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i) No vehicle was purchased for the Minister since 1 June 2019.

ii) No vehicle was purchased for the former Minister since 1 June 2019.

iii) The following vehicle was purchased for the Deputy Minister (a) make: BMW (b) model: 520d (c) year of manufacture: 2019 (d) cost: R668 000 (e) purchase date: 19 December 2019.

iv) No vehicle was purchased for the former Deputy Minister of the department since 1 June 2019.

END

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As DIRCO, we received confirmation from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirming an incident where an Oryx helicopter came under fire in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, on 05 February 2023. A crew member, Sergeant Vusumuzi Joseph Mabena, was fatally shot. Major Omolemo Matlapeng suffered injuries but managed to continue flying the chopper and managed to land safely at Goma airport.

We believe that the investigation of the incident remains the responsibility of the SANDF, working with the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). DIRCO will be informed of the progress and outcomes once the investigation is completed and shared.

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(a)(i) In the period requested, the department had a total of 110 mobile units from 01 April 2022 to 30 September 2022. The breakdown per province is as follows:

Province	Number of Mobile Units	No of Units with Accident/ Mechanical Breakdown	Remaining Total Number of Mobile Unit
Eastern Cape	15	1	14
Free State	10	1	9
Gauteng	9	0	9
Kwazulu Natal	14	0	14
Limpopo	13	0	13
Mpumalanga	11	0	11
Northern Cape	10	0	10
North West	11	0	10
Western Cape	13	1	13
Head Office (Special Projects)	4	0	4
TOTAL	110	3	107

(a)(ii) Out of one hundred and ten (110) mobile units, one hundred and seven (107) were fully operational. The three (3) mobile units allocated to Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State respectively are not fully operational due to mechanical breakdown challenges as the units belong to an old fleet procured in FY 2005/06 and some of the units were previously involved in accidents.

(b) A total of 107/110 mobile units were deployed during the reporting period with planned day to day schedules. This averages a total of 95% of the total units deployed on day to day schedules to close the gaps where there is no DHA footprint and render services in remote rural areas.

During the above reporting period 464 areas/visiting points were visited by mobile units as per day to day schedules in terms of DHA Hybrid Access Model. A further 46 areas were visited during Ministerial service delivery outreach programmes in Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West to promote early birth registration and Smart ID card products.

(c)(i) The total number of one hundred and eleven thousand nine hundred and sixteen (111 916) smart ID cards applications were collected by mobile units of which contributes to 8,44% of the national total applications collected on mobile units. A further, four thousand eight hundred and eighty-six (4 886) passport applications were collected by mobile units during the reporting period.

(c)(ii) A total number of two thousand two hundred and eight (2 208) schools were visited by mobile units during the above period in different provinces.

END

Reply:

a) During the period 2021/22 the Department concluded the closure of 10 missions. The remaining two missions are earmarked for closure during 2023.

b) Three construction projects were prioritised over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) namely, New Delhi, Luanda and Gaborone. However, it may be noted that the Gaborone project is under review as the Government of Botswana has intentions to acquire the state-owned land portion from DIRCO.

Reply:

a) The total rental per month as at 31 December 2022 for office space for South Africa’s foreign missions amounts to R34 789 518.06.

b) The total rental per month as at 31 December 2022 for the residences for heads of foreign missions across the globe amounts to R10 701 028.57

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1. South Africa’s position on the self-determination of Western Sahara is based on the principles of multilateralism and international legality in seeking a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara; the centrality of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) in the resolution of the conflict; the Constitutive Act of the AU, in particular the principle of the sanctity of inherited colonial borders in Africa and the right of peoples of former colonial territories to self-determination and independence; respect of international human rights law in the occupied territories, notably the right to freedom of association, assembly, movement and expression; respect of international humanitarian law and support for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Saharawi refugees in a way that is predictable, sustainable and timely; and an end to the illegal exploration and exploitation of the natural resources of Western Sahara in the illegally occupied territory and the discouragement of the involvement of foreign companies in such activities.

South Africa consistently raises the issue of the right of self-determination of the people of Western Sahara during discussions on the matter at the UN and the AU and through bilateral engagements.

2. Concerning the position and integrity of the African Union on Western Sahara, it should be noted that South Africa completed its term as Chair of the African Union in 2020. To this end, South Africa cannot pronounce on behalf of the African Union on the matter regarding allegations of Moroccan bribery and spying activities. However, South Africa will to the fullest extent, ensure the safeguarding of its own position and integrity vis-à-vis Western Sahara. As a Member State of the African Union, South Africa will continue to support and champion the role of the African Union and its effective functioning.

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a)  In essence the RFP was already in the market, the adjustment was only to give effect to the President’s announcement which increase capacity from 2600MW to 4200MW in order to deal with loadshedding. The requirements were never changed. The bid could only secure 1000MW because of bid constrains .in the transmission bid which affected mainly the wind projects.

b) It should be noted that 56 bids were received and only 3 bids failed to meet the requirements of the RFP whilst the remaining 53 met the requirements and they were eligible for appointment as Preferred Bidders subject to competition outcomes and grid availability in the area where they are connecting. Majority of the projects were located in the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape where there was no grid as confirmed by Eskom.

c) There were no changes to the procurement process except the increase from 2600MW to 4200MW.

d) Eskom developed a plan for the construction of the required grid around the constrained areas including the Northern Cape. It is our understanding that the plan is being implemented but it will take time to build the required network.

Reply:

1. The management of the performance of staff including that of members of the senior management service (SMS) is the responsibility of each Executive Authority and Head of Department. Regulation 72 (15) b & c states that “based on the outcome of the performance assessment an Executive Authority (b) may reward, where appropriate, provide training and development for employees; (c) shall manage poor performance”. The DPSA monitors this through the report that departments are required to submit on the management of poor performance of members of the Senior Management Service (SMS) based on the outcome of the mid-year review of the current performance cycle and the annual assessment for the previous performance cycle by 31 March annually. Departments in their reports must also give an indication of the frequency of such poor performance, what plans are in place to address poor performance and the corrective or disciplinary actions taken.

2. According to the information provided by departments that submitted reports, since March 2020 no member of the SMS was subjected to incapacity hearings due to poor performance. Departments indicated that performance improvement plans have been put in place for members of the SMS who were under performing. The reports based on the outcome of the 2021/2022 annual assessments and the 2022/2023 mid-year reviews are only due on 31 March 2023.

End

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1. The review of the 2009-2014 Public Service Human Resources Development (HRD) Strategic Framework was last undertaken in 2015.

2. The revised Public Service Human Resource Development Strategic Framework version III contains an implementation framework. The strategy was consulted with cabinet in March 2021, where several aspects of concern were raised, in particular the development of an integrated HRM&D Strategy as opposed to functional specific approaches that concentrated on just HRD. Departments were then informed to continue with the implementation framework of the previous version ii of PSHRD SF whilst a new process of developing an integrated HRM&D Strategy was being formulated.

3. The department developed and implemented a skills audit methodology referred to as “HR Connect” in 2012/13, which was the last public service wide skills audit. HR Connect introduced a model where departments have been conducting skills audits consistently across national and provincial departments since then. A new skills audit methodology has been approved and will be implemented in the 2023/24 financial year for the latest public service wide skills audit.

End

Reply:

The Department of Public Service and Administration has purchased one (1) official vehicle for the Deputy Minister for the Public Service and Administration since 1 June 2019. Details of the vehicle purchased is as follows:

a) Make: BMW.

b) Model: 520d.

c) Year of Manufacture: 2022.

d) Price: R 748 624.04

e) Purchase Date: 9 June 2022.

End

Reply:

The Minister of Public Enterprises is better placed to respond to this question as it provides oversight over Eskom’s governance matters including its employment records.

Reply:

This question should be referred to the Minister of Public Enterprises as he provides oversight over Eskom’s operations.

Reply:

1. Mr. Dumisani Hlophe was appointed as acting Deputy Director-General: Negotiations, Labour Relations and Remuneration Management (NLRRM) in the Department of Public Service and Administration with effect from 1 April 2022.

2. Mr. Hlophe was employed by the Department of Public Service and Administration on a contract additional to the establishment as State Capacity Specialist from 21 February 2022. The acting position has no additional cost implications for the department.

End

Reply:

The broker’s notes are only issued to licensees and not contractors, and such evidence is available in the SADPMR offices. West Coast was a holder of diamond Dealer license from 15/07/2015, which licence expired on 14/07/2020. In 2015 West Coast Resources purchased broker’s notes from the SADPMR. The Diamond Valuator of the SADPMR never conducted any diamond valuations for West Coast Resources, and furthermore, the Diamond Exchange and Export Centre (DEEC) never received any diamond/s from West Coast Resources nor facilitated trade on their behalf. The SADPMR has no information on Kernel Resources. The SADPMR also does not have knowledge of any business rescue related to West Coast Resources nor the purported 20% Government Shareholdings as both companies are not holders of any licence issued by the SADPMR.

Reply:

 

a) Total capital expenditure (inception – 31 January 2023)

(i) R 3 740 828 637.09, the Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM) has built 24km of concrete Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes on 2 corridors and the CBD including upgrading of mixed traffic lanes and services, 105km of Non- Motorised Transport (NMT) routes, traffic signals, depot, 10 buses, Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system, Automated Public Transport Management Systems (APTMS), institutional and consultation costs for infrastructure design and project management since construction started in 2012.

b) Operational expenditure (1 August 2022 – 31 January 2023)

(ii) R 33 544 618.45, which are direct and indirect operating costs for the services since inception for the Bus Operating Company (BOC).

c) some of the legal costs relating to rezoning amount to just under R 2 million. The negotiations with the taxi industry were paid as part of the industry transition process. The industry transition did not have any mediation process but there was a team of consultants appointed to advise and represent the taxi industry in the negotiations.

d) Total income from ticket sales (1 August 2022 – 31 January 2023)

(i) R 723 433.70

e) Total number of passengers (1 August 2022 – 31 January 2023)

(i) 43 643 passengers transported with a daily average of 2600

Reply:

Through the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) the Department offers partial grant funding support on the cost of retrofitting tourism facilities with energy and water efficiency equipment and systems based on the outcome of a resource efficiency audit. Those in the small-scale hospitality industry can apply for the GTIP. The GTIP is housed, managed and administered by the IDC and all applications to the programme is received, processed and managed by the IDC. The department is, however, directly involved in the final adjudication of grant funding support for eligible and qualifying applications as part of the GTIP adjudication panel made up of members from the IDC and the department.

Reply:

1. The change in the operational model was presented to National Department of Transport (NDoT) during a meeting held between NDoT and Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM) on 31 May 2022. During 2022 the availability of low-entry buses in South Africa became a challenge and an interim alternative was put in place to ensure operations could commence on routes in Phase 1A. Further information on this meeting can be provided if required.

2. Maintenance of all mini-bus taxis serving YARONA is managed by the Integrated Public Transport Operations Company (the IPTOC) appointed by the RLM for the Yarona Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) services on a ring-fenced basis in accordance with the provisions of the National Land Transport Act and the Public Transport Network Grant Conditions. These vehicles are subject to scheduled maintenance as required under the agreement with the IPTOC. The RLM monitors and manages the IPTOC as provided for under the agreement.

3. (a) The RTT project is co-funded by the RLM and the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG). The RLM partially funds the project through accrued fare revenue. The PTNG consists of 2 components:

(i) Network Operations Component: The grant-component concerned with ensuring passengers/patrons are sufficiently served and the accessibility of the service.

(ii) Network Infrastructure Component: The grant-component concerned with the implementation of the physical infrastructure required to operate, such as dedicated bus lanes, shelters, accessible information displays, route designs etc.

(b) The ongoing RRT project will similarly be funded jointly by the RLM and PTNG.

Reply:

In accordance with the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997) as amended, universities are required to develop rules and policies that, amongst others, regulate provision of accommodation to students. Allocation of beds at universities should therefore be undertaken in accordance with university policies and processes.

Universities should, in accordance with their policies, place several students in both first year and continuing categories who have applied for accommodation spaces, in university owned/managed residences and where necessary in accredited private accommodation. Where necessary universities have also adopted a leasing approach. Some institutions (both universities and TVET colleges) have a challenge of accommodation, where the areas the campuses are located have no suitable accommodation that can be accredited or leased for placement of students. These institutions have applied for a deviation from the NSFAS Eligibility Criteria and Conditions for NSFAS funded students. The deviation, where approved, will allow students who need accommodation to reside in accommodation that is not yet accredited and assisted with allowances. This may explain why students are without accommodation.

However, universities have also indicated that some students do not apply for accommodation in advance but arrive at the institution and demand accommodation. Universities have prepared spaces for such emergencies and students are allocated temporary beds until their registration is finalized.

I have not received any official complaints about corrupt activities that involve allocation of accommodation to students. If any illegal activity is reported to the Department, we have a process in place to get reports from universities and ensure that matters such as these are dealt with adequately and those found guilty are punished.

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RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Director-General sign Parliamentary Question 314.

DR NKOSINATHI SISHI

DIRECTOR–GENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

DATE:

PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 314 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.

COMMENT/S

DR BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

DATE:

Reply:

a) Both Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) confirmed that NSFAS paid R80 394 towards the student’s account for the 2021 academic year. However, TUT submitted claims to NSFAS of R21 481,31 as part of the close out and historic debt project towards the student’s fee account as follows:

YEAR	NSFAS TO PAY
2018	R 511,51
2019	R 19 321,47
2020	R 801,49
2021	R 846,84
2022	-
Total amount	R 21 481,31

The years 2018, 2019 and 2020 are currently being reconciled as part of the close out and historic debt project. Universities have been given the close out files depicting the status of funding for their affected students to proceed and assist student where NSFAS has agreed or confirmed the students as NSFAS beneficiaries.

b) TUT indicated that the student graduated in May 2022 after receiving a letter confirming completion of her qualification, which is a minimum requirement for students with an outstanding debt. TUT practice is aligned with the USAf approved Guidelines for Issuing Public Universities Academic Records for students with outstanding debt. The TUT practice is that all students who have completed their studies receive a confirmation letter indicating that they have completed the qualification and will only obtain the certificate after their debt has been settled. All students who have completed their studies are also allowed to graduate.

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RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Director-General sign Parliamentary Question 174.

DR NKOSINATHI SISHI

DIRECTOR–GENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

DATE:

PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 174 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.

COMMENT/S

DR BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

DATE:

Reply:

a) The Department of Higher Education and Training has embarked on further consultations with the banking sector as well as the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) to explore options for a credit guarantee model before an application for a credit guarantee can be submitted to National Treasury by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

b) The first engagement took place on 21 February 2023 with officials from BASA and Nedbank outlining the data requirements that will inform the models for credit risk; interest rate models; government liability; payment terms etc, as required and will be followed with further bi-lateral engagements with the remaining banks.

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It is recommended that the Director-General sign Parliamentary Question 295.

DR NKOSINATHI SISHI

DIRECTOR–GENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

DATE:

PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 295 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.

COMMENT/S

DR BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

DATE:

Reply:

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Reply:

(i) Minister Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu

(2021 -2023) Has continued to use vehicle purchased by the Department.

(ii) Former Minister Mmamoloko ‘Nkensani’ Kubayi

	1 June 2019 – 2020	2020-2021
a) Make	VOLVO BASED IN CAPETOWN	VOLVO BASED IN PRETORIA
b) Model	XC60 D4 AWD G/T INSCRIPTION	XC60 D4 AWD G/T INSCRIPTION
c) Year of manufacture	2020	2020
d) Cost	R700 000.00	R700 000.00
e) Purchase date	2020/12/07	2020/12/07

(iii) Deputy Minister Fish Amos Mahlalela

	1 June 2019 – 2020	2020-2021
a) Make	MERCEDES-BENZ BASED IN CAPETOWN	AUDI Q7 BASED IN PRETORIA
b) Model	MERCEDES-BENZ E350	AUDI Q7 SUV
c) Year of manufacture	2015	2015
d) Cost	R762 443.00	R878 700.00
e) Purchase date	2015/03/18	2015/02/04

iv) Deputy Minister Fish Amos Mahlalela (June 2019-2021)

	2021-2022	2022-2023
a) Make	VOLVO XC D4 BASED IN CAPETOWN	VOLVO XC D4 BASED IN PRETORIA
b) Model	XC40 D4-AWD G/T Momentum	XC40 D4-AWD G/T Momentum
c) Year of manufacture	2021	2021
d) Cost	R700 000.00	R700 000.00
e) Purchase date	2021/03/24	2021/03/24

Reply:

a) What is the current status of various international airlines with regard to flying to the Republic post COVID-19

A significant number of airlines have restored their pre-Covid route networks within the Airports Company South Africa’s (ACSA) network. The restoration of International traffic continues to grow thus having a positive impact on the recovery at OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. Currently, a total of 44 international airlines are operating scheduled services at ACSA airports.

International air capacity is recovering positively compared to domestic supply. Supply for the next 12 months is 80% of the pre-pandemic supply overall, however, it is important to note the uneven recovery with the Middle East almost fully recovered while Asia and Australasia are just over half of the 2019 level of seats available to South Africa.

Fares are up across most of South Africa’s direct routes as fewer options are currently available to travellers. Most of South Africa’s key markets are serviced by one or two airlines which makes our destination a difficult seller’s market with consumers with limited alternatives available. Critical to improving the present recovery will be to defend the airlines already active in 2022 and creating incentives to attract new routes, or increased frequencies on existing route.

Some of the key priority markets i.e., Brazil, India, Canada, Japan, and Russia have no direct airlift. In addition, Nigeria, Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, and China are currently serviced by one airline, and adding airlines will have an impact on pricing and therefore arrivals and spend in South Africa from those markets.

b) What engagements has she had with international airlines

SA Tourism is now a registered member of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) which is the leading representative airline organisation within Southern Africa, working together with leaders of the aviation industry and senior public and government officials on policy, regulatory, planning, operational, safety, security and financial matters affecting the overall profitability of the airlines and their continued sustainability.

There has also been improved engagement opportunities with international airlines through the various Air Access committees i.e., Cape Town Air Access, Durban Direct Air Access and Gauteng Air Access where the teams formulate possible incentive programmes for reducing operational costs.

Furthermore, SA Tourism in collaboration with provincial air access structures participates at the annual Routes World, an event that bring together airlines, airports, aviation stakeholders and destinations from across the world to build air services and global economic growth. The event provides a platform for conversations between senior network planners that will define the industry's global future. South Africa uses the platform as an an opportunity to entice airline route planners and positions SA as destination of choice as one of the key destinations for their future route network.

c) What are the tangible outcomes of the specified engagements in increasing international arrivals?

Some of the notable outcomes include the following:

• Following lengthy discussions, SA Tourism and Emirates Airlines concluded a collaborative MOU. The MOU is aimed at unlocking airlift opportunities to increase arrivals from key source markets including the markets where there is no direct access. Emirates Airlines have increased frequencies to Cape Town and will be increasing frequencies to Johannesburg in March bringing the number of flights to 42 a week in order to get close to pre pandemic levels.
• In collaboration with air access partners from the Airports Company of South Africa, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, the Gauteng Tourism Authority, to Cape Town Tourism and WESGRO, Air Belgium launched a two-times-a-week service between Brussels, Johannesburg and Cape Town, effective from 14th September 2022.
• United Airlines restarted the Newark – Cape Town route much from 5 June 2022, with three flights a week with the added intention to increase frequencies as well.
• Qatar Airways MOU is at advanced stage and scheduled to be signed at Meetings Africa 2023).
• Furthermore, there are a few airlines who have chosen to operate on a seasonal calendar (6months) while assessing the situation with a view to maximise their frequencies.
• From the identified pipeline, we’ve received commitment from Latam in South America and Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong who will resume their flights by Quarter 4 of 2023.
• Air China's new direct flight from Beijing to Johannesburg.

Reply:

i) Table below display the vehicle information for Minister Pravin Gordhan

a) Make	b) Model	(d) Cost	(e) Purchase date
Audi	A6 2.0 TDI S Tronic Audi A6	R 783 909,98	2021/03/19

ii) Minister Pravin Gordhan has been the only Minister since 1 June 2019.

iii) Table below display the Vehicle information for Deputy Minister Phumulo Masualle.

a) Make	(b) Model	(d) Cost	(e) Purchase date
Audi	A6 2.0 TDI S Tronic Audi A6	R 783 909,98	2021/03/19

iv) Deputy Minister Phumulo Masualle has been the Deputy Minister since 01 June 2019.

The car of the former Minister in Tshwane is also currently used when there is the need and equally the one in Cape Town is still being used. No new car was purchased for the Minister in Cape Town.

The former Minister and Deputy Minister were no longer in office on/from 1 June 2019.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date:

Reply:

Tourism and wildlife authorities are working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to crack down on poaching on the shores of Lake Jozini in northern KwaZulu Natal. The Member is advised to refer the question to the Minister of Police.

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom

(a)

Eskom did not “take the foot off the pedal in terms of maintaining its current fleet” in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Eskom was and remains committed to executing all the required maintenance within the constraints at the time.

The well-documented shortage of capacity and funding meant that Eskom was forced to prioritise the maintenance that was executed and correctly focused on safety and statutory requirements, above performance enhancement and improvement work.

(b)

The current maintenance plans are still heavily impacted by the capacity and financial constraints and Eskom remains committed to executing the maximum possible maintenance as well as improving the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the maintenance within the many constraints which Eskom is facing.

(c)

We are already seeing the impact of many years of the inability to execute all the required maintenance, coupled with very high utilisation of an ageing fleet, along with many other factors, in the current performance of the coal fleet.

The recovery of the fleet requires three levers; additional capacity nationally, an improved EAF, which requires increased maintenance, and the addressing of various external levers, including improved liquidity, not least by delinquent municipalities paying their overdue accounts

Currently, an enhanced Generation Recovery Plan is being implemented under the guidance of the board. This plan covers three main areas of intervention:

• Plant: a systematic and strategic approach to maintenance,
• Process: a more disciplined approach to operational, procurement and related process,
• People: supplementing management and operational skills and initiating a fundamental culture change.

In addition, the excellent efforts for the law enforcement agencies, under the aegis of the National Electricity Crisis Committee, to arrest and charge those involved in corruption and sabotage, is beginning to make an impact.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

The Department of Transport procured the following vehicle(s) since 1 June 2019:

Make	Model	Year Manufacture	Cost	Purchase Date	Official
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)
BMW	5 Series Sedan	2022	R 748 624.04	27/01/2022	Current Minister

No other vehicles were procured during this period for the previous Minister, the current Deputy Minister or the previous Deputy Minister

Reply:

i) No vehicle was purchased for the Minister since 1 June 2019.

ii) No vehicle was purchased for the former Minister since 1 June 2019.

iii) The following vehicle was purchased for the Deputy Minister (a) make: BMW (b) model: 520d (c) year of manufacture: 2019 (d) cost: R668 000 (e) purchase date: 19 December 2019.

iv) No vehicle was purchased for the former Deputy Minister of the department since 1 June 2019.

END

Reply:

(a) (i) The department owns none [Zero (0)] of the state-owned resorts.

(ii) Information on the functionality of such resorts may be obtained from the respective owning entities (i.e. Provincial, some National Entities like SANParks and Municipalities)

(b) (i)-(iii)

The Department assisted with maintenance of some of the National and Provisional state owned tourism facilities. The Department has also developed a budget resort Network and Brand Concept for piloting.

Reply:

1. The most recent study by the World Bank/IFC 2021” Market Assessment: The Student Housing Landscape in South Africa” was used to estimate the NSFAS cap of R45,000.

According to the study student accommodation market in South Africa is categorised as follows.

i) The first, and lowest-income bracket, is the affordable and NSFAS student. accommodation market.

ii)  The second market segment is the mid-student accommodation market. This market targets middle income students with an affordability range of between ZAR 3,000 – ZAR 4,500 per month. Such student accommodation typically provides larger sized bedrooms compared to the affordable and NSFAS market with auxiliary amenities and services such as student support services, entertainment areas and other social amenities and is often occupied by students who ‘top-up’ their NSFAS accommodation allowances.

iii) The final market segment is classified as the upper-end student accommodation market and is typically integrated into a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation development. Such rooms or units are marketed as a premium package which consists of larger rooms, private kitchen and bathroom amenities and higher quality finishes than standard rooms. These premium packages may also include the use of student services and other amenities which may be included in the room price. The price point of upper-end student housing between ZAR 5,000 – ZAR 8,000 per month but can be as high as over ZAR 14,000 in some exclusive nodes and developments.

Given the diversified market for student accommodation, NSFAS settled for the middle ground with is the second market segment based on affordability.

2. Yes, there is a process through NSFAS to unpack the cost structure of various student accommodation segments to understand what the accommodation rental includes. This will assist government to negotiate with the landlords and institutions the type of costs that government will consider and fund for the NSFAS funded students. This process will also avoid incidences of double dipping from other grants offered by the Department to institutions.

Additionally, NSFAS is developing a grading process to be able to cater for costs where there are services offered over and above the Minimum Norms and Standards for Students Housing.

3. Institutions are requested to allocate accommodation that is within the cap for NSFAS funded students. NSFAS will be engaging also with accommodation providers to consider accommodating NSFAS funded students within the cap amount of R45,000.

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RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Director-General sign Parliamentary Question 146.

DR NKOSINATHI SISHI

DIRECTOR–GENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

DATE:

PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 146 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.

COMMENT/S

DR BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

DATE:

Reply:

1 (a) As the honourable member may be aware, following the announcement by the Minister of Finance on the future of (e-toll) on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Scheme during the 2022/23 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Vote, Government undertook to deactivate the e-tolls billing system before end of 2022/23 with both the National Treasury and Gauteng Provincial Government contributing towards the remaining debt for the remaining concession period.

(b) With regards to the outstanding R20 Billion, the Gauteng Provincial Government has agreed to contribute 30% to settling SANRAL's debt and interest obligations, while national government will cover the entire 70% of the debt.

2. (a) The National Treasury and the Gauteng provincial Government shall make a joint contribution towards the settlement of the e-toll debt as was announce by the Minister of Finance.

(b) it is anticipated that National Treasury will bear the bulk of the costs (70%).

(c) Funds to be sourced from both the National and Provincial Budgets.

Reply:

(a),(b),(c),(d) (i) Minister : No vehicles were purchased since 1 June 2019,

(ii) There has only been one Minister since 1 June 2019.

(iii) Deputy Minister Skwatsha: None.

Deputy Minister Capa: None

(iv) Deputy Minister Dlamini: None.

Reply:

REPLY

1. Response to 1. (a) and (b), (i)(ii)(iii) (aa)see annexure A

 

3.2 Response to 1. (a) and (b), (i)(ii)(iii) (bb) see annexure B

3.3 Response to 2. (a) see Annexure C

3.4 Response to 2. (B) see Annexure D