |
548,804,152 |
404,016,708 |
144,787,443 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
144,787,443 |
|
|
EMFULENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
1,397,350,233 |
168,737,731 |
152,967,963 |
164,022,580 |
155,963,342 |
755,658,616 |
1,228,612,501 |
|
|
MOGALE CITY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
72,672,147 |
56,029,162 |
16,642,986 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
16,642,986 |
|
|
METSIMAHOLO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
24,416,471 |
24,416,471 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
RUSTENBURG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
40,769,776 |
40,769,776 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
GOVAN MBEKI MUNICIPLITY |
844,814,850 |
39,721,861 |
45,445,817 |
44,927,556 |
41,597,251 |
673,122,366 |
805,092,990 |
|
|
MIDVAAL LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
19,780,383 |
19,780,388 |
-4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-4 |
|
|
MERAFONG CITY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
1,156,848,320 |
45,963,561 |
42,398,847 |
44,849,953 |
44,615,846 |
979,020,113 |
1,110,884,759 |
|
|
RANDWEST CITY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
674,588,555 |
47,561,329 |
43,066,958 |
44,631,865 |
44,673,458 |
494,654,944 |
627,027,226 |
|
|
LESEDI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
114,612,384 |
12,760,449 |
12,300,870 |
13,343,052 |
11,684,460 |
64,523,553 |
101,851,935 |
|
|
NGWATHE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
62,488,028 |
4,847,917 |
4,291,952 |
4,788,524 |
3,126,504 |
45,433,131 |
57,640,110 |
|
|
VICTOR KHANYE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
447,408,089 |
10,751,048 |
11,740,148 |
11,264,832 |
11,253,553 |
402,398,507 |
436,657,041 |
|
|
ROYAL BAFOKENG NATION |
5,569,088 |
5,569,022 |
65 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
65 |
|
|
MADIBENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
11,558,702 |
7,732,868 |
3,825,834 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3,825,834 |
|
|
THEMBISILE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
14,155,747 |
14,155,747 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
BUSHBUCKRIDGE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
266,228,599 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
266,228,599 |
266,228,599 |
|
|
RAND WATER TOTAL |
7,614,904,312 |
2,300,891,954 |
992,229,752 |
327,828,363 |
312,914,415 |
3,681,039,829 |
4,987,389,511 |
|
|
|||||||||
9 |
Umngeni- Uthukela-Water (Water Sales) |
Ethekwini Municipality - Water Sales |
371,671,147 |
371,671,146 |
0 |
- |
0 |
0 |
- |
|
Msunduzi Municipality - Water Sales |
618,258,035 |
75,327,281 |
80,733,517 |
32,635,518 |
16,322,144 |
413,239,575 |
542,930,754 |
|
|
Umgungundlovu Municipality - Water Sales |
56,187,634 |
28,558,752 |
27,747,401 |
- |
(118,519) |
- |
27,628,882 |
|
|
Ugu District Municipality - Water Sales |
453,914,477 |
24,318,355 |
20,584,663 |
20,554,989 |
16,562,225 |
371,894,245 |
429,596,122 |
|
|
Ilembe District Municipality - Water Sales |
24,479,288 |
24,479,288 |
0 |
- |
0 |
- |
- |
|
|
Harry Gwala District Municipality - Water Sales |
2,482,683 |
1,239,409 |
1,243,275 |
- |
- |
- |
1,243,275 |
|
|
Siza Water - Water Sales |
130,752,856 |
8,825,430 |
2,205,006 |
2,270,595 |
1,951,386 |
115,500,439 |
121,927,426 |
|
|
Uthukela District Municipality - Water Sales |
157,900,861 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
157,900,861 |
160,100,861 |
|
|
King Cetshwayo District Municipality |
1,025,194,861 |
37,600,008 |
38,879,903 |
39,889,473 |
33,621,914 |
875,203,564 |
948,714,950 |
|
|
City of Umhlathuze Municipality |
21,833,244 |
21,777,768 |
- |
- |
- |
55,476 |
55,476 |
|
|
Umngeni- Uthukela-Water CUC |
Ethekwini Municipality - CUC |
83,526,551 |
83,526,551 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Msunduzi Municipality - CUC |
64,567,663 |
16,049,491 |
17,305,522 |
17,332,152 |
13,880,498 |
- |
- |
|
|
Umgungundlovu Municipality - CUC |
11,750,595 |
5,925,073 |
5,825,523 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Ugu District Municipality - CUC |
14,433,497 |
4,342,218 |
3,621,022 |
3,635,626 |
2,834,630 |
- |
6,470,257 |
|
|
Ilembe District Municipality - CUC |
5,209,438 |
5,209,438 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Harry Gwala District Municipality - CUC |
663,721 |
260,294 |
264,299 |
139,128 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Siza Water - CUC |
3,612,779 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3,612,779 |
3,612,779 |
|
|
Umngeni- Uthukela-Water MBWS |
Ethekwini Municipality - MBWS |
7,363,021 |
7,363,021 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
0 |
|
Msunduzi Municipality - MBWS |
11,663,917 |
1,485,647 |
1,601,914 |
813,958 |
600,341 |
7,162,057 |
10,178,270 |
|
|
Umgungundlovu Municipality - MBWS |
1,109,687 |
559,544 |
550,143 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
550,143 |
|
|
Ugu District Municipality - MBWS |
7,334,562 |
410,065 |
341,957 |
343,336 |
267,693 |
5,971,511 |
6,924,498 |
|
|
Ilembe District Municipality - MBWS |
487,091 |
487,091 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0 |
|
|
Harry Gwala District Municipality - MBWS |
49,050 |
24,338 |
24,712 |
- |
- |
- |
24,712 |
|
|
Siza Water - MBWS |
5,551,147 |
149,556 |
170,752 |
179,353 |
126,627 |
4,924,858 |
5,401,591 |
|
|
Umngeni- Uthukela-Water Commercial |
Msunduzi Municipality Darvill Management Fee |
120,973,359 |
25,257,469 |
25,257,469 |
0 |
0 |
70,458,422 |
95,715,890 |
|
Msunduzi Municipality - Lynnfield WWTW |
4,877,165 |
367,957 |
367,957 |
0 |
0 |
4,141,251 |
4,509,208 |
|
|
Msunduzi Municipality - Trade Effluent Fee |
5,485,757 |
390,862 |
390,862 |
0 |
0 |
4,704,034 |
5,094,895 |
|
|
Harry Gwala Municipality - Management Fee |
2,781,795 |
1,397,639 |
1,384,156 |
0 |
0 |
- |
1,384,156 |
|
|
Harry Gwala Municipality - Water Quality |
390,507 |
200,864 |
189,643 |
- |
- |
- |
189,643 |
|
|
Umgungundlovu Municipality - Management Fee |
20,138,954 |
9,934,674 |
10,204,280 |
- |
- |
- |
10,204,280 |
|
|
Ethekwini Municipality - Water Quality |
52,103 |
45,492 |
6,610 |
- |
- |
- |
6,611 |
|
|
UGU - Water Quality |
6,143,484 |
558,123 |
570,622 |
795,548 |
537,146 |
3,682,045 |
5,585,361 |
|
|
Alfred Nzo District Municipality - Analysis |
66,875 |
40,703 |
26,172 |
- |
- |
- |
26,172 |
|
|
King Cetshwayo District Municipality |
4,436 |
11 |
11 |
- |
12 |
4,402 |
4,425 |
|
|
Umhlathuze Municipality - Effluent |
4,845,871 |
2,308,234 |
- |
- |
- |
2,537,637 |
2,537,637 |
|
|
Ethekwini Municipality - O & M |
65,389,238 |
11,410,890 |
9,800,575 |
6,975,599 |
16,462,579 |
20,739,594 |
53,978,348 |
|
|
uMkhanyakude District Municipality |
49,533,467 |
2,270,383 |
4,009,951 |
- |
1,391,879 |
41,861,253 |
47,263,084 |
|
|
UMNGENI-UTHUKELA WATER TOTAL |
|
3,360,680,818 |
773,773,066 |
253,307,918 |
125,565,275 |
104,440,556 |
2,103,594,003 |
2,491,859,705 |
|
|||||||||
|
TOTAL MUNICIPAL DEBT - OCTOBER 2024 |
23,719,891,641 |
3,616,641,667 |
1,582,178,822 |
759,981,067 |
631,162,304 |
17,129,691,132 |
19,681,579,080 |
|
|
%age outstanding per period |
|
1.00 |
0.15 |
0.07 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.72 |
0.83 |
End.
17 December 2024 - NW2216
Trollip, Mr A to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
What are the full details of her department’s current official position regarding the recommendation of the Moseneke Commission Report on the Rationalisation of Courts to relocate the seat of the Makhanda High Court to Bhisho, given the widespread opposition from various stakeholders (details furnished) and the significant expected negative economic impact on Makhanda; (2) what (a) has she found to be the envisaged economic and social impact on the Makana Local Municipality as a result of the proposed move and (b) is the detailed breakdown of the estimated costs associated with relocating the court to Bhisho; (3) what (a) will become of the existing Makhanda High Court buildings after the move, (b) future use is planned for the buildings and (c) are the proposed timelines for the relocation; (4) what is her department’s detailed rationale for the move in the context of improving access to justice in the region? NW3562E
Reply:
Background:
The former Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Honourable Minister R Lamola MP, established the Committee on the Rationalisation of Areas Under the Jurisdiction of the Divisions of the High Court of South Africa and Judicial Establishments (the Rationalisation Committee).
One of the recommendations of the Rationalisation Committee was that Bhisho be designated to be the main seat of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court as opposed to Makhanda.
Question 1:
What are the full details of her department’s current official position regarding the recommendation of the Moseneke Commission Report on the Rationalisation of Courts to relocate the seat of the Makhanda High Court to Bhisho, given the widespread opposition from various stakeholders (details furnished) and the significant expected negative economic impact on Makhanda;
REPLY:
The Rationalisation Committee under the chairpersonship of former Deputy Chief Justice Moseneke, has recommended, amongst others, the moving of the main seat of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court from Makhanda to Bhisho. This means that if the recommendation is adopted, Bhisho will become the main Division of the Eastern Cape Division while Makhanda will become the Eastern Cape Local Division of the High Court.
With regard to the official position regarding the recommendation, the Constitution as per Item 16(6) of Schedule 6 to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 enjoins the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to manage the rationalisation of the High Courts acting after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission. In line with this constitutional injunction, the Minister has shared the recommendations of the Rationalisation Committee with the Judicial Service Commission as part of the consultation process outlined in the above-mentioned provisions of the Constitution. Once the Judicial Service Commission has provided its views to the Minister, it would only be then that the Minister will, after considering a number of factors, take a position. It would be premature for the Minister to take a position without the benefit of the views of the Judicial Service Commission.
question 2:
what (a) has she found to be the envisaged economic and social impact on the Makana Local Municipality as a result of the proposed move and (b) is the detailed breakdown of the estimated costs associated with relocating the court to Bhisho;
Response:
(a) When the Minister takes a final decision on the recommendation of the Rationalisation Committee to move the main seat from Makhanda to Bhisho, she will be guided by amongst others, the submissions from stakeholders including but not limited to the economic and social impact on the Makana Local Municipality.
(b) According to our estimation, the total costs for the expansion of the Bhisho High Court is R310 Million.
question 3:
what (a) will become of the existing Makhanda High Court buildings after the move, (b) future use is planned for the buildings and (c) are the proposed timelines for the relocation.
Response:
(a)(b) and (c)The Makhanda Division of the High Court will continue as a local seat and serve the people of Makhanda.
question 4:
What is her department’s detailed rationale for the move in the context of improving access to justice in the region?
Response:
The reasons for the proposed move of the main seat of the Eastern Cape Division from Makhanda to Bhisho are contained in the report of the Rationalisation Committee and can be summarised as follows: Currently, the main seat at Makhanda exercise jurisdiction over the territories that constituted the former South-Eastern Cape province (pre-1994). It has concurrent jurisdiction all the local divisions (Bhisho, Gqeberha and Mthatha). The Bhisho local seat exercise jurisdiction over the magisterial districts of the former Ciskei. The proposed dismantling of the pre-1994 jurisdictions through the rationalisation of the areas of jurisdiction of the Bhisho local seat will increase the size of the area to be served by this court. This will likely increase the case load of the court. The court will as a result serve almost 40% of the entire Eastern Cape Province population.
The report of the Committee further demonstrates through comparative data, the beneficial impact of lessened travelling distance for the users of the High Court Division within the province if the main seat of the Division were to be moved from Makhanda to Bhisho.
In their view the current status quo does not advance the constitutional objective of access to justice. The East London/Bisho corridor is also relatively the most central in the Province. It is also a known fact that, most of the population of the Province is concentrated in the east, west and middle of the Province, with the local seats at Mthatha, Bhisho and Gqeberha.
The move of the main seat of the Division of the Eastern Cape High Court remains part of the reconfiguration of the country and particularly the Eastern Cape Province, which has been ravaged by the colonial and apartheid and misrule and the re-alignment of the institution with the national demand.
According to the Committee’s reasoning the move of the main seat to Bisho is purely motivated by the imperative of access to justice for all citizens of that Province. Bhisho is relatively the most central town/city. Owing from the fact that the seat of the division has concurrent jurisdiction, it is only fair that the main seat be easily accessible, equally, or almost equal by all the litigants. And Bhisho is the most appropriate location to achieve this objective. Many citizens and residents need to travel to or use courts without consideration of lawyers’ fees.
17 December 2024 - NW2280
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What steps has his department taken to address the persistent funding shortages across critical sport codes, particularly athletics, rugby, cricket and netball, to ensure their (a) sustainability, (b) growth and development and (c) competitiveness on the international stage?
Reply:
(a)(b)(c) The Department has presented A Case for Sport to National Treasury to secure more budget allocation for Sport and Recreation in general and Sport and Recreation Bodies in particular. Unfortunately, the outcome has been the reduction of the budget for sport and recreation, which is R924,530,530,000, including compensation of employees, transfers to Departmental Agencies as well as Provincial Departments.
Of this amount, R108,000,000 is to be shared by about 60 sport and recreation bodies. It is imperative that institutions such as the Portfolio Committee assist in lobbying Treasury for better allocation of funding for Sport and Recreation.
Recognising the fiscal constraints, the Department is engaging with corporate South Africa to invest in sport. However, it should be noted that this depends on corporates’ goodwill and discretion in terms of their perceived return on investment.
17 December 2024 - NW1757
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether, given that 12 persons were tragically killed in two separate mass shootings in the Western Cape which were both suspected to be gang-related (details furnished), the SA Police Service (SAPS) has conducted any benchmarking with other countries to strengthen the capacity of the Anti-Gang Unit; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what are the relevant details of the strategy of the SAPS to ensure effective service delivery and community protection, given the current financial constraints?
Reply:
- The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not conducted any benchmarking with other countries, specifically with regard to strengthening the capacity of the Anti-Gang Units. Research in relation to the evolution, culture and structure of gangs was, however, conducted by the SAPS. The incidents referred to in the question are investigated by the Anti-Gang Unit in the Western Cape, and are receiving priority attention.
- Cabinet adopted the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS) in March 2022, which represents a “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach to addressing crime and violence. The ICVPS was informed by, inter alia, the 2016 White Papers on Policing and Safety and Security and the National Development Plan: Vision 2030, which have been integrated into the SAPS National Policing Strategy, 2022 to 2025. The National Policing Strategy (NPS), seeks to give effect to the SAPS’ commitment towards using an inclusive approach to addressing crime and violence. The SAPS has also developed the Increased Crime Prevention and Combating Action Plan (ICPCAP), which has been incorporated into the NPS, and which focuses the efforts and the SAPS, in collaboration with its law enforcement partners and key government departments, on the immediate stabilisation of violent crime in the country.
The ICPCAP includes the implementation of weekly, intelligence-led high density operations, within all prioritised station precincts, which is referred to as “Operation Shanela”. Operation Shanela requires the SAPS to work with other law enforcement agencies, Departments in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster and civil society partners, to fight crime, using the five-pillar approach, which is included in the NPS. Operation Shanela, therefore, extends the successful “Operation O’ Kae Molao” methodology, to all provinces and prioritised station areas.
17 December 2024 - NW2343
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1) Whether he held a meeting with the regional unions of the SA Rugby Union (SARU) on 18 November 2024; if not, what is the position int this regard; if so, (a) where was the specified meeting held and (b) what was the (i) purpose and (ii) outcome of the meeting; (2) whether any representative of (a) (SARU) and (b) other local sport stakeholders participated in the meeting; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (i) names of the specified representatives and (ii) full details of the representatives who participated (aa) in person and (bb) virtually; (3) whether there were any Americans present in the meeting; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are their names?
Reply:
(1) I attended such a meeting, yes. (a) The meeting was at the Southern Sun OR Tambo. (b)(i)The purpose of the meeting was for the South African rugby unions to have a consultation session with the Ackerley Sports Group (ASG) on a proposed commercial rights deal with SARU. There was no particular outcome from the meeting, other than an agreement that the unions would formulate further questions for the attention of SARU and ASG, if required.
(2) SARU President Mark Alexander participated via video link, while SARU CEO Rian Oberholzer was physically present. Leaders from the country’s rugby unions were also present and I have included the signed register with their names.
(3) Two Americans were present. Their names are Tim Kirkwood and Dirk Eller.
17 December 2024 - NW2344
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether he has since found that the meetings he held with the SA Rugby Union (SARU), the regional unions of SARU, Ackerley Sport Group and other local rugby stakeholders represent government’s interference in rugby, which is a contravention of the principle of political neutrality espoused by World Rugby; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how does he intend to (a) rectify the situation and (b) avoid a repeat of such interference?
Reply:
Thank you for the question. I have not found that to be the case at all, and government has not interfered in rugby. I did, however, request (and I stress it was a request) that further consultations take place, given the attention on the deal and the importance of the deal for the wellbeing of rugby and the Springboks. Member unions ultimately voted against adopting the deal, and I played no role in influencing that decision.
There is no situation to rectify and there is no interference to avoid repeating.
This being said, it may be worth having a discussion with you on what your understanding of interference might be, as I am expected to provide strategic direction over the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the sports it oversees. I must also exercise oversight and ensure accountability – as should you as a Member of Parliament and the chair of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, which I imagine was the reason that you called SARU to the Portfolio Committee to account to you and the other Members on whichever aspects of the deal you felt the need to know more about, two days before the vote.
Should I now also have to ask you if you were interfering in rugby, as you are also part of a branch of government?
17 December 2024 - NW1920
Letlape, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether he has been informed that in Saul Mkhizeville in Mkhondo there is a mobile police station that is serviced by the Mabola Police Station in Dirkiesdorp and that it takes the police officers 35km to get to the mobile station driving vehicles that are not in good running condition; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what are the reasons that it takes so long to have a properly working police station in Saul Mkhizeville in Mkhondo, despite the promise to build one over the years?
Reply:
1. The Driefontein Satellite Police Station is a satellite of the Dirkiesdorp Police Station. The distance between the Dirkiesdop Police Station and Driefontein Satellite is known to be approximately 35kms, hence the reason for the establishment of satellite police station, so as to ensure better service delivery to the community in that area. The Driefontein Satellite Police Station is demarcated within ward one and provides 24-hour policing functions to the community. Five members are deployed from the Dirkiesdorp Police Station, to the Driefontein Satellite Police Station, per shift. Two members are allocated to the Driefontein Satellite Police Station’s Community Service Centre (CSC), while three members patrol the policing precinct utilising one vehicle.
The vehicles at the Dirkiesdorp Police Station maintain an 80% average operational availability, as the vehicles are serviceable and maintained regularly. Station commanders are encouraged to have vehicle inspections on a weekly basis, to ensure that the vehicles are being maintained and are serviceable. The Gert Sibande District has two Service Centres at the South African Police Service (SAPS) garages, in Ermelo and Standerton, where vehicles can be taken for services and repairs.
2. An approved work study report on the feasibility of upgrading the Driefontein Satellite Police Station into a fully-fledged police station was approved, as a category A (Captain) station, but not implemented, due to prevailing resource constraints.
The reason as to why the construction of a Police Station at Saul Mkhizeville in Mkhondo (Driefontein) has taken time, is due to the fact that the site allocated for the police station by the municipality was found to have been re-allocated for a business development, during 2022. This prevented the appointment of consultants for planning and design of the new police station, thus resulting in the project having to start afresh, from site identification. The town planning services are currently in an advanced stage and are expected to be completed during the 2025/26 financial year. Following town planning services, the design and construction of a fully-fledged police station will commence, with an anticipated completion date in the 2028/29 financial year.
17 December 2024 - RCW617
Billy, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police:
(a) When will the SA Police Service use body cameras as presented by the former Minister of Police and the National Police Commissioner to Members of Parliament in 2023 (details furnished), (b) how many body cameras are required and (c) what is the total budget for the body camera initiative?
Reply:
Find reply here
17 December 2024 - NW1905
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Given that the annual report of the SA Police Service (SAPS) indicates a troubling rise in cop killings, what measures will his department implement to enhance the safety and security of police officers on the ground, especially in high-risk areas where such incidents are more frequent; (2) noting the effectiveness of focused police patrols and the broader strategy to address crime in the Republic, (a) how does the SAPS intend to assess the effectiveness of increased police patrols in reducing crime and (b) what specific metrics will be used to evaluate the impact of the operations?
Reply:
1. The South African Police Service (SAPS) considers attacks on and the murder of its members to be a national priority. A comprehensive Police Safety Strategy has been developed and is being implemented, country-wide.
The Police Safety Strategy aims to intensify and accelerate integrated efforts to address attacks, unnatural deaths and the killings of all SAPS employees. The National Police Safety Strategy is premised on the following pillars:
- Governance.
- Proactive interventions.
- Safety of police stations, buildings, and infrastructure.
- Reactive interventions.
- Redress and support interventions.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
Governance: A National Police Safety Committee has been established at national level and functions in terms of an approved terms of reference (ToR). The National Police Safety Committee is convened once every quarter and is chaired by the Divisional Commissioner: Visible Policing and Operations. The National Police Safety Committee comprises of role players from all national divisions, components and provinces. The establishment and hosting of Police Safety Committee meetings has been cascaded down to provincial and district levels, in order to ensure that initiatives that are embedded in the strategy are transferred to these levels, including to station and unit level.
Proactive interventions: A National Police Safety Evaluation Improvement Plan has been developed and is currently being implemented, within the SAPS. An Internal Police Safety Communication Plan has been developed and is currently being implemented as part of the proactive approach, in order to raise awareness and mitigate the risks of attacks on SAPS personnel, as well as on police stations.
Safety of police stations, buildings and infrastructure: The process of implementing security upgrades to police stations is being undertaken in phases. An additional ring-fenced budget of R12,5 million has been allocated to provinces for security upgrades to police stations, during the 2024/2025 financial year. This allocation follows amounts of R25 million allocated in each of the two preceding years.
Reactive interventions: In the event of an attack on or the killing of a SAPS member, as well as an attack on police station, a 72-hour Activation Plan is immediately initiated, which involves the activation of all of the relevant specialised SAPS resources, in order to identify and apprehend the alleged suspects. These plans are activated and overseen by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), in collaboration with the Division: Detective and Forensic Services.
Redress and support interventions: SAPS employees and/or their family members who experience trauma during an attack or the killing of a SAPS member, as well as an attack on a police station, receive the necessary psycho-social support and debriefing, which is undertaken by the SAPS’ Employment Health and Wellness (EHW) Component.
Monitoring and evaluation: Regular, unannounced visits are conducted at identified police stations and units to monitor compliance to national instructions and directives, as well as the implementation of the requirements of the National Police Safety Strategy.
It must also be noted that during engagements with SAPS members who are deployed operationally, the Minister of Police, the Deputy Ministers, the National Commissioner, Deputy National Commissioners and Provincial Commissioners, engage SAPS members directly, emphasising the need for members to be situationally aware and operationally prepared for any eventuality that may threaten their safety and security, including the need for an appropriate and proportionate response to threats that materialise.
(2)(a)(b) The SAPS initiated the implementation of the National Policing Strategy in 2022/23, which informs its operational responses to violent crimes that are directed at SAPS members or police stations. The operational approach that is set out in the National Policing Strategy comprises of a five-pillar approach, which includes the targeted use of information and intelligence, proactive policing and crime prevention (which provide, inter alia, for targeted police patrols), crime combating (the immediate reaction to indicidents in progress), crime investigation (the throrough and expeditious investigation of all incidents), as well as communication and liaision (both internall and externally).
Crime analysis, monitoring and evaluation are undertaken, as part of pillar one, to determine if the overall implementation of the strategy is having the desired effect. In addition, ongoing analyses also inform risk assessments, which supplement the proactive and reactive measures that are implemented by the SAPS, to address attacks on and the killings of its memers.
17 December 2024 - NW2207
Beesley, Mr AD to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
What is the total cost incurred by the State, across all responding departments and State functionaries, in respect of litigation concerning the United Democratic Movement and Others v Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd and Others, including all associated legal proceedings related to the specified matter?
Reply:
The matter is handled by the office of State Attorney: Pretoria and according to the records, counsels have not submitted their fee claims or invoices in this matter, and therefore there are currently no legal costs expended.
17 December 2024 - NW2006
Cameron, Mr I to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to the shortage of veterinarians currently experienced by the Republic, what steps is SA Police Service (SAPS) taking to (a) recruit veterinarians and rejuvenate the veterinary services of the SAPS and (b) mitigate this challenge?
Reply:
(a)(b) The South African Police Service (SAPS) has funded all vacant Veterinarian posts and Para-Veterinarian posts, which will be advertised externally, in the current quarter, Quarter 3, of the 2024/25 financial year.
The SAPS’ Veterinary Services is consistently rejuvenated, through the following key initiatives, which also serve to mitigate challenges in this environment:
- Ensuring continuous participation in the Veterinary Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programmes;
- The procurement of advanced veterinary equipment; and
- The recruitment of Para-Veterinary professions and assistants.
17 December 2024 - NW2342
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1) What was the (a) purpose of his meeting with the Ackerley Sports Group in London on 15 November 2024 and (b) the outcome of the specified meeting; (2) whether any representatives of the SA Rugby Union (SARU) participated in the meeting; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are (a) the names of the specified representatives and (b) their roles in SARU?
Reply:
(1)(a) The purpose of the meeting was to understand more of the details of the proposed commercial rights deal involving SARU and the Springboks, since there was a lot of public speculation fuelled by media reports and I felt it necessary to be apprised of the facts.
(b) The outcome of the meeting was an understanding that the specifics of the deal had not yet been finalised and it could still be adapted, given that the Ackerley Sports Group (ASG) truly believed they could add value by growing the Springbok brand in new and existing markets. I was advised that changes to the deal offering might need to happen to persuade SARU’s member unions to approve the deal with the required 75% majority. ASG representatives agreed to travel to South Africa to address the rugby unions’ leaders directly to consult with them and address whatever misgivings and concerns they might have had, so that the most informed decision could be taken, whether in support or against the transaction. As the Minister, I felt it was important that an investment from a foreign company showing confidence in the possible growth of South African sport should be treated with respect, even if ultimately the deal was not successful. That, indeed, seems to be the outcome. However, we want foreign investors to have confidence that South Africa and its assets are worth investing in, and that foreign investors feel welcome here.
(2) SARU’s president, Mark Alexander, and CEO, Rian Oberholzer, were present.
17 December 2024 - NW2326
Klopper, Mr DD to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
(1) Considering the successful prosecution of Mr Johannes Mohlala for the illegal investment of R230 million in VBS Mutual Bank, what total number of municipal officials (a) are currently awaiting trial for the alleged illegal investments in the specified bank and (b) remain in government service as (i) officials and (ii) public office bearers; (2) what total number of government officials are being investigated for alleged illegal investments in VBS Mutual Bank (a) but have not yet been charged (b) have (i) open cases against them with the National Prosecuting Authority and (ii) cases enrolled for trial? NW3736E
Reply:
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) can confirm that we currently have the following enrolled criminal matters in respect of municipal investments made at the VBS Mutual Bank:
Mahikeng Municipality with one accused appearing before court. The matter is currently postponed for representations to the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions.
Collins Chabane Municipality with two accused appearing before court. The matter against one of the accused has been finalised by means of a guilty plea. The case was postponed for an interim application brought by the remaining accused.
Giyani Municipality with three accused appearing before court. The matter was postponed for pre-trial purposes.
Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality with three accused appearing before court. The matter was postponed for pre-trial purposes.
Fetakgomo Municipality with three accused appearing before court. The matter against two of the accused has been finalised by means of guilty pleas. The case was postponed for an interim application brought by the remaining accused.
Thulamela Municipality with two accused appearing before court. The matter against one of the accused has been finalised by means of a guilty plea. The case against the remaining accused was postponed for the continuation of the trial, as the State is still leading evidence.
Elias Motsoaledi Municipality with three accused appearing before court. Matter was postponed for trial purposes.
West Rand and Merafong Municipalities are being prosecuted together, with three accused appearing before court. The matter was postponed for trial purposes.
The above exposition of matters currently before court, indicates that there is a total of (16) sixteen accused that remain on the court roll, out of the original (20) twenty accused that were initially charged in respect of the different municipalities.
The NPA is unable to indicate which of the accused persons remain in government service as municipal officials and or public office bearers, as this information is not available to the NPA.
Police dockets have also been registered in respect of (11) eleven other municipalities. These cases are currently being investigated. The NPA is unable to provide information on the specific number of suspects at this stage due to the pending investigations in these matters.
17 December 2024 - RCW637
Gotsell, Mr N to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:
With reference to the Deputy Minister's undertaking to the Select Committee on Security and Justice that the Master's Office operate on short turn-around time, why the Master of the High Court in Cape Town communicated in a handwritten query on 5 October 2024 in a certain case (details furnished) that the approval of a redistribution agreement could not be approved as a result of the office still dealing with 2023 files?
Reply:
Find reply here
17 December 2024 - NW2038
Hattingh, Mr C to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
What is the status of case number 892/09/17 that was laid at Pretoria Central Police Station on 12 September 2017? NW3434E
Reply:
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was able to establish that Pretoria Central CAS 892/09/2017 is being investigated by the Anti-corruption unit within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI).
It seems to be an investigation of allegations of fraud relating to foreigners from India that were brought to the country to work on the Estina project, using fraudulently obtained documents from the Department of Home Affairs. Even though the matter is a spin off from the Estina investigation, it is not investigated by the Investigating Directorate against Corruption (IDAC) as it falls outside IDAC’s mandate.
The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Gauteng Division, Pretoria was also approached. The Director’s office indicated that the said matter does not show on their systems/registers.
It therefore does not seem as if this docket is currently in the NPA space.
It is respectfully recommended that the response to the question must be obtained from the DPCI.
17 December 2024 - NW1740
Maimane, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Police
What is the total number of (a) dockets that were opened in the past five financial years and (b) the specified dockets that have been solved, closed and/or is ongoing?
Reply:
(a) A total of 10 105 614 case dockets were opened in the past five financial years.
(b) A total of 16 066 859 case dockets have been finalised including 9 719 481 case dockets that were solved, 1 511 102 case dockets are currently under investigation. It must be noted that not all cases opened in a specific financial year are solved in the same financial year and as a result, a case may rolled over, with its status, to the next financial year. This explanation accounts for the fact that 16 066 859 case dockets were finalised in the period while 10 105 614 case dockets were registered.
17 December 2024 - NW1955
Gasa, Ms NM to ask the Minister of Police
(1) With reference to reports that three SA Police Service (SAPS) recruits from the Olievenhoutbosch Police Station in Centurion were arrested for extortion after just three weeks on the job, raising serious concerns about the recruitment and vetting processes within the SAPS, what steps will the SAPS implement to ensure that its recruitment processes include comprehensive vetting to prevent similar incidents, especially given that the officers were arrested just three weeks into their service; (2) (a) what specific measures are being introduced to address and/or prevent corruption during the initial phases of police training and deployment and (b) how does SAPS intend to enhance oversight and mentorship for new officers; (3) in light of the specified extortion case involving the newly appointed officers, how does SAPS intend to restore public confidence in law enforcement, especially when corruption appears pervasive at various levels within the police force?
Reply:
1. The South African Police Service (SAPS) conducts the following security screening processes for applicants to be enlisted as entry-level police trainees, as part of the selection process:
- Psychometric and Integrity assessment;
- Fingerprint checking with local Criminal Record Centre to verify criminal profile (link to the criminal records database);
- Verification on the Global Access Control System (GACS)/Crime Administration System (CAS);
- Verification of qualifications with South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA);
- Reference checking / background checks;
- Buccal samples taken and processed;
- Crime Intelligence verification;
- Conflict of interest (CSD/directorships/prohibited businesses);
- Financial status verification; and
- Verification of identity/citizenship.
(2)(a) The SAPS’ Risk Management capability facilitates risk assessments on the project 10 000 recruitment process, and contributes to the implementation of specific controls and mitigating actions on risks that are identified, which are then monitored, to assess the efficacy of the controls. The SAPS also conducts integrity advocacy and awareness campaigns, two months after the trainees arrive at the SAPS’ basic training academies, as part of the risk mitigating actions that are applied during the Project 10 000 recruitment process, The advocacy and awareness campaign provided to trainees is focused on conflict of interest, unethical conduct, fraud and corruption, prohibition on public service employees conducting business with the state or any organ of state, the performance of other remunerative work outside employment, gift management and social media conduct. Integrity advocacy and awareness are also conducted at the various divisions, provinces, police stations and units, thereby providing further exposure to new members.
A module on professional conduct, which sets out the acceptable standards and norms for professional behaviour as a police official, is also included in the basic training curriculum. The SAPS expects every employee to adhere to the code of conduct, code of ethics and the values of the SAPS. Unethical behaviour and criminality is an individual choice and the SAPS has a zero tolerance approach to unlawful or criminal actions by its members. The SAPS management will not hesitate to arrest and apply all available internal disciplinary processes and sanctions, in respect of confirmed criminality and unlawful actions.
The arrest of the constables is evidence that the SAPS is committed to rooting out the criminals from its ranks, irrespective of the period of service that a member may have in the department.
2(b) The SAPS has developed and is implementing the Ethics Management, Fraud and Corruption Prevention Strategies and Fraud Prevention Plan, to enhance measures to promote professionalism in the department, and manage unethical conduct. The development of these strategies was informed by comprehensive ethics and fraud risk assessments.
The SAPS has no appetite for fraud and corruption and has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to criminality, unlawful conduct, corruption, bribery and fraud, within its ranks. The SAPS will apply all available sanctions, should criminal and or unethical behaviour, corruption or fraud be verified, against any employee, in line with the department’s Discipline Regulations, 2016.
The Internal Audit and Risk and Integrity Management Components, the Division: Detective and Forensic Services and the Anti-Corruption Section, within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), have dedicated capacities that are mandated to investigate SAPS members that are alleged to have committed criminal and or unethical behaviour, corruption or fraud, to ensure that such allegations are thoroughly investigated, prosecuted and that appropriate internal consequence management is applied.
17 December 2024 - NW2021
Schickerling, Ms LM to ask the Minister of Police
(a)(i) At what stage during recruitment is psychometric testing undertaken by the SA Police Service for its potential members and (ii) where are the specified tests conducted, (b) who is responsible for (i) conducting the tests and (ii) assessing the results of the tests and (c) what information is obtained from their results?
Reply:
(a)(i) Psychometric testing starts after the recruitment screening process has been concluded by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Component: Human Resource Practices and Administration (HRPA).
(ii) Psychometric tests are conducted at suitably identified community and academic halls.
(b)(i) Psychometric assessments are conducted by psychology professionals who are registered with the Health Professions’ Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
(ii) Psychometric assessment results are assessed by psychology professionals located at the SAPS’ Section: Psychological Services.
(c) Information obtained from psychometric tests relates to functional literacy, personality traits and an integrity profile.
17 December 2024 - RCW639
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
What vigorous collection model has his department taken to maximally collect approximately R30.9 billion that is owed to municipalities by businesses?
Reply:
Our department has taken several measures to address the collection of approximately R30.9 billion owed to municipalities by businesses.
We support municipalities by ensuring the implementation of the Municipal Systems Act (MSA) and the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA), which are crucial for municipal credit control and debt collection policies.
We recommend that municipalities institutionalise credit control and debt collection procedures against defaulting consumers or property owners to increase revenue generation. This will help break the culture of non-payment of municipal services.
Furthermore, we propose amending Section 22(5) of the Electricity Regulation Act to force Eskom to assist municipalities in implementing credit control measures. This includes electricity disconnections to enforce municipal credit control and debt collection throughout the municipal jurisdiction.
Notably, households account for 73% of the debt owed to municipalities, businesses make up 20% and 5.5% by organs of state. Our department is committed to working with municipalities to develop effective collection models and improve revenue generation.
The Minister has written to the relevant Ministries requesting them to enter into payment arrangements, to settle their rates and service charges arrear accounts. Further engagements are being held with the National Treasury, to find a way to get organs of state to settle their accounts.
End.
17 December 2024 - NW2258
Mthethwa, Mr E to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). Whether, considering the potential risks of promoting gambling among youth and vulnerable populations, he has found that it is appropriate for betting companies to sponsor the Premier Soccer League (PSL); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details. what measures has his department taken to ensure responsible sponsorship practices in sport, given that there was an investigation of game-manipulation of which betting companies form part. (3). (a) what is his position on betting companies sponsoring sports leagues, (b) how does he intend to regulate such sponsorships and (c) has he found it to be a conflict of interest. (4). how does his department balance the financial benefits of betting company sponsorships with the potential social risks associated with promoting gambling. (5). whether his department intends to introduce regulations and/or guidelines for betting companies sponsoring sports leagues; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what would they entail?
Reply:
1. Any form of sponsorship, including sponsorship of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), by betting companies is a commercial activity / transaction which is governed by legislation and regulations passed by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). The regulators of gambling as per the National Gambling Amendment Act 10 of 2008 have measures to protect the general public, including youth, from the harmful elements of gambling and betting. It is therefore not the jurisdiction of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture to pronounce on the appropriateness of betting companies to sponsor PSL or sport in general. However, I have personally expressed the view during my term that the involvement of betting companies in sport has helped to address a severe need for sponsorship funding.
2. Manipulating the result of a sports match, or an event within the match, to influence betting, is against the law if the intention is to obtain a benefit or cause a loss. The South African criminal justice system deals with these matters and, as such, there has not been any need identified for special measures to be instituted by the Department.
3. (a) (b) the response provided for (1) above addresses this question.
(c) I have not identified any conflict of interest in betting companies sponsoring sports leagues.
4. As indicated above, sponsorships are commercial deals. These are concluded at the level of the sponsor (betting company) and the sport organisation. The Department has minimal control or influence, given the fact that the current laws of the country permit such deals, notwithstanding the said potential social risks.
5. The Department does not intend to introduce regulations and/or guidelines for betting companies sponsoring sports leagues. Betting is regulated through the Legislation and Regulations passed by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
17 December 2024 - NW1886
James, Ms DE to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Given the current detection rates for contact crimes which stand at only 45,72%, what urgent measures will he implement to enhance the detective services at police stations nationwide; (2) whether he will take steps to (a) increase the rate of hiring of new detectives and (b) improve training and resources for existing staff to ensure more effective crime resolution; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what steps will he take to evaluate the performance and accountability of detective units in order to address the underlying factors contributing to the low detection rates?
Reply:
- The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Detective Service is acutely aware that the detection rate for contact crimes must be improved, taking into consideration the real challenges that this capability faces, including, inter alia, increasing levels of contact crimes, resulting in increased numbers of case dockets; and the decline in the number of skilled detectives, which has only recently been addressed by the provisioning of additional capacity, which must be guided during investigations. The Detective Service has introduced the following measures to improve the detection rate, specifically in respect of contact crimes:
- The training of detectives at stations and units is prioritised within the department’s annual Training Provisioning Plan (TPP).
- All contact crime case dockets that are older than three years are prioritised for review, to prioritise their resolution.
- Members with 100 case dockets and more are monitored on a monthly basis, to down-manage the workload.
- Tracing and tracking operations are conducted by the Detective Service capability at all police stations, prioritising persons that are wanted for contact crimes.
- The detective capability also follows-up on forensic investigative leads on DNA and fingerprints, by tracing and arresting the alleged perpetrators, thereby addressing several criminal cases by arresting a single perpetrator.
- Awareness campaigns are conducted by the SAPS’ Visible Policing and Detective Service capabilities, which are aimed at addressing crimes violent crime in general, but also violent crimes against women and children, as a proactive measure but also to encourage communities to work with the SAPS in addressing violent crime.
- The SAPS’ Crime Stop Line capability, within the Detective Service receives and follows-up on actionable hints that are provided anonymously by the community, thereby increasing the SAPS reach in terms of the detection of crime.
- An investigative capacity has been established in the Organised Crime Investigations and Serious and Violence Crime Investigations Components, within the Division: Detective and Forensic Services, to address the incidents of extortion and violence at construction and business sites.
- The bolstering of the Detective Service capability, in order to increase the number of docket-carrying detectives and improve investigations, includes the following initiatives: the re-enlistment of former investigation officers, to capacitate the environment with experienced detectives who exited the Service; the recalling of trained detectives who were promoted to other operational environments and the conducting of an annual recruitment drives for newly-trained police officers.
The initiatives described above are having a positive impact, albeit not at the level that is expected, as the detection rate for contact crimes improved to 46,73% at end of the 2nd quarter of 2024/25, while the detection rates for contact crimes against women and children, were above the targeted percentages, at 70,47% (target 68,13%) and 63,62% (target - 61,99%), respectively.
(2)(a) The capacitation of the Detective Service has been prioritised, during the 2024/25 financial year.
The 2024/25 Detective Service Staffing Plan, with regard to the capacitation of the Detectives in the production core (salary levels 1-7), includes the following initiatives:
- The enlistment of 3 469 entry-level Police Act Personnel, for placement within the detective environment.
- The internal advertisement of 1 000 posts, to allow for trained and experienced detectives that are currently placed outside of the Detective Service, to be placed in the detective environment (general and specialised units).
- The re-enlistment of 200 former trained and experienced detectives, to be placed in the detective environment.
In addition to the above, 509 posts were advertised within the Detective Service, during the 2024/25 post promotion process, to capacitate supervisory and commander positions at salary levels 8 and above. It needs to be noted that this intervention does not necessarily increase capacity, as it fills vacant positions at supervisory/command levels from lower levels.
The capacitation of the detective environment will continue to be prioritised over the medium-term.
(2)(b) The SAPS is continuously reviewing, developing and improving its learning interventions, as well as its training methodologies, to improve the competencies of its members. Trainers are continuously being capacitating to enhance their skills and the most experienced operational members and highly skilled members from specialised units, within the organisation, are utilised for training interventions, particularly within the Detective Service environment. In addition, the SAPS’ subject matter experts and external subject matter experts, from other departments, are utilised to present training. The SAPS is persistently broadening and strengthening its collaborations with reputable international law enforcement agencies, from various countries, where its members are trained and developed. The department is also constantly following up on members who attended training at their workplace, to evaluate the performance and impact of training. The feasibility of utilising retired, experienced detectives to assist with training to share their expertise is currently being considered, for implementation during the medium-term.
The SAPS, together with the Safety and Security Sector of Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) and the Quality Council for Trade Occupation (QCTO), as quality assurers, have developed and registered an Occupational Certificate (OC) specifically for Detectives with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The OC: Detectives is an occupational qualification that is presented at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level Six.
The SAPS has also embarked on several initiatives in terms of the development of new programmes and the reviewing of learning programmes that are related to Crime Detection and Crime Intelligence. Through special funding by the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), the SAPS invests in training and developing detectives and forensic experts, to address the underlying factors contributing to the low detection rates. This enhances the investigators’ and forensic experts’ abilities to contribute towards improving the detection rates.
3) The Efficiency Index System is used to monitor and assess the detection rates of the various provinces, districts, stations and units. Monthly and quarterly performance management review meetings are held in the provinces, to identify and address the factors that are contributing to under performance. The Detective Service national office also conducts targeted interventions at identified under-performing stations and units, to provide in-service training to detectives and detective commanders.
The Performance Enhancement Process Plans of all detectives and detective commanders are also used to monitor and assess individual performance, within the context of the performance of specific stations and units and to identify specific training interventions that are required by individuals.
17 December 2024 - NW845
Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Police
What total number of (a)(i) deaths and (ii) missing black persons have been reported on farms in the past five years and (b) white farm owners have either been accused and/or found guilty of crimes on their farms in each province?
Reply:
(a)(i)(ii)(b) The total number of deaths and missing Black Persons reported on farms in the 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24 financial years, and white farm owners who have either been accused and/or found guilty of crimes on their farms, in each province is reflected in the table below;
Province |
(a)(i) Deaths of Black Persons on farms |
(a)(ii) Missing Black Persons on farms |
(b) White farm owners accused/ found guilty |
Eastern Cape |
8 |
1 |
0 |
Free State |
9 |
2 |
11 |
Gauteng |
2 |
1 |
1 |
KwaZulu Natal |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Limpopo |
67 |
1 |
8 |
Mpumalanga |
22 |
4 |
3 |
North West |
5 |
1 |
0 |
Northern Cape |
14 |
0 |
0 |
Western Cape |
102 |
0 |
25 |
Total |
230 |
10 |
49 |
17 December 2024 - NW2288
Buthelezi, Mr NZ to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Given the crucial steps taken to address the issue of spaza shops after his department recently classified foodborne illnesses as a national disaster, (a)(i) what are the full details of the multidisciplinary teams involved in the initiative to fight the disaster; and (ii) how are the roles of the teams being coordinated to prevent foodborne illnesses and
Reply:
a)
i) Following the classification of foodborne illnesses as a national disaster, multi-disciplinary teams from NATJOINTS and PROVJOINTS have been activated to address the situation. Seven workstreams have been established: Health, Social, Enforcement, Legal, Economic, and Communication. The following departments and entities are part of these workstreams:
- Department of Cooperative Governance
- National Disaster Management Centre
- South African Police Services
- Department of Health
- Department of Small Business Development
- Department of Trade Industry and Competition
- Department of Home Affairs
- Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development
- Department of Forestry and fisheries and environment
- Department of Basic Education
- Department of Social Development
- South African Revenue Services
- National Consumer Commission
- National Regulator for Compulsory Specification
- South African Bureau of Standards
- South African Health Products Regulatory Authority
- Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.
- Border Management Authority.
ii) The various NATJOINTS workstreams have developed a programme of action. These workstreams are currently conducting inspection and enforcement on the ground, targeting hot-spot areas in the various provinces. Reports are submitted daily through the PROVJOINTS and escalated to the NATJOINTS.
b) All affected National and Provincial departments are expected to submit progress reports as required by the National Disaster Management Centre and as outlined in section 24(4) to (8) of the Act.
End.
17 December 2024 - NW2331
Cameron, Mr I to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What total number of members of the SA Police Service were promoted to the rank of (a) lieutenant general and (b) major general in the past three financial years after having served for less than five years at the rank of General; (2) what (a) are the names of the individuals and (b) reasons and/or motivation was provided for their promotion?
Reply:
(1)(a) Four (4) Lieutenant Generals; and
(1)(b) Ten (10) Major Generals respectively.
(2) The provisions of National Instruction 11 of 2017 (Appointments in the Senior Management Service) requires a minimum period of three years uninterrupted service in the Service on the level which immediately precedes the level on which the post has been advertised, or a minimum combined period of three years uninterrupted service in the Service and the Public Service on the relevant level in the case of posts advertised internally only, or a minimum period at least 3 years’ appropriate managerial experience in the case of posts advertised both internally and externally. All affected officers met the requirements to be appointed in / promoted to the ranks they occupy.
17 December 2024 - NW2011
Michalakis, Mr G to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What total number of vehicles are (a) currently being used and (b) actually needed by the SA Police Service (SAPS) in each province; (2) what total number of new vehicles were (a) required and (b) boarded during the 2023-24 financial year; (3) what total number of vehicles currently in use by the SAPS have an odometer reading of more than 500 000 km?
Reply:
(1)(a)(b)(2)(a)(b)(3) Sharing information on the availability, utilisation and deployment of human and physical resources may compromise policing activities and the safety of South African Police Service (SAPS) employees and can, therefore, not be provided”.
17 December 2024 - NW1912
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether he has been informed that the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit at the Milnerton Police Station in Cape Town (a) has no permanent investigators and (b) operates on duty arrangement (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he has been informed that the (a) head of the FCS unit has been acting and (b) FCS unit has no administrative human resource capacity; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date will he resolve the matter to curb gender-based violence, arrest perpetrators and successfully prosecute them?
Reply:
(1)(a)(b) The Milnerton Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses (FCS) unit is currently staffed with an adequate number of permanent investigators. In addition, additional members have been assigned to the unit, who are operating on a duty arrangement, to bolster the investigative capacity at the unit. Please note that the South African Police Service cannot disclose the actual number of members deployed operationally, as this may compromise the department’s operational effectiveness and potentially endanger the lives of its members.
(2)(a) The Provincial Head: FCS was appointed on 01 August 2024.
(b) The FCS unit is actively engaged in a recruitment drive to expand its capacity, with the transfer applications of two experienced investigating officers currently under review. While the unit does not presently have permanent administrative personnel, interns have been assigned to fulfil administrative responsibilities.
13 December 2024 - NW1866
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
(1) Whether she will consider proposing legislative amendments to classify the corrupt issuance of South African documents by Home Affairs officials as treason; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she will advocate for a minimum sentence of life imprisonment without parole for such offences, to effectively deter and punish those compromising national security; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3183E
Reply:
(1) In response to the question raised, the following should be noted:
(a) The current sanctions provided for in the Identification Act, 1997 (Act No. 68 of 1997), administered by the Department of Home Affairs, for recording any particulars in the population register, unless authorised, is a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.
(b) Compromising the population register through corrupt issuance of Identity Documents, leading to a compromise of national security, is a policy matter that the Department of Home Affairs may deal with, through an amendment to the Identification Act.
(c) As part of my work, as co-chair of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, we are engaged in a process of strengthening border management.
(2) An amendment to the penal provisions contained in the Identification Act may provide for any penalty commensurate with the gravity of any offence committed, regardless of whether a person is an official or an ordinary citizen who provides a false statement, in order to aid a non-citizen to acquire an Identity Document.
13 December 2024 - NW2163
Reddy, Mr VG to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What (a) steps has he taken to address the financial sustainability of local governments as municipalities across the Republic are drowning in debt, largely due to poor financial management and lack of governance oversight and (b) are the reasons that South Africans should believe that the current administration is any more capable than its predecessors when municipal debt continues to rise, further crippling essential services?
Reply:
a) Our department has taken several steps to address the financial sustainability of local governments. We regularly analyse municipal compliance with the Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Property Rates Act. This analysis focuses on key areas such as:
- Municipal Property Valuation: We examine critical aspects of municipal property valuation, including the valuation roll and maintenance.
- Municipal Property Rating: We review municipal property rating aspects, including rates policies and cent-in-Rand rates.
- Water and Electricity Tariff Policies: We analyse water and electricity tariff policies, related tariff lists, and by-laws to ensure the adequacy of tariffs.
- Municipal Indigent Policies: We assess indigent policies and related indigent registers.
- Credit Control and Debt Collection Policies: We evaluate credit and debt collection policies and related by-laws to ensure effective implementation.
These policy assessments aim to identify areas in the municipality's revenue value chain where interventions can increase revenue and/or reduce debt. Financial sustainability is also achieved through good governance, oversight, and identification of key cost drivers.
b) The current administration is fully committed to turning the tide on municipal debt and ensuring the financial sustainability of local governments. To achieve this, we have developed the Municipal Financial Recovery Plan, which outlines a comprehensive strategy to support municipalities in improving their financial management and reducing debt. This plan includes revenue enhancement, expenditure management, debt restructuring, and capacity building for municipal officials. We are confident that the successful implementation of this plan and a firm stance on debt repayment will put municipalities on a path to financial stability and enable them to deliver quality services to their communities.
End.
13 December 2024 - NW1996
Buthelezi, Mr NZ to ask the Minister of Cooperative, Governance and Traditional Affairs
In light of the fact that one factor hindering the professionalisation of municipalities is the application process which requires that applications must be hand-delivered, thereby making it difficult for municipalities to attract qualified professionals from outside their jurisdictions, what (a) plans does his department have to support municipalities in transitioning to digital application processes, (b) total number of municipalities have made the transitioned to digital application processes and (c) successful practices from these transitions can be implemented in other municipalities?
Reply:
- Our department has promulgated two regulatory frameworks to support municipalities transitioning to digital application processes. These frameworks set uniform norms and standards for municipal staff recruitment, selection, and appointment. The first framework is the Local Government: Regulations on Appointment and Conditions of Employment of Senior Managers (2014), which improves the capacity of municipalities to perform their functions and ensures they recruit and retain qualified persons. The second framework is the Local Government: Municipal Staff Regulations (2021), which sets uniform standards for municipal staff systems, organisational design, job competency frameworks, and performance management.
- We acknowledge that access to information technology (IT) infrastructure is crucial for municipalities to transition from manual to digital application processes. However, we also note that poor IT infrastructure remains a significant challenge, particularly in small and rural municipalities.
- Despite these challenges, municipalities with well-developed IT infrastructure have successfully transitioned to digital application processes. We will continue to support and learn from these municipalities to implement successful practices in other municipalities.
End.
13 December 2024 - NW1973
Zibi, Mr SS to ask the Minister of Finance
(1) What (a) total amount did the closure of the Lebombo Port of Entry cost the economy in Rand terms and (b) steps are being taken to recoup lost economic activity; (2) what future contingencies have been put in place in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and other relevant departments to ensure that economic activity continues should this port and other border posts face irregular closure due to whatever reasons?
Reply:
1. (a)(b) The impact of the disruptions to the South African economy has not yet been fully computed as the post-election violence still continues in Mozambique, including in Maputo and on the N4 trade corridor. Cross-border declaration and trade data for the period between 9 October (the day of elections in Mozambique) and 6 December 2024, as recorded at the Lebombo / Ressano Garcia border, reveals the following: -
- Comparative data for the same period in 2023 shows a decline of 20% in export declarations (32 153) representing a R 4.8 billion negative variance in customs value and a slight increase in import declarations of 13.1% (676 declarations) but with a negative R 566 million variance in customs value.
- The decrease in exports from South Africa relate mostly to ferro alloys, coal, chromium ore, iron ore and phosphates, and for imports into South Africa predominantly to petroleum products and aluminium wire.
2. The fragility of borders and the impact that economic or geopolitical factors can have on the continuity of trade flows is an international phenomenon. In this case the normal flow of cargo through the Lebombo / Ressano Garcia border was disrupted due to political unrest in Mozambique, requiring SARS, the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Cross Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA), Provincial Traffic Management, the State Security Agency (SSA), and neighbouring eSwatini Revenue Service (ERS) to institute appropriate mitigating and trade facilitation measures.
These corroborative measures included: -
- Alerting traders of the impending strike action and providing continuous updates on the status.
- Making alternative arrangements with Eswatini to re-route cargo from South Africa (Mananga border post) via eSwatini (Lomahasha border post) and through the Namaacha border post into Mozambique with parties agreeing to deploy additional resources to help expedite and facilitate trade.
- Advising truck drivers to return to their depots / mines or to make use of the KM7 facility near Komatipoort to relieve congestion on the N4, to ensure their safety, and to provide them with the use of essential facilities (shelter, water, food, and sanitation).
- Suspending the export of cargo through Lebombo on advice from Mozambique and coordinating the subsequent periodic re-opening of the border for those periods when it was safe to do so given the ongoing post - election unrest and associated violence.
- Permitting Mozambique citizens to cross back into their country as and when circumstances permitted their safe passage.
Current and Future Contingencies
SARS has already put in place certain contingency measures and are also in the process of developing future measures, in collaboration with the key stakeholders referred to above.
An effective communication and coordination protocol already exists through formal WhatsApp groups on a local operational, as well as a national leadership level across all partner agencies which facilitates fast and direct communication, co-ordination and escalations.
This is further complimented by effective stakeholder alerts to freight operators and logistics businesses via social media (e.g. joint media updates by the BMA and SARS). Regular updates through established WhatsApp groups are also communicated during times of disturbance and unrest.
Future contingency matters currently being developed between stakeholders include: -
- Restricting non-essential staff from travelling to, or working at, the border during periods of unrest.
- Border infrastructure protection by increased SAPS presence and, if need be, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
- The establishment of safe zones for personnel to gather during immediate threats, and evacuation plans to remove staff from the border if the situation escalates.
- Reduced operations focussing on essential goods (fuel, medical supplies, fuel, perishable goods, etc) and the temporary suspension of passenger processing during peak periods of unrest.
- Redirecting commercial and passenger traffic to alternative countries or border posts unaffected by unrest and managing congestion by coordination with traffic authorities.
- Establish a joint task force with Mozambican customs and law enforcement to monitor developments and respond effectively, including the Port Management Committee (PMC).
- Share intelligence on unrest hotspots, protest movements and potential disruptions.
- Align on processes for temporary border closures and priority clearances.
- Establish a monitoring team to provide regular situation updates to all stakeholders.
- Develop a threat level assessment response plan where a green status denotes normal operations with continuous monitoring, a yellow status is applied for minor disruptions requiring only partial operational adjustments, and a red status that signals severe unrest, requiring the suspension of operations, and the evacuation of personnel.
- A recovery and post-unrest action plan that encompasses the inspection of border infrastructure for damage or theft, filing incident reports with relevant authorities, the gradual commencement of operations starting with time-sensitive goods (e.g. livestock, perishable good, etc), and conducting a post-incident review to determine the success of the contingency plan.
- A recovery and post-unrest action plan that encompasses the inspection of border infrastructure for damage or theft, filing incident reports with relevant authorities, the gradual commencement of operations starting with time-sensitive goods (e.g. livestock, perishable good, etc), and conducting a post-incident review to determine the success of the contingency plan.
SIGNATURE PAGE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NUMBER: 1973 [NW3316E]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 06 DECEMBER 2024
Recommended / Not recommended
MR EDWARD KIESWETTER
SARS COMMISSIONER
DATE: 12 DECEMBER 2024
Recommended / Not recommended
DR. DUNCAN PIETERSE
DIRECTOR-GENERAL: NATIONAL TREASURY
DATE:
Recommended / Not recommended
MR. ENOCH GODONGWANA, MP
MINISTER OF FINANCE
DATE:
13 December 2024 - NW2244
Douglas, Mr WM to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
1) Given that despite a R600 million expenditure on information technology, including a Global Wide-Area Networks project, his department remains digitally outdated, (a) what are the reasons for the lack of progress in this regard and (b) how were the specified funds used without achieving a fully functional system.
Reply:
(a) Prior to the introduction of the 5-year digital strategy, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation was faced with old and obsolete digital environment. To date, key phases of the 5-year digital strategy have been successfully completed:
- Desktops and Laptops Refresh – A complete upgrade of devices across South Africa (HQ) and the Missions abroad.
- Server and Storage Infrastructure (Datacentre Modernisation) – Significant improvements to the backend systems supporting operations.
- Network Modernisation – Upgrades to Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Wi-Fi, and telephony systems.
However, due to budgetary constraints, the department has had to put a hold a number of the next phases of the digital transformation.
b) The Department’s digital infrastructure is in line with modern standards. In certain areas we are ahead of our peers and counterparts. For example, DIRCO’s headquarters is fully equipped with WIFI connectivity throughout the building. The meeting rooms/boardrooms have video conferencing facilities which allows seamless engagements with missions and other stakeholders. The DIRCO App is another digital innovative solution that avails critical services to the public. To complete the outstanding projects in the Digital Strategy, we have requested additional funds.
There are no gaps that have been identified in implementing digital diplomacy. In line with the Digital Strategic objective #6 which is to support the department with digital technologies to engage and promote South Africa’s foreign policy and national interests, digital platforms are utilised for diplomatic engagements such as video conferencing, MS-Teams, Zoom, VooV etc. The department also has an impressive following on social media platforms where digital diplomacy is also conducted.
13 December 2024 - NW854
Mathys, Ms L to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
(1) What number of child maintenance cases (a) were lodged during the period 1 March 2023 to 28 February 2024, (b) were successfully prosecuted, (c) have not been prosecuted, (d) were lodged by mothers in each province in the specified period in each case and (e) what is the percentage of cases in each case; (2) what (a) number of incomplete child maintenance cases were carried over into the period 1 March 2023 to 28 February 2024 in each province and (b) is the percentage of the specified cases in each province?
Reply:
1. (a)A total of 117 363 of new applications were registered from 01 March 2023 – 29 February 2024. These new registered applications exclude incomplete child maintenance applications.
(b) The response from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on the number of cases involving the failure to pay maintenance in terms of a court order, successfully prosecuted during 1 March 2023 until 28 February 2024, amounted to 217. These exclude those cases which may have been converted during the proceedings (trial) into a maintenance enquiry in terms of section 41 of the Maintenance Act, Act 99 of 1998.
(c) The NPA does not specifically record the number of persons “not prosecuted” in maintenance as the court may either of its own accord or on request of the public prosecutor convert the proceedings, before or after plea, into a maintenance enquiry. It is important to note that all maintenance matters receive the necessary attention to ensure compliance with the court orders.
(d)The Maintenance Integrated Case Management System (Maintenance: ICMS) does not
collect data on the number of mothers applying for maintenance per province nor use the profile of the applicant as these matters are determined during enquiry to establish legal standing. The Maintenance: ICMS data collection only focuses on court processes and information relating to Maintenance Regulations rather than the relational profile of the Applicant.
(e) As the Maintenance: ICMS does not provide data disaggregated on the profile of the
Applicant, the Department is unable to provide the percentages of mothers applying for maintenance per province. However, it can be indicated that from the files, it can be indicated that most child maintenance applications are brought by mothers on behalf of their children.
2. (a)There were 170 567 incomplete child maintenance cases (backlog applications).
carried over as of 28 February 2024. This number may include some of the applications carried over from 1 March 2023 – 28 February 2024.
Table 1: incomplete child maintenance cases applications as of 28 February 2024
Province |
Incomplete child maintenance cases as at end of Feb 2023 |
Eastern Cape |
6575 |
Free State |
17601 |
Gauteng |
65532 |
KwaZulu Natal |
11990 |
Limpopo |
1784 |
Mpumalanga |
5919 |
North West |
21477 |
Northern Cape |
4105 |
Western Cape |
35584 |
Grand Total |
170567 |
(b) Table 2 below shows percentage of incomplete child maintenance applications per Province against the total number of incomplete applications as at 28 February 2024 showing from the Province with the highest volume of incomplete applications to the lowest volume of incomplete applications.
Table 2: Percentage of incomplete child maintenance applications per Province as at end of February 2024
Province |
Incomplete applications as at end of February 2023 |
Percentage of incomplete applications Per Province |
Gauteng |
65532 |
38% |
Western Cape |
35584 |
21% |
North West |
21477 |
13% |
Free State |
17601 |
10% |
KwaZulu-Natal |
11990 |
7% |
Eastern Cape |
6575 |
4% |
Mpumalanga |
5919 |
3% |
Northern Cape |
4105 |
2% |
Limpopo |
1784 |
1% |
Grand Total |
170 567 |
100% |
13 December 2024 - NW1983
Tito-Duba, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether he has been informed that the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in the Northern Cape is downgrading to level 4 as it cannot fulfil its financial obligation nor service its own residents; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) total number of municipalities are in the process of being downgraded like the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality and (b) plans does his department have in place to mitigate the situation?
Reply:
- The Minister has not been informed that the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in the Northern Cape has been downgraded to level 4. According to our information, the municipality's categorisation for remuneration of senior managers has been downgraded from category 6 to category 5, as per Government Notice No. 4897 published in Government Gazette No. 50737 of 30 May 2024.
- (a) We do not have information on the total number of municipalities that are in the process of being downgraded like the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality.
(b) To mitigate the situation, our department relies on the transitional measures provided in Government Notice No. 4897. These measures ensure that municipalities retain their previous year's categorization if their new categorization is lower. This protects municipalities' contractual obligations to senior managers.
End.
13 December 2024 - NW2245
Douglas, Mr WM to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
(1) Given that over 30% of South African Diplomatic properties abroad are in disrepair, with reports of Embassy staff living in substandard conditions and covering costs out of pocket, what urgent steps is his department taking to address the specified issues. (2) how does he justify the poor conditions of diplomatic residences as a representative of the Republics standing in the world? NW3623E
Reply:
1. The department is not aware of officials personally funding the repairs or maintenance of state properties. Properties in the most urgent need of attention have been prioritised for renovation. In instances where properties are deemed uninhabitable, officials have been temporarily relocated to rented accommodations while the renovation process is underway. This interim solution ensures that staff are provided with suitable living conditions as we work to address the underlying issues.
2. The condition of diplomatic residences reflects historical challenges, including insufficient funding and aging infrastructure. Moving forward, the department has implemented a prioritised strategy targeting the most deteriorated properties for immediate repair and renovation. By engaging proactively with National Treasury and leveraging the expertise of the Government Technical Agency Unit, the department is ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and swift execution of necessary works. Additionally, sustainable funding has been secured through self-financing to support the long-term maintenance and modernization of diplomatic properties, with the goal of providing diplomats with accommodation that aligns with the Republic's status on the global stage.
COMPILER DETAILS
NAME AND SURNAME: MS HLENGIWE BHENGU, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CONTACT: 012 351 1332
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Minister approves and signs the Parliamentary Reply to Parliamentary Question 2245.
MR Z DANGOR
DIRECTOR–GENERAL: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
DATE:
PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 1695 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.
COMMENT/S
MR RONALD O. LAMOLA, MP
MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
DATE:
13 December 2024 - NW2184
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Following the 21 days given to all spaza shops by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, to obtain operational licenses or face closure, what are the full details of the operational plan at the level of law enforcement and/or municipal bylaws in the implementation of the President’s directive?
Reply:
As the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, I hosted a Webinar on 25 November 2024 with various stakeholders, including all MECs responsible for Local Government and Mayors. The purpose of the Webinar was to launch the Local Government Ten-Point Plan on implementing the Standard Draft Law (SDB) and curbing foodborne illnesses.
Regarding law enforcement, various entities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), National Consumer Commission, National Regulator for Compulsory Specification, and Department of Health, are implementing an operational plan, which cannot be shared due to security reasons, to ensure the implementation of the President’s directive.
End.
13 December 2024 - RCW691
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment:
(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to the National Assembly Question 1562 on 7 November 2024, the reply to the National Assembly Question 1641 on 26 May 2023 and the 2024 Four Paws Report (details furnished), he will reconsider the position that the 2007 decision (14.69) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) are not applicable to South Africa and accordingly supply the recommended report to the Cites (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether, noting the extent of tiger breeding facilities in South Africa (details furnished), he will prepare and supply the recommended report to facilitate the work of the Cites in conserving tigers in the wild; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
13 December 2024 - NW2242
Abader, Ms ZS to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Given the more than 400 days of genocide in Palestine, aside from the more than 76 years of oppression, what concrete steps does his department intend to take (a) independently and/or (b) in collaboration with international bodies, to (i) address the ongoing genocide in Palestine and (ii) ensure accountability for violations of international law?
Reply:
a) South Africa has taken several initiatives guided by the South African Constitution and the Bill of Rights which guide our foreign policy. South Africa, as a responsible global actor, abides by the prescripts of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, to protect the rights of the Palestinian people against further harm, as well as to ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations under this Convention. South Africa and five other countries referred the situation in Palestine to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2023. The Government also instituted an application against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 29 December 2023, contending that Israel was responsible for violations of the Genocide Convention in Gaza and requested the Court to provide provisional measures.
South Africa again approached the ICJ in February 2024 due to Israel’s non-compliance. The ICJ ordered that Israel is obliged to implement its earlier provisional measures, to ensure the safety and security of the people of Gaza. The looming famine in Gaza once again prompted South Africa to approach the ICJ for a third time on 6 March 2024.
On 10 May 2024, South Africa launched a further application to the ICJ to seek an urgent order from the court for the protection of the Palestinian people in Gaza from grave and irreparable violations of their rights under the Genocide Convention, as a result of Israel’s ongoing military assault on the Rafah Governate. The ICJ acceded to South Africa’s request and ordered that an oral hearing on the application take place, and South Africa presented its oral arguments on 16 May 2024.
On 28 October 2024, South Africa filed its Memorial before the ICJ. The evidence contained in the Memorial details how the Government of Israel has violated the Genocide Convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza. It presents evidence of killings, and the blocking of humanitarian assistance causing conditions of life which are aimed at the physical destruction of Palestinians. Importantly, the Memorial presents evidence of Israel’s intent to commit genocide and failure to prevent and punish acts of genocide.
(b)(i) (ii) Organisations that have expressed support to address the ongoing genocide in Palestine include: The Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) - the 57-member bloc which includes Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan and Morocco who voiced their support for the case on 30 December 2023, and The League of Arab States - the 22-member alliance which affirmed its support for the South African case through its Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul-Gheit.
Furthermore, 14 countries have filed declarations of intervention in South Africa’s case against Israel in terms of Article 62 and 63 of the Geneva Convention: These are: Egypt, Chile, Nicaragua, Maldives, Palestine, Türkiye, Cuba, Belgium, Ireland, Spain, Mexico, Libya, and Colombia. On 9 October 2024, Bolivia became the latest country to announce its intent join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. Ireland is expected to join South Africa’s case by the end of the year.
In order to ensure accountability for violations of international law, South Africa has played an instrumental role. On 17 November 2023, South Africa, together with five other countries, filed a referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. This action contributed to the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders on 21 November 2024.
13 December 2024 - NW2191
Tito-Duba, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
(1) (a) What are the (i) names and (ii) locations of all mines that are illegally mined, (b) on what dates were the specified mines closed and (c) what (i) were the reasons for their closure and (ii) are the further relevant details; (2) whether the specified mines followed and/or complied with stipulated closure processes; if not, what did the Regulator do in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- Illegal mining is a criminal activity, and the department is collaborating with the law enforcement agencies at various levels to eradicate the scourge. Illegal mining is conducted by mainly armed criminal syndicates and happens within active mining operations, abandoned mines and around derelict and ownerless mining sites. There is no specific identified names and/or defined location of all the mines that are illegally mined, due to the nature of their operations by the illegal miners. Where illegal mining is detected within active mining operations, the holders are responsible for the safety and security of their own operations, and sometimes with the assistance of the law enforcement agencies. Due to a number of reasons, some of the abandoned mines were placed under care and maintenance, under liquidation or business rescue, because there are no adequate security measures in place, they are invaded by illegal mines. Derelict and Ownerless mines are mines that are not operating nor maintaining to mitigating and managing their associated health and environmental impacts as well as those mines whose owners or operators can no longer be traced. That was due to the absence of mine environmental legislation as well as proper coordination of all relevant pieces of legislations relating to rehabilitation and environmental management.
- As indicated above, active mines are responsible for their own rehabilitation and to apply for closure when they have completed their mining activities, and they apply to the department at various intervals. The abandoned mines that are under care and maintenance or under business rescue or liquidation are regulated by the department and are expected to comply with the requirements of the law. The derelict and ownerless mines are rehabilitated by the state as they were no regulatory requirements to rehabilitate, and the owners could not be traced.
13 December 2024 - NW1878
Reddy, Mr VG to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Noting that municipalities across the Republic are drowning in debt, largely due to poor financial management and lack of governance oversight, what (a) steps has he taken to address the financial sustainability of local government and (b) are the reasons that citizens should believe that the 7th Administration is any more capable than the previous administration when municipal debt continues to rise, further crippling essential services? NW3200E.
Reply:
a) Our department has taken several steps to address the local government's financial sustainability. We conduct regular analyses of municipal compliance with the Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Property Rates Act. This analysis focuses on key areas such as municipal property valuation, property rating, water and electricity tariff policies, municipal indigent policies, and credit control and debt collection policies.
These policy assessments aim to identify opportunities for municipalities to increase revenue and reduce debt. We also convene quarterly Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) forums, in collaboration with SALGA and the National Treasury, to discuss reports from provinces and assess the functionality of MPACs in municipalities.
b) Despite the challenges, there are reasons to believe that the 7th Administration is committed to addressing the financial sustainability of local government. We have established a framework for supporting municipalities in improving their financial management and governance oversight. This includes providing guidance on credit control and debt collection and supporting municipalities in developing and implementing effective financial recovery plans.
While there is still much work to be done, our department is committed to working with municipalities to address the challenges facing local government and ensure that essential services are delivered to communities.
End.
13 December 2024 - RCW635
Gotsell, Mr N to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
In light of her department's lack of deep-sea maritime capabilities, to what extent has her department liaise and work with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to ensure (a) South Africa's maritime integrity and (b) the protection of the country's exclusive economic zone?
Reply:
Find reply here
13 December 2024 - NW1970
Taaibosch, Mr G to ask the Minister of Finance
(1) With reference to his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement wherein it became clear that foreign nationals pay the same property taxes as South African citizens do, what are the reasons that the government makes it easy for people from other countries to buy a property and/or to own a business in the Republic whereas it is not easy for South Africans to own a business or to buy a property in other countries; (2) whether he will urgently consider review the issue of taxes of foreign-owned (a) property and (b) business to allow for the advancement of citizen’s property and business ownership interests; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. There are no specific tax incentives for foreign nationals to purchase a property or to start a business in South Africa. As such, tax policy does not influence the ease of purchasing a property or starting a business when compared to residents and foreign nationals.
2. Income generated from immovable property is subject to taxation regardless of whether it is owned by a resident or foreign national. Additionally, there are strict rules for tax collection when a property is sold by a foreign owner or non-resident.
In the case of property, these types of taxes are pertinent, namely (a) transfer duties upon acquisition; (b) municipal rates during the term of ownership and (c) capital gains tax upon disposal. Non-residents who sell a property incur a withholding tax based on the full amount of the property.
13 December 2024 - NW2243
Douglas, Mr WM to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
(1) Whether, given the overspending by his department of R357 million, unauthorised expenditure of R455 million and irregular spending of R200 million, he will outline detailed plans for implementing consequence management; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details. (2) what (a) are the reasons that there has been no visible disciplinary action against those responsible for the specified mismanagement and (b) measures will his department take to ensure that taxpayer funds are no longer misappropriated? NW3621E
Reply:
1. The financial challenges referenced are a result of structural and systemic factors that require targeted interventions. The department has adopted a strategic approach to accountability and consequence management that aligns with national priorities and governance standards:
- A comprehensive consequence management strategy has been established, focusing on high-impact cases. An independent oversight mechanism, through the Financial Misconduct and Losses Committee, and external forensic investigators, ensures transparency and fairness in addressing irregularities.
- DIRCO has engaged National Treasury to resolve systemic challenges, including the impact of currency fluctuations on foreign operations. These engagements aim to stabilize fiscal planning and enhance the department’s capacity to manage financial pressures effectively.
- Strengthening ethical leadership remains a core priority. The department is embedding a culture of accountability, transparency, and sound decision-making through strategic alignment of policies, financial systems, and leadership oversight mechanisms.
2.(a) Visible disciplinary action is subject to the completion of due process, which ensures fairness and adherence to legal standards. Investigations into financial mismanagement are comprehensive to avoid procedural flaws that could undermine accountability. The department prioritises a sustainable culture of consequence management where actions taken not only address misconduct but also deter future violations.
(b)To strategically safeguard public funds and enhance financial governance, the department has implemented key initiatives:
- A joint strategic approach with National Treasury has been implemented to align DIRCO’s financial model with the unique demands of international relations. This includes mitigating currency volatility and stabilizing foreign operations.
- Policies are being aligned with best practices in financial management supported by enhanced oversight structures to ensure compliance with legislation and regulations.
- The department is investing in leadership excellence and financial acumen across its operational platforms, ensuring that strategic decision-making is informed, ethical, and resilient to systemic risks.
13 December 2024 - NW1367
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education:
(a) How does the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plan to allocate resources for regular inspections and audits of accredited residences to guarantee ongoing compliance with safety standards as NSFAS manages approximately R13 billion for student accommodation and (b) what penalties will be imposed on non-compliant residences to protect students from unsafe living conditions? NW1691E
Reply:
(a) NSFAS will be Phasing in a Co - Management Model with Universities and TVET Colleges. The model will improve the management of private student Accommodation including regular visits to Accommodation Providers by Institutions to ensure consistent compliance with the Norms and Standards. ln line with the same model, the NSFAS will also be conducting unannounced visits to the various properties across the system.
(b) NSFAS will conduct a review of all 2024 accredited properties to ensure compliance, the review process will commence in January 2025. Properties that are found to be non -compliant will be de -accredited.
13 December 2024 - NW2175
Buthelezi, Mr NZ to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
In view of the new draft by-law aimed at revitalising township economies through quotas on foreign ownership and restrictions on business operations, (a) what specified support will be provided to informal traders to help them meet compliance requirements; and (b) how will his department enforce the regulations fairly without stifling economic activity in townships. 2. with reference to the draft by-law proposing that municipalities establish task teams to combat illegal trade in townships, (a) what specific strategies will be used to identify and address the sale of illegal goods and services; and (b) how will the efforts be coordinated with law enforcement to ensure long-term compliance and safety within township economies? NW3570E.
Reply:
1. (a) There are various training programmes, awareness campaigns and financial support earmarked for informal traders, including spaza shops from SARS, SABS, NCC, NRCS, DoH and SEDFA. The training to be provided will include compliance, food handling and safety, and Business acumen. Additionally, the DTIC and DSBD have set aside R500 million to support spaza shops with infrastructure, stock and marketing.
(b) The Department issued Circular No. 34 of 2024 to all Municipal Managers and all Heads of Department responsible for Local Government in provinces. The circular aims to guide the implementation of the SDBs issued in terms of Section 14 of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act No. 32 of 2000. It also requires municipalities to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to deal with these matters.
2. (a) On 18 November 2024, foodborne illnesses were classified as a National Disaster in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act (“the Act”). Consequently, all affected state organs are expected to submit progress reports as required by the National Disaster Management Centre, as outlined in sections 24(4) to (8) of the Act.
NATJOINTS and PROVJOINTS have been activated to ensure compliance and safety. The teams on the ground are also providing training and awareness campaigns targeting consumers about the dangers of buying illicit and expired goods and food safety. With respect to spaza shops, the teams working with municipal officials are providing training on food handling and safety, business registration, and compliance.
b) The teams on the ground are also providing training and awareness campaigns targeting consumers about the dangers of buying illicit and expired goods and food safety. With respect to spaza shops, the teams working with municipal officials are providing training on food handling and safety, business registration, and compliance.
When non-compliance is discovered, either a non-compliance notice or spot fine is issued; investigations are lodged; goods are confiscated; or a directive to not sell is issued, and where applicable, arrest is effected.
End.
13 December 2024 - NW1677
Dlamini, Ms M to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
What total number of (a) persons were charged with (i) rape and (ii) sexual assault in the past year, (b) those cases were prosecuted and (c) convictions were secured?
Reply:
(a). The National Prosecuting Authority does not keep record of the number of persons charged with rape and sexual assault by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
(b). However, the cases enrolled in court as extracted from the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) and in which accused were charged for the past year (April 2024 to 27 November 2024) on rape, amounted to 7 196 cases; whilst on sexual assault, it amounted to 473 cases.
(c). The number of convictions secured during the same period on rape amounted to 1 916 cases and on sexual assault, it amounted to 237 convictions.
13 December 2024 - NW2351
Smith, Mr R to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
: On what date will the reply to question 1537, published on 25 October 2024, be received? NW3761E
Reply:
I have responded.
13 December 2024 - NW2054
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
Whether, with reference to the two foreign nationals who were granted R20 000 bail on 4 November 2024, following their arrest for operating an illegal Home Affairs office at Matthews Meyiwa Road in Greyville, Durban, from where they allegedly facilitated the issuing of fake marriage certificates and spousal visas, she has found that it is in the interest of justice to grant bail to arrested illegal immigrants from various countries, considering (a) that they are in the country illegally and may flee if released on bail and (b) the threat they pose to national security through their illegal document production; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Section 165(2) of the Constitution, Act 106 of 1996 states that the Courts are independent and subject only to the Constitution and the law, which they must apply impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice.
Although Magistrates are appointed by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development upon the recommendation of Magistrate Commission, they are Judicial Officers protected by the principle of judicial independence.
Granting bail, it is the duty of the judicial officer to assess the facts and circumstances of the case in accordance with the law. The decision to grant or deny bail is made based on the discretion of the judicial officer, who considers the relevant legal principles.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has no power to interfere with the decision that the Magistrate has taken to grant bail to the Accused.