Questions and Replies

Reply:

(a) No Co-operatives have been linked to international market opportunities, since there has been no uptake from Co-operatives within this programme nor are there Co-operatives that are export ready. Most of the Co-operatives are still in the primary stage and do not have products to export. The DSBD conceptualised the Co-operative Development Support Programme (‬CDSP) with an objective to support Co-operative enterprises financially and non-financially in partnership with other key strategic stakeholders.‬ ‬The CDSP programme offers blended financing to eligible Co-operatives on a cost-sharing funding of a combination of a grant and loan. The programme assists with machinery, ‬equipment, ‬infrastructure, ‬commercial vehicles and business development support necessary to grow Co-operative enterprises. Through this programme, it is envisaged that Co-operatives will grow and increase their manufacturing capacity to ultimately participate in the export market through the export development programme which aims to capacitate SMMEs and Co-operatives to become export ready.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

(b) In the 2021/2022 financial year, 242 SMMEs were exposed to International Markets including virtual Business to Business meetings. Since the easing of travel restrictions in 2021, 83 clients participated in physical trade shows, and 159 virtual namely:

1. Ghana Food and Beverage Show – (17).
2. Pan African Women’s Summit in Zanzibar- (20).
3. The Kenyan Food show in Nairobi – (18).
4. Intra-Africa trade fair in Durban – (28).
5. South African Consulate in Los Angeles Ecommerce Strategies Webinar – (159).

In the current financial year 2022/23, 51 clients have been exposed to international markets to date, namely:

1. FACIM Mozambique (19)
2. Mauritius Mission (20)
3. Intra-Africa Trade Fair – Ivory coast (12)

An additional 20 clients were participating at the Ghana Food and Beverage show on 15-17 March 2023 bringing the total for 2022/23 to 71 businesses exposed to International Markets. The total number of SMMEs exposed to market since the appointment of the Minister is 313.

Reply:

1. I have been informed by the National Prosecuting Authority that the 30-year-old deceased was stabbed and killed at his home in Athlone. When the matter was presented to the Prosecutor for enrollment, in respect of the merits of the matter, only the deceased’s mother’s statement had been filed in the police docket. The mother was not present when her son was stabbed and did not know what had led to the death of her son.

A criminal case may only be placed on the court roll if there is evidence under oath or affirmation upon which a successful prosecution can be based.

The Prosecutor held the view that there was insufficient evidence to enroll the matter. The accused was subsequently released pending the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducting further investigation in the matter.

The Investigating Officer has since filed additional statements that are circumstantial in nature but nevertheless point to the accused’s involvement in the offence. A lot of crucial investigation is however still outstanding. For example, the post-mortem examination report as to the cause of death and number of stab wounds sustained, the statements of the two (2) persons who were with the accused and deceased in the room at the time, and the accused’s version implying that he had acted in self-defense must still be investigated and filed in the docket.

As a result of the Investigating Officer filing additional statements, the matter will be enrolled pending further investigations that need to be finalised.

2. No, I do not intend to intervene as I do not have such authority. As you are no doubt aware magistrates, as part of the judiciary authority, are independent and no person or organ of state may interfere with the functioning of the courts. The Magistrates Commission has the authority to investigate allegations of misconduct against a magistrate and the Honourable Member may approach the Commission in this regard. The National Prosecuting Authority must exercise its functions without fear, favour or prejudice and the National Director of Public Prosecutions may intervene in the prosecution process when policy directives are not complied with, or may review a decision to prosecute or not to prosecute after following the procedure provided for in section 179 in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

.

Reply:

(a)

I have been informed by the Department that the information is still to be audited for the 2022/23 financial year.

(b) (i) The Office of the CFO issued non-compliance letters for invoices that exceeded 30 days. Supervisors discussed the non-compliance with affected employees. In cases where an employee was at fault, a verbal warning was issued and in some cases further travel by affected employee was suspended until the matter was resolved. In cases of repeat offenders, written warnings were issued.

(ii) The approach to consequence management will be strengthened through introducing disciplinary measures in cases of repeat offenders.

Reply:

The department is aware of findings and recommendations set out in the report published by the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture (Commission). The department’s consultation with law enforcement agencies on the implementation of the Commission’s report revealed that all referrals on criminal and civil matters concerning Transnet’s affairs are under investigation. The implementation of the recommendations is monitored through implementation plan the President published in response to the state capture report. The department also monitors that Transnet supports law enforcement agencies in their investigations concerning all recommendations in the report. This includes monitoring that Transnet institutes civil proceedings to recover all resources that were illegally diverted from company to ensure that they are used to benefit the country’s citizens.

According to information received from Transnet:

Mr Shane and Integrated Capital Management (ICM) were included in the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector Including Organs of State including Organs of State that were directed towards law enforcement agencies for investigations. Accordingly, the Minister of Public Enterprises and the Department are aware of allegations regarding Mr Shane and ICM. In particular, the Minister has noted that the Commission recommended in respect of 39 cases that ”(t)he law enforcement agencies [should] conduct such further investigations as may be necessary with a view to possible prosecution” of named individuals and entities.

No recommendations on Integrated Capital Management (ICM), its directors Marc Chipkin, Clive Angel, and Stanley Shane were directed at Transnet for action. However, where further investigations present a case for civil recovery, Transnet will act accordingly. Transnet is assisting all the law enforcement agencies in all matters being pursued by the agencies.

Mr Shane ceased being a director on the Transnet Board on 28 June 2017. He no longer serves in any capacity at Transnet. He was removed as chairperson of the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund (“the Fund”) upon his resignation as a director on 28 June 2017 and no longer serves on the board of trustees of the Fund.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

a) The Ministry intends to fundamentally transform the electricity sector to achieve long-term energy security by working with Eskom to improve availability of the existing supply and by creating an enabling environment to accelerate investment in generation capacity from renewables, gas and battery storage.

b) In addition, the Ministry will develop innovative funding mechanisms for less affluent households to support the rapid deployment of demand-side interventions, including a blended finance mechanism to support solar PV rooftop installations.

The End

Reply:

Following his appointment, the Minister conducted a diagnostic assessment of he installed Eskom generation capacity resulting in the identification of a set of critical interventions to maximise the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of the generation fleet.

Furthermore, the Ministry engaged a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including Industry, Labour, Original Equipment Manufacturers and the Diplomatic community who have all pledge support for strategic interventions to reduce the intensity and frequency of load shedding.

The immediate preoccupation is to improve the performance of the existing Eskom base load fleet, maximize the performance and output of peeking stations and suppress demand through an aggressive demand side management programme, which will be implemented with effect from May of 2023. Whilst these measures will contribute to the reduction and frequency of load shedding, it is not possible at this stage to commit to a definitive end date for loadshedding.

The End

Reply:

The mandate of the Minister of Electricity was outlined by the President, which is, the implementation of the Energy Action Plan and ending loadshedding.

Following various internal processes, the President will make a formal determination as to the assignment of power and functions of the Minister of Electricity.

The End

Reply:

1. (a) I have discussed the matter with the Minister in the Presidency responsible for BrandSA. There was no Cabinet decision on the matter as it was scheduled to serve before Cabinet in August 2022 but was withdrawn. The two Ministers have agreed to, first, do a feasibility study and audit the performance of both entities, before a submission is made to Cabinet for consideration.

(b)- (d) Not applicable

2. (a) –(d) Not applicable

Reply:

The Department can confirm that the road R719 between Bultfontein-Wesselsbron-Bothaville, from Bloemfontein is indeed a regional road with the posted speed of 100km/hr.

The Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport is currently experiencing budgetary constraints regarding routine maintenance resulting with the section between Wesselsbron to Bothaville in a worse condition.

To address the above challenges, the Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport is providing pothole repair with assistance from the farming community through the Letsema programme, whereby the Department is providing equipment and material whereas the farming community is providing labourers, who will be supervised by Government officials to work on road surface to ensure safety on the road.

Reply:

1. The high Cube Containers are regulated by Section 224(b) of the National Road Traffic Regulation 2000,issued under the National Traffic Act 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996 ) wherein an exemption was granted in 2011 ( Government Gazette No. 34621) , extended in 2021, to exempt the operation in the Public roads of motor vehicles transporting international Standards Organisation (ISO) containers with a height exceeding the permitted high of 4300 metres. The road freight industry made a plea to the Minister to allow transportation of high cube containers to permissible height approximately 4600 meters as part of global standards practice when containers are transported on skeletal or low bed trailers. It was reported that the containers are transported across SADC region on the 4 600 meters and coming in to South Africa ,cargo owners are faced law enforcement officers and punitive measures , that the high cube as part with containers cause damage to the bridges-all these factors are going to be researched to establish scientific facts and operational efficiency that may lead to review and /or amendment of the Regulations 224(b). The research seeks to find a balance on the economic impact for operators and the unintended damage to the road infrastructure whilst maintaining the elements of road safety strategy.

(2) Yes, the moratorium has extended until further notice, with effect from 31 March 2023- Government Gazette No. 48348. The Department of Transport shall advise on the developments and way forward with regard to the lifting of the moratorium in due course

(3) Yes, Minister of Transport has issued a Government Gazette No. 48348 to that effect to inform the sector and law enforcement agencies, and this will be issued and broadly circulated to all affected and interested stakeholders in the transportation sector.

 

Reply:

(1) The Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) 2022 Green Drop Report provided a detailed overview of the state of wastewater management in the country. The findings of the report presented a concerning trend across the country which showed that wastewater management has deteriorated notably since 2014.

Water Service Authorities responsible for wastewater collection and treatment systems that achieved less than 30% during Green Drop Assessment were issued with non-compliance letters and instructed to submit corrective action plans. Implementation of the corrective measures will be monitored through a dashboard developed as part of the Water Services Improvement Programme (WSIP). The Department has also collaborated with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) to assist municipalities on the development of these action plans, to ensure improvement in the management of wastewater treatment plants. The DWS and SALGA have also rolled out the water and sanitation councillor induction across the country on wastewater quality management and drinking water management.

The DWS, in collaboration with the SALGA, has also taken steps to support Water Service Authorities through:

• Capacitating the Water and Sanitation portfolio-based councillors throughout their term of office.
• Training of Process Controllers to augment wastewater operations and maintenance capacity. Energy and Water Sector Training Authority (EWSETA) will facilitate the training so that it complies with Wastewater Quality Management regulations.
• Ensuring that all wastewater management environmental hazards are mapped and mitigated

(2) The Department ensures protection of water resources by serving suspected transgressors or polluters with notices and directives in accordance with the provisions of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) (NWA). These notices and directives instruct the identified transgressors to make representations, which may take the form of action plans in other instances. The representations are then submitted to the Department to assess and advise on the implementation thereof. The Department then monitors implementation of the action plans and adherence to the timeframes committed to control the causes of pollution and remedy effects thereof.

The Department may also lay criminal charges against polluters liable for offenses stipulated under Section 151 of the NWA, where the outcome is a fine imposed against an offender or institute civil action by applying for a court interdicts against polluters. The court may, upon examining the application, issue an order the polluter to take remedial action.

Since January 2020, the Department has taken administrative enforcement action by issuing 374 notices and directives under sections 19, 20, and 53 of the National Water Act (NWA).

The Department has also pursued criminal action against 13 water users found to have caused pollution of water resources. To date, 9 case dockets were finalized and handed to the NPA for a decision to prosecute whereas 2 plea sentencing agreements were reached where the court-imposed fines against the municipalities. Additionally, the Department initiated 3 court interdict applications against water users found to have caused pollution of water resources, and 1 court order was granted in this regard.

---00O00---

Reply:

(a) The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has a National Reading Sector Plan and Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) have developed their Reading Strategies that target the early grades informed by the National Reading Sector Plan, but taking into account the provinces' contexts. The PEDs' reading strategies outline different activities that are being implemented in schools to improve reading outcomes, and PEDs report to the DBE twice in a financial year (September and March), on their implementation. To ensure that the DBE also tracks the implementation, the implementation of the Reading Strategies forms part of the indicators of the DBE's Annual Performance Plan (APP).

 There are also various intervention programmes and strategies that are coordinated at the DBE to support the improvement of reading outcomes in the early grades. They include the following:

• Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs) for Home and First Additional Languages
• Guidelines on the implementation of ATPs
• National Framework for the Teaching of African Languages in the Foundation Phase
• Primary School Reading Improvement Programme (PSRIP) for Home Languages and English First Additional Language (EFAL)
• Early Grade Reading Study
• Early Grade Reading Assessment
• Workbooks Programme
• Foundation Phase Home Languages literacy lesson plans 
• Reading Norms
• Reading Champions Programme
• Read to Lead campaign
• Language across the curriculum

(b) The DBE noted the recommendations in the 2030 Reading Panel report, some of which are addressed by the National Reading Sector Plan. In terms of strengthening the National Reading Sector Plan, the DBE, supported by the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), is currently engaged in processes to strengthen the Sector Plan.  

Reply:

(a). There is total of 19 694 schools without laboratories

(b) There is total of 17 711 schools without libraries. This exclude community and corner libraries used by some of the schools

(c) The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DCDT) is responsible for providing public schools with access to Internet connectivity. A cumulative number of 18 519 (79,84%) public schools have access to various forms of connectivity such as satellite, broadband as well as 3G/LTE. It should be noted that 27% of these schools (4689 Public Ordinary Schools and 301 Public Special Schools) were provided with connectivity as part of the Universal Service Access Obligations that were imposed to the Mobile Network Operators by ICASA and DCDT. 

(d)

1. The initial number of school assessed to be dependent on BASIC pit toilets was 3 898.
2. This number has been amended as more detailed information became available.  Some schools were removed from the list and other schools were added to the list.
3. The current number of schools on the SAFE programme is 3 397.
4. Of these 3 396 schools, sanitation projects at 2 663 schools have already progressed to Practical Completion.
5. A further 733 schools are scheduled to achieve Practical Completion by 31 March 2024.
6. This will increase the number of schools served with appropriate toilets to 2 667.
7. The balance of 733 schools are allocated to CDC, DBSA, NECT and TMT.
8. Of the 733 schools, 274 is in Planning, 291 in Tender and 255 in Construction.
9. All of the 733 schools is scheduled for completion in 2023/24

Reply:

(a) Land invasion is a common problem not only for private landowners but also government entities such as PRASA, Transnet, etc. There are a number of areas along PRASA network that identified as hotspots of land invasion.

The economic impact of COVID-19, shack farming and political manoeuvring had fuelled unlawful occupation further.

PRASA owns 4 595 Ha of land and most of PRASA’s land is used for operational purposes (stations, depots, railway and rail reserves) and of this it is estimated that 75,8 Ha (2%) are now identified as informally occupied.

Regional breakdown of illegal occupations

12 major hotspots were identified accounting for 86% of all informal occupations (65 Ha). Those are:

WCR

• Philippi 13Ha
• Nyanga 12 Ha
• Mandalay 14 Ha

KZN

• Zwelethu 9 Ha
• Lindokuhle 5.9 Ha
• Umlazi 3.2 Ha
• Duffs Road 2 Ha

Gauteng

• Halte 2 (Kopanong, Klipkruisfontein,Lebaleng) 6.7 Ha
• Rosslyn 3.5 Ha
• New Canada 2.2 Ha
• Alberton 1.7 Ha
• De Wildt 1.6 Ha

Encroachments - There are several cases where land is occupied by encroachment of formal or semi-formal residential areas into PRASA’s rail reserve. Such occupations are small in terms of areas but may have big impact on operations and extremely difficult to deal with due to the large number of households involved.

Vagrants - PRASA is experiencing an influx of vagrants in vacant buildings or in stations after hours, especially those not manned. They tend to sleep in the area and use the ablution facilities, as well as creating temporary accommodation in vacant buildings and start open fires to keep warm that can lead to burning of the premises. Problems is also experienced with Nayope users that steal and vandalise the buildings for items to sell.

(b) & (c)

The impact on PRASA, especially around Phillipi, has dire consequences as it impacted on the recovery of the Central Line. The recovery of the Central Line has been declared as a Presidential Programme and the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Human Settlements have been driving this project with the support of the Department of Public Works, Provincial Government and the City of Cape Town.

The relocation and prevention of illegal land invasions cannot be addressed in isolation and various spheres of government have to be involved.

PRASA has also set up an internal task team to set guidelines and processes to prevent illegal land invasions, encroachments and vagrants and have a standard approach on the relocation and removal of such.

In the main the task team will be focus on the following key areas:

Reply:

The Department has a National Housing Needs Register (NHNR) that is used to register households/ individuals and their housing needs in South Africa. As of 31 March 2023, the National Housing Needs Register had a record of 2 456 773 households/ individuals registered who have advised the government of their need for housing assistance.

a) The strategy for assisting the number of households that have not yet been helped is made up of the following:

1. Partnering with the private sector to crowd in investments, deliver bulk infrastructure, move away from brick and mortar, advance building performance-based building methods, promote innovative technology, accelerate digital transformation, invest in housing manufacturing, and housing material supply, partner with civil society organisations to play a role in developing houses, and allow people to provide housing for themselves.
2. Advising municipalities and provinces to develop land assembly plans where they would identify suitable land parcels for sustainable human settlements development and undertake feasibility and preplanning studies to confirm if such land parcels are suitable for human settlements development.
3. Communicating with registered beneficiaries about the housing application processes, available grants, allocation criteria, title deed process and acquisition of existing stock through property practitioners.
4. Guiding provincial departments to work with the housing development agency to acquire land, install engineering services, construct housing units and work with social housing institutions to provide social housing units, upgrade hostels and put in place support interventions for undertaking small-scale rental and create human settlements bank products.
5. Advising registered beneficiaries about their classification according to agreed priorities, housing priority areas and ensuring that those deemed to be vulnerable such as the aged, persons living with disabilities, women with young children, those in emergency housing circumstances, special groups such as identified military veterans, the victims of gender-based violence, youth and victims in terms of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are attended first.

b) It is difficult to determine the timeline for assisting households/ individuals because a timeline is dependent on a number of factors such as land availability, private sector partners, contractors, developers, civil society organisations, budget and grant allocation, Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), multi-year and annual business plans as well as the approval of projects.

Reply:

The road connecting N1 Verkeerdevlei with Thaba Nchu is not a SANRAL road but a Free State Provincial Road. It is also not part of the identified Strategic and Primary Network still to be transferred to SANRAL by the Free State Province.

As this is not a SANRAL road, SANRAL has neither the mandate nor plans to tar the road in question.

However the details of the plans by the Province will be sourced and submitted to Parliament.

The route between Thaba Nchu and Excelsior consists of various sections of roads as per the Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport asset register. The Department has come a long way in upgrading certain section from gravel to block pave or Cape Seal over the past number of years. These upgrades are done in line with the Department's plans to provide a suitable bus route to service the Thaba Nchu area. It therefore provides a ring road and there is no plan for providing an upgraded road to Excelsior as road traffic counts do not seem to justify an upgrade at this time.

Traffic counts may be extrapolated to confirm the number of vehicles traveling between Thaba Nchu and Excelsior and this might provide justifiable ground for such an upgrade.

Reply:

This question should be responded to by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.

 

End.

Reply:

1. The DDM is currently in its institutionalization phase (April 2021 – March 2025) as outlined in the Cabinet approved DDM implementation framework. A key milestone under this phase is the development and implementation of well defined intergovernmental long term One Plans that outlines key DDM performance areas relating to planned intergovernmental local government stabilisation initiatives and short term service delivery improvement actions or interventions to be undertaken by all of government. To date 46 revised and updated intergovernmental One Plans have been developed for the respective districts and metro spaces following a intergovernmental One Plan quality assurance process that the department convened in 2022. The department together with its partners are currently finalizing a DDM information management system that will track and record the implementation of DDM initiatives and actions as outlined in One Plans starting in the 2023/24 financial year.
2. The department has up until 31 March 2023 and through its partnership agreement with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) spent a total amount of R103 431 703.59 million on various DDM institutionalization and implementation programs and projects in the three DDM pilot sites that also informed national DDM institutionalization and implementation initiatives. It should be reiterated that the institutionalization and implementation of the DDM approach requires all three spheres of government to re-align their strategic objectives and operational models with that of the DDM within their planning, budget, fiscal, and implementation frameworks. The DDM therefore does not require dedicated financial resources.

End.

Reply:

N2 Section 24, KM 0 – KM12

The temporary deviation to the median opened to traffic on 27th May 2022. The intervention design has been completed and construction contract was awarded on 24 January 2023 to a value of R352,680,879.10 to Stefanutti Stocks (Pty) Ltd for construction period of 11 months. The contract commencement date was on 6 February 2023, and currently the contractor is finalising local stakeholder engagements. The local stakeholder Project Liaison Committee was established on 6 March 2023 and physical works is due to commence during March 2023.

N2 Section 23, KM 49,8

The tender for consulting engineering services closed on 26 January 2023. The tender is in the evaluation process and has been conditionally awarded on 9 March 2023. It is intended for the investigation and detail design to commence in March 2023, and a contractor to be appointed by April 2024.

In the interim, the Southbound carriageway (SBC) slow lane has been closed which is where the major slip failure cracking has taken place. Construction of the crossover in the median as well as the northbound carriageway (NBC) widening has been completed, and traffic will be diverted onto the NBC within the next 2 weeks ending 24 March 2023. This will ensure full access will be available to the design team for the investigations as well as to the Contractor during the construction phase.

Reply:

a) As the Honourable member may be aware, the Cabinet Retreat of 31 May to 1 June 2022, resolved that pothole fixing programme called Vala Zonke be addressed as a National project with South African Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) appointed as the preferred implementing agent.

The Minister of Transport launched the Vala Zonke programme on 08 August 2022 with the plan to rollout the programme (b) on the provincial paved network up to the end of 2022/23 Financial year (c) parallel to the support provinces are receiving from SANRAL.

Provinces are in a process of signing Memoranda of Agreements with both local and district municipalities for cooperation and jointly address potholes on all paved network.

Furthermore, SANRAL entered into MOUs with some Provinces to eradicate potholes. Some provinces are transferring their roads to SANRAL so that they can be better developed and managed.

Reply:

(1) (a) The Department of Transport exercises oversight and monitoring of CAPEX for Transnet National at the Ports Consultative Committee (PCC) as regulated by the National Ports Act. The relevant Shareholder Minister in this regard is the Minister of Public Enterprises.

(b) The question must be directed to Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).

(2) The Department does not budget for port development and infrastructure. DoT is a Policy Department.

Reply:

a) In terms of regulation 6(1) of the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, Government Notice No.344 as published in Government Gazette No. 34213 of 21 April 2011, the prerogative to suspend Mr M Stratu as the Municipal Manager lies with the Municipal Council of Garden Route District Municipality, in its capacity as the employer. (b) Dr SW Vatala has left the service of Knysna Municipality and therefore his suspension is moot.

b) The incumbents were not convicted and sentenced on charges relating to fraud and forgery at the time of their respective appointments, and therefore their appointments were not prohibited.

End.

Reply:

1. (a) (i) PUTCO provides public transport services to people living mainly in low income areas in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces through various interim and tendered contracts concluded with the provincial departments. The company is paid subsidy through the Public Transport Operations Grant as per the table hereunder:

(ii) The contracts have requirements and specifications that the company complies with in terms of the above-mentioned contracts. Contracts compliance is monitored either through the Supervision and Monitoring Firms appointed by provinces or inhouse through the designated officials.

(b) (i) The contracts provide for the outsourcing of the monitoring responsibilities to the Supervision and Monitoring Firms or the performance of the function inhouse through the designated internal officials who monitor the operations on a daily basis. These monitors enforce compliance with timetables and certify the correctness of the payment certificates/claims and deduct penalties for non-performance levied before recommending for the payment of the claims.

(ii) As per b (i) above

(iii) Buses carry certified number of seated and standing passengers and law enforcement deals with the overloading where it occurs.

2. (a) Buses used on these contracts have to comply with the relevant vehicle requirements and fitness in terms of the Road Traffic Act and get inspected regularly as monitors require reports in this regard.

(b) Contracts trips are required to carry the required number of passengers and are monitored before variation and/or cancellation is proposed and implemented.

 

Reply:

(1) Disciplinary action has been taken against the employees involved in the awarding of the Tender:

• 3 Executives are currently undergoing disciplinary action.
• At least 14 employees were suspended.
• 19 cases have been concluded:

• • 2 Senior Managers resigned;
  • 1 Senior Manager and 1 Junior Official have been dismissed;
  • 6 written warnings have been issued;
  • 15 found not guilty, 1 with no disciplinary action recommended;
  • 6 cases in progress of which 2 have been concluded and awaiting Chairpersons’ rulings;
  • 3 dismissed employees referred PRASA to the CCMA, 1 case has been resolved with settlement and the other 2 cases are still in progress at the CCMA.

(2) The Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) in the report for the period ended 31 March 2022, identified that the award to Premifield for the leasing of diesel locomotives was irregular. The auditors recommended an immediate forensic investigation in this regard. The auditors also cautioned PRASA leadership to ensure that there is sufficient and continuous monitoring of supply chain activities, not only on large contracts but also on day-to-day awards, given the significant inherent risk of fraud in this area.

To address the irregularities identified by the audit and put control measures in place, a new tender process is being put in place for the procurement of locomotives in line with the Supply Chain Management prescripts and policies for the current financial year.

Reply:

The R703 linking the N8 with the N1 is not a SANRAL road but a Provincial Road. It is also not part of the identified Strategic and Primary Network still to be transferred to SANRAL in Free State Province. As R703 is not a SANRAL road, SANRAL has no mandate to repair it.

The Department will source the Detailed Plans by the Province regarding this road will then be submitted to Parliament.

Reply:

1. (a)The department does not owe to the (i) Walter Sisulu local Municipality and

(ii) Senqu local Municipality. (b) falls away

2. (a)(b) falls away

3. (a)(b)

Reply:

There is currently no partnership between Sunshine Cinema and the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) on this initiative.

Notwithstanding the above, the NYDA has been requested to consider this initiative as part of its partnerships plan.

Reply:

I did not receive a handover on which processes were followed in appointing the three Board members by my predecessor.

On Friday 18 April, via a Government Gazette, I will dissolve the SA Tourism Board.

In the same Gazette, I will appoint three Interim Board members in terms of Section 16 (3) (b) of the Tourism Act with experience in Finance, Governance and Tourism.

These three members will have full decision-making powers until such time that the Board is officially appointed.

Reply:

a) In all instances of deaths where there is doubt that the causes of death cannot be determined/ are unknown or foul play is suspected, such deaths are immediately reported in terms of prescribed lines of communication. The South African Police Services (SAPS) are immediately informed for further investigation in terms of the Inquests Act, 1959 (Act No. 58 of 1959), and performing the relevant medico-legal post-mortem.

b) Immediately when an unnatural death has occurred, the SAPS are informed to facilitate performance of the required medico-legal post-mortem as a prerequisite for all unnatural deaths. The Department of Correctional Services depends entirely on the SAPS (Forensic Unit) for the conducting of autopsies on inmates that expire due to unnatural causes. Follow-up is made with the relevant SAPS Units to ensure that the relevant feedback is provided. After receipt of the report, confirmation of the exact cause of death is affirmed and that cause of death is recorded in the respective established Death Registers.

END

Reply:

(1) The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) does not have any Dentist appointed on a permanent basis. In ensuring the availability of dental care services to inmates, a service level agreement or contract is entered into with the Provincial Department of Health and/or with individual private dentist(s) on an annual basis. Inmates at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre had access to dental services provided through a visiting sessional dentist on a weekly basis and when the services of the visiting dentist were not available during the COVID-19 pandemic period, inmates that were requiring those services were referred to the Provincial Department of Health’s local facilities i.e. the Department of Health’s facilities in the same district as the correctional facility.

Other correctional facilities in the region where service level agreements or contracts could not be entered into with individual private Dentists, the local Department of Health facilities are utilised for referring inmates requiring dental services in addressing their respective dental care needs. This arrangement is facilitating the humane treatment of inmates by ensuring accessibility of continual dental health care services.

(2) The DCS does not employ dentists on a permanent basis as this category of health professionals are specialists and are not available or catered for in the DCS organisational structure. In facilitating that the inmate population has continual access to dental care services, the following measures have been put in place to ensure that the health of the inmate population is not compromised:

DCS Regions have entered into various service level agreements or contracts with either the Provincial Departments of Health for the delivery of dental health care services to the inmates on sessional basis depending on the identified needs, or where capacity in the Department of Health is limited, service level agreements have been entered into with individual private dentists to render.

END

Reply:

the dtic has been mandated by the Presidency to support supply of energy through the Energy One-Stop-Shop (EOSS), that will be housed at the dtic Campus. It is envisaged that the EOSS Phase 1 will be operational by end May 2023 and will thereafter expand its capacity.

The EOSS core team is currently creating a single window process for Energy Project Developers to access assistance in fast-tracking their applications to the appropriate Departments.

Internal resources have been prioritised and technical expertise are being recruited to engage with Energy Project Developers and applicants.

InvestSA is available to engage with developers, applicants and the Energy Technical Working Group.

Progress has been made already with addressing challenges faced by users, as reported to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition on 14 March 2023, involving a large industrial energy user in KwaDukuza in KZN.

-END-

Reply:

(1) I have been informed by the Department that the Constitutional Court’s decision of the 8th of February 2023 relates to another application against the Minister of Tourism concerning the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) and not the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF).

However, on 26 April 2021 the High Court of South Africa, in Pretoria, ordered that the Respondents, including the Minister of Tourism, are interdicted and restrained from processing any application and/or making any payments pursuant to any application for funding from the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) pending the determination and finalisation Part B (main application) of the application. This litigation is still ongoing.

(2) N/A

(3) (a) N/A

(b) N/A

Reply:

South Africa is the second largest exporter of citrus fruits globally. Our exports of citrus fruits represent 11.2% of world exports for this product.

The measures introduced by the European Union, both in respect of citrus black spot and false coddling moth are inappropriate, unjustified and not consistent with the EU’s international obligations.

South Africa requested consultations with the EU on 22 July 2022 in World Trade Organisation (WTO). The consultations were held on 15-16 September 2022.

The objective of consultations is to achieve a mutually agreed solution. Both South Africa and the EU saw value in exploring options for settlement of the dispute (before proceeding to the formal dispute through panel proceedings).

South Africa is exploring all its options, including proceeding to the Panel and is also assessing options for a mutually acceptable outcome. In this regard, Minister Didiza and I have held meetings with EU policy-makers outside the WTO framework, including over the past three months.

This process of engaging the EU is still on-going with Government using every opportunity to seek a solution that can support the industry during the current season. We are considering requesting a WTO Panel though it should be noted that the panel process can be lengthy and on average takes approximately 18 months. In addition, there is no functioning appellate body in place at the WTO.

-END-

Reply:

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has developed a Women’s Financial Inclusion Framework (WFIF) aimed at accelerating the participation of women in the mainstream economy.

The framework serves as a guideline for the development of intervention strategies to enhance the economic empowerment and participation of women in South Africa for institutions both within government and the private sector to tailor, monitor and evaluate the following inclusive objectives in all their plans, policies, and programmes viz:

a) Promote an all-inclusive approach to women’s financial inclusion;

b) Facilitate an enabling operating environment for mainstreaming women’s financial inclusion in government and private sector institutions;

c) Promote financial inclusivity through equitable access to ownership and control of all economic activities for women;

d) Lobby the private sector, non-government organisations and international organisations to incorporate the inclusion of women in their policies, programmes, projects and products;

e) Mobilise resources to support campaigns and programmes that promote the inclusion of women in the economy;

f) Coordinate, collect and disseminate information on best practices relating to the inclusion of women across all sectors of our economy;

g) Strengthen the capacity of women in leadership, management, control and entrepreneurship;

h) Share best practices relating to the economic emancipation of women.

Following the approval of the WFIF, the DWYPD was instrumental in founding the Women’s Economic Assembly (WECONA), which is a coordination platform for the public and private sectors, civil society, business associations and women in business.

WECONA is a national programme actioning an enabling procurement environment by activating public and private sector supply value chains toward a coherent and collaborative approach to achieve women’s economic empowerment. This programme also hinges on outcome 5.1 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF), Pillar 5 – Economic Power which aims to accelerate initiatives that address women’s unequal economic and social position, through enabling access to government and private sector procurement, employment, housing, access to land, financial resources and other income generating initiatives.

Reply:

As the Department of Social Development (DSD) is mandated to provide social relief, intervention was coordinated through those departments in the respective provinces affected by the floods. The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), works with the Office on the Status of Women which is situated within the Office of the Premier in all provinces as an entry point for coordination and collaboration.

During the 2022 floods, the DWYPD through the Kwa-Zulu Natal DSD coordinated relief efforts to women, youth and persons with disabilities namely:

(i) 1 000 Sanitary Dignity Packages were distributed which comprised of 10 sanitary pads, wash cloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, roll-on and body lotion. These were donated by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China;

(ii) 200 HappiMe sanitary pad packs were distributed;

(iii) 10 vouchers to the value of R1 000 donated by the One Africa Organisation;

Further, through support from the European Union, the DWYPD has placed technical monitors and data captures in the Offices of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. Their work is mainly on monitoring Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and the institutionalisation of the Gender-Responsive Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation and Auditing framework, among other matters which affect women.

Reply:

 

 

a)  There are no recent complaints regarding potable water quality that were received by the Department of Water and Sanitation from the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. All previously reported cases were closed after the municipality implemented corrective measures to address the reported complaints.

b) The Department received complaints regarding poor water quality in Emalahleni Local Municipality and has initiated an investigation. The findings of the investigation were that some of the mines were discharging non-compliant water into the water streams or systems. The Department issued notices of intention to issue directives on 17th February 2023, through the provisions of Section 19 of National Water Act to the mines. These mining companies were given until the end of April 2023 to implement corrective measures. Failure to comply and submit these to the Department will result in the Department issuing a Directive.

(i) The Department has assisted the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality with funding under Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) for the refurbishment and upgrading of the Vaalbank Water Treatment Works to improve process performance and ensure acceptable drinking water quality. The construction of the 20Ml/d reverse osmosis plant and a filter system to reduce turbidity and sulphate concentration is underway. The project is due to be completed in November 2023.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the Department is currently conducting a feasibility study to investigate the provision of bulk water supply for the Emalahleni Local Municipality that is aimed at identifying and developing alternative solutions to address the bulk water supply infrastructure deficiencies. Construction is planned to commence in 2024.

(ii) In addition, the Department also rendered financial support for the two municipalities as indicated in the table below:

	2022/23	2023/24
	RBIG	WSIG	RBIG	WSIG
Steve Tshwete LM	R145 mil	R35 mil	R100 mil	R12 mil
Emalahleni LM	-	R15 mil	R1.5 mil	R15 mil

 

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Reply:

a) Out of the 46 escapes that occurred from 01 April 2016 till 31 March 2023, only one (01) official was found to have aided in an escape and was dismissed. The Arbitration matter is pending at the General Public Sectorial Bargaining Council (GPSBC).

b) The following are measures currently in place to curb incidents of escapes which are outlined in the Department’s Security Operating Procedures (SOPs) which amongst others include:

• Some management areas have detection systems such as alarms and surveillance cameras. Advanced Operational System Technologies also assist in detecting potential breakouts and help prevent them;

• Escape Prevention Plans are in place at all Correctional Centres. These plans are reviewed annually and approved by Area Commissioners.

• These plans include regular monitoring and offender profiling to prevent escapes from Correctional Centres as well as from Courts and Hospitals.

• Heads of Correctional Centres ensure compliance, implementation and continuous monitoring of escape prevention plans;

• Security awareness is inculcated through processes such as morning parades, staff meetings and security committee meetings;

• Searching of cells, windows, inmates, officials, service providers and visitors is conducted daily and recorded in the relevant registers;

• Attending to complaints and requests of inmates and responses provided as per approved policies and procedures;

• Conducting of regular surprise searches and clean-up operations;

• Continuous training/orientation of officials on SOPs;

• Investigations are conducted regarding all security incidents including amongst others, escape incidents and swift consequence management is implemented;

• Review of incidents of escapes including analysing persons of interest and attempted escapees by Security Committees and information gathering at centre level to prevent future incidents;

• Profiling of inmates including gangs and placement in appropriate units including implementation of the Gang Combatting Strategy;

• Managing overcrowding by implementing the approved Overcrowding Reduction Strategy;

• Prevent idleness of inmates by subjecting them to sports, recreational programmes, social and physiological services;

• Protect whistle-blowers/ inmates that provide reliable information;

• Potential escape incidents are elevated to National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structures (NATJOINTS/ PROVJOINTS) and other law enforcement structures – to formulate more dynamic and integrated approaches.

• The DCS has adopted a holistic approach to enhance the Department's Security Operations and Posture in line with the six (6) pillars of security which includes amongst others, Physical Security.

• The designs for the replacement of outmoded and dysfunctional tower posts were approved during the 2021/22 financial year.

• The objective is to revive the use of tower posts by upgrading and replacing infrastructure that does not support operational requirements from an Occupation Health and Safety perspective. Various tower posts were upgraded at St Albans, Waterval, Rooigrond and Christiana. Other tower posts are currently under construction, which will meet the new design concept.

END

Reply:

a) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) has appointed Datacentrix (Pty) Ltd on a twelve (12) months contract to maintain and support the existing Court Recording Technology (CRT) solution. However, the twelve (12) months contract with Datacentrix has ended on 25 March 2023.

Therefore, to circumvent the risk of not having CRT maintenance and support in place, the contract with Datacentrix that ended on 25 March 2023 has been extended for a further period of three (3) months ending in June 2023.

This extension is allowing the procurement of a long term maintenance and support contract by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA). SITA has published the bid, with Reference Number RFB 2713-2022, with a closing date of 31 March 2023.

b) Some CRT spare parts have been procured through the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process. The table below provides details of the spare parts:

SPARES	QUANTITY
ACR Boundary Microphones	200
ACR Cardioid Microphones	100
SOS Cable	150
20mm Coaxial cabling with XLR Connectors	80
15mm Coaxial cabling with XLR Connectors	210
10mm Coaxial cabling with XLR Connectors	105
Recording Indicator LED Light	10

The extended contract includes the provision of spares and IMACD (Installation, Moves, Additions, Changes and Decommission) to respond to any further breakdowns that may occur.

Reply:

1. The details for boreholes in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality are indicated in the table below:

 

Town	a) Total number of boreholes	Operational	(b) Non-operational boreholes and reasons thereof	(c) Plans in place	(d) Timeframe for repairs
Graaff-Reinet	42	39	3 - due to flooding – electrical damage:	To be replaced by municipality when budget is available	2023-24 financial year
Nieu-Bethesda	4	4	0	NA	NA
Aberdeen	13	13	0	NA	NA
Steytlerville	4	3	1 - Borehole motor needs repairs:	In process to be replaced when budget is available	4 months: Depending on budget availability.
Willowmore	13	10	3	testing of boreholes underway	Approximately 2 months for testing results
Jansenville	9	6	1 - borehole flooded resulting in electrical damage. 1 – borehole functionality has deteriorated 1 borehole not equipped	Awaiting disaster management funding Testing of borehole in new financial year.	2023-34 financial year
Klipplaat	3	1	2 - Lightning protection on boreholes is problematic	New financial year in line with	municipality fiscal year
Muller	2	2	0	NA	NA
Vondeling	1	1	0	NA	NA
Wolwefontein	1	1	0	NA	NA
Baviaanskloof	2	2	0	NA	NA
Waterford			0	NA	NA
Rietbron	3	3	0	NA	NA

2. The telemetry system is only functional in Graaff-Reinet. The municipality has plans in place to install / upgrade telemetry in all the other towns. The department has been informed that the plans to install or upgrade telemetry systems are dependent on budget availability in the 2023/24 financial year. Non-revenue water, is currently at 37% due to:

• non-payment by users for water
• incorrect metering
• no metering (unmetered connections),
• unforeseen pipe bursts, illegal connections
• real water losses.

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Reply:

1. (a) Yes, such a plan and policy statement exists as part of departmental policy framework in instances of fraud and corruption which remain a constant threat to public trust and confidence;

(b) The policy plan and whistle-blowing statement are indeed part of the policy implementation process wherein once developed, they get reviewed to keep with developments in government programmes and legislation from time to time. Dates of adoption and endorsement vary at operational level, for instance endorsement at the National Department was approved on 11 February 2022.

2. Each province has its own policies based on national policy statements as adopted, and vary on dates as developed, reviewed and adopted, according to the existing risk management and prevention as an integral part of strategic management of each province, and are available for scrutiny when so needed.

3. The National Department of Health is currently working with other stakeholders to conduct risk assessment that will determine whether there is need for whistle-blower protection or to strengthen the current exiting measures and mechanisms in Government. Thereafter the outcome will determine the way forward.

4. There are a number of strategies that exist based on national laws and policy frameworks, which get considered when policies are developed and reviewed when necessary and such will vary from time to time, such as the current collaboration the National Department of Health is involved in to enhance the current processes through assessment of risk.

5. It is common practice that upon finalizing any collaborative assignment, it is incumbent and becomes essential that the National Department of Health and its stakeholders share the good practice through available mechanisms by adopting a comprehensive approach to benefit the public and interested parties.

END.

Reply:

(1) (a) I have been informed by the Department that the percentage of payments paid to service providers and suppliers are tabled below:

(i) 30 days of invoicing

2020-2021	2021-2022	2022-2023
95,54%	99,98%	To be audited

(ii) 60 days of invoicing

2020-2021	2021-2022	2022-2023
0,020%	1,98%	To be audited

(iii) 90 days of invoicing

2020-2021	2021-2022	2022-2023
0,000%	1,001%	To be audited

(iv) 120 days of invoicing

2020-2021	2021-2022	2022-2023
0,000%	0,78%	To be audited

 

(b) Percentage of payments paid to service providers and suppliers by her department above 120 days of invoicing in each month:

(i) – (iii) Payments above 120 days of invoicing for financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22 were at zero percent (0%).

(b)(ii) Payments for 2022 – 2023 financial year are still to be audited.

(2) (a) Processes, procedures and mechanisms are in place to improve the total number of days it takes to pay invoices:

The Department is working on introducing automation for submission and tracking of invoices, so that all invoices are paid within 30 days as required by law.

(b) How will her department measure the improvement.

Monthly monitoring will be conducted and consequence management will be introduced.

Reply:

(1)(a) The department strives to conclude all asylum applications with immediate effect. However, each case is informed by its complexities, the need to conduct research, consult other institutions or further investigations do affect finalization.

(1(b) Same as above.

(2) Same as question 1(a) response.

(3)(a) According to the NIIS which is the system used by the department to record refugees, there are 129 325 refugees ever registered in the system, whilst there are 66 601 of them who are active and 9 363 refugee statuses withdrawn.

(3)(b) The majority of the refugees come from the following countries; Somalia, DRC, Ethiopia, Burundi, Rwanda, Eritrea, Uganda and Zimbabweans.

(4)(a) There are no backlogs in finalising asylum cases at the level of refugee status determination, which is the first instance by adjudication officers. The backlogs usually spoken about are cases already rejected at the first instance and are at the level of appeals which the department is working with UNHCR to address.

(4)(b) The total number of asylum applications turned down annually are in the table below:

Year:	Rejection Numbers	Rejection % per cases finalised
2022	8 948	91%
2021	No new comers	0% (numbers affected by Covid)
2020	1 916	86% (numbers affected by Covid)
2019	22 083	92%
2018	16 510	91%
2017	25 713	92%

(4)(c) The failed asylum seekers are handed over to the Immigration Officers stationed within the Inspectorate at the Refugee Reception Office (RRO) for processing in terms of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, for deportation purposes. Upon arrest they are detained at the police station with jurisdiction of the RRO.

(4)(d) The total number of deportations that have taken place in each of the past 10 years is as follows:

Year	Total
2012/13	105 392
2013/14	131 907
2014/15	54 169
2015/16	33 399
2016/17	23 004
2017/18	15 033
2018/19	24 266
2019/20	29 376
2020/21	14 859
2021/22	20 093

(5) Additional human resources will improve law enforcement in immigration, and serve to detect and deport not only failed asylum seekers, but illegal immigrants who entered the country unlawfully with no record as well.

When failed asylum seekers are arrested due to the final rejection of their asylum applications, or abandoning the process by not ensuring they receive the outcome and/or their appeals to the Refugee Appeal Board not succeeding, they must be given the opportunity to apply to the High Court for a Judicial Review of the negative decision. The backlog in the caseload leads to further abuse of the asylum seeker regime, as upon arrest and failed asylum seekers disclosing their intention to take the administrative decision to court, they have to be released and the turnaround time for their court hearing cannot be estimated.

 

END

Reply:

a) The total number of parolees who violated their parole conditions annually since 01 January 2020 are follows:

Region	2020.01.01 to 2020.03.31	2020.04.01 to 2021.03.31	2021.04.01 to 2022.03.31	2022.04.01 to 2023.01.31	TOTAL
EC	941	2013	2142	2576	7 672
FSNC	277	765	1130	1185	3 357
GP	0	1555	2113	1871	5 539
KZN	810	2380	2125	2950	8 265
LMN	189	435	545	437	1 606
WC	766	2380	2125	2950	8 221
GRAND TOTAL	2 983	9 528	10 180	11 969	34 660

(b)(i) Total number of parolees re-arrested and/or taken back to jail are as follows:

Region	2020.01.01 to 2020.03.31	2020.04.01 to 2021.03.31	2021.04.01 to 2022.03.31	2022.04.01 to 2023.01.31	TOTAL
EC	215	419	531	57	1 222
FSNC	234	520	801	797	2 352
GP	0	566	945	917	2 428
KZN	84	265	458	555	1 362
LMN	179	405	525	407	1 516
WC	640	1 888	2 129	2 020	6 677
GRAND TOTAL	1 352	4 063	5 389	4 753	15 557

(b)(ii) Total number of parolees who remain out of jail are as follows:

Region	2020.01.01 to 2020.03.31	2020.04.01 to 2021.03.31	2021.04.01 to 2022.03.31	2022.04.01 to 2023.01.31	TOTAL
EC	2 481	2 451	3 473	3 882	12 287
FSNC	43	202	271	323	839
GP	0	989	1 168	954	3 111
KZN	2 650	4 120	3 525	5 004	15 299
LMN	4 649	4 639	4 502	4 323	18 113
WC	126	550	645	670	1 991
NATIONAL	9 949	12 951	13 584	15 156	51 640

(c) The percentage of absconders who remain on the run for certain Schedule 8 offences are as follows:

Region	Percentage as at 02 March 2023
EC	30,9%
FSNC	35,77%
GP	50,98%
KZN	41,36%
LMN	3,4%
WC	75.79%
GRAND TOTAL	45%

END

Reply:

1. The Honourable member is requested to direct this question to the relevant authority, namely the South African Revenue Services.

2. The relevant law enforcement authorities did not request the Department to flag Mr Hazim Mustafa’s passport, consequently, the Department is not in a legal position to flag his passport.

END

Reply:

a) The Department has put in place internal control processes to continuously curb underspending including:

• Increased focus on forecast controls over expenditure commitments for projects in year and over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework to mitigate risks of under expenditure.
• Stringent expenditure controls for sound financial management principles, ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently; incurred obligations are cleared in a timely manner; and abuse/misappropriation of public money is prevented.
• Collaborative service delivery implementation plans with capacity building initiatives are also being implemented with diverse stakeholders within the water sector including Water Boards, Municipalities, Provincial Governments, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and National Treasury.
• Regular monitoring of progress and management of areas of underperformance to proactively redirect funds to projects with capacity to absorb additional budgets.
• The Department is implementing the Infrastructure Procurement Strategy and Policies.

b) The following have been identified as root causes of underspending:

• Lack of financial governance skills amongst Water Service Authorities
• Inadequate project management capacity by Implementing Agents resulting in under-expenditure
• Court Judgement issued on 25 February 2022, which prohibited advertising of new bids for goods and services and impacted on capital expenditure for major and mega projects
• Complex public procurement system that contributed to delays in the procurement of goods and services

Implementation of these interventions by the Department has resulted in significant improvements from the last financial year expenditure to the year-to-date expenditure.

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Reply:

Civil engineering designs for water storage infrastructure i.e. Dam Walls, are designed for a safety evaluation flood (SCF) of 1:10 000 year flood conditions to ensure that the structural integrity of the wall would not be compromised by forces anticipated to be associated with such conditions. In addition, the Department is also prohibiting the erection of permanent structures within the 1:100 flood line adjacent to the full supply level of a dam and rivers as a means to safeguard life and livelihood. Wherever water conveyance structures (i.e. large pipe-lines and canals) are elevated and exposed at stream or river crossings, the bridge structure is designed to withstand 1:100 year flood conditions.

The Department takes note of the impact the intense flooding had on trenched pipe-lines during the 2022 floods and will work with research institutions to consider an amendment to engineering design factors, as influenced by climate change.

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Reply:

1. No, my department is not aware of any complaints pertaining to dangerous mining chemicals polluting a water stream and the environment in the Wonderfontein Catchment Area. However, there are various platforms available to report such incidents through the DWS Hotline 0800 200 200 or via email: [email protected] or directly to officials (whose contact details are also on the internet webpage under customer care www.dws.gov.za responsible for the catchment area). Specific details pertaining to this question will be appreciated and investigated once received.

2. No, my department is not aware of any allegations that some government officials and politicians are colluding with mining bosses to pollute waterways. However, should there be such allegations, they must be reported to enable the department to investigate.

3. No, there is currently no official of my departmental being investigated regarding allegations of collusion with mining bosses.

4. Current routine monitoring results do not indicate any pollution incidents in this area. Anomalies detected in water quality would normally also be relayed to the local municipality so that the information is publicised through local radio stations and newspapers if necessary.

The JB Marks Local Municipality (under which the towns of Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp falls) implements a Water Safety Plan, which is aimed at identification and prioritisation of risks associated with water supply. In line with this plan, the municipality identifies risks associated and encountered at the catchment, treatment and distribution network and employ mitigation measures to ensure water supplied is safe for human consumption. The municipality has reported that it has not detected any irregularities in the catchment.

Areas under the jurisdiction of JB Marks Local Municipality receive treated water with a microbiological compliance for the year to date at 94.5% (when measured against SANS241 limits).

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Reply:

(a) The law is clear that invoices must be paid within 30 days. SO, this is a compliance issue.

(b) Monthly reporting to the Executive Authority monitoring will be conducted and consequence management will be introduced.

(c) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

See above

 

Reply:

a) The total number of cellphones that were confiscated in the 2022-23 financial year are as follows:

Name of Region	Total Number of cell phones confiscated
KwaZulu-Natal	7 628
Eastern Cape	4 501
Western Cape	6 161
Free State & Northern Cape	3 548
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West	5 167
Gauteng	10 238
Grand Total	37 243

b) The following measures have been in place to ensure that access to cell phones does not reoccur:

• Intensified searching (including surprise searches) is conducted on daily bases at Correctional Facilities and access control points. Searching is conducted on vehicles, personnel, visitors and service providers. It is conducted as per section 27 of CSA 111 of 1998 and Security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• The DCS has implemented policies on “Bagless Society” and Cell-phone free Society”. These policies reflect that officials are not permitted to enter facilities with bags or packets other than their personal items and meals. Females to utilise clear plastic bags.

• Regions have embarked on security awareness sessions on the prevention of smuggling of contrabands.

• Guidelines are in place on how confiscated cell-phones must be disposed of to prevent re-circulation.

• Trained sniffer dogs are utilised for cell phone detection.

• Disciplinary measures and swift consequence management are applied to all officials, visitors, service providers and inmates involved in any form of smuggling of contraband including amongst others, cellular devices.

(c)(i) The total number of correctional officials that were found to have been involved in such cases are as follows:

Name of Region	Number of Officials were caught smuggling cell phones
KwaZulu-Natal	09
Eastern Cape	0
Western Cape	04
Free State & Northern Cape	03
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West	01
Gauteng	07
National Total	24

c)(ii) Actions that have been taken against the specified correctional officials are as follows:

Name of Region	Disciplinary steps taken
KwaZulu-Natal	02 Officials received written warnings 06 Officials dismissed (01 Official appealed) 01 case under investigation.
Western Cape	01 official received verbal warning 01 official received written warning 01 case has been withdrawn 01 case under investigation.
Free State & Northern Cape	01 official received written warning 01 official is suspended 01 case under investigation
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West	01 official has been dismissed
Gauteng	01 official resigned 01 official dismissed 01 official is on 03 months suspension 01 official is on 02 months suspension 01 official received final written warning 02 officials disciplinary process underway

END.

Reply:

(a) I have been informed that the delegation departed on the 12th January 2023 and returned on the 16th January 2023 (except for Dr A Mhlongo and Mr T Khumalo whom I am now informed that they departed from South Africa on 11 January 2023).

.(b) and (c) The following Board Members and Officials travelled with their designations indicated

SA Tourism Board

Dr Aubrey Mhlongo (Board Chairperson),

Mr Odwa Mtati (Deputy Chairperson),

Ms Nandipha Mbulawa (Human Capital and Remuneration Committee Chairperson),

Ms Nomahlubi Mazwai (Marketing and Commercial Committee Chairperson)

SA Tourism staff

Mr Themba Khumalo (Acting CEO),

Mr Monde Mateza (Acting General Manager Brand and Marketing),

Ms Avril Pillay (Manager - office of the CEO and also acting as Board support) and

Ms Lethiwe Hlongwane (Personal Assistant – Office of the CEO).

(d) What were the reasons for being part of the delegation in each case.

I am informed by the Board that the delegation was relevant to the purpose of the trip and two staff members were there to provide logistical support to the Board and Executive Management.

(e) (i) I am informed by the Board that the budget was made available by repurposing from other areas to make provision for the trip.

(e)(ii) and (f)(ii) What total amount was spent for each delegate undertaking the trip.

The total amount spent on the trip was R1 150 793.63, for details please refer to f(i) below.

(f) (i) What are the budgeted line items.

Line Items	Board	SA Tourism
Flights	R 303 334.94	R 330 070.35
Accommodation	R 154 673.55	R 174 939.25
Visa	R 27 421.30	R 90 517.46
Insurance	R 1 080.00	R 1 125.00
Transfers	R 6 785.00 *	-
S&T	R 29 980.18	R 30 866.60
Total	R 523 274.97	R 627 518.66
Grand Total	R1 150 793.63

*Notes: The transfer costs of R6 785 covers 5 people and the breakdown is indicated at the individual costs table in question (ii) below.

(ii) What is the actual expenditure for each line item for each delegate.

Board	Title	Accommodation	Visa	Transfers	Flights	Insurance	S&T	Total per delegate
Dr Aubrey Mhlongo	Board Chairperson	R 42 103.05	R 27 421.30	R 973.75	R 71 326.97	R 270.00	R 7 747.18	R 149 842.25
Mr Odwa Mtati	Deputy Board Chairperson	R 40 187.75	The pax already had a Visa therefore no Visa processing fees were incurred.	R 973.75	R 83 598.02	R 270.00	R 7 891.90	R 132 921.42
Ms Nandipha Mbulawa	HC Remco Chair	R 40 187.75	The pax already had a Visa therefore no Visa processing fees were incurred.	-	R 75 690.95	R 270.00	R 7 616.02	R 123 764.72
Ms Nomahlubi Mazwai	Marcom Chair	R 32 195.00	The pax already had a Visa therefore no Visa processing fees were incurred.	R 2 890.00	R 72 719.00	R 270.00	R 6 725.08	R 114 799.08
Total	R 154 673.55	R 27 421.30	*R 4 837.50	R 303 334.94	R 1 080.00	R29 980.18	*R 521 327.47

SAT	Title	Accommodation	Visa	Transfers	Flights	Insurance	S&T	Total per delegate
Mr Themba Khumalo	ACEO	R 54 376.00	R 27 421.30	-	R 106 000.45	R 315.00	R 8 633.60	R 196 746.35
Ms Avril Pillay	Manager: OCEO	R 40 187.75	The pax already had a Visa therefore no Visa processing fees were incurred.	R 973.75	R 65 209.00	R 270.00	R 7 308.49	R 113 948.99
Mr Monde Mateza	Acting GM: Brand & Marketing	R 40 187.75	R 31 548.08	R 973.75	R 74 018.45	R 270.00	R 7 308.49	R 154 306.52
Ms Lethiwe Hlongwane	Executive Secretary	R 40 187.75	R 31 548.08	-	R 84 842.45	R 270.00	R 7 616.02	R 164 464.30
Total	R 174 939.25	R 90 517.46	*R1 947.50	R 330 070.35	R1 125.00	R30 866.60	*R 629 466.16

*Notes on highlighted items: The total amounts for both board and staff are different to the table in question (i) above due to the transfer costs breakdown per delegate line item