Questions and Replies
29 November 2022 - NW3659
Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Transport
What total amount has the Cross Border Road Transport Agency spent on (i) international and (ii) domestic travel since 1 April 2022 and (b) for what purpose was each trip?
Reply:
a) The total amount spent by the Cross Border Road Transport Agency since 1 April 2022 was Nine Hundred and Thirty Three Thousand Six Hundred and Ninety Four Rand (R933 694) and is as follows:
- International Travel – Five Hundred and Forty Thousand One Hundred and Twenty Nine Rand (R540 129)
- Domestic Travel – Three Hundred and Ninety-three Thousand Five Hundred and Sixty-Five Rand (R393,565)
b) The purpose for each trip was as highlighted below:
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
DETAILS |
COST INCURRED |
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Conference |
158,648 |
Engagements with Ministry of Transport - Zimbabwe |
28,870 |
Participation in OGEFREM Exchange Programme in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) |
56,194 |
Bilateral meeting with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development to discuss the Market Access Regulation Study Progress on the Johannesburg International Transport Interchange and Enforcement of Professional Drivers’ Requirements |
19,207 |
Engagements with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) |
29,477 |
Official meeting with Institute National de Transportes Terrestres (INATRO) to collect information on how this body performs Economic Regulation function and also consultations with the Ministry of Transport Maputo Port Authority |
24,931 |
Trans Kalahari Corridor visit for Board Induction |
82,152 |
Benchmarking exercise with the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA), Tanzania |
22,924 |
Study Tour on Road Incident Management System and Transport of Dangerous Goods |
26,938 |
Transport Symposium and Cross Border Transport Regulators Forum (CBRTF) in Botswana |
32,266 |
Meeting with Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) |
22,232 |
Transport Evolution Forum and Showcase in Mozambique and meeting with potential clients |
36,290 |
TOTAL |
540 129 |
*The C-BRTA has recently concluded benchmarking on ESG in the Netherlands/Switzerland/USA/Canada, the costs of which have not yet been finalised.
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
DETAILS |
COST INCURRED |
Meeting with Matatiele Drakensburg Taxi Association |
39,019 |
RSA / Lesotho Passenger Impasse Sub-Committee meeting |
163,784 |
To support the Department of Transport flood relief programme in KZN |
114,117 |
Meeting with Northern Cape Department of Transport |
8,693 |
Cape Town Route Analysis |
15,889 |
TKCMC Working Group meeting |
18,870 |
TKC meeting in Durban |
5,209 |
Road Incident Management System (RIMS) NTC in Cape Town |
22,093 |
Transport Evolution Africa conference in Durban |
5,891 |
TOTAL |
393,565 |
29 November 2022 - NW3531
Winkler-Lidgett, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the air licensing backlog caused by the delay in finalising the appointment of the Air Services Licensing Council, which prevents local airlines from acquiring new international routes and/or flight frequencies, what (a) is the current status of the air licensing backlog and (b) interactions has his department had with the Department of Tourism regarding the backlogs?
Reply:
(a) what is the current status of the air licensing backlog?
The Licensing Councils had a total of 166 applications/amendment applications submitted between March 2020 and March 2022. As of March 2022, the Councils have adjudicated 113 applications.
The table below shows a breakdown of the applications:
Type of Application |
Number |
Considered by Councils |
Pending consideration |
New Applications |
49 |
25 |
24 |
Amendment Applications |
117 |
88 |
29 |
Total |
166 |
113 |
53 |
From the backlog, the Council has 53 pending applications/ amendment applications that need to be considered.
A directive was issued by the Minister that all pending applications and/or new applications which were delegated to the South Africa Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) pending the appointment of both Councils must be attended too with speed, so as to enable industry to ramp up post some of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
New applications have since been submitted by air service operators, together with revised and/amended documents as some information as, due to the lapse of time, expired and/or become irrelevant. Revised and updated documentation is being submitted to the Council Secretariat on a daily basis and this is facilitating the speedy adjudication and communication of Council Resolutions to operators, so as to ensure that they are able to ramp up their operations.
(b) interactions his department had with the Department of Tourism regarding the backlogs?
The Department of Transport did not have any interaction with the Department of Tourism regarding the backlogs. The Department does not engage with the Department of Tourism on the adjudication of air services licenses.
The Department of Transport (DOT) had an interaction with the Department of Tourism and other relevant stakeholders during the Strategic Planning Session (SPC), this year in July 2022, at Wapadrand, Pretoria to discuss matters relating to international and domestic air transport. This platform promotes interaction with the aviation industry and relevant Government Departments.
Conversely, the International Air Services Council (IASC), participated in the Tourism Leadership Conference (TBCSA) and the Chairperson of this Council was a panellist, wherein she provided the delegates with insight on some of the topical matters that this Council has been adjudicating upon as part of the tourism recover strategy. The TBCSA seeks to restore the domestic tourism industry post the COVID-19 pandemic, in that it gathered industry players and policymakers under one roof, to reflect, discuss and forge a way forward for the industry. It was held from 14-16 September 2022.
29 November 2022 - NW3398
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
What is the update on the investigation of the 3 000 ghost workers who were on the payroll of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa?
Reply:
Project Ziveze was launched 10 months ago by the Board of Control (BoC) to specifically verify all PRASA employees, after material irregularities were uncovered within PRASA’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems, Human Capital Management (HCM) system and payroll system. The scope of the project also extends to validating whether the employment of foreign nationals is in line with the provisions of the law.
Operation Ziveze is structured in 4 (four) phases, and remains work in progress being undertaken through a combined effort by PRASA’s Research Unit, Protection Services and Human Capital Departments. All reports are handled at a single point of reporting to the BoC.
Phase 1 entailed a voluntary verification exercise which served as a dip stick for the next phase. Phase 2 entailed a more detailed analysis of the data gathered in Phase 1. Phase 3 entails digital verification of fingerprints, ID documents and passports by the Department of Home Affairs. Phase 4 is the last phase where a comprehensive report will be produced that contains actionable recommendations for implementation.
During Phase 1, all employees were invited on a voluntary basis to come forward to be verified with copies of their ID Documents, qualifications and the Human Capital Management (HCM) Employee Data forms. It was further emphasised that those who failed to present themselves for verification would have their salaries frozen. During this Phase, out of the seventeen thousand two hundred and sixty-eight (17,268) recorded employees on PRASA’s payroll system, fourteen thousand two hundred and sixty-eight (14,268) employees presented themselves for verification. During the same period, one thousand one hundred and fifty-nine (1,159) employees resigned.
Failure by three thousand (3,000) employees to come forward for physical verification led to suspicions that there could be a number of ghost employees at PRASA. A clean-up exercise by the PRASA BoC then ensued to establish whether these were indeed ghost employees as part of their efforts to tighten internal controls. Services of an independent service provider were commissioned to establish if these were indeed ghost employees, and to identify weaknesses in the PRASA systems as well as identifying culpable officials who may have colluded with unscrupulous people to create ghost employees where this was found to be the case. The investigation was conducted with the support of Home Affairs, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Umalusi, and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
The investigation flagged two thousand one hundred and forty-three (2,143) employees, who were then grouped according to the following categories: -
- Possible ghost employees who could not be physically verified;
- Employees masquerading as somebody else, thus possible identity theft;
- Fraudulent qualifications submitted; and
- Employees with serious criminal offences.
The preliminary investigation revealed that one thousand four hundred and eighty (1,480) employees either cannot be physically verified and their files or documentation are non-existent, while others resigned without the necessary supporting documentation at the start of the project.
The investigation also revealed a number of instances where ID photos do not match the face of employees. This has triggered further investigations. The investigations concluded that the root cause of these findings are: -
(a) Incorrect data capturing of employee information, resulting in a corrupted employee database;
(b) Weaknesses in the PRASA’s ICT systems; and
(c) Weaknesses in PRASA’s internal control environment.
The undertaking of this project was affected by a number of challenges which necessitated additional interventions, and involvement of other state organs. These include the following: -
(a) Resistance by employees whose fingerprints and photo ID verifications raised red flags;
(b) Missing paperwork in respect of a number of employees;
(c) Received files with evidence of tampering;
(d) Evidence of collusion by officials within PRASA’s Human Capital Management Department; and
(e) Threats against the safety of people working on the project.
As a consequence of the developments to date, the next steps include taking urgent action to address the findings and challenges identified to date. These include: -
(a) A forensic investigation that will conduct a deep dive on critical issues flagged in the preliminary investigation;
(b) A Digital fingerprint and Photo ID verification process with the assistance of the Department of Home Affairs. This exercise is currently underway. The completion of this exercise will then enable PRASA to freeze the salaries of those flagged;
(c) Digitisation of files and supporting documents;
(d) Clean up of the employee database;
(e) Employees who submitted fraudulent qualifications will be served with letters to explain themselves, failing which stricter action will be taken in line with the applicable prescripts; and
(f) Criminal charges will be laid against those who have committed fraud, including recovery of funds from those who left the Organisation and are traceable through initiatives of the law enforcement agencies.
29 November 2022 - NW2457
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether Lieutenant-General Bonga Mgwenya was directed and provided with a list of companies from which the SA Police Service (SAPS) had to procure personal protective equipment (PPE); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, who directed and provided Lieutenant-General Bonang Mgwenya with the list of companies; (2) whether he held any meetings with Lieutenant-General Johannes Riet, Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola, Lieutenant-General Mgwenya and Lieutenant Francinah Vuma on the procurement of PPE or the SAPS; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details on each case?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
28 November 2022 - NW3811
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
What legislative provisions does he rely on (a) to allow for the existence of the Ministerial Handbook and (b) guides him in setting the provisions for (i) Ministers and (ii) Deputy Ministers contained in the Ministerial Handbook?
Reply:
The State is required to ensure that political office bearers, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers and Members of Executive Councils are provided with resources and enabling facilities (tools of trade) to perform their duties effectively.
The Guide for Members of the Executive provides a framework to manage the extent to which the State provides these tools of trade. The adoption of the Guide is not done in terms of any legislative provision, but is the result of a Cabinet decision that the tools of the trade need to be defined and regulated.
The determination of tools of trade takes into account the nature of the work or duties to be performed by Members of the Executive. These tools of trade include official and private accommodation, offices, office Supplies and stationery, ICT, support staff, travel facilities and security.
The Ministerial Handbook seeks to ensure the appropriateness of the tools of trade, to manage the costs related thereto, to ensure the transparency of their use and ultimately to ensure accountability for the use of tools of trade.
28 November 2022 - NW3978
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
With reference to his State of the Nation Address on 10 February 2022, wherein he acknowledged how load shedding was harming the economy and the society and listed several new energy generation projects that he said would be coming online over the next few years, (a) what is the status of each project and (b) by what date can the Republic expect the energy to come online, with particular reference to the (i) over 500 MW from the remaining projects in Bid Window 4 of the Renewable Energy Programme (REP), which are at advanced stages of construction, (ii) 2 600 MW from Bid Window 5 of the (REP), for which the preferred bidders were announced in 2021, (iii) up to 800 MW from risk mitigation power projects that are ready to proceed, (iv) 2 600 MW from Bid Window 6 of the REP, which was to be opened soon, (v) 3 000 MW of gas power and 500 MW of battery storage, for which requests for proposals were to be released later in 2022, (vi) estimated 4 000 MW from embedded generation projects in the mining sector and (vii) approximately 1 400 MW that was already in the process of being secured by various municipalities?
Reply:
When I delivered the State of the Nation Address in February 2022, I outlined a range of measures to address the energy shortfall and fundamentally transform the energy sector.
Since then, we have made significant progress in achieving those objectives:
i) The remaining projects from Bid Window 4 of the renewable energy programme have connected to the grid, adding over 2 000 MW of new generation capacity.
ii) The first three preferred bidders from Bid Window 5 have signed project agreements, and additional projects are expected to reach this milestone within the coming weeks.
iii) Three projects from the risk mitigation procurement programme representing 540 MW of solar PV and 225 MW of battery storage have reached financial close and commenced construction.
iv) The amount of new generation capacity procured through Bid Window 6 has been increased from 2 600 MW to 4 200 MW, with 56 bids received totalling 9 600 MW of capacity.
v) An RFP will soon be released for over 500 MW of battery storage capacity, which will be followed by a further RFP for 3 000 MW of gas power.
vi) The pipeline of embedded generation projects has more than doubled in size to 100 confirmed projects, with a total capacity of more than 9 000 MW, as a result of the removal of the licensing threshold for generation facilities.
vii) Several municipalities are at various stages in the process of procuring power independently, and an MFMA circular has been released to clarify the requirements for municipal procurement.
These measures will enable significantly more generation capacity to be added to the grid from independent power producers to close the energy shortfall.
28 November 2022 - NW4307
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2522 on 10 October 2022, the guidelines for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics that her department is consulting on, would include (a) early childhood development centres and/or (b) kindergartens; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2) whether she will furnish Dr W J Boshoff with a draft of the specified guidelines; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) No, because the ECD centres participate on a more tailor-made intervention programme called Gender Responsive Pedagogy for Early Childhood Education (GRP4ECE), which is meant to promote gender equality through play-based learning, thereby addressing discrimination, School-related Gender-based Violence (SRGBV) and bullying on the basis of gender.
(2) Yes, once the internal consultation with stakeholders is complete and the Draft Guidelines are put out as the latest version for public comment.
28 November 2022 - NW3933
Pambo, Mr V to ask the President of the Republic
What are the reasons that the Government has not considered a job-seeking allowance which will be given to unemployed graduates and young persons in general who are looking for work as the specified persons spend approximately R1200 on data, printing and transport costs when they are looking for employment that they may not even get?
Reply:
Government has considered various options to support the unemployed in addition to the many measures that are currently in place.
A basic package of support in the form of a work seekers grant that would assist the person to actively look for work and travel to interviews is being modelled by the National Treasury. The implementation of such an allowance or grant will depend on the availability of funding, taking into account government’s commitment on the R350 SRD grant that is currently being paid.
The Department of Employment and Labour and the National Pathway Management Network established under the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention provides free assistance to work seekers, including the compilation of CVs, job preparation, life skills, employment counselling and access to job opportunities that employers have made available.
28 November 2022 - NW4424
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(a) What are the details of the dispute regarding the construction project at Kagiso Barolong High School in Ratlou Local Municipality, (b) who was the implementing agency before the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and (c) what are the reasons she overlooked the Independent Development Trust and appointed the DBSA as an implementing agency?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
Construction of schools is not within the mandate of the National Department of Publc Works and Infrastructure, therefore this question should be referred to our sister department, Department of Basic Education.
28 November 2022 - NW3810
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
With reference to the review of the Ministerial Handbook which he signed off in April 2022 but later did an about-turn, what considerations motivated him to introduce a new provision to the Ministerial Handbook that enables himself, his Ministers and Deputy Ministers to use unlimited amounts of taxpayer money to settle water and electricity bills at their official residences; (2) what (a) considerations motivated him to remove the limit on the number of staff members that may be employed in the private offices of Ministers and Deputy Ministers and (b) mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that this is not a scheme to utilise taxpayers money to pay the salaries of the staff of a certain political party (details furnished)?
Reply:
The State is required to ensure that political office bearers, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers and Members of Executive Councils are provided with resources and enabling facilities (tools of trade) to perform their duties effectively.
The Guide for Members of the Executive provides a framework to manage the extent to which the State provides these tools of trade. The determination of tools of trade takes into account the nature of the work or duties to be performed by Members of the Executive. These tools of trade include official and private accommodation, offices, office Supplies and stationery, ICT, support staff, travel facilities and security.
The Ministerial Handbook seeks to ensure the appropriateness of the tools of trade, to manage the costs related thereto, to ensure the transparency of their use and ultimately to ensure accountability for the use of tools of trade.
Following various discussions in Cabinet and between the Minister for Public Service and Administration, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, two amendments were proposed and approved by the President on 13 April 2022.
The first amendment dealt with the provision of capacity to Members of the Executive where additional resources are required to support certain tasks. These additional resources would be subject to the authorisation of the Minister for Public Service and Administration to ensure these resources are required and to mitigate any abuse.
The second amendment removed the limit of R5,000 for which the State would bear the cost of electricity and water at a Member's private residence which was designated as an official residence.
Following public concerns about these amendments, it was decided to revert to the previous version of the Guide for Members of the Executive, adopted 2019, pending an independent review.
28 November 2022 - NW4166
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether sector education and training authorities (SETAs) pay the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) on behalf of learners who participate in their programmes; if not, why not; if so, (a) which of the SETAs do this as a matter of course and (b) is there a threshold in terms of the duration of the course that determines the payment of UIF?
Reply:
In terms of the Unemployment Insurance Act (No 63 of 2001), payment of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) on behalf of learners who participate in the workplace-based learning programmes is the responsibility of the levy paying employers who employ learners not the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). Since SETAs are not employers, they only allocate / disburse discretionary grants to levy paying employers who in turn must comply with the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Act. Therefore:
(a) There is no SETA which pays UIF on behalf of learners participating in the SETA funded learning programmes.
(b) The threshold in terms of the duration of the course that determines the payment of UIF is regulated by the Unemployment Insurance Act for implementation by employers who receive funding from the SETAs for implementation of workplace-based learning programmes.
28 November 2022 - NW4250
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)How does his department plan to continue supporting the SA Space Weather Centre that was recently launched by the SA National Space Agency (SANSA), which reportedly cost his department and SANSA R70,89 million and R36,6 million respectively; (2) whether he will furnish Mr S S Zondo with an itemised breakdown of the funds allocated towards the centre; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Department funded the construction of the Space Weather Centre from the Programme 2: Technology Innovation budget reprioritization. This amount was allocated from the Innovation Priorities and Instruments Chief Directorate for a period of three years.
SANSA intends to generate its own revenue; however, it requires financial support for a period of five years while it improves its revenue generation.
2. The cashflow analysis is attached as Tag B. A more detailed breakdown will be made available by SANSA, should Mr Zondo request it.
28 November 2022 - NW4211
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he will furnish Mrs N I Tarabella Marchesi with a copy of the skills report regarding the officials of the National Skills Fund; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The NSF officials' skills set is readily available. It is the same skills report presented to the Ministerial Task Team which recently undertook a study on the review of the NSF business model and all other related issues that are geared at transforming the NSF. The report establishes the level of NSF officials’ skills capacity considering the institutional performance challenges existing there.
28 November 2022 - NW3352
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
Whether he has found that the reports that only 6% of emergency relief funds for victims of the KwaZulu-Natal floods has been spent are accurate; if not, what is the position of the Government in this regard; if so, what (a) is the reason that such a small portion of the fund was spent and (b) steps has he taken to correct the matter?
Reply:
Funds available for emergency relief and recovery following the KwaZulu-Natal floods came from the following disaster relief grants:
- Provincial Disaster Response Grant
- Provincial Emergency Housing Grant
- Municipal Disaster Response Grant
- Municipal Emergency Housing Grant
Other funds were sourced through reprioritising existing budgets and conditional grants.
Provincial Disaster Response Grant
The amount available in the Provincial Disaster Response Grant – R145 million – was not allocated as no application was received from the province.
Provincial Emergency Housing Grant
Of the amount available in the Provincial Emergency Housing Grant – R326 million – only R140 million was transferred to the province by the national Department of Human Settlements (DHS) with the undertaking that the balance would be transferred once the province had spent 80 per cent of their initial tranche. These funds are primarily for the provision of temporary shelter.
As at the end of August 2022, the province had spent R55.4 million of the Provincial Emergency Housing Grant , which translates to 17% of the total amount approved, or 40% of the amount transferred.
The key reason for the low expenditure is the lack of suitable land and because some people affected by the disaster were reluctant to move away from their current location. In addition, the lack of bulk infrastructure in the affected areas and objections from ratepayers’ associations have also delayed delivery.
To address the low expenditure, the National Treasury has granted the DHS approval to deviate from the conditions of the framework, which only provides for temporary shelter relief.
The deviation allows for the DHS to:
- Provide a Rental Assistance Scheme to assist beneficiaries from mass care centres to take up rental units in townships and other areas. This initiative will assist 1,500 families for up to 34 months, with the potential of relieving pressure in around 40 mass care centres.
- Establish Transitional Emergency Accommodation for up to 12 months. This initiative will identify and acquire suitable buildings that can be swiftly refurbished to accommodate families.
Municipal Disaster Response Grant
The declaration of a National State of Disaster resulted in a total amount of R516 million being approved and paid to the affected municipalities between June and August 2022. Out of the total amount approved, KwaZulu-Natal was allocated a total of R406 million, of which R25.7 million had been spent by the end of September 2022.
Most of the municipalities have finalised the appointment service providers and have started implementing the approved projects. Expenditure will begin to be realised as service providers start to submit claims for the work done.
Other reasons for slow spending include:
- Changing of approved projects after the payment has been made to the affected municipality. Changing of projects delays spending because municipalities can only spend money on approved projects.
- Procurement processes that municipalities embark on delays the spending of the approved funding. Municipalities are encouraged to use an emergency procurement process to ensure that there are minimal delays. However, not all municipalities follow this advice; as a result it takes longer for projects to be implemented.
Municipal Emergency Housing Grant
National Treasury approved a conversion of a portion of the Municipal Emergency Housing Grant – an amount of R120 million – to augment the shortfall experienced in the Provincial Emergency Housing Grant. There were no funds allocated to municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal against the Municipal Emergency Housing Grant.
Reprioritisation of Conditional Grants
The province also reprioritised conditional grants such as the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant (R1.03 billion) towards disaster projects. Expenditure on the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant as at the end of September was R39 million, with orders to the value of R696 million placed in August and September.
National Treasury granted approval to reprioritise portions of the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG), Informal Settlements Upgrading Grant (ISUPG) and Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) for the affected municipalities.
National Treasury approved that a total of R41.3 million be reallocated against the MIG allocation for disaster response. This was for the municipalities of uMzumbe Local Municipality, uThukela District Municipality and King Cetshwayo District Municipality. In terms of the 2021/22 pre-audited Annual Financial Statements, municipalities reported full expenditure against the MIG allocation.
With regards to the 2022/23 allocation for eThekwini, an amount of R124 million was reprioritised from the Informal Settlement Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG) allocation of R727.2 million, and an amount of R340 million was reprioritised for the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) from the R1.2 billion allocations. The reprioritised funds were for the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged through the disaster. As things stand there has been little to no expenditure on the two reprioritised amounts, given the approval was only made towards the end of July 2022.
28 November 2022 - NW4433
Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
a) On what date is it envisaged that extra classrooms will be built for the learners of the Lwapongo High School in Limpopo and (b) what are the further, relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
The question has been referred to the Limpopo Department of Education and a response will be provided as soon as it is received.
28 November 2022 - NW4326
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, in light of the reported guidelines set out by her department regarding the implementation of unisex/genderless toilets and changing rooms, she and/or her department have applied their minds to the possible challenges to this new undertaking, given the total number of crimes that have reportedly taken place at schools throughout the Republic; if not, why not; if so, how will her department ensure that the specified challenges are addressed?
Reply:
Yes, the Department has applied its mind in these considerations. That is why the Department has not established any stance about unisex school facilities. Through the consultations underway, we hope to gather responsible, credible and suitable recommendations for inclusion in the guidelines.
28 November 2022 - NW3666
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
With regard to the letter dated 5 March 2022, written to him regarding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme undue decision to fund the Nogqengese twins, (a) what are the reasons that he has not yet intervened in the matter and (b) on what date will he and/or his department ensure that the matter is resolved?
Reply:
a) It should be noted that the Department is not aware of a letter dated 5 March 2022 to the Minister. However, it may be that the member is referring to Parliamentary Question 1485 (Annexure A). Please note that the Minister concurred with the 2022 NSFAS Eligibility Guidelines and conditions for financial aid in terms of section 4 of the NSFAS Act, whereby the first and second functions of NSFAS are to “allocate funds for loans and bursaries to eligible students” and to “develop criteria and conditions for the granting of loans and bursaries to eligible students in consultation with the Minister. In terms of Eligibility Guidelines and conditions for financial aid, applicants are eligible if the household income is R350 000 or less per annum.
b) The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation following a request to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to respond to Parliamentary Question 1485 on reasons why the students were not funded responded to the question which was tabled on 25 May 2022.
28 November 2022 - NW4426
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)Whether the Department of Roads and Public Works in the Northern Cape asked for her department’s intervention before it took a decision to hand over the ownership of provincial road R385 to the Tsantsabane Local Municipality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the reasons that were put forward by the provincial department for its decision; (2) whether her department has set aside funds to assist in the maintenance of the provincial roads such R385 as it is already clear that municipalities can neither maintain nor build new roads within their own municipality?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has assessed Parliamentary Question 4426 and had since established that the provincial road R385 is a minor regional road under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Department of Roads and Public Works in the Northern Cape Province, therefore our colleagues in the Province will be best suited to response to this question. It will be advisable to re-refer the question accordingly
28 November 2022 - NW3348
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(a) Which universities have hunger alleviation projects and (b) what number of students are catered for in the projects?
Reply:
Below is a response to Parliamentary Question 1910 of 20 August 2021
(a) Which institutions of higher learning have food banks, (b) what total number of students are assisted on a monthly basis and (c) how are the institutions funded for their food bank projects?
No. |
Institution/University |
a) Food Bank |
b) Number of students assisted |
c) Funding for the projects |
1 |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
The university has an interim food support programme wherein students are supported with food parcels and vouchers. This is an interim measure and usually once-off depending on the student’s individual case. |
To date 226 students have been supported. The university has issued 129 food vouchers to the value of R300 per voucher and 97 food parcels to the value of R450. |
CPUT has established a Task Team to investigate a campus wide sustainable food support programme. |
2 |
University of Cape Town |
UCT provides care packs with non-perishable food items and toiletries from donated goods and donated vouchers. The university is in a process of developing additional food security measures to support students in need. |
A total of 540 students are frequently assisted. 90 students in unfunded study programmes which were previously funded by NSFAS receive vouchers fortnightly. 450 unfunded or underfunded undergraduate and postgraduate students assisted with donated goods and vouchers on an ad-hoc basis when donated goods are available. |
Funding is through more than one source and includes the University, fund-raising initiatives and partnerships with donors. |
3 |
Central University of Technology |
Thusanang project is a poverty alleviation project aimed at assisting all students who are financially challenged and academically deserving, particularly those without any form of financial support such as loans or bursaries during the period of their studies. The programme seeks to support registered students by offering once-off type of assistance with food, clothes, and transport (depending on identified need/s). |
The university has provided financial support to 157 students in 2019, 86 in 2020 and 74 in 2021 to date. These are students from both campuses in Bloemfontein and Welkom. The University has an agreement with the University cafeteria (Feedem Pitseng) to supply food to students who are referred to by the Student Affairs through Wellness Centre. 2407 vouchers were disbursed in 2019 and 316 in 2020 respectively. Qualifying students are allocated funds into their student cards which entirely depends on the availability of funds. The amounts normally range from R1000 to R2000 disbursed monthly per student. |
The amount available for the Poverty Alleviation Project/Thusanang is sourced mainly from an income generated through the Annual CUT Golf Tournament held annually for both Bloemfontein and Welkom Campuses and some donations from the Wellness Centre partners such as ER24 and any available volunteer/s. |
4 |
Durban University of Technology |
Phakimpilo (serve life) program commenced in 2020 during the lockdown period. The program provided Spar vouchers to mostly postgraduate students. |
The program provided Spar vouchers to 119 students (to date). |
Contribution from Alumni office and DUT staff members. Glenwood Spar donates non-perishable food items on monthly basis. |
5 |
University of Fort Hare |
The university has a food programme aimed to assist students identified, assessed and approved to receive assistance. |
There are about 850 students who expressed a need to receive food parcels. However, 30 students have thus far been assisted. |
The project is funded by various external donors approached by the University. The SRC also donates to the project when funds allow. |
6 |
University of the Free State. |
UFS has food banks on all three campuses that provide nutritious food packages to students on a weekly basis. The content of food parcels is meant to last a student for two weeks. During 2020, 5567 parcels were distributed and 1 759 in 2021 (to date) UFS launched a vegetable garden initiative that provides fresh vegetables that are distributed in addition to the standard items included in the food parcels. No student hungry programme aims to provide one nutritious meal per day to non NSFAS funded students. |
In 2020 31 students benefitted from the programme and 60 in 2021 to date. |
Food banks: Tiger brands donates food parcel items for the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses. Gift of the Givers: donates food parcel items for the Qwaqwa campus. Vegetable gardens: Tiger Brands provided funding for the tunnel and vegetable boxes. Sakata Seeds and Kwaggafontein Nursery: sponsor seeds and seedlings on continuous basis. UFS Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, the Institute for Groundwater Studies & University Estates also contributed in various ways. No Student Hungry Programme: Funded from the interest received from an investment, annual corporate sponsorships and donations by individual donors. |
7 |
University of Johannesburg. |
UJ has a Student Meal Assistance Programme which currently provides meal packs to qualifying students. |
3522 students in total are assisted. 3022 students receive monthly meal packs funded by the University budget, and 500 students receive meal packs supplied by Tiger Brands. |
The University’s annual budget and through Tiger Brands. |
8 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
UKZN has established a Food Security Task Team to develop a strategy and action plan that will realise the vision of ‘one meal a day for every student’ going forward. Currently, limited food parcels/meal vouchers, are available to food insecure students, on referral/request. Day students with lab/prac requirements are invited onto campus on a needs basis and needy students are assisted. |
Statistics not available as only a certain percentage of residence-based students have returned to campus. |
The projects are funded through donations and sponsorships, with cash donations / sponsorship being managed via the UKZN Foundation. |
9 |
University of Limpopo |
The University has the following projects to assist students: Assist and eat – students receive stipends – 15 students assisted Hands of compassion – donations to needy students Soup kitchen or a meal a day offered during exams period. Food parcels – non funded students Rise Against Hunger on campus project assist with non-perishable food items to needy students. |
127 students assisted to date. |
Student cafeterias Donations from university staff members, Student Representative Council and the Professionals Provident Fund |
10 |
Mangosuthu University of Technology |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
11 |
University of Mpumalanga |
The University has been approached by a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), Kago Yabana Foundation (KYF) to provide free meals to needy students for a period of a month. |
50 students will be assisted. |
N/A |
12 |
Nelson Mandela University |
Nelson Mandela University has a MOU with Tiger Brands who provide contents to make up nutrition packs for indigent students. This MOU has been in place since 2003. A food garden, sponsored by Tiger Brands was developed. In addition, an organic food garden was also developed. However, both food gardens are currently not operational as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. |
1100 students are supported per month. |
Ad hoc donations are received from university departments, staff members and the SRC to increase the content of the nutrition packs. |
13 |
North-West University |
Yes, food hampers are provided to students |
Approximately 330 students across campuses benefit from food hampers per month. |
Since 2016, the University has been receiving donations from corporate sponsors and fund-raising campaigns hosted to solicit food donations from North-West University staff. |
14 |
University of Pretoria |
The University of Pretoria Student Nutrition and Progress has been in practice since 1990. The aim of the programme is to foster higher quality education by: a) Alleviating needy students’ short term hunger while giving them nutrition to enhance their learning capacity to enable them to complete their studies; b) Equip students with knowledge and skills to develop and sustain themselves and c) Display a high level of commitment towards the wellbeing of student on all levels. |
250 students are assisted through this programme on a monthly basis |
The programme is primarily funded internally through the institutional budget which is further supplemented by ad hoc donations done through fundraising and a student food drive. |
15 |
Rhodes University |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
16 |
Sefako Makgatho University |
Yes, SMU has a vibrant food security project called hands of Compassion, established in 2016 to assist students who are not beneficiaries of any financial support. |
To date 354 students are enrolled in the project and each one receives a monthly food voucher of R800. However, the number of students assisted differs from month to month. Students are excluded from the project as soon they receive funding from NSFAS or any other sponsor. |
The project is funded through the annual budget allocated to the Department of Student Affairs and Residences, as well as contributions from Student Representative Council and staff members. The University is in a process of securing additional funding for the project. |
17 |
Sol Plaatje University |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
18 |
University of South Africa |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
19 |
Stellenbosch University |
The University has a main food project called #Move4food which is focused on assisting in emergency situations and is usually a once-off financial assistance. |
Since March 2021 students are provided with digital food vouchers that allow students to purchase food items of choice at either Shoprite, Usave or Checkers local supermarkets. Between Jan 2021 – 20 August 2021, a total number of 383 students have been assisted. |
The university also receives support from three different food catering companies that are situated in Tygerberg and Stellenbosch campuses, who are sponsoring meals for students. |
20 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
TUT has the following programs, which address the needs of needy unfunded students. The Food Hamper Crisis intervention program which is an emergency relief intervention addressing the basic psychosocial need that is adversely affecting students’ physical and mental health. The program provides immediate, short-term crisis relief when there is imminent threat to a student’s physical health and or hygiene care by providing a basic food and hygiene hamper that deserving needy students receive once a month. The Assist A Student program addresses the basic needs of needy unfunded students. After rigorous screening the students are given a monthly meal allowance of R500 paid through Fundi card for the academic year or until they get funding from either NSFAS or any other sponsor. The recipients of the meal allowance are assisted for one academic year only, should they still need the meal allowance in the following year they have to go through the application process. |
Applications are open throughout the year, by the end of July 2021 a cumulative number of three hundred and forty-one (341) received meal allowances from the Assist A Student program. Recipients are based across all nine campuses |
The Gift of The Givers Foundation, is sponsoring the TUT Food Hamper Crisis intervention program. The foundation supplies the University with 250 food hampers monthly and 250 hygiene packs which consist of personal hygiene products and household detergents on an ad-hoc basis as this depends on the availability of resources. The Assist A Student program was established from a ‘seed fund’ which was granted by the then University’s Executive Management Committee. The Student Affairs Executive Committee then resolved to allocate a share to the Assist A Student program from the Student Extracurricular levy which is mandatory from each registered student. Currently R17 of this levy goes toward the Assist A Student funding. |
21 |
Vaal University of Technology |
No response received |
||
22 |
University of Venda |
The University provides food parcels through its project Thohoyanzie. It also has a Social Responsibility Fund which is intended to assist needy students, coordinated by the Convocation and Alumni Office. Students are assisted as and when they approach the university for assistance. During the second semester in 2020, the University received food parcels donated by Professional Provident Society (PPS) Foundation and handed same to indigent students. There was also a period when the Service Provider for Student Bar on Campus provided free meals to a group of needy students on a daily basis. |
No specific number provided |
The projects are funded through donations from companies/organisations, alumni and individuals, including UNIVEN staff and students as well as SRC. |
23 |
Walter Sisulu University |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
24 |
University of the Western Cape |
UWC provides ad-hoc food support programmes for residence students, sports athletes and for emergency relief especially during the exam period. |
To date 1200 students have been supported. |
The main support comes from Tiger Brands. Occasionally, Shoprite and Checkers and Pick ‘n Pay provide support to deserving students. |
25 |
University of the Witwatersrand |
The University provides monthly food packs, food gardens and a daily meal programme |
+/- 2000 students |
The University receives funding from corporate sponsors, although Council funds are set aside for the programme in the event of funding not being sourced. |
26 |
University of Zululand |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
28 November 2022 - NW3846
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
Whether he used a SA National Defence Force helicopter to fly to Welkom to participate in an African National Congress (ANC) campaign and engaged with local ANC branches on 8 October 2022; if not, what was the purpose of the trip; if so, what provisions within his private office permits for the use of public resources for party political purposes?
Reply:
The South African Air Force (SAAF) transported the President to Welkom on 8 October 2022.
The SAAF is responsible for the air transport of the President and Deputy President, regardless of the purpose of the travel, as mandated by a Cabinet Memorandum of May 1994.
25 November 2022 - NW4081
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Noting that there are over 3 800 healthcare facilities and 400 hospitals in the Republic, on what date will the rest of the hospitals and clinics be included in the exemption from load shedding?
Reply:
A total of 213 hospitals has been submitted to Eskom to be considered for possible exclusion from loadshedding. About 67% of these hospitals are supplied by municipalities while Eskom supplies about 33% of the identified hospitals. Out of the 213 hospitals, 76 hospital has been exempted of which 25 are directly supplied by Eskom and 50 by Municipalities. The number of hospitals exempted to date have doubled since the meeting held on 22 September 2022 between Eskom and National Department of Health. It is still work in progress.
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4405
Spies, Ms ERJ to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What is the (a) total number of staff employed and/or provided as departmental support in (i) his and (ii) the Deputy Minister’s private offices and (b)(i) job title and (ii) annual remuneration package of each specified person?
Reply:
a) i 17
ii 8
b) i & ii see below spreadsheet.
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION |
JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION |
SALARY LEVEL |
Total Package |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE MINISTER |
16 |
R1 739 784.00 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE MINISTER |
16 |
R1 054 311.00 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER
|
DOMESTIC WORKER |
3 |
R170 474,58 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER
|
DOMESTIC WORKER |
3 |
R170 474,58 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
DRIVER/MESSENGER (MINISTERIAL & PARLIAMENTARY SER. |
5 |
R241 544,70 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER
|
REGISTRY CLERK |
7 |
R421 809,30 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST (PTA)(MINISTERIAL & PARL.S) |
6 |
R290 046,81 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST (CT)(MINISTERIAL & PARL.S) |
7 |
R385 752,27 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
ASSISTANT APPOINT.& ADMIN.SEC (MIN & PARL.SERV) |
9 |
R523 675,65 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
ADMIN. SECRETARY (MINISTERIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY SE |
11 |
R744255.00 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS |
11 |
R744255.00 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER
|
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT |
11 |
R744255.00 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
CABINET&PARLIAMENTARY OFFICER (MINISTERIAL&PARL.S) |
11 |
R744255.00 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
PARLIAMENTARY AND CABINET SUPPORT |
12 |
R882042.00 |
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION |
JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION |
SALARY LEVEL |
Total Package |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
PRIVATE SECRETARY (MINISTERIAL & PARL.SERV.) |
12 |
R882042.00 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
CHIEF OF STAFF: MINISTERIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY SERV |
14 |
R1 269 951 |
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER |
MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER (MINISTERIAL & PARL.SERVICE) |
11 |
R744255.00 |
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE |
DOMESTIC WORKER |
3 |
R170 474,58 |
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: |
DOMESTIC WORKER |
3 |
R170 474,58 |
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE |
DRIVER/MESSENGER (MINISTERIAL & PARLIAMENTARY SER. |
4 |
R202 018,83 |
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE |
SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST (MINISTERIAL & PARL.S) |
5 |
R241 544,70 |
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE |
REGISTRY CLERK (OFFICE OF THE DM) |
7 |
R380 055,81 |
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE |
PRIVATE SECRETARY (MINISTERIAL & PARL.SERV.) |
12 |
R882042.00 |
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE |
COMMUNITY OUTREACH OFFICER |
11 |
R744255.00 |
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE |
PARLIAMENTARY & CABINET COORD. |
11 |
R744255.00 |
25 November 2022 - NW4080
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the total number of community healthcare workers across the Republic who are currently on contract; (2) whether he has any intention to insource community healthcare workers; if not, why not; if so, (a) what number of such healthcare workers have been permanently absorbed into the system and (b) on what date will community healthcare workers be insourced and recognised as permanent personnel of the public health system?
Reply:
(1) The total number of Community Healthcare Workers(CHWs) across the Republic who are currently on contract is 49,086.
(2) A three-year agreement is in place at the PHSDSBC for the continued public sector contracting of CHWs. Meanwhile the National Department of Health is working with the Department of Labour and with National Treasury to find a solution with regard to employment conditions of community health workers.
(a) There are no community health workers who have been absorbed on permanent basis. The NDoH has been informed that Gauteng Department of Health has embarked on a preferred recruitment strategy that resulted in 8,253 Community Health workers being appointed into different vacant posts in the province.
(b) This depends on the outcome of the work being done by the National Department of Health in collaboration with the Department of Labour and with National Treasury.
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4023
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, given the damaging effect of load shedding on the public health sector, any studies have been done (a) nationally and (b) provincially to assess the power capacity needed in hospitals and clinics; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether any studies have been done (a) nationally and (b) provincially to ascertain what total number of hospitals and clinics have generation capabilities independent from Eskom, such as solar and/or wind energy; if not, why not; if so, will he furnish Mrs M O Clarke with the results of the specified studies; (3) whether any feasibility studies have been done nationally to provide public hospitals and clinics with facilities that will liberate them from dependence on Eskom's grid and empower them to generate their own electricity; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
SHORT-TERM INTERVENTIONS
- The National Department of Health has provided Eskom with a total of 213 hospitals to be considered for possible exclusion from loadshedding. About 67% of these hospitals are supplied by municipalities while Eskom supplies about 33% of the identified hospitals. Out of the 213 hospitals, 76 hospital has been exempted of which 25 are directly supplied by Eskom and 50 by Municipalities. The number of hospitals exempted to date have doubled since the meeting held on 22 September 2022 between Eskom and National Department of Health.
MEDIUM-TERM TO LONG-TERM INTERVENTIONS
2. The preliminary network analysis that has been conducted reveals that 25 hospital in various provinces can be excluded from loadshedding by building new infrastructure at the indicative cost of approximately R101 million rand. For hospitals deeply embedded in the Municipalities networks, Eskom will support the Department of Health in exploring possible options and can offer containerized PV(PhotoVoltaics) solutions where possible.
3. The National Department of Health in partnership with CSIR (Council for Scientific & Industrial Research) is currently conducting a due diligent exercise for the installation of solar panels at all our health facilities as a first or second or third power back-up mechanism (first being generators; second being solar panels; and third being Uninterrupted Power Suppliers). This due diligent exercise is inclusive of solar PV + battery storage as backup for the critical areas of the following hospital types based on an estimated demand profile
- Clinics both 8 & 24 hours
- Community Health Centres (CHCs):
- District Hospitals
- Regional Hospitals
- Tertiary Hospitals
- Central Hospitals
- Specialized Hospitals
The purpose of the study is to identify a critical consumption for critical areas of each health facility so that the department can be able to roll-out the relevant solar energy for each health facility.
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4054
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
By what date will the critical shortages of (a) contraceptives and (b) 1 500 other essential medicine supplies, including dosages of Metformin, Betagesic, Nepamol, Ponstan paediatric suppositories and pain patches and/or options to treat severe pain, be addressed as the shortages are putting persons’ lives at risk?
Reply:
a) The supply constraints related to contraceptives have been resolved. Currently, there are no challenges related to the availability of contraceptives. As on 04 November 2022, availability of contraceptives across all facilities in the public sector was 91.3%.
b) It is the Departments of Health’s policy to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare through availability of safe, effective and cost-effective medicines at the appropriate level of care. The National Department of Health manages contracts of approximately 1 200 essential medicine items. Contracts are awarded to suppliers (manufacturers) following an open tender process in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act. Provinces procure medicines directly from contacted suppliers. Note that the public sector services the healthcare needs of 84% of South Africa’s population.
The NDOH continuously engages with the contracted suppliers to identify any possible supply challenges, to adjust the demand forecast (where necessary) and to work together to mitigate the risks. Furthermore, the NDOH established a decision-making forum where all provinces are represented; to identify interventions aimed at addressing any medicine supply challenges, to improve medicine availability and to reduce the potential impact of stock outs.
Where supply constraints are identified, the NDOH works with the provinces to identify and implement interventions to minimize stock outs and impact on patients. These interventions are informed by the cause of the supply challenge:
- Where the supply constraint is due to operational matters e.g., machine breakdown, labor unrest, theft, post importation testing, etc. the NDOH would source products from alternative local suppliers with registered products using the quotation process.
- Should the supply constraint result in a longer term supply challenge, such as regulatory matters including amendments to the dossier that requires approval from South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), including a change/addition of an active pharmaceutical ingredient source and/or manufacturing site, the transfer of ownership of dossiers which results in a change of marketing authorization, delays in the issuing of the permits for imported medicines, manufactured products requiring additional quality checks by SAHPRA, etc. and no alternative local suppliers with registered products are available; an application would be made to SAHPRA for the acquisition of unregistered medicines for human use in South Africa Act use in terms of Section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act
With regard to:
- Metformin – there were no supply challenges in the public sector.
- Betagesic – i.e. ibuprofen. There were no supply challenges as contracts were awarded to four different suppliers to ensure security of supply of ibuprofen.
- Napamol – i.e. paracetamol 500 mg tablets. There were no supply challenges as contracts were awarded to four different suppliers to ensure security of supply of paracetamol.
- Ponstan – i.e. mefenamic acid. This medicine is not an essential medicines and therefore there is no contract for this item.
The availability of ibuprofen and paracetamol at facility level as on 04 November 2022 was 92% and of metformin, 91.2%.
The question from the Honourable Ismail is reflective of stock outs experienced in the private sector over which the Department has no control. Private sector services the healthcare needs of only 16% of South Africa’s population.
Private sector pharmacies procure medicines from wholesalers based on Single Exit Price. In this context, there is no aggregation of demand. Furthermore, availability is dependent on market forces based on supply and demand. The situation makes the private sector vulnerable to supply challenges.
However, with the implementation of National Health Insurance, in the context of one health system, these supply challenges will also be addressed.
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4212
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
In light of the fact that Transnet has budgeted R182 million for capital projects in the Saldanha Bay harbour in the current financial year, what (a) are the top 5 projects, (b) is the date of completion of each project and (c) is the link of each specified project with the Industrial Development Zone in Saldanha Bay?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
The top five capital projects for the Port of Saldanha are listed in the table below. These projects form the bulk of the R182m investment committed for 2022/23. The table includes the planned completion dates and link with the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone.
Port of Saldanha |
Planned Project Completion Date (b) |
Link with Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (SBIDZ) (c) |
1. Bulk Electrical Power Supply and ancillary installation |
30 June 2023 |
Project makes allowance for a tie-in of SBIDZ switching station with Port’s new main intake substation for supply of 16MVA electrical power to the SBIDZ over next 16 years |
2. Security Requirements to Maintain ISPS Accreditation - Fencing |
30 June 2023 |
None |
3. Purchase of Fire and Emergency Services Appliances |
01 June 2023 |
None |
4. Dredging Requirements in the Port |
30 May 2023 |
Planned dredging to maintain berth depth requirements associated with TNPA/ Saldehco Facility Operator Agreement, as per concluded Section 56 process. SBIDZ has sub-leasing agreement with Saldehco of 20ha. |
Port of Saldanha |
Planned Project Completion Date (b) |
Link with Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (SBIDZ) (c) |
5. Refurbishment of Quay and Jetty Infrastructure - Fenders |
14 March 2023 |
None |
25 November 2022 - NW4049
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, with regard to the summons and investigation into (a) Transnet Port Terminals and (b) the Transnet National Ports Authority by the Competition Commission, as referred to on page 25 of the 2021 annual financial statements of Transnet, he will furnish Mrs N I Tarabella Marchesi with a copy of the (i) findings and (ii) monetary value of the fine that is contemplated and referred to in the specified statements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant statements?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
(a) – (b) and (i) - (ii)
The Competition Commission (CC) is yet to make its final findings in relation to the CC investigations against TNPA and TPT. To this end there is no administrative fine imposed by the Commission against Transnet and any of its ODs, at this stage. The CC report will be made public once it is available.
25 November 2022 - NW4100
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What are the reasons that Oakley Clinic in Ward 24 Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, has not yet been officially handed over despite having been completed in 2019 and (b) on what date will the clinic extend its operating hours to 24 hours as was promised?
Reply:
a) Oakley Clinic is not a new clinic. It was operating in a 2 x 2 meter roomed structure since 1965 and later in 2016, it was operating in an Innovation Building Technology (IBT) structure. A new site was sourced for construction of an Ideal Clinic and construction started on 20 November 2017. The contractor completed the project and handed it officially over to the Department on 08 June 2020. On 09 June 2020 the clinic took occupation of the structure, and it is operated as an 8-hour facility as gazetted.
b) A feasibility study to operationalize the facility as a 24-hour facility, has been conducted. This exercise resulted in a recommendation that an open space inside the facility should be converted into a Maternity Obstetric Unit. This will be considered pending the availability of funds in the 2024-2025 financial year.
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4112
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Whether her department conducted any investigation into illegal occupation of low-cost housing by government officials in the Free State; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details of the progress report of the investigation?
Reply:
The Free State Provincial Department of Human Settlements has advised that its Security Management and Anti-Corruption (SMAC) unit conducted an investigation into illegally occupied low-cost housing in the following areas of Welkom, Warden, Sasolburg, Clarens, Schoonplaatz, Harrismith, and Mangaung Hillsideview. The Provincial Department states that the investigation was in response to the public outcry about the illegally occupied houses in the province, and that the aim was to determine the extent of illegal occupation of low-cost housing in the province.
The Provincial Department further indicates that the investigation though not necessarily targeting government officials, revealed that government officials were occupying some of the low-cost houses. In total 326 houses were found to be illegally occupied and 15 of those were occupied by government officials. For the benefit of the Member, detailed findings of the investigation to date is attached (Annexure as provided by the Free State Provincial Department of Human Settlements) however the investigations are still ongoing in order to establish the full extent of the illegal occupation of low-cost housing in the province.
25 November 2022 - NW4126
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) is the total number of legal and/or medical malpractice litigation cases that were instituted against his department in the 2021-22 financial year, (b)(i) total amount has been spent in compensation with regard to the specified cases and (ii) is the breakdown of the total amount according to each province in terms of (aa) pending and (bb) resolved cases and (c) are the most common types of issues related to the specified claims?
Reply:
The following table reflects the response in this regard.
The National Department of Health is still consulting on this Parliamentary Question to provide the correct and full details to the Honourable Member and Parliament. The information will be provided as soon as it is ready, in a short time.
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4432
Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
On what date is it envisaged that adequate housing will be provided for residents of the Mzamo informal settlement in the Eastern Cape and (b) What are the further relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
My Department in conjunction with the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Human Settlements are not able to establish where the Mzamo informal settlement is hence I am not able to adequately respond to the Question. I therefore wish to request the Honourable Member to provide further details such as the municipal area or town where the Mzamo informal settlement is situated as this information will allow me to provide an adequate Reply to the Honourable Member’s Question.
25 November 2022 - NW4075
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether he has found any misconduct on the part of any party and/or person involved with the sale of the SA Airways; if not, what were his findings in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No one has been found to be guilty of any misconduct with regards to the proposed sale of shares in SAA. There have been and continue to be, efforts to undermine the saving of the airline and sustain the national flag and brand.
If the negative forces succeed, some 900 jobs will be lost, the assets of the airline will be sold to competitors cheaply, and capacity will be reduced in South Africa and the traveling public will be exploited.
25 November 2022 - NW4125
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, in light of the lack of human resources and shortage of equipment and medicine in hospitals and clinics which limit the right to health care for many South Africans on a daily basis, his department has put any measures in place to reduce the effects that the specified challenges have had on the quality of healthcare in the Republic and its communities; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further, relevant details; (2) whether his department has mechanisms in place to address issues relating to (a) inadequate recruitment practices, especially in rural areas and (b) poor retention and staff mismanagement; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further, relevant details?
Reply:
1. As part of addressing the lack of human resources in hospitals and clinics, the Department of Health has developed and published (in February 2021), a 2030 Human Resources for Health Strategy that serves as a guideline of the Human Resources Agenda for the Public Health sector at various levels of care. The 2030 HRH Strategy modelling, indicates a current shortfall of skilled health professionals in South Africa and makes a call for investing in the Health workforce to address human resources deficits and inequalities across provinces and between private and public health sectors. However, due to stringent budgets, the implementation is at a snail’s pace.
Despite available limited resources, in the public service generally, the Department has managed put measures in place to close the vacancy-rate gap for health care related posts to 12.4% and administration positions to 11.80%, respectively, as at the 30 September 2022, across all the provinces.
In relation to Medical Equipment, the department has been experiencing budget cuts over the past few years impacting negatively on issues such as maintenance of equipment and facilities. However, new interventions in the form of conditional grants have been put in place to help provinces cope with revitalisation and maintenance backlogs.
The following are some of the conditional grants that have been introduced to help with acquisition, maintenance and revitalisation of facilities inclusive of Medical Equipment and are in addition to Equitable Share granted to provinces:
a) Health Facilities Revitalisation Grant (HFRG), Managed National Health, but transferred to provinces with conditions and oversight by National Health.
b) National Tertiary Services Grant (NTSG): Managed by National Health, but transferred to provinces for equipment gaps/shortages and repairs.
c) National Health Insurance Indirect Grant (In-kind grant): Managed and implemented under National Health through implementing agents.
Other interventions include:
a) Integration of maintenance plans and Service Level Agreements within transversal contracts administered under National Treasury to help ensure functioning equipment.
b) Development of Medical Equipment Maintenance Strategic Framework within the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer within National Treasury, and the related transversal Contract for Maintenance of Medical Equipment.
2. Provincial Departments of Health are implementing various plans that include the following:
- Annual Recruitment Plan – with prioritisation of critical posts where funding permits
- Utilisation of conditional grant funding where it allows for prioritisation of posts
- Filling of approved replacement posts
- Employment of health professionals on contract basis to strengthen capacity and where funding permits these contract employees are absorbed on permanent employment at the end of their contracts
- Awarding of bursaries yearly to internal and external candidates to study further in various disciplines where there are shortages
- Provision of internship and community service programme
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4182
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister in The Presidency
Given that the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, has established the Red Tape Unit at the beginning of the year, (a) what is the definition that the specified unit uses to identify red tape and (b) does the unit enforce the use of the definition to all ministerial departments?
Reply:
a) The red tape definition that the Red Tape Reduction Team in The Presidency is using at present is the following: “Red Tape can be defined as rules, regulations, and/or bureaucratic procedures and processes that are excessively complex and which impose unnecessary delay(s), inaction and/or costs that exceed their benefits, and/or is no longer effective in achieving the purpose for which they were originally created”. (Original source: Guidelines for Reducing Municipal Red Tape, 2013). The focus is specifically on red tape within government that inhibits economic growth and job creation in key areas of the economy, working with relevant role-players across government, and outside of government.
b) The Red Tape Reduction Team does not have enforcement powers but it does draw on the strategic leadership, convening and coordinating authority of The Presidency in working with departments and agencies firstly in identifying priority red tape issues and secondly in addressing them.
Thank You.
25 November 2022 - NW4046
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What (a) was the total capital budget for Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) in the (i) 2018-19, (ii) 2019-20 (iii), 2020-21 and (iv) 2021-22 financial years and (b) is the breakdown of the capital allocations in each port operated by TPT?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
(a)– (b)
Capital Budget Detail for the period 2018/2019 to 2021/2022
(i) |
(ii) |
(iii) |
(iv) |
|
Port |
2018/2019 |
2019/2020 |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
Port of Durban |
441,022,538 |
424,554,750 |
825,653,729 |
652,534,096 |
Port of East London |
20,360,000 |
25,256,552 |
69,346,552 |
17,867,284 |
Port of Port Elizabeth |
62,040,000 |
137,543,429 |
60,783,599 |
58,162,514 |
Port of Cape Town |
221,204,907 |
256,639,379 |
207,388,203 |
117,222,693 |
Port of Saldanha |
1,269,411,580 |
1,244,406,126 |
870,384,205 |
559,712,854 |
Port of Richards Bay |
481,714,757 |
407,769,148 |
422,441,498 |
404,784,263 |
Port of Ngqura |
112,325,882 |
138,701,408 |
30,871,000 |
92,228,961 |
Head office |
113,500,000 |
242,569,008 |
113,919,050 |
123,635,445 |
Total |
2,721,579,663 |
2,877,439,801 |
2,600,787,836 |
2,026,148,110 |
25 November 2022 - NW4053
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What (a) was the budget for mental health in the past five financial years, (b) is the breakdown of the total number of (i) psychiatrists, (ii) mental health facilities and (iii) mental health awareness campaigns that are needed in his department; (2) what amount does his department need to adequately provide for the mental health needs of the Republic?
Reply:
1. (a) In line with Mental Health Care Act, 2002 as well as the World Health Organization’s approach to mental health services delivery, mental health is integrated into the general health services environment from primary health care level upwards. This is because individuals with a mental health problem often have other comorbidities as well. The budget for mental health is therefore integrated into other health services budget and cannot be singled out. The only clear cut mental health budget is that of specialised psychiatric hospitals, subsidies to community based mental health services, contracted mental health services budget, Mental Health Review Boards budget and the recently allocated conditional grant for mental health. The table below depicts the budget for mental health per province in the past five financial years as provided by the provinces.
Province |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
2021/2022 |
Eastern Cape |
R776 812 825 |
R814 343 561 |
R842 019 615 |
R677 232 329 |
R685 291 223 |
Free State |
R383 350 000 |
R373 432 000 |
R389 396 100 |
R374 545 000 |
R421 315 000 |
Gauteng |
R270 849 000 |
R391 061 000 |
R505 703 059 |
R610 018 600 |
R664 723 555 |
KZN |
R858 384 455 |
R922 424 520 |
R965 369 481 |
R1 002 502 520 |
R954 083 000 |
Limpopo |
R517 009 000 |
R547 850 000 |
R567 535 000 |
R584 614 000 |
R611 386 000 |
Mpumalanga |
R48 693 000 |
R53 692 707 |
R59 510 701 |
R65 118 946 |
R78 647 305 |
Northern Cape |
R54 871 000 |
R85 205 000 |
R108 547 000 |
R119 510 000 |
R127 371 000 |
North West |
R482 452 366 |
R506 307 086 |
R503 906 430 |
R542 408 696 |
R602 446 383 |
Western Cape |
Figure not provided |
R921 445 000 |
R984 102 000 |
R992 619 000 |
R1 042 290 000 |
Total |
- |
R4 625 760 874 |
R4 926 089 386 |
R4 968 569 091 |
R5 189 492 466 |
(b)(i) The Department of Health’s Norms for Severe Psychiatric Conditions require a minimum of:
- 1x psychiatrist for acute inpatient mental health services per 100 000 fifteen (15) years and older population.
- 0.1x psychiatrist for medium to long stay inpatient mental health care per 100 000 fifteen (15) years and older population.
- 0.25xpsychiatrists for ambulatory mental health services per 100 000 fifteen (15) years and older population.
In terms of the 2022 midterm population estimates the population of 15
years and older is 43 593 223.
In line with these norms that are based on the World Health Organisation model for mental health human resources, an estimated minimum number of psychiatrists required to service the 43 592 223 South Africa population of fifteen (15) years and older is 589.
There are no norms to estimate the number of psychiatrists needed for the below 15 years old population.
According to the Health Profession’s Council of South Africa registers, South Africa has 930 psychiatrists.
(ii) The Norms for Severe Psychiatric Conditions measure the mental health service needs through the number of beds required as opposed to number of mental health facilities. In terms of the norms, a population of 100 000 fifteen (15) years and older population require an estimated minimum of 28 beds for acute mental illness, 10 medium to long stay beds and 20 beds for community based residential mental health services. In this regard, the 43 592 223 fifteen (15) years and older South African population require an estimated minimum total of 25 283 mental health beds:
- 12 206 beds for acute mental illness
- 4359 medium to long stay mental health beds
- 8718 community based residential mental health beds
According to the latest available statistics obtained from provinces South Africa has 19752 mental health beds.
(iii) Campaigning for increased awareness with regard to prevention of mental illness (adopting a healthy lifestyle), early detection and how to access mental health services when needed is a continuous process. The National Department and provincial health departments are currently doing so through door-to-door campaigns, pop-up stalls at events and in malls, community events, group and one-on-one counselling at health facilities, community radio slots and print media. These campaigns also focus on combating stigma that is associated with mental illness.
(2) Budgeting for health and other government services depends on the available resources. The World Health Organization recommends that countries allocate a minimum of between 5% and 10% of the country’s total health budget to mental health. The current estimates indicate that South Africa is spending 5% of its total health budget on mental health.
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4022
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, following reports that the current nursing shortage in public health care stands at 1 nurse per 218 patients, his department will form a partnership with Temporary Employment Services (TES) in terms of (a) training nurses and (b) induction courses; if not, why not; if so, by what date will this commence; (2) (a) what medical training will TES offer and (b) has the training been accredited; (3) (a) how is TES funded and (b)(i) what percentage of nurses are they able to train and (ii) at what total cost; (4) what training will be prioritised in terms of the agreements?
Reply:
1. (a) The National Department does not have any agreement with Temporary Employment Services (TES) in terms of the training of nurses. The Department does not form partnerships with labour brokers or agencies for the training of nurses.
Prospective providers for Nursing Education programmes have to register with Department of Higher Education and need to apply for accreditation from the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Applications are done per programme leading to registration in any of the prescribed categories of nursing according to the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No 33 of 2005). The SANC accredits nursing education institutions and programmes in terms of professional integrity, standards of education, clinical training and placement in appropriate health facilities. SANC also consider whether programmes demonstrate relevance, responding to a specific population’s health service needs. The CHE accredit programmes based on the academic standards of Higher Education.
(b) Induction is done by the health establishment for every cohort of new recruits, focussing on, amongst other subjects, national-, provincial-, and the health establishment’s policies. Health professionals are additionally inducted on the health establishment’s standard operating procedures for the professional group. This function cannot be outsourced, as it forms an integral part of orientation of new employees to a workplace and is seen as letting new employees feel welcome and appreciated by their employers.
2. (a) The National Department of Health has no plans to utilize TES for medical training. Medical training is the exclusive domain of medical schools.
(b) The Department has not established the accreditation status of the TES training programmes
(3)(a), (b) (i), (ii) See reply to (1) (a) here above.
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4044
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What is the total (a) percentage and (b) monetary value of capital under-expenditure by the Transnet National Port Authority in the Port of (i) Richards Bay, (ii) Durban, (iii) East London, (iv) Ngqura, (v) Port Elizabeth, (vi) Mossel Bay, (vii) Cape Town and (viii) Saldanha Bay in each of the past four financial years?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
(a)– (b)
The total percentage and monetary value of capital under-expenditure by Transnet National Ports Authority in the past four (4) financial years, i.e., 2018/19 to 2021/22 has been 32%, translating into R 9 696 million under-expenditure. The proportion of the capital under-expenditure (both in monetary and percentages) per port and/or business unit is as shown in Table 1 on the following page.
Table 1: Under/ over-expenditure
Port/ BU |
Under/ Over -expenditure |
Under/ Over -expenditure |
Under/ Over -expenditure |
Under/ Over -expenditure |
Under/ Over -expenditure |
|
i. |
RCB |
- R 219m |
- R 144m |
- R 278m |
- R 100m |
R 1,883m |
70% |
49% |
93% |
41% |
49% |
||
ii. |
DBN |
- R 305m |
- R 905m |
- R 317m |
R 736m |
- R 2,036m |
41% |
78% |
70% |
336% |
25% |
||
iii. |
EL |
- R 83m |
- R 23m |
- R 28m |
R 56m |
- R 429m |
81% |
32% |
67% |
525% |
41% |
||
iv. |
NGQ |
- R 245m |
R 227m |
- R 182m |
- R 245m |
- R 390m |
77% |
48% |
41% |
56% |
10% |
||
v. |
PE |
- R 30m |
- R 31m |
- R 25m |
R 22m |
- R 362m |
40% |
49% |
45% |
52% |
25% |
||
vi. |
MSB |
- R 27m |
- R 10m |
R 0m |
- R 3m |
- R 110m |
86% |
31% |
0% |
14% |
57% |
||
vii. |
CPT |
- R 119m |
- R 26m |
- R 146m |
R 148m |
- R 844m |
82% |
24% |
63% |
112% |
25% |
||
viii. |
SLD |
- R 243m |
R 7m |
- R 275m |
- R 107m |
- R 1,326m |
92% |
6% |
80% |
47% |
50% |
||
DRS |
- R 356m |
- R 340m |
- R 178m |
- R 369m |
- R 1,578m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
HO |
- R 63m |
R 149m |
- R 54m |
- R 119m |
- R 426m |
|
|
2092% |
|
|
|
||
LHS |
- R 40m |
- R 13m |
- R 21m |
- R 40m |
- R 312m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Grand Total Under-expenditure |
- R 1,732m |
- R 1,108m |
- R 1,503m |
- R 22m |
- R 9,696m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NB – All negative amounts and percentages denote under-expenditure.
25 November 2022 - NW4291
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
In light of the fact that Transnet assisted Saldanha Bay harbour to upgrade their status as an entry harbour for passenger ships and/or cruise liners from 1 November 2022, what facilities will be (a) built and (b) upgraded to accommodate (i) customs and (ii) passengers getting off the specified ships for tourism activities?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet:
a) An assessment was done by the Department of Transport, the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration Department) and the TNPA, and agreement was reached that there is currently no need for new infrastructure. Thus,
- No new customs facilities will be built; and
- No new infrastructure will be built to allow passengers to get off the specified ships for tourism facilities.
b) A few requirements were identified for the Port of Saldanha to attain Port of Entry Status. The requirements included identifying a suitable site and a housing facility to accommodate the relevant government departments; as well as an area to process the arriving passengers.
(i) The site identified and allocated for the Government Departments already has a housing facility equipped with running water, electricity, and connectivity. The identified housing facility is currently leased to the Department of Public Works on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration Department). The assessing team has confirmed that the site meets the requirements from the TNPA for Port of Entry Status. Upgrades will only be undertaken as and when required.
ii) A temporary passenger facility will be erected as and when there is a need. Three sites have been identified for such erection and processing. As and when the demand proves necessary for permanent infrastructure development, new infrastructure will be developed to process passenger arrivals.
25 November 2022 - NW4042
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What (a) was the total revenue for the Transnet National Ports Authority in each of the past four financial years and (b) proportion of revenue emanated from the Port of (i) Richards Bay, (ii) Durban, (iii) East London, (iv) Ngqura, (v) Port Elizabeth, (vi) Mossel Bay, (vii) Cape Town and (viii) Saldanha Bay?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
(a) and (b):
The table below shows Transnet National Ports Authority’s total revenue for the past four financial years from FY 2018/19 to FY 2021/22, as well as revenue contributions per port.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii
25 November 2022 - NW4289
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What are the full details of the recent loan by Eskom from the World Bank, purportedly to help Eskom with the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station, (b) what are the reasons that the specified loan was necessary, (c) what will it be used for, (d) what total amount of money would be required for the decommissioning of more power stations in the Republic and (e) where will the money come from?
Reply:
According to Information Received from Eskom:
a) The US$497 million (approximately R9 billion) World Bank concessional loan facility to Eskom for the repurposing of Komati Power Station, comprises US$439.5 million from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), a US$47.5 million facility from the Canada Clean Energy and Forest Climate Fund (CCEFCF) and a grant of US$10 million from the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The IBRD and CCEFCF facilities are both 20-year facilities, with the IBRD facility bearing an interest rate of SOFR (six months average secured overnight financing rate) plus 0.86% (approximately 2.88% all in as of 7 November 2022) and the CCEFCF facility bearing interest at a rate of 0.75%. The loans have a capital repayment grace period of five years and are then amortised over the remaining 15 years. The IBRD facility has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum of the undrawn balance and a front-end fee of 0.25% of the full loan amount.
b) The loan allows Eskom to finance the repurposing of Komati Power Station at a concessional cost of funding and create jobs and opportunities for workers and communities that are impacted by the decommissioning of Komati.
c) The loan will be used to finance the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station, repurposing and repowering of the station and other elements of the Just Energy Transition (JET), including provision for the training of Eskom employees, community development and stakeholder initiatives. The repurposing will install 150MW of photovoltaic, 70MW wind generating capacity, 150MW from a Battery Energy Storage System and a synchronous condenser.
d) In line with the IRP 2019, Eskom plans to decommission and repurpose coal-fired power plants at Camden, Hendrina, and Grootvlei. In alignment with Eskom’s JET Strategy, repurposing of the retired capacity will mean replacement with renewable generation capacity, while considering the economic, social, and environmental challenges of the transition. The repurposing of these power stations is estimated to cost circa US$2.6 billion.
e) The funding is anticipated to come from a combination of development finance institutions, climate funds and the private sector.
25 November 2022 - NW4156
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1)With reference to the complaints of dust pollution in the town Koingnaas in the Kamiesberg municipal area due to the dried-out tailings dams, what mining company will be responsible for rehabilitation now that West Coast Resources are in business rescue; (2) whether his department has done an impact study to establish the impact of the dust pollution on residents; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether his department intends to enforce rehabilitation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date will his department render assistance in this regard; (4) whether any mining rehabilitation has been done in the Kamiesberg area; if not, why not; if, so, (a) where and (b) by what company? NW5221E
Reply:
(1) The Mining right is still active; therefore, West Coast Resources will still be liable and expected to carry-out the rehabilitation and environmental monitoring. In this case, part of the responsibility of the Business Rescue Practitioner will be handling the environmental obligation management as required by the National Environmental Management Act, (No.107 of 1998) (as amended).
(2) The inspection was conducted by the Department and Department Agri, Env Affairs, Rural Dev Land reform on the 02 August 2022 to assess the concern raised. The outcome of the inspection was that the mining operation had ceased and no activity was observed onsite.
The site visit was undertaken during the of windy season of the year and still none dust emission were observed. Normally Department would request dust monitoring to commence in case there is extreme dust emission within a timeframe of 3 months from the date the notice is issued and the submission of a Dust Management Plan for approval and implementation.
(3) The Mining Right is still active, the department has already enforced the obligation by the Right Holder to undertake the rehabilitation process and these proved to have been done and continuing.
(4) (a) mining area in Kamiesberg area. (b) The rehabilitation process has been undertaken by West Coast Resources (right holder).
25 November 2022 - NW4121
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
With the National Treasury taking over Eskom’s debt as a way to ensure that the entity is financially sustainable, which translates to more money being allocated to the entity again to achieve its goal, (a) how does the National Treasury intend to balance the flow of Government’s money into Eskom, government debt and service delivery goals in all other government departments and (b) what are the relevant details of the assurance and/or empirical evidence that the National Treasury indicates that this debt transfer will indeed result in a sustainable Eskom and the entity will not need continuous support from the Government, considering the amount of work it still needs to do in order to be fully operational?
Reply:
a) National Treasury is currently working on the detail execution plan for Eskom’s debt that will incorporate mechanisms that will not negatively impact the fiscus. As announced by the Minister of Finance in his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, the details of this plan will be announced at the Budget 2023.
b) Details of the various elements of the Eskom debt relief package, including mechanisms to tackle arrear debt, cost reflective tariffs, cost optimisation, and unbundling, amongst others, will be tabled at the Budget 2023, following the necessary approvals.
National Treasury is also engaging with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the debt solution that will be implemented will turn Eskom into a sustainable entity that will not rely on the fiscus.
25 November 2022 - NW4288
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Following the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station, what plans (a) does Eskom have in place to decommission more power stations over the next 10 years and (b) have been put in place to ensure that Eskom is able to replace the power generation capacity lost as a result of decommissioning power stations?
Reply:
According to Information Received from Eskom:
a) In the next 10 years, up to the end of 2032, seven (7) stations, including Komati, are planned to be fully shut down and an additional two (2) are expected to have some units shut down. It should be noted that Eskom currently does not have plans to fully decommission these stations in line with the strategy for repurposing and repowering the sites in support of the Just Energy Transition (JET).
b) Eskom plans to add 150 MW solar power, 600 MWh battery energy storage and 70 MW wind power to replace the shut-down capacity at Komati. Eskom notes that it is not expected that the full capacity of the coal stations to be shut down could be replaced on a 1-to-1 basis by repowering and repurposing with renewables. The responsibility of ensuring adequate capacity lies with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and those plans are reflected in the latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019). Eskom’s shutdown plans are generally in line with the assumptions in the IRP and in fact, the IRP assumed that 4 888 MW of coal stations would already be shut down by the end of 2022. Tutuka, however, is planned to be shut down earlier than assumed in the IRP due to techno-economic considerations.
Eskom is, however, committed to both improving the performance of the Generation fleet and introducing additional capacity, comprising both renewable and low carbo technologies, in order to assist the DMRE with guaranteeing adequate capacity to meet the electricity demands of the nation.
25 November 2022 - NW4118
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What (a) impact will the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station have on the ability of Eskom to generate energy for the Republic and (b) are the suite of interventions that Eskom is making to ensure that it replaces lost generating ability as the specified power station had reached its sell-by date?
Reply:
According to the information received from Eskom
(a)
When the last operating unit at Komati Power Station was shut down on 31 October 2022, this removed a potential 114 MW from the system. Before the shutdown of the Komati units, all nine units had a nominal capacity of 884 MW.
(b)
Eskom plans to add 150 MW solar, 150 MW wind and 70 MW wind power to replace this shut down capacity. Eskom notes that it is not expected that the full capacity of the coal stations to be shut down could be replaced on a 1-to-1 basis by repowering and repurposing with renewables. The responsibility of ensuring adequate capacity lies with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and those plans are reflected in the latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019). The shutdown of Komati is in line with the assumptions in the IRP and in fact, the IRP assumed that 4 888 MW of coal stations would already be shut down by the end of 2022.
Eskom is, however, committed to both improving the performance of the Generation fleet and introducing additional capacity, comprising both renewable and low carbon technologies, in order to assist the DMRE in guaranteeing adequate capacity to meet the electricity demands of the nation.
25 November 2022 - NW4043
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What (a) was the total capital budget for the Transnet National Ports Authority in each of the past four financial years and (b) proportion of the capital budget was allocated to the Port of (i) Richards Bay, (ii) Durban, (iii) East London, (iv) Ngqura, (v) Port Elizabeth, (vi) Mossel Bay, (vii) Cape Town and (viii) Saldanha Bay?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
(a) – (b):
The total capital budget for Transnet National Ports Authority for the past four (4) financial years, i.e., 2018/19 to 2021/22 was R 9,611,861,186. The total per year and the corresponding proportion of the capital budget per port and/or business unit is as shown in .
Table 1: Capital Budget for the past four financial years
Ports/ BU |
Budget |
Budget |
Budget |
Budget |
Budget Total 4 Years (R) |
|
i. |
Richards Bay |
313,675,026 |
293,419,973 |
299,517,725 |
247,695,964 |
1,154,308,688 |
ii. |
Durban |
739,948,775 |
1,162,104,371 |
449,722,731 |
218,638,550 |
2,570,414,427 |
iii. |
East London |
103,433,433 |
71,192,492 |
41,579,111 |
10,663,936 |
226,868,972 |
iv. |
Ngqura |
320,143,274 |
473,228,241 |
445,569,466 |
434,321,234 |
1,673,262,216 |
v. |
Port Elizabeth |
74,999,174 |
62,525,281 |
56,625,106 |
43,079,731 |
237,229,292 |
vi. |
Mossel Bay |
32,108,064 |
32,196,033 |
3,897,130 |
18,594,591 |
86,795,818 |
vii. |
Cape Town |
144,279,479 |
106,752,864 |
231,964,582 |
131,976,905 |
614,973,830 |
viii. |
Saldanha Bay |
265,588,285 |
126,142,313 |
345,848,743 |
230,189,938 |
967,769,279 |
Dredging |
405,660,000 |
332,589,480 |
179,241,695 |
371,512,961 |
1,289,004,137 |
|
Lighthouse |
52,500,644 |
39,074,500 |
29,950,002 |
64,568,000 |
186,093,146 |
|
Head Office |
184,104,169 |
7,127,723 |
103,763,171 |
310,146,317 |
605,141,380 |
|
Grand Total |
2,636,440,324 |
2,706,353,272 |
2,187,679,462 |
2,081,388,128 |
9,611,861,186 |
25 November 2022 - NW4076
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What (a) procurement processes were followed when the Rand Merchant Bank, in which he owns shares, was appointed as transaction advisor to select a Strategic Equity Partner for the SA Airways and (b) role did he play in the appointment of the specified bank?
Reply:
(1) (a) The process that was followed in appointing Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) as the transaction advisor was through competitive bidding process carried out by South African Airways (SAA). The Department opted to participate in the contract that had been concluded by another organ of state, in this case SAA.
(1) (b) Minister did not play a role in the appointment of RMB by SAA or the Department.
25 November 2022 - NW4101
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
What are the relevant details of the measures that have been taken to intervene in the Oakley Clinic in Ward 24, Bushbuckridge, in respect of (a) posts that were advertised for nurses but have been frozen since 2019 and (b) COVID-19 staff who work as general workers?
Reply:
a) There were no posts advertised for Oakley clinic. The facility was operationalized using nurses from the old clinic.
b) Oakley Clinic only received one (1) COVID-19 Professional Nurse on contract and she never worked as a general worker.
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4055
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
What plans are in place to (a) strengthen the efforts to address the mental health of our people, particularly those living with chronic conditions such as HIV and tuberculosis, as they are at risk of developing mental health conditions, often suffering from depression and anxiety as they adjust to their diagnosis and adapt to living with a chronic infectious disease, and (b) implement effective interventions to reduce transmission of diseases especially among persons who are using needle-administered drugs?
Reply:
a) The Department has prioritised Mental Health as an important aspect of health that is
crucial to the overall well-being of individuals and society. The Mental Health Care Act, 2002 (Act No.17 of 2002), its Regulations and guidelines as well as the National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2013-2020 that is currently under review guide the efforts to address the mental health of our people.
There are many risk factors for developing mental health problems, and these include living with a chronic condition such as HIV, tuberculosis, cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, women around childbirth and poverty. The Health Sector’s strategy is to focus on comprehensive efforts for prevention, early identification, early intervention and strengthening follow-up care for mental health problems at all the levels of the health care system as this would ensure that all at-risk populations are cared for. Among the plans that are in place to strengthen the efforts to address the mental health of our people, including those living with chronic conditions are the following:
- Progressive integration of mental health into the general health service environment
including primary, secondary, and tertiary level health establishments as envisaged by the Mental Health Care Act, 2002, to among others improve access to mental health services and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
- Improving skills and capacity of health care providers for early identification and
management of mental health problems at primary health care through training as well as complementing the numbers of available staff through contracting private mental health care providers (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists) to render mental health services at primary health care level.
- Strengthening clinical mental health skills among health care providers working in health
facilities listed to conduct 72-hours assessment of involuntary mental health care users as well as in mental health units that are attached to general hospitals.
- Screening and management for common mental disorders including depression, anxiety and alcohol and other drugs abuse at primary health care.
- Integration of mental health screening and referral in the school health programme as well as in the community health worker programme.
- Using various platforms and media to educate the public on mental health issues in collaboration with other stakeholders including civil society.
- Strengthening collaborations with other departments and stakeholders to ensure that the upstream determinants of mental health that lie within their mandates are addressed.
b) The updated National Health Sector HIV prevention Strategy (2020-2025), ensures that
combination HIV prevention strategies are employed for the people who inject drugs (PWID), and the strategy calls for capacity building and skilled health practitioners to deal with substance abuse disorders.
In terms of interventions to reduce transmission the following combination prevention interventions are available in the public health facilities for PWID:
Biomedical interventions: Collaboration with partners for needle exchange support programmes, male and female Condoms and lubricants, post-exposure prophylaxis for unintended exposure, and Pre-exposure prophylaxis (for prevention of acquisition), including monitoring of PrEP retention, HIV testing services (HTS) and referral to treatment for those who test HIV positive, STI management (screening and treatment).
Socio-behavioural interventions: Mental health screening, referral, and linkage to psychosocial support services. Accurate and appropriate sexual and reproductive health information and messages.
END.
25 November 2022 - NW4231
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether she will furnish Ms. SA Buthelezi with the details of how her department has addressed the project management shortfalls which resulted in the (a) delays and (b) lack of compliance in the construction of Temporary Relief Units (TRUs) in KwaZulu- Natal; if not why not; if so, what are the relevant details of (i) any measures that have been taken to increase project management capacity and (ii) the revised plan of her department to monitor the construction of TRUs to ensure quality completion of the promised units?
Reply:
a) Several initiatives have been adopted by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements to address delays resulting in project management shortfalls. Firstly, additional service providers have been appointed to expedite the construction of Temporary Residential Units (TRUs).
Secondly, built environment professionals have been appointed to expenditure any land planning development required including Town and Regional Planners, Urban Planners, Civil Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Environment Management Specialists, and Build Control Inspectors.
Thirdly, during the early stages of implementing recovery efforts, a need to appoint social facilitators was identified and this has since been addressed. Lastly, the Housing Development Agency (HDA) an entity of the National Department of Human Settlements has been appointed by the Province as a Project Manager. Therefore, any initial project management shortfalls have been adequately addressed and continue to be attended to as they arise.
b) The monitoring of the quality of TRUs occurs at various levels and by various spheres and entities of government. As a result, all TRUs constructed are in compliance with the norms and standards contained in the National Housing Code of 2009 and are subjected to quality control inspections by the Provincial quality assurors prior to payment of any service providers. In addition, both the National and the Provincial Departments conduct verification of the TRUs in order to ensure adherence to policy and construction standards. Furthermore, the Office of the Auditor-General as well as the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation conduct physical verification and quality assessment on samples of TRUs that have been constructed.