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14 September 2020 - NW1846

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

(1) In view of his indication that plans for theformalisation of the taxi industry are at an advanced stage, what are the reevant details of the specified plan: (2)whether the plan includes (a) a subsidy for the ordinary taxi operator (b) minibus-taxis in the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network of each town; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

1. formalisation in this context means that operators in the taxi industry would have to operate as registered businesses in the formal economy and comply with all regulatory requirements for operating a business. The Department is planning a National Taxi Lekgotlaat the end of October 2020, which will provide a platform to all stakeholders to start engaging on issues affecting the taxi industry includingformalisation. The Department launched a Public Discourse Platform on Thursday, 20th August 2020 where civil society is provided with an opportunity to make inputs on these matters.

(2) whether the plan includes

(a) a subsidy for the ordinary taxi operator

Subsidy is for the end user and therefore subsidy for the taxi industry would be looking assist the end user and not necessarily the taxi operator;

(b) minibus-taxis in the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network of each town; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Public transport subsidisation is implemented in response to a wide range of transport objectives but mainly to make transport services affordable and accessible to the user. Direct operational subsidy applies exclusively to formalised public transport services through contracting. Therefore formalization is critical for the taxi industry to participate in the integrated public transport networks implemented in different cities, where each mode plays its role in terms of the IPTN plans including minibus taxis.

 

NW2242E

14 September 2020 - NW2037

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport

What (a) plans are in place to (i) have the South African airspace open and (ii) allow additional airlines to operate, (b) airlines will be involved, (c) routes will be involved and (d) are the respective time frames in each case?

Reply:

What (a) plans are in place to

(i) have the South African airspace open and

Yes, the South African Airspace is open

(ii) allow additional airlines to operate,

We currently have twelve (12) Scheduled operations in South Africa, CLASS I

(1.) Mango,

(2.) SA Airlink,

(3) Cobra Airlines,

(4.) Safair Operations,

(5) FlygoAir Ltd,

(6.) Cemair

(7) Graphyon Airlines SA

(8.)Magestic Air MEGA and out of the 12 the04 Airlines are on Provisional liquidation,

(1.) SAA;

(2.) SA Express;

(3.) Kulula Comair/ British Airways and;

(4.) Fly Blue Crane.

The Domestic Airspace is South Africa is fully opened to ensure that South African Domestic market gains a traction before we can allow any Foreign Airlines comes.

(b) airlines will be involved,

(c) routes will be involved and

The Domestic Market is not route based, it is deregulated and any person who is licensed by notification to Council they are then allowed to service any point of Airport in South Africa,

(d) are the respective time frames in each case?

There are no specific timelines.

What (a) plans

The Government has post COVID plans in place available as and when the Health Departments advise on the balancing of the COVID curve by South African to allow the opening of the Airspace.

The South African Airspace is still not opened for the International flight. The Current flights that are being conducted by International Airlines for Humanitarian, repatriation and Evacuation purposes.

As you may be aware under Lookdown Level 3 the Minister of Home Affairs proclaimed under the Disaster Management Act that South African are permitted to travel outside of the Republic for only three purposes, WORK, STUDY and Medical Reasons.

14 September 2020 - NW2011

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Seitlholo, Mr IS to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) What amounts from the annual allocations of the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant were allocated to North West from the 2011-12 to 2019-20 financial years and (b) of the allocated funds for the above financial years, what amount (i) did the North West Department of Public Works and Roads use and (ii) of the funds was unspent and sent back to National Treasury?

Reply:

Since introduction of the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant (PRMG) in 2011, a total amount of R7 665 588 000.00 have been allocated to the province with the total expenditure of R5 843 912 000.00 between the financial years 2011/12 and 2019/20 as a supplementary grant to the equitable share allocation for the maintenance of the strategic secondary road network.

The detailed breakdown on the budget allocated, Expenditure and unspent amount is provided on the table below

PROVINCIAL ROADS MAINTENACE GRANT - BUDGET - 2011-2020

FINANCIAL YEARS

BUDGET

TOTAL EXPENDITURE (ACTUAL)

AMOUNT NOT SPENT

2011/2012

497 186 000.00

343 277 462.00

153 908 538.00

2012/2013

594 790 000.00

370 872 295.00

223 917 705.00

2013/2014

511 514 000.00

486 187 472.00

25 326 528.00

2014/2015

766 560 000.00

562 116 076.00

204 443 924.00

2015/2016

807 810 000.00

820 907 000.00

-13 097 000.00

2016/2017

867 524 000.00

619 401 000.00

248 123 000.00

2017/2018

932 884 000.00

908 168 000.00

24 716 000.00

2018/2019

1 341 407 887.00

678 492 243.00

662 915 644.00

2019/2020

1 345 917 000.00

1 054 491 893.00

291 425 107.00

TOTAL

7 665 588 000.00

5 843 912 000.00

1 821 681.000.00

14 September 2020 - NW2010

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Seitlholo, Mr IS to ask the Minister of Transport

What amount of the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant has his department allocated to the Department of Public Works and Roads in North West for the construction of (a) D210 from Cokonyane to Modimong and (b) D201 from Pampierstad to Matlapaneng roads respectively?

Reply:

As the Hounarable Member may be aware, the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant (PRMG) is a schedule 4 grant created to supplement the provincialinvestments for road infrastructuremaintenance(routine, periodic and special maintenance) and the repair of roads and bridges damaged by unforeseen incidents, including natural disasters. The grant does allow 25% of the total allocation to do improvements and upgrades from gravel to surface. All new facilities are to be funded from the provincial equitable share as published in the Division of Revenue Act (DoRA).

The construction of road D210 and D201 from gravel to tar cantherefore be addressed from the equitable share as well as the 25% of the grant allocation.

The Department of Public Works and Roads confirmed that the two roads are in their plan and will be constructed in accordance with the priorities made in 2012 by the communities of the Greater Taung Local Municipality. To that extent, priority 2 and 3 on the North West list of projects are underway and are towards completion. The Road D201 and D210 appear as priorities number 4 and number 5 on their list respectively therefore they will be constructed as per their priority program.

14 September 2020 - NW1589

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Which of the entities reporting to him currently have (a)(i) filled and (ii) vacant positions on their Boards and (b) an acting (i) chief executive officer and (ii) chief financial officer; (2) what is the total (a) number of employees in each entity that are currently on any form of suspension, (b) number of months combined of suspended staff members in each entity and (c) cost to company expenditure in respect of all staff currently under suspension in each entity?

Reply:

Airport of South Africa (ACSA)

(1)(a)(i)

Name

Position

Appointment Date

Advocate SandileNogxina

Board Chairman

9 November 2018

Ms NosizweNokwe - Macamo

Non-executive Director and Lead Independent

01 September 2018

Ms KemiraEsterhuizen

Non-executive Director (PIC Nominee)

17 December 2019

Mr PascalisMokupo

Non-executive Director

01 September 2018

Ms PhydelisNtombifuthiZikalalaMvelase

Non-executive Director

01 September 2018

Ms NompumeleloMpofu

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

01 February 2020

Mr SiphamandlaMthethwa

Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer

01 May 2020

Mr YershenPillay

Non-executive Director

01 September 2018

Mr Nqobizitha Irvin Phenyane

Non-executive Director

01 September 2018

Mr Graeme Alvan Victor

Non-executive Director (PIC Nominee)

15 December 2019

(1)(a)(ii) The maximum number of Board members is twelve, including the CEO and CFO, and there are ten Board members, including the CEO and CFO.

(1)(b)(i) No, Ms N Mpofu assumed duties as ACSA Chief Executive Officer on 1 February 2020.

(1)(b)(ii) No, Mr S Mthethwa assumed duties as ACSA Chief Financial Officer on 1 May 2020.

a) number of employees in each entity that are currently on any form of suspension

12 employees

b) number of months combined of suspended staff members in each entity

84 (eighty-three) months

c) cost to company expenditure in respect of all staff currently under suspension

R1,386, 297

Air Traffic Navating Services (ATNS)

a) (i) All Board positions are filled except for the Chief Executive Officer, which is also a Director position.

(ii) Only the Chief Executive Officer position, is vacant

b) (i) There is a Delegated Chief Executive Officer

(ii) The position of a Chief Financial Officer is filled

(2) (a)Seven (7)

(b) 13 months. Six were suspended on 02 June 2019 and one was suspended on 24 May 2019

All cases are due for completion by the end of August 2020.

2 (c) As at end of June 2020, salaries to the value of R4 999 959, 44 have been paid to the suspended employees

Cross Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA)

(1) The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) has (a)(ii) 4 vacant positions in the Board and (b) an acting Chief Executive Officer and (ii) a full time Chief Financial Officer;

(2) (a) The C-BRTA has 2 employees on suspension (b) 23 (13 and 10 respectively) months combined of suspended staff members (c) The cost to company in respect of all staff currently under suspension for the C-BRTA is R 4 322 818,08

Road Accident Fund (RAF)

(1) The Road Accident Fund (RAF) currently has (a)(i) ten filled positions and (ii) three vacant positions on its Board and (b)(i) has an acting chief executive officer and (ii) acting chief financial officer;

(2) (a) The RAF currently has nine employees on suspension, (b) for a combined total of 40 months suspension and (c) for the total cost to company expenditure in respect of all staff currently under suspension of R1 942 648.99.

Road Transport Infringement Agency (RTIA)

1. (a) (i)None.

(ii)Board vacancies still exist and its appointment process underway and awaiting cabinet approval.

(b)(i) None;

(ii) None;

2. (a) 1 Employee: Mr MphoNtsana.

(b) Five (5) months.

(c) R 109 525,00

South African Maritime Safety Authority ( SAMSA)

1. (a) None

(ii) There are currently two vacancies at the Board

(b) (i) There is an appointed Acting CEO, awaiting Shareholder appointment of a permanent CEO.

(ii)There is a permanent CFO in place who is going on retirement in the next few months, a recruitment process was finalized and a new appointment (replacement) almost finalized.

2. (a) One

(b) 10 months by 26 July 2020

(c)R1, 136,799.34

South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

1. (a)(i) The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Board positions have all been filled. (ii)

There are no vacancies on the Board. (b) (i) The entity does not have an acting Chief Executive Officer (ii)The entity does not have an acting Chief Financial Officer. Both positions are filled.

2. (a) The SACAA currently has one (1) employee on suspension (b) the employee has been on suspension for a period of nine(9) months (c) at a cost to company of R 68 403.01 per month which is R 615627,09 for the nine months period. The employee is currently undergoing a disciplinary hearing which is in the final stages and should be concluded at the end of July 2020.

The hearing was delayed because of lockdown.

Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA)

  1. The Ports Regulator has (a)(i) filled the board positions effective 01 June 2020 for a 3-year term. (ii) N/A. (b)(i) The Ports Regulator does have a Chief Executive Officer in place, (ii) There is a Chief Financial Officer in Place as well.
  2. There are no employees who are (a) on suspension, (b) N/A, (c) N/A.

Railway Safety Regulations (RSR)

1. (a) (i) There’s currently one (1) vacancy on the RSR Board

(ii) Board Members are appointed on a month to month basis.

(b) (i) The RSR currently has an Acting Chief Executive Officer

2. The RSR currently has no employees on suspension

South African National Roads Limited (SANRAL)

(i) Filled positions:

Board of Directors’ Details

Occupational Level

Name & Surname

Job title

 

MrThembaMhambi

Independent Non-executive Board member (Chairperson)

Non-executive director

MrSkhumbuzoMacozoma

Executive Board member (CEO of SANRAL)

Executive director

Ms Avril Halstead

Non-executive Board member

Non-executive director

Mr Robert Haswell

Independent Non-executive Board member

Non-executive director

MsLungileMadlala

Independent Non-executive Board member

Non-executive director

MrThamsanqaMatosa

Independent Non-executive Board member

Non-executive director

Mr Alec Moemi

Non-executive Board member

Non-executive director

(ii) Vacant positions:

SANRAL has one vacant position for an independent, non-executive board member.

(b)Executive positions:

(i) Acting Chief Executive Officer:

(ii) Acting Chief Financial Officer:

The positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are filled, there are no vacancies existing or acting personnel occupying the positions:

Executive’s details

Employment

Personnel Number

First Name

Last Name

Entry Date

Type of Appointment

Position

195

Inge

Mulder

4/1/2003

Permanent

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

637

Skhumbuzo Dennis

Macozoma

12/1/2016

Fixed Term Contract (5yr)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

(2) what is the total (a) number of employees in each entity that are currently on any form of suspension, (b) number of months combined of suspended staff members in each entity and (c) cost to company expenditure in respect of all staff currently under suspension in each entity? NW1972E

SANRAL: Employees on suspension:

a) Employees on suspension

b) No. of months combined of suspended staff

c) Cost to company expenditure

0

0

0

There are currently no employees on suspension in SANRAL, therefore no cost associated with suspensions to report.

Passenger Rail of South Africa (PRASA)

(1) (a) (i) & (ii) Currently PRASA does not have a Board.

(b) (i) The Chief Executive Officer position is still vacant

(ii) The CFO vacancy is filled

(2) Suspensions

a) 49

b) 377

c) R2 884 260.86

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)

1. a) The RTMC Board currently has (i) nine filled positions and (ii) one vacant position

b) Not applicable

2. The total number of RTMC employees currently on suspension is

(a) Four

(b) The number of months they have been suspended is 11.

(c)  The cost to company expenditure in respect of all staff currently on suspension is R1 052 399.98.

14 September 2020 - NW1541

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Mey, Mr P to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Whether there have been any delays at South African ports with the unloading, processing and transport of imported goods out of the harbours during the Covid-19 lockdown period; if so, (a) what are the relevant details, (b) what are the reasons for such delays, (c) what is the estimated loss to the economy, (d) what measures are being put in place to address the delays and (e) how long does he envisage will the delays still occur;

Reply:

There were some delays at South African ports with the unloading processing and transportation of imported goods out of the harbours during the hard Covid–19 lockdown which would fall under Level 5 however it must be stressed out that only the Port of Durban that was heavily affected due to the type of cargo it handles and the role it playes not only in South Africa’s economy but also in landlock countries in the SADC region.

a) During the first two weeks of the lockdown it was only the essentiasl cargo that was allowed to leave the port terminals and this was only for container terminals as most of the cargo being handled in such terminals is largley for manufactured goods. It was immdedialy discovered that approach was counter productive because the terminal stacking capacity was getting fuller and it was difficult to pick and choose which cargo that should be prioritsed. As a principle of efficiency in terminal managment the terminal must always be kept 50% full so that flow of cargo in and out of the terminal is optimised. There was therefore a decision taken to allow non essential cargo to leave the container terminals as bonded cargo to Customs approved warehouses and also to Shipping Liner’s warehouses in an effort to decongest the container terminals and that proved to be the best decision

b) The delays were caused by the arrival of the non essential and essential cargo at the same time sometimes both essential and non essential goods would be in the same container which proved to be catastrophic in trying to separate the imported goods. Another challenge the number of employees that were operational during the hard lockdown was heavily reduced for example in the Port of Durban only two gangs (gang is the shift or a number of people on one shift) were operational at any given time compare to five gangs and only two berths thatt were allocated to the shipping lines.

c) What is the estimated loss to the economy, the question should not be looked at in isolation with overall economic impact that came with COVID-19. But Transnet National Ports Authority is projecting not less 20% of revenue loss due to COVID-19. It will however be important to do an indepth study on the impact of COVID-19 within the maritme value chain.

d) Transnet National Ports Authority as a landord of the South African port system is now providing all supporting services at full capacity to support the activities in the ports such as marine and pilotage services and Transnet Ports Terminal which is the main the terminal operator especially of containers sector and is still ramping up the operations especially in the Port of Cape Town where the latest most delays have been prevalent which is the indication that what is happening in this country on the number of COVID-19 infections has also affected the port employees

e) The recent delays have largely been in one port which is the Port of Cape Town and these delays have been in two folds:

  1. The port workers have heavily been affected by high infection rates particulary in Cape Town which affected the number of employees coming to work and subsequently the poor productivity
  2. The state of Transnet Ports Terminal equipments has been a major concern for the port users and Transnet has adviced that it is a matter that is given urgent attention. It is however advisable that Department of Public Enterprises is the right Department to present those plans and interventions.

(2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

The Ministry does not deem it necessary at this stage. The Minister is however amendable should the house deem it appropriate

07 September 2020 - NW1910

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

How much income has the economy lost due to truck protests and arson attacks in the past three financial years?

Reply:

1. Impact of strikes by truck drivers and arson attacks on the economy (income lost)

South Africa trades with the rest of Africa and is largely through road transportation. The unrests within the road freight transport are negatively affecting the movements of goods and services in the country and the entire continent.

The embarking of strikes by South African truck drivers can be traced back to at least 2017. On 1 March 2017, the disgruntled truck drivers from coal sector organised a march to Union Buildings, which was against the contracting of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) by Eskom. They thought the move by Eskom will affect coal transportation industry and many people would lose their jobs.

  • 1.1 Costs and Damages

The tensions between South African and foreign truck drivers have been ongoing for few years now. Most strikes that have happened in the country are against the employment of foreign truck drivers because, South Africans are concerned of the dominance of foreign nationals in not only the trucking industry, but also in other sectors given the high unemployment rate in the country.

The drivers from various truck unions (including All Truck Drivers Foundation) are calling for truck owners to refrain from employing foreign truck drivers in order to preserve jobs for South African. The All Truck Drivers Foundations (ATDF) argues that foreign drivers are being preferred when it comes to employment. It is unfortunate that most of the strikes turned violent.

These truck protests have a negative impact on trade in the country. The blockade of roads affects movements of other road users within the country. The motorists had to use alternative routes or be delayed on their business activities. As a result, two freight trucks were attacked and torched, which were carrying products bound for a grocery store; that led to the closure of the N1 highway near Paarl in Western Cape.

Some protests by truck drivers are over a wage dispute, which resulted in burning of trucks. This happed in April 2018 in Mooi River toll plaza, Kwa Zulu Natal.

According to Road Freight Association, the costs of attacks on trucks is about R1.2 billion with 1200 vehicles and cargo destroyed.

  • 1.2 Income contribution

According to Land Transport Survey, which was released by Statistics South Africa in 2018, 77.3% of freight categorised as land freight in South Africa is hauled on its roads, accounting for 73.8% of total land freight income. Figure 1 indicates year-on-year percentage in freight transportation (income at current prices) from Land Transport Survey (P7162), monthly statistical releases.

Figure 1: Percentage Change of Income from Road Freight Transportation

Data Source: Land Transport Survey (StatsSA)

Level of income in the road freight has been increasing in 2017 and 2018. According to StatsSA’s Land Transport Survey, income from road freight transportation has increased by 11.9% and 9.8% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. However, there was a decline of 0.7% in 2019.

As illustrated in Figure 1, income from road freight transportation recorded an increase in all months of 2017 despite a march organised by truck drivers to Union Buildings in Pretoria.

In 2018, there was an increase in income in all months, except only decrease of 3% that occurred in June. The decrease of income in June 2018 was due to truck drivers’ protest regarding a wage dispute and demanding that foreigners should not be permitted to drive trucks in the country.

In 2019, income from road freight transportation decreased from July until the end of the year. This was mainly due to continuous tensions between local and foreign truck drivers. The local drivers accused foreigners of stealing their jobs, while International Cross-Border Traders Association (ICTA) also threatened to prevent SA registered trucks and buses to travel outside borders of SA if the industrial action went ahead.

The effect of COVID-19 and lockdown was experienced in the road freight transport in 2020. The road freight industry recorded a highest drop in income of 40.2%, 21.3% and 18.3% in April, May and June, respectively, which are the highest decline over the past three years. The recent tension occurred in June 2020 and culminated in violence, with trucks being set alight in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Western Cape.

07 September 2020 - NW1759

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(1) What (a) are the names of the security companies that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has contracted with in each of the Metrorail corridors per station in each province in the past three financial years and (b) is the (i) start date, (ii) duration and (iii) current status of each specified contract; (2) (a) what number of security staff are employed by Prasa, (b) for what purpose and (c) where have the specified security staff been deployed?

Reply:

(a) (i), (ii) and (iii): See table below.

 

2. (a) The total number of security staff employed by PRASA is 2 420.(b) Seetable link below.

https://pmg.org.za/files/1/RNW1759Table1.pdf 
 

(c) See table linkbelow.

https://pmg.org.za/files/RNW1759Table2.pdf 

07 September 2020 - NW1908

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)What mechanisms has his department put in place to curb any future disruptions in the road freight sector due to protests arising from unhappiness related to the employment of foreign nationals as truck drivers, as has been seen recently on or about 7 July 2020; (2) what number of (a) South African nationals and (b) foreign nationals are currently employed in the road freight industry in each province?NW2423E

Reply:

1. At national level, the Department of Transport led by the Department of Employment and Labouris a participant in a National Task Team (NTT) and Inter-Ministerial Task Team which have been constituted at address issues related to employment of foreign nationals, legislative and policy review.The NTT has recently been incorporated within the operational structures of the National Joint Operations Centre (NATJOC).In addition to the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Transport, the NTT is further made up of the Department of Home Affairs, the Bargaining Council and the SAPS. A comprehensive action plan with time frames and deliverables have been compiled and is currently been monitored at the NATJOC level. At a Provincial level, the Provincial Task Team was constituted to address operational issues within the KZN Province and is led by the office of the Premier of the KZN Province.

2. The information has been sourced from the National Bargaining Council and is listed in Table 1 and 2 below. It must be stated that the numbers below pertains only to those companies which are registered with Bargaining Council and fall within its scope

(a) South African nationals per Province

Province

Number of SA nationals

Gauteng

65952

Kwa Zulu Natal

16098

Western Cape

18768

Northern Cape

1269

Eastern Cape

5959

Northwest

2614

Mpumalanga

7910

Limpopo

1209

Free State

3654

Total

123433

b) Foreign Nationals Per Province

Province

Number of foreign nationals

Gauteng          

4512

Kwa -Zulu Natal                 

1759

Western Cape

1089

Northern Cape

104

Eastern Cape  

164

Northwest     

317

Mpumalanga

845

Limpopo           

108

Free State     

485

Total

9383

07 September 2020 - NW1740

Profile picture: Hunsinger, Mr CH

Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

What number of (a) claims were received by the Road Accident Fund in the past three years and (b) the specified claims (i) were challenged and (ii) went to trial?

Reply:

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) (a) received 297,610claims[1] in the past three years and (b) (i) 151,530of the claims received were, or are, challenged[2] and (ii) 45,075of the challenged claims were settled by way of a court order[3], of which the exact number of the matters which went on trial could not be ascertained at the time of this response[4].

However, it is important to mention that a study conducted by Professor Hennie Klopperon the RAF mattersset down on the court roll in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria revealed that 99.56 % of the matters are settled at the doorstep of court and less than 1% (0.45%) proceed to trial. This study was done in the Pretoria High Court which has the highest number of litigated matters countrywide. Although the research focused on Pretoria, the RAFs observation is that this is reflective of the general trend in all the courts in SA. RAF matters gets settled by both parties and the settlement agreements are then made orders of court. We attached herewith for ease of reference the article by Prof Klopper[5]

  1. This number includes personal claims, but excludes supplier claims.

  2. Summons was served on the RAF in these matters.

  3. This number is inclusive of settlements made an order of court and judgments by the court.

  4. The RAF’s claim system does not have an indicator that allows for the identification of claims that went on trial and where judgment was delivered by the court.

  5. Prof Hennie Klopper is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Private Law at University of Pretoria and a legal practitioner at HB Klopper Attorney in Pretoria

04 September 2020 - NW1724

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Mabhena, Mr TB to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether his department has distributed any sanitisers to (a) taxi associations and/or (b) taxi ranks throughout the Republic; if so, (i) what total number of sanitisers, (ii) at what total cost to his department and (iii) how long does he envisage the specified programme will last?

Reply:

a) The Department has not distributed any sanitizers directly to taxi associations and taxi ranks. To assist Provincial Authorities the Department procured and delivered the below listed quantities of sanitizer bottles and refills during April 2020 and May 2020. All items procured were delivered and handed over to Provincial Offices for distribution. National Treasury has approved and mandated Provinces and Local Authorise to utilise a percentage of allocated Grant Funding to procure PPE’s for the transport industry. As such procurement of masks and other PPE’s are done at provincial and local level.

(i) Sanitizers 1litre refillable bottles for each taxi for use by drive and passengers- 153 257 delivered and paid.

Sanitisers 20 litre refill-2609 delivered and paid.

(ii) Sanitisers 1litre refillable bottles for each taxi for use by driver and passengers- total cost was

R4 616 634.72 (R29.84 per unit)

Sanitisers 20litre refill- total cost was R3 988 620.00 (R1 661,93 for 20 litre)

(iii) The Department’s programme was an initial (during level 5 lockdown) assistance, as to assist

Provicial Authorities National Treasury has mandated Provinces and Local Authorities to utilise a percentage of allocated Grant Funding to procure PPE’s for the transport industry. As such ongoing procurement and implementation of the programme is done at provincial and local level

04 September 2020 - NW1723

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Mabhena, Mr TB to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Whether his department has distributed any face masks in the past two months; if so, (a) what number of face masks have been issued and distributed to (i) taxi ranks and/or (ii) taxi associations throughout the Republic and (b) on what dates were the specified face masks delivered in each case; (2) whether there was acknowledgment of receipt in each case; if so, will he furnish Mr T B Mabhena with a copy of such correspondence; (3) whattotal amount has his department paid in the past two months for the issuing and distribution of face masks to taxi ranks and/or taxi organizations throughout the Republic?

Reply:

1. The Department did not distribute any masks in the past two months. National Treasury has mandated Provinces and Local Authorities to utilise a percentage of allocated Grant Funding to procure PPE’s for transport industry. As such procurement of masks and other PPE’s are done at provincial and local level.

2. Not applicable as the Department did not deliver any masks in the last two months. See response (1) supra.

3. Not applicable as the Department did not procure any masks in the last two months. See response to (1) supra.

03 September 2020 - NW1909

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)What number of truck companies are (a) part of the Bargaining Council and (b) not part of the Bargaining Council; (2) whether his department has conducted any studies to determine what number of truck companies in the road freight industry employed (a) documented and (b) undocumented foreign nationals as truck drivers in the past three financial years; if not, does his department intend to conduct such studies; if so, what number of (i) documented and (ii) undocumented foreign nationals have been found to be employed by truck companies in the road freight sector in the specified period; (3) whether his department has taken any steps against any truck company for illegally employing undocumented foreign nationals as truck drivers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?NW2424E

Reply:

1. The information sourced from the Bargaining Council states that are (a) 3121 truck companies that are currently registered with the Bargaining Council. (b) the number of truck companies not part of the Bargaining Council remains unknown as the it (Bargaining Council)keeps information on companies that are registered within its scope. It must be noted the Bargaining Council for Road Freight and Logistics has jurisdiction only on truck companies that fall within its scope, associated for transporting of goods for hire or reward

2. The Department of Transport has not conducted any study in this regard. It must be stated that this is purely a labour matter and the Department of Employment and Labour has since taken the lead in addressing this issue so much so that the Department of Transport forms part of an Interministerial Committee appointed by Cabinet as per its decision of 15 July 2020, copy of which has been attached hereto for ease of reference.

3. On an ongoing basisan integrated and multidisciplinary Joint Law Enforcements and Compliance Inspections were conducted between 01 September 2019 to 31 March 2020 by the responsible Law Enforcement Teams from SAPA, Dept. of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs and Traffic Authorities with the following outcomes:

In KZN 26 roadblocks were conducted;

23 Employers were charged;

262 undocumented truck drivers were charged; and

35 inspections at trucking companies were conducted.

The above Joint Law Enforcements and Compliance Inspections were conducted by Department Home Affairs; Department of Employment and Labour; Traffic Authorities, South African Police Service; Metro Police and the Bargaining Council.

03 September 2020 - NW1227

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Mey, Mr P to ask the Ministerof Transport

(1)Whether his department purchased any goods and/or services below the amount of R500 000 connected to the Covid-19 pandemic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the names of each company from which the specified goods and/or services were purchased, (b) is the amount of each transaction and (c) was the service and/or product that each company rendered; (2) whether there was any deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures in the specified transactions; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the relevant details in each case; (3) what were the reasons that the goods and/or services were purchased from the specified companies; (4) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

1. Procurement of Covid19 related goods below R 500 000:

Nr

Name of Service Provider

Amount

Goods/Services

 

(a)

(b)

(c)

1

Way 2 Go It Solutions

R465 000,00

PPE for DOT officials/internal use

2

Moloko Family Holdings

R141 940,00

Public Transport: Activation at Taxi Ranks

3

Mistralog

R19 300,00

PPE for DOT officials/internal use (Multiple Award)

4

Hamisa

R26 569,14

PPE for DOT officials/internal use (Multiple Award)

5

Amet

R51 750,00

PPE for DOT officials/internal use (Multiple Award)

6

Ecko-Green

R9 000,00

PPE for DOT officials/internal use (Multiple Award)

7

Ecko-Green

R6 000,00

PPE for DOT officials/internal use (Multiple Award)

8

Cherry Pickles

R175 500,00

Ministry: Outreach and DLTC's: Face Shields and Sanitizers

9

Morerishi Travel

R90 000,00

Ministry: Outreach and DLTC's: Face Shields and Sanitizers

10

Tshwane Running Shop

R22 000,00

PPE for DOT officials/internal use (Multiple Award)

11

Tshebis Projects

R16 900,00

PPE for DOT officials/internal use (Multiple Award)

12

Consumer Connectedness

R128 604.00

Disinfecting of Building

13

Rimone Wako Mzantsi

R25369.60

Disinfecting of Building

(2)(a) The Department did not foresee the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic at the commencement of the previous financial year and had therefore not budgeted for the pandemic nor planned for any tenders in the Annual Procurement Plan related hereto. However, The Department had followed all the available prescripts by the National Treasury in the COVID-19 procurement processes.

Quotations were sourced in line with the provisions of the relevant Treasury instructions and a process of multiple award approach was utilised to meet the necessary volumes requested in the distributions for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Wear

(2)(b) A report was provided of a positive Covid19 case at the Department, and Facilities Management requested that the entire building be disinfected urgently. Four companies who had provided quotes for other Covid-19related services to the Department was approached and requested to provide a quote within two (2) hours. The deviation is that under normal circumstances suppliers are given three (3) to seven (7) days to respond to quotations. In this circumstances in with the need to have the building functional as soon as possible, suppliers were given period of two hours to respond. This however is in line with provision of the Treasury Instruction Note No.5 of 2020-2021.

(3) Companies are listed under the required commodities on CSD. Quotes were received from multiple companies, and the award was done based on ranking for either price or price and preference (in cases where preference points were claimed).

(4) If the house deems it appropriate, the Minister will make a statement, but does not see any necessity at this stage.

03 September 2020 - NW1330

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

With reference to the readiness to commence with Metrorail services from 1 July 2020 as he confirmed (a) which rail lines and/or sections will be prioritised and ready for use, (b) what are the reasons for excluding other rail sections from being prioritised and ready for use and (c) what cost is associated with bringing the excluded rail sections into full service including the (i) distances in kilometres for each excluded section and (ii) number of commuters using each excluded rail section?

Reply:

a) The following rail lines will be prioritized and ready for use:

  1. Gauteng: Pretoria – Pienaarspoort
  2. Western Cape: Southern Corridor (Cape Town – Retreat)
  3. Eastern Cape: East London – Berlin
  4. Eastern Cape: Port Elizabeth – Uitenhage

The reason for excluding other rail sections from being prioritized and ready for use are:

(i) To reduce the spread of the virus by introducing limited services and then gradually increase services with time;

(ii) During lockdown, theft and vandalism continued within the network system and with theextent of damages, it is going to take longer to repair those lines with severe damages; and

(iii) Resuming with few lines provides the business the opportunity to learn how to handle passengers under COVID-19 before extending services to other lines.

c) The cost associated with bringing the excluded rail sections into full service includes COVID-19 Safety Equipment of R30 million, Security Costs of R300 million, Infrastructure (OHTE, Signals, Perway, Tele-Comms) of R301 million and Stations Costs of R9million of which:

(i) distances in kilometers for each excluded section are:

  • Umlazi – Durban – Kwamashu 61,37km
  • Naledi – Johannesburg 29,87km
  • Leralla – Johannesburg 47,48km
  • Western Cape – Northern Corridor 11,38km
  • Crossmoor – Merebank 13,50km
  • Umkomaas – Durban 83,26km

(ii) The number of commuters using each excluded rail section are:

  • Umlazi – Durban – Kwamashu 31,471
  • Naledi – Johannesburg 158,373
  • Leralla – Johannesburg 118,895
  • Western Cape – Northern Corridor 15,153
  • Crossmoor – Merebank 12,383
  • Umkomaas – Durban 15,253

03 September 2020 - NW1505

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Mabhena, Mr TB to ask the Minister of Transport

What total number of train stations on each line currently (a) have and (b) do not have functioning electricity?

Reply:

The total number of train stations on each line currently (a) having and (b) not having functioning electricity is as per the table below:

Commuter stations per region

Region Name

(a)

Available

(b)

Not Available

Total

South Gauteng

63

101

164

North Gauteng

27

41

68

KwaZulu Natal

92

10

102

Western Cape

109

15

124

Eastern Cape

22

7

29

 

313

174

487

03 September 2020 - NW1552

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

What steps has been taken by his department to ensure that Metrorail is able to (a) guarantee commuter safety, (b) protect against cable theft and vandalism of the infrastructure, (c) arrest and subsequently prosecute those responsible for vandalism of infrastructure and (d) get the service up and running to its full capacity within set time frames?

Reply:

a) PRASA resumed its Metrorail Operation on 01 July 2020, in all Regions (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng) in line with the level 3 lockdown regulations, governed by the risk adjustment strategy implemented by the Government in an attempt to limit the spread of Corona virus pandemic. The Metrorail services resumed in the following corridors at 30% capacity in line with the regulations:

Western Cape

KwaZulu-Natal

Gauteng

Eastern Cape

  • Cape Town - Retreat (Wynberg)
  • Durban - Umlazi
  • Durban - Kwamashu
  • Pienaarspoort - Pretoria
  • Port Elizabeth -Uitenhage
  • East London - Berlin

Following the Minister of Transport’s announcement on 16 July 2020 allowing commuter rail operations to increase the loading capacity to 70%, Metrorail has accordingly increase its loading capacity in the currently operating corridors to 52% from Monday, 03 August 2020, informed by the following risk-based scenarios:

52% Capacity

70% Capacity

Social distancing for standing is 0.5m apart and all seats occupied with commuters wearing masks. Total in each train set is 1161 commuters

Social distancing for standing is 0.2 to 0.3m apart and all seats occupied with commuters wearing masks. Total in each train set is 1540 commuters

Risk Mitigations

The following measures were implemented to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus:

  • All Commuters are sanitised when they enter the station precinct
  • No socialising in the train.
  • No eating in the train.
  • Maintain appropriate ventilation inside the train - Windows to be opened by at least 5cm.
  • No handshaking greetings.
  • Commuters and staff strictly wear face mask on board the train.
  • Protection Officials and Marshalls are deployed on board to enforce compliance.
  • Train surfaces are disinfected before the train trip and at turnaround stations.

In addition, commuters are encouraged not to touch surfaces where possible in order to reduce the spread of the virus.The current security arrangements remain in place and supported by platform marshals to enforce compliance with the regulations.

Metrorail will continue to monitor the associated risk and based on the lessons learned and the attendant risk assessment, increase the loading capacity to 70%, in line with the current regulations.

b) Metrorail Security continuously identify crime hot spot areas and focus actions to ensure asset protection. Teams are deployed in corridors to ensure fast and effective response. Metrorail has advertised 3000 additional security posts nationally with closing date 22 July 2020. In the interim, until 15 August 2020, available security resources will be utilised to mitigate security risks / threats.

PRASA is also involved with Joint Operations with the Rapid Rail Police to create additional capacity to address the prevailing security threats. PRASA is currently engaged in various projects to address permanent and sustainable solutions for mitigation of the security risks associated with cables and infrastructure i.e.:

  • Corridor walling;
  • Recruitment Process;
  • Monitoring Control Rooms;
  • Physical Security;
  • Armed Response;
  • E-Security solution that will deliver protective measures for mission critical assets (substations, relay rooms and high sites)
  • Intelligence Driven Security Operations with investigations and criminal forensic support; and
  • Drone operations that will focus of infrastructure and cable protection.

c) Over 140 suspects have been arrested for various acts of theft of vandalism of PRASA’s infrastructure nationally with Gauteng contributing over 90% of those arrests. Prasa is pursuing various options with specialised units of the SAPS and the NPA to ensure that perpetrators are effectively prosecuted and receive stiffer sentences are effected, these efforts have been necessitated by the ease in which bail is being granted to suspects even in instances where it is established that they are foreign citizens who might not easily be confined to the borders of RSA.

d) Services will gradually resume in line with the adopted infrastructure and security plan and in compliance with COVID-19 Directions. The focus will be on corridors with high passenger demand and with less repair work required on vandalised infrastructure and station facilities. In Gauteng, due to damage and vandalism to Overhead Traction Equipment (OHTE), services will initially be rendered using diesel traction whiles OHTE are being repaired and security services are rolled out.

The table below gives an indication of the planned resumption of services:

03 September 2020 - NW1590

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) For what purpose did the SA National Road Agency Ltd request the R7 billion loan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa and (b)(i) for which projects and/or capital expenditure projects was the loan made and (ii) where are the projects located?

Reply:

a) SANRAL did not apply for a loan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

b) (i) Not applicable

(ii) Not Applicable

03 September 2020 - NW1591

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

What is the intention of the R2,5 billion transfer to Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (e-toll) in the Adjustment Budget?

Reply:

The R2.53 billion (incl VAT) will be used for the funding requirements in the Toll Portfolio, which includes the shortfall on the collection of toll revenue from the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) as well as the servicing of debt for the portfolio.

03 September 2020 - NW1725

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Mabhena, Mr TB to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether any taxi rank in the Republic has been fumigated, disinfected and deep cleaned in the past three months; if so (a) what number of taxi ranks,(b) at what total cost to his department and (c) how were the specified taxi ranks selected? NW 2115E

Reply:

The Department did not procure any services for the disinfecting and cleaning of taxi ranks. This service has been decentralized and National Treasury has mandated Province and Local Authorities to utilise a percentage of allocated Grant Funding to procure COVID-19 related activities for transport industry. As such, the disinfecting and cleaning of taxi ranks is done at provincial and local level.

03 September 2020 - NW1760

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)What portion did the Road Accident Fund receive from the fuel levy in each month since 1 January 2020; (2) with reference to creditors paid over the past three years related to court proceedings in defence of claims, what (a) are the different categories of service providers and (b) amount was paid to each specified category?

Reply:

(1) The Road Accident Fund (RAF) received the following amounts from the fuel levy in each month since 1 January 2020:

January 2020

R 3 807 332 143.91;

February 2020

R 3 528 323 707.01;

March 2020

R 3 495 556 973.48;

April 2020

R 3 770 745 323.10;

May 2020

R 2 558 272 599.71; and

June 2020

R 1 599 970 916.97.

(2) With reference to creditors paid over the past three years related to court proceedings in defense of claims,

(a) the different categories of service providers are:

and (b) the amount that was paid to each specified category is:

Advocates for the RAF

R1 004 423 966;

Attorneys for the RAF

R7 317 065 343;

Actuaries for the RAF

R425 791 569;

Assessors for the RAF

R289 909 208;

Medical experts for the RAF

R2 055 641 965;

RAF travel and accommodation

R17 461 530;

Other RAF disbursements

R292 200 723;

Advocates for the claimant

R2 372 350 878;

Attorneys for the claimant

R7 700 134 971;

Actuaries for the claimant

R634 888 188 ;

Assessors for the claimant

R29 297 408;

Medical experts for the claimant

R4 187 898 064;

Claimant travel and accommodation

R235 652 197; and

Other claimant disbursements

R209 998 368.

03 September 2020 - NW1805

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)(a) With what amount has his department sponsored the SA National Taxi Council over the past five financial years, (b) what was the money intended for and (c) to whom are they accounting for the use of the money; (2) whether he will furnish Mrs N J Nolutshungu with the financial statement of this money for the past five financial years?

Reply:

1. (a) With what amount has his department sponsored the SA National Taxi Council over the past five financial years,

2019/2020 – R23.8m

2018/2019 – R22.5m

2017/2018 – R21.3m

2016/2017 – R20.2m

2015/2016 – R19.2m

(b) What was the money intended for and,

These fundsare allocated to SANTACO every financial year based on the recommendations of the 1996 National Taxi Task Team (NTTT), which comprised of members from Provincial Departments, National Department and the Taxi Industry. The purpose of the funding is to assist SANTACO to cover operational costs and implement key NTTT recommendations such as:

  • Formalization of the Taxi Industry
  • Regulation and Control
  • Training and Capacity Building
  • Empowerment

(c) to whom are they accounting for the use of the money;

The use of the funds is accounted to the Department.SANTACO submits a Business Plan at the beginning of each financial year and based thereon a Memorandum of Agreement is entered into with the Department. The Agreement sets the expected deliverablesand milestones and funds are only transferred upon achievement thereof.These milestones require that reporting for expenditure on a monthly basis is in place. SANTACO has to provide audited financials for the previous year’s expenditure. In the absence of these requirements, funds are withheld until such time as the records are provided.

2) whether he will furnish Mrs N J Nolutshungu with the financial statement of this money for the past five financial years? NW2197E

The Department has no objection in sharing these documents.

03 September 2020 - NW1806

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) Who are the shareholders of Taxi Recapitalisation South Africa, which was established by a certain company (name furnished) with the aid of his department, (b) what profit amount does the specified entity make by scrapping one taxi and (c) what number of taxis do they scrap in each year?

Reply:

a) Taxi Recapitalisation South Africa (TRSA) has been established on a collaborative business model between the Mini and Midi-Bus Taxi Industry (MMTI) with 60% ownership and the Contractor as technical partner with 40% ownership. The appointed Contractor is Anthus Services 84 (Pty) Ltd.

b) In terms of the Revised Taxi Recapitalisation Programme, the Contractor is required to verify the extent of illegal operations, improve the sustainability of the MMTI through leveraging commercial opportunities in the value chain and investigating the feasibility of introducing an age limit for mini and midi-bus taxis, in addition to the scrapping of old taxi vehicles and paying scrapping allowances to taxi operators. The Contractor’s contract value is based on the implementation of all therequirements mentioned above and not only on the scrapping of taxis only.

c) The budget for scrapping allowances provided in the Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks provides for the scrapping of 3693 vehicles annually. The actual number of vehicles scrapped annually is dependent on the number of qualifying applications received from the MMTI.Scrapping of old vehicles is also demand drivenand therefore the total number of vehicles scrapped each year is dependent on the operators bringing their vehicles for scrapping.

03 September 2020 - NW1807

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) What plans are in place for the Road Accident Fund to pay over R17 billion in unpaid claims that have been outstanding for more than 10 years and (b) by what date does he envisage will the backlog be cleared?

Reply:

(a) The revenue received by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) from the fuel levy is insufficient to address its claims liability, consequently one of the plans (targets) included in the RAF’s Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan, which is specifically aimed at addressing the unpaid claims debt, is for the RAF to secure a finance facility for this short-term debt and (b) the securing of the finance facility to clear the backlog is targeted for the 2020/21 financial year.

26 August 2020 - NW630

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether he has found that his visits that resulted in the gathering of crowds at taxi ranks (a) were in contravention of the regulations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and (b) put the lives of commuters at risk who may have been infected by the coronavirus; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. In respect of the intervention made at the Noord Taxi Rank, it is important that I give context to my response and to also thoroughly explain the circumstances so my answer can be appreciated within this context.

1.1 Regulation 11B(1)(a)(i) of the Disaster Management Act 2002; Amendment of Regulations issued in terms of section27(2) (the Regulations) states;

‘11B. (1) (a) For the period of lockdown-

(i) Every person is confined to his or her place of residence, unless strictly for thepurpose of the performing an essential service, obtaining an essential good or service, collecting a social grant, or seeking emergency, life-saving or chronic medical attention Emphasis added.

1.2 Category B, item 26, of Annex B to the Regulations lists as an essential service:

Services rendered by the Executive, members of Parliament, Members of the Provincial Legislature Members of Local Councils, the Judiciary, Traditional leaders, and National Office Bearers of Political Parties represented in Parliament Emphasis added.

1.3 Accordingly, during the national lockdown, I am obliged to continue rendering my services and performing my duties as Member of Parliament and of the Executive, particularly in the fight to prevent or limit infections, transmissions and the spread of the Covid-19 virus, which has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.

1.4. Consequently, on 26 March 2020, I caused to be issued Directions in terms of Regulations 10(7) of the Regulations (the Directives). Given that the COVID-19 pandemic is a moving target, the Directives were amended on 31 March 2020. The aforementioned amendment to the Directives caused much unhappiness and ructions in the taxi industry which was likely to result in nationwide protests.

1.5 As the sitting Minister of Transport, part of my duties aforesaid is educating inter alia the taxi(namely; associations, owners, drivers and queue marshals)and public commuters about the Regulations and the Directives insofar as they relate to the industry in the fight to prevent or limit infections, transmission and the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Covid-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The fight against it is not only a national but global duty. The honorable member cannot deny the importance and prioritization of his fight.

1.6 It has been widely publicized that the industry, which is obviously a major risk environment for infection, transmission and spreading of the virus was at the beginning of the national lockdown and has continue to be one of the main problem industries in the adherence to the Regulations and the measures put in place by the Government in the fight against pandemic. Consequently, the persistent and continued education of the taxi industry and commuters was identified as essential and a priority by Government, in particular the Ministry of Transport, of which I’m its head.

1.7 As Minister of Transport, I was alerted to overcrowding which was taking place in and around Noord taxi rank in Johannesburg Central Business District (the Taxi Rank) in contravention of the Regulations and the Directives, and which most concerning carried the real possibility of undoing the Governments’ efforts in the fight the pandemic. In response to this emergency.I urgently attended at the Taxi Rank to inter alia investigate the situation and to inform and educate the taxi industry and commuters about the reasons and rational behind, and the actual, measures that they must adopt in terms of the Regulations and Directives in the fight against the pandemic, being the prevention or limitation of the rate of infections, transmission and the spread of the virus.

1.8 Upon my arrival, I observed, with despair and concern, a number of contraventions of the Regulations and the Directors in and around the Taxi Rank by members of the taxi industry, commuters and general members of the public.

1.9 Consequently, exercising my duties as Minister of Transport, I inter alia gave an address to inform and educate the members of the taxi industry, commuters and general members of the public about the reasons and rational bind, and actual, measures that they must adopt in terms of the Regulations and Directives in the fight against the pandemic, being the prevention or limitation of the rate of infections, transmission and the spread of the virus. It will be noted from the video footage of my address which is publically available that there were also members of South African Police Services and The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Services in attendance. What is more, residents of the buildings in the surrounding area also came out onto their balconies to listen to my address.

1.10 Since my address, the taxi industry and commuters have significantly improved their adherence to the Regulations and Directives. I had also requested the Mayor of Johannesburg and a Member of the Executives at Local Government level who is also declared an essential worker in line with the regulations to accompany me as these commuters and residents of his city.

2.

2.1 In light of the above, it is clear that I did not, nor did I intend to, contravene the Regulations, particularly regulations 11B.(1)(a)(ii)

2.2 The Honourable member’s assertions in the question that I contravened the Regulations when he made the address in the circumstances referred to above are not only incorrect but also reflective of wrong observations.

2.3 I have remained fully committed to complying with Regulations and the fight against infection, transmission and spread of the COVID-19 virus. I’m heartened by the millions of South Africans who are complying with the Regulations

2.4 I believe that all of us will meaningfully join the Government’s efforts in the aforesaid fight spread of other members of society focusing on derailing or destructing members of our society, the South African Police Services and the Executive who are at the forefront of fighting the pandemic.

26 August 2020 - NW1023

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether, with the Covid-19 demanding that we do things differently such as being more hygienic, his department has a plan to move towards cashless transactions for public transport; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the plans and timelines for the implementation of the plan and (b) how will the plan be funded?

Reply:

The Department has commenced with the exploratory work towards a Public Transport Mobility Account that will operated with an Integrated Ticketing System based on cashless system. SANRAL is being engaged to be a lead agency to work on the modalities of this. Initial conceptualization is illustrated in the two tables below;

Diagram No.1

Diagram No.2

11 August 2020 - NW1735

Profile picture: Hunsinger, Mr CH

Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

With regard to the National Public Transport Network Grant Allocations by his department towards the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system specifically in the (a) 2017-18, (b) 2018-19 and (c) 2019-20 financial years, what BRT amounts have been (i) allocated, (ii) transferred and (iii) spent in certain cities (names furnished)?

Reply:

a) 2017-2018 financial year

(i) allocated, (ii) transferred and (iii) spent

Municipality

ALLOCATION

2017/18

TOTAL TRANSFERS

2017/18

EXPENDITURE

JUL72017 JUNE 2018

 

R'000

R'000

R’000

Buffalo City

55,869

55,868

45,597

Cape Town

999,524

999,524

786,680

Jo'burg

918,187

918,187

602,945

Tshwane

900,239

900,239

884,890

George

210,362

210,362

133,486

eThekwini

917,150

917,150

607,886

Mangaung

231,637

231,637

84,025

Rustenburg

314,156

314,156

299,792

Ekurhuleni

700,718

700,718

372,643

Mbombela

211,673

211,673

114,381

Polokwane

216,734

216,734

163,417

Nelson Mandela Bay

273,297

273,297

193,595

Msunduzi

210,014

157,512*

114,924

Totals

6,159,560

6,107,057

4,404,261

*An amount of R52, 5 million was reallocated, as per the DoRA, from Msunduzi for drought relief within the Western Cape Province.

(b) 2018-2019 financial year

(i) allocated, (ii) transferred and (iii) spent

Municipality

ALLOCATION

2018/19

TOTAL TRANSFERS

2018/19

EXPENDITURE

JUL7 2018 – JUNE 2019

 

R'000

R'000

R’000

Buffalo City

95,165

95,165

101,427

Cape Town

1,045,522

1,045,522

790,331

Jo'burg

1,112,936

1,066,936*

461,018

Tshwane

808,194

808,194

743,572

George

167,675

167,675

137,378

eThekwini

883,887

825,877*

516,291

Mangaung

234,831

234,831

142,194

Rustenburg

298,212

396,629*

211,084

Ekurhuleni

694,640

604,640*

425,319

Mbombela

203,454

203,454

133,407

Polokwane

205,107

330,107*

214,652

Nelson Mandela Bay

304,942

275,535*

186,127

Msunduzi

199,104

199,104

199,104

Totals

6,253,669

6,253,669

4,261,904

* Polokwane and Rustenburg received in-year adjustments from reductions in Jo’burg, Ekurhuleni,

eThekwini and Nelson Mandela Bay due to unsatisfactory performances, respectively as per the DoRA.

(c) 2019-20 financial year

(i) allocated, (ii) transferred and (iii) spent

Municipality

ALLOCATION

2019/20

TOTAL TRANSFERS

2019/20

EXPENDITURE

JULY 2019 - JUNE2020

 

R'000

R'000

R’000

Buffalo City

234,466

234,466

154,851

Cape Town

1,311,645

1,311,645

847,270

Jo'burg

1,187,518

1,068,766*

383,211

Tshwane

731,751

658,576*

602,919

George

163,499

245,626*

118,578

eThekwini

840,549

765,349*

717,880

Mangaung

229,596

229,596

126,703

Rustenburg

218,911

218,911

84,923

Ekurhuleni

679,153

679,153

627,610

Mbombela

198,919

198,919

159,748

Polokwane

179,433

332,433*

243,485

Nelson Mandela Bay

298,143

199,980**

93,228

Msunduzi

194,665

226,665*

133,975

Totals

6,468,248

6,370,085

4,294,381

* George, Polokwane and Msunduzireceived in-year adjustments from reductions in Jo’burg, Tshwane,

eThekwini due to unsatisfactory performances, respectively as per the DoRA.

**The DoT was instructed by the National Treasury not to transfer the balance amounting to R98, 1 million for Nelson Mandela Bay.

11 August 2020 - NW1542

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Mey, Mr P to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Whether any arrangements were made to receive goods not considered as essential on ships already in transit to South African ports at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown; if not, (a) why not and (b) what was the estimated loss to the economy; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether any ships were denied entry at any South African port; if so, what (a) are the relevant details, (b) goods were not allowed to be unloaded during this time at each port respectively, (c) were the reasons for such decisions and (d) was the estimated loss to the economy; (3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

Directions issued in terms of Regulations 10(7) of the Directions made in under Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act,2002(Act No.57 of 2002. Measures to address prevent and combat the spread of Covid-19 in the Sea Ports, the Minister of Transport Hon FA Mbalula approved the

directions on how the Commercial Ports of South Africa would operate during the lock down and

The purpose of the Directions were to:

(a) The prohibition of the cruise ships calling at any of the seaports(expect the cruise ships that were already on the radar of Marine Security Coordination Centre-MSCC) and those that were solely calling to take bunkers and consumables and lastly the cruise ships that were coming disembark South Africans)

(b) To improve hygiene control sterilization facilities on ships, port facilities operated by licensed operators, off-shore cargo handling facilities, ship repair facilities, provider the port services, port terminal operators and licensed port operations

(c) Implementation of a tracking, tracing and monitoring system at sea ports and reporting.

During the lock down all commercial ports remained opened for commercial purposes and only two ports that remained closed for the purposes of disembarkation of South Africans and crew change and those two ports were Port of Mossell Bay and Port Saldanha. All goods on board the ships were discharged in an in-discriminatory manner for both essentially and non-essential goods. Once the goods were on the port terminals they would then be sorted in terms of essential would stacked at the Customs approved warehouse and shipping line’s warehouses in order to make way for the essential goods.

(2) There were no commercial ships that were denied entry into the commercial ports of South Africa except for the crew change and even the cruise ships were allowed to call in for bunkering services and disembarkation of South Africa that were returning home. The imports and exports remained opened during the hard lock down and goods as such were allowed to be discharged at the ports of discharged throughout the country.

(3) The above response answers the question adequately and a member statement in this regard is not deemed necessary

11 August 2020 - NW1504

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

What was the total capital expenditure at (a) Cape Town, (b) Nasrec, (c) Rhodesfield, (d) Moses Mabhida and (e) Pretoria train stations in the past three financial years?

Reply:

The total CRES capital expenditure for the past three (3) years for the identified six (6) stations is summarised in the table below;

Financial Year

Cape Town

Nasrec

Rhodesfield

Moses Mabhida

Pretoria

2017/18

6, 058,386-31

0-00

0-00

0-00

1,057,718-93

2018/19

5,171,807-14

0-00

0-00

0-00

320,560-00

2019/20

17,733,512-93

0-00

0-00

0-00

266,267-50

2020/21

770.700-03

0-00

0-00

0-00

0-00

Total

29,734,406-41

0-00

0-00

0-00

1,644,546-43

11 August 2020 - NW1502

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

What (a) total number of individual retail opportunities currently exist in each building at each station under the custodianship of his department and the entities reporting to him and (b) is the total amount of revenue generated from each lease agreement at each specified station in each of the past three financial years?

Reply:

The table below reflects:

a) all retail and commercial opportunities currently available at stations and;

b) the total rental per year for these opportunities.

The data excludes rental on other categories such as bus billing, residential and properties not situated on a station.

Number of retail/commercial activities at PRASA stations

Rental Generated per period

 

Financial Year 2017/2018

Financial Year 2018/2019

Financial Year 2019/2020

493

R124,146,942-07

R133,491,335-56

R143,539,070-50

11 August 2020 - NW1503

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)What total number of staff is employed under the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) Intersite and Prasa Cooperate Real Estate Solutions (Cres) respectively; and (2) how are the functions and/or roles differentiated between Prasa CRES and PRASA Intersite?

Reply:

1. CRES has seven hundred and twenty six (726) employees. Intersite has twelve (12) employees.

2. CRES is a property management division of PRASA established to oversee the entity’s property portfolio, which includes stations, workplace and land. To execute its mandate, CRES provides suitable workplace facilities, manages railway stations and rents its non-commercial space including land to the business community, students and or citizens who have accommodation needs.

Intersite is an asset investment subsidiary of PRASA established to commercialize entity assets (moveable & immovable) through third party agreements.

11 August 2020 - NW1551

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) What has caused the delays in the restoration of train lines in the Cape Flats and (b) by what date will Metrorail services resume operations across Cape Town?

Reply:

(a) The Cape Flats line from Cape Town to Retreat has been severely vandalized during lockdown alert level 5. The signalling system between Ndabeni and Pinelands has been stolen and causes an extended area of Manual Authorisation increasing the risk of operations.

(b) The Cape Flats and Northern Corridor services between Cape Town – Bellville is planned for resumption on the 17 August 2020. By the end of August, the Northern Corridorservices will be extended to Eerste River. The service from Eerste River – Strand and Eerste River – Muldersvlei is planned for resumption on 1 September 2020.

11 August 2020 - NW1733

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)(a) What are the current outstanding term loan agreements with the SA National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL), (b) by what date(s) are the specified loan agreements due, (c) with which institutions were the loan agreements concluded and (d) what were the (i) loan amounts and (ii) interest rates in each case; (2) what amount of any funding is going towards (a) Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project bonds and/or e-tolled roads and/or (b) other SANRAL-managed toll roads?

Reply:

1. (a) SANRAL has one outstanding loan agreement in two tranches, outstanding amount R997 431 786.61 as at 30 June 2020. This is an amortising loan.

(b) Tranche 1 due date: 15 June 2034, Tranche 2 due date 15 March 2034

(c) The loan was concluded with the European Investment Bank (EIB)

(d) (i) Tranche 1 loan amount: R572 784 000.00, (ii) rate: 8.315%, drawdown date: 13 December 2010.

(i) Tranche 2 loan amount: R573 918 000.00, (ii) rate: 9.277%, drawdown date: 28 March 2011.

2. (a) SANRAL operates and finances a Portfolio of Toll Roads and does not fund these roads on a project basis. The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) is part of this portfolio.

(b) The unaudited total borrowing as at 31 March 2020 is R47 755.2 million (2019: R47 451.7 million). For further details, Note 15 and 16 of the Annual Financial Statements as included in the Integrated Report provide a detail list of all bonds and loans, with interest rates and dates of maturity.

11 August 2020 - NW1734

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) What are the names of the current toll roads and/or gates and (b)(i) which of the specified toll roads and/or gates (aa) are self-funding and/or (bb) have shortfalls and (ii) by what amount has the specified shortfalls (aa) increased and/or (bb) decreased in the past three years?

Reply:

SANRAL uses the Loan Supportable by Revenue (LSR) model to determine the viability of a toll scheme to support all its financial obligations through the projected revenue over the lifecycle of the toll scheme.It is a natural cycle for toll schemes to begin with negative cashflows in the initial years due to the impact of the initial capital outlay for construction works. The cashflows improve over the life cycle following a J-Curve pattern to the point of break even and subsequent positive cashflows.

(a) SANRAL currently has the following toll roads:

  1. N1 Huguenot
  2. N1 South
  3. N1 North
  4. N2 Tsitsikamma
  5. N2 South Coast
  6. N2 North Coast
  7. N3 Mariann Hill
  8. N4 Magalies
  9. N17 Johannesburg
  10. N17 Ermelo
  11. GFIP (eToll)

(b) (i) (aa) the following toll roads are self-funding

  1. N1 Huguenot
  2. N1 South
  3. N1 North
  4. N2 Tsitsikamma
  5. N2 South Coast
  6. N2 North Coast
  7. N3 Mariann Hill
  8. N4 Magalies
  9. N17 Johannesburg
  10. N17 Ermelo

(b) (i) (bb) the following toll roads have shortfalls

  1. GFIP (eToll)

(b) (ii) (aa) the shortfalls have increased by following amount over the past three years

  1. GFIP (eToll) had operating cost shortfall of R263 million.

(c) (ii) (bb) not applicable

20 July 2020 - NW1316

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport

What number of (a) officers have been arrested for misconduct by the National Traffic Anticorruption Unit in collaboration with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the past 12 months and (b) the specified officers have been tried in court?

Reply:

(a) 157 Officers were arrested by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Director of Priority Crime Investigation in the past 12 months.

(b) All the specified individuals are currently on trial in various courts

20 July 2020 - NW1329

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether any measures have been undertaken by (a) the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and (b) Autopax in reaction to the reported findings by the Competition Commission that Prasa is abusing dominance in Johannesburg and favours Autopax in space allocation while restricting and/or denying other bus operators access to Park Station (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, has the Competition Tribunal submitted any formal notice to Prasa and/or Autopax?

Reply:

The finding by the Competition Commission (Commission) on the issues of dominance is not final and allows PRASA to respond to the finding. The Commission has referred its finding to the Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) for a final determination on the finding. PRASA is assisting this process by presenting evidence to the Tribunal to enable it to gain clarity and a balanced perspective on some of the issues arising out of the complaint and or the finding by the Commission. PRASA is finalizing its Answering Affidavit, which will be filed in due course and will enable the Tribunal to make a final determination.

20 July 2020 - NW1328

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) What number of registered vehicles does the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa have on the road in each category of their vehicle fleet and (b) where is each registered vehicle based and used?

Reply:

a) See table below

Vehicle category

Vehicle description

Number of vehicles

HCV

Heavy Commercial Vehicle ( Truck)

97

HCV Tractor

Heavy Commercial Vehicle Tractor (Hauler/Horse)

3

LCV

Light Commercial Vehicle (Bakkie)

731

M/Cycle

Motorcycle

25

Minibus

Minibus

271

MPV

Multipurpose Vehicle (Mini Van with passenger seats)

16

PV

Panel Van (Mini Van without passenger seats)

2

Sedan

Sedan

333

Trailers

 

54

Total Fleet

1532

b) See table below.

Areas vehicle based

Number of vehicles

Autopax (Vehicles are based in Gauteng - used throughout the country)

36

Cape Town

342

Durban

250

Eastern Cape

48

Gauteng

779

Shosholoza (Vehicles are based in Gauteng - used throughout the country)

77

Grand Total

1532

20 July 2020 - NW1236

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Mabhena, Mr TB to ask the Minister of Transport

(a)Whether the Road Accident Fund has introduced a policy to no longer make use of the services of private lawyers to investigate and settle claims; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Yes, the Road Accident Fund has put forth such a policy for implementation. There is a court ruling which has went against the RAF, extending the panel of attorneys’ service level agreement by a further six months. The matter is now sub judice, because this ruling is being appealed by the Minister and the RAF

15 July 2020 - NW1230

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

What measures has he put in place to ensure that train and minibus commuters practice social distancing?

Reply:

PRASA is planning to resume limited commuter rail services in the following corridors by 1 July 2020:

    • Pretoria to Pienaarspoort
    • Cape Town to Retreat Service
    • Port Elizabeth to Uitenhage Service
    • East London to Berlin

In preparing for the resumption of rail services the following social distancing measures are being put in place:

1. Train Sets:

Social Distance Markings

2. Stations:

Social Distance Markings (Platforms)

Social Distance Markings (Ticket Sales Points)

Training for Station/ Front-line staff (COVID-19 Awareness)

Isolation Area (Stations & Workplace)

3. Workplace Environment

Social Distance Markings

4. Risk & Compliance

Conduct Workplace and Service Resumption Risk Assessments

Compliance Audits & Inspections

Monitoring of crowd controlling officials & front-line staff

5. Procurement of Personal Protective Equipment

Train Set Marking Material

Platform Marking Paint

Workplace Marking Tape

6. Human Capital Management

Develop COVID-19 Employee-related procedures (Resumption of Work & Protocols)

Induction of the Staff on the COVID-19 procedures

7. Communication

COVID-19 Health & Safety Awareness (Internal & External)

Stakeholder Engagements

8. Security

Procurement of Private Security on Stations

Procurement of Platform Marshalls

Crowd Control Procedure

Training for Platform Marshalls (COVID-19 Awareness, Basic First Aid etc.)

Public Transport response

In accordance with Directions No 43272, section 9(3) published by the Department of Transport, it is prescribed that taxis must not carry more than 70% of their licensed passenger carrying capacity for social distancing purposes.

26 June 2020 - NW1021

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Given the financial losses that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has been experiencing, (a) has a final agreement been reached regarding the number of jobs the agency needs to cut in order to survive financially, (b) what is the breakdown of the job cuts and (c) what number of employees will be affected by the planned job cuts; (2) whether there have been any voluntary retirements in the 2019-20 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) will he furnish Mr C H H Hunsinger with a breakdown of the number of employees who retired voluntarily and (b) the amount paid out to date?

Reply:

(1) (a) No final agreement has been reached on the reduction of the headcount at PRASA and PRASA is still in consultation with Organised Labour.

(b) Please refer to (a)

(c) Please refer to (a)

(2) (a) Early retirements are considered as retiring before the age of 63, PRASA had 67 early retirements for 2019/2020 financial year.

Table1 –Early Retirements during 2019/2020 financial year

Early Retiredments

2019/2020

Division/ Subsidiary

No of employees

Autopax (Pty) Ltd

3

Metrorail

55

PRASA Technical Division

1

Shosholoza Meyl

8

Total

67

(b) The amount paid out to date for early retirements in the 2019/2020 financial year is R5 730 356.17.

12 June 2020 - NW629

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether he undertook to distribute (a) face masks and (b) sanitisers to mini-bus drivers; if so, (i) has he delivered these and (ii) where were these delivered?

Reply:

a) The Minister undertook to distribute masks and sanitizers to all provinces for drivers and marshals in the taxi industry to reduce infections

b) Masks, sanitisers and disinfectants have been procured and delivered in all provinces during April 2020. These materials were delivered to provincial Departments of Transport who subsequently distributed to the taxi industry in their respective provinces. The following have been delivered on 30 April 2020

Item

Quantity

Sanitizers (1 liter bottles)

160 000

Sanitizers (20 liter bottles)

2400

PPE Gear

1000

Masks

580 000

Gloves

800 000

Vehicle disinfectant spray

1200

12 June 2020 - NW1022

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Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) failed to pay R23 million towards retirement fund benefits; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the (a) current situation and (b) solution for this?

Reply:

1. PRASA confirms that it has failed to pay R23 million towards the Transnet Retirement Fund (the Fund) benefits.

(a) The February and March 2020 membership contributions to the Fund is currently outstanding and engagements with the Fund are ongoing to agree on a payment plan to settle the outstanding amount without any risk to employee benefits.

(b) PRASA has written a letter to the Administrators of the Fund informing them of its current cash flow challenges. PRASA is yet to meet with the Administrators in order to discuss a payment plan of the outstanding amounts.

12 June 2020 - NW684

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Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)What number of passenger trains (a) are operating between (i) Germiston and Pretoria, (ii) Springs and Dunswart and (iii) Daveyton and Dunswart and (b) should be operating on the specified routes; (2) what are the reasons that only one train can operate at a time between Germiston and Elandsfontein?

Reply:

(a) There number of trains operating between:

i. Germiston and Pretoria: - There are 12 train trips {Passenger Trains} operated via a diesel locomotive to shuttle services between Johannesburg and Elandsfontein. This then connects with an electrical Metro between Elandsfontein and Centurion – 10 trips, then connecting with another diesel locomotive between Centurion and Pretoria) 10 trips.

ii. There are 24 train daily trips between Springs and Dunswart.

iii. There are no train services running between Daveyton and Dunswart due to theft of overhead cables affecting both lines.

(b) There number of passenger trains that should be operating between

(i) Germiston and Pretoria is 42 passenger train trips

(ii) Springs and Dunswart is 24 passenger train trips

(iii) Dunswart and Daveyton is 72 passenger train trips

2. There reason why there is only one train that can operate at a time between Germiston and Elandsfontein is because during December 2019, when the train service was halted to allow for the signalling works project at Germiston, there was overhead cable theft between Knights and Germiston on one of the only two lines in this area. An alternative method of working (called Pilot working) in accordance with the Train Working Rules had to be implemented. This method ensures safety when train runs UP and DOWN using the same track.

12 June 2020 - NW285

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Tafeni, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether his department has any plans to build a bridge in Govan Mbeki township in the Mbhashe Local Municipality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Eastern Cape Provincial Department (ECPDOT) of Transport has plans to build a bridge in Govan Mbeki township in the Mbashe local Municipality in the next financial year, 2020/21.

In the Current financial year, 2019/2020, an assessment was conducted and revealed the estimated cost of R 2500 000 for building of the bridge in the Govan Mbeki township. The ECPDOT also established that there’s currently a minor culvert which overflows when there are heavy rains; hence the prioritization of this project in the next financial year.

09 June 2020 - NW814

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport

What amount has his department budgeted for (a) sanitisers and (b) masks that public transport commuters need to curb the spread of Covid-19?

Reply:

The Department did not for see the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at the commencement of the previous financial year and had therefore not budgeted for the pandemic. The department has however approached the National Treasury to solicit an approval for the reprioritization of the budget to provide for the non-pharmaceutical interventions to respond to the pandemic and to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. Approval is awaited for the request from the National Treasury

09 June 2020 - NW579

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Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) What amount did it cost to complete the Laersdrift Bus Road Project, (b) who were the (i) contractors and (ii) sub-contractors and (c) what number of local persons were employed in the project?

Reply:

Background

This Laersdrift Bus Road Project is a project is being implemented by the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality and not by the Department of its Transports or its Entities. The MIG registered amount for the project is R23 593 338.00 VAT Inclusive. The project has been implemented in two phases during 2016/17 and 2018/19 financial years.

Phase 1A

Entailed 600m of asphalt road in Laersdrift with concrete v-drain on one side of the road and kerbing on the other side, storm water culvert crossings including road furniture. The project was completed in the 2016/17 FY at a cost of R5 000 000.00 for both construction and professional fees.

Phase1B

Entails 1.62km of asphalt road in Laersdrift with concrete v-drain on one side of the road and kerbing on the other side, storm water culvert crossings including road furniture. This includes construction of a connection to the R555 provincial road as per SANRAL standards. The project commenced in the 2018/19 FY and overlapped to the 2019/20 FY at a cost of R 13 692 298.31 VAT Inclusive (Both Construction and Professional fees) in the 2018/19 FY and R 3 083 323.78 VAT Inclusive (Both Construction and Professional fees) to date. The current progress is 95% complete overall.

a) (i) According to data received, this is a multiyear project still in progress and egistered for R23 593 338 million, of which R16, 036, 210 million was spent as at the end of 15 May 2020.

b) (i) Phase 1 A : Consulting Engineers: Dikgabo Consulting Engineers

Main contractor: AL Mphago JV /HM Eyethu

Subcontractors:

  1. Matlapeng Mahuma Construction
  2. BJM Transport
  3. Phehli Trading Enterprise (Pty)Ltd
  4. Marula Tubatse

Phase 2B: Consulting Engineers: Dikgabo Consulting Engineers

Main contractor: Mothage Phadima Construction

Subcontractors:

  1. Ndlamama Transport and Projects

(c) According to the data extracted from Expanded Public Works Project (EPWP) office:

  • Two (2) Full Time Equivalent Jobs (FTE) was created for the 2018/2019, the breakdown being eleven (11) Job Opportunities, of which six (6) job opportunities were for women and nine (9) job opportunities were youth.
  • During the 2019/2020, it was reported nine (9) Full Time Equivalent Jobs (FTE) was created, the breakdown being twenty nine (29) Job Opportunities, of which nine (9) job opportunities were for women and twenty nine(26) job opportunities were youth.
  • No data is currently available for the 2020/2021 financial year.

09 June 2020 - NW933

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Mey, Mr P to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Whether his department awarded any tenders connected to the Covid-19 pandemic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the names of the businesses to whom these tenders were awarded, (b) are the amounts of each tender awarded and (c) was the service and/or product to be supplied by each business; (2) whether there was any deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures in the awarding of the tenders; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the relevant details in each case; (3) what was the reason for which each specified business was awarded the specified tender; (4) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

The Department did not foresee the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at the commencement of the previous financial year and had therefore not budgeted for the pandemic nor planned for any tenders in the Annual Procurement Plan related hereto. However, the department had followed all the available prescripts by the National Treasury in the COVID-19 procurement processes.

Quotations were sourced in line with the provisions of the relevant Treasury Instructions and a process of a multiple award approach was utilised to meet the necessary volumes requested in the distribution for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Wear. Accordingly the following suppliers were part of the multiple award total R24 731 292.41

i. Ecko-Green Environmental Services

ii. C Square Consumer Connectedness

iii. Mistralog

The following Products were supplied by the companies in this award:

i. PENDO-FOG disinfectant fogging machine;

ii. 20/25 Liter Disinfectant refil for the PENDO-FOG

iii. 1 Liter Sanitizers bottles

iv. 20 Liter Sanitizer refill

v. PPE Disposable Coveralls

vi. Surgical Masks

vii. Surgival gloves (only in round 1)

(2) There was no deviation made on the standard Emergency Procurment Prescripts

a) He reason for acquisition of the products was that an urgent intervention was required to assist in providing the taxi industry (driver’s and Marshall) with COVID-19 related goods, to curb the spead of the virus in the Public transport environment.

b) Quotations were sourced from multiple companies, evaluated in terms of normal procurement prescripts relating to CSD registration, tax compliance etc, and awarded as a multiple award to curb cost. There has been full compliance with the National Treasury Prescripts in terms of National Treasury Instruction Note Nr.3 of 2016/201/Section 8.1 and 8.2

(3) Companies first had to comply with prescribed procurement processes, including registration on CSD and tax compliance. Qualified bidders were then evaluated on price, per specific item.

(4) If deemed necessary by the house.

09 June 2020 - NW886

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Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether his department will offer any form of Covid-19 financial or other relief to small businesses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the Covid-19 financial or other relief will only be allocated to qualifying small businesses according to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 53 of 2003, as amended; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what statutory grounds and/or provisions does he or his department rely to allocate Covid-19 financial or other relief only to small businesses according to the specified Act and (b) what form of Covid-19 financial or other relief, if any, will be made available to other small businesses?

Reply:

1. It is unquestionable that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about and at some point exacerbated the challenges faced by the country and the world in totality. Thus, it is necessary that integrated solutions are found and implemented to navigate through the Covid-19 virus and its impact to the overall society. As such the South African Government is providing leadership by putting in place the integrated mechanisms to help to directly and indirectly deal with this unprecedented pandemic and its impact to the economy. This is exhibited by stimulus package announced by our President and is further unpacked below.

In general and currently, the Department is not intending to create a special Covid-19 financial relief fund for small businesses in the transport sector because these entities registered through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) are eligible and qualify to apply to existing Government Covid-19 relief programmes. However, the Government will, through the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) provide relief to all SMMEs. This financial relief is provided through the R500billion Covid-19 relief financial interventions highlighted in the preceding paragraph. It is intended to provide business owners particularly of small enterprises with funding or payment relief and opportunities to help them navigate and thrive through this tough time.

These programmes are and not limited to:

  • Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Covid-19 relief fund is to benefit all employees and employers including small enterprises functioning within the transport sector. This is an emergency relief for employers to be able to pay employees who have been temporarily laid off as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown measures;
  • The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) Covid-19 relief fund is for businesses, which are negatively affected, directly or indirectly, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. It is important to note that the creation and existence of this Department is to put in place mechanisms that will create an environment in which small enterprises across the economy of South Africa inclusive of the transport s sector operate in a fair and conducive environment;
  • The DSBD Business Growth Resilience Facilities is for enterprises geared to take advantage of supply opportunities resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic or shortage of goods in the local market.
  • SMME Relief Finance Scheme. This is a soft-loan funding for businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus for all businesses with a turnover of less than R300 million; and
  • Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) Debt Restructuring is for businesses that are currently Sefa-funded are able to apply for a moratorium on loan repayments if the COVID-19 virus has negatively affected them.

An exception is with the Taxi Industry as you are all aware that it provides public transport for approximately 60% of passengers. As part of the relief measures for small businesses in distress, taxis financed by the National Taxi Finance administered by SEFA will be granted a 3 months repayment holiday. The dire effects of the lockdown on the taxi industry is noted and intergovernmental consultations on a Taxi Industry Relief Efforts are at an advanced stage. The Departments of Transport, Small Business Development, Employment and Labour, Trade Industry and Competition as well as National Treasury have agreed to support the industry and are currently looking at various modalities of assistance. At the time the lockdown was declared, we were in the process of finalizing our plans for the hosting of the National Taxi Indaba, which will be held sometime later this year. The aim is to address a number of critical economic issues confronting the industry. Among the key issues to be considered by the Indaba is a sustainable economic empowerment model for the taxi industry. This will include a public transport-funding model, which must include a possible subsidy regime, in which the taxi industry is a full participant. It is of paramount importance to note that the SANTACO, the governing structure of the taxi industry in the country under the governance of the Department, announced a R3.5 billion relief funds to help cushion the industry through the Covid-19 pandemic.

In view of the above Government interventions, it is important for Government to pool limited resources to ensure most enterprises are cushioned through these tough and unprecedented times. All Government interventions should aim towards providing integrated Covid-19 financial reliefs. In addition, it is vital to avoid duplicating efforts and ensure that double dipping by individuals and enterprises is avoided at all cost. Secondly, the Department will continue to support efforts of creating a conducive environment for small enterprises in the transport sector. Thus, the legislation of Government including the Broad-Based Black Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act 53 of 203 as amended will be applied to help small enterprises and to facilitate transformation of the transport sector. I must acknowledge that not all these Covid-19 virus relief funds may be enough. In the next phase, Government must look at options to increasing these financial support mechanisms to rebuild and stimulate the economy.

(2) whether the Covid-19 financial or other relief will only be allocated to qualifying small businesses according to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 53 of 2003, as amended; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what statutory grounds and/or provisions does he or his department rely to allocate Covid-19 financial or other relief only to small businesses according to the specified Act and (b) what form of Covid-19 financial or other relief, if any, will be made available to other small businesses?

Response

For more details, see question 1 response above. Of course, my Department would like to emphasize that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and supported by laws such the B-BBEE Act will be implemented to create an inclusive growing economy and to transform the transport sector particularly the aviation, road freight and maritime industries. The Covid-19 crisis provides an opportunity for the Department to work towards speeding-up the process to re-instituting the Transport Sector B-BBEE Council to facilitate transformation of the transport sector so that equal opportunities are created for black women, black people with disabilities and black youth. The process to re-institute the Council is at the advance stage. The Council will spearhead the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of B-BBEE and transformation in the transport sector. It is important to note that Government will not compromise the provision of the constitution and will continue to ensure compliance to relevant legislation.

Let me take this opportunity to provide my total support to my colleague, the Minister of Tourism, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane in support of the Black Business Council for implementing the B-BBEE Act 53 of 2003 as amended even though there are some distractors in the country. The intention of this Government is to achieve the envisioned 2030 goals set by the National Development Plan that 9 out of 10 new jobs will be generated by micro, small and medium businesses. Hence, all our efforts should make use of every opportunity inclusive of the Covid-19 crisis to transform the overall economic society of South Africa and create a conducive environment for micro, small and medium enterprises to help or economy.

09 June 2020 - NW736

Profile picture: Waters, Mr M

Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport

(1) What (a) number of train stations have been vandalised in Gauteng over the past three financial years, including signal equipment, substations, cables and any other operational equipment and (b) does he envisage will the total cost be to replace all the vandalised equipment; (2) (a) which train lines have been impacted, (b) what (i) was the optimal train service and (ii) is the current train service, (c) what number of commuters make use of each affected train line daily, (d) how were commuters informed of the reduction in train services and (e) what alternative transport arrangements has his department made for commuters; (3) what is the estimated daily loss in revenue for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa?

Reply:

1. (a) The number of train stations that have been vandalised over the past three financial years, including signal equipment, substations, cables and any other operational equipment is:

Incidents (vandalised)

2018

2019

2020

TOTAL

Stations

37

42

94

173

Signal equipment

298

469

221

988

Substations

7

15

20

42

Cables

760

585

488

1833

(b) Theft and vandalism has been increasing over the years and the cost to restore the vandalized equipment is in excess of R2bn. This cost covers the following:

  • Both Conventional and Modern Signalling System
  • Signals and Train Detection Cables including Battery Banks at Signalling Equipment Rooms
  • Multiple spans of Contact and Catenary wire Overhead Track Equipment (OHTE)
  • Transformers, Rectifiers and various components at substations

2. (a) Train lines which have been impacted are:

Gauteng West

Gauteng East

Gauteng North

Vereeniging via Midway

Daveyton – Dunswart both lines 24

Mabopane – Pretoria

Westgate

Springs – Germiston all lines 24

De Wildt – Pretoria

Faraday

Germiston – Katlehong via India & Germiston East 34

Saulsville – Pretoria

Naledi to New Canada

Germiston – Knights – Elandsfontein 12

Pretoria – Pienaarspoort

Randfontein line

Germiston – Johannesburg all lines 12

Pretoria – Johannesburg

Midway – Oberholzer

   

New Canada – George Goch

   

(b) (i) Optimal train service was:

Gauteng West

Gauteng East

Gauteng North

Vereeniging via Midway

66 trips weekday

Daveyton – Dunswart both lines

24 trips per weekday

Mabopane – Pretoria

103 trips per weekday

Westgate

16 trips weekday

Springs – Germiston all lines

24 trips per weekday

De Wildt – Pretoria

42 trips per weekday

Faraday

20 trips weekday

Germiston – Johannesburg all lines

12 trips per weekday

Saulsville – Pretoria

48 trips per weekday

Naledi to New Canada

144 trips weekday

Germiston - Kwesine

Pretoria – Pienaarspoort

127 trips per weekday

Randfontein line

46 trips weekday

 

Pretoria – Johannesburg

68 trips per weekday

Midway – Oberholzer

14 trips weekday

   

New Canada – George Goch

Included in Vereenigin & Naledi trips

   

(ii) Current Service – pre lockdown train trips and during lockdown no services are running

Gauteng West

Gauteng East

Gauteng North

Vereeniging via Midway

0 trips per day

Daveyton – Dunswart

No train service due to all lines not available

Mabopane – Pretoria

0 trips per day

Westgate

0 trips per day

Springs – Dunswart

Single line working up and down

24 trips per weekday

De Wildt – Pretoria

0 trips per day

Faraday

0 trips per day

Germiston – Johannesburg

Shuttle hauled by diesel locomotive

Saulsville – Pretoria

0 trips per day

Naledi to New Canada

74 trips per day

(before lockdown vandalism)

Elandsfontein – Germiston – Johannesburg

Shuttle hauled by diesel locomotive to connect with the Pretoria train service at Elandsfontein

Pretoria – Pienaarspoort

69 trips per weekday

Randfontein line

26 trips per day

Germiston – Kwesine

A service between Elsburg – Kwesine was implemented. Commuters connected trains to Germiston with the Meyerton – Vereeniging service at Elsburg

Pretoria – Johannesburg

10 trips per day

Midway – Oberholzer

0 trips per day

6 shuttle (express) trips between Randfontein and Oberholzer per day

   

New Canada – George Goch

0 trips per day

All trains are travelling via Langlaagte

   

c) Based on the 2018 census, the number of commuters making use of each affected train line daily, are:

Gauteng West

Gauteng East

Gauteng North

Vereeniging via Midway

95 686

Olifantsfontein – Elandsfontein

95 921

Mabopane – Pretoria

154 512

Westgate

2 508

Daveyton – Germiston

108 543

De Wildt – Pretoria

1 679

Faraday

194

Germiston – Johannesburg

37 711

Saulsville – Pretoria

38 162

Naledi to New Canada

78,277

Germiston – Kwesine

43 200

Pretoria – Pienaarspoort

147 800

Randfontein line

46 260

 

Pretoria – Johannesburg

21 388

Midway – Oberholzer

2 620

   

New Canada – George Goch

5 109

   

d) For every incident where trains were reduced, Metrorail Marketing and Communications Department notified employees, commuters and the public at large via media. Please note that the information below is based on a single incident. This is then replicated in other areas when the train service in that area/corridor is also reduced.

When the train service is reduced, Metrorail employs the following platforms to notify affected commuters and the public at large:

  • E-mail
  • Media statement / alert
  • Metrorail Gauteng Facebook page
  • Twitter - @metrorailgp
  • Go Metro (no longer operational since November 2019, but was used before when it was active)
  • Face-to-face meetings with Commuter Forums
  • Information Offices at stations
  • Radio train traffic updates (free slots)
  • In-house produced posters
  • Commuter WhatsApp groups
  • Commuters can also call stations and Information Centers
  • Train service information updates also posted at some stations

e) Per region in Gauteng the following alternative transport arrangements were made for commuters:

Gauteng West:

Buses are used as alternative transport, but the service could not be sustained due to operational constraints and budget challenges at Autopax. Between Randfontein and Oberholzer a shuttle is running.

Gauteng East:

Alternative transport could not be provided due to budget being depleted to acquire buses from Autopax and the magnitude of the corridors to be provided for was really high in terms of demand and availability.

Gauteng North:

Diesel locomotive shuttle services were introduced but could not be sustained and could not cover all the corridors due to insufficient numbers of diesel locomotives available as well as continuous theft that resulted in hanging wires all over on different places on different days.

3. The estimated daily loss in revenue, based on the 2019/2020 Revenue Budget (excluding Covid-19 Lockdown), for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa is:

Gauteng West

Amount

Gauteng East

Amount

Gauteng North

Amount

Vereeniging via Midway

R77,429

Olifantsfontein – Elandsfontein

R65,607

Mabopane – Pretoria *

R95,125

West Gate

R1,425

Daveyton - Germiston

R53,856

De Wildt – Pretoria *

R15,223

Faraday

R465

Germiston – Johannesburg

R10,178

Saulsville – Pretoria **

R35,212

Naledi to New Canada

R70,290

Germiston – Kwesine

R36,684

Pretoria – Pienaarspoort

R85,255

Randfontein line

R25,766

   

Pretoria – Johannesburg

R14,556

Midway to Oberholzer

R6,476

       

New Canada to George Goch

R870

       

Johannesburg

R61,593

       

Total

R244,314

Total

R166,325

Total

R245,371

Total estimated daily loss in revenue is R656,010

* Mabopane and De Wildt Corridors were suspended in December 2019

** Saulsville corridor was suspended in March 2020 before the Covid-19 Lockdown was implemented

09 June 2020 - NW610

Profile picture: Sithole, Mr KP

Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport

What are the relevant details of government assistance that will be provided to small unsubsidised bus transport operators during the period of the national lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19?

Reply:

a) The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected many small businesses and most of them are struggling to stay afloat because they either cannot operate under the lockdown or the volume of their passenger numbers has significantly decreased. In this regard, government has established multiple relief funds under the Department of Small Business Development (and its entities) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (and its entities) aimed at t providing financial relief and assistance to business in distress. The Department of Transport has been encouraging the unsubsidized small bus operators to approach these schemes for relief.