Questions and Replies

Reply:

How is SA Tourism (a) packaging messages around incidents such as the murder of a Ukranian tourist in 2018 and the recent murder of a German tourist

a) South African Tourism has regularly kept all (domestic and international) trade partners and stakeholders up to date with regards to issues that impact on South Africa including safety and security. To this end, over the last few months, South African Tourism has participated in key trade shows in various parts of the world including IMEX America, International Golf Travel Market in Italy, participation at World Routes in the United States of America and Travel Expo in Zimbabwe and also currently at a Tourism industry leadership conference in Botswana with a constant message that South Africa remains a safe destination.

Following the incident of the murder of the German tourist, South African Tourism released a joint statement together with private sector industry partner, TBCSA, condemning the incident. This was followed by a media briefing led by Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu after having met with the affected tourists and the victim’s wife. South African Tourism has reiterated the Minister’s message that such incidents are taken very seriously as the safety of tourists and citizens alike remains key. Over and above this, in all the marketing and promotional work that South African Tourism embarks on, the message that we are a safe destination is shown through the various interactive and immersive experiences shown in the visual elements through our people.

(b) working with the (i) SA Police Service and (ii) private sector to ensure that the image of the Republic as a preferred tourist destination is not tarnished further?

b) We have a National Tourism Safety Strategy with a view to foster public- private sector partnership in addressing issues of tourism safety in a more coordinated manner to provide an enhanced visitor experience and in the long term to change perceptions of South Africa as an unsafe destination. The National Tourism Safety Strategy is centered upon three key pillars which include, Proactive measures (putting in place measures to ensure that tourists are safe before they embark on a trip), Responsive measures (mechanisms that ensure quick and effective turnaround time to attend to tourist in distress when an incident of crime occur); and Aftercare Programmes (providing care and comfort to tourist in distress immediately after an incident has occurred and beyond).

In working with the SA Police Services and the Department of Tourism, South African Tourism co-ordinates key messaging on a case by case basis with the sole aim of synchronizing messaging and efforts relating to citizen and tourists’ safety in the build up to the festive season and beyond. We continue with our efforts of working with the greater tourism sector in removing any barriers that hinder the growth of our sector.

SA Tourism, Mpumalanga Tourism and the private sector have recently collaborated to improve safety around the access routes into the Kruger National Park.

Reply:

Grading fees charged by TGCSA is determined by three (3) variables namely the number of units the establishment has, the category of the establishment and the average room rate. The National Grading system is a voluntary scheme and membership is reliant on members’ intention to be graded. Targets are based on the South African Tourism Annual Performance targets.

1. (a)(i)-(ii) The target for number of graded establishments for the period with accompanying budget and revenue is below:

 

Year	TGCSA Budget	TGCSA Revenue Received	Target Graded Establishments	Actual Graded Establishments	Variance	Reason for Variance
2019/20	R 58 M	R 23 M	6229	5 173	-1 056	High Cancellation Rate
2020/21	R 61 M	R 18 M	N/A (Due to Covid-19 pandemic)	5 034	5 034	No target set due to the Covid-19 pandemic
2021/22	R64 M	R 15 M	5250	4 707	-543	Limited establishments open due to Covid-19

The percentage breakdown of establishments per province is reflected below for 2019-20; 2020-21 and Year-to-date (YTD) 2021-22:

(a) (i) and (ii) The percentage breakdown of establishments per province is reflected below for 2019-20; 2020-21 and Year-to-date (YTD) 2021-22:

Province	2019-20	2020-21	YTD 2021-22
Eastern Cape	12%	13%	13%
Free State	3%	3%	3%
Gauteng	22%	21%	23%
KwaZulu Natal	13%	13%	13%
Limpopo	7%	7%	7%
Mpumalanga	7%	8%	7%
North West	5%	5%	5%
Northern Cape	3%	3%	3%
Western Cape	29%	27%	26%

(2) (a) and (b)

2020 – 2021 have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic as many establishments suspended trading or closed permanently. Fiscal 2022/23 has seen a return to business and many establishments re-joining TGCSA star grading system. Quality Assurance is key to the tourism sectors success, therefore TGCSA is currently reviewing the post-pandemic consumer requirements and key tourism sector changes to assess the impact of sector change on the TGCSA grading criteria. Many interventions such as workshops, training and the implementation of the Tourism Grading Supporting Program are in progress. Fiscal 2022/23 is on track for the achievement of its current targets of 5 355 Graded establishments for the fiscal.

Reply:

a) The Department is currently running the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) campaign on its social media platforms.

b) No advertising costs have been incurred on the Green Tourism Incentive Programme social media campaign including on i) Facebook ii) Instagram iii) Twitter iv) YouTube and v) LinkedIn.

c) None

 

Reply:

The internal drafting of a new Green Paper for tourism has been finalised and external consultations on the draft are being undertaken. It is intended to finalise the consultations at the end of the 2022/23 financial year.

 



Reply:

1. The Department has become aware through reports in the public domain of the introduction of nomad visa regimes by countries including African countries.

2 The Department of Tourism engages the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on visa matters prioritising tourism priority markets identified in the country’s marketing investment framework.

DHA has indicated during discussions that they are considering the issuing of remote working visas. In addition, one of the five objectives of Operation Vulindlela refers to ‘A visa regime that attracts skills and grows tourism’.

Reply:

(a) The department instructed the State Attorney to recover the R50 000.00 from the business owner. Summons was issued and a Default Judgment was obtained. Currently, the State Attorney is waiting for the Court to grant the writ of execution.

(b) The independent investigation is in progress.

Reply:

(a) (i) No persons have applied for financial support under the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) during Quarter One (Q1) and Quarter Two (Q2) of the 2022/2023 Financial Year as there were no GTIP application windows open during this period.

Applications for the GTIP are managed through defined application windows, during which a call for applications are published to encourage prospective applicants to submit applications for support in line with the programme guidelines.

During Q1 and Q2 of the 2022/2023 Financial Year, the GTIP team was busy processing pipeline applications including the 179 applications received during the previous application window that was open from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. The next application window opened on 10 October 2022 and will close on 31 January 2023, after which the number of applications received can be reported on.

a) (ii) Not applicable

(b) &(c) Not applicable

 

Reply:

(a) Events and conferences

	(aaa) 2021-22 financial year	(bbb) since 1 April 2022
(aa) Minister	74 896.07	To be audited
(bb) Deputy Minister	360 756.65	To be audited
(cc) Director General	20 848.50	To be audited

(b) Travel

	(aaa) 2021-22 financial year	(bbb) since 1 April 2022
(aa) Minister	1 552 304.13	To be audited
(bb) Deputy Minister	423 837.29	To be audited
(cc) Director General	39 329.29	To be audited

(c) Expenses for running the office

	(aaa) 2021-22 financial year	(bbb) since 1 April 2022
(aa) Minister	985 833.13	To be audited
(bb) Deputy Minister	648 598.68	To be audited
(cc) Director General	60 608.48	To be audited

(d) (i) Flowers, (ii) condolence cards

	(aaa) 2021-22 financial year	(bbb) since 1 April 2022
(aa) Minister	1 500.00	To be audited
(bb) Deputy Minister	0.00	To be audited
(cc) Director General	1 000.00	To be audited

(d) (iii) Stationery

	(aaa) 2021-22 financial year	(bbb) since 1 April 2022
(aa) Minister	3 046.70	To be audited
(bb) Deputy Minister	65 341.10	To be audited
(cc) Director General	4 240.00	To be audited

Reply:

(1) No funds were spent on a pre-recorded video message

(2) There was no budget allocated to a pre-recorded video message

(3) It is the intention of the Department to do a pre-recorded message by the Minister as part of the Festive Season Tourism Safety Awareness campaign. This pre-recorded message will provide precautionary safety tips and advice to tourists, whilst also providing the key emergency numbers should tourists require support. The department’s tourist safety plan, emphasises “Proactive Measures” which include safety awareness messaging like the pre-recorded message. Providing pre-cautionary safety tips and advice to tourist in any form, be it through SMS notification, website posting, pamphlets or leaflets, videos clips, radio messages, etc. is always advisable. It’s a common practice in many countries where authorities use various platforms to provide generic tourist information, including messaging on safety and support.

(4) To reiterate, no money was spent on the pre-recorded message.

Reply:

(1) (a) (i) – (ii) Marketing Events

Please refer to the SA Tourism Annual Reports for the periods stated below. For your convenience, a link to each has been provided:

• 01 April 2019- 31 March 2020

South African Tourism Annual Report tabled on 5 November 2020, ATC no 160 of 2020

https://live.southafrica.net/media/278970/sat-annual-report-2019_2020.pdf

Kindly refer to pages 43 to 56

• 01 April 2020 – 31 March 2021

South African Tourism Annual Report tabled on 30 September 2021, ATC no 133 of 2021

https://live.southafrica.net/media/290945/sat-a-report-2020-21-final.pdf

Kindly refer to pages 46 to 61

• 01 April 2021 – 31 March 2022

Annual Report tabled on 30 September 2022, ATC no 150 of 2022…, pages 47 to 54

https://live.southafrica.net/media/298986/south_african_tourism_2021_2022_annual_report.pdf

Kindly refer to pages 47 to 54

• 01 April 2022 – to date

Information will be finalised after the end of the fiscal.

(a) (iii) Criteria for Marketing events

The SA Tourism Marketing Investment Portfolio determines where market activities take place.

(b) (i)-(iv) Partners and Markets

(i) Relevant partners are detailed in the SA Tourism Annual Reports as indicated above.

(ii) Partners are selected based on criteria in the SA Tourism Partnership Policy.

(iii)- (iv) Kindly refer to the South African Tourism Annual Reports as per (1) (a) above

(c) (i) Budget and spent for each Financial Year

• 01 April 2019- 31 March 2020

Information on page 61 of the South African Tourism Annual Report for the 01 April 2019- 31 March 2020 details the budget and expenditure on Leisure Tourism Marketing for the fiscal.

• 01 April 2020- 31 March 2021

Information on page 72 of the of the South African Tourism Annual Report for the 01 April 2020- 31 March 2021 details the budget and expenditure on Leisure Tourism Marketing for the fiscal.

• 01 April 2021- 31 March 2022

Information on page 62 of the of the South African Tourism Annual Report for the 01 April 2021- 31 March 2022 details the budget and expenditure on Leisure Tourism Marketing for the fiscal.

• 01 April 2022 – to date

The Budget is reflected in the Annual Performance Plan for 2022-2023

Kindly find the link below and refer to page 67. Please note the Annual Performance Plan for South African Tourism was tabled on 18 March 2022, ATC no 42 of 2022

Please note the expenditure still needs to be audited

(2) Successes and failures

(a) Evaluation metrics for measuring successes of events and programmes are predetermined and articulated upfront in the respective Annual Performance Plans. Failures will be determined against non-achievement of these.

(b) Performance results can be found in the South African Tourism Annual Reports referred to above.

Kindly note:

1. Budgets and targets are available in the tabled Annual Performance Plans since 2019
2. Furthermore, information is also available in presentations to the Portfolio Committee by SA Tourism as well as the minutes agreed to by the Portfolio Committee on Tourism since 01 April 2019 to date.
3. Responses by the Minister to similar questions on Marketing.

Reply:

a) What processes were used to appoint service providers for tourism marketing strategies in international markets in each financial year in each market?

SA Tourism followed the prescribed processes and procedures as outlined in the organisation’s supply chain procurement policy in the appointment of in-market agencies. These were appointed through a competitive bidding process.

(b) who were the appointed service providers? (c) What amount was (i) budgeted and (ii)

spent?

Most agency contracts are not retainer contracts but project-by-project basis contracts.

Services Procured	Business Unit	Budgeted and Spent Amounts
Creative Services	India- Mumbai	Rate card/Variable cost
Digital Services	India- Mumbai	Variable cost
Event Management, Activation and Brand Experience Services	India- Mumbai	Rate card/Variable cost
Media Buy	India- Mumbai	Rate Card
Integrated Marketing Services	South Europe Office	Rate card/Variable cost
Digital Activation and Creative Services	Central Europe	Rate card/Variable cost
Integrated PR & Marketing Services	Central Europe	Rate card/Variable cost
Media Buy	Australia	Rate card/Variable cost
B2C & B2B Media Strategy, planning and buying Agency	UK & IRELAND	Rate card/Variable cost
Public relations and communication services	UK & IRELAND	Rate card
Creative, digital, B2C & B2B Media Strategy, planning and buying and activation services	North Europe	Rate card/Variable cost
Integrated PR & Marketing Services	North Europe	Rate card/Variable cost
Marketing Services	Africa	Rate card/Variable cost
Media Services	Africa	Rate card/Variable cost
Digital Services	Africa	Rate card/Variable cost
Activations Services	Africa	Rate card/Variable cost
Digital Marketing Services	Africa	Rate card/Variable cost
Multi-Disciplinary 360 Degree Marketing Services	South America	Rate Card

(d) how are the (i) successes and (ii) failures of the marketing strategies measured?

Evaluation metrics for measuring successes of campaigns are predetermined and articulated upfront in the respective Annual Performance Plans in the form of Technical Indicator Descriptions. Failures will be determined against non-achievement of these.

(e) what are the results of the marketing strategies in each market in each year?

2020/21	2021/22	2022/23
Global lockdown and travel restrictions in source markets. No in-market campaigns implemented as there was no assigned investment.	Planned deal driven campaigns were executed as stated on pages 54 of the 2021/22 SA Tourism Annual Report tabled to Parliament.	Delivery on the planned campaigns for this fiscal is currently in progress.

(f) what lessons have been learnt from the tourism marketing strategies in each of the past three financial years in each case?

Having a compelling brand positioning supported by sufficient financial investment and an all of Government barrier removal approach is critical to win. This is underpinned by building strategies over a long time to create consistency and affinity in the consumer's mind whilst staying agile enough to course correct when the need arises. 

Reply:

The Department of Tourism is not participating in the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Egypt in November 2022. The attendance and participation at Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the responsibility of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

a) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) undertakes planning studies over different planning horizons, to develop interventions that are implemented to ensure water security for the country. These interventions comprise of enablers like governance, financing, human capacity building as well as science and innovation which facilitate implementation of water projects at National, Provincial and District and Local Municipality level.

b) The interventions implemented to ensure water security are contained in the National Water Resource Strategy (NWRS), through which the minister gives effect to the National Water Act, as well as the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NWSMP). Additional interventions include the following:

• Planning and implementing a range of major projects to augment national bulk water resource infrastructure and
• Establishing the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) to finance and implement the large-scale investments in national water resource infrastructure that are required to ensure that South Africa has sufficient bulk water supply now and in future.
• The department is prioritising increased but sustainable use of groundwater
• The department is also exploring seawater desalination.
• Strengthening the department’s its role in supporting and intervening in municipalities where water and sanitation services are failing, in conjunction with provinces, COGTA, National Treasury and SALGA.
• The Department is updating the National and sectoral Water Conservation and Water Demand Management strategies. This is to ensure effective performance of WCWDM practices by the sector.
• The DWS has also developed the Water Services Improvement Programme (WSIP) to strengthen its support and intervention at municipal level based on actual data or most available data. The aim of the programme is for the Department to ensure that support and intervention at municipal level is proactive, consistent, and systematic.
• In line with the WSIP, the department has further established the Water Partnership Office (WPO) within the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The WPO has developed five standardized National Programmes for private sector participation in municipal water and sanitation services,
• One of the five National Programmes within the WPO is Non- Revenue Water (NRW) programme aimed at implementing the Water Conservation and Water Demand Management and cost recovery programme focusing on reducing losses, reducing over consumption, and improving cost recovery

The various studies that inform the NWRS are available on the DWS website, at http://www6.dwa.gov.za/iwrp/projects.aspx, and the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP) is available at http://www.dwa.gov.za.

c) (i-ii) All provinces are affected by the growing demand for water due to:

• Demand outstripping supply due to extensive growth of urban settlements
• Extension of services to previously serviced rural settlements
• Poor maintenance of ageing infrastructure - at a municipal level - that has also reached the end of its lifespan
• Non-revenue water is currently sitting at 45.1% (31,9 % is losses through physical leakages)
• The management of water treatment plants adds to the crisis as many of the municipal treatment plants are operating below average standards and a third are critical based on the Blue Drop reports.
• Shortage of bulk water (owing to droughts, delayed planning for and delivery of bulk water infrastructure such as dams and associated infrastructure)

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Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation is funding various bulk water supply projects which benefit rural househols as well as persons with disabilities in KwaZulu-Natal. The following are the projects which are being implemented in the various municipal areas:

Project name	Municipality	Estimated project cost	No. of beneficiaries	Overall progress
Nongoma BWS	Zululand DM	R822 m	153 236	100%
Greytown BWS	uMzinyathi DM	R523.4 m	27 824	92%
Driefontein BWS	uThukela DM	R536.2 m	204 306	99%
Ngcebo BWS	iLembe DM	R1 096.7 m	585 900	100%
Greater Bulwer BWS	Harry Gwala DM	R339.6 m	113 256	80%
Maphumulo BWS	iLembe DM	R649.9 m	112 320	76%
Mandlakazi BWS Phases 5&6	Zululand DM	R2 988.0 m	279 297	61%
Middledrift BWS	King Cetshwayo DM	R290.9 m	177 576	54%
Greater Mthonjaneni BWS	King Cetshwayo DM	R2 025.5 m	99 612	65%
Greater Mpofana BWS	UMgungundlovu DM	R954.9 m	181 590	87%
uMshwathi BWS	uMgungundlovu DM & iLembe DM	R2 308.7 m	362 682	50%

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

1. Part 9 of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 addresses the review and renewal of licenses, and the amendment and substitution of conditions of licenses. Water treatment package plants, either for drinking water treatment or for wastewater treatment, usually have a design capacity range of between 1-2ML/day. This capacity range is small and has a low impact compared to the conventional larger water treatment plants. Lower-risk water uses are generally authorized through Part 6: Section 39 (General Authorization) of the National Water Act, depending on the sensitivity of the catchment. Licenses are issued for larger treatment plants. The table below provides a summary of regulatory requirements for wastewater treatment and drinking water treatment package plants.

Legal requirements	Wastewater Treatment Package plants	Drinking Water Treatment Package Plants
Water use authorization required	General Authorization for wastewater discharge. Most privately owned plants discharge into the municipal sewer systems and are regulated through Municipal by-laws.	General Authorization for abstraction Storage (where applicable)
Common design Capacity	1-2Ml/day	1-2ML/day
Monitoring for compliance	Part of Green Drop	Part of Blue Drop
Mandate	DWS and Water Services Authorities	DWS and Local government as Water Services Authorities

Measures taken by the Department to ensure the compliance of water treatment package plants between 2018 and 2022 include:

1. The revival of the Green and Blue Drop certification programs
2. Monitoring action plans for non-compliant systems
3. Enforcement actions
4. Review of the norms and standards for drinking water
5. Confirmation of general authorizations for new plants
6. As part of the license conditions, package plants are mandated to submit to the DWS, monthly water quality analysis which should be in line with the applicable limits for each parameter analysed.

2. (a) The Water Services Act, Act 08 of 1997 does not make provisions for penalties. However, the DWS carries out audits to monitor compliance and implements enforcement actions to rectify contraventions related to non-compliance to the conditions of authorizations.

(b) The Department is monitoring compliance of package plants as provided for by legislation. The department undertakes audits as part of regular monitoring activities and where there is non-compliance, issues Notices or Directives to the owners of the package plant. In some cases, investigations are triggered by reports of suspected cases of non-compliance which are followed up by the department. Where administrative enforcement actions are implemented, the department monitors to ensure full compliance with the conditions of authorisations.

The table below indicates instances where the Department has undertaken compliance monitoring audits and investigations triggered by complaints received and the subsequent administrative actions to address non-compliances.

Table 2: Compliance monitoring audits, inspections conducted, and enforcement actions taken

Activities and administrative action taken	Activities and administrative action taken	Activities and administrative action taken	Activities and administrative action taken	Activities and administrative action taken
2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
3x audits and 1x inspection undertaken in Eastern Cape i.e. Mzimvubu / Tsitsikamma	4x audits and 1x inspection undertaken in Eastern Cape i.e. Mzimvubu / Tsitsikamma	1x inspection and 2x audits undertaken in Eastern Cape i.e. Mzimvubu / Tsitsikamma	2x inspections and 1x audit undertaken in Eastern Cape i.e. Mzimvubu / Tsitsikamma	2x inspections undertaken in Eastern Cape i.e. Mzimvubu / Tsitsikamma
2x Notices issued	3x Notices issued	2x Notices issued	3x Notices issued	2x Notices issued
-	3x Directives issued	1x Directive issued	-	-
Complaints received and investigated
1x complaint received from Limpopo regional office (i.e. Limpopo WMA)	2x complaints received from North- West and KwaZulu Natal regional office (i.e. Pongola/Mtamvuna and Limpopo WMA)	3x complaints received from North-West and Limpopo regional office (i.e. Limpopo WMA)	-	-
1x Investigation undertaken	2x investigations undertaken	3x investigations undertaken	-	-
1x Notice issued	Both cases were recommended for administrative action	3x Directives were issued	-	-

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Reply:

1. The net worth is made up of the capital amount, royalties and cumulated interest received over the years. The funds that are not yet used are invested in money markets through the Public Investment Corporations (IPC).

2. (a) The total number of victims that have received the once-off individual grants of R30 000 is 17 423; and

(b) The total number of victims that have not received the once-off individual grants of R30 000 is 4 253.

3. (a) The initial Interim reparations were paid in terms of the Urgent Interim Reparations regulations, gazetted on 3 April 1998, under Gazette no. 6154. It should, however, be noted that interim preparations are no longer being paid out as the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC) has been dissolved. The criteria were as follows:

(i) application for urgent Interim reparation, an application for urgent interim reparation in terms of section 26 (1) of the Act must be made in the form, as set out below:

1. The Committee must consider each application for urgent interim reparation made to it in terms of section 26 (1) of the Act and if, in the opinion of the Committee:

a) the applicant is a victim ; and

b) the applicant is alive at the time when the application is considered; and

c) the applicant is in urgent need of medical, emotional, educational, symbolic, social, legal or administrative assistance or intervention; and

d) the applicant has suffered hardship as a result of the gross violation of his or her human rights; and

e) the applicant is not a relative or dependant as defined in regulation 1 (2), of a victim who is alive on the date on which the application is submitted to the Committee, the Committee must make a recommendation as contemplated in sub regulation (2) in respect of such applicant.

2. if the Committee:

a)  finds that an applicant is a victim in need of urgent interim reparation as contemplated in sub regulation (1), the Committee may, subjected to the provisions of paragraph (b) recommend that an amount in respect of urgent interim reparation, not exceeding two thousand Rand, be paid to such a victim and that such information as the Committee may consider necessary for the victim to address his or her urgent needs referred to in sub regulation (1) (c), the provided to such victims; or

b) is, In view of the exceptional circumstances of a particular case, of the opinion that it will cause undue hardship or will be manifestly unfair or unjust if the urgent interim reparation is limited as set out in paragraph (a) the Committee may, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) recommend that such greater amount as it may deem appropriate in view of such exceptional circumstances, be granted to such victim.

(b) The total amount is R53 165 325.00

END

Reply:

a)  The Department is aware of the sewage challenges experience by Joe Gqabi District Municipality. There have been long standing issues at the Burgersdorp sewage system and Steynsburg Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW). The status regarding progress made is as follows:

• Contractors are currently at both sites
• Progress made at the Burgersdorp WWTW is at 95%
• Progress made with the Steynsburg sewage system is at 80%.

b) (i) Site of pollution	(ii) (aa) steps taken by department to assist through repairs to the infrastructure	(ii) (bb) rehabilitation of the specified natural water sources
Burgersdorp - pollution of the Stormberg Spruit	A directive had been issued and funding support was received from Municipal Infrastructure Grant and funding from Joe Gqabi DM Four (4) sewage pumpstations repaired as follows: repairs completed on 2 pumpstations repairs ongoing on 2 pumpstations and are in final stages, planned for completion at end November 2022.	Rehabilitation included removal of any paper and solids for burial and application of chloride of lime to disinfect affected areas
Steynsburg Sewage Ponds in the catchment of Teebus stream	Funding support from Water Service Infrastructure Grant Project is about 80% complete with all work due to be completed by end February 2023.	Rehabilitation includes removal of papers, disinfection with chloride of lime and natural attenuation
Sterkspruit Activate Sludge Works	Sterkspruit Activate Sludge Works have been repaired and the works are functioning normally, thus removing the overload on the Sterkspruit Pond System	Overflow from the Sterkspruit sewage ponds had impacted the Sterkspruit Stream, but has since been resolved

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Reply:

1. The Annual Report for the President`s Fund was published on 23 November 2022.

2. The current net worth of the President`s Fund is R1 869 640 848.08 as at 31 October 2022.

3. When the Fund was first established, it was capitalised by Government which made a total contribution of R800 001 000.00, broken down as follows:

(a) First contribution of R100 000 000.00 – in the year ended 31 March 1999;

B) Second contribution of R200 000 000.00 – in the year ended 31 March 2000;

c) Third contribution of R190 000 000.00 – in the year ended 31 March 2002 and

d) Final contribution of R310 001 000.00 – in year ended 31 March 2003.

4. (a) The donors were Royal Netherlands, Southern Life Foundations, Swiss Government, Eskom and private individuals.

(b) The donors mentioned in (a) above contributed a total amount of R7 165 390.00.

The table below provides details of the donors and total amounts donated:

(a) Donor	(b) Amount
Royal Netherlands	R3 702 870.00
Southern Life Foundation	R75 000.00
Swiss Government	R998 193.00
Eskom	R1 000 000.00

5. The total amount, in grants paid to the Fund by the State since it was established, is R800 001 000.00

Reply:

a)  The current backlog in the provision of water in the rural areas across the Republic are as follows:

• Out of a total of 19,368,622 households in South Africa 6 396 431 households are classified as rural households
• Out of 6 396 431 rural households 4 760 182 (86%) have access the RDP level of service for water
• Out of 6 396 431 rural households, only 3 157 091 (61%) have access to a reliable supply of water

b) A funding gap of R33 billion must be closed each year for the next 10 years, through improved revenue generation and reduced costs based on a study undertaken through the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NWSMP). The department has embarked on the development of a Five-Year Reliable Water and Sanitation Services Delivery Implementation Plans that will, after completion, produce a pipeline of projects for each WSA with the associated costing. National grant funding programmes will be aligned with these needs.

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Reply:

A court order issued on 10 December 2019, against the former Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, now Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), by the Land Claims Court (Court), ordered the appointment of the Special Master for Labour Tenants. The Special Master does not report to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, but will supervise, oversee and monitor the functions of the Department regarding outstanding Labour Tenants’ claims.

The same court order, dated 10 December 2019, also granted permission to the Special Master to appoint consultants to provide opinions, reports and other assistance. The position of the Master Data Specialist was subjected to a job evaluation process, to ensure that the correct salary level was determined before the post was submitted to be filled through a recruitment and selection process. A job description was developed for the post by benchmarking against similar posts with the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. The process however took longer than anticipated and the Special Master requested that the process not be continued. The Special Master was seeking alternative solutions in filling lower-level positions that can assist in the administrative functions of his Office.

The Department is, therefore, in the process to fill the following positions allocated to the Office of the Special Master:

• 1 x Systems and Operations Manager post filled.
• 1 x Programme Administrator and Office Manager post filled.
• 1 x Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Manager post filled.
  • • • 1 x Office Assistant post filled.
      • 1 x National Programme Manager post. Post advertised and the closing date of the advertisement is on 20221014. Filling of the post is anticipated to be by 20230101.
      • 1 x Programme Coordinator. Seconded from the DALRRD.
      • 1 x Senior Administrative Officer post. Filling of the post through a recruitment and selection or transfer processes and filling of the post is anticipated to be by 20230101.
      • 1 x Messenger post. Filling of the post through a recruitment and selection or transfer processes and filling of the post is anticipated to be by 20230101.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

The unprofessional behaviour and conduct of Public Service officials towards persons with disabilities is unacceptable and must not be tolerated. The Bill of Rights protect our vulnerable citizens and public service officials are required to act in ways that uphold the dignity and humanity of all our citizens.

The Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) 2022, was launched by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities on 3 November 2022. The theme for this year’s DRAM is titled “Empowering Persons with Disabilities through resourceful, sustainable and safe environments”. Government’s Disability Rights Awareness Campaign is part of the 365 days Calendar on disabilities to create more awareness about the disabilities, showcase gaps and challenges that are experienced in delivery of services for persons with disabilities, showcase inroads and achievements made to date by government in line with the MTSF priorities and forge further partnerships between persons with and without disabilities to support the social cohesion towards realization of disability inclusion in all our programs and all aspects of society.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the National School of Government signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Disability Inclusion Training for public servants, on 3 November 2022. This training is aimed at empowering public servants in ensuring disability inclusion in their programmes and services of their departments.

The National School of Government has several training programmes in place to build awareness of these issues in public service officials. The compulsory programmes such as the “Championing Anti-discrimination in the Public Service”. The NSG has partnered with the UNFPA on “Achieving Disability Inclusiveness through Universal Access and Reasonable Accommodation” course. Furthermore, it offers “Know your Constitution” and “Ethics in the Public Service” as free courses. The NSG uses the specialised services to develop training materials that are accessible to officials who have barriers to learning.

End

Reply:

a)(i) The allocated budget for royalties for the period 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2022 is R 1 330 million.

(ii) Article 4 of the Treaty describes the purpose as follows: “The Project shall be to enhance the use of water of the Senqu/Orange River by storing, regulating, diverting and controlling the flow of the Senqu/Orange River and its affluents in order to effect the delivery of specified quantities of water to the Designated Outlet Point in the Republic of South Africa and by utilizing such delivery system to generate hydro-electric power in the Kingdom of Lesotho.” The water is transferred into the Vaal River system to mainly supply water users in Gauteng.

a) The implementation, operations and commitments to deliver water to South Africa from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) are governed by the Treaty of 1986 and its Protocols and the Phase II Agreement of 2011. The purpose of the Treaty and Agreement is to provide the legal basis for the implementation of Phases I and II of the LHWP as well as for the operation and maintenance of infrastructure.

i) There is no date by when the obligations of the Treaty in respect of water deliveries to South Africa will lapse.

ii) There are extensive programs in place as part of Phases I and II, including:

• Water supply for affected communities
• Sanitation programs for affected communities.
• Releases of water from the LHWP tunnel system for purposes of augmenting the Lesotho Lowlands Water Scheme that delivers water to Maseru and urban areas in the lowlands of Lesotho.

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Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is looking into the requested information and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

1. The Department has introduced the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Security which was rolled out to all Correctional Centres and cascaded to all officials for implementation.

The following prevention plans have also been implemented in Correctional Centres:

• Contraband prevention Plan
• Bag less society
• Gang Combating strategy
• Plans to counteract Smuggling
• Back to Basics Philosophy and Practice
• Strategy to counteract infiltration of Community based gang into Facilities.

2. (a) Preventative measures are as follows:

• Strict application of resolution 01 of 2006 dealing with disciple of staff
• Searching of officials and all persons at various check points
• Implementation of a bag less society
• Security committee meetings are held on a monthly basis to discuss measures to curtail security breaches.
• Regular visits are conducted by Senior Personnel during the night and day;
• The use of the K9 unit to sniff put contraband
• The posting of EST officials at strategic points
• Use of Body Scanners to enhance searching of inmates, officials and services providers entering and leaving the Correctional Centres
• Regular patrols in and around the Correctional Centres

2. (b) The following are efforts to minimise the negligence of officials to proactively ensure a safe and secure environment which in turn enables the overriding of procedural security measures.

• Basic training of officials
• Development and Implementation of a contraband prevention plan
• Ongoing orientation for staff members and service providers on security information and awareness.
• Visibility of Managers at security posts and Units

Reply:

The total number of staff employed and/or provided as departmental support in the private offices is provided below. The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial handbook and excludes advisors.

Office of the Minister

No.	(b)(i) Job Title	Salary level
	Chief of Staff	14
	Private Secretary	13
	Parliamentary and Cabinet Support Officer	13
	Administrative Secretary	13
	Assistant Appointment Secretary	9
	Secretary/Receptionist	7
	Registry Clerk	7
	Service Aide in Parliamentary office in Cape Town	5
	Driver/Messenger	5

Office of Deputy Minister Gina

No.	(b)(i) Job Title	Salary level
	Head of Office	13
	Private Secretary	12
	Technical Specialist	13
	Parliamentary and Cabinet Support	11
	Community Outreach Officer	11
	Receptionist	7
	Household Aide	3
	Driver/Messenger	5

Office Deputy Minister Majola

No.	(b)(i) Job Title	Salary level
	Head of Office	13
	Private Secretary	12
	Parliamentary and Cabinet Support	11
	Community Outreach Officer	11
	Receptionist	7
	Senior Registry Clerk	6
	Household Aide	3
	Household Aide	3
	Driver/Messenger	6

In addition to the above staff complement, there are two interns placed in the Ministry who are paid a stipend.

-END-

Reply:

(a)(i),(ii) and (b)(i),(ii)

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

1. Policy that permits public service employees to serve as councillors in municipal councils

a) Participation of public service employees as candidates for elections and becoming members of municipal councils is regulated by section 36 of the Public Service Act, 1994 (PSA) and regulation 15 of the Public Service Regulations, 2016 (PSR).

b) Section 36(1) of the PSA provides that an employee can stand as a candidate for elections in a municipal council, but must comply with the public service code of conduct (Chapter 2 of the PSR) and any other prescribed limits and conditions.

c) Section 36(2) of the PSA provides that if an employee is elected as a full-time member of a municipal council, the employee will be deemed to have resigned from the public service.

d) Section 36(4) provides that an employee who has been elected as a part-time councillor may only remain an employee in the public service if such an employee complies with the provision of section 30(1) of the PSA. Section 30(1) of the PSA requires that an employee have the written permission of the Executive Authority of his/her department when the employee performs or engages in remunerative work outside his or her employment in the relevant department. The process for obtaining permission is outlined in the Directive on Other remunerative Work outside the Employee’s Employment in the Relevant Department, as Contemplated in Section 30 of the Public Service Act, 1994 (“Directive”, Nov 2016).

e) The provisions of section 36 is supported by regulation 15 of the PSR, which outlines the procedure to be followed by an employee who wants to stand as a candidate for elections. In terms of regulation 15 of the PSR, an employee is required to inform his/her head of department (HOD), in writing, about his/her intention to stand as a candidate for election a day after receiving the certificate issued by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Furthermore, the employee should also submit the certificate from the IEC to the HOD. Employees are also required to take annual leave immediately after the certificate is issued as provided in regulation 15(2).

2. Approval for other remunerative work

a) Section 36(4) requires that a public service employee who is elected as a part-time member of a Municipal Council should comply with section 30 of the PSA. Section 30 of the PSA requires that an employee who would like to perform other remunerative work outside his/her employment in the relevant department should obtain written approval to perform other remunerative work from the Executive Authority of the department. This should be obtained before performing that other remunerative work. In deciding the request, the Executive Authority shall consider whether or not the outside work could reasonably be expected to interfere with or impede the effective performance of the employee’s function in the department concerned or constitute a contravention of the code of conduct.

b) In November 2016, the Minister for Public Service and Administration issued a Directive (see par 1(d)) prescribing the procedure to be followed by employees in applying to perform other remunerative work. In terms of the Directive, written approval is issued in a form of a certificate signed by the Executive Authority or delegated authority in the department.

c) Public service employees who are part-time councillors in the municipalities should, therefore, have an approval certificate as proof that they have obtained written permission to perform other remunerative work outside their employment in the department.

d) The Department of Public Service and Administration is in the process of collecting information from the affected Departments regarding whether employees have complied with section 36(4) of the PSA and regulation 15 of the PSR.

End

Reply:

In June 2022 Cabinet approved the appointment of staff to support the Acting Minister linked to the acting term.

The 2 November 2022 amended Ministerial Handbook provides for the appointment of 14 staff in the Office of the Minister, which includes 5 support staff to be appointed by the department and 10 staff in the Office of the Deputy Minister, which includes 3 support staff to be appointed by the department.

(a) total number of staff employed and/or provided as departmental support in their private offices:

(i) Office of the Acting Minister, Mr TW Nxesi, MP = 13

(ii) Office of the Deputy Minister, Dr MCC Pilane-Majake, MP = 9

(b) (i) job title and (ii) annual remuneration package

Office of the Acting Minister	Job Title	Annual Remuneration Package
Staff appointed in the Office of the Minister
1	Chief of Staff	R1,308,051 all-inclusive package R 84,420 PNP allowance R 20,340 Non pensionable allowance R1,412,811
2	Private and Appointment Secretary	R1,105,383 all-inclusive package R 84,420 PNP allowance R 20,340 Non pensionable allowance R1,210,143
3	Community Outreach Officer	R766,584 all-inclusive package R 19,680 Non pensionable allowance R786,264
4	Receptionist	R 248,790 all-inclusive R 19,200 PNP allowance R 14,640 Non pensionable allowance R282,630
5	Media Liaison Officer	R1,105,383 all-inclusive package R 84,420 PNP allowance R 20,340 Non pensionable allowance R1,210,143
6	Parliamentary Officer	R1,105,383 all-inclusive package R 84,420 PNP allowance R 20,340 Non pensionable allowance R1,210,143
7	Administrative Clerk (Acting as Assistant Appointment and Administrative Secretary and receiving acting allowance accordingly)	R539,384 all-inclusive R 84,420 PNP allowance R 17,400 Non pensionable allowance R641,204
Staff appointed by the department to provide support to the Office of the Minister
1	Driver/Messenger	R241,495 all inclusive R 19,200 PNP allowance R 14,640 Non pensionable allowance R275,335
2	Food Aide Services	R146,858 all-inclusive R 14,640 Non pensionable allowance R161,498
3	Administration Support & Coordination	R766,584 all-inclusive package R 19,680 Non pensionable allowance R786,264
4	Parliamentary & Cabinet Support	R889,656 all-inclusive package R 84,420 PNP allowance R 19,680 Non pensionable allowance R993,756
5	Registry Clerk	R248,790 all-inclusive R 19,200 PNP allowance R 14,640 Non pensionable allowance R282,630
Internships
1	Intern	Stipend of R76,330

Office of the Deputy Minister	Job Title	Annual Remuneration Package
Staff appointed in the Office of the Deputy Minister
1	Head of Office (Acting Head of Office, reassigned from within the Department. Only receiving PNP allowance contemplated in Clause XIX of PSCBC Res 3 of 1999 for support to the Member, in addition to her Director level salary paid by virtue of being on the same salary level)	R 84,420 PNP allowance
2	Private and Appointment Secretary	R908,502 all-inclusive package R 84,420 PNP allowance R 20,340 Non pensionable allowance R1,013,262
3	Parliamentary and Cabinet Support	R766,584 all-inclusive package R 84,420 PNP allowance R 19,680 Non pensionable allowance R870,684
4	Household Aide (Acting as Receptionist and receiving acting allowances accordingly)	R248,790 all-inclusive R 19,200 PNP allowance R 14,640 Non pensionable allowance R282,630
5	Acting Household Aide (Contract)	R175,587 all-inclusive R 14,640 Non pensionable allowance R190,227
6	Household Aide	R175,587 all-inclusive R 14,640 Non pensionable allowance R190,227
Staff appointed by the department to provide support to the Office of the Minister
1	Driver/Messenger	R208,091 all-inclusive R 19,200 PNP allowance R 14,640 Non pensionable allowance R241,931
2	Food Aide Services	R146,858 all-inclusive R 14,640 Non pensionable allowance R161,498
Internships
1	Intern	Stipend of R76,330

END

Reply:

(a) Fifteen (15) of the remaining 77 Water Services Authorities (WSAs) have submitted action plans since June 2022.

(b) The following fifteen (15) WSAs have submitted action plans:

• O R Tambo DM
• Sunday River Valley LM
• Kouga LM
• Beaufort West LM
• Kannaland LM
• Matzikama LM
• Prince Albert LM
• Swellendam LM
• Siyacuma LM
• Tsantsabane LM
• Merafong LM
• Lesedi LM
• Rand West LM
• Pixley Ka Seme LM
• Ngaka Modiri Molema DM

Four (4) additional WSA have requested support for the development of the action plan as indicated below:

• Msukaligwa LM
• Thaba Chweu LM
• Emalahleni LM
• Chris Hani DM

The Department is implementing the Water Services Improvement Programme (WSIP) to strengthen its support and intervention at municipal level based on actual data or most available data, the aim of the programme is to ensure that support and intervention at municipal level is proactive, consistent, and systematic. There has also been concerted effort with SALGA and MISA to assist remaining municipalities with the development and implementation of the action plans.

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Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

A total of 82 972 violated their parole conditions since 01 January 2014, to the end of the second quarter of 2022/23. This total includes all those who violated the parole conditions had parole revoked and absconders (parolees who avoid being monitored). When a parolee or probationer violates supervision conditions, an investigation is done, and a motivation and recommendations to revoke the parole is done.

Since 01 January 2014, up to the second quarter of 2022/23 a total of 39 947 parolees and probationers absconded. This category has violated conditions by disappearing and avoid being monitored or supervised. The breakdown per region is as follows:

Question	Region	01.01.2014 To 31.03.2014	2014/2015	2015/2016	2016/2017	2017/2018	2018/2019	2019/2020	2020/2021	2021/2022	2022/2023
What (a) is the total number of parolees who violated their parole conditions since 1 January 2014	EC	282	765	969	898	825	821	853	486	606	122
	FS/NC	298	1059	1053	1078	1034	1183	989	710	898	759
	GP	1315	2382	2327	2128	2222	2290	2177	1801	2186	1844
	KZN	111	350	381	542	493	493	345	395	426	449
	LMN	1127	1105	1102	1130	1092	1096	185	486	606	122
	WC	782	4959	4791	4775	4888	4089	3584	2438	2774	1496
	Total	3915	10620	10623	10551	10554	9972	8133	6316	7496	4792
(i) What is the total number of parolees re-arrested and taken back to jail	EC	130	440	555	581	551	612	599	432	522	431
	FS/NC	162	654	685	677	688	964	789	553	696	481
	GP	258	917	772	606	692	618	603	397	621	392
	KZN	74	256	276	387	349	368	361	237	335	437
	LMN	124	102	99	127	89	93	83	81	81	72
	WC	626	4173	4099	4022	4015	3480	2941	1888	2129	1207
	Total	1374	6542	6486	6400	6384	6135	5376	3588	4384	3020
(ii) What is the total number of parolees who remain out of jail?	EC	152	325	414	317	274	209	254	1746	1718	1586
	FS/NC	148	417	378	485	366	491	366	252	309	328
	GP	1057	1465	1555	1522	1530	1672	1574	1404	1565	1452
	KZN	37	94	105	155	144	457	84	158	91	212
	LMN	1003	1003	1003	1003	1003	1003	102	405	525	50
	WC	156	786	692	753	873	609	643	550	645	289
	Total	2552	4092	4145	4232	4189	4440	3022	4510	4850	3915

END

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

(a)(b),(i),(ii) The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is collating the information required and will tabled a response as soon as possible.

Reply:

Please find attached the organogram of 48 Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET). 

https://www.dst.gov.za/owncloud/remote.php/webdav/Fifty%20TVET%20Colleges%20Organogram.zip

Username : BabuleleB
Password: Science1

Reply:

(a) The Minister appointed the advisory committee for the Repatriation and Restitution Advisory Committee in 2021 immediately after the Cabinet had approved the National Policy on the expatriation of Human Remains and Heritage Objects to develop criteria, monitor its implementation and advise on ethical matters related to the restitution and repatriation of human remains.

The Advisory Committee had its first meeting on 03 December 2021 and comprises the DSAC, DMV, eminent members in the academia and members from other sectors with extensive experience on heritage, memorialisation and repatriation of human remains.

A second meeting of the Advisory Committee on the National Policy on the expatriation of Human Remains and Heritage Objects was held on 10 May, where the Committee resolved that:

The workshop took place on 04-05 August 2022 at Freedom Park to determine the most impactful but less costly repatriation model and implementation plan. Subsequent to the August workshop, the Advisory Committee took in the Consultative National Workshop for Military Veterans to present the proposed model and implementation plan to garner support and solicit buy-in from Military Veterans on 02 December 2022.

(b) The Advisory Committee will only be remunerated for the meetings attended in implementing the objectives of the National Policy on Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects. The remuneration will be in line with the National Treasury regulation gazette; on remunerations of committees.

.

Reply:

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has not estimated the cost of repatriation of remains of war veterans at R40 000.00 per coffin. However, through past experience the DSAC understands the expensive nature of undertaking repatriation of human remains hence the DSAC hosted a workshop on 04 – 05 August 2022 to develop the most cost effective yet impactful model and implementation plan for the repatriation of human remains.

(a). The identification of and the total number of war veterans is a continuous process involving engagements with various stakeholders to provide comprehensive information, records, and where possible maps of the graves of the deceased war veterans in each country. However, current records to date estimate that the number of humans remains of war veterans outside the country is about 1 400.

(b). The DSAC has taken the following steps towards repatriation:

• Development of the National Policy on Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects. Cabinet approved the Policy in March 2021.
• Amongst others the policy calls for the Miniter of Sport, Arts and Culture to appoint an Advisory Committee, which the Minister has implemented.
• Another very important recommendation of the Policy is the establishment of the Repatriation and Restitution Office (RRO) within the South African Resources Agency. The RRO is in the process of being established accordingly, as a manager has already been appointed.
• The hosting of a workshop on 04 – 05 August 2022 to develop the best model and implementation plan for the repatriation of human remains.

• Presentation of the proposed model and implementation plan to the Presidential Technical Task Team on Military Veterans on 04 November 2022.

• Implementation of the Presidential Technical Task Team on Military Veterans’ directive to host a Consultative National Workshop for Military Veterans to present the proposed model and implementation plan to garner support and solicit buy-in from Military Veterans on 02 December 2022.

Reply:

1. Yes, the Department is considering purchasing properties for Chanceries and residential purposes.

2. The Department is currently considering the purchase of a Chancery property in Nairobi. It is envisaged that a feasibility study, as well as valuation for the proposed acquisition of the Chancery in Nairobi will be finalised by end of January 2023. The outcomes of the two studies will inform the decision to purchase the targeted property.

Reply:

DIRCO’s role would be, firstly, focused on assessing the bilateral and multilateral foreign policy implications of the BRI, FOCAC, and potential Chinese investments in key economic sectors e.g., energy and transport, and secondly, in facilitating cooperation between the government of China and relevant South African government departments that would be key implementing partners on projects where Chinese programmes complement national development projects, including those aligned to the EERP.

More specifically, DIRCO’s mandate and role is to promote the national interests of South Africa vis-à-vis the BRI, FOCAC and Chinese investments by:

• Positioning South Africa vis-à-vis the PRC in such a way that delivers maximum political and socio-economic benefit from the strategic relationship.
• Delivering bilateral consultations at high level on issues that include FOCAC, infrastructure development, and the BRI in Africa. For example, through the upcoming Binational Commission, Strategic Dialogue, and the BRICS Summit.
• Advising partner government departments on developments and trends in the bilateral relationship and in the international political milieu that may affect their involvement in associated projects.
• Facilitate bilateral cooperation between the relevant departments of the government of China and partner departments in their various areas of specialisation, including trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, education, training, and tourism.
• Coordinate efforts with partner government departments in:
  • Identifying and assessing potential opportunities for economic reconstruction and development that stem from the bilateral relationship, including FOCAC and the BRI.
  • Reporting on the progress achieved by partner government departments in delivering on FOCAC projects.
  • Proactively identifying and work through obstacles to the implementation of bilateral commitments.

Reply:

The Agreement on the Audio-Visual Co-Production is an Agreement for Audio-Visual works only and that includes film and television productions of varying lengths. Participants will be from both South Africa and Nigeria. The filmmakers will make use of locations and post-production facilities of both countries. Minimum financial contribution is set at 10% and maximum at 90%. This is the contribution to the overall production budget of the project. The production once certified as an official co-production, will qualify for maximum local financial benefits. This will be 35% of the film and television incentive as administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).

The production will also qualify as national film in terms of local quotas. The film will qualify to be entered into the South African Film and Television Awards as a local production where the categories feature South Africa. It will also be eligible under the best film category should the director be South African. The agreement will offer films from the two countries to access each other’s markets. The overall benefits at local level will be the promotion of South African technical expertise, locations, crew, cast and facilities.

The agreement between the two countries was signed in Abuja, Nigeria, during the State Visit to that country in December 2021. South Africa has met with all its constitutional requirements to bring this Agreement into force and is awaiting confirmation from Nigeria to indicate whether all the constitutional requirements to bring the Agreement into force have been met.

Reply:

1(a) The Department ensures 100% compliance to Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes and all financial management policies and procedures as well as instructions from National Treasury are adhered to. This has led to a material decrease in irregular expenditure in 2021/22 compared to 2020/21.

1. DBE disclosed the irregular expenditure as part of a drive to clean up the accounting of infrastructure projects.
2. ASIDI started in 2012 and SAFE started in 2018.
3. DBE assessed all procurement processes on ASIDI and SAFE.  This revealed the following deficiencies in the procurement documents:
4. 1. Tenders not advertised for 21 days;
   2. Local content – no SBD6.2 included;
   3. Non-compliance to Preferential Procurement Regulations;
   4. Non-compliance to CIDB regulations;
   5. Non-compliance to mandatory subcontracting; and
   6. Non-compliance to Implementing Agent own SCM policies.
5. The bulk of these projects have been completed and schools are already benefiting from the use of the facilities provided.
6. Some implementing agents have applied for condonation from National Treasury.  This process has not been concluded

Response to question 1.(b)

1. Allocation of projects to be implemented to Implementing Agents are done in Batches that can range from anything from 15 large schools to over 200 sanitation projects. A single process issue (such as not including a SBD6.2) in a bulk tender process, can thus have a large monetary impact as all the expenditure in a batch will have to be declared Irregular Expenditure.
2. Expenditure may be multi-year or across financial years and process issues in previous years influences the Irregular Expenditure declared in the current financial year.

Response to question 2.

1. The DBE implemented a standard operating procedure to check all procurement processes to avoid a repeat of this historical default. A checklist has been introduced in the SCM directorate to ensure that all procurement complies to SCM processes

Reply:

a) The Department facilitated the development of Comprehensive National Gender Based Violence and Femicide Preventions Strategy. The strategy identifies prevention mechanisms that will foster effective collaboration of stakeholders in order to address the issues of prevention of GBVF, including protection of women and children. The department is in the process of consulting stakeholders who are key in the fight against gender based violence in provinces and districts in order to facilitate the development of locally based GBVF Prevention plans and evidence informed interventions that will ensure inclusion and active participation of all locally based stakeholders in the fight against gender based violence and femicide, including and protection of women and children.

The Department is also in the process of reviewing the Integrated Development and District Development Plans of Municipalities and one of the key areas of focus are the safety plans that have been developed by Municipalities and the extent to which the Municipalities are planning to work with locally based stakeholders in order to enhance issues of safety. For example Ethekwini Municipality is collaborating with Safer Cities and local NGOs and CBOs to implement GBV prevention programmes that will ensure safety of women and children.

The Department is working with COGTA and GIZ to develop guidelines of elements to be included in Integrated Development plans and District Development Plans, in order to ensure the safety of women and children at Local Municipality levels.

b) The Department is fostering collaboration between various government departments through the implementation of the Comprehensive National GBVF Prevention Strategy. This strategy identifies the roles of the various government departments in the prevention of GBVF and collaboration that is expected between the departments and Civil Society Organisations in order to ensure effective prevention of GBVF, including protection of women and children.

In addition to the above, the department is facilitating the District and Local GBVF Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to develop Multi Stakeholder GBVF Prevention Plans, which clearly indicate how the various department are going to work together amongst themselves and with various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)to ensure effective prevention of GBVF. The implementation of these plans is monitored by all the respective departments and Civil Society Organisations who are members of the GBVF Rapid Response Teams.

_________________________

Approved by Minister

Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane, MP

Date: