Questions and Replies

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom

(a)(i)(ii)(iii)

Post the announcement by the President of South Africa to unbundle Eskom, Eskom concluded the Eskom Restructuring Consultative Framework (“RCF Agreement”) with NUM, NUMSA and Solidarity dated 20 April 2021. The framework also gave way to a Restructuring Consultative Forum (RCF), whose purpose is to consult with all the representative trade unions namely; NUM, NUMSA and Solidarity (collectively referred to “the trade unions”) on how Eskom intends to deal with the Transmission division’s employees during the separation.

(b)(i)

The first meeting was convened on 25 May 2021, and we have subsequently convened an additional 13 meetings since then.

(b)(ii)

In principle, the trade unions appear to be against the unbundling of Eskom.

To date, we have already had two disputes. At the last steering committee meeting held on 9 February 2023, the trade unions resolved to suspend the RCF and engage directly with the Group Executive Human Resources (GE HR), whom they consider as the custodian of this process.

In terms of our Recognition Agreement and RCF Agreement, the unions reserve the right to engage with the GEHR. Eskom will be prioritising such an engagement to determine the way forward.

Both Eskom and government will continue to engage the unions to provide both clarity and reassurances, where required.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date:

Reply:

(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:

OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

a) Reasons (i) and Causes (ii):

1. ORTIA receives the bulk (approximately 70%) of its fuel from the Natref (inland refinery) via a pipeline, and the remaining 30% from Durban via rail.
2. The fuel from Durban, that is railed to ORTIA, is fully imported, as there is no longer any refining of jet fuel in Durban
3. The fuel is supplied primarily by the oil majors that operate in S Africa.
4. The fuel is stored in storage tanks at the bulk storage facility at the airport, and delivered to aircraft via a fuel hydrant system reticulated from the storage facility to the apron parking stands.
5. The fuel storage facility, into plane fuel service, operation and maintenance is operated by a service provider appointed by ACSA, in this case a JV consortium of the oil majors.
6. The main causes of fuel challenges are delays in crude imports, delays in refined jet fuel product, damage to rail infrastructure, and technical issues in the fuel storage facility and/or hydrant system.
7. Over the last few years South Africa has also lost significant jet fuel refining capacity (from five refineries to one), which means there is more reliance on import fuel than was previously the case.
8. There is neither strategic stock nor significant buffer stock of jet fuel held in the country, which means the supply of jet fuel operates largely on a just in time system (with only about five days buffer stock held at the airport storage tanks).
9. The above situation also implies that airlines need to provide accurate forecasts of their activities so that suppliers are able to place orders on time.

b) Incidents and reasons of fuel issues

1. There were no fuel issues or significant fuel challenges between 2019 and March 2022.
2. During March 2022, there was a delay in the import of crude oil, which resulted in the Natref refinery not having sufficient raw product to refine jet fuel. This did not have any significant impact on operations as there was sufficient buffer stock of refined product. However, it did reduce the levels the buffer stock which is normally maintained at about five days, to below this level. This situation would have normalised itself once the full crude oil imports were re-instated.
3. During the latter part of April 2022, the floods in KZN resulted in damage to rail infrastructure which meant the 30% supply of fuel to ORT was shut off. At the same time air traffic movements was starting to recover at a much faster rate (post COVID recovery), this increased demand, together with already lower stock holding levels resulted in the initial fuel shortage experienced. This situation was fully mitigated by the end of May 2022.
4. The other significant fuel related disruption occurred on the 28th December 2022. This was due to a failure of a valve on the fuel hydrant system which locked in a closed position. This resulted in no fuel being supplied via the hydrant for two hours at the start of operations, resulting in 41 flights being delayed in the morning, and then a compounded impact of aircraft delays for the entire day until the backlog was cleared.

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CTIA)

a) Reasons (i) and Causes (ii)

1. There is a single refinery in Cape Town which is not fully operational at the moment, meaning that almost 100% of jet fuel into CTIA is imported.
2. This fuel is transported from the refinery to the airport storage tanks via road tankers, and then via the airport fuel hydrant system into plane.
3. A similar operational and contracting arrangement exists in CTIA as in ORTIA.
4. Most of the Oil majors supply fuel at CTIA but are mostly reliant on the single refinery for supply (which supply is currently being imported).
5. Fuel challenges are mainly as a result of delayed shipments, reduced number of road trucks from the refinery, or fuel being contaminated or out of spec whilst in storage at the refinery. Incidents and reasons for fuel issues

b) Incidents

1. There were no significant fuel issues between 2019 and September 2022 at CIA
2. Between 30 September and 7th October 2022, a shipment of fuel to the refinery was delayed, and due to the limited buffer stock, this impacted on supply to airlines.

Other Airports

There were no significant incidents of fuel shortages at other airports.

Reply:

The information required by the Honourable Member is not within the purview of the Departments of Cooperative Governance and/or Traditional Affairs.

The question may be directed to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Reply:

The information required by the Honourable Member is not within the purview of the Departments of Cooperative Governance and/or Traditional Affairs but that of Department of Finance.

It is recommended that this question be directed to the Minister of Finance.

Reply:

(1) The Road Accident Fund (RAF) (a) has finalised and paid a total of 179 349 claims for the period 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022 (b)(i) as at 10 February 2023 a total of 50 133 claims must still be paid out; and (ii) The total value of claims that are still to be paid out was R15 billion as of 10 Feb 2023. These are payments that are requested but not yet paid, which will be paid once all essential internal validations have been performed to ensure a valid and complying payment. This is also subject to availability of cash resources.

(2) not all the cases where the claimant has served summons on the RAF have been settled as at 31 January 2023 a total of 335 017 claims were in various pre-litigation and litigation stages;

335 017 cases at various stages of litigation. Not all cases can be settled, because most of the claims are overstated and lawyer’s gain more, the further a matter is dragged i.e., positive link between the time it takes to settle a claim and the costs.

(3) The value of claims which are yet to be settled is quantified as part of the claims administration process. The process considers validations & verifications and quantum determination. It is only after these processes are finalized that an estimate of the value of a claim is determined. However, at this point the RNYP is R15 billion. The liability was at R28 billion at the end of 2020/2022 financial year.

Reply:

(a) (i) KPMM Roads & Earthworks (Pty) Ltd (KPMM) was awarded the contract for the dualling of the Gwaiing River bridge over the N2 and they commenced work on 29 January 2018. The contract duration was 30 months.

(ii) It is expected that it will take approximately 12 to 13 months to complete the outstanding work from recommencement date.

(b) KPMM ran into working capital (cash flow) constraints, which gave rise to delays and slower progress. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further constrained the Contractor. In April 2021 the Contractor indicated that they could not proceed any further, and the contract was assigned to one of the subcontractors. The construction site was unfortunately hit by severe flooding on 22 November 2021. That washed away large parts of the temporary scaffolding supporting the formwork for the new bridge deck, requiring complete reconstruction of the temporary scaffolding. The new contractor also however ran into financial difficulty shortly thereafter and filed for voluntary liquidation in June 2022. A liquidator was subsequently appointed.

(c) Final discussions are underway with the liquidator with regard to the completion of the works. Finality in this regard is expected in March 2023.

(d) Failing an agreement with the liquidator, a new accelerated procurement process will be undertaken. It is expected that it will take approximately 12 to 13 months to complete the outstanding work once a new contractor commences.

Reply:

(a) On what date were taxi drivers informed that passenger pick-up points would change to the first floor parking area at the O R Tambo International Airport, (b) how was the specified change communicated to (i) taxi drivers and (ii) passengers, (aa) initially and (bb) on an on-going basis,

1. Relocation of Public Transport

The frontage roads optimisation project was conceptualised in compliance with the security mandate that seeks to minimise and prevent any unlawful interference to civil aviation as stipulated in Annex 17, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and National Airport Security Program (NASP). The roadway optimisation seeks to address:

1. The unlawful act against the safety of civil aviation, including acts of sabotage and malicious damage, and the placing of bombs and other explosive devices or substances in airports, aircraft, baggage, cargo or mail. Any other act of unlawful interference, including armed attacks at airports, acts directed toward off-airport personnel, facilities or vehicles, and acts that have the potential to develop into a threat to international civil aviation
2. Traffic congestion
3. Prevent touting and harassment of passengers

It is against this background that ACSA embarked on the relocation of public transport services (e-hailing (Uber & Bolt), Shuttle services and Meter Taxi operators) from the frontage roadways to Parkade 2 South Level 2 (phase 1). Phase 2 entails the installation of access control to the roadways.

Various consultations took place prior to implementation with various stakeholders which included their senior management and representatives whereby all stakeholders understood and supported the implementation of the project.

The meetings took place as follows:

Date	Stakeholder	Representative
21 February 2022	Shuttles Services	Deputy Chairperson Mr C Kgasu, EXCO Member: Mr Allen Rapasi, Secretary Mr J Mnisi Treasure Mr P Molala Chairperson: Mr J Sokoti as the, EXCO member: Mr S Mabala, EXCO member: Mr A Lekalakala.
04 March 2022	Uber	Gauteng Operational Manager: Mr Amile Ndlovu
04 March 2022	Bolt	Gauteng Acting Manager: Mr Siphiwo Soga
04 March 2022	ORTACC (Meter Taxi)	EXCO member: Mr L Sithukga, Deputy Chairperson: Mr. T Mashego Chairperson: Mr S Rikhotso Secretary: Mr K Chiloane Deputy Secretary Mr J Manotoane
10 February 2022	Local Airport Security Committee (LASC)	All law enforcement agencies and airport stakeholder associations including Metro Police and SAPS

Following the consultation above, the implementation was effective the 01st July 2022, noting that the consultations started in February 2022.

Pre - implementation and on-going basis, the following broader communication and awareness were / are circulated on various platforms and executed as follows:

• Messages on the passenger terminal PA system
• Messages on the advertising, retail and information screens within the terminal
• Messages and stands on the notice stands on level 2
• Passenger information counters / desk (restricted and landside)
• Public Transport Information counters / desk (restricted and landside)
• Passenger Information Agents – floor monitoring
• Messages on social media
• Passenger that do not get to Parkade 2 South Level 2, are redirected by airport authorised taxi operators and airport security positioned on the arrival lower roadway
• E-hailing app updated with Parkade 2 South Level 2 as collection and drop off points; and
• Media statement

ACSA is on a continuous basis improving signage and other communication platforms to enhance passenger experience through our airports. The company is also engaging public transport operators on a bi-weekly basis to determine the effectiveness of the initiative and continuous improvement.

(c) How is it monitored to ensure that passengers are picked up only at the designated area

The monitoring and assurance that passengers are picked up at designated area is conducted by Passenger Services Agents inside the terminal (monitoring and walking the terminal floors and occupying the information counters located at International and domestic arrivals) and they are supported by security guards stationed outside of the terminal patrolling the roadways.

(d) What are the penalties for taxi drivers that transgress the specified pick-up change?

ACSA has not imposed any penalties to the operators as the collaboration and open communication have proven to be effective in making sure that there is compliance to company requirements.

Reply:

The mine is under Business rescue, which is administered in terms of the Companies Act, 2008.

Details of management agreement and all other related information can be obtained, in terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, from the Business Rescue Practitionsers.

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

a) The Department of Higher Education and Training is responsible for the oversight of the higher education system, in line with the Higher Education Act. University Councils are the ultimate body responsible for the governance of institutions and must ensure that they govern effectively to prevent any instances of fraud, maladministration, and corruption. In a case where the Minister is concerned that matters are not being addressed adequately, the Act guides the circumstances under which the Minister can intervene. The Minister is also able to engage directly with university Councils where concerns have been raised directly with him. Councils of public higher education institutions complete an annual self-assessment scorecard in line with the Guidelines for Good Governance Practice and indicators for Councils of South African Public Higher Institutions. The Department also monitors governance through an analysis of the annual reports of the institutions and assesses the overall effectiveness of governance in the system in relation to several issues. The Department supports governance at institutions through also supporting training for university councils. At the current moment one institution is under administration (Mangosuthu University of Technology) and independent assessments are underway at the University of South Africa and Central University of Technology. The Department has a watching brief on all institutions where governance challenges may arise.

The Department has developed policies and procedures which colleges are required to comply with. College councils are also required to adopt their code of conducts and to ensure that they play a meaningful oversight role. For management and staff, there are disciplinary processes undertaken in terms of the Labour Relations Act in an event there are instances of maladministration, fraud, and corruption. For college council the Minister institutes an investigation in terms of section 46 (1) of the Continuing Education and Training Act and where allegations are proved to be correct, the council is dissolved, and the cases referred to state law agencies.

b) The Department has developed the examination regulations which colleges must comply with 100%. Instances of irregularity and/or non-compliance are investigated, and officials implicated are subjected to disciplinary processes. The Department’s examinations and assessment processes are subjected to the quality assurance bodies such as UMALUSI before results are issued. This institution ensures conducts robust review of the examination and assessment processes to ensure the credibility of examinations before resulting and certification. The Council on Higher Education (CHE) is responsible in terms of the Higher Education Act for quality assurance of the higher education system and for qualification accreditation through the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC).

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

1. I have been informed by the Department that:

With respect to Cape Town:

(a)

(i) 26

(ii) 32

(b)

(i) R 608 165 300,00

(ii) R 221 708 000, 00

(2)

(a) and (b) None.

(3)

(a) and (b) Fall away

1. With respect to Pretoria:

(a)

(i) 14

(ii) 25

(b)

(i) R54 778 282.80

(ii) R82 167 424.21

(2) (a) and (b) None

(3) (a) and (b) Fall away.

Reply:

Find reply here

 

Reply:

The Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions (the Policy Framework) of 2020 does not discriminate against Afrikaans as one of our indigenous official languages. My department has consistently stated that the focus of the Policy Framework is on promotion of multilingualism and upliftment of the historically under-developed and previously disadvantaged indigenous languages as languages of communication and academia within our universities. The technicalities around the definition of ‘indigenous language’ as articulated in the Policy Framework has been duly acknowledged and are being addressed accordingly.

The objective of our very own policies is aligned with the Constitution, and we have championed equality of all official languages of the Republic. Furthermore, my department is mobilising sufficient resources to support the development of indigenous languages in universities. The consultative processes have been completed and the publication of the amended definition will be done in due course, most likely, in the first half of this year.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

1. I have been informed by the Department that the relevant details of the brief to the security companies are as follows:

(a) The controlling of access so that the structures on the properties do not increase,

(b) No construction of new structures are allowed

(c) All half-done structures may be demolished and removed

(d) Patrolling of premises for day and night shift including weekends and public holidays

2. Yes, they fulfilled the specified brief and they are found to be in compliance.

(a) Not applicable as they fulfilled their brief.

(b) They were paid as they fulfilled their mandate of controlling access to the premises for the period, in compliance with the implementation of the containment order at Knofloskraal.

3

(a) The total amount spent on Sheriff Costs is R 2 543 00, 00

(b) The Total amount spent on legal fees is R 537 240, 00

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

(1) Accordingly, the fraudulent registration of 15 high-ranking politicians in postgraduate programmes at the University of Fort Hare, which falls within the scope of matters to be investigated by the Special Investigating Unit SIU), will not be investigated by the Department. As per the Notice of the investigation (No.R.84) in the Government Gazette No 47199 of 5 August 2022 (attached), the SIU investigation will look into the maladministration in the affairs of the University’s Faculty of Public Administration in relation to the awarding of honours degrees; management of funds; and sourcing of public servants for study into various Faculty programmes by an individual for personal gain (Paragraph 2 in the Schedule).

(2) The Department will await the findings of the Special Investigating Unit.

Reply:

This is partnership between Eskom and Cape Peninsula University of Technology. The details on the partnership can be best responded to by Eskom.

Reply:

With regard to (a), (b) and (c)

a) The projects were in Eastern and Western Cape supply areas.( Attached, see list))

b) 16 wind projects amounting up to the allocated 3200MW were not appointed.

c) The projects were not appointed because there was no grid capacity.

 

LIST OF AFFECTED ONSHORE WIND PROJECTS,

RENEWABLE ENERGY IPP PROCUREMENT BID WINDOW 6

Rank	Bid ID	Capacity (MW)	Province	Latitude	Longitude
1	RE_OW_0166_002	153.00	Northern Cape	- 32.7181	20.7494
2	RE_OW_0166_001	140.00	Western Cape	- 32.9756	20.6339
3	RE_OW_0052_020	238.00	Western Cape	- 31.7542	22.3950
4	RE_OW_0052_021	238.00	Western Cape	- 31.8103	22.4672
5	RE_OW_0052_022	238.00	Western Cape	- 31.8942	22.4319
6	RE_OW_0165_003	240.00	Western Cape	- 32.7639	20.8472
7	RE_OW_0165_004	240.00	Western Cape	- 32.7294	21.0306
8	RE_OW_0165_006	240.00	Eastern Cape	- 31.4881	26.3839
9	RE_OW_0026_003	123.90	Western Cape	- 33.4884	19.2107
10	RE_OW_0037_013	140.00	Eastern Cape	- 32.6862	28.2290
11	RE_OW_0166_006	140.00	Eastern Cape	- 32.8144	25.9044
12	RE_OW_0165_005	212.40	Eastern Cape	- 31.4531	26.4461
13	RE_OW_0035_004	205.80	Western Cape	- 32.5025	22.4806
14	RE_OW_0035_005	205.80	Western Cape	- 32.5025	22.4806
15	RE_OW_0037_018	225.00	Western Cape	- 32.9604	22.6657
16	RE_OW_0037_017	162.00	Western Cape	- 32.9077	22.6432

Reply:

	Minister	Former Minister	Deputy Minister	Deputy Minister
(a)	(i) N/A	(ii) N/A	(iii) (a) BMW (b) BMW	(ii) N/A
(b)	(i) N/A	(i) N/A	(ii) (a) X3 XDRIVE 20D (b) X3 XDRIVE 20D	(i) N/A
(c)	(i) N/A	(i) N/A	(ii) (a) 2021 (b) 2021	(i) N/A
(d)	(i) N/A	(i) N/A	(ii) (a) R761 199.40 (b) R768 666.99	(i) N/A
(e)	(i) N/A	(i) N/A	(ii) (a)12/10/2021 (b)20/12/2021	(i) N/A

Reply:

a) Six (6)

b) No action relevant to a search for justice was required. The department liaised with the affected families and assisted where required.

Reply:

The Department’s language policy for higher education has over the years consistently promoted multilingualism at universities. This is applicable from the 2002 Language Policy for Higher Education and the revised Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions published in 2020.

While these policies acknowledge the de facto dominance of English as the language of teaching and learning and research across universities and education, in general in South Africa, the policies require universities to adopt multilingual policies showing how official South African languages other than English are developed and promoted for wider usage within academia. The universities have language policies in place listing several indigenous languages they aim to develop for scholarship purposes. The selection of these languages is informed by their regional distribution – in other words, the prevalence of the language within a geographic area within which a university is operating. While government policies are clear on the imperative of multilingualism, the translation of these ideals into practice remains work in progress. The Department is working with the universities to see how best to speed up the scholarly development of indigenous languages to deliver the Constitutional mandate of ensuring parity of esteem between official South African languages.

Reply:

1. Main Street is not a state-owned entity, but a Special purpose vehicle created to hold shares that would eventually be transferred to the State
2. Yes, it holds 20% shares
3. Main street shares are held by De beers group Services and Kerspuy, Daryl Charles as active directors

Reply:

Find reply here

Reply:

SFF Reply:

Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) never bought and/or sold diesel in 2022.

PetroSA Reply:

a) What total volume of diesel did

(i) PetroSA procure for wholesale purposes in each month of 2022

This is commercially sensitive information which cannot be disclosed in the public domain as it may end up in the hands of PetroSA’s competitors. This relates to PetroSA’s market share which is commercially sensitive information.

b) in each case, (i) who did they purchase the diesel from,

In terms of the confidentiality provisions contained in the agreements with the Suppliers, providing the information would be a breach of such confidentiality provisions.

(ii) how much diesel was purchased

See response in a) (i) above

(iii) how much diesel was sold to Eskom

As already alluded in a) (i) above, it is not in PetroSA’s interest to disclose information pertaining to its volumes as it is commercially sensitive information because it relates to PetroSA’s share in the market..

(iv) what markup did (aa) PetroSA put on the diesel that was sold to Eskom?

This is commercially sensitive information as it relates to PetroSA’s competitive margin in the market.

 

Reply:

List of Minister’s trips in last 6 months (1 August 2022 until 31 January 2023)

(a)(i)	(a)(ii)	(b)(i)
Date	Country	Purpose	Achieved objectives
31 August to 2 September 2022	Indonesia	G20 Education Working Group and Minister’s Meetings	Minister participated in the Education Minister's meeting held in Bali on 1September 2022. Ministers discussed the G20 education agenda under Indonesian Presidency namely, universal education, digital technology in education, solidarity and partnerships in education and future of work. The Ministers welcomed the Report and Compendium from the Education Working Group meeting on education strategies in 26 countries detailing more than 150 programs and best practices. The Minister held bilateral meetings with the i) UNESCO Assistant Director-general for Education, Ms Stefania Giannini to share updates regarding the Transformation Education Summit and South Africa’s participation thereof at this landmark event and updated each other on UNESCO work in the field of higher education. The Minister also met with the ii) Brazilian Minister of Education, HE Victor Godoy Beige and agreed on deepening cooperation with BRICS countries and agreed to renew the MOU focusing on skills development for green economy in the context of green energy and hydrogen research, exchange delegation of officials to visit each other's countries to study each other's systems and learn from each other.
30 September to 8 October 2022	Japan	The Minister undertook an official visit to Japan to participate in the 19th Annual Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum and bilateral engagements at the margins of the Forum.	As part of Minister’s participation at the STS Forum, the Minister shared the platform with the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Kishida in the opening plenary session of the Forum where he delivered a speech on the topic: “The World in 2022 - What do we need from Science”. At the margins of the Forum, Minister attended the following courtesy bilateral meetings with: Dr Mariya Gabriel, EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf, Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands (where an MoU on STI between the two countries was signed), Minister NAGAOKA Keiko, Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Deputy Minister Sallehi of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Ishizuka, President of the New Energy Industrial Development Organization (NEDO) Dr Hashimoto, President of the Japanese Science and Technology Agency (JST) Vice Minister MAKOTO Nagamine, Japanese Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry These meetings provided an opportunity to strengthen STI cooperation particularly with Japan and with the EU, the Netherlands, and Iran.
19 to 21 October 2022	Senegal	Official visit, to Senegal to participate in a consultative and planning meeting on Panafrika’s Postgraduate University for Policy studies in Africa	Participation in the PanAfrika Postgraduate University for Policy Studies in Africa consultative meeting The Minister participated in the consultative and planning meeting of the PanAfrika Postgraduate University for Policy Studies in Africa on 21 October 2022. The consultative meeting was arranged by the Southern Africa Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust in partnership with the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA). The purpose of the consultative and planning meeting was to mobilise resources and support for the PanAfrika University. The SAPES Trust was seeking support from partners for a Planning Grant for the Inception Phase of the project. The consultative and planning meeting seeks to come up with an organisational design for the university to make it a success and sustainable institution. Minister agreed to support the establishment of the PanAfrika University, given the need to strengthen the social science and humanities research in the continent, which is critical in solving Africa’s pressing challenges and unlocking Africa’s potential. A meeting with Prof Moussa Balde, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Senegal The Minister was able to hold a Ministerial bilateral meeting with his Senegalese counterpart, Prof Balde, who is the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The meeting allowed the two ministers to review the achievements of the cooperation since the signing of the bilateral agreement and to identify areas of opportunities that the two countries can jointly pursue as a mutual response to the socio-economic development challenges of the two countries. Visit the Cheick Anta Diop University. Minister Nzimande also visited Cheick Anta Diop University, which is one of the key Universities in Senegal that has been playing a critical role in the human capital development element of some of the key bilateral programmes. The meeting allowed for the identification of exchange programmes for students and lectures, especially in the areas the University is strong.
19 November 2022	United Kingdom	The Minister travelled to the UK as part of the Presidential entourage, on the King’s invitation. Minister Nzimande also attended to bilateral consultations with the UK counterparts on the STI and higher education cooperation matters. The Minister further advanced cooperation on hydrogen with the University of Teesside during the signing of an MoU with Stellenbosch University.	Significantly the visit saw the re-signing of the MoU on STI with the UK government. These cooperation efforts advanced our science diplomacy with one of our long standing, traditional and historic partners, the UK.

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

The Mine is under business rescue, which is administered in terms of the Companies Act, 2008. The requested documents can be duly obtained from the Business Rescue Practitioners.

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

The contract between Eskom and Entities in Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique are commercial arrangements as part of regional trading. Details on the contracts can be best addressed by Eskom.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

Response:

i) I have been informed by the Department that no official vehicles were procured for myself since 1 June 2019 to date.

ii) Details of vehicles purchased for former Ministers are reflected in the table below:

(a, b, c) Make, Model, Year Manufactured	(d)Purchase Price	(e)Date of Purchase
Mercedes Benz GLE 350D (2017)	R 1 228 001.98	19 June 2017
Toyota Land Cruiser 4,5D V8 (2017) (Vehicle transferred from the Department to the Department of Employment and Labour on 19 July 2019)	R 1 263 986.17	20 June 2017
Lexus RX 350 (2013) ( Vehicle Transferred from the Department of Employment and Labour to the Department )	R 663 584.27	October 2013

iii) No official vehicles were procured for Deputy Minister Kiviet since 1 June 2019 to date.

iv) Details of vehicles purchased for the former Deputy Ministers are reflected in the table below:

(a, b, c) Make, Model, Year Manufactured	(d)Purchase Price	(e)Date of Purchase
Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Blue motion (2014)	R 709 484.00	21 November 2014
BMW 535i (2015)	R 681 423.34	01 January 2015

Reply:

The Department of Human Settlements received the Parliamentary question, reviewed it against its mandate and has determined that the best respondent is the Department of Minerals and Energy

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

1. The process of appointment of contractors is handled by the Business rescue Practitioners in terms of the Companies Act, 2008 and not the Department.

2. The process is outside the Department’s scope of mandate, and it is handled by the Business rescue practitioners.

3. The government is not involved in this process its privately conducted by the Business Rescue practitioners.

4(a) The Department is not involved in the bids for tenders as this is outside the Department’s scope of mandate.

(b) See (a) above.

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

a) The Thaba Tshwane building had enough space to accommodate the staff of the National Department of Health. And it was complying to all requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

b) The location of the building is not affecting the mission of the National Department of Health. The compliance of the building to OHS Act brings back the focus of the health staff, it is assisting the National Department of Health to put more focus on measures that can assist the provincial health departments to improve the health status through the prevention of illness, disease and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and to consistently improve the health care delivery system by focusing on access, equity, efficiency, quality and sustainability.

END.

Reply:

The question has been referred to the Gauteng Department of education and a response will be provided as soon as it is received. 

Reply:

The release of the NSC results has been moved to the third week of January, due to the late closure of the academic year in the last three years. In the last three years, schools have closed around 15 December, so as to allow for schools to catch-up on the loss of teaching time emanating from COVID-19.

The later release date was also prompted by the Quality Assurance Council, Umalusi, requesting additional time to conduct its quality assurance processes so that the accuracy and credibility of the results are not undermined.

The Department of Basic Education needs atleast six weeks from the last examination date to conduct the following critical processes:

(a) The marking of the 9.8 million scripts which uses schools as marking centres and therefore cannot commence long before schools have closed.

(b) The capture of the 15 million marks on the Integrated Examination Computer System (IECS) requires at least 14 days.

(c) The processing of examination irregularities.,

(d) The standardisation of the subject results by Umalusi.

(e) The processing, resulting of the candidate data and verification of the data by Umalusi.

(f) Preparation of reports for the Ministerial release

The later release date of the examination results was done in consultation with Universities South Africa (USAf), the body that represents all higher education institutions and therefore no candidate would have been disadvantaged by the later release date.

Attached is the 2022 NSC Management Plan, which provides the detailed activities and sub-activities and the time frame leading to the release of NSC Results.

For the 2023 NSC examinations, a meeting will be convened with Umalusi, USAf, Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), so as to arrive at a release date that suits all institutions concerned, and also that is most suitable for candidates.

Reply:

1. Under the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI programme), the Department of Basic Eduction identified 331 schools made entirely of inappropriate materials. By February 2023, the Department has already replaced 315 of these schools.  The balance will be completed in 2023/24.

2. The various Provincial Departments of Education prepare annual asset management plans where infrastructure needs are defined.  In 2022/23, the target was to complete 38 new schools.  By December 2022, 16 of such schools had already reached Practical Completion.  In 2022/23, the target was to construct 1094 additional classrooms.  By December 2022, this target was exceeded with 1154 new classrooms constructed.

3. Over-crowding in schools is a major challenge.  The Minister of Basic Education and the Minister of Finance are negotiating the extension of the School Infrastructure Backlog Grant beyond 2023/24.  One of the focus areas will be to address over-crowding.  Following the address on the budget, more details of the planned approach will be defined. 

Reply:

The Independent Power Producers are already generating and supplying energy into the South African grid. They carry their operations in line with the prevailing regulatory mechanism.

Reply:

The procurement of the seven-year lease building was done by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. However, the National Department of Health has four times the staff compared to those of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The square meterage that was required by the Department of Cooperate Governance and Traditional Affairs was far less compared to the one that was required by the National Department of Health due to the size of the Department. The rental price of the building is based on the required size of the square meterage.

END.

Reply:

(1) (a) Total backlog for FCLs is 35 776 tests (CPT, JHB and PTA labs

(b) Outstanding reports:

(i) 1-5 years = 11 948

(ii) 5-8 years=3 391

(iii) 8-9 years= 2 158

(iv) 9-10 years = 1 749

(v) more than 10 years = 2555

(c) Backlogs were cause by, amongst others:

● old laboratory equipment that constantly broke down.

● Insufficient goods and services

● Delays in procurement

● Shortage of skilled staff

The nature of the samples that must be tested, and the volume of new samples and a high incidence of urgent requests. There normally are multiple samples per case, thus one case can consist of blood, urine, stomach content, liver, bile and a drug which all linked to one body.

Additionally the import of Certified Reference Materials to confirm and quantify controlled substances, is a very lengthy process which delays laboratory testing.

(d) The NHLS is streamlining activities in this discipline and the focus is on improving productivity to reduce the backlog.

(2) The backlog developed since the National Department of Health did not have the expertise and resources to effectively address the backlog. The laboratories have now been transferred from the NDOH to the NHLS given the efficiency of the NHLS as a specialised laboratory service. NHLS is leveraging its resources and expertise to turn things around and strives to address the backlog.

Public private partnership is a legislated process which requires a defined procurement approach which requires Treasury approval. The NHLS will explore amongst others the possibility of a public private partnership.

END.

Reply:

The Patient Information System implemented in OR Tambo Memorial Hospitals is owned and implemented by the Gauteng Department of Health. The Gauteng Provinces adopted the Modernisation Strategy aimed at improving the overall public services. “Gauteng health services will be modernized through effective management of information systems and the development and implementation of e-health strategies towards creating a paperless environment. The implementation of the new Patient Information Systems was to replace the two legacy systems used in the Gauteng facilities, being Medicom 2X and PAAB, the two systems were implemented in early 2000 and were no longer supported by their Original Software Manufacture (OSM).

The implementation of the system was expected to create queues only in the first two weeks of transitioning from the old system to the new system. This was due to data being migrated (data clean-up, data verification, data crossmatch, and data validation) from the old systems to the newly implemented system. To mitigate this expected issue, a change and adoption team was made available to the hospital to interact with patients while waiting in the queues and provided details on the new system and its benefits. The above intervention allowed the hospital to stabilise the system and transition from the old to the new system.

The hospital has a complaint and complement system in place which are monitored regularly. Based on the records for this system such complaints as per the question has not been recorded. The hospital also monitor patient waiting time for retrieval of files and this waiting time is within the benchmark waiting time of 30 minutes

Elderly patients have their own queues and should they come for a follow-up visit with a booking at the hospital, the files are retrieved the day before the booking. This significantly decrease waiting time for the retrieval of files at the administration.

END.

Reply:

No vehicles were purchased since 1 June 2019.