Questions and Replies
09 March 2023 - NW293
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to the State of the Nation Address on 9 February 2023, wherein the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, noted that 163 out of 257 municipalities are dysfunctional, and that one of the contributing factors for this was ineffective and corrupt financial and administrative management, how does the National Treasury intend to engage the affected municipalities to co-ordinate intergovernmental financial and fiscal relations as per their mandate to ensure the Government’s fiscal policy is implemented on a local level, in order to enforce transparency and effective management of national revenue within municipalities?
Reply:
In responding to the question, it is important to first contextualise the widespread and sometimes inaccurate use of the term municipal dysfunction. Municipal dysfunction refers to a situation where a municipality is not functioning as it is supposed to and the discharge of a municipality’s constitutional responsibilities is impaired for some or other reason. However, there are various degrees of municipal dysfunction ranging from dysfunction which is less serious or temporary in nature requiring only appropriate support to rectify and dysfunction that implies a full-blown crisis in the financial and service delivery affairs of a municipality warranting intervention. Often, the use of the term “municipal dysfunctionality” is construed to mean that a municipality is in crisis which is not necessarily the correct interpretation.
The 165 municipalities referred to by the President in his State of the Nation Address, are municipalities that the National Treasury has identified in its annual municipal financial health assessment to be in financial distress. This means that according to the 13 indicators used by the National Treasury to measure the financial health of municipalities based on their audited financial statements, these municipalities are showing signs of existing, recurring and/or potentially serious financial problems. Again, this should not be construed as a necessary crisis in the municipality’s financial affairs.
The assessment is just one of the many early warning systems developed by the National Treasury to indicate where problems are emerging in a municipality’s financial health and if used proactively as early warning systems should be, to avoid these problems from morphing into a financial crisis. This results of this annual assessment should be interpreted alongside many of the in-year monitoring systems already institutionalized by the National Treasury including the monthly S71 reporting process. The National Treasury also publishes on a quarterly basis municipal performance indicators outlined in Section 138 and 140 of the MFMA. S138 indicators are used to indicate “serious financial problems” in a municipality whilst S140 indicators refer to a “financial crisis”. Serious financial problems should ideally be addressed via a discretionary financial recovery plan prepared by the respective province whilst financial crises require that the Provincial Executive Committees institute a mandatory intervention in terms of Section 139(5) of the Constitution and imposes a financial recovery plan on the municipality.
The role of the Provincial Treasury is to implement S213 of the Constitution and to assist the National Treasury in enforcing compliance with the measures established in terms of S216 of the Constitution and chapter 2 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (no: 56 of 2003 as amended).
In terms of the delegation of responsibility, the National Treasury shares the responsibility for the oversight of municipal finances with the Provincial Treasuries. The role of the National Treasury is to develop the policies, regulations, norms and standards required to improve financial management and reporting in municipalities and the National Treasury is also responsible for directly monitoring the performance of the 17 largest municipalities responsible for 80 per cent of municipal expenditure. The remaining 239 municipalities are monitored by the respective Provincial Treasuries.
Apart from the development of early warning systems which help municipalities to identify the extent of their financial problems where they exist, there are several other support initiatives which the NT has focused on to strengthen and enforce transparency, improve fiscal discipline and promote the better use of municipal revenue. These include initiatives focused on improving budget compliance, such as the Municipal Budget and Reporting regulations which aim to standardize the format of municipal budgets, the adoption of a realistically funded and credible budgets by municipalities, integration and management of the revenue value chain, providing technical support to build municipal financial management capacity through the Municipal Finance Improvement Programme (MFIP), resolution of municipal financial problems through the development of financial recovery plans, the introduction of a Standard Chart of Accounts for municipalities (mSCOA) and processes to deal timeously with financial misconduct and consequence management.
National and Provincial Treasuries also engage municipalities annually through budget and benchmark engagements where the tabled budget is subjected to a rigorous assessment prior to adoption by the municipal council. There are also mid-year performance assessments which provide an opportunity to assess the financial and service delivery performance of the municipality against the adopted budget and effect the necessary adjustments. National Treasury also enforces compliance in terms of s18 of the Municipal Finance Management Act by ensuring that any municipality who adopts an unfunded budget must develop a credible funding plan which seeks to gradually improve the financial position of the municipality and achieve a funded budget status. The implementation of these funding plans is monitored on a quarterly basis by the Treasuries.
09 March 2023 - NW118
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
With reference to her department’s SheTradesZA platform which aims to connect at least 50 000 women-owned businesses to markets by 2023, what (a) progress has been made with regard to this departmental goal, (b) markets have such businesses been integrated into and (c) strategies were implemented to ensure that such businesses are integrated seamlessly into mainstream business platforms?”
Reply:
“With reference to her department’s SheTradesZA platform which aims to connect at least 50 000 women-owned businesses to markets by 2023”. The plan was to connect at least 50 000 women owned businesses to markets by 2023, however this figure was amended to 10 000 in the Department’s Strategic Plan to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to getting these women owned businesses export ready within the time period allocated.
a) As of 31 January 2023, there are 2999 South African users on http://SheTrades.com. For 2022/2023, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) reported that 2236 clients have already participated in ecosystem advocacy, awareness and capacity building events focused on women-owned businesses and ecosystem stakeholders to encourage registration, as well as participation on the international platform.
b) Since the easing of travel restrictions in 2021, SheTradesZA delegations comprising of clients from various sectors participated in trade shows and missions, with a focus on Africa. In November 2021, the first eight (8) women clients participated in Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).
Qualifying SheTradesZA Hub women clients have also participated in markets where beneficiaries are integrated into, and they participate in B2B fairs and exhibitions. The following are the details:
- Pan African Women’s Economic Summit Zanzibar: 06 – 08 March 2022 (20 women clients).
- Kenyan Food Event 2022, Nairobi: 23 – 25 March 2022 (18 women clients).
- SARCDA, Gallagher Estate: (20 women clients).
- Ghana Food Event: 23 – 25 March (11 women clients).
- FACIM, Mozambique: 29 August – 04 September 2022 (9 women clients).
- Mission to Mauritius, 17-23 October 2022 (20 women clients).
c) SheTradesZA Hub leverages the Seda Export Development Programme, hereby ensuring seamless integration into mainstream business platforms. This alignment ensures the work of the Hub is not isolated and integrates with relevant offerings sourced both internally and external to the Hub.
The 2023/2024 implementation approach aims to focus on the post-event mentorship as many women require bespoke assistance to follow through with deals due to complexities arising from logistical and tariff costs.
STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS
MINISTER: DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
09 March 2023 - NW84
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
What are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) cost and (e) purchase date of all the official vehicles purchased for (i) him, (ii) the former Minister, (iii) the Deputy Minister and the (iv) former Deputy Minister of the National Treasury since 1 June 2019?
Reply:
(i) Minister |
(ii) Former Minister |
(iii) Deputy Minister |
(iv) Former Deputy Minister |
|
(a) Make |
None |
Mercedes-Benz |
None |
None |
(b) Model |
C-Class (C180) |
|||
(c) Year of manufacture |
2016 |
|||
(d) Cost |
R653 943.27 |
|||
(e) Purchase date of all official vehicles purchased since |
28 June 2019 |
09 March 2023 - NW93
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
What are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) cost and (e) purchase date of all the official vehicles purchased for (i) her, (ii) the former Minister, (iii) the Deputy Minister and the (iv) former Deputy Minister of her department since 1 June 2019?”
Reply:
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) procured one vehicle since 01 June 2019 for the Minister of Small Business Development, which was transferred to the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT) as per agreement between the incoming and outgoing Ministers to DCDT. The details are as follows:
(a) Make: Audi
(b) Model: Q5 40 TDI
(c) Year of manufacture: 2021
(d) Price: R726 469.25
(e) Purchase date: December 2021
No vehicle was purchased for the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development since 01 June 2019.
STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS
MINISTER: SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
09 March 2023 - NW300
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Whether, following reports that the Republic is currently in the midst of a cost of living crisis and small businesses are being greatly affected by load shedding, her department has any programmes in place to assist small business owners to grow their business through the cost of living crisis while consumers are forced to buy less; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?”
Reply:
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) continues to support informal and small businesses, inclusive of co-operatives, through a range of existing programmes. The support rendered is financial and non-financial.
The DSBD, through the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), recently conducted a research study on the impact of loadshedding on its funded clients and the following are some of the findings identified:
- Respondents suffered loss of revenue and production due to loadshedding.
- 76% of respondents indicated that they do not have alternative power in place to mitigate the effect of loadshedding.
- To cope with the impact of loadshedding, most respondents indicated that they utilised the loadshedding schedule to plan their business operations and have reduced their production.
- Majority indicated that they require assistance with funding to acquire alternative energy source and assistance with restructuring of their loans in respect of their loan repayment obligation with us.
In response to the challenges faced by the small and informal businesses, the DSBD is considering the introduction of interventions to address the situation. The DSBD together with its agencies, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the sefa are looking at a multi-pronged approach for supporting SMMEs affected by loadshedding:
- The Power Purchase Product (PPP) is an immediate relief for formal and informal enterprises (alternative power sources). It is an initiative of the Small Business Development Portfolio (DSBD, Seda and sefa) to support SMMEs with alternative energy generating equipment (generators and Photovoltaic installations - PV). The programme will be implemented via the existing programme structures as follows:
- Informal and Micro business to be supported via DSBD’s Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP).
- Small to Medium enterprises to be supported through sefa’s Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP).
The power purchase IMEDP will be a 100% grant programme, whilst the TREP power purchase will be a blended term loan facility of 50% of the installed price (50% grant and 50% term loan). The programme will utilise the services and capacity of existing suppliers of equipment and accredited installers.
2. Guarantee programme via the Bounce Back Scheme administered by Khula Credit Guarantee (KCG) on behalf of government. This is a medium to long term intervention that still require intense discussion relevant parties including the National treasury who are the custodian of the scheme.
• Ongoing discussions with National Treasury indicates their interest and consideration of opening up the bounce back scheme to all Development Finance Institutions.
The DSBD will provide support to formal and informal enterprises as immediate intervention and within the available financial resources whilst working on the medium and long terms sustainable solutions.
STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS
MINISTER: DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
09 March 2023 - NW136
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
In view of the fact that the Government has displayed a clear inability to responsibly manage public finances which resulted in a deviation from its attempts to promote economic development, good governance, social progress and a rise in living standards, what measures is the National Treasury putting in place to regain efficient, equitable and sustainable management of the Republic’s public finances?
Reply:
The causes of South Africa’s poor economic growth and development are complex and multi-faceted. It includes the impact of state capture, as outlined by the Zondo Commission findings published in 2022. The National Treasury provides a bi-annual update on the performance of the economy and the policy proposals to improve it in the annual Budget Review and in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. In addition, both publications provide an update on the state of public finances, with the Budget Review providing a comprehensive outline of the spending plans, division of revenue, the liability position of government, as well as government assets in the form of public entities. The President also submitted the response of Government to Parliament on 22 October 2022, which outlined the response of Government to the recommendations made by Judge Zondo in his report on State Capture. Members of Parliament and the public may examine the details of these publications for information on what government is doing to address the country’s challenges. All the documents are available on the National Treasury or government websites.
09 March 2023 - NW261
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Finance
(a) Whether he has found that all legal prescripts were followed by the Department of Public Enterprises, the board and executives of the SA Airways (SAA) and the business rescue practitioners in the business rescue process that SAA was subjected to since December 2019; if not, what are the detailed reasons that all the legal obligations were not adhered to; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The purpose of Business Rescue process as per the Companies Act is to provide for the efficient rescue and recovery of financially distressed companies so as to balance the rights and interests of all relevant stakeholders (employees, creditors and shareholders)
The primary objective of business rescue is the development and implementation of a business rescue plan that either:
-
- Rescues the company by restructuring its debt and equity in a manner that maximises the likelihood of the company continuing in existence on a solvent basis; or
- Results in a better return for the company’s creditors or shareholders than would result from the immediate liquidation of the company
SAA was placed into voluntary business rescue on 06 December 2019 by its Board of Directors as they believed that the company was in financial distress, after which the airline’s Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) took over the management of the airline.
The National Treasury is not aware of any non-compliance to any legal prescripts in relation to SAA’s business rescue process as regulated by the Companies Act and the PFMA.
09 March 2023 - NW117
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
With reference to the energy relief packages that she is offering to small-, medium- and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) that have been detrimentally affected by national power outages, (a) how does her department intend to fund the provision of the specified relief packages to the thousands of SMMEs in the Republic and (b) will these be once-off packages or will her department be providing businesses with support until there is a more sustainable electricity supply?
Reply:
a) The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) together with its agencies, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) are looking at a multi-pronged approach for supporting SMMEs affected by loadshedding:
1. The Power Purchase Product (PPP) is an immediate relief for formal and informal enterprises (alternative power sources). It is an initiative of the SBD Portfolio (DSBD, Seda and sefa) to support SMMEs with alternative energy generating equipment (generators and Photovoltaic installations - PV). The programme will be implemented via the existing programme structures as follows:
- The PPP is an initiative in the SBD Portfolio (DSBD, Seda and sefa) to support SMMEs with alternative energy generating equipment (generators and Photovoltaic installations - PV). The programme will be implemented via the existing programme structures.
- Informal and Micro business to be supported via DSBD’s Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP).
- Small to Medium enterprises to be supported through sefa’s Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP).
- The power purchase IMEDP will be a 100% grant programme, whilst the TREP power purchase will be a blended term loan facility of 50% of the installed price (50% grant and 50% term loan).
- The programme will utilise the services and capacity of existing suppliers of equipment and accredited installers.
2. Guarantee programme via the Bounce Back Scheme administered by Khula Credit Guarantee (KCG) on behalf of government. This is a medium to long term intervention that still require intense discussion relevant parties including the National treasury who are the custodian of the scheme.
- Ongoing discussions with National Treasury indicate their interest and consideration of opening up the bounce back scheme to all Development Finance Institutions.
(b) The Department will provide support to formal and informal enterprises as immediate intervention and within the available financial resources whilst working on the medium and long terms sustainable solutions.
STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS
MINISTER: SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPEMENT
09 March 2023 - NW138
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)What is his department’s position with regard to the status of stateowned enterprises (SOEs), considering they no longer maximise economic impact as they were missioned to do; (2) whether he has found the Government’s inability to manage SOEs efficiently is a cost that now burdens taxpayers; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Major public entities as listed under Schedule 2 of the Public Finance Management Act (1999) are required to operate as sustainable profit-generating businesses that borrow on the strength of their balance sheets. However, over the years the financial and operational performance of these entities has steadily deteriorated due in large part to state capture, corruption (as noted by the Zondo Commission), weak corporate governance, archaic business models and burdensome cost structures. Too many SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts. Various initiatives are underway across government to ensure that we create an environment where our SOEs can become sustainable and fulfil their developmental mandate without government support. In this regard, the 2022 Budget Review outlined the need for a new framework for managing bailouts to state-owned companies to reduce fiscal risks and promote long-overdue reforms. The framework, when finalised, will link bailouts of these entities to a range of reforms needed to make them sustainable and efficient.
2. Some SOEs have indeed become a burden on taxpayers. Between 2012/13 and 2021/22, SOEs received about R266.6 billion in bailouts from government. These bailouts crowd out important social expenditure. Therefore, government has shifted its approach in dealing with funding support to these entities, in particular those that are listed under Schedule 2 of the PFMA. Starting last year, and going forward, any fiscal support to SOEs is accompanied by strict conditions to ensure that these SOEs fix their underlying structural challenges if they are to qualify for support from taxpayers.
08 March 2023 - NW258
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Considering the world heritage status and political history of Robben Island, (a) which stakeholders were consulted, given the political sensitivity around the event of the Robben Island Museum (RIM) silent disco party, (b) what were the main objections received that led to the cancellation of the event and (c) what future events are in the 2023-24 annual performance plan to promote the mandate of RIM?
Reply:
Consultation took place with internal stakeholders (RIM’s Ferries Department, Infrastructure and Facilities Management Department, Operations Department, and Heritage Department that includes the Environmental Unit) as well as external stakeholders, however, discussions were underway with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA).
There were no formal objections received. However, after Silent Events advertised their event before RIM’s internal processes and consultations with relevant stakeholders was concluded, negative publicity was received from the public. This led to the cancellation of the event by Silent Events cancelled their event.
Future events which are captured in the RIM APP for 2023/2024, include the following:
- Coastal clean ups
- Events relating to engage with issues related to Archiving and Collections
- Various academic seminars and workshops
- Educational camps
- Training and educational sessions
- Tourism trade familiarization trip
08 March 2023 - NW449
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). What total amount in allowances is paid to executive board members of Netball South Africa (NSA) of 2023 to attend meetings. (2). Whether any allowance is paid to the 2023 Chairperson of NSA; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what total amount; (3). Whether the chairperson is a permanent employee in any government department and/or federation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1). No payments are made to Board members.
(2). None, the chairperson does not get an allowance.
(3). The Chairperson works for SASCOC.
08 March 2023 - NW283
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the total number of senior and/or executive positions in each public hospital in the Republic that are currently occupied in an acting capacity with no permanent contract, where such positions are being held by someone with a total remuneration package of level 6 or higher; (2) what (a)(i) total number of senior staff in the employ of his department with a level 6 remuneration package or higher have disciplinary processes and/or cases pending against them and (ii) are the relevant details of the specified cases and (b) disciplinary measures are being taken by his department in this regard?
Reply:
1. In accordance with information extracted from the PERSAL Data Set of 28 February 2023, a total of 8 employees are occupying positions in acting capacity on senior and/or executive positions in public hospitals in the Republic with no permanent contract on salary level six and higher.
The table below is the data as extracted from PERSAL and its accuracy is being verified with Provincial Departments of Health:
ACTING PERSONNEL WITHOUT PERMANENT CONTRACTS AS Feb 2023 |
|||||||||||
POST CLASS DESC |
ACTING PERSONNEL |
EC |
FS |
GAU |
KZN |
LP |
MPU |
NC |
NW |
WC |
Grand Total |
DEP MAN NURS(LEV1&2) |
ASSIST MANAGER NURSI |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
HEAD CLIN DPT MED |
HEAD CLIN UNIT MED |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
HEAD CLIN DPT MED |
MEDICAL SPECIALIST |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
HUMAN+SUPPORT SR10 |
HUMAN+SUPPORT SR8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
LINE FUNC + SUP SR11 |
LINE FUNC + SUPP SR9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
LINE FUNC + SUPP SR9 |
HEALTH AND SUPP SR8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
MANAGE+SUPPORT SR10 |
MANAGE+SUPPORT SR9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
MANAGE+SUPPORT SR13 |
LINE FUNC + SUP SR11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Grand Total |
|
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
8 |
2. The table below indicates total number of senior staff in the employ of his department with a level 6 remuneration package or higher who have a disciplinary process and/or cases pending against them.
(2)(a)(i) total number |
(ii)details of cases |
Level 6=1 |
Theft |
Level 8=1 |
Gross Absenteeism |
Level 8=1 |
Corruption and maladministration |
(b)disciplinary measures |
Yes |
END.
08 March 2023 - NW297
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he has been informed that members of Operation Dudula have been protesting and chasing away immigrants from outside and within health facilities in Johannesburg, resulting in the specified individuals being denied the provision of healthcare and increasing the risk of xenophobic violence in healthcare practices; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the steps that have been taken to uphold (a) the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, as well as (b)(i) domestic and (ii) international legal obligations, which ensure the right to health for all?
Reply:
I was made aware of Operation Dudula protesting outside public health facilities around Gauteng province including Johannesburg and Kalafong Hospital.
a) In Kalafong Hospital, Operation Dudula protest caused an obstruction of free access to the facility, hence the need to intervene, which was done in collaboration with the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health and Kalafong Hospital management.
b) (i) Gauteng Provincial Department of Health applied for an urgent court interdict against Operation Dudula. Subsequently, the Court order preventing disruption to free access to the hospital was granted. Over and above working with the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health, we prevailed with the South African Police Service to be more decisive in implementing the interdict, thus ensuring the protection and safety of all healthcare users, including foreign nationals. The court was applied mainly to prevent obstruction of healthcare facilities from being accessible to all users, including foreign nationals.
(ii) I, together with the Director-General gave the leadership of Operation Dudula an audience, who by the way also had other allegations against the Kalafong Hospital management. Operation Dudula leadership was informed that there are other ways of addressing their allegations against the hospital management. Having visited the Kalafong Hospital and assisting the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health and subsequently meeting with Operation Dudula leadership, was done as an attempt to open the lines of communication so that Operation Dudula are free to talk to us about specific matters they might have.
END.
08 March 2023 - NW415
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4330 on 13 December 2022, he will furnish Mrs V van Dyk with the (a) budget, (b) business plans and/or (c) documents compiled before updating the budget of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra with realities on the ground; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
As previously stated, my department (DSAC) has been informed by the NAC that Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is updating its Business Plan which is due to the National Arts Council of SA by 31 March 2023. The process of updating the Business Plan, which includes budgets, entails workshops with some of the partners, stakeholders, and the board of Mzansi Philharmonic. Besides what we have already submitted, we will certainly furnish any latest information as and when required.
08 March 2023 - NW175
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1393 on 8 June 2022, her department is planning to introduce funding for organic farming which would dedicated towards subsidies, research and development in the near future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No. Funding is allocated as indicated in the reply to question 1393. The Agricultural Products Standards Bill, currently in the parliamentary process, seeks to regulate organic farming in that anyone who makes ‘organic farming claims’, should have in place an auditable management control system. The same applies to “free-range” and similar claims. Once the Bill is passed into law, regulations will be developed to govern/guide requirements for organic farming.
08 March 2023 - NW196
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What are the details of the (a) destination and (b) total costs for (i) accommodation, (ii) travel and (iii) any other costs incurred for international travel of each (aa) Minister and (bb) Deputy Minister of his department since 1 June 2019; (2) what is the total cost incurred for domestic air travel for each (a) Minister and (b) Deputy Minister of his department since 1 June 2019?
Reply:
It is important to remind Honourable Members that all these trips are in fulfillment of the obligations for the Portfolio for various representations of the country in various fora in the world, and further, that the international ones are strictly approved by the Head of State before they can be undertaken.
1. The details of the destination, total costs for accommodation, travelling and any other costs incurred for international trips for each Minister and Deputy Minister since 01 June 2019 are as follows:
- Minister R3 712 892.05
- Deputy Minister R1 919 384.33
(aa) The former Minster
The Current Minister
(bb) Former Deputy Minister
Current Deputy Minister
2. The total costs incurred for domestic air travel for each Minister and Deputy Minster since 01 June 2019 were as follows:
a) The total cost for domestic air travel incurred for Minister, Dr. ZL. Mkhize was R1 343 877.00 up to the year 2021, and cost incurred for the current Minister, MP Dr. MJ Phaahla amount to R310 271.79 to date.
b) Costs incurred for former Deputy Minister, Dr. MJ Phaahla since 01 June 2019 until 2021 amount to R616 929,28 and current Deputy Minister, MP Dr. S Dhlomo with effect from 2021 to date sits at R718 054.54.
END.
08 March 2023 - NW558
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What (a) total amount has been spent from the R1 million received to establish a feasibility study for the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (details furnished) and (b) are the relevant details of the breakdown of the expenditure on the Task Team members?
Reply:
According to our records, R490 525.81 was spent from the R1 million received to establish a feasibility study for the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, and (b) the relevant details of the breakdown of the expenditure was submitted before to the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, and Culture and to the Honourable member before. Nonetheless, I am pleased to resubmit the details which are enclosed herewith as Annexure 1.
08 March 2023 - NW14
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the details of the (a) breakdown of the total amount paid by her department to purchase Limburg Farming Enterprise for the Communal Property Associations (CPA), (b) breakdown of the amount paid by the department to support the CPA towards input and infrastructure costs since the start of the CPA to date and (c)(i) size of the farm, (ii) types of farming taking place on the farm, (iii) productivity levels and (iv) challenges faced by the CPA?
Reply:
a) The Land was bought in 1978 by Government prior to the democratic dispensation. The Department, under the current democratic dispensation did not pay any money for the acquisition of the land; a deed of donation was used to donate the land.
b) A detailed breakdown of the amount paid by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) to support the CPA towards input and infrastructure costs since the start of the CPA to date are:
- 2001: R11 584 000.00;
- May 2011: R5 895 846.00;
- October 2011: R354 706.62; and
- November 2011: R2 301 748.59.
(c) (i) Size of the farm is 25 700 hectares.
(ii) Citrus and Livestock production.
(iii) Currently, there is no production on the farm.
(iv) Challenges faced by the CPA are conflicts amongst members.
08 March 2023 - NW344
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
By what date will he put a stop to the decay in his department, following the appointment of Mr Bongani Tembe, as a member of the Board of Directors of Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra, not only for Gauteng but also for KwaZulu-Natal, that allows him to commit wasteful expenditure of the taxpayer’s money without being accountable to anyone?
Reply:
Kindly note that, I cannot confirm the accuracy of the statement and question provided by the Honourable member Madlingozi without additional positive evidence or information about the wasteful expenditure he referred to. However, and as a general rule, it is not uncommon for organisations and individuals that receive public funding to be subjected to strict regulations and guidelines regarding the use of those funds.
In the case of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, such obligations are stipulated within the agreement that the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra had entered into with the National Arts Council. In this context, strict measures will certainly be taken in cases where the public funds are not used in accordance with the agreement.
The measures will include penalties or other consequences for any organisation or individual found to be in violation of the applicable rules regarding the usage of the resources. Therefore, the Department will only act when evidence of such violation/s have been brought to light.
08 March 2023 - NW104
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) What (a) total number of schools in the Republic still have (i) pit toilets, (ii) mud structures, (iii) asbestos structures and (iv) asbestos roofs as at 1 February 2023 and (b) is the name of (aa) each school (bb) in each province; (2) by what date does her department envisage to have the use of (a) pit toilets, (b) mud structures, (c) asbestos structures and (d) asbestos roofs eradicated at each specified school in the Republic?
Reply:
(1) What (a) total number of schools in the Republic still have (i) Pit toilets, (ii) mud structures, (iii) asbestos structures and (iv) asbestos roofs as at 1 February and (b) is the name of (aa) each school (bb) in each province;
(a) (i)
Province |
No. of school with Pit Toilets |
EC |
984 |
FS |
33 |
KZN |
1 495 |
LP |
1 948 |
MP |
551 |
NC |
5 |
NW |
185 |
National |
5 201 |
Note: Most of schools do have other appropriate forms of sanitation, as indicated in the attached list, but the Pits toilets still need to be demolished. Schools that have pit latrines only are part of the SAFE programme to address the demolition of pit latrines
(a) (ii)
Province |
No. of school with Mud Structure |
EC |
506 |
KZN |
110 |
LP |
36 |
MP |
18 |
NC |
3 |
NW |
13 |
National |
686 |
(a) (iii)
Province |
No. of school with Asbestos Structure |
EC |
4 |
KZN |
1 |
MP |
2 |
NC |
25 |
NW |
15 |
National |
47 |
(a) (iv)
Province |
No. of school with Asbestos roofs |
EC |
1 010 |
FS |
6 |
GT |
92 |
KZN |
1 447 |
MP |
26 |
NC |
39 |
NW |
34 |
WC |
31 |
National |
2 685 |
Annexure A: List of school attached. Please note that the DBE has embarked on a process of conducting a condition assessment of all school that will culminate in an up to date information on all schools across the country
(2) by what date does her department envisage to have the use of (a) pit toilets, (b) mud structures, (c) asbestos structures and (d) asbestos roofs eradicated at each specified school in the Republic?
The sector is in the process of reviewing the Regulations relating to Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure, which provide for timelines for the eradication of the said backlogs, as the timelines in the current regulations are obsolete. the revised timelines will be provided as soon as the process of revision is concluded.
08 March 2023 - NW345
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(a). What are the reasons that there are so many acting Directors in his department, (b). how does he monitor the work that the acting directors are doing and (c). who will take the responsibilities when directors in his department are mostly acting? NW360E
Reply:
(a). The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has a total number of forty-eight (48) Director positions and forty-four (44) are permanently filled and only four (04) are vacant, therefore only four (04) Directors are acting capacity.
(b). The appointed acting Directors have signed a performance agreement with their respective Chief Directors and therefore, the Chief Director and Deputy Director-General monitor the work of the Directorate and the Branch.
(c). There are departmental Human Resources (HR) delegations signed by the Executive Authority, outlining responsibilities of all Senior Management Staff (SMS) members including the Directors appointed to take responsibilities in their field of work.
08 March 2023 - NW289
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
In light of reports by the National Education Infrastructure Management System in 2021 that 10 038 of the 23 276 public schools in the Republic, especially those located in rural inland areas, have no sport facilities, what are the relevant details of the (a) co-operative relationship between her department and other government departments to address the sport infrastructure lacking in public schools and (b) measures that her department has put in place to ensure that all learners are able to participate in sport?
Reply:
(a)
- To support schools with no infrastructure for sport participation, the Department, in collaboration with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) have initiated engagements with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to make municipal facilities accessible to schools at no cost. Engagements are also being extended to look at possibilities of how the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) can be accessed for the benefit of the schools.
- Furthermore, through the Memorandum of Understanding between DBE and DSAC, signed in 2018, an entity of DSAC called the Sport Trust builds multi-purpose sport facilities in identified schools. These facilities are also accessible for utilisation by neighbouring schools.
- The Department is also in partnership with partners like Supersport and UNICEF to build multi-purpose sport facilities in schools. These facilities are then shared and utilised by other the neighbouring schools.
- In 2015, the Department, together with DSAC and Cricket South Africa (CSA) signed an operational agreement to fast track cricket development at schools through the Hub system. This initiative contributes to the revitalisation of sports development in the townships and rural areas, and it also improves educational outcomes in the basic education sector. These Hubs are committed to the following:
- develop cricketers at the Cricket Hubs;
- run cluster leagues to feed into the School Sport Programme;
- provide support to integrate the elite cricketers into the CSA High Performance Programmes through CSA’s existing integrated system of Talent Scouts, Coaching Mentors and Sports Science Programmes;
- support worthy educational and sporting causes, from time to time, as identified by the three parties;
- extend early learning and e-learning programmes through homework support, and
- dedicated cricket coaching educational programs are produced and aired on the MINDSET platforms.
(b)
- The Department partnered with the Motsepe Foundation to further support the delivery of enrichment programmes in schools on 12 April 2016. This ten-year partnership agreement contributes towards the development of Schools Football, Netball, choral and traditional music across the country. This initiative concentrates on schools football (Under 19), schools netball (Under 15) and the Schools Choral Eisteddfod. These programmes start at a school level and proceed until the national level. The winning schools utilise the money for any development project that enhances or advances the mission and objectives of the school and/or its immediate community, e.g. building of extra classrooms, upgrading the soccer or netball pitch, school choral equipment, etc.
- The Department implements the Integrated School Sports Programme, after-school, extra-mural and co-curricular activities in collaboration with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) together with other partners. The main role of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is to promote mass participation activities aimed at enriching the curriculum whilst DSAC focuses on social cohesion, talent identification and excellence in sports, arts and culture in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2018 by the two Departments. The programme starts at a school level and proceeds up to the circuit, district, provincial and finally national level. The programme is comprised of the Autumn Games, Winter Games, Spring Games and Summer Games in the following prioritized codes: Athletics, Cricket, Chess, Gymnastics, Swimming, Softball, Tennis, Table tennis, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Volleyball, Goal ball and Indigenous Games.
- The Department established the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Unit (ASIDI). The objective of ASIDI is to eradicate the Basic Safety Norms backlog in schools without water, sanitation and electricity and to replace those schools constructed from inappropriate material (mud, plankie, asbestos) to contribute towards levels of optimum learning and teaching. The Schools Infrastructure Backlog Grant (SIBG) funds the ASIDI portfolio. Sub-programme 1: Inappropriate Structures: Schools that were built from inappropriate material in their entirety are replaced with new schools that meet the department’s standards of basic functionality. This also includes the building of sport facilities depending on the available space in that particular area.
08 March 2023 - NW153
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) measures have been put in place by her department to tackle the challenge of bullying in schools, which is costing lives and causing learners to drop out of schools and (b) are the current statistics of bullying in schools in the Republic?
Reply:
What (a) measures have been put in place by her department to tackle the challenge of bullying in schools, which is costing lives and causing learners to drop out of schools?
1. The Department has trained schools on the implementation of the National School Safety Framework (NSSF) which is the sector's guiding framework for school and assists school to manage and respond to violent incidences in schools including bullying. The NSSF empowers schools to identify and manage all safety requirements and to mitigate against threats faced in a school. The NSSF requires every school to establish a school safety committee which is comprised of stakeholders such as teachers, police officers, school governing body members, learner representative council members amongst others. Furthermore, The NSSF also empowers schools to develop incident reporting mechanisms, establish collaborations with external stakeholders such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development and civil society organisations, as well as develop school safety plans and policies to respond effectively to all the safety needs and challenges.
2. The Department also requires schools to develop and implement anti-bullying policies, in line with the schools' codes of conduct. These policies define bullying and explains the different types of bullying (e.g physical, verbal, non-verbal, cyber, gender-based, etc.) so that the behaviours are recognisable; the policies make explicit the disciplinary procedures to be undertaken once and incidence is reported and the sanctions which will be undertaken against the perpetrators.
3. The Department and its partner Departments: Social Development, Justice and Constitutional Development, Correctional Services, the South African Police Service and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies have embarked on an Inter-Departmental Campaign on the Prevention of Violence, Bullying, Corporal Punishment, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Learner Pregnancy, Alcohol and Drug Abuse. This Campaign raises awareness on the importance of tackling these social ills and rasies awareness of the negative effects they have on teaching and learning in schools and on learners self esteem. The Campaign has been championed by the Deputy Minister of Basic Education and is supported by other Deputy Ministers from the partner Departments. It targets districts and schools with high prevalence of violence in provinces. To date, the Campaign has been rolled out in five provinces: Gauteng (Gauteng West District), Limpopo (Sekhukhune East District), Mpumalanga (Nkangala District) and the North West (Dr Kenneth Kaunda District). The next Campaign is scheduled to take place in the Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela Bay District in March 2023.
4. The Department through the Life Orientation Curricular covers bullying in detail and how to prevent it. The Department has prepared lesson sets for the delivery of these topics. Understanding peaceful approaches to conflict management are also covered systematically across the grades. The Life Orientation Curricular further encourages learner agency, which is important as it encourages learners to stand up for the values and rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Are there current statistics of bullying in schools in the Republic?
5. Yes. The statistics on bullying is routinely collected through Statistics South Africa and TIMMS.
08 March 2023 - NW360
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Police
What total number of (a)(i) cases have been reported to the SA Police Service (SAPS) by the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) and (ii) suspects have been arrested by the SAPS for defrauding the SASSA and (b) suspects have been (i) charge and (ii) convicted in this regard?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
08 March 2023 - NW416
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4331 on 13 December 2022, there was a budget of R54 million allocated to the Mzansi national philharmonic orchestra; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details. 2. of the specified amount, what amount will (a) go towards developing (i) musicians and (ii) orchestras and (b) be spent on (i) travelling and (ii) accommodation? NW455E
Reply:
1. As clearly explained by my department (DSAC) and NAC during the Portfolio Committee Meetings of 16 September 2022 and 28 February 2023 (Ms. van Dyk was present at both meetings), the allocation of the R54,68million stems from 3 financial years: R11 515 600 (Eleven Million, Five Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Six Hundred Rands Only), allocated in the 2019 – 2020 financial year cycle but were not transferred as envisaged; R21 583 000 (Twenty-One Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand Rands Only), allocated in the 2020 – 2021 financial year cycle and R21 583 000 (Twenty-One Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand Rands Only), based on 2021 – 2022 financial year cycle allocation.
Out of this amount, the NAC was allocated 5% or R2,7million towards administrative costs, leaving a balance of R51,9million. On 11 December 2021, the first tranche of R41,57million was transferred to the Mzansi Philharmonic. As per contract between the NAC and the Mzansi Philharmonic, 75% of the Mzansi Philharmonic’s budget should go towards artistic endeavours and 25% towards operations. The NAC reported at the Portfolio Committee Meeting of 28 February 2023 that the Mzansi Philharmonic has met this crucial condition and actually did much better than stipulated. The NAC further reported that as per the Annual Audited Financial Statements of the Mzansi Philharmonic (which are unqualified and achieved a clean audit), the Mzansi Philharmonic spent the following for the period under review which ended on 31 December 2022: R33,5million or 77,2% was spent on artistic programmes, including concerts, tours, and an allocation of R20million for grants to regional and youth orchestras, education and community engagement programmes in at least 7 provinces throughout South Africa. R9,92million or 22,8% of total expenditure was spent on operations, including administration and corporate marketing.
I am delighted that almost 80% of the resources were spent on artistic endeavours which yielded more than 1000 job opportunities for orchestra musicians, choral singers, and other creatives.
2. The contract between the NAC and Mzansi Philharmonic states that 75% of the Orchestra’s budget must be spent on artistic related programmes which include concerts, tours, and grants to regional and youth orchestras, education, and community engagement programmes. Up to 25% should be used on operations. DSAC plays an oversight role on the institutions that it funds, however, it does not get involved in operational matters and does not micro-manage these institutions. The Department is satisfied that the Orchestra has spent its budget within these prescribed parameters and that expenditure includes travel and accommodation as is necessitated by the demands of the concerts, tours and other programmes. The Department will receive the Audited Annual Financial Statements of the Orchestra by the end of March 2023 which will include further financials.
08 March 2023 - NW620
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether her department (a) has a partnership and/or (b) will enter into a partnership with the Department of Health to introduce (i) sight and (ii) hearing tests in schools in each province to ensure that learner problems are identified early and managed appropriately; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
There is collaboration between DBE and DoH, as health services, in schools, are provided by school-health-nurses through the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) as guided by the 2012 ISHP Policy.
a) According to the ISHP policy, vision and hearing screening are provided in all the school phases (see page 12 of the policy). The ISHP programme emphasises hearing and vision screening in the foundation phase for early detection and support.
b) Based on the screening results, learners in need of further assistance are referred to health facility for case management and support e.g. provision of spectacles.
COMPILED BY:
MS COCEKA NOGODUKA
CHIEF DIRECTOR: SUPPORT SERVICES
DATE: 03/03/2023
OFFICIALS INVOLVED
QUESTION NO: 620. IS APPROVED
DR G WHITTLE
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: SOCIAL MOBILISATION & SUPPORT SERVICES
DATE: 03/03/2023
QUESTION NO: 620. IS APPROVED
MR HM MWELI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DATE: 04/03/2023
QUESTION NO: 620. IS APPROVED
DR MR MHAULE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER
DATE: 07/03/2023
QUESTION NO: 620. IS APPROVED
MRS AM MOTSHEKGA, MP
MINISTER
DATE: 08/03/2023
08 March 2023 - NW257
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1)(a). Whether he will furnish the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture with the contract between the Robben Island Museum (RIM) and Silent Events SA with regard to the silent disco party; if not, why not; if so on what date; (2). what was the (a) estimated budget contribution for the event from the side of RIM and (b) financial loss after the event was cancelled?
Reply:
1. There was no contract entered into between Robben Island Museum (RIM) and Silent Events. Silent Events requested to hire a RIM venue. An inception meeting was held to understand their requirements and to determine if the nature of the event aligned with RIM’s vision, mission and values.
Subsequently, a site visit was conducted to determine if RIM had the capacity to host such an event and determine if the event would have any negative impact on the Island, including the impact the event would have on RIM’s carrying capacity assessment, which is part of the World Heritage Convention requirements, and if mitigations were required. In respect to RIM’s internal procedures, based on RIM’s Events and Financial policies, a quotation was prepared, after acceptance of such a quotation, an invoice was generated and sent to Silent Events. A follow up meeting was planned with Silent Events, which did not materialise as such an agreement was not entered into.
2.(a). There was no financial contribution from the side of the Robben Island Museum (RIM)
(b).There was no financial loss incurred except the loss of potential revenue, which would have been an amount of R76 395.00.
08 March 2023 - NW407
Denner, Ms H to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). whether, with reference to the withdrawal of the Tel Aviv Heat’s invitation to take part in the Mzanzi Challenge competition and the subsequent withdrawal of the specified invitation, he has been informed that (a) Tel Aviv Heat was invited to the Mzanzi Challenge and (b) the invitation was later revoked; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2). whether he applied any pressure and/or influence and/or had any involvement whatsoever in revoking the specified invitation; if not, what are the reasons that his department supports the revocation of the invitation to Tel Aviv Heat; if so, what are the relevant details. (3). whether the minutes of the SA Rugby Union meeting where the decision was made to invite and later revoke the invitation, has been made available to the SA Friends of Israel through their Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000, application; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1.(a). Yes, I was informed of the invitation, (b) and yes, I was made aware that the invitation was later revoked.
2. No, I did not apply any pressure and/or influence and/or had any involvement whatsoever in revoking the specified invitation.
3. This is an administrative matter of the SA Rugby Union, and as such neither myself nor my Department can get involved.
08 March 2023 - NW277
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 2269 on 4 October 2021 and his speech in his Budget Vote on 20 May 2022, the Draft Patents Amendment Bill, which will have a far-reaching impact on the Republic’s pandemic readiness and the local manufacturing of medicines, therapeutics and diagnostics, was submitted to Cabinet for consideration by October 2022 as announced; if not, (a) why not, (b) on what date will it be submitted to Cabinet and (c) on what date will the Cabinet consideration process be completed; if so, on what date was it submitted; (2) Whether the Cabinet has finalised its consideration of the Bill; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, on what date will the Bill be released for public comment?
Reply:
During the dtic Budget Vote in May 2022, I advised that the dtic completed comprehensive work on a draft Patents Bill (PB) to be submitted to Parliament after consideration by Cabinet. The aim of the draft Bill is to update and reform SA’s patent legislation by synchronizing the legislation with international developments.
The draft Bill was indeed subsequently completed.
Following the Budget Vote debate however, further consultations were required to take account of two additional developments:
First, the final agreement reached at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on waivers and flexibilities relating to pandemic use of patented vaccines, contained a provision to conclude discussion on therapeutics and diagnostics with an extended timeframe. This follows a request from developed countries for such facility; and
Second, discussions that took place during the latter half of 2022 at the African Union, through the Council of Ministers responsible for the AfCFTA, on a Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights, which was formally reported to at the African Union Assembly during February 2023.
Both these international agreements may impact on the contents of the Bill.
As soon as the implications of these two developments have been considered, the final version will be submitted to Cabinet.
-END-
08 March 2023 - NW448
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). What total amount is paid to (a) executive members and (b) board members of netball South Africa (NSA) to attend meetings. (2). Whether the President of NSA is receiving any allowance from NSA; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what total amount; (3). Whether the President of NSA is a permanent employee in any government department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW487E
Reply:
1(a). Executive members are paid R 110 00-00 per month.
(b). Board members are not paid to attend meetings.
2. The president receives R 40 000-00 gross per month.
3. The president works for the Polokwane Municipality.
08 March 2023 - NW544
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) What total number of learners are currently beneficiaries of the National School Nutrition Programme and (b) who is tasked with compiling and overseeing a healthy nutritional menu?
Reply:
a) 9 689 300 learners are beneficiaries of the National School Nutrition Programme.
b) The Department of Basic Education through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) oversees the menu compilation in line with the conditions as set out in the Conditional Grant Framework. The DBE has in its employ a qualified Dietician and Nutritionists who are tasked to review and assess healthy nutritional menus for each Provincial Education Department during the annual business planning process. The DBE periodically liaises with the Department of Health to align with health and food safety standards/Regulations.
08 March 2023 - NW352
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What are the detailed reasons that court transcripts are still not available?
Reply:
In instances where court transcripts are not available and/or are delayed, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has stated the following possible reasons, as well as the steps taken to recover such records:
a) Delays may be caused when records are being transcribed by the service provider appointed to manage Transcription Services, namely: Gauteng Transcription Services on various load-shedding stages. With the current challenges the country and the courts are facing with electricity, the service provider has declared load-shedding as a Force Majeure in terms of the Service Level Agreement, since this delays the transcription processes which neither the Department nor the service provider have control over the load-shedding schedules. However, these instances are normally communicated with the respective courts, and do not lead to indefinite unavailability of the records.
b) The delays are, sometimes, related to the retrievals of the records on some of the Court Recording Technology (CRT) machines. For an example, when the recorder is taken for repairs by the service provider, i.e. Datacentrix, one will discover that it is blank when returned back after repairs. This therefore will require that a call then be logged to have the recording uploaded back to the recorder.
c) Furthermore, there are some challenges experienced with the retrieval of audio recordings which was done on the old DCRS machines. Once the court provides the audio recordings, either from CRT via the server or the cloud link, the service provider proceeds with the transcriptions without major challenges.
d) The main reasons for not being able to provide records, relate to the following challenges:
- Recordings or portions of old DCRS recordings that cannot be traced due to the way in which the recordings were transferred from the old DCRS servers. The court has to log a call with ICT to assist with case retrievals and conversions of DCRS cases. In a small number of instances, this seems to be a challenge. ICT has to search on a number of parameters such as case numbers, dates, court room etc. In some instances, all parameters are exhausted without successfully tracing all the portions of the recording.
- Inaudible portions of a recording, delay finalization of the transcript.
In conclusion, missing records or portions of records, inevitably lead to the need for reconstructing the record. The process depends on the availability of the Magistrate and the Magistrate’s records.
Reconstruction of Court Records also require the availability and records of the Prosecutor/s and Legal Aid Attorneys and/or legal representatives involved.
Nevertheless, the Department’s nine (9) Provincial Offices regularly meet with various and relevant service providers to address any blockages that may occur.
Additionally, the Department has assured me that, in most cases, court documents are available. However, the Honourable Member is requested to alert/inform us if there are specific cases and/or matters that he is aware of where documents are missing so that the Department may investigate the matter(s) and report back accordingly.
END
08 March 2023 - NW319
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What steps of intervention did she take under the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic, 1996, to provide relief to Okhukho Primary School at Mahlabathini in KwaZulu-Natal regarding their ablution facilities, which remain unresolved notwithstanding it being reported to the province?
Reply:
The question asked does not fall within the purview of the Minister of Basic Education but the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The question should therefore be referred to the MEC in KZN.
08 March 2023 - NW545
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether her department intends to roll out sight and hearing tests at schools; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) by what date will sight and hearing tests be rolled out at schools?
Reply:
Health services, in schools, are provided by school-health-nurses through the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) as guided by the 2012 ISHP policy.
- According to the ISHP policy, vision and hearing screening are provided in all the school phases (see page 12 of the policy). The ISHP programme emphasises hearing and vision screening in the foundation phase for early detection and support.
- Based on the screening results, learners in need of further assistance are referred to health facility for case management and support e.g. provision of spectacles.
08 March 2023 - NW205
Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
1. What are the details of the (a) destination and (b) total costs for (i) accommodation, (ii) travel and (iii) any other costs incurred for international travel of each (aa) Minister and (bb) Deputy Minister of his department since 1 June 2019; 2. what is the total cost incurred for domestic air travel for each (a) Minister and (b) Deputy Minister of his Department since 1 June 2019
Reply:
International Travel since 1 June 2019.
International Travel |
Minister |
Deputy Minister |
(a) Destination |
Report attached. |
Report attached. |
(b)(i) Total cost accommodation |
R 115 395.00 The rest of accommodation was done through DIRCO. |
R 7 690.00 The rest of accommodation was done through DIRCO. |
(b)(ii) Total cost air/road travel |
R 1 305 811.69 |
R 478 464.35 |
(b)(iii)Any other cost |
R 5 866.65 |
R 600.00 |
08 March 2023 - NW212
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) What are the details of the (a) destination and (b) total costs for (i) accommodation, (ii) travel and (iii) any other costs incurred for international travel of each (aa) Minister and (bb) Deputy Minister of her department since 1 June 2019; (2) what is the total cost incurred for domestic air travel for each (a) Minister and (b) Deputy Minister of her department since 1 June 2019?
Reply:
(1) What are the details of the
(a) destination
aa) Minister:
- 2019: Dubai
- 2019: Paris
- 2019: Dubai
- 2021: France
- 2020: New York
- 2022: Kenya
- 2022: London
- 2022: Ghana
- 2022: Tanzania
- 2022: Cuba
(bb) Deputy Minister:
- 2019: Dubai
- 2019: Ghana
(b) total costs for:
aa) Minister:
(i) accommodation: R667 280.51
(ii) travel: R496 564.94
(iii) any other costs incurred: R2 853.00
(bb) Deputy Minister:
(i) accommodation: R74 400.05
(ii) travel: R91 617.86
(iii) any other costs incurred: R1 142.00
(2) What is the total cost incurred for domestic air travel for each
(a) Minister: R342 905.44
(b) Deputy Minister: R768 696.44
08 March 2023 - NW428
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the total number of senior and/or executive positions that are currently occupied by acting personnel who holds a position with a total remuneration package of level 6 or higher without a permanent contract in each public hospital in the Republic; (2) what (a) total number of senior staff, with a level 6 remuneration package or higher, have disciplinary processes and/or cases against them, (b) are the relevant details of the specified cases and (c) disciplinary measures are being taken by his department in this regard?
Reply:
The Honourable Member is referred to the response to Question 283 asked on the 17 February 2023.
END.
08 March 2023 - NW492
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What are the relevant details of the agreement that was signed and/or agreed to by him and the Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China during the third meeting of the High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism between South Africa and China?
Reply:
The People to People Exchange Mechanism is a structure set up to drive South Africa-China relationship in the social sector, under the framework of bilateral cooperation and Global Development Initiative.
There was no specific agreement signed between the Hon. Minister Nathi Mthethwa and his counterpart, H.E Ms Sun Chunlan of People’s Republic of China during the 3rd PPEM meeting between the two countries.
However, the two co-chairs signed a minutes of the meeting which serves as a review and report on the work done in the last three years since the 2nd PPEM was held and commitment to new goals to be achieved until the 4th PPEM to be held in 2025.
The agreed minutes covers work in the field of Education (Both Higher and Basic Education), Science, Technology and Innovation, Culture, Sports, Health, Media, Tourism, Youth, Women and Local Government. The commitment as captured by the agreed minute will be implemented by the respective Departments based on the individual bilateral agreements signed between the respective departments in the two countries.
The progress and any challenges will then be reported to the Minister who is the Co-Chair via the South African Co-Coordinator of PPEM, Deputy Minister Manamela, whose task is to coordinate the work of PPEM at an operational level. Minister Mthethwa as the Co-Chair of PPEM will then intervene at the appropriate level to ensure the work is carried out and the agreed outcomes as captured in the minute are implemented.
Nevertheless, during the 3rd PPEM, three Letters of Intent were signed between the two countries in the areas of Higher Education, Science and Technology and Tourism.
In Higher Education, the letter of intent commit the two countries to sign an agreement (2023-2027) to further pursue the following objectives:
- Chinese Government scholarships
- Expansion of education collaborations
- Exchanges of students, academics, and experts and
- Joint research project among others
In Health, the letter of intent calls for the following:
- Prevention and treatment of tumors and non-communicable disease
- Control and prevention of infectious diseases
- Advanced diagnosis and treatment technologies such as genomic sequencing
- Traditional medicine
- Twinning of Hospitals
- Vaccines and pharmaceuticals and
- Creating a training platform at the NICD.
In Science and Innovation, the letter of intent calls for the two countries to implement joint SA-China short-term study visits and SA-China joint exchange programs among young scientists, research institutions, and universities for a period of 6 months among others.
Following the signing of the letters of intent, the participating department in PPEM will individually pursue the signing of agreements and/or MoU’s as per their individual needs. Each country will follow its own internal process in terms of signing the respective agreements
08 March 2023 - NW338
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What measures has her department put in place to deal with the shortage of vaccines at the Onderstepoort Biological Products which is experiencing a backlog in manufacturing live vaccines as the Bluetongue disease outbreak has become a ticking time bomb?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has been actively involved in ensuring that the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) supplies the need of the farmer. Relating to the backlog, the DALRRD has been assisting the OBP to liaise with the private sector partnership to alleviate the backlog and finding sustainable solution.
The capacity of the Agricultural Research Council to produce sufficient quantities of Foot and Mouth Disease and other vaccines is being improved.
08 March 2023 - NW349
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
What are the details of the (a) plans and (b) interventions of his department to popularise girls’ soccer and other male-dominated sport in schools for girls?
Reply:
a) Plans: Currently the department has two main programmes that support the development of women in sport and in particular, football:
(i) School Sport Programme: Through this programme, football is among the sixteen priority codes being supported. At the National School Sport Championships, provinces have been able to send at least 3 categories of participants which include male and female. These are Under 17 (Selected team), Under 16 (Top school) and Deaf football players. In each of these categories, there are women teams as well. So, it is a 50/50 representation, which is highly encouraged in all sporting codes as well.
(ii) Club Development Programme: The programme has concluded the pilot study in Kwazulu-Natal and Limpopo, which has among other women football clubs. The Club development programme is a dedicated programme to ensure the development of sport, including women football.
b) Interventions:
(i) Women in Sport Policy: The department is in the process of developing a women in sport policy which is an intervention mechanism that will address the inequalities of funding and opportunities for women in sport.
(ii) Safeguarding regulations: We have also developed guidelines that serve as a barrier to women participation and serve to protect their participation in sport, through the introduction of these guidelines that will help curb the harassment of women in sport.
(iii) School Sport and Club Development Programmes: There is a deliberate effort to ensure that all schools and clubs establish women clubs and schools teams. This they do as they present their teams at the National School Sport Championships, where all provincial teams MUST bring women teams.
(iv) Other Male-dominate sport in Girls Schools: Girls schools are within the Schools Sport Programme, however majority are within quintile 4-5, which is not the target quintile. So, there is no direct intervention to such schools currently, what is being done is generally the same as what happens in public schools. The intervention is made through sporting codes, like Rugby, Cricket, Football, Basketball and all other school sport codes to ensure that the girls are adequately accommodated and provided the necessary coaching, participation, equipment and attire and general access in sport. It is for this reason that in School Sport Championships, Winter Codes are dominated by women participation, who represents 52% of the total participation and the Winter Championships are sitting at 50% of women participation.
(v) In addition we have also taken the following interventions:
- The Sport Ambassadors Programme: Have appointed former professional players in football, like Portia Modise, Amanda Dlamini and Simphiwe Dludlu, to help promote the participation of girls in football.
- Recognition: Have gone to provide the necessary financial and performance recognition of the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Club for Winning the CAF Women Confederation Cup, and also the Banyana Banyana Ladies for Winning the Women African Football Confederation Cup (WAFCON).
(vii) Achievements of Girls: As a result of these measures identified here, through the school sport programme, the girl’s football has achieved the following:
- Pan- African Schools Football Championships: After winning the National School Sport Winter Championships in 2021, the girls Under 16 team from Edendale Technical School (KZN), took part at the inaugural Pan-African Schools Football Championships and went on to win a Silver Medal, after losing to Morocco in the final.
- COSAFA Schools Football: in 2022 during the School Sport Winter Championships, the Under 16 girls team from Edendale won and went to represent the country at the COSAFA Schools Football Championships, where they won Gold and a prize-money of US$100 000. They will be representing the region at the CAF Schools Football Championships to be held in Durban in April 2023.
- National Under 17 Selections: Due to this good performance by Edendale Technical High, five of their players were selected to represent the Ladies Under 17 National Football Team, together with their Coach, a woman as well. They went to represent the country at the AUSC Reg V Under 20 Youth Games, which took place in Malawi in December 2022.
08 March 2023 - NW538
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What are the details of the most recent interaction that he has had with the South African Football Association (SAFA) regarding the state of football development in the republic; 2. whether he is still confident that SAFA has the correct plans for football development in the republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO587E
Reply:
- The interaction with SAFA has primarily focused on the need to review SAFA’s Vision 2022. This noting that the plan has run its full course.
- As indicated above the SAFA’s Vision 2022, like any other plan is due for review to assess progress made, its successes and failures in an objective manner. The review would determine the correctness or appropriateness of the development plans for football.
08 March 2023 - NW264
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, since the implementation of the Health Promotion Levy, his department conducted any research into its effect on levels of obesity in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, (a) who conducted the research, (b) on what date was the research conducted, (c) what did the research reveal about the effectiveness of the levy, (d) what is the reason that the research has not been made public and (e) on what date will the research be made public; (2) whether the research has been shared with the National Treasury; if not, why not; if so, (3) whether there has been any discussion of the research between his department and the National Treasury; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the discussions; (4) whether there are any plans to conduct such research now or in the future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) (a) No specific research has been conducted on the effect of Health Promotion Levy (HPL) on obesity, however, studies have been conducted on the effects of HPL on the consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages.
(b)-(c) Scientists have shown that the HPL is working, for example, evidence shows that in the first year after the introduction of the HPL, urban household purchases of sugary beverages fell by 51% (Stacey et al, 2021). Similar results were shown in young adults in Langa Cape Town (Essman et al, 2022) where a 37% in volume and 31% in sugar intake was demonstrated. In Soweto, the frequency of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) intake amongst heavy consumers fell from 10 beverages per week before the tax to 4 beverages per week one year later (Wrottesley et al 2020).
(d) The results on the effectiveness of SSBs on consumption are published papers that are accessible to the public.
(e) Not Applicable
(2) Yes, the research has been shared with National Treasury by the researchers.
(3) There has not been any discussion between the DOH and National Treasury on above mentioned studies by the Department since the researchers shared the results directly with National Treasury.
(4) There is currently no planned research focussing only on the impact of HPL on obesity. The Department is finalising the Dietary intake study which will reveal other foods including those with sugar that are consumed by South Africans. The information will assist the Department to identify additional interventions that should be taken to control obesity and reduce the risks of NCDs. Considering that Obesity is caused by multiple factors, with sugar being the major contributor.
END.
08 March 2023 - NW395
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police
(1) With reference to the assertion by the Minister in the Presidency, Mr M Gungubele, during the debate on the President’s State of the Nation Address on 14 February 2023, that certain police stations in the Western Cape were in a dire state, what steps will he take to ensure that the police stations in crime-ridden townships, such as Gugulethu, Khayelitsha and Phillippi East are fully functional so that the residents are better protected? (2) whether, in light of the poor state of the specified and other police stations in the Western Cape, coupled with the SA Police Service’s perceived inability to ensure that all police stations are fully functional, he will reconsider assigning the functions of policing to the City of Cape Town and/or Western Cape Government in line with section 99 of the Constitution of th Republic of South Africa, 1996; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
08 March 2023 - NW465
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) is the salary of each (i) chief executive officer and (ii) top executive position in each state-owned entity reporting to him and (b) total amount does each get paid to attend a meeting?
Reply:
There are no state owned entities reporting to the Minister of Health. There are five public entities (Section 3A) reporting to the Minister of Health. (a) The table below depicts the salary of each (i) chief executive officer and (ii) top executive position in each public entity reporting to the Minister of Health
Name of Entity |
(a) (i) the salary of each chief executive officer |
(a) (ii) the salary of each top executive position in each public entity reporting to the Minister of Health |
Council for Medical Schemes |
R 2 736 815 |
|
National Health Laboratory Service |
R2 792 380 |
R2 703 158
|
Office of Health Standards Compliance |
R2 368 024 |
|
South African Health Products Regulatory Authority |
R3 005 567.25 |
|
South African Medical Research Council |
R3 280 727 |
|
(b) Executives of Section 3A public entities do not receive remuneration for the attendance of meetings of their organization.
END.
08 March 2023 - NW473
Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What (a) is the salary of each (i) chief executive officer and (ii) top executive position in each state-owned entity reporting to him and (b) total amount does each get paid to attend a meeting?
Reply:
(a)(i). salary of each Chief Executive Officer
(ii). salary for each top executive positions
https://pmg.org.za/files/Worksheet_in_C.xlsx
(b). No amount is paid to any Chief Executive Officer and Executive management team of public entities for attending meetings.
08 March 2023 - NW577
Letsie, Mr WT to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) What has she found is the progress of the pilot project on coding and robotics; (2) whether her department is increasing its capacity to offer coding and robotics in schools; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Progress of Coding and Robotics Pilot of Draft CAPS
The Pilot programme is showing increasingly effective implementation, with teachers becoming more confident and proficient in their presentation and delivery of the draft curriculum to the Foundation Phase in 200 Primary schools.
Educators have been trained using the DBE-UNISA Partnership via the UNISA MOOC platform.
The coding and robotics curriculum is still in draft form, but it is envisaged that it will be finalized in March 2023, specifically that of the Foundation Phase.
A significant number of pilot schools are not sufficiently resourced. Educators, however, have lesson plans, and DBE as well as provinces have orientated the educators.
The pilot has been extended also to the Intermediate and Senior phases, and training for teachers of these grades will be instituted fully once the curriculum is finalized.
Whether her department is increasing its capacity to offer coding and robotics in schools; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Numerous workshops for educators have been and continue to be conducted, and teacher support is available and accessible online via the UNISA MOOC Platform every Friday from 15H00-16H00.
The Director General has approved the continuation of the pilot in 2023 for Grades R-9, in the initial 200 pilot schools for Grades R-3, with extension to 1000 schools for Grades 4-7 and 569 Secondary Schools for Grades 8 and 9.
Teachers in these schools have been orientated to the draft curriculum, but there are persistent challenges relating to inadequate internet connectivity and insufficient provision of physical resources such IT devices and Coding and Robotics Kits.
The DBE continues to work with its corporate partners to improve connectivity as well as expansion of resource provision. The MST Conditional Grant allocation to PEDs specifically identifies Coding and Robotics to receive additional targeted funding, at the PED’s discretion.
The DBE, in collaboration with British Council has developed a programme for Grade 8 and 9 learners entitled, ‘#Learning2Code’, to cultivate interest and excitement in CAT and IT that exposes them to a range of digital skills, including coding.
The Coding and Computational Thinking Skills Teacher and Learner Development with British Council is an initiative for Grades 7-9 learners and teachers, using devices an programmes appropriate to the skills needed in the 21st Century.
Emanating from a DBE-SITA partnership, a Robotics Challenge for Grades 8 and 9 is in place to further stimulate and maintain interest in Coding and Robotics – a programme that also capacitates educators. The current challenge ends 26 March 2023, and at a function in Mpumalanga, learners from Piloting Secondary schools will receive recognition and prizes for their efforts.
The ‘Girl Learner in Stem Initiative’ is designed to empower and encourage them to participate in STEM subjects.40 Girls in Grades 8 and 9 will participate in a Boot Camp in Limpopo during the June 2023 School Holidays, and a further 40 Girls will enjoy a similar Boot Camp in September 2023. This Initiative a collaboration between the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the United Nations Women.
Moderate success has been achieved in the pilot programme:
• Increased awareness of Coding and Robotics across the country;
• All provincial subject managers have been orientated in Coding and Robotics;
• Provinces have orientated teachers of Grades R-9 in preparation for implementation;
• Partnerships have been entered into with HEIs, most notably NMU, where teachers are being trained in collaboration with Unions, with co-ordination at the DBE between Branch T and UNISA, aimed at training Grades R-3 educators in schools piloting Coding in Robotics;
• Increased monitoring and reporting on the pilot (DBE APP 2.1.13 requires monitoring of 18 pilot schools, 2 per province. All schools have been monitored;
• Three Inter-provincial Meetings with Project Management Teams have been held within the financial year 2022/23;
• Improved digital skills of educators;
• Increased expenditure on Coding and Robotics resources by PEDs through both the MST Conditional Grant and provincial equitable share;
• Inter-directorate collaborations, and partnerships with NGOs have been established in all provinces;
• Increased extramural exhibitions and competitions in provinces with increased interest shown by learners; and
• Lesson plans, specifically developed for Grads R-9 educators will assist in effective implementation.
08 March 2023 - NW402
Terblanche, Mr OS to ask the Minister of Police
What (a) total number of persons has the SA Police Service arrested for theft copper cables since 1 March 2022 and (b) is the total value of the recovered copper cables?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
08 March 2023 - NW147
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What steps does he intend to take in response to the verbal communique issued to the hospital and clinic management of the OR Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg by the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health in Gauteng that they should not engage public representatives who are on oversight without her having granted permission, which was discovered during the unannounced oversight visit at the specified hospital and (b) on what date will his department issue a follow-up communique to correct the assertion and threat to management of hospitals and clinics issued by the MEC?
Reply:
It is our considered view that visitations to healthcare facilities, especially hospitals, are properly arranged ahead of time, with the relevant authorities, for visitors to be accommodated in the schedule and operations of the facility. This is so because all staff in our healthcare facilities are extremely busy all the time and if the visitation is not pre-arranged or arranged in an orderly manner, the operations of the facility will be negatively affected. Honourable Members are very well aware that our facilities are overburdened with demand for healthcare services, while at the same time experiencing shortages of staff of various sorts. We therefore do not want the staff in these facilities to operate in an unplanned and uncoordinated manner as this could even result in the Honourable Members ending up not receiving proper attention being taken on walk-abouts or being attended to by staff during such visits. The risk is therefore that the same Honourable Members will as a result complain that they went on a visit and they were not attended to and that no one was available to answer their questions. Also, the Honourable Member will wonder around in the facility and have a risk of causing even more disruption. It is our considered view therefore that visits by everyone to our healthcare facilities, including public representatives, are pre-arranged, but that in the case of Members of Parliament, such visits are further coordinated under the auspices of the relevant Parliamentary Committee. In this way, the Honourable Members will make a positive contribution in improving the quality of healthcare service delivery in our healthcare facilities in particular, and in the entire healthcare system in general.
The Honourable Member is well aware that a healthcare facility is a very sensitive area and allowing uncontrolled access to any healthcare facility poses risks to staff and patients both in terms of security as well as infection control.
END.
08 March 2023 - NW303
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture
(a). How does his department intend to ensure the protection of artists, considering that they have been left out of most national addresses which speak to their marginalisation, and (b). What efforts will the departments make to ensure that artists are protected seeing that a policy that provides such protection is currently non-existent NW317E
Reply:
(a). The Department does not determine but contributes to what the President conveys to the public through his national addresses. My department’s interpretation is that the President has expressed himself on the plight of the creative sector through his national interventionary programs such as Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP). This has a significant budgetary contribution, deliberately and specifically for the retention, creation of jobs, inclusion, and access.
(b). The Department has an approved White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage whose core objective is to protect the interest of all practitioners in the sector. To further solidify that, the Department has developed and is processing the following specific policy instruments to regulate and protect the sector:
b.1 Masterplan on Cultural and Creative Industries- Approved
b.2. Copyright Amendment Bill- At Select Committee level.
b.3. Performers Protection Amendment Bill- At Select Committee level.
b.4. Theatre and Dance Policy- en route to the Clusters
b.5. Design Policy -Sector consultations
b.6. National Book Policy-Sector consultations
Additionally, the department: (1) has a strategy that assists creatives financially (MGE) (2) has developed an intervention programme to assist artists with their psycho-social well-being (Silapha Wellness Programme) (3) has an initiative that takes into consideration artists living with disabilities (We Can Arts Festival).
08 March 2023 - NW343
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) current status regarding the Koegas Communal Property Association (CPA) in the Northern Cape, where a mediator was appointed to regulate the affairs of the CPA and (b) progress on all steps that her department undertook to take in order to provide a permanent solution to the challenges facing the specified CPA; (2) whether all disputes have been resolved based on the verification and settlement of the claim; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) Since the settlement of the claim, there have been serious internal conflicts that resulted in the instability within the CPA. This has led to non-compliance with the Communal Property Associations Act,1996 (Act No. 28 of 1996) and non-adherence to the Constitution of the Koegas CPA. A mediator was appointed through the Land Rights Management Facility to regularise the CPA, but the mediation efforts failed as members did not support the process. Reconciling parties to the dispute remains a challenge.
b) Due to unending conflicts, infighting, and non-compliance with both the CPA Act and the Constitution of the CPA, the Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has decided to place the CPA under judicial administration in terms of section 13 of the CPA Act. The matter is being processed by the Kimberley Office of State Attorney in the Northern Cape, and the legal process will unfold in due course.
(2) No. Not all disputes have been resolved. The details are as follows:
- Verification will be finalized by the Judicial Administrator as the main dispute in the CPA relates to the membership list.
- The claim has been settled but not finalized.
- The outstanding matter relating to the release of development grants (section 42C grants) which will only be released once the determination of who are the beneficiaries has been resolved as required by the court order on this matter.