Questions and Replies
20 April 2023 - NW246
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What (a) are the objectives and functions of the 17 community care centres established across the Republic, (b) is the breakdown of costs of construction and operation of the centres, (c) is the total breakdown of donor and state expenses in the construction and operation, (d) are the names of the construction companies involved and (e) is the breakdown of which centres are operational and which are not; (2) what are the (a) completion dates for centres that are not yet open, (b) names and contact details of the operational centres, (c) physical addresses and contact details of respective managers and (d) successes and challenges of the 17 community care centres?
Reply:
1. Community Care Centres:-
a) The objectives and functions of the Community Care Centres are to:
- Strengthen prevention, early identification and early intervention services for vulnerable groups within communities.
- Improve access to quality, comprehensive and integrated social services provided by Social Workers, Community Development Practitioners, Social Auxiliary Workers, Child and Youth Care Workers and trained Community Care Givers.
- Provide services in partnership with other Government Departments and Civil society organisations.
- Provide skills development programmes and social and behaviour change programmes for beneficiaries.
- Bring government services closer to the people in rural areas.
The table below reflects (b) the breakdown of costs of construction and operation costs, (c) the total breakdown of donor and state expenses in construction and operation, (d) the names of the construction companies involved and (e) the breakdown of centres are operational and that are not:
Kwa Zulu-Natal Province
Name of CCC |
(b) Costs of construction and operations |
(c) Donor and state expenses in construction and operations |
(d) Construction companies involved |
(e) Operational Status of the CCCs |
Idlebe CCC, Ulundi (Khululekani operates in the CCC) |
R18’192,590.75 for construction of 2 CCCs. R1’751, 236.20 for service delivery |
R18’192,590.75 donor funds for construction. Zero state funds for construction R1’751, 236.20 state funds for service delivery during 2022/23 FY, the province funds each NPO operating in the CCC for service delivery (R 977 780.00 for Idlebe CCC and R 773 456.20 for Nibela CCC). |
Khuthala Building Construction |
All CCCs are operational. |
Nibela CCC, Hluhluwe (Vukuzakhe operates in the CCC) |
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Esidumbini CCC, Ndwedwe (Sithandukwedza operates in the CCC) |
R21’330,846.03 for construction of 3 CCCs. R 2’109,058.15 for service delivery |
R21’330,846.3 donor funds for construction Zero state funds for construction R2’109,058.15 state funds for service delivery during 2022/23 FY, the province funds annually each NPO operating in the CCC for service delivery (R500,000.00 for Esidumbini CCC; R815, 544.20 for Stoffelton CCC and R793, 513.95 for Charlestown CCC). |
Bhekanani Building and Construction |
All CCCs are operational. |
Stoffelton CCC, Impendle (Khanyisani Health support Organisation operates in the CCC) |
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Charlestown CCC, Newcastle (Sukumuzenzele operates in the CCC) |
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Bethany CCC, Bergville (Sinothandolwethu operates in the CCC) |
R8’577, 188.88 for construction of 1 CCC R745,472.47 for service delivery |
R8’577, 188.88 donor funds for construction Zero state funds for construction R745,472.47 state funds for service delivery during 2022/23 FY, the province funds annually the NPO operating in the CCC for service delivery |
Operational and funded annually by the province for service delivery. |
North West Province
Name of CCC |
(b) Costs of construction and operations |
(c) Donor and state expenses in construction and operations |
(d) Construction companies involved |
(e) Operational Status of the CCCs |
Ventersdorp CCC (Tshireletsego Care and Support operates in the CCC) |
R25’530, 846.00 for construction of 3 CCCs. R4’280,780.00 for service delivery |
R25’530, 846.00 donor funds for construction Zero state funds for construction R4’280,780.00 state funds for service delivery during 2022/23 FY, the province funds annually each NPO operating in the CCC for service delivery (R1’557,356.00 for Ventersdorp CCC; R1’418, 308.00 for Ipelegeng CCC and R1’305, 116.00 for Kgomotso CCC). |
Risimati (RS) Civil construction |
All 3 CCCs are operational. The three CCCs were completed and handed over to the province in September, October and November 2019 respectively. |
Ipelegeng CCC, Schweizer Reneke (Lesedi HCBC operates in the CCC) |
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Kgomotso CCC, Taung (Malebogo HCBC operates in the CCC) |
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Letlhakeng CCC (Ikageng Basha HBC operates in the CCC) |
R32’551,113.15 for construction of 3 CCCs R259,579.00 for operations R3’591,112.00 for service delivery |
R 17 551 113.15 donor funds for construction R15’000.000 state funds for construction (towards the completion of the 3 CCCs that were left incomplete by the previous contractor). R259,579.00 for operations (R9, 579.00 for approval of building plans by the Moses Kotane Local Municipality for Letlhakeng CCC and R250, 000.00 for the rezoning of Groot Marico CCC). R3’591,112.00 state funds for service delivery during 2022/23 FY, the province funds annually each NPO operating in the CCC for service delivery (R1’211,580.00 for Letlhakeng CCC; R1’211,580.00 for Lethabong CCC and R1’ 167,952.00 for Groot Marico CCC). |
Baitiredi Management Properties – Contract was terminated due to poor performance and cash flow constraints. Bhekanani Building and Construction was appointed to complete construction of the three CCCs. |
All 3 CCCs are operational. The 3 CCCs were completed and handed over to the province in June 2022 for the first two CCCs and on October 2022 for the third CCC. |
Lethabong CCC (Lethabong OVC Programme operates in the CCC) |
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Groot Marico CCC (Tlhokomelo HBC and DIC operate in the CCC) |
Limpopo Province
Name of CCC |
(b) Costs of construction and operations |
(c) Donor and state expenses in construction and operations |
(d) Construction companies involved |
(e) Operational Status of the CCCs |
Ndindane CCC, Greater Giyane (Ndindani DIC operate in the CCC) |
R14’000,000.00 for construction of 2 CCCs R854,286.74 for service delivery |
R14’000,000.00 donor funds for construction Zero state funds for construction R854,286.74 state funds for service delivery during 2022/23 FY, the province funds annually each NPO operating in the CCC for service delivery (R489,677.60 for Ndindani CCC and R364, 609.14 for Bonn CCC). |
MUMS Building Construction |
Both CCCs are operational. The two CCCs were completed and handed over to the province in January 2018. |
Bonn CCC, Greater Giyane (Hluvukani DIC operate in the CCC) |
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Mamvuka CCC, Makhado (Dzanani Community HBC operate in the CCC) |
R32’277,521.00 for construction of 3 CCCs. R1’730,244.74 for service delivery |
R25’277, 521.00 donor funds for construction (R15’458,115.50 already used on the existing, unfinished buildings and R9’819,405.50 will be used towards completion of the CCCs) R7’000,000.00 state funds will be used to complete the remaining works towards finalisation of the CCCs. R1’730,244.74 state funds for service delivery during 2022/23 FY, the province funds annually each NPO to operate in the CCC for service delivery (R467,265.54 for Mamvuka CCC; R806 979.20 for Taueatsoala CCC and R456, 000.00 for Elandsdoorn CCC). |
Segabokeng Building Construction was appointed in 2015 and contract terminated in February 2017 due to non-compliance, non -performance and cash flow challenges. Left the CCCs incomplete. Striking Force Civils and Construction was appointed in 2018 and contract terminated in 2019 due to non-compliance, non -performance and cash flow challenges, left the CCCs incomplete. Bhekanani Building and construction has been appointed to complete the CCCs. Commenced with construction in February 2023 – to complete the CCCs in November 2023 |
Under Construction and will be completed in November 2023. |
Taueatsoala CCC, Mogalakwena (Kopanang DIC to operate in the CCC once its completed) |
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Elandsdoorn CCC, Elias Motsoaledi (Pholosho DIC to operate in the CCC once its completed) |
2. Community Care centres:
The table below reflects (b) names and contact details of the operational centres, (c) physical addresses and contact details of respective managers
(b) Name of Operational CCCs |
(C) Physical Addresses and contact details of respective managers |
1. Idlebe CCC |
Mbambankunzi, Dlebe Ulundi Local Municipality Ms Tholinhlanhla Primrose Nhlanzi (Site Facilitator) Contact No: 076 378 0354 |
2. Nibela CCC |
Hluhluwe, Nibela Big Five False Bay Local Municipality Nkosinathi Mlandu (Social Worker) Contact No:0826788432 MH Mkhize 078 559 9156 |
3. Charlestown CCC |
Charlestown New Castle Local Municipality Sibonelo Zondi (Social Worker) Contact No: 0604693170 Thabisile Hlabisa 082 689 4028 Vusi R Ndlovu (Chairperson) contact No: 0835871930 |
4. Stoffelton CCC |
Stoffelton Impendle Local Municipality Wandile Dladla (Social Worker) Contac No:0790554469 T Funeka 071 361 0598 |
5. Esidumbini CCC |
Esidumbini Ndwedwe Local Municipality Ms Duduzile Linda (Social Worker) Contact No: 0735910683 Thobile Shabalala 079 111 0262 |
6. Bergville |
Bergville Okhahlamba Local Municipality Dombi Ngwenya (Chairperson) Contact No: 0722042077 Lungile Sithole (Secretary) Contact No: 073 537 9408 |
7. Letlhakeng CCC |
Letlhakeng Moses Kotane local Municipality Ms Bafedile Motaung NO: 0639479828 NO: 0760736873 |
8. Lethabong CCC |
Lethabong Rustenburg Local Municipality Ms Lebogang Moilwe NO: 0762374678 |
9. Groot Marico CCC |
Groot Marico Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality Ms Gerzia Ratshefola NO: 0823242460 |
10. Kgomotso CCC |
Kgomotso , Taung Greater Taung Local Municipality Ms Tshegofatso Phefo NO: 0798850469 |
11. Ipelegeng CCC |
Ipelegeng, Schweizer Reneke, Mamusa Local Municipality Ms Funky Tsheboeng NO: 0820430536 Cecilia Mabone 082 041 2422 |
12. Boikhutso CCC |
Boikhutso, Ventersdorp Local Municipality Boniwe Mgwagwa NO: 0648102993 |
13. Bonn CCC |
Bonn Village, Berlin Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality Mavis Mkhari 0603942135 Ms Yvonne Chauke District Coordinator 0614626873 |
14. Ndindani CCC |
Ndindani Village Greater Giyani Local Municipality Grace Chavalala 0837682421 Ms Yvonne Chauke District Coordinator 0614626873 |
(d) successes and challenges of the 17 community care centres
Successes:
- Employment of staff in the CCCs has contributed to job creation. All CCCs have a staff complement of a Social Worker, Child and Youth Care Workers, Community Care Givers, Security personnel, Gardener and Cooks.
- The launch of Multi- media centres and safe spaces for men in some of the CCCs in the North West and Kwa- Zulu Natal provinces by the Deputy Minister. This means that more children and youth can access computers for their studies and job hunting purposes. Men and boys in the communities have safe spaces within the CCCs, where they can discuss their issues and contribute to championing change initiatives.
- Huawei has also been engaged to provide training on Robotics and Coding to these young people and so far, almost 40 young people have been trained in Letlhakeng.
- The CCCs reach more beneficiaries in communities, through the services provided such as psychosocial support services, Social and Behaviour Change programmes, Early Childhood Development services, services to Older Persons, Skills development programmes and sports and recreation.
- Provision of nutritional support in terms of meals and food parcels to those in distress which contributes to reduction of extreme poverty as highlighted in the NDP.
- Provision of Educational support and homework supervision to keep children at school.
- Promotion of cultural practices through the intergenerational programmes that are rendered in the CCCs where the elderly transfer skills and knowledge to the children and youth.
Challenges:
- Delays in construction due to challenges with appointed contractors, in terms of performance, and cash flow challenges. This hampers service delivery that is promised to communities and escalates finances for the building of CCCs, hence the department had to contribute in order to ensure that all CCCs are completed.
- Difficulty in getting intergovernmental collaboration and support from other Municipalities especially those that are charging fees to the department for their services.
- The NPOs operating in the CCCs are under-funded by provinces for operations due to fiscal constraints (the funding is not yet comprehensive to cover all services as per the comprehensive package of services for the CCCs). This does not go with the intended purpose of the CCCs, as they are intended to render services to all beneficiaries in the communities.
20 April 2023 - NW472
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) is the salary of each (i) chief executive officer and (ii) top executive position in each state-owned entity reporting to her and (b) total amount does each get paid to attend a meeting?
Reply:
National Development Agency (NDA)
a) (i) The annual salary for the NDA Chief Executive Officer is at P3 grade used by the NDA for employees. The total cost to company for the CEO is R2 514 176.28 for the current financial year 2022/23 and adjusted annually for inflationary related adjustments approved by the Board, Since November 2022 to date the NDA had an Acting CEO. and
b) (ii) The top executives’ positions at the National Development Agency are on P4 (Peromnes) of the NDA salary scale. The NDA uses the Peromnes job grading methodology for grading the levels to determine the salary levels. The six executives are listed below, including the current Acting Chief Executive Officer. Acting positions are paid an additional 10% of the position they are acting on.
No |
Designation |
Salary Grade |
Total Cost to Company Earnings |
|
1 |
R.L.Hlapolosa |
Corporate Services Executive |
P4 |
R 1 711 189 |
2 |
S.L.Khumalo |
Chief Operations Officer |
P4 |
R1 730 970 |
3 |
K.M.Muthen |
Chief Financial Officer |
P4 |
R1 730 970 |
4 |
B. Magongo |
Acting Chief Executive Officer |
P4 |
R1 970 279 |
5 |
H. Mansour |
Chief Audit Executive |
P4 |
R1 988 627 |
6 |
X.S.Baloyi |
Acting Executive Research |
P6 |
R1 312 094 |
c) The Chief Executive Officer and Executives are paid total cost to company salary packages and as employed officials they do not receive additional payment for meeting attendance.
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
a) (i) and (ii) The salaries of the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Managers appointed by the South African Social Security Agency are aligned to those of the Director-General (DG) and Deputy Director-Generals (DDG) applicable to the public sector and the determination is made by the Minister of the Department of Public Service and Administration (refer to the table below for details).
No. |
Designation |
Salary Level |
All-inclusive salary package |
1 |
Chief Executive Officer |
16 |
R2 650 000.00 Personal Notch |
2 |
Chief Financial officer |
15 |
R1 791 978.00 |
3 |
Chief Information Officer |
15 |
R1 864 698.00 Personal Notch |
4 |
Executive Manager: Grants Administration |
15 |
R1 590 747.00 |
5 |
Executive Manager: Strategy & Planning Development |
15 |
R1 791 978.00 |
6 |
Regional Executive Manager: Eastern Cape |
15 |
R1 791 978.00 |
7 |
Regional Executive Manager: Gauteng |
15 |
R1 713 696.00 |
8 |
Regional Executive Manager: North-West |
15 |
R1 663 422.00 |
9 |
Regional Executive Manager: KZN |
15 |
R1 590 747.00 |
b) Kindly be advised that there are no meeting allowances payable to the Chief Executive Officer and her Executives as it does not form part of their structured salary packages.
20 April 2023 - NW253
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1) What total amount has the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) lost through (a) theft, (b) corruption, (c) mismanagement, (d) irregular payments, (e) system outages, (f) cyber-attacks, (g) system glitches and (h) card duplication in each year in the past 10 financial years; (2) (a) what total number of the SASSA officials and/or personnel were found to be involved in each specified case above and (b) in what capacity were they employed? NW257E
Reply:
1. For the period referred to in the parliamentary question from 2012/2013 to 2021/2022 financial year, the total potential loss that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has recorded in terms of cases reported is broken down as follows:
Number |
Year |
Potential Loss |
Budget Amount |
Loss as a % |
1 |
2021/2022 |
R 23 141 386.15 |
R 221,716,422,608.00 |
0.010% |
2 |
2020/2021 |
R 8 554 573.60 |
R 195,516,422,608.00 |
0.004% |
3 |
2019/2020 |
R 6 861 156.50 |
R 175,155,593,000.00 |
0.004% |
4 |
2018/2019 |
R 215 402 889.89 |
R 162,960,723,000.00 |
0.132% |
5 |
2017/2018 |
R 6 886 687.94 |
R 151,580,232,000.00 |
0.005% |
6 |
2016/2017 |
R 75 085 055.62 |
R 140,498,691,000.00 |
0.053% |
7 |
2015/2016 |
R 14 712 807.44 |
R 129,818,278,000.00 |
0.011% |
8 |
2014/2015 |
R 59 203 282.32 |
R 120,952,101,000.00 |
0.049% |
9 |
2013/2014 |
R 109 949 555.00 |
R 113,006,841,000.00 |
0.097% |
10 |
2012/2013 |
R 16 885 784.66 |
R 104,887,916,000.00 |
0.002% |
Total |
R 536 683 179.12 |
R 1,516,093,220,216.00 |
0.034% |
NB: The above response covers 1 (a) and (b), (c) to (h) are not applicable.
(2) (a) The total number of the SASSA officials and/or personnel who were found to be involved in each specified case above is broken down in the table below:
Number |
Year |
Officials Charged and found guilty |
1 |
2021/2022 |
108 |
2 |
2020/2021 |
58 |
3 |
2019/2020 |
88 |
4 |
2018/2019 |
71 |
5 |
2017/2018 |
59 |
6 |
2016/2017 |
25 |
7 |
2015/2016 |
20 |
8 |
2014/2015 |
14 |
9 |
2013/2014 |
2 |
10 |
2012/2013 |
0 |
Subtotal |
445 |
b) The following is illustrative employees’ levels break down per financial year:
2021/22 |
108 |
Administration Clerk |
2 |
Administrative Officer |
1 |
Assistant Manager: Financial Services |
1 |
Assistant Manager: Grants Administration |
4 |
Assistant Manager: Records Management |
1 |
Assistant Manager: Supply Chain Management |
4 |
Clerk: Beneficiary Maintenance |
1 |
Clerk: Customer Care Operational |
1 |
Clerk: Financial Services |
1 |
Clerk: Pay Point Management |
1 |
Clerk: Personnel Provisioning And Maintenance |
1 |
Clerk: Supply Chain Management Support |
3 |
Document Management Administrator| Support |
16 |
EPWP Learner| Support Function |
5 |
General Assistant| Support Function |
2 |
General Manager: Finance| Support Function |
2 |
Grant Administrator| Operational / Core Function |
24 |
Manager: Personnel Provisioning and Main |
1 |
Manager: Records Management |Operational |
1 |
Manager: Security Administration |Support |
1 |
Manager: Supply Chain Management |Support |
2 |
Practitioner: Beneficiary Maintenance |
3 |
Practitioner: Human Capital Management |
1 |
Practitioner: Supply Chain Management |
2 |
Senior Grant Administrator| Operational |
10 |
Senior Manager: Facilities Management |
1 |
Senior Manager: Service Management| Support |
1 |
Senior Manager: Supply Chain Management| |
2 |
State Accountant| Support Function |
1 |
Supervisor: Grant Administration |
2 |
Supervisor: Records Management |
2 |
Support Technician| Support Function |
1 |
Team Leader: Grant Administration| |
6 |
Unit Coordinator| Support Function |
1 |
2020/21 |
58 |
Administration Clerk |
1 |
Administrative Officer |
2 |
Assistant Manager: Financial Services |
1 |
Branch Coordinator| Support |
2 |
Clerk: Customer Care |Operational |
1 |
Clerk: Financial Services |
1 |
Clerk: Human Capital Management |Support Function |
1 |
Clerk: Operations Management |Operational |
1 |
Department Coordinator |Support Function| |
3 |
District Manager| Operational |
2 |
Document Management Administrator| Support Function |
4 |
General Manager: Finance| Support Function |
1 |
Grant Administrator| Operational |
9 |
Lan Administrator |Support Function |
1 |
Local Office Manager| Operational / Core |
2 |
Manager: Administrative Support Services |
1 |
Manager: Facilities Management and Auxilliary |
1 |
Manager: Grants Administration| Operation |
2 |
Manager: Human Capital Provisioning |Support |
1 |
Practitioner: General Support |
1 |
Practitioner: Operations Management |
3 |
Practitioner: Vendor Management |Operation |
1 |
Security Officer| Support Function |
1 |
Senior Grant Administrator| Operational |
3 |
Senior Manager: Human Operations Management |
1 |
Senior Manager: Vendor Management |
1 |
Specialist: Human Capital Development |
1 |
Specialist: Human Capital Provisioning |
1 |
Supervisor: Grant Administration |Operation |
2 |
Unit Coordinator| Support Function |
2 |
Unit Coordinator| Support Function |Region |
4 |
2019/20 |
88 |
Administration Clerk |
1 |
Administrative Officer |
3 |
Assistant Manager: Facilities Maintenance |
1 |
Assistant Manager: Human Capital Managem |
1 |
Clerk: Customer Care| Operational / Core Function |
3 |
Clerk: Disability Management |Operational |
1 |
Clerk: Facilities Management And Aux Sup |
1 |
Clerk: Financial Accounting| Support Function |
2 |
Clerk: Financial Services |
1 |
Clerk: General Support| Support Function |
1 |
Clerk: Pay Point Management |
1 |
District Manager |Operational / Core |
1 |
Document Management Administrator |
1 |
Grant Administrator |Operational |
30 |
Local Office Manager |Operational / Core |
3 |
Manager: Administrative Support Services |
2 |
Manager: Customer Care |Operational |
1 |
Manager: Facilities Maintenance |Support |
1 |
Manager: Vendor Management |Operational |
1 |
Mobile Unit Operator |Operational / Core |
1 |
Pract: Personnel Provisioning And Maintenance |
1 |
Practitioner: Customer Care |Operational |
1 |
Practitioner: Facilities Mngt And Auxilliary |
1 |
Practitioner: Operations Management |
3 |
Practitioner: Pay Point Management |
1 |
Practitioner: Supply Chain Management |
1 |
Senior Grant Administrator |Operational |
5 |
Senior Manager: Facilities Management An |
1 |
Supervisor: Document Management |Support |
1 |
Supervisor: Grant Administration |Operation |
8 |
Team Leader: Grant Administration |Operation |
8 |
2018/19 |
71 |
Administration Clerk |
1 |
Administrative Officer |
1 |
Assistant Manager: Facilities Mngt |
1 |
Assistant Manager: Grants Administration |
2 |
Assistant Manager: Supply Chain Management |
4 |
Asst Manager: Personnel Provisioning And |
1 |
Clerk: Customer Care| Operational / Core |
2 |
Clerk: Executive Support| Support Function |
1 |
Clerk: Facilities Management And Aux Sup |
1 |
Clerk: Financial Services| Support Function |
1 |
Clerk: General Support| Support Function| |
1 |
Clerk: Labour Relations| Support Function |
1 |
Clerk: Operations Management| Operational |
2 |
Clerk: Pay Point Management Operational |
1 |
Clerk: Personnel Provisioning And Maintenance |
2 |
Clerk: Supply Chain Management |Support |
3 |
District Manager| Operational / |
4 |
Document Management Administrator | Support |
2 |
EPWP Support Function |
1 |
Grant Administrator| Operational / Core |
15 |
Local Office Manager| Operational / Core |
4 |
Manager: Administrative Support Services |
1 |
Manager: Grants Administration |Operation |
1 |
Manager: Vendor Management |Operational / |
1 |
Mobile Unit Operator| Operational / Core |
1 |
Practitioner: Communication |Support |
1 |
Practitioner: Operations Management |
1 |
Practitioner: Supply Chain Management |
1 |
Senior Grant Administrator| Operational |
4 |
Senior Manager: Human Capital Management |
1 |
Senior Manager: Supply Chain Management |
1 |
Senior Manager: Vendor Management |
1 |
Specialist: Performance Management |
1 |
State Accountant |Support Function |
1 |
Supervisor: Grant Administration |Operation |
1 |
Team Leader: Grant Administration |Operation |
3 |
2017/18 |
59 |
Administration Clerk |
1 |
Assistant Manager: Financial Services |
1 |
Assistant Manager: Grants Administration |
2 |
Assistant Manager: Supply Chain Management |
1 |
Clerk: Customer Care| Operational / Core |
1 |
Clerk: Supply Chain Management |Support |
2 |
District Manager |Operational / |
1 |
EPWP Learner 2|Support Function| District |
1 |
EPWP Learner 2|Support Function| Local Office |
1 |
EPWP Learner| Support Function |Local Office |
1 |
Grant Administrator| Operational / Core Function |
19 |
Local Office Manager| Operational / Core |
1 |
Manager: Administrative Support Services |
1 |
Manager: Facilities Management and Auxil |
1 |
Mobile Unit Operator| Operational / Core |
1 |
Pract: Personnel Provisioning and Maintenance |
1 |
Practitioner: Communication |Support |
2 |
Practitioner: Customer Care |Support Function |
1 |
Practitioner: Facilities Mngt And Auxill |
1 |
Senior Manager: Facilities Management |
2 |
Senior Manager: Supply Chain Management| |
1 |
Supervisor: Grant Administration |Operation |
9 |
Team Leader: Grant Administration |Operation |
7 |
2016/17 |
25 |
Administration Clerk |
2 |
Assistant Manager: Grants Administration |
1 |
Assistant Manager: Operations Management |
1 |
Department Coordinator |Support Function| |
1 |
Document Management Administrator | Support |
1 |
Grant Administrator |Operational / Core |
9 |
Local Office Manager |Operational / Core |
1 |
Manager: Facilities Management And Auxil |
2 |
Practitioner: Customer Care |Support Function |
1 |
Senior Grant Administrator |Operational |
3 |
State Accountant |Support Function |
1 |
Supervisor: Grant Administration |
1 |
Team Leader: Grant Administration |
1 |
2015/16 |
20 |
Administration Clerk |
1 |
Administrative Officer |
3 |
Clerk: Customer Care |Support Function |Re |
1 |
Grant Administrator |Operational / Core F |
13 |
Manager: Administrative Support Services |
1 |
Supervisor: Grant Administration |Operation |
1 |
2014/15 |
14 |
Clerk: Operations Management| Operational |
1 |
Document Management Administrator | Support |
3 |
Grant Administrator |Operational / Core |
6 |
Local Office Manager |Operational / Core |
1 |
Senior Grant Administrator |Operational |
2 |
Supervisor: Grant Administration |Operation |
1 |
2013/14 |
2 |
Manager: Personnel Provisioning & Maintenance |
1 |
Senior Grant Administrator| Operational |
1 |
Grand Total |
445 |
20 April 2023 - NW245
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What are the plans of her department to combat the atrocious and brutal murder of children, some not even a year old, in the Republic, which requires urgent intervention of her department as the custodian of children as envisioned in the Children’s Act, Act 38 of 2005; (2) whether her department will furnish Ms A L A Abrahams with their plan of action on curbing the murder of children; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether each provincial department of social development will be required to provide their plan of action on curbing the murder of children; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW249E
Reply:
(1) The Department leads the implementation of Pillar 4 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF 2019-2024) which is about Response, Care, Support and Healing; and also contribute to Pillar 1 which is about Prevention to combat the atrocious and brutal murder of children. NSP-GBVF 2019-2024 is the government’s Framework aimed at providing a multi-sectoral coherent strategic policy and programming to eliminate gender-based violence and Femicide against women and children. The following are interventions that currently implemented by provinces, however there is a need to upscale these programmes in all communities where there is none. The upscaling is dependent on the increase in resources.
Pillar 1: Prevention.
a) Implementation of Social and Behaviour Change programmes namely;
(i)Traditional Rock Leadership-a programme that empowers Traditional Leaders with the knowledge and skills to assist their communities to address GBVF, substance abuse, HIV and other social ills
(ii) Family Matters programme- Enhances positive parenting skills to initiate conversations, sstrengthen relationships and protect children from violence and murder and other risk behaviours.
(iii) Community Capacity Enhancementoialogues.
(iv) Let’s talk Family strengthening programme- Adolescents focus on building skills for better emotional coping, communication, and problem solving.
(v) Men championing change- Mobilise men to effectively prevent and efficiently respond to issues that adversely affect our communities; and for men to be positive role models in their families (in particular children) and to act as progressive leaders in communities,
(vi) Boys championing change- the programme targets boys under the age of 18 years old and is aimed at empowering Adolescent boys to express more favourable attitudes towards gender equity and an increased value of girls and women in the society.
(vii) Chommy- targets children (both genders) between the ages of 10 and 14 under. It instils active citizenry by using indigenous games to stimulate dialogues on issues around child protection, HIV prevention, gender-based violence and substance abuse.
(viii) You Only Leave Once(YOLO)- creates a safe and enabling environment for youth dialogues, where young people can discuss social issues including violence against children, HIV prevention, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence and Femicide, positive values and decision making around sex and sexuality. It builds resilience and increase self-esteem.
(ix) Ke Moja- Creates awareness among young people about harmful effects of substance abuse.
(x) Zazi-
(xi) A Sikhulume- A programme that capacitate and empower the religious sector on how to protect women and children against violence and murder in their sector.
(xii) Risiha- aims at moving children from vulnerability to resilience
Social Development is spearheading the implementation of INSPIRE strategies which are evidence-based solutions as advocated by WHO to address violence against children. In an effort to operationalise the INSPIRE strategies, the department implements the 365 days child protection campaign with technical support from UNICEF targeting provinces with highest number of cases of violence against children.
(2) The Department’s plan is embedded within the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF 2019-2024), supporting implementation of Pilllar 1 and leading the implementation of Pillar 4 of the NSP-GBVF. (NSP on GBVF is attached). In addition, the Department developed an Intersectoral Protocol for the prevention and Management of Violence against children, child abuse, neglect and exploitation. The Department monitors provinces on quarterly basis on the implementation of this protocol.
(3) Provinces are implementing the NSP-GBVF. On annual basis provinces are required to share their plans on the implementation of the activities of the NSP-GBVF. The activities of the NSP-GBVF are the implementation of programmes as indicated above in question 1.
20 April 2023 - NW259
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Social Development
What total number of (a) places of safety sponsored by her department are in place for the homeless within (i) Ekurhuleni, (ii) Johannesburg and (iii) Tshwane and (b) nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) have been put in place in terms of the issue that receive government grants to assist with the day-to-day running of the specified NGOs?
Reply:
a) The Gauteng Department of Social Development is funding:
- Two (2) homeless shelters in Ekurhuleni
- Eight (8) homeless shelters in Johannesburg
- Thirteen (13) homeless shelters in Tshwane
b) The Department is funding
- Two NPOs in Ekurhuleni
- Four NPOs in Johannesburg
- Seven NPOs in Tshwane
Their details are as below:
Region |
Name of shelter |
Name of NPO |
Ekurhuleni |
1.Manger Care Centre |
1.Manger Care Centre |
Ekurhuleni |
2. MES Kempton Park |
2.Mould Empower Serve NPC (MES) |
Johannesburg |
1. Immaculata Hall |
1.Mercy Shelter for Homeless |
Johannesburg |
2. Strabane Centre |
|
Johannesburg |
3. Tudhope Avenue |
|
Johannesburg |
4. MES Impilo |
2. Middestad Evangelisasie en SendingOpheffingsorgansasie (MES Impilo) |
Johannesburg |
5. Wembly Stadium |
3.Ikusasa Lethu Youth Project NPO |
Johannesburg |
6. Dan street florida |
|
Johannesburg |
7. Windsor |
4.Vukovar Community Development Initiative |
Johannesburg |
8. 3 Kotze shelter |
|
Tshwane |
1. 2 Struben |
1.Kitso Lesedi
|
Tshwane |
2. Home for the homeless |
|
Tshwane |
3. Mabheshane |
2.Thandanani Drop in Centre |
Tshwane |
4 Letjabeng |
|
Tshwane |
5.Gate Centre (Wing 1 and Wing 2) |
3.Youth for Survival |
Tshwane |
6.TLF Men |
4.Tshwane leadership Foundation |
Tshwane |
7. TLF Women |
|
Tshwane |
8. Tau Village |
|
Tshwane |
9.The Life Changing Project Projects |
5. The Life Changing Project Projects |
Tshwane |
10. Ladies Arise |
6. Participate Empower Navigate |
Tshwane |
11. NG Church |
|
Tshwane |
12. Bethesda |
|
Tshwane |
13.Homeless Upliftment Project |
7. Homeless Upliftment Project |
19 April 2023 - NW1263
Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture:
With reference to reply to question 205 on 8 March 2023 wherein there was no report attached in the reply for paragraph 1(a), on what date will a complete reply be submitted as the question has exceeded the prescribed period in terms of National Assembly Rule 146? NW1404E
Reply:
All the travels that the Minister and the Deputy Minister undertook are within the rules and prescripts as contained in the Ministerial handbook and the national treasury Cost Containment Instruction note 2021/2022 financial year.
19 April 2023 - NW867
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1)What are the reasons that his department authorised amounts of (a) R41,5 million and (b) R54,6 million for allocation towards the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, when the specified amounts were initially intended to be allocated towards the SA National Philharmonic Orchestra; (2) what are the reasons that the specified person was aligned with irregularities of money transfers to entities that are reporting to his department?
Reply:
According to the response received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture:
(1) The Revised White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage recommended the establishment of a national orchestra in South Africa. However, in the implementation of this recommendation a decision was made to name the national orchestra as the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra. It is important to note that the naming of the orchestra is a separate issue from the recommendation for its establishment. The specific naming of the orchestra may have been influenced by various factors such as cultural significance, relevance, and appeal. It is also a legal and/or registration requirement that names should not be identical or too similar to the name of any existing company in your jurisdiction, as this can cause confusion for customers and may violate intellectual property laws such as trademark. The decision to name the national orchestra the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra may have been made based on these considerations. For instance, Bafana Bafana is our national soccer team. If you hear on the news that Bafana Bafana qualified for the Afcon, bear in mind that we are taking about the same national team. Therefore, allocation of funding to the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is the same as funding the national orchestra.
(2) There is no one associated with the DSAC or the national orchestra who has been aligned with money irregularities. In addition, the audited annual financial statements of the DSAC, NAC and Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra are all not qualified for the period 2021-2022.
19 April 2023 - NW984
Tafeni, Ms N to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Which measures has she taken at clearing the housing backlog of those who have been on the housing waiting list for the past five years?
Reply:
Since the beginning of 2019 financial year up to December 2022, the Department of Human Settlements has worked with all Provinces, municipalities and entities in a concerted effort to significantly reduce the housing backlog. The measures used include delivering 158 769 serviced sites, upgrading 329 informal settlements, issuing 17 492 first home partial subsidies for houses, 9 764 social housing units, 1675 community residential units, delivered 87 687 title deeds ,constructed 184 637 housing units to qualifying beneficiaries, acquiring 12,8774 hectares of land from state owned entities and 3902,5075 hactares of land from the public works and rural development and 11902,6699 hactares of land from private owners.
The Department has provided grant funding to Provinces and metropolitan municipalities. It has also prepared the informal settlements upgrading plans across the nine Provinces. The plans promote participatory planning processes to enable development of layout plans based a negotiated process with the communities to ensure incremental upgrading of areas.
The Department has facilitated that Provinces develop Multi-Year Housing Development Plan (MYHDP), that are aligned with the Provincial Growth and Development Strategies (PGDS) and the Provincial Spatial Development Plans (PSDP). This has created a roadmap to identifying mechanisms to further reduce the housing backlogs. This integration and alignment of plans seek to incorporate planning systems which promote densification, infill and compaction in the wake of high rates of urbanisation in urban areas and migration patterns prevalent in the Province. Such mechanisms and programmes aim to significantly reduce housing backlogs and ensure that approved beneficiaries receive dignity and enjoy spatial transformation and sustainable human settlements.
The department is also providing social housing in identified restructuring zones and is also acquiring land and the providing bulk infrastructure where capacity issues and deficits have been identified. Where there has been blockages the Department has prepared national unblocking plans to ensure development is not stalled and that human settlements service delivery imperatives continue.
In line with the Medium Terms Strategic Framework the Department has been focusing its investment in strategic areas that are often a subject of Urbanisation around the metropolitan municipalities and identified priority housing development areas. The department has also appointed and deployed technical teams comprised of civil engineers, planners, social faciilitators and quantity surveyors to serve as members of the War Rooms. These members have also crisscrosed the country diagnosing challenges and providing the required technical housing support to Provinces.
19 April 2023 - NW798
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
Whether, he was briefed by his national security advisor, Mr Sydney Mufamadi, and the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Pravin Gordhan, who report directly to him about the identities of the two Cabinet Ministers who allegedly direct the cartels that have been raiding Eskom’s coffers after they were made aware by the former Chief Executive Officer of Eskom, Mr André de Ruyter, in the presence of one of the advisors of the Minister of Public Enterprises at Eskom’s head office on 5 July 2022, of the names of the two Cabinet Ministers who are alleged to be implicated in corruption at Eskom; if not, what action will he take to hold the individuals who report to him accountable for withholding crucial information from him about one of the biggest crises in the Republic; if so, (a) on what date, (b) by whom and (c) what did he do with the information?
Reply:
I was not briefed about the identities of people who are allegedly involved in cartels in Eskom.
In terms of section 34 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, I am advised that Mr De Ruyter is a “person who holds a position of authority” as the Chief Executive Officer of Eskom and therefore bears a duty to report corrupt transactions to any police official.
Once any such person has presented evidence to an appropriate law enforcement agency, such agency should take whatever action it deems relevant.
There are several pending law enforcement and other actions relating to Eskom that include:
a) Various measures taken by the Department of Public Enterprises and reported to Parliament regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the State Capture Commission.
b) The cancellation of coal supply agreements and construction contracts by Eskom with a value of approximately R11 billion.
c) Litigation by Eskom that declared invalid coal supply agreements to an approximate value of R3.7 billion.
d) Preventing further losses of approximately R10 billion to Eskom by setting aside other coal supply agreements and constructions contracts.
e) Eskom defending arbitrations brought by contractors with an approximate value of R7.2 billion.
f) Eskom pursuing claims with a value of approximately R4.8 billion against suppliers and former directors of Eskom.
g) Eskom recovering approximately R2 billion unlawfully paid by Eskom to service providers.
h) Special Investigating Unit investigations and Eskom disciplinary action regarding 14 coal transportation service providers.
i) Ongoing internal investigations into four diesel suppliers to Eskom.
j) Special Investigating Unit referrals of 5,635 matters to Eskom for disciplinary proceedings against employees for their alleged failure to submit financial declarations, declare or get approval for doing work outside of Eskom.
k) Pending criminal cases or referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority by law enforcement in at least 125 instances and a further 65 referrals to the Asset Forfeiture Unit relating to Eskom.
l) The Department of Public Enterprises finalising external advice regarding the launching of applications to have several former directors of Eskom declared delinquent.
m) The inclusion of at least 25 former senior executives at Eskom in a database of individuals dismissed for their involvement in state capture and corruption at Eskom.
19 April 2023 - NW934
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the President of the Republic
Whether he will furnish Dr L A Schreiber with a list of all the international trips undertaken by each (a) Minister and (b) Deputy Minister that he approved in terms of Chapter 6 of the Guide for Members of the Executive since 1 March 2018; if not, why not; if so, on what date; (2) whether any international trips that were not personally approved by him were undertaken by any (a) Minister and/or (b) Deputy Minister since 1 March 2018; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Attached are lists of international trips undertaken by each Minister and Deputy Minister from 2018 to 2023 that were approved by the President.
2. There is no record of official trips abroad by Ministers or Deputy Ministers during that period that were not approved by the President or Acting President.
19 April 2023 - NW1265
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Electricity
(1) In view of recent data that shows that the most unexploited avenue of potentialelectricity production in the Republic lies in the lack of wind-based power production facilities, and considering that the Republic has greater wind power production potential than its geographical neighbours, what projects that are focused on upgrading the wind power production are currently in place in the Republic; (2) what areas have been identified as potential sites for upcoming wind power production facilities; (3) what is the Republic’s current target for wind produced power by 2030 in relation to the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan commitments?
Reply:
1. Solar PV, wind and CSP with storage present an opportunity to diversify the electricity mix, to produce distributed generation and to provide off-grid electricity. Renewable technologies also present huge potential for the creation of new industries, job creation and localization across the value chain. As of 31 January 2023, 134 IPPs have been selected as preferred bidders with 11 904MW of electricity capacity procured, of this, 6 105 MW is already operational from 89 IPPs with 82397Gwh of energy generated from renewable energy sources. The IRP(2019) plan for wind from 2019-2030 is a total of 17742MW.
2. The Wind Atlas developed for South Africa provides a basis for the quantification of the potential that wind holds for power generation elsewhere in the country, over and above the prevalence of the wind resource around the coastal areas. Most wind projects have been developed in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, so far.
3. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019 targets a total installed electricity generating capacity of 77,834MW. This total installed electricity generation capacity is expected to comprise of the following technologies; Coal (43%), Wind (22.53%), Solar PV (10.52%), Gas & Diesel (8.1%), Storage (6.35%), Hydro (5.84%), Nuclear (2.36%) and CSP (0.76%).Wind generation is targeted to make up 17,742MW of this installed electricity generation capacity by 2030.
End.
19 April 2023 - NW481
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the President of the Republic
(1) What are the details of the outstanding legal issues that he needs clarity on before he can appoint a permanent SA Broadcasting Corporation Board of Directors; (2) whether there are provisions of the Broadcasting Amendment Act, Act 4 of 2009, on which he relies in delaying the appointment; if not, on what exactly does he derive the authority to delay the appointment; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
In terms of the Broadcasting Act sections 1 and 13, the President is the appointing authority, who appoints the members of the SABC Board on the Advice of the National Assembly. In terms of the President’s oath of office and sections 83, 84(1), 84(2)(e) and 237 of the Constitution, he must uphold and respect the Constitution, and perform his responsibilities diligently and without delay.
In appointing members of the SABC Board, or in performing any other obligation, I have a responsibility to ensure that proper lawful processes have been followed, including before the matter is brought to me.
The full submission on the appointment of the SABC Board was only made available to me in mid-January 2023.
In fulfilment of this Constitutional responsibility, I wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly on 3 February 2023 and 9 March 2023 seeking clarity on:
- the legality of having a reserve pool, and what ‘eventualities’ were envisaged by Parliament;
- whether the individuals in the ‘reserve pool’ had been vetted;
- whether the Portfolio Committee had considered all of the objections received by the Committee during selection process.
In a letter dated 10 April 2023 the Speaker of the National Assembly indicated that the resolution adopted by the National Assembly last year is lawful and that the President is not precluded from selecting a candidate from the reserve pool of three names in case any of the 12 names are not legally appointable.
I duly appointed the SABC Board on 17 April 2023.
19 April 2023 - NW1181
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
In light of the R80 million defrauding scam pertaining to student accommodation by (a) officials and (b) former leadership of the student representative council of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, what measures has he put in place to combat corrupt practices among tertiary officials?
Reply:
The Department supports investigations into corrupt practices taking place at universities, including at the University of KwaZulu Natal. Law enforcement agencies are currently seized with the investigations, once they have concluded their investigations, I will ask for an official report. The Department further welcomes the courage of the whistle-blowers who have exposed corruption, and its officials will continue to monitor all accommodation related reports. The Department has been advised by the university that it has established a hotline to encourage more reporting on an anonymous basis.
In addition, the Department will continue working with the heads of Safety and Security in all our universities, and ensure they receive the support to assist with reporting and monitoring crime at our universities. A future workshop is planned to, amongst others, better understand the challenges around accommodation within universities, and what additional support the universities require to ensure that accommodation management is transparent and devoid of corruption.
19 April 2023 - NW1036
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the President of the Republic
By what date does he intend to appoint the new board of the SA Broadcasting Corporation?
Reply:
In terms of the Broadcasting Act sections 1 and 13, the President is the appointing authority, who appoints the members of the SABC Board on the Advice of the National Assembly. In terms of the President’s oath of office and sections 83, 84(1), 84(2)(e) and 237 of the Constitution, he must uphold and respect the Constitution, and perform his responsibilities diligently and without delay.
In appointing members of the SABC Board, or in performing any other obligation, I have a responsibility to ensure that proper lawful processes have been followed, including before the matter is brought to me.
The full submission on the appointment of the SABC Board was only made available to me in mid-January 2023.
In fulfilment of this Constitutional responsibility, I wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly on 3 February 2023 and 9 March 2023 seeking clarity on:
- the legality of having a reserve pool, and what ‘eventualities’ were envisaged by Parliament;
- whether the individuals in the ‘reserve pool’ had been vetted;
- whether the Portfolio Committee had considered all of the objections received by the Committee during selection process.
In a letter dated 10 April 2023 the Speaker of the National Assembly indicated that the resolution adopted by the National Assembly last year is lawful and that the President is not precluded from selecting a candidate from the reserve pool of three names in case any of the 12 names are not legally appointable.
I duly appointed the SABC Board on 17 April 2023.
19 April 2023 - NW583
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1) With reference to his reply to question 4444 on 13 December 2022, wherein he stated that it was well known that the practice largely benefited the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, on what statistics are the conclusions based that particularly the white minority benefited. (2) (a) who were and/or are the chief executive officers (CEOs) of the specified orchestras and (b) what was the racial ratio of each orchestra over the past five years. (3) if he found that, as the CEO of two of the three orchestras, Mr Bongani Tembe was unable to bring about change and/or transformation, what are the reasons that he was handpicked to be the CEO of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra. (4) what (a) total number of cadets (i) received training and/or (ii) were taken up in music programmes in each specified orchestra over the past five years and (b) was the racial ratio in each orchestra in each specified year; (5). what programmes has each orchestra undertaken to develop musicians and/or to uplift disadvantaged talented musicians over the past five years? NW654E
Reply:
According to the information at my disposal at the moment:
(1). It is a well-known fact that arts funding in South Africa, before 1994, largely benefitted the white minority. It is also a fact that prior to the formation of Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, orchestral funding benefitted the 3 established orchestra in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg. And the following sample of allocation over the past 15 years testifies to that:
Name of Orchestra |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
|
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
KZN Philharmonic |
4 472 000 |
4 740 000 |
9 772 000 |
10 300 000 |
10 815 000 |
6 180 000 |
|
Cape Philharmonic |
4 472 000 |
4 740 000 |
6 660 000 |
7 020 000 |
7 371 000 |
4 422 000 |
|
Cape Town Jazz Orchestra |
4 472 000 |
4 740 000 |
3 535 000 |
3 726 000 |
3 912 000 |
2 347 000 |
|
Jhb Philharmonic Orchestra |
3 000 000 |
||||||
GRAND TOTAL |
13 416 000 |
14 220 000 |
19 967 000 |
21 046 000 |
22 098 000 |
|
(2) The Department is committed to transformation of the orchestral sector. It is also a known fact that black musicians and black managers are underrepresented in orchestras. However, the Department is not about to embark on a study or research of the racial ratio of the orchestras in South Africa over the past 5 years.
(3) Mr Bongani Tembe was initially appointed to project manage the formation stages of the national philharmonic orchestra based on his qualifications and unique experience: Mr Bongani Tembe has a Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Music from the prestigious Julliard School in New York; he has led the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra since the dawn of democracy in 1994 (for 29 years); and has been a highly effective CEO of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra since 2016. As Commissioner-General, he also led the SA-UK Seasons 2014 and 2015 and the SA-French Seasons 2012 and 2013 presenting more than 3000 South African artists in France, for which he was awarded a high honour by the French Government. (Mr Bongani Tembe’s qualifications and track record are beyond reproach).
Subsequently (in December 2019), DSAC appointed a board of highly distinguished South Africans who in turn after applying their wisdom and vast experience, appointed Mr Tembe as the Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra.
(4). According to the 2022 Annual Report of Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, which was submitted by DSAC to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Sport, Arts and Culture, the national orchestra, through its partnership with regional orchestras, has eight (8) cadets and three (3) fellows.
(5) The programmes of Mzansi Philharmonic, which includes developmental programmes, are highlighted in their 2022 annual report which has been distributed to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Sport, Arts and Culture.
19 April 2023 - NW799
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
Considering that in 2019 he committed to unbundling Eskom, an urgent imperative if inadequate transmission capacity is to be resolved, what are the reasons that the unbundling of Eskom has been delayed?
Reply:
Eskom is continuing to work on implementing the legal separation (or unbundling). This is a key strategic priority of Eskom’s Turnaround Plan as envisaged in the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) Roadmap.
In line with the roadmap, the corporatisation of the transmission function was completed in December 2021. A legally binding merger agreement was entered into between Eskom and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Limited (NTCSA).
Reasons for the delays in unbundling transmission relate to external dependencies such as obtaining lenders’ consent, acquiring electricity licences and designation of the transmission entity as a buyer.
The next step is to operationalise the NTCSA, which is subject to the satisfaction of certain suspensive conditions. These include, but are not limited to, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) granting all applicable licences required for NTCSA to operate the transmission business and Eskom obtaining all applicable creditor consents to the transaction.
Future phases of the legal separation will be dependent on legislative changes, including the amendment of the Electricity Regulation Act regarding licensing and the Electricity Pricing Policy of the South African electricity supply industry.
The addition of new transmission capacity through expansion of the grid is being accelerated through the implementation of the Transmission Development Plan, supported by the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee.
19 April 2023 - NW886
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Where has the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (MNPO) performed since it was established in 2022; 2. whether the MNPO has toured to any (a) township, (b) town and/or (c) city besides Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town which have their own orchestras; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW992E
Reply:
1. The MNPO has performed at the following venues since its establishment in 2022: -
Albertina Sisulu Special School Centre in SOWETO (Orlando west) on the 29 July 2022
Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg collaboration with top SA Artists 18 August 2022
Inauguration of the G20 Orchestra representing SA at global stage in Indonesia 12 September 2022
International Cultural Festival in Algeria 15-21 October 2022
Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience, in Nelspruit 10 December 2022
Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg 15 December 2022
The Playhouse in Durban 17 December 2022 and
Cape Town City Hall in Cape Town 21 December 2022
(a)- Albertina Sisulu Special School Centre in SOWETO (Orlando west) on the 29 July 2022
(b)- New Apostolic Church Silvertown in Cape Town 20 December 2022 community engagement
(c)- Nelspruit, Mpumalanga Cultural experience 10 December 2022
Durban Playhouse Opera Theatre “breakfast soup kitchen” open rehearsal for members of the Payless Shelter, 17 December 2022
18 April 2023 - NW947
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1)Whether his department has any plans of repairing and reopening the Red Location Museum which has been closed since 18 October 2013 due to community protests around RDP housing issues; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he has had any communication with the Department of Human Settlements regarding the issues raised by the community around the museum as it was reported that the wiring, power sockets, fencing, air-conditioners and palisade fencing were also stolen from the premises as a result of the closure and that repair costs for the building were estimated at R12-million; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to the information received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture:
(1) The operations of the Red Location Museum do not fall under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Therefore, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has not made any budgetary planning to repair and to reopen the museum.
(2) The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has not had any communication with the Department of Human Settlements regarding the issues raised by the community as this matter falls outside the scope and mandate of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
18 April 2023 - NW1262
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
On what date will he table a reply to question 784 that was published on 10 March 2023?
Reply:
Attached herewith please find the Reply to the parliamentary question 784, which was submitted to the Parliament Questions Office
https://pmg.org.za/committee-question/21635/
18 April 2023 - NW1028
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Considering that data by the SA Revenue Service (Sars) revealed that the Republic was heading towards a worrying trend where high-earners, who make up a small percentage of the population but account for a huge chunk of taxable income, are changing their residency status and thereby compromising a substantial amount that Sars could collect in revenue, what is the position of the National Treasury in this regard; (2) whether, considering that the Republic would be losing millions of rands in revenue, the National Treasury has any other source to generate as much revenue; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The phenomenon of mobile higher-income earners is well-documented and known across tax jurisdictions – beyond South Africa. Indeed, “increased tax competition” of highly skilled, but mobile labour was identified as a key risk to inclusive tax policies as far back as 2018 (see Tax policies for inclusive growth in a changing world (oecd.org)).
Our highly unequal distribution of income coupled with very progressive marginal tax rates necessarily means that we collect a high proportion of our revenue from upper income groups – more so than many of peer countries. This is due to (1) a relatively high personal income tax exemption threshold and (2) high upper income tax rates (see Inchauste et al for a comparison to other developing countries).
1. The latest Tax Statistics includes an analysis of changes in residence (on pg 44) along with a new table regarding taxpayers that changed residence (Table A2.1.10 on pg 79). It indicates that 32 831individuals changed tax residence in the period between the 2017 and 2021 tax years. Of those individuals, 2 788 earned taxable income greater than R500 000 p.a. A total of 1 125 earned more than R1 million p.a., equating to R1.3 billion in taxed assessed during 2021. While any loss in revenue is important to track and understand, it is useful to indicate the scale of the phenomenon relative to our revenue raising capacity. As indicated in Ch. 4 of the Budget Review, we expect to raise R280.6 billion in 2023/24 from taxpayers with taxable income greater than R1 million p.a.
2. It is not clear that the country will be losing or gaining future revenue from PIT. The most important contribution that National Treasury can make at this point is to fight corruption and promote tax morality and confidence in the country, and to ensure that public finances stabilize, in order to lay the foundation for strong inclusive growth. Restoring growth is the most reliable determinant of increased tax bases.
Over the Medium-Term National Treasury aims to:
- Restore value-for-money in public expenditure, particularly through spending reviews.
- Make it as simple and as easy as possible to comply with tax requirements, as SARS did with automatic assessments over the last years.
- Increase the probability of detection of non-compliance, which is one of the main reasons behind rebuilding SARS and an increase in their budget allocation, and
- Broaden tax bases to lower tax rates, as high tax rates offer a strong incentive not to comply.
National Treasury is not currently considering any specific taxes to compensate for fluctuations in the tax base. Moreover, there are no new policy announcements or proposals that aim to prohibit or discourage taxpayers from leaving. Indeed, exchange controls have been relaxed over the last 2 years – to enhance South Africa’s position as an investment destination and to lower the cost of business. From a policy perspective, we are trying to reconcile our provisions with the commercial reality of more globalised operations and careers that include stints in numerous tax jurisdictions – notwithstanding the challenges posed by Covid 19. From a tax perspective, the objective is to ensure that the appropriate tax is paid for any assets that are transferred abroad. Some of the measures that had been in placed have become outdated as a result of exchange control reforms. As a result, the tax provisions regarding foreign remunerative work and pre-retirement pension withdrawals on cessation of tax residence have undergone significant reform in the last 5 years.
18 April 2023 - NW1246
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 626 on 16 March 2023, that the visa and permit applications management tender was cancelled, any amounts were paid to Kelotlhoko Consulting Services; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) have the amounts been recovered and (b) what is the progress and timelines for a reissue of the tender?
Reply:
a) No payments were made to Kelotlhoko Consulting Services. The successful bid was cancelled before any contract could be signed with Kelotlhoko Consulting Services.
b) The tender was re-advertised on the 10th of March 2023 with a closing date of 31st March 2023.
END
18 April 2023 - NW1258
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether SA Forestry Company (Safcol) SOC Ltd entered into any joint venture contracts with any companies in each of the past five financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the relevant details and (b) wat the purpose of each joint venture contract concluded; (2) Whether Safcol SOC Ltd has realised any profits from any of the joint ventures; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to the Information received from SAFCOL
1. The SA Forestry Company (SAFCOL) SOC Ltd has not entered into joint venture contracts with any companies in the last five years. Strategic partnerships are part of the company’s growth strategy; the joint ventures opportunities are currently in the identification and selection process.
a) N/A
b) N/A
2. N/A
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
18 April 2023 - NW1062
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What is the envisaged turnaround time to fix Eskom power outages (details furnished); (2) whether he has found that the Alfred App of Eskom is working optimally; if not, why not; if so, what are the reasons that it takes very long to fix power outages; (3) what is the time frame that Eskom will take to fix the specified outage and assist the most vulnerable group of the specified community?
Reply:
(1) The turnaround time to fix a dispatched work order is 7.5 hours and for auditing a meter that is flagged as a low buyer, it is seven days.
Customers across all areas are classified into various categories, each with its own threshold per month. The threshold for identifying low buyers in this area, is R300 per month. This customer on average buys R50 electricity a month.
Eskom experienced a high volume of faults over this period and the customer in question falls within the lower buyer category and further investigation had to be conducted. The investigation has been concluded, and it revealed that the cable to the premises was stolen. The cable has been replaced and the supply was restored on 3 April 2023.
(2) Alfred Chatbot is working. In case of a downtime, the problem gets fixed within a reasonable timeframe, so as not to inconvenience our customers. Each case is assessed according to the need of the request and differs per circumstance.
(3) As stipulated in question 1, it is also dependent on a number of factors such as investigations that need to be conducted. The referred to community has since had their cable replaced as at 3 April 2023.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
18 April 2023 - NW983
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Following the appeals process of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), (a) what is the total number of students who have been rejected by NSFAS who have appealed and (b) how does he ensure that these are legitimate rejections, noting the historical consistent mistakes by NSFAS of incorrectly rejecting deserving students?
Reply:
(a) 126 030 appeals were received from the rejected applications.
(b) To assess funding eligibility NSFAS is reliant of third parties such as:
- Department of Home Affairs (DHA) – to confirm applicants’ identity and parental information,
- South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) – SASSA beneficiaries are automatically funded.
- South African Revenue Services (SARS) – to confirm household income, and others such as credit bureaus.
18 April 2023 - NW424
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, NW463E ANNEXURE
With reference to her reply to question 3964 on 21 December 2022, what is the total annual cost to company for each (a) chief executive officer; (b) executives; (c) general manager; (d) senior manager; (e) manager specialist in each province in the (202021, (ii) 2021-22 and (iii) 2022-23 financial years?
Reply:
The table in the Annexure responds to a, b, c, d, e(i), e(ii). and e(iii)
Thank You.
PQ 424 Ms D Kohler (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, NW463E
ANNEXURE: Response to Parliamentary Question 424
18 April 2023 - NW1266
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
By what date does he envisage full private sector participation in the Republic’s national electricity generation?
Reply:
The 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) provides for participation of State-Owned Companies (SOCs) and the private sector to provide generation capacity currently and in the foreseeable future. Through the 2019 IRP, Government procures power from independent power producers who play a significant role in the provision of power to the national grid as Eskom. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) continuously models the future generation outlook as part of the IRP review and the degree that private sector will contribute to security of supply.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
18 April 2023 - NW1135
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Considering that in the second Annual Mental State of the World Report from Sapien Labs, the Republic scored the lowest average score on the mental health wellbeing scale, what plans does his department have in place to (a) join collaborative campaigns such as the #breakingstigma campaign (details furnished) and/or (b) initiate its own mental health campaigns?
Reply:
The report titled, The Mental State of the World in 2022 (third report), from Sapiens Labs, is based on responses from 407,959 across 64 countries. The second report of 2021 has an equally small sample size of 223,087 respondents across 34 countries. The reports do not indicate how many persons responded per country, however, the sample size of these reports represent a very small fraction of the population of the countries from which respondents were sourced. Even if the total number of respondents were from South Africa only, the sample size is still too small and the results of the reports can therefore not be generalized to the entire population of South Africa. We nevertheless provide a response to the honourable member’s questions.
a) The Department has prioritised mental health in view of the burden of diseases associated with mental illnesses. The upstream determinants of mental health cut across responsibilities and mandates of a number of sectors and the NDoH collaborates with other Departments in Government and NGOs such as Higher Health and the SA Federation for Mental Health on a number of aspects related to promoting mental health including activities aimed at combating stigma.
b) Future plans are aimed at expanding prevention, advocacy and stigma combating activities. This will entail working with a wider range of partners in line with the strategies articulated in the National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases 2022-2027 and the Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategy 2023-2030.
END.
18 April 2023 - NW1105
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether, with reference to the name changes in the Eastern Cape that were gazetted by his department whereby the town of Fort Beaufort was renamed to KwaMaqoma, Somerset East renamed to KwaNojoli and Brooksnek village was renamed to Ben Mbizweni, any (a) consultations, (b) polls and (c) feasibility studies were conducted for the name changes; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
According to the feedback received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture:
(a) Yes, public consultations were conducted before the names were submitted to the South African Geographical Names Council as follows: Brooksnek on 12 October 2022, Fort Beaufort on 31 October 2022, and Somerset East on 14 November 2022. These public consultation meetings were advertised in the Daily Despatch, Isolezwe lesiXhosa, and Hartland newspapers. All these meetings supported the three name changes.
(b) No polls were held before the name changes were considered. This is not provided for in the South African Geographical Names Act 118 of 1998.
(c) No feasibility studies were conducted before the name changes were considered. This is not provided for in the South African Geographical Names Act 118 of 1998.
18 April 2023 - NW987
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(a) What informed the decision to appoint Mr Bongani Tembe as the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Artistry in both the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, since the specified person is also an active member of the National Arts Council and (b) which precautionary measures have been put in place to ensure that the person is not biased towards funding orchestras and/or organisations in which the person has personal interests?
Reply:
According to the information received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture:
(a) Notwithstanding the fact that the Department did not appoint Mr. Tembe as the CEO of the national orchestra for the main reason that we do not get involved with the operations of the organization. It is important to note that diversity and representation are important factors in promoting equity and inclusion in most of our sectors given our history. This therefore should be applied in the orchestra where many Africans were marginalized. In this context, Mr. Tembe’s appointment as CEO of the Mzansi National Philharmonic is a positive step towards promoting diversity in the leadership of organisations. Therefore, his appointment helps to address historical imbalances and promote greater diversity and representation within the orchestra and the wider orchestral fraternity where African are less represented.
(b) Companies have always developed internal measures to deal with situations like this. It is common practice for officials in companies to declare their interests to avoid potential conflicts of interest. The Board of Mzansi National Philharmonic has appointed a diverse and experienced artistic planning committee which advises the board on funding of artistic entities. Furthermore, Mr. Tembe recuses himself on funding related to the three established orchestras of Durban, Joburg and Cape Town, as he also leads two of those.
18 April 2023 - NW1199
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
Whether the National Health Laboratory Service currently has a permanent (a) Chief Financial Officer, (b) Head of Supply Chain, (c) Facilities Manager and (d) Chief Information Officer; if not, (i) for what period has each position been vacant on a permanent basis and (ii) on what date will each position be filled on a permanent basis; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
The NHLS has confirmed that all four positions are filled with the following specific positions details:
a) The Chief Financial Officer was appointed on a five-year contract: The appointment was effective from 01 January 2023.
b) A permanent Head of Supply Chain was appointed: The appointment was effective from 01 August 2022.
c) A permanent Facilities Manager was appointed: The appointment was effective from 01 August 2018.
d) The Chief Information Officer was appointed on a five-year contract: The appointment was effective from 01 January 2020.
END.
18 April 2023 - NW1033
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, with reference to the concern of the SA Local Government Association about the proposal by the National Treasury for persons to consider the use and move to solar energy, and the possible revenue loss that this will have on municipalities and the ultimate increase of electricity prices for those who are not able to move off the grid, the National Treasury has (a) any plans and/or (b) a budget to stabilise and/or rebuild dysfunctional councils that desperately need the funds that they receive from providing electricity to the communities that they serve; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
National Treasury will be engaging with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) on its concerns, as it is not necessarily correct that a municipality will lose revenue, especially if there is greater economic activity as a result of more secure electricity to business and households.
Further, households are being encouraged to use and move to solar energy as part of the government's deliberate attempt to reduce the demand for energy that is causing the load-shedding crisis. In the absence of such efforts, more pressure on the grid could result in grid collapses which would be more detrimental to municipal finances. Therefore, participating in this initiative may benefit municipalities as a result of a "payback scheme". By feeding excess energy back into the grid, customers can provide stored excess energy at lower rates than Eskom at peak times.
National Treasury has observed that many municipalities adopted tariffs that are not cost-reflective, which in essence means they are not recovering the full cost of providing electricity in the first place. To make the tariff more affordable, municipalities need to eliminate inefficiencies in the service value chain. The changing energy sector and its impact on municipal services must also be considered when setting tariffs. Energy conservation and efficacy must be facilitated and enforced in municipal consumption (across all services). Municipal operations should align with the decline in traditional electricity purchases by buying less from Eskom. It is also necessary for municipal strategy to re-align any earlier resolutions to flat rate selected areas with national policy, which limits the supply of basic water and electricity to 50 kilowatt hours of electricity and 6 kiloliters of water for indigent consumers.
The National Treasury is currently undertaking research on establishing norms and standards for electricity surcharges. This is in line with section 8 of the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Act, 2007. This Act gives the Minister of Finance the power to prescribe mandatory national norms and standards for regulating municipal surcharges on electricity. The National Treasury is also working on identifying supplementary or replacement revenue sources for electricity surcharges as part of this ongoing research.
Considering the fiscal and economic risks posed by loadshedding, there is a need for further research into: 1) the implications of local trends in municipal finances; 2) how the municipal electricity business can adjust; and 3) how to minimize the adverse fiscal and economic impacts that energy sector reforms could have.
The National Treasury’s 2021 State of Local Government Finances report found that 165 municipalities were in financial distress at the end of 2020/21. Revenue management was the most prevalent factor contributing to financial distress. Moreover, many municipalities fail to adopt funded budgets, which means they will not be financially sustainable even if they remain within their budgets. This implies that they lack credible financial management. Those indicators are early warning signs of dysfunctional councils in the future.
In addition to issues that are leading to dysfunctional councils, our analysis shows that municipalities are diverting the LGES free basic provision to other initiatives, mainly paying salaries and a generous system of benefits for employees.
Once the research and engagements with SALGA are concluded, National Treasury will respond to the budgetary challenges via the annual budget process.
18 April 2023 - NW310
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether, following reports that Cabinet approved the roll-out of the second phase of the SA Connect programme in January 2022 and noting that Cabinet also stated that the second phase will be rolled out by using the state-owned entities, the State Information Technology Agency, Broadband Infraco and Sentech over the next 36 months, she will furnish Ms Z Majozi with an update and/or relevant details on the roll-out and/or implementation of the second phase of the SA Connect programme; if not, why not; if so,
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:
A project team comprising of representatives from the State-owned entities namely; the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Broadband Infraco (BBI), Sentech and the Department was established. The project team is finalising the technical designs across all provinces and these will feed into the implementation plan which will be finalised before the end of the current financial year (2022/23). The department has been engaging various stakeholders (National, Provincial and Local governments) to present the project and solicit input in terms of the sites that will require connectivity. ICASA is also engaging the telcos (who are the recipients of the recently auctioned spectrum) on the Social Obligations Connectivity as per the ITA (Invitation to Apply) conditions. The Implementation of Phase 2 is planned to commence in the next financial year (2023/24) after budget confirmation.
The relevant details on the roll-out are attached herewith as Annexure A.
Thank You.
PQ 310: Hon.Z Majozi (IFP) to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies,
18 April 2023 - NW943
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to the greylisting of the Republic by the Financial Action Task Force, what possible pre-emptive impact has the National Treasury found this will have on the efforts to establish a national green finance taxonomy towards providing financial players with certainty of credible green, social and sustainable investments?
Reply:
We do not expect the greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to have any effect on any institutions implementing a Green Finance Taxonomy (GFT). The GFT is an important pillar in the comprehensive approach of reducing the carbon intensity of the South African economy. The primary purpose of the GFT is to provide market clarity for green/environmentally sustainable activities, thus reducing market risks. The GFT is a voluntary market tool and was established on 1 April 2022. While the Carbon Tax sets a price for emissions to help businesses fully internalize the costs of their activities, the GFT sets out those projects, investment and assets which are required to reduce the carbon intensity of companies (and thereby reduce their emissions). The GFT adopts international best practice in recognition of the fact that the capital required for investments into ‘green assets’ (as is the case generally) comes from both domestic and international sources.
In any case, as noted in National Treasury’s statement on the FATF greylisting: there are no items on the action plan that relate directly to the preventive measures in respect of South Africa’s financial sector. This reflects the significant progress that South Africa’s financial sector supervisors have made in the application of a risk-based approach to the supervision of banks and insurers. National Treasury therefore expects that the grey-listing will have limited impact on payments, broader financial stability or broader inward investment, including the use of the green finance taxonomy for green investment.
18 April 2023 - NW1132
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
By what date does he envisage a decrease in the Republic’s debt servicing costs?
Reply:
Kindly refer to Figure 1.6 of the Budget Review 2023.
18 April 2023 - NW1114
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Health
What criteria are used to hire Chief Executive Officers in the provincial departments of Health, especially in Gauteng, as processes in the recruitment process seem to differ between provinces?
Reply:
The process in the recruitment of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) is not different between Provinces. As all appointments of CEOs across provinces are guided by the Policy on the Management of Public Hospitals that amongst others, makes provision for the criteria pertaining to minimum qualifications, relevant experience and generic qualities required for appointment to the position of hospital CEO (at all levels). This was introduced by Minister of Health in terms of sections 3(1)(c) and 23(1) of National Health Act, 2003, (Act No. 61 of 2003), after consultation with the National Health Council in August 2011.
In line with the above Policy, the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health has informed the Minister that the Chief Executive Officer positions in the Province, are advertised in the National Media (newspaper) and the e-Recruitment platform (Gauteng professional job centre)
The selection process entails the interviews, presentation on the technical exercise prepared by the Selection Committee. Recommended candidates are subjected to the Senior Management Service competency assessment or developmental assessment and vetting processes depending on the level of the position. The department conducts reference checks from the referees provided and conduct suitability checks with the current and previous employers. The recommended candidates are also required to complete Security Vetting Forms, a process facilitated by the State Security Agency.6 The outcome of the above processes is considered by the Executive Authority (EA) in appointing Chief Executive Officers (CEO).
END.
18 April 2023 - NW951
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether his department has any plans in place to replace the lecturers from Zimbabwe and Lesotho who have been living and working in the Republic on exemption permits, but who have been told that their services are no longer required by his department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the plans; (2) whether there has been any communication with the Department of Home Affairs regarding permits for academic staff; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
With regards to university lecturers, the Council of a university is assigned the role of an employer as per the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997) as amended, the Department is not assigned this role. The critical skills list identifies scarce skills which are deemed as critical, it also serves as a reference document when appointing foreign nationals. Universities seeking to appoint foreign nationals are required to approach the Department with a request and motivation to process the appointment, this is after they have conducted internal recruitment processes and are unable to attract and appoint a suitably qualified South African national. They then approach specific professional registration bodies/entities to verify the prerequisites before a candidate can be appointed. In cases where there is no Professional body to register with, universities approach the Department with a motivation for support for a critical skills visa application.
The Department may then support the motivation and request the Department of Home Affairs to consider the university’s request/incumbents application in terms of the requisite policies and legislation of the Department of Home Affairs which governs critical skills visas. Ultimately, it is the prerogative of the Department of Home affairs to grant or not to grant work permits.
18 April 2023 - NW992
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
In a country with over 7 million deaf persons, why has it taken this long to have sign language recognised as an official language?
Reply:
Due processes have been followed in order to officialise the South African Sign Language (SASL). Milestones in this process include the Constitutional Review Committee receiving sixty-seven (67) submissions in 2016. Two of these submissions proposed an amendment to section 6 (1) of the Constitution to include South African Sign Language as an official language. Furthermore, a petition by Deaf SA calling upon the National Assembly to effect a constitutional amendment in order to recognise SASL as the twelfth official language of the Republic was tabled in the Assembly on 10 October 2016. The Constitutional Review Committee considered the submissions and Parliament adopted the recommendation that allowed for an amendment of section 6 (1) of the Constitution.
During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February 2020, the President noted that; “following the recognition of SASL as a home language by the Department of Basic Education in 2018 and recommendation by the Committee, that SASL be included as the 12th official language, government is now poised to finalise the matter.”
Soon after the SONA, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development embarked on the Constitutional Amendment process. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were delays in finalising the matter. The Bill was introduced to Parliament in January 2023 and is currently before the National Assembly.
18 April 2023 - NW1232
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Finance
What are the detailed reasons that the National Treasury declined the Department of Social Development’s proposal to increase the monthly COVID19 Social Relief of Distress grant from R350 to R420 for successful applicants when R1,769 billion was unspent and declared a saving for the 2022-23 financial year as per the third quarter expenditure statement?
Reply:
The budget process involves making many trade-offs, including between different priorities. As stated in the 2023 Budget Review, the extension of the COVID-19 SRD grant and the inflationary increases to social grants cost R65.3 billion. Given the priorities and pressures facing the 2023 Budget and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, it is clear that there was (and is) limited fiscal space to accommodate the increase in the COVID-19 SRD grant values. Under spending or savings from 2022/23 do not go through the next year because of the large budget deficit. In addition, a broader agreement on the future of the COVID-19 SRD grant is required, including the financial implications of the proposed change, and how to finance it.
18 April 2023 - NW418
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies
(a) What amount (i) will the new SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) 24 hour news channel cost, (ii) does the SABC expect to generate an income or profit from the specified channel and (iii) where is the SABC getting the money to fund the new channel?
Reply:
I have been advised by SABC as follows:
i) The News Channel has been running since 2019 and no additional budget will be required as the activities will be accommodated within current resources. ii) Yes, the channel is expected to attract income through advertising and partnerships.
iii) No funding is required.
Thank You.
PQ 418 Ms D Kohler (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
18 April 2023 - NW859
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
With reference to his reply to question 146 on 28 February 2023, wherein he stated that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) would undergo a process of engaging with accommodation providers to consider accommodating students funded by NSFAS with the R45 000 cap, (a)(i) which accommodation providers has (aa) NSFAS and/or (bb) he and/or his department engaged to date and (ii) what are the outcomes of such engagements, (b) what happens in cases where the specified recommendations by his department to accommodation providers are not adopted across the board and (c) who will carry the shortfall of the affected students?
Reply:
a) (i) (aa) NSFAS embarked on hosting workshops with accommodation providers in all nine provinces. The aim of these workshops was to clarify the accommodation cap and encourage accommodation providers to register their properties on the NSFAS accommodation portal to accredit the properties and subsequently place students.
(ii) The sessions culminated in accommodation providers submitting applications for 48 375 beds. To date 13 030 have been accredited.
b) Input has been received for consideration (non-adoption to recommendations), however, this does not mean concurrence.
c) There should not be a shortfall as NSFAS has emphasized that students must be placed in student accommodation that is within the R45 000 cap.
18 April 2023 - NW940
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, with reference to the use of exorbitant funds by municipalities on overtime payments, the National Treasury intends to engage with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to investigate the financial sustainability and soundness of the specified payments on the budgets in accordance with the specified department’s mandate to promote good governance through accountable, economic, efficient, equitable and sustainable management; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date and (b) what are the further, relevant details?
Reply:
No, as we need more clarity on what specific problems or audits where exorbitant spending on overtime has been identified as a problem requiring National Treasury to intervene. Further, overtime is regulated by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA-section 10) and the SALGA Collective Agreement.
There are no planned meetings between the National Treasury and Department of Cooperative Governance to discuss overtime payments by municipalities.
However, there are measures currently in place to guide the implementation of Overtime and the related payments, such as MFMA Circular No. 86 on Cost Containment.
Municipalities are advised that overtime budgets must not exceed 5 per cent of the total employee related cost budget as a norm to guide them in this regard.
18 April 2023 - NW417
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(a) Whether she has been informed that the Post Office in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal is unable to provide basic services, if not, why not, if so, (a) what period has it been unable to provide services and (b) by what date will it be (i) renovated and (ii) capacitated?
Reply:
I have been advised by SAPO as follows:
a) The Chatsworth Post Office has been burgled 8 times in the last 3 weeks - with access gained via a window, roof and the front door.
There was substantial damage to the branch infrastructure including network cabling and network points. Points of Sale were also stolen. Notwithstanding the damage and operational challenges, the Post Office has remained open, however, offering limited services to customers whilst some repairs were undertaken.
b) The branch has been fully operational from 02 March 2023 and able to provide online transactions including, Postbank and card swapping transactions.
Repairs to the structural damage to the branch is dependent on the availability of funding. The replacement of stolen work stations can only take place upon finalisation of the agreement/contract with the selected service provider and is also dependent on the availability of funding.
Thank You.
PQ 417 Ms D Kohler (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
18 April 2023 - NW1198
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
What is the (a) total number of children who died in public health facilities in each province since 1 January 2013, (b) detailed breakdown of the reasons for each death and (c) number of deaths that were due to unnatural causes?
Reply:
a) Total number of children (0 – 59 months ) who died in public health facilities in each province since 1 January 2013 to December 2022 (ten years period)
Table1: Children who died in public health facilities by province since 1 January 2013 to December 2022 (ten years period)
Organisation unit name |
Value |
Eastern Cape |
25 189 |
Free State |
10 189 |
Gauteng |
38 243 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
38 711 |
Limpopo |
24 744 |
Mpumalanga |
14 226 |
Northern Cape |
5 107 |
North West |
10 300 |
Western Cape |
11 736 |
Source DHIS
(b) Detailed breakdown of the reasons for each death
Provision of individual cause of children’s death to the house contravenes section35 of the Protection of personal information Act (POPIA), aggregated data on common causes of deaths in children are diarrhoea and pneumonia, including the underlying causes such as severe and moderate acute malnutrition, are collected routinely through the district health information system.
Table 2: Causes and underlying causes of deaths from 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2022
Data name |
TOTAL |
Pneumonia death under 5 years |
10,216 |
Diarrhoea death under 5 years |
9491 |
Moderate acute malnutrition death under 5 years |
1410 |
Severe acute malnutrition death under 5 years |
11172 |
Source DHIS
(c) Number of deaths that were due to unnatural causes?
Number of child deaths due to unnatural causes in public health facilities may not project accurate picture across the country as final causes are documented following the forensic report analysis. Statistics South Africa, Home Affairs and South African Police Service provides accurate information as shown in the table below.
Table 7: Non-natural deaths from 2013 to 2018
Year |
Non-natural deaths |
% under-5 deaths |
2013 |
2 452 |
7.0 |
2014 |
2 496 |
7.3 |
2015 |
2 509 |
7.9 |
2016 |
2 364 |
8.3 |
2017 |
2 0 4 |
7.9 |
2018 |
2 199 |
8.4 |
Source: StatsSA
END.
18 April 2023 - NW881
Denner, Ms H to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
With regard to the R34 million deficit faced by the Netball World Cup organising committee less than five months before the specified tournament is to be held in Cape Town, (a) what is the reason for the specified deficit and (b) how will it be resolved to avoid an embarrassment for Netball South Africa and the Republic in the eyes of the international netball community?
Reply:
According to the information received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture:
(a) The Netball World Cup Organizing Committee in its response and in terms of the information recently presented to the Department has indicated that their budget shows a possible surplus.
(b) Based on the reply to part (a) of the question, reply to part (b) of the question falls away since there is no deficit.
18 April 2023 - NW928
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether the National Student Financial Aid Scheme has set up guidelines for capping student accommodation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
NSFAS is currently implementing the 2023 Conditions and Criteria for Funding Students which includes the current cap of R45 000 for student accommodation. There are no other guidelines that propose a different cap.
Clause 5.3.5.6.2 and 5.3.2.6.3 of the 2023 Conditions and Criteria for Funding Students are as follow:
- 5.3.5.6.2 Students living in institution owned accommodation, or leased accommodation qualify for a capped annual accommodation allowance of up to R45,000 per annum.
- 5.3.5.6.3 Students living in accredited private accommodation qualify for a capped accommodation allowance of up to R45,000 per annum.
18 April 2023 - NW1006
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(a) What is the reason that his department has not acted with regard to the reported exploitation of our people by foreigners such as a number of industrial workers around the Sithebe industrial area, in the eMandeni Local Municipality, who have requested intervention from his department in relation to their exploitation by primarily Chinese employers where they are paid below the minimum wage and (b) by what date does his department intend to hold the businesses that are exploiting our people accountable?
Reply:
(a) In the previous three financial years the department has conducted a total number of 128 inspections and prosecuted 10 employers (see Annexure 2 and 3 - Employers inspected and prosecuted)
Financial Year |
Inspections Conducted |
Employers referred for prosecution |
2020/21 |
61 |
05 |
2021/22 |
32 |
03 |
2022/23 |
35 |
02 |
Total |
128 |
10 |
There are also inspections that were conducted with ICOREF which is a multi-disciplinary Committee led by KZN Department of Economic Development.
On the 01/02/2023 SAPS cluster meeting was held to plan joint inspections that incorporates Department of Employment and Labour, Department of Home Affairs and SAPS iLembe cluster. During the meeting SAPS confirmed their powers to break in if an employer refuse to open the gates, since most of Chinese deny entry of Labour inspectors and when reporting to SAPS Nyoni police station, we were advised that it is not their jurisdiction.
On the 08/02/2023 the first joint Inspection was conducted at Members Fashion Co-operative. With the SAPS iLembe cluster and Home Affairs officials present, the security guard was forced to open that gate. Inspection was successfully conducted and that employer has since referred for prosecution on 24/03/2023.
The plan of the Department Employment and labour during 2023/24 is to work hand in hand with South African Police Services iLembe cluster and Home Affairs Northern district in order to be assisted with entry should employers denied entry as well as to hold foreigners and to enforce their laws since it administered by them.
(b) As per the Provincial Year Planner, the scheduled dates for Isithebe Clothing and Textile Blitz Inspections is the 5-9 June 2023.
18 April 2023 - NW1196
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
What is the total number of emergency beds that were taken up by cases relating to vigilantism, mob and/or community justice in each province (a) in (i) 2020 and (ii) 2021 and (b) since 1 January 2023?
Reply:
In terms of the National Indicator Dataset, the hospital beds are classified according to disciplines in which patients are admitted. The Department of Health does not have record of beds that were taken up by cases relating to vigilantism, mob and/or community justice in all provinces.
END.
18 April 2023 - NW1001
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Finance
What (a) is the total debt owed by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to (i) local and (ii) foreign lenders and (b) measures does the National Treasury have in place to ensure some oversight over local municipal borrowing from financial institutions?
Reply:
a) The Consolidated 2021/22 Audited Annual Financial Statements for eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality reported the following breakdown on Borrowings:
- Local Lenders = R9 billion
- Foreign Lenders – Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) = R233 million
Total = R9.2 billion
It should be noted that in terms of Section 47 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, municipalities are not allowed to incur any debt in any foreign currency, and must ensure its debt is denominated in Rands.
b) As part of the oversight responsibilities, the National Treasury performs the following:
(i) The National Treasury analyses the borrowing capacity of a municipality by evaluating the size of the Gearing Ratios – total borrowing liabilities divided by the total operating revenue (also an indicator used to determine if a municipality is in financial distress).
(ii) When a municipality intends to borrow from the authorised financial service providers (lenders), they are required to obtain National Treasury’s views in terms of Section 46 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003. A decision to borrow or not is the prerogative of a municipal council.
(iii) National Treasury has put in a place a Borrowing Policy Framework (which has been endorsed by Cabinet on the 17th of August 2022). The Policy sets out the following principles:
- Creditworthy municipalities should borrow prudently to finance capital investment and fulfil their constitutional responsibilities;
- Municipal access to private capital, based on investors’ evaluation of municipal creditworthiness, this is key to efficient local government and fiscal discipline as their financial sustainability is seen from an objective perspective;
- Municipalities should borrow in the context of long-term financial strategies, which reflect clear priorities and the useful life of assets; and
- Neither national nor provincial government will underwrite or guarantee municipal borrowing, again contributing to fiscal discipline as it would lead local government to think carefully on how they approach the borrowing market.
18 April 2023 - NW1137
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Finance
Noting recent reports that the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality used the declaration of the state of disaster to circumvent proper procurement processes, which resulted in the awarding of a contract to the value of R24,6 million (details furnished), and noting that the Republic is currently in a state of disaster, what preventative measures has his department put in place to ensure that, in the event of spending related to a state of disaster, there is no repeat of situations similar to what happened at the specified municipality?
Reply:
National Treasury issued MFMA circular 117 on 04 May 2022 titled “SCM Circular on reporting of procurement in response to the National State of Disaster as a result of severe weather events”
The purpose of the circular was mainly to provide a framework in relation to procurement in response to the national state of disaster as a result of the severe weather events and a need for greater transparency on procurement and expenditure related to the disaster.
All municipalities and municipal entities affected by the flood disaster, must when procuring goods and services, follow section 217 of the Constitution, the Municipal Finance Management Act and its regulations and circulars as well as supply chain management policies of institutions.
In addition to MFMA circular 117, National Treasury issued MSCOA Circular 14 on 16 May 2022 to give effect to the recording of disaster events in mSCOA.
Reporting and monitoring
As contained in MFMA circular 117, all municipalities and municipal entities affected by the disaster are required to report all disaster-related transactions on a weekly basis effective from 13 May 2022. Furthermore, all municipalities and municipal entities are required to report monthly as per sections 71(1) and 87(11) of MFMA for both municipalities and municipal entities respectively.
National Treasury has advised all municipalities and municipal entities affected by the disaster to utilize their internal audit units to undertake preventative audits for quality assurance on procurement to respond to the effects of the damage caused by floods.
The reporting template provided in MFMA circular 117 requires affected municipalities and municipal entities to report weekly and both MFMA section 71(1) (municipalities) and section 87(11) (municipal entities) reports to provide real-time information that will allow Auditor General to conduct real-time audits.
The aim of the real-time audits is to prevent, detect, and report on the findings to ensure an immediate response to prevent leakage, potential fraud, financial mismanagement and wastage.
The Auditor-General of South Africa will further provide real-time insights into the management and usage of funds earmarked for disaster relief in accordance with the objectives and targets set for those funds.
18 April 2023 - NW861
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4587 on 3 January 2023, which did not provide a reply to what he intends to do with the cohort of students who would be unable to enrol in tertiary institutions in 2023, he would clarify his intentions in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) noting that he stated in his reply that the question could only be adequately replied to in 2023, what (a) provisions has his department made for the excess number of students who may not be accommodated at the available institutions of higher learning and (b) total number of young persons who applied for entry into institutions of higher learning for 2023 were not absorbed by the relevant institutions?
Reply:
1. I held a press conference on 24 January 2023 with the focus on post school education and training sector state of readiness for academic year 2023. The press conference outlined the career pathing of all learners, including those could not be accommodated in tertiary institutions.
2. (a) The Department continues to encourage prospective students to look beyond universities as the only option to training, particularly when the economic demands align more closely with skills of those located in the TVET sector. The Department is also marketing of STEM related qualifications, where student interest is limited, notwithstanding the spaces that are available.
Students who could not be accommodated in our higher learning institutions (i.e. universities), as shared during the press conference on 24 January 2023 can access other post school opportunities as follows:
- Skills Development Opportunities
For the 2023/24 financial year, the entire SETA system has set itself the following targets, as part of expanding post-school opportunities:
- 110 500 workplace-based learning (WBL) opportunities;
- 149 000 learners registered in skills development programs;
- 23 000 learners entering artisanal programs;
- 21 000 learners passing artisanal trades;
- 32 550 learners completing learnerships; and
- 6 450 learners completing internships.