Questions and Replies
14 April 2023 - NW795
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) Where and (b) in what type of custody are the Gupta brothers, Rajesh and Atul Gupta, held, following the confirmation by the Government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that they were arrested in Dubai in June 2022, but the South African public has no details of the circumstances around the arrest and no details of where the Gupta brothers are being held; (2) Whether his department has requested the UAE for the details and/or information of where the Gupta brothers are held; if not, why not; if so, (3) Whether the information was provided to his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, on what date; (4) Given that the above information is mere background information which ought not to impact their formal extradition process, what information was his department given with regard to the circumstances around the arrest of the two Gupta brothers?
Reply:
On 6 June 2022, the UAE Ministry of the Interior’s Directorate General for the Federal Criminal Police in Abu Dhabi informed the National Criminal Bureau, Interpol Pretoria, that Mr Atul Kumar Gupta and Mr Rajesh Kumar Gupta were arrested in the UAE. The authorities in the UAE followed this up with a Note Verbale dated 6 June 2022, informing the Minister that the suspects have been arrested.
The Department was further informed during an official visit to the Central Authority of the UAE that the Gupta brothers remain incarcerated in prison, but the exact details were not disclosed, as this is not standard practice in the UAE to disclose this information.
14 April 2023 - NW601
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What total number of mothers and fathers under the age of 18 years, either by themselves and/or via a caregiver, have applied for (a) the one child support grant and (b) more than one child support grant, during the past five years in each province; (2) what parenting programmes are offered to such teenage parents?
Reply:
1. A total of 6,225 mothers and fathers under the age of 18 years have received the Child Support Grant in the past five (5) years for one child, that is, from 2018/19 financial year to end of February 2023. A provincial breakdown is depicted in the table below:
b) A total of 221 mothers and fathers under the age of 18 years have received the Child Support Grant for more than one child, during the past five years. A provincial breakdown is depicted in the table below:
2. The following programmes are rendered to teen parents:
- Active Parenting of Teenagers- The main aim is to improve communication between parents and teenagers, a lack of which has a potential of breaking up relationships and creating unnecessary tension between parents and their teenagers, which often leads to delinquent behavior.
- Sinovuyo Teen Parent Programme- The purpose is to improve caregiver-teen relationship through active social learning, improving mental health through social support and improving communication about risky situations for teens in the community.
- Teenage Parents Programme- The aim is to explore the challenges around this area, support systems and the kind of support social workers can render to teenage parents through group work initiatives to enable them to be effective parents to their children.
In addition the following Frameworks have been developed to guide implementation of parenting programmes:
- Integrated Parenting Framework- The Framework was designed to address the issue of lack of effective parenting within families which could lead to the abuse and the neglect of children
- Fatherhood strategy- The Strategy was designed to revive and promote the role of fathers as protectors and providers within families because parenting is the role of both parents.
14 April 2023 - NW569
Bilankulu, Ms NK to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Considering that the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, has re-affirmed the commitment of his administration to deal with gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) through the Emergency Response Action Plan on GBVF, and declared a commitment to 365 Days of Activism Against Violence on Women and Children, in what ways will the National Development Agency support the (a) civil society organisations that are focused on GBVF in order to support communities and victims and (b) enhance the existing plans of her department on GBVF?
Reply:
a) The NDA, through the Department of Social Development (DSD), was allocated R95 million from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA) fund to fund 312 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to support victims of GBVF in communities across all 9 provinces. To date, a total of 297 CSOs have received funding for implementation of the project of supporting victims of GBVF. Each CSO received funding up to R300 000 depending on the experience and capacity to implement the GBVF support programme. During the assessment of CSOs capacities, seventy-eight (78) of these CSOs were found to be lacking capacity in governance, financial management and project management. These CSOs have been put on a mentoring and coaching programme to build their capacity on these areas. Special effort by the NDA and CSOs have been made to ensure that the GBVF hotspots Districts are all covered by the interventions provided by the CSOs.
The CSOs approved were through request for proposals (RFP) nationally, without a condition that they must be operating in hotspots identified by the SAPS. However, some of the CSOs who responded to the RFP were based in some of the hotspots identified by SAPS. The funding was based on preventative programmes which includes, awareness, workshops, home visits, referrals, shelters, paralegal support, abuse of grant recipients, counselling, therapy, child violence and court cases. To date, a total of 913 952 victims of gender-based violence have been reached through the Programme.
The table below indicates the number of funded CSOs and the number of GBVF victims supported by the programme per Province:
Activities |
KwaZulu Natal |
Limpopo |
Free State |
Gauteng |
Eastern Cape |
Northern Cape |
Mpumalanga |
Western Cape |
Total |
Awareness/Advocacy |
27290 |
15747 |
73 |
792548 |
1825 |
3341 |
8464 |
1370 |
850 658 |
Child Victims |
1069 |
614 |
50 |
171 |
316 |
23 |
61 |
37 |
3781 |
Therapy |
2335 |
521 |
34 |
291 |
16 |
15 |
20 |
549 |
3422 |
Counselling |
3630 |
1664 |
247 |
1015 |
761 |
167 |
1582 |
139 |
9205 |
Referrals |
964 |
1703 |
167 |
221 |
423 |
167 |
321 |
75 |
4041 |
Home Visits |
1536 |
2500 |
58 |
618 |
1329 |
20 |
1531 |
30 |
7622 |
Workshops |
619 |
533 |
28 |
686 |
97 |
28 |
1890 |
1192 |
5073 |
Ex-combatants |
0 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
Shelter |
89 |
1298 |
12 |
101 |
48 |
21 |
42 |
17 |
1998 |
Paralegal |
2 |
592 |
107 |
44 |
61 |
14 |
0 |
317 |
1137 |
Trauma |
1244 |
609 |
30 |
8 |
93 |
21 |
53 |
170 |
2228 |
Emotional Abuse |
1441 |
799 |
99 |
340 |
282 |
7 |
196 |
268 |
3432 |
Financial/Grant Abuse |
146 |
341 |
0 |
199 |
141 |
0 |
67 |
10 |
904 |
Physical Abuse |
685 |
1019 |
138 |
180 |
216 |
6 |
176 |
130 |
2188 |
Substance Abuse |
1537 |
285 |
0 |
68 |
238 |
4 |
56 |
10 |
2188 |
Sexual Abuse |
571 |
333 |
62 |
64 |
376 |
28 |
159 |
17 |
1610 |
Economic Programme |
301 |
88 |
0 |
284 |
30 |
0 |
45 |
10 |
758 |
Domestic Violence |
33 |
57 |
91 |
35 |
45 |
64 |
12 |
337 |
|
Conflict & Mediation |
7 |
35 |
47 |
67 |
33 |
101 |
189 |
||
Uncontrollable Child |
4 |
171 |
175 |
||||||
Social Media |
12983 |
12983 |
|||||||
Nutrition |
171 |
171 |
|||||||
Total |
43 499 |
28 751 |
1 247 |
796 838 |
6 354 |
17 265 |
14 828 |
4 353 |
913 952 |
The NDA appointed VPK Business Venture (Pty) and Makhophila Training service providers through SCM process to render mentorship and coaching to CSOs identified and funded in the programme.
The table below indicates the number of approved CSOs per Province and the rand value of the funding by Province:
Province |
No. of CSOs approved by Board for funding |
Total value of approved funding |
Gauteng |
60 |
17 200 000 |
*Eastern Cape |
67 |
15 900 000 |
Western Cape |
23 |
6 900 000 |
Mpumalanga |
37 |
10 500 000 |
Free State |
20 |
5 700 000 |
Northern Cape |
13 |
3 400 000 |
North West |
9 |
2 300 000 |
Limpopo |
57 |
16 200 000 |
KZN |
26 |
7 500 000 |
|
312 |
85 600 000 |
* Adjusted approval |
85 700 000 |
An additional 36 CSOs have been verified and recommended for funding to provide additional support for GBVF. These will be funded from the balance from the funding that the NDA received from DSD for this project. The 36 CSOs will commence with the implementation of the project in April 2023.
The additional 36 CSOs recommended for funding comes from all nine provinces and are listed in the table below:
Province |
No of CSOs |
Gauteng |
6 |
Eastern Cape |
6 |
Western Cape |
3 |
Mpumalanga |
5 |
Free State |
3 |
Northern Cape |
4 |
North West |
2 |
Limpopo |
1 |
KwaZulu Natal |
6 |
Total |
36 |
b) The NDA undertook an evaluation of the programme in the current financial year to evaluate all the aspects of the programme, a draft report was submitted at the end of February 2023, we are currently finalising the report which will be concluded by the end of March 2023. The recommendations of this report will be used as lessons to improve and enhance the quality of services to GBVF victims as we continue with this programme. In addition, the Department of Social Development has integrated the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide into its Annual Performance Plans and Operational Plans which allocated the budget accordingly. We are in the process of engaging the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to request for another CARA funding to sustain the funded Civil Society Organisations for provision of GBVF services has commenced. Furthermore, DSD is engaging more donors and private businesses to fund Gender Based Violence and Femicide related projects in line with National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide. Donors such as the European Commission and First Rand Foundation have responded positively to this call and the process of finalising the funding agreements are underway.
14 April 2023 - NW927
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, according to reports submitted to him, the extradition hearing of the Gupta brothers has (a) taken place and/or (b) been concluded; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether (a) there has been a ruling and/or (b) an appeal is pending; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether the National Prosecuting Authority will be able to file a new extradition request afresh, should the 2022 application be lost on appeal; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) Whether the National Prosecuting Authority will furnish Adv G Breytenbach with a short summary of the status of the hearing detailing whether it has (a) started and/or (b) been concluded as yet; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department was informed that the extradition proceedings in the UAE have not been concluded.
The National Prosecuting Authority indicated that they will await the final decision by the Government of the UAE on the extradition application and only then decide what appropriate legal actions, if any, will be taken further.
14 April 2023 - NW910
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
With regard to the temporary disability grant backlog which is an ongoing crisis due to the lack of SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) assessment doctors, (a) what is the current backlog status in each province, (b) what number of temporary disability grants have lapsed and (c) what is the current number of assessment doctors in each province, (d) how efficient has the online appointment booking system proven to be and (e) what other inventions has SASSA implemented to address the backlog?
Reply:
1.(a) The total assessment backlog picture inclusive of all the provinces, stands at 2 818 as of 18 March 2023.
CLIENTS AWAITING ASSESSMENTS |
||
Region |
Awaiting Assessments |
Awaiting ≥ 30 days (Backlogs) |
Eastern Cape |
2464 |
30 |
Free State |
2212 |
32 |
Gauteng |
5084 |
238 |
Kwa Zulu-Natal |
6246 |
470 |
Limpopo |
3608 |
67 |
Mpumalanga |
2956 |
77 |
Northern Cape |
2521 |
4 |
North West |
2040 |
207 |
Western Cape |
7297 |
1693 |
TOTAL |
34428 |
2818 |
(b) A total of 232 505 Temporary Disability Grants has lapsed between April 2022 and February 2023.
Number of Temporary disability grants lapsed between April 2022 and February 2023 |
||||||||||||
Region |
Number of TDGs per month of lapsing |
|||||||||||
Apr 22 |
May 22 |
June 22 |
July 22 |
Aug 22 |
Sept22 |
Oct 22 |
Nov 22 |
Dec 22 |
Jan 23 |
Feb 23 |
Total |
|
EC |
1 237 |
1 261 |
1 010 |
506 |
418 |
1976 |
1713 |
1153 |
1351 |
1079 |
11 704 |
|
FS |
1 599 |
1 387 |
1 231 |
1 553 |
1 680 |
1600 |
1750 |
1160 |
1448 |
2082 |
2299 |
17 789 |
GP |
3 372 |
2 348 |
1 946 |
2 656 |
3 118 |
2867 |
3254 |
2460 |
2853 |
4023 |
5254 |
34 151 |
KZN |
3 766 |
2 858 |
4 335 |
4 245 |
3880 |
4663 |
3499 |
4045 |
5209 |
5259 |
41 759 |
|
LP |
767 |
1 467 |
1 692 |
1 975 |
2 007 |
1835 |
1863 |
1303 |
2348 |
3555 |
3950 |
22 762 |
MP |
1 330 |
1 330 |
1 409 |
1 599 |
1260 |
1308 |
984 |
1154 |
1712 |
2206 |
14 292 |
|
NC |
1 877 |
1 754 |
1 574 |
2 052 |
2 288 |
1969 |
2064 |
1819 |
1478 |
2369 |
2516 |
21 760 |
NW |
1 330 |
1 159 |
1 159 |
1 270 |
1 278 |
1113 |
1138 |
952 |
1075 |
1383 |
1309 |
13 166 |
WC |
6 481 |
5 328 |
3 879 |
4 755 |
4 635 |
4282 |
4974 |
4531 |
3713 |
5467 |
7083 |
55 128 |
Total |
15 426 |
19 776 |
16 924 |
21 015 |
21 356 |
19224 |
22990 |
18421 |
19267 |
27151 |
30955 |
232 505 |
(c) SASSA has contracted a total of 315 doctors across the country, however, it should be noted that for the Western Cape Region, assessments are largely conducted through Service Level Agreements held with the Districts Health Care System. In the WC Tertiary, Secondary and Districts Hospitals also undertake assessments to in-patients clients deemed to be meeting the eligibility criteria prior to their discharge. Regional Distribution of doctors as below:
Number of Assessment Doctors Per Region |
|
Region |
No. of doctors |
Eastern Cape |
30 |
Free State |
32 |
Gauteng |
49 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
74 |
Limpopo |
49 |
Mpumalanga |
25 |
Northern Cape |
26 |
North West |
19 |
Western Cape |
11 |
TOTAL |
315 |
(d ) A total of 3 502 appointments were made through the Online platform from April 2022 until February 2023 and the system has been highly efficient where clients elected to utilize it to make assessment bookings.
(e ) SASSA has an institutionalized backlog Strategy that is activated upon realization of risk of backlog build up, this may include:
- Booking System (EMAST) red-flagging clients that are booked in a backlog fashion at point of booking (Pro-active flagging of clients wherein the difference between the booking and scheduled assessment dates is more than 30 days defined as a backlog);
- Ferrying assessors from far flung areas into backlog prone areas to undertake assessments;
- Increasing assessment seating frequencies and number of assessors per seating;
- Increasing the number of assessments an assessor may conduct per assessment seating (This requires a prior approval from the GM for Grants Administration in Regions); and
- As a last resort the Agency has endorsed paper-based assessments in certain parts of the Western Cape in instances wherein there is sufficient/ adequate clinical information for such format of an assessment to take place (Prior Approval for this format of assessment is required from the GM for Grants Administration).
- Recruitment of additional doctors through the publication of Tender Bids, especially in the Western Cape Region. The region is currently exploring placing another Tender Bid subsequent to a poor response to the previous Bid;
- Engaging the Western Cape Public Health System/ clinicians on the eligibility criteria so as to empower them on conducting of social assistance assessments and lobbying them to undertake assessments on inpatients prior to discharge instead of referring clients to seek assessments bookings on their own subsequent to discharge (Clinician initiated Assessments in clients with a high likelihood of qualification and the Tag Strategy is “Why Refer When you can Assess”.
14 April 2023 - NW540
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(a) By what date will generators be rolled out at all SA Social Security Agency offices to enable the staff to assist grant recipients during load shedding and (b) what total amount will the roll-out of such generators cost?
Reply:
a) SASSA has commenced planning for the rolling out of alternative power supply country wide. The first phase will start at the beginning of the 2023/24 financial year and the second phase at the third quarter of the same financial year.
During the first phase, an appropriate alternative power supply will be considered for each local office, e.g., generator, solar, backup power, etc. For implementation of the phase, SASSA has identified ninety (90) critical local offices country wide (ten per region). However, in the medium term, SASSA plans to develop a strategy to roll out alternative power supply in all local offices across the country.
It is anticipated that the procurement processes for the first phase will be finalised by the end of the second quarter (30 September 2023). The second phase which involves the initial rollout will commence by 01 October 2023. This process will be completed before end of the 2023/24 financial year.
Due to the emerging national crisis, a task team has been established to focus on priorities and develop a strategy for implementation of alternative power supply roll out for 2024/25 financial year. This will ensure that scaling up is in line with the strategy and also allow for sufficient funds to be secured for this project.
b) An amount of R44 million is budgeted for in 2023/24 financial year. R29 million of the funds will be utilised to secure alternative power supply and R14 million will be used for local office improvements which will include, physical accessibility, branding, provision of dignity services and network connectivity for 54 offices.
It is important to note the needs of each office are unique therefore assessments must be done for all offices to ensure specifications are accurate before the supply chain processes begin.
The strategy will inform the second phase (2024/25) of the roll out which will also determine the allocation and availability of funds.
14 April 2023 - NW524
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
Considering the increase in human trafficking from our shores and the increase in the number of children being murdered, what steps is her department taking to put a stop to social media pages, such as Facebook where persons are selling children, thereby bypassing legal adoption processes?
Reply:
(i) The department has taken the following steps to put a stop to social media pages, such as Facebook where persons are selling children, thereby bypassing legal adoption processes are as follows:
(a) Continuous education and awareness-raising programmes in a form of webinars, radio talk shows, twitter space discussions in order to increase understanding of online use, advantages and risks as well as abuse taking place on online platforms, violating the rights of children. These awareness and education programmes target the general public, including children, child ambassadors and caregivers.
(b) The department closely monitors and analyse social media platforms identifying and addressing complaints and matters of concern for the department, responding and referring to relevant programmes for intervention.
(c) The department collaborates and partners with government departments, non-governmental organizations, Domestic Internet Service Providers, law enforcement, privacy experts, and technology companies who assists to develop realistic mandatory regulations for filtering and formal reporting mechanisms within online platforms, including social media and instant messaging platforms. The department recently celebrated Safer Internet Day in Gqeberha in collaboration with UNICEF, Films and Publications Board, SAPS, Department of Basic Education, Communications and Digital Technology, as well as MTN.
There is also strengthened integrated response by the multi-stakeholders who are empowered with current updated knowledge and skills to recognise risky online situations and to effectively deal with challenging situations when confronted with cases of online violation of children. The partnership with helplines and hotlines facilitates reporting and response for appropriate services.
(d) The department also undertakes training and capacity building of relevant stakeholders in government and non-governmental organizations on legislation relevant to adoption services, trafficking of children and online safety of children as well as roles and responsibilities with regard to identification, reporting, referral and rendering of appropriate services in order to address online violation of children, trafficking or illegal adoption.
(e) Training on the provision of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Person and the Children’s Act interfaces with the legal processes of adoption, illegal methods used in trafficking and online violation of children. The specific roles and responsibilities of respective government departments and non-governmental organizations are outlined in the Guidelines for the Prevention of and response to Child Exploitation according to legislative mandates.
(f) The department is in a process of establishing the Coordinating Structure for online safety comprising of government departments, non-governmental organizations, Internet Service Providers, law enforcement, privacy experts, and technology companies.
(g) UNICEF is providing technical support to the department through appointment of secondment to DSD, to support the development and implementation of the Model of National Response for protection of children on and offline platforms, as well as the implementation of the recommendations of the Disrupting Harm Study.
14 April 2023 - NW998
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether she has been informed that the residents of the Ugu District Municipality have been without clean water for a period of over five years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, which interventions will she take in this regard?
Reply:
No, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has not been informed that the residents of the Ugu District Municipality (UDM) have been without clean water for a period of over five years. The Minister is aware of intermittent supply of water to certain areas every now and then, but not for the entire Ugu District municipal area not to have clean water for a period of over five years.
The following interventions have been taken to support Ugu District Municipality to attend to intermittent water supply to communities:
- A Municipal Infrastructure Support Intervention Plan (MSIP) for UDM was developed after Cabinet considered a State of Local Government (SOLG) report in 2021 that highlighted that UDM was deemed dysfunctional. The implementation of the MSIP, and monitoring thereof led by DCOG, has led to improvement of water supply and service delivery protests have been minimized.
- KZN COGTA seconded a Project Management Unit (PMU) comprising of Engineers and Project Managers in May 2022 to support and strengthen UDM to fast-track implementation of grant funded projects. KZN CoGTA also availed funding for strategic infrastructure projects related to provision of basic services to accelerated water provision, and for repairs and maintenance of aged infrastructure through the Accelerated Infrastructure Renewal Programme in the 2022/23 financial year.
- UDM developed a turnaround plan in June 2022 for addressing water challenges and established a Water War Room that sits every fortnight to monitor the implementation of the Water Services Turnaround Plan. The multi stakeholder Water War Room includes representatives from DCOG through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN COGTA).
- MISA funded and drilled 2 boreholes completing the project in March 2023 in the uMdoni Local Municipality area benefitting 44 households. MISA has also deployed a professionally registered Civil Engineer as well as two Civil Engineering Young Graduates to support and strengthen UDM.
End.
14 April 2023 - NW824
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a)(i) is the total number of (aa) inverters and (bb) generators that the SA Social Security Agency has procured to date to mitigate against the impact of load shedding on service delivery and (ii) number of the specified items were procured for each (aa) province and (bb) office and (b) was the price of each specified inverter and generator?
Reply:
(a)(i) (aa) Total number of inverters procured: 59.
(a)(i) (bb) Total number of generators procured: 66.
Province |
(a)(ii)(aa) The total number of inverters procured by SASSA per province. |
(a)(ii)(aa) The total number of generators procured by SASSA in per province. |
(a)(ii)(bb) The number of inverters procured per office (name of the office). |
(a)(ii)(bb) The number of generators procured per office (name of the office). |
(a)(ii)(b) The price of each specified inverter procured by SASSA in region (Unit price per item). |
(a)(ii)(b) The price of each specified generator procured by SASSA in regions (Unit price per item). |
KwaZulu Natal |
0 |
25 |
N/A |
Pungashe Local Office |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
Ingwavuma Local Office Jozini (Ulundi) |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Dukuza Local Office |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Ulundi District Office |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Ubombo Local Office Mkhuze (Ulundi) |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Underburg |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
||||
Kzn Regional Office |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Nqutu Local Office |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
||||
Harding Local Office |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Kwamsane Local Office |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
||||
Umbumbulu Local Office |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
||||
Impendle Local Office |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
||||
Ndwedwe Local Office |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
||||
Weenen Local Office |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Kwangwanase Local Office |
N/A |
R111,777.00 |
||||
Ulundi District Office |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Richardsbay Local Office (Ulundi) |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Ndwedwe Local Office |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
||||
Prophet Isiah Shembe Local Office |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
||||
Weenen Local Office |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
||||
Mahlabathini Local Office |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Ezakheni Local Office |
N/A |
R19,950.00 |
||||
Richmond |
N/A |
R14,000.00 |
||||
Hlabisa Local Office |
N/A |
R132,981.00 |
||||
Riverside Local Office |
N/A |
R132,270.78 |
||||
Gauteng |
0 |
1 |
0 |
Orlando West |
0 |
R 44 850.00 |
1 |
0 |
Dobsonville |
R 43 000.00 |
|||
Free State |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
Western Cape |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
North West |
19 |
6 |
1. Bojanala (Rustenburg) District Office 2. Kgetleng Local Office 3. Madibeng Local Office 4. Mogwase Local Office 5. Moretele Local Office 6. Rustenburg Local Office 7. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District/Matlosana x 2 8. Jouberton Local Office 9. Maquassi Hills Local Office 10. Tlokwe Local Office 11. Ventersdorp Local Office 12. Naledi LO 13. Kagisano Local Office 14. Lekwa-Teemane Local Office 15. Taung Local Office 16. Ditsobotla Local Office 17. Mafikeng Local Office 18. Ramotshere Moiloa Local Office 19. Tswaing Local Office |
1. Dryharts Local Office 2. Tlokwe Local Office 3. Madikwe Local Office 4. Mabeskraal Local Office 5. Moretele Local Office 6. Mantserre SP |
All the inverters/UPS procured for each office at cost R30 000.00 |
Dryharts LO = R156 000.00 Tlokwe LO = R260 000.00 Madikwe LO = R156 000.00 Mabeskraal LO = R156 000.00 Moretele LO = R156 000.00 Mantserre SP = R68 00.00 |
Northern Cape |
4 |
0 |
|
N/A |
R214 565,11 (vat incl) |
N/A |
Mpumalanga |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
Eastern Cape |
0 |
34 |
N/A |
Amathole Local Office |
N/A |
R 20,500.00 |
Butterworth Local Office |
R 69,474.65 |
|||||
Kieskammahoek |
R 20,500.00 |
|||||
Stutterheim Local Office |
R 69,474.65 |
|||||
Idutywa Local Office |
R 20,500.00 |
|||||
Alice Local Office |
R 20,500.00 |
|||||
Nqamakwe Local Office |
R 78,000.00 |
|||||
Middle Drift Local Office |
R 78,000.00 |
|||||
Centane Local Office |
R 20,500.00 |
|||||
Elliotdale Local Office |
R 20,500.00 |
|||||
Fort Beaufort Local Office |
R 69,474.65 |
|||||
Mdantsane 1 Local Office |
R 20,500.00 |
|||||
Peddie Local Office |
R 20,500.00 |
|||||
Adelaide Local Office |
R 20,500.00 |
|||||
Willowvale Local Office |
R 69,474.65 |
|||||
Chris Hani Local Office |
R 233,000.00 |
|||||
Lady Frere Local Office |
R 147,685.15 |
|||||
Tsomo Local Office |
R 7,500.00 |
|||||
Whittlesea Local Office |
R 62,790.00 |
|||||
Engcobo Local Office |
R 62,790.00 |
|||||
Burgersdorp Local Office |
R 25,415.00 |
|||||
Maclear Local Office |
R 31,395.00 |
|||||
Mount Fletcher |
R 31,395.00 |
|||||
Sterkspruit Local Office |
R 44,166.38 |
|||||
District Office |
R 177,270.00 |
|||||
Flagstaff Local Office |
R 23,493.50 |
|||||
Libode Local Office |
R 26,131.00 |
|||||
Lusikisiki Local Office |
R 163,789.00 |
|||||
Ngqeleni Local Office |
R 76,490.00 |
|||||
Limpopo |
35 |
0 |
Mopani District Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
0 |
Giyani Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Namakgale Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Maruleng Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Kgapane Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Bahananoa Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Ceres Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Mankweng Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Molemole Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Senwabarwana Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Seshego Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Zebediela Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Dr CN Phatudi Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Apel Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Leeuwfontein Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Luckau Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Manganeng Local Office |
Nil |
R238 968. 97 |
Nil |
||
0 |
Praktiseer Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Schoonord Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Sekhukhune District Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Musina Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Mutale Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Rabali Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Makwarela Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Tshaulu Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Hlanganani Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Vhembe District Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Bela-Bela Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Thabaleshoba Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Lephalale Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Thabazimbi Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Witpoort Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Bakenberg Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
||
0 |
Mokopane Local Office |
0 |
R238 968. 97 |
0 |
14 April 2023 - NW797
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
In view of the extradition treaty between the Republic and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that sets out specifics in terms of process, (a) on what date did the extradition hearing of the Gupta brothers start in Dubai and (b) what number of hearings specifically for extradition, but not for bail, have taken place to date; (2) Whether the Gupta brothers attended the extradition hearings; if not, why not; if so what are the relevant details; (3) Whether the UAE laws and/or systems permit the Republic to have independent representatives present as observers in the extradition hearings; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) who represented the Republic in such hearings and (b) what are the further relevant details in this regard; (4) What number of official reports has his department received thus far about the (a) extradition process and (b) extradition hearings; (5) Whether the reports are his department’s only source of information about what is happening in Dubai regarding the Gupta brothers; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department was informed by the Central Authority in the UAE that extradition hearings in the UAE takes place in a closed court and that only the accused, their legal representatives and the prosecution team are allowed in court. This is in terms of Article 19 of Federal Law 39 of 2006 of the UAE, the domestic legislation in the UAE that govern International Judicial Co-Operation.
Extradition proceedings in the UAE are further guided by the Guide to International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters (Surrender of Persons and Things – Judicial Assistance), Ministry of Justice, 1444 Hijri – 2022 A.D.
The Department liaises with the UAE Central Authority via diplomatic channels as per Article 2(2) of the Extradition Treaty between the two countries. The South African Embassy in Abu Dhabi assist the Department in this regard.
14 April 2023 - NW438
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What (a) total amount does her department owe to the (i) Walter Sisulu Local Municipality and (ii) Senqu Local Municipality and (b) is the age analysis of the monies owed in each case; (2) what (a) are the relevant details of the buildings in respect of which her department owes the specified municipalities and (b) is the use of each specified building; (3) whether her department has any plans to address the debts; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the details of her department’s plan and (b) is the time frame in which the debts will be settled?
Reply:
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
1. (a)) SASSA does not owe any amount of money to Walter Sisulu Local Municipality and (ii) Senqu Local Municipality as reflected in the table below:
|
(ii) Amounts owed |
(b) Age analysis |
|||
Walter Sisulu Local Municipality |
R0 (nil) |
n/a |
|||
Senqu Local Municipality |
R0 (nil) |
n/a |
(b) Not applicable as displayed in the table above.
(2)
(a) Not applicable based on response in 1(a) above.
(b) The buildings are used to provide administration of social grants.
(3) Not applicable based on the response in 1(a) above.
Department of Social Development Eastern Cape
1. (a)(i) Walter Sisulu District Municipality
R 1,401,887.73
(ii) Senqu Local Municipality R 250 000
2. (b)(i) Walter Sisulu District Municipality
(90days)
(ii) Senqu Local Municipality (90days)
The table below reflects details and use offices and residential institution
Town |
Street |
Erf numbers |
Type /Use |
Municipalities |
Barkly East |
23 De Villiers Street |
1482 |
Service office |
Senqu |
Barkly East |
8 Stuart Street |
1485 |
Community Development Centre |
Senqu |
Lady Grey |
29 Baduza Street |
29 |
Service office |
Senqu |
Aliwal North |
1521 Robison Rd (Ambulance base) |
1521 |
Community Development Centre |
Walter Sisulu local |
Burgersdorp |
3515 Tembisa,Mzamomhle (Burgersdorp |
3515 |
Laluma Futshane Child and Youth Care Centre |
Walter Sisulu local |
There are four offices and one residential institution for kids that are in conflict with the law.
3. The Eastern Cape Provincial Department is sourcing funds within on SCOA items that are slow spenders and is planning to settle outstanding debts in April 2023.The accruals exert pressure on the 2023/24 financial budget.
14 April 2023 - NW685
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with regard to her statement on 27 February 2023, during which she thanked all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as key partners of Government in initiating and implementing programmes in local communities that ensure no one is left behind, she will make a commitment in writing that all NGOs in each province will, as key partners of the Government, be paid their subsidies on time so that they can deliver their essential services to the communities they operate in; if not, why not; if so, by what date?
Reply:
The Department makes every effort to ensure that the subsidies are paid to NPOs on time so that they can deliver their essential services to the communities they operate. In the past there were significant delays with the processing of payments due to various reasons from the Department, the NPOs and budget cuts which impact on service delivery. However, for the current financial year Provinces paid the NPOs on time.
Where there were delays it is due to non-submission of documents, and non-compliance by the NPOs. As per February 2023, the status of funding NPOs is as follows:
PROVINCE |
NPOs RECOMMENDED |
PAID |
% PAID |
Eastern Cape |
1 234 |
1 234 |
100 % |
Free State |
757 |
634 |
84 % |
Gauteng |
1 924 |
1 852 |
96 % |
KwaZulu-Natal |
1 070 |
1 030 |
96 % |
Limpopo |
798 |
770 |
97 % |
Mpumalanga |
638 |
607 |
95 % |
Northern Cape |
442 |
401 |
91 % |
North-West |
372 |
281 |
76 % |
Western Cape |
1 149 |
1 132 |
99 % |
TOTAL |
8 384 |
7 941 |
95 % |
The Department is currently developing an NPO System that will automate the various stages of funding processes and this will contribute to improving the payment of transfers.
14 April 2023 - NW581
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her department has a system and/or some mechanism in place to monitor children who receive social grants to ensure that they are attending school regularly and benefiting from the specified social grants, by providing annual reports on performance attendance and so forth; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Regulation 7(6) of the Social Assistance Regulations of 2022 places an obligation on the caregiver to ensure that a child between the ages of 7 and 18 is enrolled and attends school or an educational institution. Such proof has to be provided to SASSA upon approval of the Child Support Grant. However, the Department has observed that the enforcement of this provision is not feasible.
To close this gap, the Department has developed a draft policy on integration of children’s grants with services amongst others, education, health and early childhood development. The draft policy emphasises the need of building linkages between children’s grants and other developmental services for children. The approval of the policy and amendment of the legislation will enable the Department to share data with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) amongst others. In this manner, the Department will be empowered to monitor and track school attendance in compliance with the regulations. Consultations on the draft policy will be concluded by the end of the 2023/24 financial year and processes to seek Cabinet approval of the draft policy will be initiated in the next financial year (2023/2024).
14 April 2023 - NW1060
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) What is the rand value of (a)(i) diesel, (ii) petroleum and (iii) black oil products that have been purchased by PetroSA through prepayment to the suppliers since 1 July 2022 and (b) the specified products that have actually been delivered to PetroSA; (2) whether there has been any discrepancy between the two specified values; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the reasons for such a discrepancy and (b) steps have been taken to recover the shortfall in delivery and/or reimburse the supplier for over-delivery?
Reply:
(1) PetroSA has indicated that the rand value of prepayments are as follows:
(a)(i) R4,083,366,060.00
(ii) None
(iii) None
(b) Volume of diesel
(2) See attached table
(a) The main discrepancy in shipping diesel or petroleum products is due to allowance for temperature differentials, undischargeable product, product remaining in the ship’s lines and the potential for apparent losses due to evaporation.
(b) Yes, if there are any product shortfalls or over delivery the balance is recovered or reimbursed.
14 April 2023 - NW909
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
With regard to her department’s consultation workshop which took place in June 2022, to discuss regulations for the Victim Support Services Bill, (a) what criteria were used to invite the participants, (b) what are the names of the organisations that attended the specified workshop, (c) which provinces were represented and (d) what was the purpose of the consultation workshop?
Reply:
a) The provincial DSD Heads of Departments in all nine provinces were sent invitation letters to participate in the Development of the Victim Support Services Regulations Workshop. Furthermore, as part of the criteria, the Department invited stakeholders from the Justice Crime Prevention Security (JCPS) cluster, the Social Protection Community and Human Development (SPCHD) cluster, and the National Civil Society Organisation operating in the Sector;
b) The DSD is in possession of the names of persons who participated in the consultations on the development of the Draft Victim Support Services (VSS) Regulations however, (i) all the departmental consultation workshops must comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Hence names of persons who were in attendance cannot be shared, (ii) National Organisations that were in attendance from Civil Society were Child Line South Africa, National Shelter Movement and National Institute Community Development and Management (NICDAM). The Government Departments were, National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
c) Below are Provincial DSD teams who were in attendance:
- Gauteng
- North West
- Free State
- Eastern Cape
- Western Cape
- Northern Cape
- Mpumalanga
The Free State and Limpopo Province could not attend or even connect virtually. (Most of the provinces joined the session virtually via the zoom platform).
d) The purpose of consultation workshop was the development of the Draft VSS Regulations. This is an ongoing process pending the finalization of the VSS Bill. The Draft VSS Regulations document is in place for further consultations and the second round of the consultation workshops will extend to Provincial CSOs and Local CSOs in the next financial year, 2023/24.
14 April 2023 - NW599
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to her reply to question 1863 on 30 May 2022 and the implementation of the new ticket queue management system at SA Social Security Agency offices, (a) what is the current status of the pilot project, (b) what are the names and addresses of the two local offices in each province where it has been piloted, (c) who received the contract for the new system and (d) what is the detailed expenditure for the setup of the pilot project in each office?
Reply:
a) The current status of the project per province is as follows:
Province |
Local Office |
Current Status |
Eastern Cape |
East London |
100% Complete - System Live |
Queenstown |
90% Complete - QMS equipment delivered, installed and configured |
|
Free State |
Bloemfontein |
70% Complete - Supplier of QMS equipment appointed |
Qwaqwa |
70% Complete - Supplier of QMS equipment appointed |
|
Gauteng |
Roodepoort |
100% Complete System Live |
Johannesburg |
100% Complete System Live |
|
Kwazulu-Natal |
Durban |
70% Complete - Supplier of QMS equipment appointed |
Osizweni |
70% Complete - Supplier of QMS equipment appointed |
|
Limpopo |
Seshego |
70% Complete - Supplier of QMS equipment appointed |
Giyani |
70% Complete - Supplier of QMS equipment appointed |
|
Mpumalanga |
Mbombela |
80% Complete- Awaiting delivery of QMS equipment |
Emalahleni |
80% Complete Awaiting delivery of QMS equipment |
|
Northern Cape |
Tlhokomelo |
100% Complete System Live |
Upington |
100% Complete System Live |
|
North-West |
Mahikeng |
90% Complete - Equipment delivered and Installed |
Rustenburg |
90% Complete - Equipment delivered and Installed |
|
Western Cape |
Gugulethu |
60% Complete- Finalization of Procurement |
Athlone |
60% Complete - Finalization of Procurement |
(b) The names and addresses of the two local offices in each province where the system was piloted are as follows:
Province |
Local Office |
Physical Address |
Eastern Cape |
East London |
34 Argyle Street, East London CBD |
Queenstown |
Sanlam Building, 10 Hexagon Street, Komani |
|
Free State |
Bloemfontein |
Cnr. Aliwal and Saint Andrews Street, Bloemfontein |
Qwaqwa |
Old Post Office Building, De Beeld Road, QwaQwa |
|
Gauteng |
Roodepoort |
40 Hoofde Street, Roodepoort, JHB |
Johannesburg |
1 De Villiers Street, JHB CBD |
|
Kwazulu-Natal |
Durban |
65 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Durban, PRASA Building |
Osizweni |
4181 Ob31 St, Osizweni A, |
|
Limpopo |
Seshego |
7946 Stand St, Seshego A,Seshego,0751 Coordinates: S23.854040, E29.39481 |
Giyani |
387 Giy A 3 St,Giyani Unit A,Giyani,0826 Coordinates: S23.31658 E30.72114 |
|
Mpumalanga |
Mbombela |
10 Paul Kruger, Nelspruit |
Emalahleni |
Gerry Mann Building, Athlone street, Emalahleni CBD |
|
Northern Cape |
Tlhokomelo |
776 Corner Letsholo & Matanzima Street. Mankuruwane. Kimberly |
Upington |
38 Schroder Street. Upington. |
|
North-West |
Mahikeng |
7 First Street, Industrial Site, Mafikeng |
Rustenburg |
18 Heystek Street, Rustenburg |
|
Western Cape |
Gugulethu |
Social Development Building Cnr NY3 and Steve Biko Streets Gugulethu GPS: -33.987025, 18.567991 |
Athlone |
Melofin Center 94 Old Klipfontein Road Athlone GPS: -33,960645, 18,502246 |
(c) No service provider was appointed to develop the new QMS system. The system was developed in-house by SASSA.
(d) The expenditure for the set-up of the pilot project in each office is as follows:
Province |
Local Office |
Detailed Expenditure |
Eastern Cape |
East London |
R 171 918.91 |
Queenstown |
R 80 580.50 |
|
Free State |
Bloemfontein |
R 52 250.00 |
Qwaqwa |
R 62 200.00 |
|
Gauteng |
Roodepoort |
R 147 257.50 |
Johannesburg |
R 210 266.00 |
|
Kwazulu-Natal |
Durban |
R 229 792.39 |
Osizweni |
R 202 726.24 |
|
Limpopo |
Seshego |
R 184 587.39 |
Giyani |
R 184 587.39 |
|
Mpumalanga |
Mbombela |
R 276 008.89 for both offices |
Emalahleni |
||
Northern Cape |
Tlhokomelo |
R 98 802.45 |
Upington |
R 95 589.00 |
|
North-West |
Mahikeng |
R 243 900.00 - for both offices |
Rustenburg |
||
Western Cape |
Gugulethu |
To be confirmed once the procurement process is finalised |
Athlone |
To be confirmed once the procurement process is finalised |
|
Total |
R 2 180 879.41 |
14 April 2023 - NW840
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2287 on 22 July 2022, she will furnish Ms A L A Abrahams with the (a) lease agreement, (b) square meterage with justification for the high rental amount and (c) name of each director and/or member of each landlord for the regional office in Pretoria owned by Centpret Properties; if not, in each case; if so, by what date?
Reply:
a) The lease agreement for the Pretoria local office as requested is attached as Annexure A.
b) The rates per square metre are within market related prices.
Office Name |
Square Meter |
Price per square meter |
Pretoria Local Office Centprop Properties |
Office Space: 878 Parking bays 10 |
Office Space: R102.81/m2 Parking: R628.09 |
c) Directors and/or members of Centpret Properties
Company Name |
Directors |
Position |
|
i) Centprop Properties |
Jeffrey Percy |
Wapnick |
Director |
Elize |
Greeff |
Company Secretary |
|
Anabela |
Vieira |
Director |
14 April 2023 - NW404
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services:
What is the status of the extradition application pertaining to Mr Rajesh Gupta and Mr Atul Gupta?
Reply:
a) On 6 June 2022, the UAE Ministry of the Interior’s Directorate General for the Federal Criminal Police in Abu Dhabi informed the National Criminal Bureau, Interpol Pretoria, that abovementioned suspects were arrested in the UAE. The authorities in the UAE followed this up with a Note Verbale dated 6 June 2022, informing the Minister that the suspects have been arrested and requesting the Department, as Central Authority to forward the official extradition request to the UAE as soon as possible.
b) The formal extradition request was delivered by South Africa to the authorities in the UAE on 25 July 2022.
c) The Director-General of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, in his capacity as the Central Authority, wrote to His Excellency Addullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Justice in the UAE, in September 2022 as a follow up to the request.
d) During October 2022, the Central Authority travelled to the UAE to meet with Judge Al Balushi, and other representatives from the UAE Central Authority, including the prosecutor who is attending to the extradition request in Dubai. Judge Al Balushi was requested to keep the South African Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Department abreast of developments.
e) As directed by the Central Authority, on 16 January 2023, the South African Embassy in Abu Dhabi directed a Note Verbale to the Ministry of Justice requesting to be informed regarding the current status of the extradition request. The Embassy has indicated that they are waiting for a formal response from the Ministry of Justice in the UAE.
f) On 20 February 2023, the Central Authority addressed a further letter to His Excellency Addullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, referring to his previous correspondence and again requesting a written update on the extradition proceedings of Mr Rajesh Gupta and Mr Atul Gupta.
g) The Department has not yet been favoured with a response by the authorities in the UAE, and the issue is being pursued via the diplomatic route, where DIRCO has been requested to arrange a meeting with His Excellency Ambassador Mahash Saeed Alhameli, the UAE Ambassador to South Africa in order to discuss the Gupta matter.
14 April 2023 - NW841
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What total number of doctors in the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) are contracted to serve in the (a) George area and (b) entire Garden Route District; (2) (a) how often do the specified SASSA contracted doctors pay visits to the specified areas and (b) what total number of persons are the SASSA contracted doctors expected to serve in the areas; (3) what is the average waiting period for patients to be able to be attended by the SASSA contracted doctors?
Reply:
1. (a) and (b)
SASSA Western Cape (WC) has an Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Consolidated Health Districts- Garden Route and Central Karoo, but it only provides for Health Practitioner initiated assessments, access to records and use of Health facilities.
SASSA WC therefore must employ its own doctors where assessments initiate from the SASSA local offices. These contracted doctors must service the Garden Route and other parts of the Central Karoo. During the current financial year, SASSA WC contracted 4 doctors to the following Garden Route areas:
Service Area |
No. of Servicing Dr/s |
i) George |
1 |
ii) Pacaltsdorp |
1 |
iii) Mossel Bay |
1 |
iv) Plettenberg Bay/ Knysna |
1 |
2. (a) The 2 contracted doctors in George and Pacaltsdorp visit and complete assessments once a week while the 2 contracted doctors visit and complete asessments in Mosselbay and Knysna/ Plettenberg Bay once a month.
(b) The SLA with the contracted doctors are aligned to the Disability Management Policy permitting each doctor to complete 40 physical assessments per day
3. The Norms and standards applied by the SASSA stipulate that an assessment should be completed within 30 days of booking a client. Any assessment to be completed beyond 30 days is considered a backlog. Currently, there are backlogs in the following areas:
Service Area |
Backlogs |
Number of Days |
i) George |
95 |
>30days |
ii) Pacaltsdorp |
70 |
>30days |
iii) Mossel Bay |
305 |
>60 days |
The Region has gone out on tender for the appointment of contracted doctors and could only secure the services of seven doctors to perform assessments. Four of the contracted doctors have been allocated to the Garden route areas as indicated above. Approval has been received from the Regional Executive Manager for the direct sourcing of additional doctors to address the need and to deal with backlog cases.
Furthermore, approval was also provided in line with applicable legislation, for paper based assessments to be conducted. This approval will allow the doctors to complete assessments to a maximum of 60 per day
14 April 2023 - NW925
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Regarding the SA Government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which confirmed that the Gupta brothers were arrested in Dubai in June 2022, on what dates, between 2 June 2022 and 24 February 2023, did his department receive official updates from the UAE on progress in respect of the extradition process; (2) What is the name of each member of the team from the Republic responsible for the extradition application; (3) Whether the team that was assigned and announced in 2022 remains the same; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
After being informed on 6 June 2022, that Mr Atul Kumar Gupta and Mr Rajesh Kumar Gupta have been arrested by the police in Dubai, the Department travelled to the UAE on three separate occasions to meet with the Central Authority in the UAE. The Department has received both official and unofficial updates from the UAE Central Authority on the extradition proceedings in the UAE.
The Department is of the view that the names of the team responsible for the extradition application should not be disclosed. The team members from the Investigating Directorate and Department of Justice and Constitutional Development have remained the same.
14 April 2023 - NW151
Marais, Ms P to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) plans have been put in place to settle all outstanding debts owed by her department’s office in Botshabelo, which is closed because of outstanding electricity debt owed to Centlec and the debt for water owed to the Mangaung Local Municipality and (b) are the reasons that it has taken so long to settle the debts? NW156E
Reply:
a) Botshabelo Local Office is accommodated in Reahola Complex, which is shared with other private businesses. The lease agreement for the Local Office was signed by National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) on behalf of the Agency. The landlord (Basfour 3324 (PTY) LTD) procures electricity from Centlec and supplies all the business units in the complex, including the SASSA office. The landlord has installed separate meters for each business site and bills tenants including DPWI (to recover usage costs for the SASSA Office). DPWI in turn recovers the paid electricity costs from SASSA.
It is important to note that the complex did not have electricity for three (3) working days starting from Thursday, 09 February 2023 to Monday, 13 February due to a technical failure of an electrical cable which Centlec has since repaired and services were restored on Monday, 13 February 2023.
The same applies with Mangaung Metro and there are no amounts due by SASSA.
There are no outstanding debts to settle.
14 April 2023 - NW920
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)What (a) total number of funded posts are currently vacant in the Public Service and (b) is the breakdown of the specified number (i) nationally and (ii) in each provincial department; (2) (a) what are the reasons that the funded posts are currently vacant and (b) by what date is it envisaged that the vacant positions will be filled?
Reply:
1. (a) According to PERSAL data as at 31 December 2022, the total number of funded posts that are currently vacant in the Public Service stood at 166 365.
b) The breakdown of the specified number of vacant funded posts nationally and in each provincial department is presented (as at 31 December 2022) in the attached Annexure A.
National |
38 151 |
Provinces |
|
Eastern Cape |
31 062 |
Free State |
2 849 |
Gauteng |
23 687 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
22 267 |
Limpopo |
13 226 |
Mpumalanga |
6 336 |
North West |
10 564 |
Northern Cape |
5 186 |
Western Cape |
13 037 |
2.(a) Departments have in the past reported the following causes and challenges that cause delays in the filling of vacancies:
(i) Managing the prioritisation of posts to be filled due to budget constraints or reprioritization of funds.
(ii) Competition with private sector with regard to appointment of registered OSD professionals and technicians. It was mentioned that it is not easy to recruit and attract some of those skills due to scarcity in the job market in line with the inherent job requirements. Current serving staff under this category are not keen to register, which further hampers existing staff mobility and utilization in higher level posts.
(iii) The departments have previously raised the matter of internal and external administrative challenges, which ultimately delay the finalisation of appointments. The prescribed pre-employment verifications were also raised. However, departments did not provide substantive proof of such delays.
(iv) There has been a process of settling down following the determinations issued regarding merged departments impacted by the National Macro-Organisation of Government. The affected departments were required to develop macro-structures and finalise placements as per Resolution 1 of 2019.
(b) In terms of Regulation 65(7) of the Public Service Regulations,2016 a funded vacant post shall be advertised within six (6) months after becoming vacant and be filled within twelve months after becoming vacant.
End
14 April 2023 - NW796
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether Atul and Rajesh Gupta were arrested after a stakeout by Interpol in Dubai; if not, how did they end up in custody; if so, what are the full relevant details in this regard; (2) (a) Whether representatives of his department requested to physically see the Guptas, even once, since they were arrested in June 2022; if not, why not; if so, (3) Whether the request was granted; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, on what date did the site visit take place; (4) Whether his department was furnished with mugshots of Atul and Rajesh Gupta as confirmation of their capture; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
During February 2022, Interpol South Africa issued a Red Notice pertaining to Messrs Gupta. The Red Notice was forwarded to the UAE via the official police channel.
The Department was informed that Mr Atul Kumar Gupta and Mr Rajesh Kumar Gupta were arrested by the authorities of UAE during June 2022. The exact date of arrest is unknown to the Department.
On 6 June 2022, the UAE Ministry of the Interior’s Directorate General for the Federal Criminal Police in Abu Dhabi informed the National Criminal Bureau, Interpol Pretoria, that abovementioned suspects were arrested in the UAE. The authorities in the UAE followed this up with a Note Verbale dated 6 June 2022, informing the Minister that the suspects have been arrested and requesting the Department, as Central Authority to forward the official extradition request to the UAE.
The Department was not granted access to the Gupta brothers and was not furnished with mug shots of them.
14 April 2023 - NW149
Marais, Ms P to ask the Minister of Social Development
(a) What are the reasons that some recipients of R350 Social Relief of Distress grants still have not received their monies as at 1 February 2023 and (b) on what date will the challenge be resolved?
Reply:
a) SASSA is up to date with all assessments and payments for the COVID-19 SRD. There are, however, a number of clients that could not be paid due to challenges with their payment method. These include:
- No payment method details were added to the application / provided by the client. The client is required to upload payment details.
- Payment method failed verification. This could be due to incorrect account details or due to the fact that the account does not belong directly to the client. This requires the client to either correct their details or supply a new payment method.
- The largest area of failed verifications are those who selected payments to their mobile number.
(i) There is currently a challenge with the cash send verification process as the contract for this has expired and SASSA is in the process of following a formal procurement process. However, since the vast majority of these assessments fail due to the cell phone numbers provided not being RICA’d, clients are advised to use a different payment channel such as providing their banking details. Those who have been previously approved and paid through this specific mobile payment channel will continue to be paid.
- A small number of clients are on “referred status”. These are approved applications that cannot be paid due to a challenge with identity verification i.e. ID number has been confirmed to have been used in fraudulent matters such as Identity theft. The clients have been advised and a process has been put in place for clients to confirm their identity through a biometric verification process.
- There are about half a million clients who have not yet complied with FICA requirements on their Postbank accounts. Clients are required to finalise this FICA process or to upload alternative banking details, to enable payments.
b) As these challenges (in most part) require action on the part of the client, it is not possible to provide a date on when all clients will be paid. Once the client’s payment method is corrected by the client, and verified, SASSA will be able to effect payment to the client.
14 April 2023 - NW845
Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether her department determines where councillors and/or municipalities may hold meetings; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) Whether the Matatiele Local Municipality held their annual meeting at Umhlanga Rocks north of Durban; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) hotel did they use and (b) total amount was spent at the specified hotel? NW951E
Reply:
1. No. The department does not determine to councilors and/or municipalities where they should hold their meetings.
The response below was provided by Matatiele Local Municipality:
2. Yes
a) Garden Court Umhlanga
b) R1, 177, 895. 20
End.
14 April 2023 - NW959
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What (a) is the role of her department in situations where local governments are unable to provide basic services like water and sanitation, as is the case in the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality that is unable to provide the services to the increasing number of persons occupying land in the Khoisan settlement of Knoflokskraal on land that is earmarked for forestry plantations and not human settlement and (b) plans does her department have in place to cooperate with other governmental departments who own the land of traditional settlements but fail to provide essential municipal services?
Reply:
a) The role of the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG), like all other provincial and national departments, is to support and strengthen municipalities to perform their functions in accordance with section 154 of the Constitution. In situations where municipalities fail to perform their functions, despite the support mentioned above, the provincial executive in local government may intervene by taking any appropriate steps in terms of section 139 of the Constitution. If a provincial executive does not adequately perform the functions, the national executive must intervene in terms of section 139 (7) of the Constitution.
The Theewaterskloof Local Municipality (TLM) will only start planning for the sustainable provision of basic services to the communities occupying land on Knoflokskraal, that is earmarked for forestry plantations and not human settlement, after a response expected by 19 May 2023 by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) on whether continued occupation will be allowed. The commitment by DPWI to provide the response emanated from a community meeting that was held on 25 March 2023 on the occupied land on Knoflokskraal.
b) DCOG is leading on the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM) to ensure alignment of all of government plans, budgeting and implementation of programmes and projects. The DDM ensures that the planning undertaken by a municipality for provision of municipal services, among other issues, is aligned with the development plans of other organs of state as provided for on Section 24(1) of the Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000 and to give effect to the principles of co-operative government contained in section 41 of the Constitution.
End.
13 April 2023 - NW1049
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether the Republic is a member of the Muslim World League (MWL) and / or intends to apply for membership of the MWL; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) How does the Government regulate international travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially for pilgrims?
Reply:
1. No, South Africa is not a member of the Muslim World League. Membership is not considered given the fact that the Muslim World League is an international non-governmental organisation.
2. The Government does not regulate international travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for any South African citizen, including pilgrims.
13 April 2023 - NW634
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)What are the details of the (a) budget, (b) expenditure and (c) entities to whom his department awarded the tender for fixing roads in (i) Limpopo, (ii) North West and (iii) Free State since 1 January 2012; (2) what are the relevant details with regard to the (a) roads that were fixed and (b) amount that each road cost his department to repair in each case?
Reply:
1. See Annexure A for Limpopo
See Annexure B for North West and
See Annexure C for Free State
2. See Annexure A for Limpopo
See Annexure B for North West and
See Annexure C for Free State
13 April 2023 - NW532
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What challenges has his department encountered in its efforts to eradicate the bucket system in the (a) Northern Cape and (b) Free State?
Reply:
In the Free State there are 10 202 buckets that are still to be eradicated. Contractors were appointed for the remaining seven (7) projects and contractors are currently on site. Several sections of the outfall sewer line have been completed whilst others are in progress. Work on the construction of pumpstations in the respective projects has also commenced.
Whilst the challenges are common in most projects, the Free State Bucket Eradication Programme experienced the following:
- Delays with procurement for goods and services for its Construction Unit. The Department is in the process of addressing this by putting in place a new Infrastructure Procurement Policy and Strategy.
- Interruptions by Local Business Forums demanding to be given a greater share of the work.
- Local labour disputes
- Contractual disputes between the main contractors and their subcontractors which have caused delays.
- Some projects encountered unexpected high-water tables, which resulted in a need to pump out water before work could proceed.
- Poor soil conditions requiring changes to the designs mid-construction.
- Some projects cannot be completed because the wastewater treatment works are not yet ready (in terms of functionality or capacity to receive the additional sewage). Efforts to address the Wastewater Treatment Works are underway through either procurement (Senekal) or Conditional Assessments (through DWS) to determine the extent of the work to be done on each plant. Such projects will be packaged independently for implementation.
In the Northern Cape, a new procurement process has ensued and the procurement process including the appointment of a contractor is expected to be completed by April 2023.
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13 April 2023 - NW986
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(a) Why did the National Arts Council postpone the announcement of the Arts Organisations Support Funding outcomes that was expected on 10 March 2023 and (b) what kind of criteria was it going to use in assisting the deserving creatives?
Reply:
According to the information received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
a) The National Arts Council received 654 applications from arts practitioners in the various disciplines by the 9th of January 2023, which was the closing date. A total of 339 applications were served at panel for review after passing the compliance stage. On 06 March 2023, the Panel of Chairpersons Committee (POCC) received recommendations from the Panel and raised the following concerns:
- It did not seem that this exercise was done for the intended purpose of the call. A concern was raised that the panel approached this call similarly to project funding.
- The amounts recommended by the panel were minuscule and not justifiable for a three-year arts organisation support funding.
- The provincial spread guidelines were adhered to by the panel. The guidelines also detail that marginalised groups require funding in the interest of redress and transformation and to ensure provincial equity in allocations.
- The panel elected to consider applications receiving the highest scores over redress imperatives.
The Panel has been requested to review their allocations to be in line with the intensions of the three-year arts organisation support funding.
(b) Arts Organisations Support Funding (AOSF) aims to support arts organisations’ operations and artistic programmes to ensure the sustainability of these organisations for a period of three (3) years.
Organisations were required to apply within the 3 different phases under AOSF and they were to demonstrate the capacity to utilise the funding with integrity and comply with principles and practices of sound governance.
To ensure that arts creatives are assisted during application phases, the NAC published AOSF guidelines detailing all the required information. The assessment criteria for AOSF are attached for ease of reference.
13 April 2023 - NW520
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
With reference to the opening of two more dams at the Vaal Dam which could result in the higher possibility of a flood, what (a) measures does his department have in place in terms of developing a flood preparedness plan and implementation of flood monitoring and forecasting systems to counter the impact on surrounding communities that may be affected and (b) alarm measures have been implemented and exposed to the communities around the dam?
Reply:
Ahead of the opening of two more gates at Vaal Dam, warnings were issued to the public through various media platforms and an official media statement issued by the department.
a) Development of a flood preparedness plan takes place every year before the rainy season. The implementation of flood monitoring and forecasting systems is a continuous process that the department uses to monitor the state of water flow in the rivers. This ultimately informs decision making regarding issuance of early warnings and opening of flood gates whenever necessary.
b) The alarm measures implemented and exposed to the communities around the dam include issuing of official media statements, dam operators post warnings in social media groups of exposed communities about impending flood control releases and the inevitable increase of water levels downstream.
This ensures that these warnings reach communities swiftly once decisions to release water are confirmed to allow sufficient lead time to react to the interventions.
13 April 2023 - NW1099
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether following her visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she led the South African delegation to the Meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers, held from 18 to 19 March 2023, any agreements were signed and / or agreed to; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether she will furnish Mr Hlengwa with the relevant details and / or an update on the Operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre ( (3) SHOC), as the issue was reportedly discussed; if not why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. No agreements were signed during the Southern Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers Meeting held from 18-19 March 2023 in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
2. The decision on the operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) was first taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in August 2019. Subsequent Council meetings of this body considered and approved standard operating procedures, staffing and budgetary issues pertaining to SHOC as well as a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to establish the SHOC, with Mozambique as the host. The SADC Secretariat continues to work with the Government of Mozambique to expedite the signing of the Hosting Agreement for the SHOC. Once the Hosting Agreement is signed, the Secretariat will commence with deployment of staff to the SHOC in Mozambique.
13 April 2023 - NW1155
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, with reference to her instruction to Transnet Coachline in Tshwane to deny transportation services to the protesters who belong to a certain political organisation (name furnished) under the threat of cancelling the contracts of the Transnet Coachline with the State, she has found that her instruction had the effect of subverting the democratic right to protest, the freedom of association and businesses’ rights to tender for state contracts; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Records at our disposal do not have an operator by the name of Transnet Coachline. Nonetheless, subsidised bus operators contracted to provinces are always advised to prioritise their contractual obligations anytime when the demand for special hires is high. All subsidised bus operators were urged to prioritise and honour their normal schedules in terms of the approved timetables as per contract conditions. Operators would then use their discretion as it relates to offering special hire transportation as long as it did not interfere with contractual obligations.
13 April 2023 - NW1150
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether she will confirm if the Government intends to host Russian President, Mr Vladimir Putin, at the 15th BRICS summit to be held from 22 to 24 August 2023 in Durban, following reports that the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for him, as the Republic is set to host the leaders of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of China, if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
On 25 January 2023, President Ramaphosa in his capacity as the Chair of BRICS, signed letters inviting the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the President of the Russian Federation, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, and the President of the People’s Republic of China, to the Fifteenth BRICS Summit to be held in-person in South Africa from 22 to 24 August 2023.
On 17 March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued a Press Release stating that it had issued a warrant of arrest for Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. Cabinet is currently seized with this matter.
13 April 2023 - NW1140
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether her department has any programmes in place to assist with conflict resolution within the minibus taxi sector, including between (a) service providers, (b) the public and (c) different spheres and/or entities of government; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the (i) impact and (ii) challenges faced by the specified programmes?
Reply:
a) The Department is guided by the provisions of the National Land Transport Act No. 5 of 2009 which empowers provinces to take decisions and/or steps to deal with and address any conflict situation. Section 79(2) and 91 of the NLTA empowers MECs to consider a number of interventions and remedial steps, which includes the withdrawal of operating licenses or closure of routes in extra ordinary circumstances of conflict or violence. These powers are legally bestowed to provinces and the Minister may only intervene and exercise any of these powers in consultation with the MEC and relevant planning authorities.
b) Same as in (a) above
c) Same as in (a) above
13 April 2023 - NW931
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What (a) progress has been made regarding the relocation of the Robben Island Museum (RIM) archiving and collections project at the University of the Western Cape and (b) efforts have been made and/or are in process to ensure that RIM archiving and collections are more accessible to the public?
Reply:
(a) Robben Island Museum (RIM) and the University of Western Cape (UWC) have established a joint Task Team that is working on improving the relationship between the two institutions and look at practicalities of the possible relocation of Mayibuye Archives, thus developing a plan to be endorsed by the Governance Bodies from both institutions. The process faced minor delays, new RIM Council was appointed on 1 July 2022. This had an impact on the progress as the new Council had to be apprised and orientated on the Mayibuye Archives matter.
(b) Discussions with various stakeholders are underway for resumption of the Joint Task Team meetings with a view to put plans in place for the relocations.
13 April 2023 - NW1151
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether any agreements were signed during the state visit of the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Belgium on 22 to 27 March 2023; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No international agreements were signed during the State Visit of the King and the Queen of the Belgians as the responsibility for the signing of international agreements falls within the domain of the Government.
13 April 2023 - NW562
Pietersen, Ms M L to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(a) What is the total number of historically disadvantaged persons and communities that have benefited from water use licences in terms of geographical spread issued by his department and (b) in which provinces has his department issued the highest number of licences?
Reply:
a) The total number of licences issued to historically disadvantaged persons and communities is as follows:
REGIONAL OFFICE |
NUMBER OF HDI’S ISSUED WITH LICENCES |
Eastern Cape |
197 |
Free State |
19 |
Gauteng |
5 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
1388 |
Limpopo |
647 |
Mpumalanga |
113 |
North West |
27 |
Northern Cape |
46 |
Western Cape |
8 |
Grand Total |
2450 |
b) KwaZulu-Natal province is where the highest number of licences were issued to Historically Disadvantaged Individuals.
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13 April 2023 - NW967
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1)Whether, with reference to Netball South Africa setting the total budget for the costs for organising the 2023 Netball World Cup at R88 million in 2019, he will furnish Inkosi B N Luthuli with details and/or an update of the amount spent on the event as at the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the set budget has been exceeded; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to the feedback received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1) The 2019 budget alludes to the budget that was distributed together with the Heads of Terms which the first document is outlining the key aspects of Agreement between International Netball Federation now known as World Netball and Netball South Africa.
The 2019 budget and the current budget are continuously being compared to highlight how revenue and expenditure have changed from 2019 to the present. The following revisions have been offered to show the real changes to the budget. The anticipated revenues substantially increased, whilst the anticipated expenses have significantly increased.
Revenue
|
Bid Budget 2018 |
Head of Terms 2019 |
Current Budget |
Public Funding |
47 000 000 |
58 000 000 |
101 175 000 |
Commercial funding |
30 000 000 |
30 000 000 |
111 500 000 |
- The anticipated revenue shows a pattern of growth since 2018.
- The initial public financing secured was R47 million in 2018, but after evaluation and the sourcing of additional funds, the revenue secured climbed to R58 million in 2019.
- The national government provided additional guaranteed contributions, bringing the total public funding revenue to almost R101 million rands.
- Commercial funding is made up of income from ticket sales, sponsorship, broadcasting, licensing, merchandise, and lodging fees, among other sources.
- The amount of commercial support secured remained unchanged between 2018 and 2019.
- In contrast to 34% in 2019 and 39% in 2018, commercial funding accounts for 52% of the budget currently.
Expenditure
|
Bid Budget 2018 |
Head of Terms 2019 |
Current Budget |
Business Operations Costs |
R6 415 600 |
R6 415 600 |
R37 755 303 |
Tournament Operations Costs |
R36 375 100 |
R31 675 100 |
R07 853 922 |
Personnel Costs |
R16 000 000 |
R16 000 000 |
R5 501 910 |
International Federation Costs |
R8 780 000 |
R8 780 000 |
R27 923 460 |
TOTAL |
R67 570 700 |
R62 870 700 |
R189 034 596 |
- Since 2018, the anticipated costs have progressively risen.
- Cost assessments during the bid preparation process, followed by the signature of the hosting agreement in 2019 up to the present, have contributed to an increase in the Tournament's preparation and delivery expenditures over the years.
- The advent of Covid 19 also had a detrimental impact on the costs.
- Costs for competition locations have significantly increased since 2018.
- To ensure viability after the event, legacy costs are maintained.
(2) The set budget has not been exceeded instead the data above shows that the money allotted has increased since 2019. Both the projected spending and the anticipated revenue have increased to a greater level as a result of the previously indicated causes.
13 April 2023 - NW355
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether he will introduce the Draft National Water Infrastructure Agency Bill in the National Assembly in 2023; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he has considered the reasonable prospect that the Bill may not be processed before the end of the Sixth Parliament when it is introduced too late in the Fifth Session of the Sixth Parliament and that it would have to be reintroduced in the Seventh Parliament; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Cabinet approved the publishing of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Bill for public comment for a period of ninety days on 17 August 2022. The NWRIA Bill was published on 16 September 2022 in the Government Gazette notice: 46917 p137, for a period of ninety days which concluded on 16 December 2022. During the ninety days period, the department embarked on an extensive consultation process to solicit comments on the Bill from its various stakeholders.
The period for consultation has been formally extended in the government gazette notice: 48017 p43 published on 10 February 2023, which period will conclude on 17 March 2023. The reason for the extension is to ensure a comprehensive consultation process, by providing the primary creditors of the Trans- Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) with an independent legal and financial opinion on the terms of the loans agreements currently entered with the TCTA in relation to the provisions of the Bill and to allow for the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC’s) chamber to appoint a task team that will be consider the Bill.
2. It is the intention of the Minister of Water and Sanitation, to have the Bill processed before the end of the sixth Parliament.
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13 April 2023 - NW1249
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Transport
What is the status of the maintenance of Matatiele and/or Maluti to Qachasnek Road now that it has been upgraded and/or allocated to the SA National Roads Agency SOC Limited?
Reply:
The R415 from Matatiele to Qachasnek was only gazetted as a National Road under SANRAL’s jurisdiction on 5 August 2022. SANRAL immediately commenced with routine road maintenance on the route and also obtained SANRAL Board Approval in December 2022 for Project R.415-010-2024/1 for the Improvement (Surfacing) of R415, Section 1, from Matatiele (km 0) to Qachasnek (km 23.6). The tenders for consultant appointment for detail design, environmental approval and the construction tender documentation for the improvement project above will be issued during the 2023/24 financial year.
13 April 2023 - NW1097
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether any agreements were signed and / or agreed to the following the South Africa – Tanzania Ministerial Bi – National Commission co - chaired by her and the Tanzania Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Stergomena Tax in Pretoria on Wednesday, 15 March 2023; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so what are the relevant details?
Reply:
During the South Africa-Tanzania Bi-National Commission, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political and Diplomatic Consultations and a Memorandum of Understanding between the Mozambique-Tanzania Centre for Foreign Relations of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Diplomatic Academy of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa were signed. The objective of the MoU on Political and Diplomatic Consultation is to conduct regular and structured political consultations to exchange views on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. The objective of the MOU between the Mozambique-Tanzania Centre for Foreign Relations of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Diplomatic Academy of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa is to encourage and promote collaboration between the two institutions by sharing of training resources, exchange of lecturers, joint research, as well as capacity building and exchange programmes.
13 April 2023 - NW1000
Denner, Ms H to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1)Whether a cost estimate was done for the name changes of Fort Beaufort, Somerset East and Brooksnek in the Eastern Cape; if not, (a) why not and (b) how will the impact on the fiscus of the Eastern Cape with regard to the name changes be determined if a cost estimate was not done; if so, what are the costs associated with the changing of each geographic name; (2) whether there was a public participation process in each of the locations; if not, why not, if so, (a) where, (b) on what date was it held and (c) what were its findings; (3) in light of the fact that many geographical names were changed in the Eastern Cape during the course of the 6th Parliament to date, which include Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha, King William's Town to Qonce and Uitenhage to Kariega, what (a) total number of geographical name changes took place in the Eastern Cape since 2019 and (b) was the cost estimate for all the name changes in total
Reply:
(1) A cost estimate was not done for name changes of Fort Beaufort, Somerset East and Brooksnek in the Easter Cape, (a) all the work of both the Provincial Geographical Names and the South African Geographical Names is funded by departmental programmes as part of the allocation as per government mandate.(b) there will be no impact on the fiscus through the work of both provincial and national geographical names support as this forms part of budgeted mandates
(2) Yes, there was public participation in each of the three locations and the details are as follows:
(a)&(b) Brooksnek on 12 October 2022,
Fort Beaufort on 31 October 2022 and
Somerset East on 14 November 2022.
(b) These public consultation meetings were advertised in both the Daily Despatch and Isolezwe lesiXhosa and Hartland newspapers.
(c) All public hearing meetings supported the three name changes.
(3) (a) The total number of geographical name changes that took place in the Eastern Cape since 2019 is one hundred and three (103)
(b) The cost related to these name changes relates to public consultation notices, honoraria for Committee and Council sittings. These are budgeted for within government departments.
13 April 2023 - NW1223
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1)Whether any other federations were invited to the safeguarding conference held by the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) on 17 and 18 February 2023; if not, why not; if so, what federations; (2) whether the sports federation representatives who were present at the conference were only those affiliated to the SA Gymnastics Federation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the statement allegedly made by a certain person (name furnished) about putting names of people on the sexual offenders’ register represents SASCOC policy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department has requested input response from the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and awaiting their response.
13 April 2023 - NW354
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What are the findings of his department in respect of its engagement with stakeholders on the draft National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Bill; (2) whether the National Economic Development and Labour Council has been consulted regarding the specified Bill; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION
1. The Minister of Water and Sanitation published the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency Bill on 16 September 2022 in Government Gazette notice: 46917 p137, for a period of 90 days which concluded on 16 December 2022. During the 90-day period, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) embarked on an extensive consultation process to solicit comments on the Bill from its various stakeholders. The comments received to date have been found favourable and supportive towards the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, as an institution proposed in the Bill.
The period for consultation has been formally extended in government gazette notice: 48017 p43 published 10 February 2023, which period will conclude on 17 March 2023. The reason for the extension of the consultation period to is to ensure a comprehensive all-inclusive consultation process, by providing the primary creditors of the Trans- Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) with an independent legal and financial opinion on the terms of the loans agreements currently entered with the TCTA in relation to the provisions of the Bill and also to allow for the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC’s) Development chamber to appoint a task team that will be considering the Bill.
2. Yes, the National Economic Development and Labour Council’s Development Chamber was consulted on 12 December 2022. The NEDLAC’s Development chamber is expected to appoint a task team to further consider the Bill.
13 April 2023 - NW1224
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1)With reference to the recent safeguarding conference held by the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee on 17 and 18 February 2023, where the SA Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) promoted themselves as being the leaders in safeguarding despite dropping the ball on two very big matters involving rape cases, what is the way forward with regard to how safeguarding will be dealt with in the future; (2) (a) how will criminal matters be handled at the SAGF and (b) to whom will the matters be referred, in light of the indication by the SAGF that they will no longer conduct internal investigations for criminal matters; (3) with reference to the arrest that was recently made in the Western Cape, which the SAGF was boasting about, what support will be offered to the victims of the crime?
Reply:
(1) SA Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) is receiving ongoing criticism with regards to the one case mentioned in case 1. While the reflection is that SAGF dropped the ball, the cases were managed in accordance with the safeguarding policy in place at the time of the case being reported was one of misconduct and was therefore handled by an external safeguarding partner. In the internal process an allegation of rape was made, and the safeguarding partner recommended that the adult disclosing opens a criminal case against the alleged perpetrator.
As soon as there was a SAPS case Number, SAGF suspended the coach and immediately contacted SAPS and handed over the internal investigation notes as well as the hearing recordings. Through the process of this case SAGF co-operated with SAPS and followed the investigating officers lead once a case number was given to the federation.
The second case was referred to SAGF by Olivia Jasriel with a vague accusation without detail, evidence or alternatively SAPS case numbers and requests for this information from Athletes Against Abuse were met with no information being sent through but rather an email asking what credit their organisation would get. (Copies of this mail can be made available)
This second case is still ongoing after a second person had received disclosures and contacted SAGF directly with more detailed information enabling action to be taken. What is important to note in this second case is that the rape victim never filed a report with SAGF nor opened a case. We have been working with the victim over the last few months after we were able to get their name and contact information.
SAGF notes with concern that there is a constant narrative that they have done nothing with regards to the cases mentioned in 1. As they are ongoing investigations SAGF has chosen not to disclose the detailed information in line with the directives from SAPS in the interest of not jeopardizing the case.
The original case led to direct changes in policy as well as the contracting of an external safeguarding officer to assist in managing cases. The benefit of this has been seen in the case referred to in question 4. Where swift action was able to be taken.
2 (a) As per SAGF Safeguarding policy available on the website https://gymnasticssa.co.za/health/Safeguarding Clause 1.72 on page 12 of the policy the process for criminal matters to report directly to SAPS and work with the Investigating officer with regards to process going forward. In the case where an adult is disclosing abuse SAGF will encourage and support the adult to open a criminal case. In the case of a minor disclosing SAGF will follow one of two approaches in consultation with the victim. - Assist the minor with their care giver and the person who received the disclosure to report the case to SAPS FCS in their local community. - Where knowledge of abuse of a minor is disclosed to assist the first person to report the case to SAPS FCS in their local community.
(b) With regards to referral of criminal cases. All criminal matters where there is a clear disclosure will be referred directly to the local SAPS FCS for investigation. All Criminal matters where there is suspicion of abuse will be referred to the Statutory social work services in the local community of the victim. Should a criminal matter be dismissed by SAPS or the court SAGF will still maintain the ability to run an internal disciplinary process with regards to the code of conduct to act against members who have failed to adhere to the safeguarding policy and codes of conduct in accordance with the policies.
(3) This case refers to a minor disclosing abuse to a coach. The coach immediately contacted the National safeguarding officer, and we assisted the victim, parent, and coach to go an open a case with the local SAPS FCS station. The alleged perpetrator was immediately suspended from SAGF and FIG. There has been regular follow up with the family (initially daily, then weekly, now every 3 weeks) and with the coach as well as the investigating officer (around each new court date) with regards to the case, and SAGF offered therapeutic support to the victim through a psychologist in the community.
Through discussion between the parent and National Safeguarding Officer, the parent decided to have the child supported by the therapist at their school as there was already an established therapeutic relationship.
13 April 2023 - NW1130
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether he will furnish Inkosi B N Luthuli with (a) a detailed breakdown of the total cost and (b) the total cost of the SA Sport Awards that were held on Saturday, 25 March 2023, at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Before providing a detailed breakdown and total cost of the SA Sport Awards that were held on Saturday, 25 March 2023, at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West it is important to share the strategic intent and steps being undertaken to realise such.
The National Sport and Recreation Plan (NSRP) specifically Strategic objective 8 is, “To acknowledge the achievements of individuals within the South African sport and recreation sector through the establishment of a recognition system. As a country it is important that we give recognition to the exceptional performances of our athletes, coaches, administrators and technical officials”. The South African Sport Awards is one of four programmes of the Department that are part of the Recognition System.
When the Department revised the South African Sport Awards in 2011, the vision was to build the Awards to a level of a self-funding premium brand. Remarkable strides were made towards the realization of an objective of attracting sponsors. To this end companies such Mercedes Benz came on board hence the Sports Star of the Year and the People’s Choice walked away with Mercedes Benz vehicles during the period up to 2016. During the same period other companies such as Carducci also partnered with the Department in dressing the nominees and other role-players with the Awards. The standard of the Awards declined over the years resulting in numerous negative feedback from the partners such as Official Broadcaster SABC, other partners such as SASCOC and Super Sport, the athletes and general sport enthusiasts.
After the Awards held in March 2022 at the Durban ICC the Department resolved to make appropriate investment to revise and reposition the Awards as the Premium Brand for Sport again. This to attract the sponsors and partners which will assist in attaining the vision of self-funding product.
(a) and (b) Below is a detailed breakdown and the total cost of the SA Sport Awards held on 25 March 2023;
COST AREA |
AMOUNT |
Prize Money |
R3,390,000 |
Sports Star of the Year |
R500,000 |
People Choice |
R500,000 |
Steve Tshwete Life Time Achievers (5 x R100,000) |
R500,000 |
Minister’s Excellence (9 X R50,000) |
R450,000 |
Winners of 16 Categories (16 X R50,000) |
R800,000 |
Non Winning Nominees in 16 Categories (16 x R20,000 X 2) |
R640,000 |
Event Presentation (Below are the various covered) |
R7,962,131.38 |
Invitation Management, Accreditation and Seating |
|
Voting line |
|
Presenters and Anchor of the Main Event |
|
Set up and décor for Gala Dinner for 1000 people |
|
Technical Production of the Show |
|
Catering, meals, and refreshments (Set days) |
|
Accommodation (Hosts, Anchors, Choreographers, Artists, and Crew |
|
Transportation |
|
Safety and Security |
|
Emergency and Medical Services and Public Liability Insurances |
|
Photography and Videographer |
|
Public Relations, Marketing and Collaterals |
|
Trophies and Medallions |
|
Nominees Blazers and Local Apparel |
|
Coffee Table Book |
|
Panel Members (including debriefing) |
|
Operations Venue Requirements and equipment |
|
Researchers |
|
Main Venue (Superbowl), Dinner (one thousand) Accommodation for Nominees, Panel Members (Adjudication Panel And Panel Of Journalists) |
R2,052,122 |
TOTAL |
R13,404,253 |
13 April 2023 - NW1129
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether he will furnish Inkosi B N Luthuli with an update and/or relevant details on the digitalisation of the National Archives project; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
Reply:
Yes, we are delighted to share the update on this project. For a very long period the National Archives and Records Service of SA (NARSSA) partnered with other institutions to digitise archival records due to lack of resources. The first digitisation project started in 2014/2015.
In 2020/21, as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package (PESP), the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA) was allocated an amount of R30 million in response to the job losses that came as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The allocation was mainly used towards the appointment of 163 unemployed youth to assist in the digitisation of archival records. Another portion was to procure digitisation equipment. The project came to an end on 31 August 2022, however, the National Archives continues to digitise more records.
The success of digitisation at NARSSA was made possible by the funding received through PESP and through partnerships with other institutions. To date the following projects have been undertaken.
Rivonia Trial Dictabelts:
The digitisation of the Rivonia Trial dictabelts emanated from a joint project between the DAC and the INA (French National Audio-Visual Institute). This project started in 2013 when the first agreement was signed with France with INA. The first batch of dictabelts were handed over in 2014 and the 2nd batch in 2015, and handed over to DAC in 2016. Training of archivists formed part of the agreement and the first training took place in France in 2018. In total 591 Rivonia Trial dictabelts were digitized and were thereafter made available for public access on the National Archives website. SA now has equipment to digitise other collections that are in this format such as the Dimitri Tsafendas’ case which is preserved at the Western Cape Archives
Treason Trial dictabelts:
The collection is estimated to 3 250 dictabelts in total. To date 1650 dictabelts were digitised. The project was made possible by the employment of the youth who were appointed as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package Project
Truth and Reconciliation Commission audio tapes: 2100 audio visual records were digitised. This was also made possible by the employment of PESP Interns.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission: 118 375 records have been digitised. These include the Amnesty Decisions, Special Sector Hearings, Human Rights Violation Hearings of Cape Town, Gauteng, East London and KwaZulu Natal. Currently NARSSA is digitising Amnesty Hearings
CODESA, Multi-Party Negotiating Forum, the Constitutional Assembly: The National Archives partnered with the Constitutional Hill Trust to digitise records that led to Democracy. CODESA was the first to be digitised. The collection comprises of 37 796 -paper records CODESA and the Multiparty Negotiating Forum are the only collection that is now accessible online. NARSSA will be digitising approximately 870 boxes of the Independent Electoral Commission before the end of the current financial year.
The targets that were set for the 2022/23 financial year are as follows:
ITEM |
TARGET |
ACHIEVEMENT |
Number of pages digitised |
30 000 |
84 982 |
Number of photographs digitised |
0 |
21 791 (the collection was initially not included for digitisation as an investigation regarding online publishing was required |
Number of Treason Trial dictabelts digitised |
150 |
463 |
Number of TRC Audio tapes digitised |
90 |
1 721 |
It should be noted that the film digitisation equipment is still not available to allow NARSSA to digitise records. This is due to the fact that the equipment is not available in the country, it needs to be imported in order to digitise film. NARSSA is currently investigating other alternatives such as the identification of other partners who might have the equipment or to outsource this function or import the equipment.
Digitisation is an ongoing process that requires skilled personnel and resources. For the 2023/24 financial year, the National Archives has appointed 10 unemployed youth for a period of 6 months to assist in the digitisation of records. It is envisaged that this number and the project period will increase pending the approval of the digitisation project proposal submitted to the National Treasury.
The ultimate goal is to avail these records for online access.
13 April 2023 - NW1104
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether, in view of the construction at the Ohlange Heritage Site in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, where the massive JL Dube Memorial Amphitheatre worth R33m is currently being built, he will furnish Inkosi B N Luthuli with details on (a) the progress of the building, (b) the challenges faced by his department in the development of the project and (c) how his department with its partners have overcome the specified challenges; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
According to the information received from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
(a) The project is currently at 95% progress (practical completion), service providers are currently attending to identified snag-list, it is anticipated that the snag-list will be completed within the next two weeks and the project will be handed over back to the department for further handling.
(b) The challenges faced by the department in the development of the project are as follows.
- Termination of 1st Implementing Agent due to poor performance
- Termination of contract by the initial contractor
- Stoppages and delays due to Covid-19
- Project stoppages due to strikes (Local Business Forums, National Shutdown, KZN-Strike) and KZN Floods
(c) The Department appointed Independent Development Trust (IDT) as the implementing agent however the Memorandum of Agreement was terminated due to unsatisfactory workmanship on site. The department then appointed the private company Risimati Consulting Engineers as an implementing agent on its behalf. The department then established a project steering committee to monitor and steer the project towards completion, the steering committee initially sat once a month, however due to challenges especially related to local business forum, the steering committee has been sitting on weekly basis so as to ensure progress and that deliverables of the project are realized by the set completion date.
13 April 2023 - NW353
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What (a) has been the impact of public-private partnerships with his department on the development of water and sanitation infrastructure in the Republic and (b) are the relevant details of each such public-private partnership?
Reply:
a) The department has not entered into any Private Public Partnerships (PPP) as defined by the PFMA and Treasury Regulations to date.
b) The department has, however, signed an agreement with the Commercial Mining Sector to jointly fund the Olifants Management Model (OMM) on a 50:50 basis. This is part of an innovative drive to collaborate with the private sector to fund public infrastructure to the benefit of all water users within a government water scheme. The Olifants River Water Resource Development Project (ORWRDP) experienced delays due to public funding constraints. and This collaboration has allowed the department to fast-track the construction of bulk and reticulation water infrastructure to supply the communities and mines by 2030. This R25 billion project started in November 2022 and is targeted for completion in 2030. The Lebalelo Water User Association is the Implementing Agent for the project. Similar collaborations are being explored in anticipation of similar benefits in other areas of the country, where local economic drivers could mutually benefit water services to local communities.