Questions and Replies
05 September 2023 - NW953
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)With reference to the internal inquiry that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) is instituting into the Chairperson of Prasa following reports that he used the organisation’s rental house in Cape Town for personal use, (a) what are the full relevant details on the matter and (b) on what date will Prasa release the report on the matter; (2) whether the house continues to be rented by Prasa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) (a) The details are part of the report.
(b) The report on the matter was concluded on the 31 March 2023. The report was submitted by the Board of Control of PRASA to the Minister of Transport for consideration. Based on the findings of the report the Chairperson was released of his responsibilities as the Chair of the Board.
(2) Mr. Ramatlakane, vacated the house on 15 March 2023, in line with the short-term lease. The house in question is owned by PRASA and is one of many others in the portfolio, which is leased out to tenants as part of the PRASA’s secondary mandate to generate revenue out of its assets. As already mentioned above, a proposal on the future use (internal or external consumption of the asset) has been prepared and will serve at the various committees within PRASA for approval to ensure the secondary mandate is achieved.
05 September 2023 - NW2344
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) Which court orders regarding Siyangena Tehnologies have (i) been met and (ii) not been met to date, (b) what are the reasons that the specified orders have not yet been met and (c) by what date will the orders be met?
Reply:
a) (i)The court ruled in favour of PRASA in the High Court (Gauteng Division) case number 14332/18 and declared the Siyangena Technologies contract unlawful and irregular. Siyangena Technologies proceeded to launch an appeal application in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) under case number 487/2021. The SCA confirmed the High Court decision and thereby ruling in favour of PRASA.
(ii) Refer to (i) above.
b) The Superior Courts Act, 2013 provides that an application for leave to appeal, or an appeal, suspends the operation and execution of a decision, pending the outcome of the application or appeal. Consequently, a court order cannot be executed until the appeal proceedings are determined.
c) Siyangena Technologies has launched an application for leave to appeal the SCA judgment in the Constitutional Court. Siyangena Technologies has launched an application for leave to appeal the SCA judgment in the Constitutional Court and PRASA is awaiting judgment in that regard. The judgement from the Constitutional Court dismissed Siyangena’s leave to appeal the SCA judgement which in favour of PRASA. The Con Court further awarded costs in favour of PRASA. The parties (Siyangena and PRASA) must now appoint an engineer within 30 days of the judgement in order to determine the value of the works as per the judgement.
17 July 2023 - NW1980
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Transport
In light of the social housing development project on land of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, that is expected to benefit individuals who earn between R3 500 and R22 500 a month, which measures have been put in place to ensure that (a) only rightful beneficiaries will benefit and (b) no corruption will occur on the specified project?
Reply:
(a) In terms of the Legal Succession Act No. 38 of 2008 establishing the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, section 23(2) states that, “the second object and the secondary business of the Corporation (“PRASA”) is to generate income from the exploitation of the assets acquired by it”.
Subsection 3 states that, “In carrying out its objects and business, the Corporation shall have due regard to key government social, economic and transport policy objectives.
The Department of Transport and PRASA are not a custodian of housing delivery, however, in the context underpinned by the principles of cooperative government and intergovernmental relations, the entity has a duty to ensure that the goals and objectives of the Department of Human Settlement are supported and promoted. Therefore, PRASA made available land located near areas of economic activity for construction of decent and affordable housing opportunities with easy access to public transport services and social amenities.
Through an open tender land-release programme (National Station Precinct Development Programme), PRASA awarded development rights to a non-profit Social Housing Institution (“SHI”) to develop and manage the top structure rental stock in line with the Social Housing Regulatory Authority terms and conditions.
Therefore, the Social Housing units at Goodwood Station (in Cape Town) will be allocated by the Social Housing Institute directly to deserving beneficiaries. In order to qualify for this rental subsidy, rightful beneficiaries need to earn a gross monthly income between R1,850 and R22,000, and must:
- Be South African citizen or have a permanent residency permit.
- Be 18 years or older.
- married or living with a partner.
- May be single or divorced and have proven financial dependants permanently living together.
(b) The Department of Transport also supports an anonymous tip-off call centre established by the Human Settlement Department in collaboration Social Housing Regulatory Authority for anyone who wish to report any suspicion of fraud, corruption, bribery etc. The contact number is 0800 111 670 or [email protected].
17 July 2023 - NW1622
Khoza, Mr AV to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, given the fact that goods transportation in the Republic relies mainly on road freight, particularly trucks, and also bearing in mind that the amount of fatally devastating accidents are caused by trucks on our roads nationally and in KwaZulu-Natal in particular, her department has any specific plan to alleviate the challenges brought about by the ever-increasing number of trucks on our roads; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the plan and (b) on what date is the plan envisaged to be implemented?
Reply:
The Department is currently implementation , busy with the Rail Policy which is geared at dealing with the provision of rail services across the country. The Policy is founded on the principle of the modal shift of rail-friendly cargo from road to rail and the need to revitalise the railways to supply a range of industrial supply-chain logistics services.
The ultimate objective being to upgrade the existing and future rolling stock to ensure that they are better utilised and more volume of cargo moves from road to rail and the resultant reduction of haulage of bulk commodities by road transport. We have started with stringent law enforcements on hazardous chemical cargo to be completely on rail.
Currently there are law enforcement teams at strategic positions to ensure that truck drivers obey the rules and laws of the roads, These Provincial Law enforcement teams have been augmented by National Traffic Police under RTMC, and is yielding good results. The Department of Public Enterprises and Transnet are responsible for freight rail in SA.
17 July 2023 - NW1621
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether there are any existing working relations between Truckers Association South Africa and her department; if not, why not; if so, what agreements and/or Memoranda of Understanding exist between the two to manage their working relations, specifically in small towns along the national roads where they seem to be at loggerheads?
Reply:
Yes, the then Minister of Transport, Mr Fikile Mbalula, established a Road Freight and Logistics Task Team (Task Team) to serve as a conduit to the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and it comprises all stakeholders within the road freight industry, the Departments of Transport, DHA, DEL, SAPS and DIRCO. Trucking Association of South Africa (TASA) is also a member.
At a meeting held on 22 June 2022 with some of the Ministers constituting the IMC wherein a media briefing was held where three documents were signed and they are
(i) The terms of Reference;
(ii) An implementation Plan; and
(iii) A pact.
were signed by the RFL stakeholders and some of the Departments in attendance.
The Task Team was formally established with a maximum of 2 representatives from each organisation,
The Task Team is hosted by the Department and its meets on a monthly basis wherein progress is monitored and evaluated on the activities of the outlined in the Implementation Plan.
17 July 2023 - NW1590
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether she has met with the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency management to understand the challenges facing the entity and to find out if there are any serious allegations of irregular appointments and termination of employment contracts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she has been informed that the entity recently lost labour arbitrations cases involving senior managers because the Chief Executive Officer failed to take due diligence and perform his function in line with fiduciary duty expected to safeguard public finances; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how will she hold the accounting officer of the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency accountable for all the financial losses as a result of the arbitration process?
Reply:
1. Attending to challenges relating to the operations of any entity falls within the ambit of the fiduciary duties of the Board. The Board then accounts to the Minister n line with the Shareholder compact, quarterly reports on performance amongst other. The Minister can therefore not meet with management of the C-BRTA on operational challenges, this is the duty of the Board. However, if there are such challenges, the Board has an obligation to investigate these and report to the Minister. Such a report will also be disclosed in the Annual Report of the entity that will be tabled in Parliament.
2. I have been advised that the C-BRTA has lost one labour arbitration case recently, and the Agency is studying the judgement in order to make a determination on the course of action. Performance and other career incidents of the Chief Executive Officer are the responsibility of the Board.
17 July 2023 - NW1585
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Transport
What total number of designated parking spots for truck and/or heavy duty vehicles are there in the Republic in each (a) province, (b) district and (c) town?
Reply:
There are no official designated parking spots for truck and/or heavy duty vehicles provided by SANRAL and the Provincial or Municipal Road Authorities. These are generally are located away from the Road Reserve at private trucks stops/service stations. As part of implementation of the Road Freight Strategy, research will be commissioned to identify the needs of road freight for parking and handling space on corridors and in urban areas.
However, truck stop are located in all the National Freight Corridors as well as the parallel provincial corridors in accordance to the traffic volumes on the corridors.
Corridor |
Corridor Name |
N1 South |
Gauteng – Cape Town |
N1 North |
Gauteng – Beit bridge |
N2 South |
Cape Town - Durban |
N2 Central |
East London – Durban |
N3 |
Gauteng - Durban |
N4 West |
Gauteng - Skilpadshek |
N4 East |
Gauteng - Lebombo |
N5 |
Harrismith - Winburg |
N6 |
East London – Bloemfontein |
N7 |
Cape Town – Viooldrift |
N8 |
Bloemfontein - Maseru |
N9 |
George - Colesburg |
N10 |
Britstown - Nakop |
N11 |
Ladysmith – Groblersbrug |
N12 |
Gauteng – Beaufort West |
N14 |
Gauteng Springbok |
N17 |
Gauteng - Oshoek |
17 July 2023 - NW2434
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) is the name of each Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) board member who has resided for either a long or short period at any of the properties, (b) were the start and end dates in each case of such stay, (c) were the lease arrangements and terms and conditions with regard to each property and (d) are the reasons that the specified board members were residing at the properties in each case?
Reply:
a) No other PRASA Board members, except for Mr. Ramatlakane have resided in/leased any PRASA properties.
b) Mr. Ramatlakane leased the house in Newlands for a 3-month period, from 15 December 2022 to 15 March 2023.
c) The lease agreement entered into with Mr. Ramatlakane was based on standard terms and conditions, signed with all external parties when residential properties are leased out to the market.
d) The application of Mr. Ramatlakane emanated from a basis that he required short term accommodation whilst his private residence was being renovated.
17 July 2023 - NW2172
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
In each month and in each case in the (a) past three financial years and (b) since 1 January 2023, (i) what number of staff have been suspended at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, (ii) what amount was spent on salaries and/or any other type of remuneration on the specified staff, (iii) what are the reasons for each suspension, (iv) what are the details of each suspension that (aa) has been lifted and (bb) is still in place, (v) who is fulfilling the tasks that were performed by the suspended personnel and (vi) what are the costs associated with each suspension and the working conditions for the persons performing the functions of the suspended staff members in each case?
Reply:
(a)(i) The following numbers of employees were suspended in the months indicated below:
2021/2022
MONTH |
(i) |
(ii) |
(iii) |
(iv) |
(v) |
(vi) |
April 2021 |
3 |
R19 445 569,25 |
Procurement-related irregularities |
Case 1: Matter awaiting outcome of arbitration at CCMA. |
No acting incumbent |
N/A |
Case 2: Disciplinary hearing postponed sine die pending a legal opinion. |
No acting incumbent |
|||||
Case 3: Hearing continued in June 2023. |
No acting incumbent |
|||||
August 2021 |
1 |
R3 267 486,60 |
Gross negligence |
Hearing pending due to unavailability of witness from SCM |
Person Acting |
|
January 2022 |
2 |
R4 768 846,14 |
Case1: Unfair disqualification of bidder who scored the highest points resulting in an incorrect award. |
Employee found guilty on all charges on 12 May 2023. Awaiting date from Chairperson for evidence in mitigation and aggravation. |
No acting incumbent |
|
Case2: Gross Negligence, Gross Deereliction of Duty |
Charges finalised , hearing date 16-01-2023 |
Acting incumbent |
||||
February 2022 |
2 |
R6 440 994,70 |
Case 1: Dereliction of duty; dishonesty Case 2: Gross misconduct, contravening PFMA and breaching company policy |
Case 1: Forensic investigation is yet to be undertaken. |
No acting incumbent |
|
Case 2: Awaiting dates for continuation of hearing. |
No acting incumbent |
|||||
March 2022 |
1 |
R453 000,00 |
Threatening behaviour, inciting violence and false allegations |
Suspension has been extended. Employee charged - pending disciplinary hearing. Hearing scheduled 13-14 March 2023. |
No acting incumbent |
N/A |
2022/2023 FINANCIAL YEAR |
||||||
June 2022 |
1 |
R1 636 690,00 |
Contrevenion of Recruit/Selection policy |
Investigation finalised Line to advise on way forward |
Acting incumbent |
|
July 2022 |
1 |
R2 001 725,80 |
Misconduct |
Employee being engaged for mutual separation |
Acting incumbent |
|
August 2022 |
1 |
R345 792,44 |
Gross misconduct |
Investigation in progress |
Acting incumbent |
R26712.98 |
September 2022 |
2 |
R2 168 423,00 |
Case 1: Investigation ongoing |
Attorneys in process of drafting charges for new evidence submitted |
No acting incumbent |
N/A |
Case 2: Investigation ongoing |
RFQ for forensic investigation to be finalised |
No acting incumbent |
N/A |
|||
October 2022 |
4 |
R2 977 716,96 |
Case1: under investigation |
Forensic investigation in progress |
Person appointed on fixed term contract |
|
Case2: Insubordination and gross misconduct |
Matter was held on 31 March 2023 and awaiting new date from the Chairperson |
No acting incumbent |
N/A |
|||
Case3: Misconduct |
Investigation ongoing awaiting report |
No acting incumbent |
N/A |
|||
Case4: Misuse of Company Vehicle |
Disciplinary finalized awaiting verdict |
No acting incumbent |
N/A |
|||
November 2022 |
3 |
R1 897 216,50 |
Case1: Gross negligence and insubordination |
Closing arguments were made on 21 April 2023. Awaiting Chairperson's ruling. |
Acting incumbent |
|
Case2: Charges to be confirmed |
Awaiting final investigation report from Protection Services. |
Acting incumbent |
||||
Case3: Theft of identity |
Pending - Awaiting appointment of initiator |
No acting incumbent |
||||
2023 CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE |
||||||
February 2023 |
3 |
R157 031,28 |
Fraud, theft and gross dishonesty |
Hearing was held on 30 May 2023. Plea bargain was entered into. Employer revoked the plea bargain and aggravated for dismissal. Awaiting employees to resubmit mitigating evidence. |
No acting incumbent |
|
Fraud, theft and gross dishonesty |
Hearing was held on 30 May 2023. Plea bargain was entered into. Employer revoked the plea bargain and aggravated for dismissal. Awaiting employees to resubmit mitigating evidence. |
No acting incumbent |
||||
Fraud, theft and gross dishonesty |
Hearing was held on 30 May 2023. Plea bargain was entered into. Employer revoked the plea bargain and aggravated for dismissal. Awaiting employees to resubmit mitigating evidence. |
No acting incumbent |
||||
March 2023 |
5 |
R155 030,38 |
Absence without leave |
Employee was served with suspension letter on 24 March 2023 pending investigation |
||
Assault |
Awaiting investigation report |
|||||
Serious Misconduct |
Investigations is being carried out. Pending the outcome of investigations |
|||||
Theft |
Employee charged criminally, out on bail. |
|||||
Theft |
Employee charged criminally, out on bail. |
|||||
17 July 2023 - NW2515
Khoza, Mr AV to ask the Minister of Transport
In light of the report that the Republic has a total of 331 909 kilometres of roads spanning rural tracks, gravel roads, tarred roads, highways and freeways, what (a) total number of the roads in the Republic are tarred and (b) is the Government’s plan to have the untarred roads tarred, in order to facilitate human and vehicular?
Reply:
South Africa has a total road network of 750 000 km. The responsibility for building and maintaining the network is shared amongst SANRAL, Provincial and (Municipalities) Local government authorities.
(a) 159 272 Paved Network within the Republic 21% and 590728 gravel road 21%.
(b) Government to address funding requirements, the Department, together with SANRAL and CSIR are leading the use/piloting of the Nano-Technology based product to be showcased in KZN on 29 June 2023 to demonstrate the use of traditionally available stabilizing agents such as bitumen emulsions at much lower application rates, achieving improved strength characteristics and more water-resistant layers on gravel roads at lower unit costs. The nano-technology based product/material has potential to reduce surfacing costs by >50%. We are also embarking on a process that includes the transfer of the strategic roads by Provinces to SANRAL heighted operation Vala Zonke
17 July 2023 - NW2490
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Transport
What are the full details of the measures that her department has put in place to (a) protect and (b) replace guard rails that are being stolen and targeted by steel recyclers?
Reply:
a) In May 2023, PRASA completed Phase three of the procurement of security guards to protect identified high security risk areas and hotspots, an intervention, which has resulted in a noticeable decline in the theft of guard rails and overall crime incidents.(e,g) 4670 in 2017-2018 and 958 in 2022-2023.
PRASA also: (i) conducts regular joint crime operations, with the law enforcement agencies led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) targeting steel recyclers, an initiative, which is starting to yield positive results, (ii) is exploring alternative engineering solutions to reinforce vulnerable items along the railway network and (iii) attends the quarterly National Non Ferrous Metal Crime Combatting Committee (NFMCCC) and the National Rail Crime Combatting Forum (NRCCF) with the SAPS, to discuss national crime pattern analysis, crime threat analysis and formulate action plans.
b) Stolen guard rails/other assets are replaced almost immediately.
03 July 2023 - NW2329
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Noting that her department only invests heavily in road safety campaigns during festive holidays while reckless driving and accidents occur throughout the year and furthermore noting that even then the specified campaigns are often aimed at motorists and freight drivers rather than their employers, who often subject them to unsafe and near impossible driving conditions that do not allow for rest periods during drives, what policies have been designed by her department to ensure that employers create a safer environment for long-distance drivers?
Reply:
Section 49 of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 deals with the duties of the operator and provides as follows:
49 Duties of operator
The operator of a motor vehicle shall
- notify the registering authority concerned within seven days of any change in the circumstances in relation to his or her registration as the operator of such vehicle and return the operator card in respect of that motor vehicle to that registering authority;
- keep safe and protect from theft an operator card issued to him or her and, if any such card is lost, stolen or destroyed, he or she shall notify the nearest police station within 24 hours and the registering authority within whose area the holder is ordinarily resident within seven days after having become aware of such loss, theft or destruction or after it could reasonably be expected that he or she should have been aware of such loss, theft or destruction, whichever event occurred first;
- exercise proper control over the driver of such motor vehicle to ensure the compliance by such driver with all the relevant provisions of this Act, in particular the provisions regarding
- the requirements in respect of the professional driving permit referred to in section 32; and
- the loading of such vehicle as prescribed by or under this Act;
- ensure that such motor vehicle complies with the fitness requirements contemplated in Chapter V;
- conduct his or her operations with due care to the safety of the public;
- if dangerous goods or substances are conveyed, ensure that all requirements for the conveyance of such goods or substances, as prescribed in
- any other law in relation to such goods or substances; and
- this Act, are complied with; and
- take all reasonable measures to ensure that such motor vehicle is operated on a public road in compliance with the provisions for the loading and transportation of goods as prescribed by or under this Act. (my emphasis)
When traffic officials issue citations for transgressions of the above they are also expected to issue one for the operator.
As part of their Road Safety programme, the RAF has embarked on a Road Safety Wellness programme where attention is directed towards the safety of long-distance drivers, i.e. busses, taxis and trucks. They have a bus in which a nurse and an optometrist on board assist in checking for vitals like blood pressure and if there is a medical problem with the driver the nurse will prepare a letter referring them to the nearest clinic whereas, in the case of eyesight, the optometrist will prescribe glasses at no charge.
03 July 2023 - NW2343
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
With regard to the properties owned by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) in each province in the past three financial years to date, (a) what number of properties does PRASA own, (b) which properties have been (i) purchased and (ii) sold in each month, (c) what was the value of each property that was sold, (d) what was the sale price of each property, (e) which properties were upgraded, maintained and/or renovated in each month, (f) who resides in the specified properties, (g) what are the lease arrangements and terms and conditions with regard to each property?
Reply:
- What number of properties does PRASA own:
N/A
- Which properties have been
- Purchased
In the period in question PRASA has not acquired any Properties however in pursued of the Secondary Mandate for Revenue Generation, we acquired mainly Commercial Properties out of our Development Leases.
- Sold in each month
It is not PRASA’s strategy to sell property and only one property (vacant land) has been sold in the period in question, February 2023 for an amount of R18m, known as Remainder of Erf 79204 And Erf 79208 Diep River, Cape Town
This was a portion of land next to Diepriver station that will be developed into upmarket residential units by a 3rd party, Itakane Developers and as the scheme is based on sectional title sales of the unit, the sale of the property was approve in terms of PRASA Asset Disposal Policy and approval in terms of Section 54 of the PFMA.
- What was the value of each property purchased
In the context of the Properties, there is no value attached as nothing has been purchased over the past years.
- What was the sale price of each property
In the context of the Properties, there is only one property sold at R18m
- Which properties were upgraded, maintained and/or renovated in each month
There were no Residential Units that were Maintained, upgraded or Renovated over the last three years safe for the property situated at No 18 Mill Street, Newlands, Cape Town (Guest House).
The property was upgraded for a specialised purpose of Generating Revenue
- Who resides in the specified properties
The commercial components of both portfolios are occupied by private tenants on commercial basis mainly as retail activities being conducted and for office usage.
The Residential Component of the portfolio (378 leases) are mainly occupied by private residents and about 43 residential properties by PRASA staff with relationships strictly on commercial terms.
We have herewith attached a separate Listing of the occupiers of the Residential Properties that are active in our Property Management System. See the Excel Sheet attached.
- What are the lease arrangements and terms and conditions with regard to each property
The Residential Leases are all completed individually in terms of our leasing procedures with each respective tenant using the Residential, Lease Contract Template.
The lease arrangements on all the occupiers of the PRASA’s portfolios are on commercial terms.
This comprises of the description of the Property and its Extent including the Area as well as any pertinent components of the property like the tenure of the contract.
The agreement also describes the Tenants being charged Market Related Rentals and Escalations.
Rentals valuations are conducted by appointed qualified Real Estate Valuers to determine the applicable market rates.
Monthly Rentals are charged on all approved tenants in occupation of the PRASA properties.
Recoveries are also charged as additional billings in respect to the Electricity and water usages where meters are installed.
Conditions of the Properties are listed in the contract after every pre-occupation and pre-vacation assessment processes.
The Tenants Obligations as well as PRASA Obligations in terms of the Maintenance of the Property will also be clearly indicated in the lease agreements.
03 July 2023 - NW2406
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether (a) the Integrated Public Transport Network systems are fully effective across the metropolitan municipalities based on the monitoring measurements of the results and (b) members of the public rely on the Bus Rapid Transit system; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- Integrated Public Transport Networks are operational in 8 municipalities, four metropolitan and four local municipalities. The effectiveness of the IPTN systems is measured based on the following operational indicators: operational hours, peak and off-peak frequencies, number of average weekday passengers’ trips, and number and percentage of municipal households within 500 meters walk to an IPTN station or stop.
The above indicators will differ per city. Generally, cities are operating services ranging from 15 to 19 hours per day, with peak frequencies of 5- 20 minutes and off-peak frequencies of 20-30 minutes. In 2022/23 a cumulative total of 555 990 average weekday passenger trips, compared to 399 260 in the previous year across all municipalities. All systems are designed to achieve 500-meter walk to an IPTN station or stop. In addition, these services are universally accessible to all passengers.
- Members of the public rely on Integrated Public Transport Network systems that include Bus Rapid Transit as well as Quality Bus services, as well as additional public transport services such as rail, bus and taxis, and walking and cycling in their areas.
03 July 2023 - NW2134
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
What steps of interventions has she taken to ensure that public transport services are in a position to provide services to persons living with disabilities across the Republic?
Reply:
The Department published the White Paper on National Public Transport Policy, 2021 which commits that all forms of transport services will become “accessible to all”, (i.e universally accessible); including people with disabilities, all over the country. (Page 4).
The White Paper applies to all forms of transport services; road-based public transport, cycling and walking, rail, aviation and maritime. The implementation of this part of the White Paper requires coordination across the provinces and the State-owned Entities of the Department. The Transport Sector Transformation Forum meets quarterly, and progress on universally accessible transport is reported in this forum.
In road-based public transport services specifically, since 2010, ten municipalities have developed a universal design access plan (UDAP) to implement universally accessible transport systems in Integrated Public Transport Networks (IPTNS), using the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG). In these ten municipalities new public transport vehicles have to be universally designed, to accommodate wheelchairs, people with other disabilities, passengers accompanying children, elderly people and women.
All ten municipalities report annually on the implementation of their UDAP, which includes all aspects of the travel chain, not vehicles alone. The implementation of the UDAP is part of the operational plan of the new public transport system within an IPTN. Where any form of transport in an IPTN is not accessible, passengers are able to register a complaint. Under the National Land Transport Act section 18(5) this complaint must be remedied.
30 June 2023 - NW2154
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Given that there have been violent tensions between taxi drivers and private service providers such as Uber drivers over routes and customers in some parts of the Republic, what stakeholder meetings has her department held to bring the warring groups to a working agreement that works for them and their commuters who are members of the public?
Reply:
-
- Provinces are managing operations between all taxi services in the different provinces and that involves the relations between the taxi drivers and Uber drivers. Where there are violent tensions between the taxi service operators, the provinces intervene and involve the law enforcement authorities as those would be criminal matters.
-
- It is prudent to mentioned that my predecessors have had a number of engagements with the taxi industry stakeholders to quell the violence and conflict that exist in this industry. That is, the Department had several meetings with taxi operators, e-hailing drivers and App companies (i.e. Uber and Bolt) as follows:
- The Department (the then Minister of Transport, Mr Maswanganyi) met the Minister of Police (Mr Fikile Mbalula) to discuss the taxi violence and thereafter convened a meeting with e-hailing drivers, App companies and metered taxi operators on 28 July 2017, Centurion;
- Then, the Department met with operators and provincial Department of Transport in Sandton, Gautrain Station, to deal with the violence that occured there;
- Former Ministers (Mr Blade Nzimande and Mr Fikile Mbalula) engaged affected stakeholders including cities and SANTACO. Then, the National Task Team (NTT) comprising of SANTACO, Metered Taxis, App companies and e-hailing drivers was established. The NTT had several meetings to deal with the matter at hand; and
- The Minister issued a media statement to denounce acts of taxi violence which transpired in the vicinity of the Maponya Mall, Soweto on Friday, 02 June 2023. In no distant future, the Department will, once more, engage the affected stakeholders to serious implore all stakeholders to desist from doing the violent act and co-exist for the beneficial of passengers.
- It is prudent to mentioned that my predecessors have had a number of engagements with the taxi industry stakeholders to quell the violence and conflict that exist in this industry. That is, the Department had several meetings with taxi operators, e-hailing drivers and App companies (i.e. Uber and Bolt) as follows:
3.2 The National Land Transport (NLT) Amendment Bill has been passed by the National Assembly and it is undergoing the National Council of Provinces processes. Once signed into law by the President, the Department will introduce the regulations to regulate the e-hailing services to bring into effect the level playing field. This process has been started and it is undertaken in parallel to the process of the NLT Amendment Bill.
3.3 A declaration was signed during the National Taxi Lekgotla, where the taxi industry and all other stakeholders rejected violence and pledged to work with government to ensure that peace and stability prevails within the taxi industry sector.
30 June 2023 - NW2253
Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether her department is involved in any plans to rehabilitate the 4, 5km D2953 road covering the KaHhoyi village in Mpumalanga; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date will the project start and (b) what (i) total amount is budgeted for the project and (ii) is the envisaged duration of the project?
Reply:
The Department can confirm that the road D2953 is a provincial road under the management of the Mpumalanga province.
As the honourable member may be aware of the separation of powers and responsibility on road (provincial roads) as exclusive functions of the province, the Department does not have plans and is not in any plans to rehabilitate 4.5km of road D2953. The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works and Roads is however carrying out maintenance of the road such as pothole patching and routine maintenance to keep the road safe and usable.
- Not applicable
- (i) Not applicable
- Not applicable
30 June 2023 - NW1712
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether she will furnish Mrs W R Alexander with a comprehensive breakdown of the procurement allocation of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her in terms of the percentages allocated to (i) small-, medium- and micro-enterprises, (ii) cooperatives, (iii) township enterprises and (iv) rural enterprises with a view to evaluating the effectiveness of the set-aside policy of the Government in fostering an inclusive and diverse economic landscape (details furnished) in the (aa) 2021-22 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023? NW1953
Reply:
Department
a)(i) The Department procured the following estimated percentage from small-, medium- and micro-enterprises, for both tender and quote processes:
(aa) 2021-22: 19% of all procurement;
(bb) Since Apr 2023: 25% of all procurement.
In response to (a)(ii) to (iv), please note that PPPFA Regulations 2017 and other National Treasury procurement rules and regulations did not allow for set asides. In terms of the PPPFA Regulations 2017, preference was given in terms of BBBEE status. Service providers also were not required to provide information regarding cooperatives and whether they were rural or township enterprises.
The PPPFA Regulations of 2022, with effect from 16 January 2023, allow Department’s to develop their own goals.
As the Department of Transport our policy includes promoting rural enterprises, as and when the Department procures for events in rural/township areas. Rural and township enterprises can bid/quote for all requests via standard processes.
Procurement processes and the Central Supplier Database do not prevent any supplier from registering or contracting. However, there is no requirement to provide the requested information, which as such is not recorded by the Department.
Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Ltd ( ATNS)
(aa) 2021-22 financial year
B-BBEE rating |
Number of suppliers |
Percentages (%) |
Generic |
140 |
26% |
i) SMMEs |
244 |
46% |
ii) Cooperatives |
0 |
0% |
iii) Township enterprises |
13 |
2% |
iv) Rural |
18 |
3% |
Others (Municipalities, International Suppliers, Landlords, Government Departments, NGO, etc., |
118 |
23% |
Total |
533 |
100% |
(bb) since 1 April 2023
B-BBEE rating |
Number of suppliers |
Percentages (%) |
Generic |
3 |
12% |
i) SMMEs |
20 |
80% |
ii) Cooperatives |
0 |
0% |
iii) Township enterprises |
1 |
4% |
iv) Rural |
1 |
4% |
Total |
25 |
100% |
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
a) The procurement allocation for the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA):
As per the SACAA approved budget the procurement allocation for goods and services for the following periods amount to:
2021/2022 financial year amounts to R160 100 508
2022/2023 financial year amounts to R212 735 409
Since 1 April 2023 to 30 April 2023 R 18 154 964
b) (i) (aa) (bb) % Allocated to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises
2021/2022 financial year 20%
2022/2023 financial year 20%
Since 1 April 2023 to 30 April 2023 20%
(ii) % Allocated to Cooperatives
No allocation made to cooperatives.
(iii) % Allocated to Township Enterprises
No allocation made to Township Enterprises.
(iv) % Allocated Rural Enterprises
No allocation made to Rural Enterprises
Airports Company South Africa SOC Ltd (ACSA)
The Total Procurement spend for the financial year 2022/23 (from April 2022 to March 2023) was R2 007 856 547. Spend with Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) companies was 73.50% (R1 475 774 562) of total Procurement spend. Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE) and Exempted Micro Enterprises (EME) benefited 25.45% (R375 584 626) and 21.11% (R311 536 010) respectively, both against a target of 20% of total B-BBEE spend. The total spend with 30% or more Women Owned Businesses was 37.08% (R547 217 208) against a target of 20% and 51% Youth Owned businesses spend was 3.81% (R56 227 011) against a target of 10% of total B-BBEE spend.
The targeted Procurement spend for Co-operatives, Township Enterprises and Rural Enterprises was 30% (R602 356 964) of total Procurement spend and 25% (R501 964 137) was achieved. There has not been spend with Rural Enterprises due to the location of our airports. The table below summarises the above statements:
# |
DESCRIPTION |
TARGET |
ACTUAL VALUE OF SPEND |
% SPEND |
COMMENTS |
1. |
Total Procurement Spend |
Per Budget |
R2 007 856 547 |
100% |
As per budget |
2. |
Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) |
80% |
R1 475 774 562 |
73.50% |
As a % of Total Procurement Spend |
3. |
Qualifying Small Enterprises |
20% |
R375 584 626 |
25.45% |
As a % of B-BBEE spend |
4. |
Exempted Micro Enterprises |
20% |
R311 536 010 |
21.11% |
As a % of B-BBEE spend |
5. |
30% or more Women Owned Businesses |
20% |
R547 217 208 |
37.08% |
As a % of B-BBEE spend |
6. |
51% Youth Owned Businesses |
10% |
R56 227 011 |
3.81% |
As a % of B-BBEE spend |
7. |
Co-operatives |
30% |
R100 392 827 |
5.00% |
As a % of Total Procurement Spend |
8. |
Township Enterprises |
R401 571 309 |
20% |
||
9. |
Rural Enterprises |
R0.00 |
0% |
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)
aa) Below is a split of spend between suppliers that are Exempted Micro Enterprises (EME) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE) for the 2021-22 financial year indicating the designated groups.
TOTAL SPEND BREAKDOWN |
HDI |
GOVERNMENT ENTITIES (Exempted) |
OTHER |
TOTAL |
|
Mar-22 |
TOTAL CUMMULATIVE |
R596 536 722 |
R110 383 973 |
R234 963 706 |
R941 884 402 |
|
|
63% |
12% |
25% |
100% |
HDI BREAKDOWN |
YOUTH |
WOMEN |
OTHER BLACK OWNED ENTITIES |
DISABILITY |
TOTAL |
|
Mar-22 |
TOTAL CUMMULATIVE |
R9 231 045 |
R239 463 796 |
R346 161 406 |
R1 680 475 |
R596 536 722 |
|
|
2% |
40% |
58% |
0% |
100% |
TOTAL SPEND BREAKDOWN OF HDI |
YOUTH |
WOMEN |
OTHER BLACK OWNED ENTITIES |
DISABILITY |
TOTAL HDI SPEND |
TOTAL |
|
SMME ANALYSIS |
Spend on EME |
4 063 106 |
28 980 709 |
115 822 136 |
1 680 475 |
150 538 775 |
150 538 775 |
1% |
5% |
19% |
0% |
16% |
25% |
||
Spend on QSE |
4 587 217 |
48 291 444 |
70 431 574 |
7 650 |
123 310 235 |
123 310 235 |
|
4% |
8% |
12% |
0% |
13% |
24% |
||
Spend on Generic |
580 722 |
162 191 644 |
159 915 347 |
0 |
322 687 712 |
322 687 712 |
|
0% |
27% |
27% |
0% |
54% |
54% |
||
Spend on EME and QSE |
8 650 323 |
77 272 152 |
186 253 710 |
1 688 125 |
273 849 010 |
273 849 010 |
|
|
|
1% |
13% |
31% |
0% |
29% |
29.07% |
29.07% of the Corporation's total spend was towards SMME's |
bb) Below is a split of spend between suppliers that are Exempted Micro Enterprises (EME) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE) for the month ending 30 April 2023 indicating the designated groups.
TOTAL SPEND BREAKDOWN |
HDI |
GOVERNMENT ENTITIES (Exempted) |
OTHER |
TOTAL |
|
Apr-23 |
TOTAL CUMMULATIVE |
R4 927 000 |
R9 106 081 |
R1 323 915 |
R15 356 996 |
|
|
32% |
59% |
9% |
100% |
HDI BREAKDOWN |
YOUTH |
WOMEN |
OTHER BLACK OWNED ENTITIES |
DISABILITY |
TOTAL |
|
Mar-22 |
TOTAL CUMMULATIVE |
R494 678 |
R2 590 681 |
R1 841 641 |
R0 |
R4 927 000 |
|
|
10% |
53% |
37% |
0% |
100% |
TOTAL SPEND BREAKDOWN OF HDI |
YOUTH |
WOMEN |
OTHER BLACK OWNED ENTITIES |
DISABILITY |
TOTAL HDI SPEND |
TOTAL |
|
SMME ANALYSIS |
Spend on EME |
4 785 |
1 124 878 |
1 053 158 |
0 |
2 182 821 |
2 182 821 |
0% |
23% |
21% |
0% |
14% |
44% |
||
Spend on QSE |
11 600 |
888 048 |
514 801 |
0 |
1 414 449 |
1 414 449 |
|
1% |
18% |
10% |
0% |
9% |
29% |
||
Spend on Generic |
478 293 |
577 756 |
273 682 |
0 |
1 329 731 |
1 329 731 |
|
10% |
12% |
6% |
0% |
27% |
27% |
||
Spend on EME and QSE |
16 385 |
2 012 925 |
1 567 959 |
0 |
3 597 269 |
3 597 269 |
|
|
|
0% |
41% |
32% |
0% |
23% |
23.42% |
23.42% of the Corporation's total spend was towards SMME's
Cross Border of Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) 3.1 (b) The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) issued orders in the amount of R32,741,722.57 for the (aa) 2021-22 financial year and R7,796,923.01 for the period (bb) 01 April 2023 to 12 May 2023. i) Out of the total orders issued, an amount of R20,827,412,27 (64%) was issued to small-, medium- and micro-enterprises for the 2021-22 financial year and R5,892 600.29 (75%) for the period 01 April 2023 to 12 May 2023, ii) R29,380.00 (0.14%) was issued to cooperatives for the 2021-22 financial year and R0.00 (0%) for the period 01 April 2023 to 12 May 2023 iii) R0.00 to township enterprises for both periods and iv) R0.00 to rural enterprises for both periods. The breakdown per the categories above was based on information loaded in the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD). The C-BRTA does not conduct independent verification of the information loaded on CSD. Road Accident Fund (RAF)
Note 1: The RAF is currently not able to report on procurement spend Cooperatives, Township and Rural Enterprises. Despite the challenge in reporting the RAF still ensures that a considerable share of our procurement spend is with B-BBEE Compliant Enterprises. The RAF is required to source the goods and services from service providers who registered with National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD). The CSD searches do not provide for searching of designated groups. RAF is in a process of formulating a transformation plan that includes targets of preferential procurement goals as specified above. South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) SANRAL collates information in accordance with the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA), which defines the categories of Exempted Micro Enterprises (EME), Qualifying Micro Enterprises (QSE) and Generic/Large entities. Both EME and QSE’s are regarded as (i) small-, medium- and micro enterprises (SMME). The table below reflects the awards for the (aa) 2021-22 and (bb) 2022/23 financial years. |
Railway Safety Regulator (RSR)
2021/2022 Financial year end total spend R62,975,134-80
|
Amount Spent |
Percentage |
|
(i) |
EME&QSE |
R43,603,479-47 |
69.24% |
(ii) |
Cooperatives |
R16,636,045-64 |
26.42% |
(iii) |
Township enterprises |
0 |
0 |
(iv) |
Rural enterprises |
0 |
0 |
1 April 2023 total spend R 6 042 254.43
Amount Spent |
Percentage |
||
(i) |
EME&QSE |
R2,941,419 |
48.68% |
(ii) |
Cooperatives |
R2,877,035 |
47.62% |
(iii) |
Township enterprises |
0 |
0 |
(iv) |
Rural enterprises |
0 |
0 |
South Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
a) Not applicable
b) (aa) 2021-22 financial year:
- 20.69% of procurement allocated to small, medium and micro-enterprises
- Not applicable
- Not applicable
- Not applicable
(bb) Since April 2023: This information is not currently available for any of the categories due to a cyber-attack on our ICT environment.
Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA)
a) Not applicable
b) (aa) 2021-2022 financial year not applicable
- Not applicable
- Not applicable
- Not applicable
- Not applicable
(bb) Not applicable
30 June 2023 - NW1907
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) What number of provinces has she identified to transfer their provincial and local roads to SA National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL) due to lack of maintenance; (2) whether there will be budget transfers from the affected provinces to SANRAL’s coffers since the entity has hit a fiscal cliff resulting in the entity being unable to address its own road maintenance backlog; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2161E
Reply:
- See attached annexure A.
- Road transfers to SANRAL are not accompanied by direct budget transfers from the affected Province to SANRAL. The Provincial allocation will automatically reduce through the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant formula which is based on kilometer network length work in each Province, and SANRAL allocation will be adjusted by National Treasury over the MTEF period.
As per SANRAL press statements the “fiscal cliff” article that recently appeared in papers is based on 2016 scenarios as presented in SANRAL Horizon 2030 and the non-toll funding levels at the time. This scenario fortunately did not materialize, and SANRAL non-toll funding allocations received from National Treasury has increased by over 90% since 2015/16, enabling SANRAL to address national road backlogs and incorporated the remainder of the Strategic and Primary network, of which ± 12,000 km still remains to be transferred.
It is important to note that the transfer of roads is a process to be initiated by the Premier of the province with a formal letter to the Minister of Transport, meaning that without the Premier’s request, no transfers can be initiated.
ANNEXURE A
SANRAL mandate is to be responsible for the identified Strategic and Primary Road network of South Africa ± 35,000 km, of which 23,559 km has been transferred to SANRAL to date. The remaining portions of identified Strategic and Primary network per Province is summarised in table below.
During the 2022/23 financial year only three provinces, namely Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and North West the following Strategic and Primary roads were transferred as follows:
- Eastern Cape transferred thirty (30) roads=332km
- Northern Cape transferred twenty (20) roads= 951km
- North West transferred one road (N12) with three (3) sections= 20.23km
30 June 2023 - NW1935
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Transport
In light of the directive given in terms of section 79 of the National Ports Act, Act 12 of 2005, which short-circuits sections of the Act that require a separate public consultation process when harbour space is leased to third parties and compels Transnet to make way for the power ships, which sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 89 of 1993, did Kapowership comply with in terms of the necessary risk profile required by the Act?
Reply:
In terms of the National Ports Act No. 12 of 2005, Section 79 (1) The Minister may, in writing, direct the Authority to perform a specified act within the Authority’s power or not to perform a specified act, if such direction is necessary of the-
- to safeguard the national security of the Republic;
- promote the national, strategic or economic interests of the Republic; or to;
- discharge an international obligation of the Republic.”
The condition that the Minister of Transport has put on the directive is sufficient enough to give TNPA latitude to require Karpowership to comply with all necessary safety and operational requirements:
“TNPA reserves the rights to include all the necessary commercial and safety requirements or agreements that considered necessary during the period of this Directive.
Karpowership remains obliged to obtain all other statutory approvals and consent(s) as prescribed in law and as may be reasonably required by the TNPA.
The directive is also subject to all other government approvals such as Environmental Approvals from competent government departments”.
30 June 2023 - NW2084
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
With regard to the recent approval of the application of Karpowership to access the Ports of Ngqura, Durban and Saldanha Bay for a period of 20 years which is expected to assist in the reduction of load shedding in the Republic, (a) what measures will she employ to ensure that the specific project will not be marred by corruption and (b) how long will it take for the public to see the positive impact of the project?
Reply:
In terms of the National Ports Act No. 12 of 2005, Section 79 (1) The Minister may, in writing, direct the Authority to perform a specified act within the Authority’s power or not to perform a specified act, if such direction is necessary of the-
-
to safeguard the national security of the Republic;
-
promote the national, strategic or economic interests of the Republic; or to;
-
discharge an international obligation of the Republic.”
The Minister of Transport therefore is not the custodian of the project itself as that project falls under the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. It is therefore advisable that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy respond to these specific questions.
14 June 2023 - NW2122
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport
Given that the cost of transport has become excessive recently while many workers used to rely on trains to get to their jobs, by what date is it envisaged that the rail network of the Republic will once again become operational to allow many of our poorer workforce who relied on the cheap, relatively safe and efficient mode of transport to get to their jobs?O2407E
Reply:
PRASA is currently offering commuter rail services in four regions namely KZN, Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape in the following lines:
- KZN: Durban – Umlazi, Durban – Kwamashu, Durban – Tongaat, Durban – Catoridge;
- Eastern Cape: East London to Berlin;
- Gauteng: Pretoria – Pienaarspoort, Pretoria – Saulsville, De Wildt – Hercules, Pretoria – Mabopane, Pretoria – Centurion, Johannesburg – Naledi and Vereeniging – Germiston;
- Western Cape: Cape Town – Simonstown, Cape Town – Retreat, Cape Town – Bellville (via Goodwood and Monte Vista), Cape Town – Wellington, Cape Town – Malmesbury, Bellville – Eersterivier, Cape Town – Langa (via Mutual and Pinelands) and Cape Town – Bellville (via Sarepta).
PRASA has also targeted to refurbish infrastructure on the following lines with the intention to restore passenger rail services in the 2023/2024 FY:
- KZN: Crossmore-Durban, Durban-Stanger, Pinetown-Durban, Wests-Durban.
- Eastern Cape: Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage.
- Gauteng: Daveyton-Dunswart-Germiston, Vereeninging-George Goch (via Midway), Kwesine-Germiston, Springs-Johannesburg, Randfontein-Johannesburg, Nigel-Springs, Johannesburg-Oberholzer, Germiston-New Canada (Booysen), Mabopane-Pienaarspoort (via Capital Park).
- Western Cape: Cape Town-Khayelitsha, Cape Town-Kapteinsklip, Cape Town-Kraaifontein, Cape Town-Worcester, Eerste Rivier-Muldersvlei.
14 June 2023 - NW1298
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Transport
By what date does she envisage will the (a) road connecting Verkeerdevlei with Thaba Nchu be tarred as this provides the shortest access to Thaba Nchu from the N1 and (b) R703 road linking the N8 with the N1 be fixed, particularly the pothole riddled section between Verkeerdevlei and Excelsior?
Reply:
The matter was referred to Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, since this road falls under their area of jurisdiction and have indicated that roads in the Province are prioritized based on the outcome of optimal resource allocation. For that purpose, procurement processes have already commenced for parts of this request.
a) The province would like to address the concerns regarding the maintenance backlog on the Verkeerdevlei to Thaba Nchu (N8-N1) road. We understand the importance of maintaining our roads to ensure safe and efficient travel for all citizens.
The province acknowledges the potholes on this section of the road, as it forms part of the provincial departmental Potholes Repair Programme under Provincial Road Maintenance Grant (PRMG) funds. The Motheo region has a weekly target of pothole patching in line with the Departmental Annual Performance Plans (APPs). This is aimed at ensuring the road is safe for road users at all time, while the Department is planning to perform rehabilitation for the entire road later in the year because it has reached its life span.
b) The advert for the section between Excelsior and Tweespruit closed in 31 January 2023 and is currently undergoing evaluation with an allocated budget of R25 million for the 2023/24 financial year and a provisional R45 million for the 2024/25 financial year. The budget will be adjusted based on bids received and approved. The anticipation date appointment of a contractor is expected by end of June 2023.
The province assures that the Verkeerdevlei to Thaba Nchu road is not forgotten, and it will be prioritized in the next financial year. The province is aware of the urgency of the situation will work diligently to address the maintenance backlog on this road.
14 June 2023 - NW1726
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
What other areas is her department looking to bring and/or revive the train service in the short term, as it did with the train service from Nyanga to Langa that was launched more than a month ago?
Reply:
For the 2023/24 financial the following lines will be opened.
- Leralla to Germiston
- Centurion to Kaalfontein
- Durban to Kwamashu/Bridge City
- Durban to Winkelspruit
- Germiston to Johannesburg
- Durban to Crossmoor
- Belle Ombre to Hercules to Capital Park
- Germiston to Kwesine
- Durban to Pinetown
- Johannesburg to Randfontein
- Johannesburg to Residensia
- Nyanga to Chris Hani
- Nyanga to Kapteinsklip
- Eerste River to Strand
- Eerste River to Muldersvlei
For the 2024/25 financial the following lines will be opened in the first quarter.
- Germiston to Daveyton
- Dunswart to Springs
14 June 2023 - NW1883
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, in view of the many reported cases of school-going children in rural areas being forced to cross dangerous makeshift bridges to and from school even in the most dangerous weather conditions, with the most recent case being primary school pupils crossing the Mvenyane River in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, her department has undertaken any follow up interventions with regard to the specified cases to address the issues; if not, why has her department not undertaken to fix bridges which have been damaged by floods; if so, what follow up and intervention has already been made in response to the specified case?
Reply:
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport (ECDoT) is aware of the difficulty children in rural areas face when rivers are full and river crossings become impassable.
The National Department of Public Works & Infrastructure (DPWI) through BFI have secured funds with the purpose of constructing Welisizwe bridges aim at ensuring that access to schools, clinics, police stations are safe.
To this end the DPWI and ECDoT have entered into a memorandum of agreement for Welisizwe Bridges programme SIP No. 25. The following Departments are also involved in the rollout of this program:
- Department of Defence
- Department of Transport
- Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs
The ECDoT after the recent floods have identified 49 bridges that will be constructed over the MTEF period. The following table confirms that:
MTEF Targets |
||
2023/24 |
2024/25 |
2025/26 |
17 |
16 |
16 |
14 June 2023 - NW1915
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Transport
By which date is it envisaged that the R70 road between Senekal and Ficksburg will be repaired, as it is riddled with potholes?
Reply:
The matter was referred to the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, since this road falls under their area of jurisdiction, who have indicated that:
a) Delays were experienced for immediate repairs due a lack of resources
b) The planned intervention is the inclusion of the road on the Departmental Business Plan over the 2023/24 MTEF. Specifications have already been drafted and will be presented to relevant structures by end of May 2023, in an effort to kick-start the process of advertising for a contractor to fix and repair the two separate roads: i.e. Senekal – Rosendal and Rosendal – Ficksburg.
14 June 2023 - NW1908
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Transport
What measures has her department put in place to ensure that the correct Road Accident Fund claimants are being paid in time to avoid being taken to court for such matters?
Reply:
The sixth administration of the ANC led government identified the turnaround of the RAF as one of its priorities. At the core of this turnaround is claimant centricity and expeditious finalisation of claims. There was a backlog of more than 300 000 claims (including supplier claims).
The target is to settle claims within 120 days as per the legislative mandate. This is against a background where claims took an average of 5 years to settle.
The RAF embarked on a project to settle old claims that were older than 3 years. An audit then indicated that 93% of all these claims were not compliant with the minimum requirements; i.e., the forms were not filled with “all particulars” as envisaged in Section 24 (4) of the RAF Act.
The claims were deemed to be valid in terms of Section 24(5) of the RAF Act which deems claims valid “in law in all respects” as the RAF did not object within 60 days of receiving the claim.
The former Minister of Transport, Minister Mbalula gazetted the Minimum requirements and the RAF has amended the RAF Form 1 to include all these changes.
A pre–assessment process has been implemented at various regional offices and most of these non–complaint claims are rejected immediately on lodgement in line with Section 24(4) of the RAF Act.
All RAF claims are now paid within 180 days after settlement in line with the court order granted by the North Gauteng High Court.
The challenge continues to be in represented claims, where attorneys receive monies and do not pay over to the claimants and Section 19(c) of the RAF Act which makes direct claims unlawful if RAF initiates the claim on behalf of the claimant.
Organisational structure review and process re-engineering
A new Operating Model was introduced with re-engineered claims processes focusing on simplifying the processing of valid claims to improve processing turnaround times.
In order to ensure that the correct claimants are paid timeously, the RAF moved from outsourcing of actuarial services to calculate the quatum of the claims, and accident investigators as it was costly and time consuming and appointed permanent employees for the investigation and assessment of claims to be managed in a shorter period and in a mre cost effective manner.
The claims administration units focus on matters capable of settlement by engaging with the claimants and/or their representatives to settle these matters before they are taken to court.
Furthermore, the RAF has also strengthened and improved controls linked to payments, with various validations, including the utilisation of the Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS), are undertaken to verify and confirm the identity and mortality of claimants and dependants. Bank information is externally validated to ensure payments are made into the correct bank account. The RAF also checks tax compliance and any contingency fee agreement's validity before payment.
14 June 2023 - NW1932
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)What is the status of the high-speed underground train or bullet train that the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, announced during his State of the Nation Address on 20 June 2019; (2) whether the feasibility study has been conducted; if not, why not; if so, what (a) total amount did it cost and (b) is the breakdown of the total amount spent on the project?
Reply:
1. The Department of Transport has developed a High-Speed Rail (HSR) Framework following the adoption of the National Rail Policy by Cabinet on 23 March 2022. Drawing its policy direction from the National Rail Policy, the HSR Framework provides the foundation for the prioritisation of HSR corridors in the country. The Framework identifies the objectives of HSR and the criteria to be used in prioritising and ranking potential HSR corridors in the country. Following approval of the HSR Framework by Cabinet and the securing of the required funding, feasibility studies will be conducted on prioritised HSR corridors.
2. See response in (1) above.
14 June 2023 - NW2001
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
In light of the announcement made by the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, during the State of the Nation Address on 20 June 2019, regarding the introduction of high-speed bullet trains, what (a) is the total estimated cost for the entire project and (b) period will it take to finalise the project?
Reply:
a) The Department of Transport has developed a High Speed Rail (HSR) Framework following the adoption of the White Paper on National Rail Policy by Cabinet on 23 March 2022. Drawing its policy direction from the National Rail Policy, the draft HSR Framework provides the foundation for the prioritisation of HSR corridors in the country. Following approval of the draft HSR Framework by Cabinet and the securing of the required funding, feasibility studies will be undertaken on prioritised HSR corridors. The outcome of feasibility studies on priority corridors will determine the estimated cost of implementing HSR on a specific priority corridor.
b) See response in (a).
14 June 2023 - NW2112
Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
What are the details of the concrete plans she has to deal with regarding the extensive road maintenance backlog, especially in relation to fixing the economically damaging potholes and generally bad road surface conditions in the Republic?
Reply:
As the honourable member may be aware, most of the South African road network has reached their twenty (20) years design life with the maintenance backlog estimated to be R197 billion. It is also important to note that insufficient budget for roads at both provincial and municipal levels continue to hinder the sector hence most of these roads are riddled with potholes.
Following Cabinet retreat of 31 May to 1 June 2022, whereby SANRAL was appointed as the implementing agent for the programme to support the Roads authorities with skills capacity and use of the maintenance technologies already available at SANRAL. All provinces developed and presented their respective plans on the six months rollout till end of 2022/23 financial year.
The programme “Operation Vala Zonke” rollout was then launched on 08 August 2022 in Gauteng with all other eight (8) provinces simultaneously launching their rollout programmes.
The rollout plan has both the short and long-term interventions that is presented to the National Treasury for funding support which includes amongst others.
- Substantial budget increase to Provincial Road Maintenance Grant (PRMG) to be ringfenced for national intervention to allow SANRAL direct intervention where authorities fail to discharge their mandates.
- Department issuing practice notes for provinces to sign MoA’s with municipalities for future collaboration and assistance of skills capacity to utilise the pothole reporting app.
- Support for provinces and municipalities in uploading the roads data in the SANRAL Integrated Transport Information System.
- SANRAL to remain central in coordinating all pothole fixing programme with both provinces and municipalities jointly working together.
The Department is in the process of establishing the “Operation Vala Zonke War Room” whereby all matters relating to pothole information will be centrally coordinated.
Following my meeting with His excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2023, I will be meeting with all the nine Premiers with effect from the 5th of June 2023 to address amongst others, challenges facing the province’s financial, technological and human resource capacity and also agree on how the rollout can be strengthened.
14 June 2023 - NW2129
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
What are the projected dates that operations of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa will resume, in light of the numerous challenges the entity is faced with, particularly, but not limited to, the Cape Town routes that are still not operational?
Reply:
The following lines in Cape Town are projected to be operational during the 2023/24 financial year, as follows:
- Nyanga to Chris Hani – 30 November 2023
- Nyanga to Kapteinsklip – 30 November 2023
- Eerste River to Strand – 30 August 2023
- Eerste River to Muldersvlei – 31 August 2023
14 June 2023 - NW2130
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether her department has taken any steps to (a) work with the SA Police Service to identify and/or apprehend individuals and/or syndicates responsible for the massive corruption at driving licence testing centers and (b) deal with the resultant backlog on processing licences; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
Yes. My Department has through the years taken several steps to (a) work with the SA Police Service to identify and/or apprehend individuals and/or syndicates responsible for the massive corruption at Driving Licence Testing Centers (DLTCs). The South African Police Service (SAPS) is a member of all the Department’s national legislation forums, where procedures and legislation are tabled to combat crime not only in the areas of DLTCs but in the road traffic environment as a whole.
Further to that, my Department is also a member of the National and Provincial Vehicle Crime Forums of the SAPS. In addition, my Department’s Directorate Compliance works closely with the SAPS and provides inputs and supplies evidence and expert witness statements in major SAPS operations if and when requested.
Both my Department and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), a Corporation of my Department, are therefore actively pursuing investigations into allegations of irregularities and bringing such cases with supporting evidence to the attention of the SAPS. Several such investigations are ongoing throughout the country. The RTMC reported that the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit investigated 247 cases of fraud and corruption in the past financial year and made 96 arrests in collaboration with the South African Police Services.
The Inspectorate for Driving Licence Testing Centres is appointed by the Minister. The purpose of this Inspectorate is to ensure that testing centres comply with the legislative requirements and non-compliance is reported to the Provincial Departments to act upon to, amongst others reduce crime.
The Department is also engaging with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to establish a link between the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) and DHA systems to further secure the environment by ensuring that we only transact with citizens or people who are legally in the country. Biometric verification is used to authenticate users on login. The biometric verification is currently deployed in the Smart Enrolment Units and will be deployed for the revised Computerised Learner’s Licence Testing (CLLT) within this financial year. The functionality will be extended to high-risk transactions when the applicant must be present.
The Online booking system is currently used at all DLTCs in Gauteng and 2 Metropolitan Municipalities in Eastern Cape to address collusion and fraudulent practices with bookings for tests. The solution is being rolled out in Free State.
Also with regards to part (b) my Department is working closely with DLCA to deal with the current backlog on processing licences;
The current backlog is however not a result of irregular activity at the DLTCs but as a result of maintenance on the card production machine that is taking longer than expected. The card production machine has been in operation since 1998 thus it’s obsolete and thus prone to constant breakdown. These breakdowns result in driving licence backlogs which the Department has been able to address once the machine is repaired and is in operation. A permanent solution to the problem is the replacement of this old machine with a new modern one, this is underway as part of the rolling out of the new driving licence card which was approved by Cabinet in August 2022.
14 June 2023 - NW2133
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
Following the flood disasters in the Eastern Cape that destroyed most of the road network in the specified province, what steps has she taken, working with other relevant government departments, to have the damaged roads fixed?
Reply:
Between November 2022 to February 2023 and in February and March 2023 Eastern Cape Province was again hit hard by torrential rains with OR Tambo District hit by both two events, resulting in severe damages to roads infrastructure. Damages includes roads surface wash-away, bridges including approaches, stormwater drainage blockages with debris and logs, and serious mudslides rendering roads unusable.
a). For the 6 District, about 6023 km of roads plus 77 bridges of damages were recorded. Due to limited resources to deal with most of the provincial roads affected, the Department resolved to restore trafficability by blading most roads and regravelling critical areas in severely damaged roads. In recent months persistent rains in the province affected the repair work and to date about 23 kilometers of roads and 7 bridges has been repaired, and work is still underway to repair most of the roads including 3 bridges due for completion soon.
b). For national roads floods damages were experienced on road works and bridges notably in the Port St Johns and King Dalinyebo Sabata (KSD) local municipalities during the March 2023 floods.
Temporary deviations/bypasses were constructed at 100% of locations to provide access to facilities and dwellings on the other side of the road slope failures and damaged bridge approaches. Emergency procurement processes are underway, and it is expected to have contractors on site for permanent repairs in June 2023.
09 June 2023 - NW476
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) is the salary of each (i) chief executive officer and (ii) top executive position in each state-owned entity reporting to him and (b) total amount does each get paid to attend a meeting?
Reply:
(a)The salaries of the (i) Chief Executive Officer and the (ii) top Executives are included in the table below. The salaries include medical aid and provident fund benefits.
SOUTH AFRICAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (SACAA)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Director of Civil Aviation |
4,757,586.47 |
Executive: Aviation Safety Infrastructure |
3,230,584.59 |
Executive: Aviation Safety Operations |
3,016,418.95 |
Executive: Aviation Security |
3,016,418.86 |
Chief Audit Executive |
2,695,172.42 |
Chief Financial Officer |
2,858,015.91 |
Executive: Legal and Aviation Compliance |
2,219,700.00 |
Executive Accident & Incident Investigations |
2,288,405.00 |
Executive: Corporate Services |
2,243,691.37 |
Company Secretary |
2,341,387.37 |
Executive: Human Resources |
2,717,845.93 |
PORTS REGULATOR SOUTH AFRICA (PRSA)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Chief Executive Officer |
3 811 900.50 |
Chief Financial Officer |
2 206 345.56 |
Executive Manager Legal |
2 032845.0 |
Executive Manager: Policy, Strategy & Research |
2 206 345.56 |
Executive Manager Industry Development |
1 978 101.97 |
SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY (SAMSA)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Chief Executive Officer |
3 641 880 |
Chief Operating Officer |
2 819 000 |
Executive Legal Services |
2 291 000 |
Company Secretary |
2 400 000 |
Executive Maritime Projects |
2 129 000 |
Chief Financial Officer |
1 918 000 |
Chief Information Officer |
1 766 000 |
Chief Human Capital |
2 066 000 |
Deputy Chief Operating Officer |
2 455 000 |
Executive Corporate Affairs |
1 831 000 |
CROSS BOARDER ROAD TRANSPORT AGENCY (CBRTA)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Chief Executive Officer |
R3,711,800 |
Chief Information Officer |
R2,705,136 |
Executive: Corporate Service |
R2,703,500 |
Executive: Regulatory Services |
R2,703,500 |
Executive: Facilitation and Advisory |
R2,703,500 |
Chief Financial Officer |
R2,703,500 |
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY LIMITED (SANRAL)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Chief Executive Officer |
R6 000 000.00 |
Chief Financial Officer |
R3 603 711.00 |
Engineering Executive |
R3 308 861.00 |
Chief Corporate Affairs Executive |
R2 191 415.00 |
Business Operations Executive (VACANT) |
R2 904 374.00 |
ROAD TRAFFIC INFRINGEMENT AGENCY (RTIA)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Registrar/Chief Executive Officer |
R2,469,928.00 |
Deputy Registrar: Traffic Infringement Management |
R1,864,698.00 |
Deputy Registrar: Strategy Development and Monitoring |
R1,864,698.00 |
Chief Financial Officer |
R1,864,698.00 |
Senior Executive Legal & Compliance |
R1,864,698.00 |
Chief Audit Executive |
R1,864,698.00 |
ROAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CORPORATION (RTMC)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Chief Executive Officer |
5 689 838 |
Executive Manager: Road Information and Technology |
2 833 487 |
Executive Manager: Financial Services |
3 182 407 |
Executive Manager: Road Safety Stakeholder Relations Management & Marketing |
2 710 930 |
Executive Manager: Corporate Services |
2 753 430 |
Executive Manager: Road Traffic Law Enforcement |
2 684 999 |
Executive Manager Road Traffic Academy |
2 743 586 |
Executive Manager Transactional Services |
2 177 914 |
AIR TRAFFIC & NAVIGATION SERVICES (ATNS)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Chief Executive Officer |
4 416 300,00 |
Chief of Finance |
|
*Chief Operating Officer (vacant) |
3 280 515,28 |
*Company Secretary (vacant) |
1 690 000,00 |
Chief Information Officer |
2 468 066,08 |
*Chief Operations Technology(vacant) |
2 167 733,49 |
*Chief Air Traffic Services (vacant) |
2 212 166,00 |
Executive: ATM / CNS Planning |
2 494 872,47 |
*Executive: Strategy and Optimisation (vacant) |
2 367 666,00 |
*Executive: Commercial Services (vacant) |
2 652 818,78 |
Chief Audit Officer |
2 086 355,67 |
Chief Risk Officer |
2 027 791,18 |
Legal Counsel |
2 066 751,69 |
Chief Aviation Training Academy |
2 326 092,55 |
Chief Human Capital Officer (6.5 months fixed term contract with total value of R996 664,50) |
1 839 996,00 |
Regional Director Africa Affairs (Canso) |
2 789 438,95 |
*Annual salary of previous incumbent
ROAD ACCIDENT FUND (RAF)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Chief Executive Officer |
R6 177 316,00 |
Chief Financial Officer |
R3 255 000,00 |
Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer |
R3 100 000,00 |
Chief Governance Officer |
R2 811 076,00 |
Chief Internal Audit Officer |
Vacant |
Chief Claims Officer |
Vacant |
Chief Corporate Support Officer |
Vacant |
Chief Investment Officer |
Vacant |
RAILWAY SAFETY REGULATOR (RSR)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Chief Executive Officer |
3 800 000 |
Chief Operations Officer |
Vacant |
Chief Financial Officer |
Vacant |
Executive Media and Communications |
2 003 574 |
Executive Risk and Strategy |
2 330 588 |
Executive Legal Services |
1 700 489 |
Executive Human Resources |
1 566 601 |
Chief Information Officer |
1 678 813 |
Company Secretary |
1 566 601 |
Chief Audit Executive |
2 003 574 |
PASSENGER RAIL AGENCY OF SOUTH AFRICA (PRASA)
Position |
Annual salary |
Group Chief Executive Officer |
6 800 000.00 |
Chief Finance Officer |
2,967,363.00 |
Chief Executive Officer |
2,800,000.00 |
Executive Manager: Office of GCEO |
2,967,879.00 |
Chief Financial Officer (Prasa Cres) |
2,514,809.00 |
Executive Manager:Real Estate |
2,208,714.00 |
Executive Manager: Facilities Management |
1,961,000.00 |
Group Executive: Legal,Risk & Compliance |
3,271,444.00 |
Acting Chief Executive Officer (Autopax) |
3,094,284.00 |
Chief Financial Officer: PRASA Rail |
2,420,800.00 |
Chief Operations Officer |
1,950,000.00 |
Chief Financial Officer: PRASA Corporate |
3,590,464.00 |
Chief Information Officer |
2,761,809.00 |
Chief Executive Officer (Autopax) |
2,600,000.00 |
AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA (ACSA)
Position |
Annual Salary |
Chief Executive Officer |
4 763 676 |
Chief Financial Officer |
3 551 556 |
Executive Strategy & Sustainability |
3 183 899 |
Chief Information Officer |
3 153 066 |
Executive Operations Management |
2 850 000 |
Executive Enterprise and Airport Security |
3 000 000 |
Chief Audit Executive |
2 711 159 |
Executive Human Resource |
2 700 000 |
Executive Corporate Services |
2 500 000 |
(b) The CEO and Executive members of State-Owned Entities do not get paid to attend meetings.
30 May 2023 - NW1491
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) By what date will taxi ranks be built in the Eastern Cape as taxis in the townships are conducting their business on the streets which makes it dangerous for pedestrians and (b) what is the time frame in this regard?
Reply:
a) In terms of institutional arrangements for land transport as prescribed in the National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009, it is the responsibility of municipalities to plan, provide and manage public transport infrastructure in their areas, not the national sphere. As planning authorities, municipalities are responsible for preparing transport plans in their areas and ensuring the implementation thereof as per section 11(1)(c)(iv) of the Act. These plans must comply with minimum requirements as published in November 2014 (Government Gazette No. 38256), which requires the inclusion of a transport infrastructure strategy to deal with the development and maintenance of transport infrastructure, including public transport facilities. In terms of section 11(1)(c)(v) of the Act, municipalities are responsible for the financial planning with regard to land transport within or affecting its area, with particular reference to transport planning, infrastructure, operations, services, maintenance, monitoring and administration, with due focus on rehabilitation and maintenance of infrastructure.
b) See (a) above regarding institutional arrangements and responsibilities.
30 May 2023 - NW1727
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, with reference to the increase in the number of Easter weekend road fatalities in all provinces except Mpumalanga, North West and the Western Cape, and in view of the fact that out of the 225 fatalities that were recorded 44,4% were pedestrians, there are any programmes in place which her department will adopt to ensure safety intervention efforts to prevent the deaths of innocent pedestrians on our roads which seem to spike during the holidays; if not, why not; if so, what progress has been made in rolling out the 365-day road safety campaign that she referred to on 14 April 2023? NW1970E
Reply:
The department does have a plan to deal with pedestrian fatalities on the roads.
In terms of that plan - which is encapsulated in the 365 days road safety programme, the Road Traffic Management Corporation, as the national lead agency on road safety, and provincial departments of community safety and transport jointly identify high-risk areas for pedestrian safety.
The plan identifies behaviour that puts pedestrians at risk such as jaywalking, drunk walking, distracted walking, scholar safety as well as safe crossing of freeways and visibility.
The national and provincial teams then jointly deploy law enforcement and road safety operations in identified high-risk areas to discourage unsafe road usage by pedestrians.
The law enforcement and the road safety education and communication technical committees – comprised of the RTMC, traffic law enforcement authorities and road safety practitioners from all nine provinces – meet regularly to evaluate performance and decide on further required interventions.
The challenge with pedestrian crashes is that they take place within build-up areas where municipalities have jurisdiction. The mushrooming of informal settlements further exacerbates the situation as shops and transport orgonites generally lie on the opposite side of major freeways requiring pedestrians to cross freeways when it is not safe to do so. The road authorities put up pedestrian over-passes to separate pedestrian traffic from the vehicle traffic, thus creating a safer environment for co-existence.
In implementing the 365-plan road safety (on the ground) activations were implemented, in addition to the school programme activations. Other interventions planned for the year with the private sector include focusing on drunken walking, which is a serious issue during weekends and long weekends.
23 May 2023 - NW1362
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)What (a) is the allocated budget for scholar transport for each province and (b) procedures and processes are in place to ensure that the budget allocated for scholar transport is not mismanaged; (2) whether each province has received their full budget for the 2023-24 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what total number of learners in each province (a) are reliant on scholar transport, (b) are provided for and (c) are able to make use of scholar transport?
Reply:
1. (a) Funding of learner transport is provided by the provincial treasuries through provincial equitable share. The total budget of scholar transport for 2022/2023 was R4,175,636,000.00 and is illustrated in the table below:
Province |
Annual Budget 2023/2024 |
Eastern Cape |
R 694,000,000.00 |
Free State |
R 102,400,000.00 |
Gauteng |
R 1,046,934,000.00 |
KwaZulu Natal |
R 266,400,000.00 |
Limpopo |
R 466,231,000.00 |
Mpumalanga |
R 464,891,000.00 |
North West |
R 450,000,000.00 |
Northern Cape |
R 191,481,000.00 |
Western Cape |
R 493,299,000.00 |
TOTAL |
R 4,175,636,000.00 |
(b) The Department of Transport has developed a National Learner Transport Policy in order to ensure effective and efficient management of learner transport across the country. The policy provides that a standardised measure of remuneration for subsidised learner transport and that it shall be based on total kilometres travelled. Factors such as road conditions and travel distances shall determine the cost of a service. The Department has further developed a standard contract guideline that provinces could use in the contracting of transport operations. The policy further provides that the implementing departments must ensure that learner transport services are undertaken according to procurement legislation and Treasury regulations.
2. Funding of learner transport is provided by the provincial treasuries through provincial equitable share. There is no funding of scholar transport from National Department of Transport.
3. According to the progress reports for provinces in relation to the National Learner Transport Programme for the financial year of 2022.2023, the implementation of the programme is summarised as follows:
23 May 2023 - NW1322
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Transport
In light of the high volume of trucks operating and damaging the roads, what steps has she taken to rebuild the railway system that has been ruined?
Reply:
The approval of the White Paper on National Rail Policy (NRP) by Cabinet on 22 March 2022, assured a new and vibrant future for the rail industry in South Africa. The NRP contains specific policy direction on rail infrastructure, access, economic regulation and the market structure geared to dramatically change rail transportation in South Africa and intends to re-establish rail as the backbone of freight transportation and urban commuter mobility.
Transnet and PRASA, both wholly owned by the Government, has been experiencing significant performance problems over several years (massive capital investment backlog, inadequate funding, obsolete and ageing infrastructure, deteriorating rolling stock, and outdated technologies and insufficient specialised technical skills) that has contributed to rail’s generally declining state.
The implementation of the NRP has wider strategic implications for rail infrastructure management, ownership and access control. The NRP opens up opportunities for new players to participate in the investment and delivery of rail services. These opportunities, if implemented successfully, will draw rail friendly freight back to rail.
23 May 2023 - NW1273
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Following the announcement this week that the central line in Cape Town will be operational for the first time since 2019, what (a) lines nationwide are currently being evaluated as candidates for refurbishment and/or restructuring and (b) are the current largest issues holding back the refurbishment; (2) what collaboration is currently underway with the SA Police Service or other spheres of government to focus on (a) protecting the specified lines and (b) ensuring that any progress is permanent; (3) what total volume of refurbishment materials are currently being (a) imported and/or (b) supplied through South African producers?
Reply:
(1) (a) Daveyton-Dunswart-Germiston; Vereeninging-George Goch (via Midway); Kwesine Germiston; Cape Town-Khayelitsha; Cape Town-Kapteinsklip; Kelso (Umbongontwini) – Durban; Cape Town-Kraaifontein; Cape Town-Wellington; East London-Berlin; Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage; Cape Town-Strand; Crossmore-Durban; Springs-Johannesburg; Randfontein-Johannesburg; Durban-Stanger; Pinetown-Durban; Germiston-Vereeniging (MTN); Cape Town-Malmesbury; Cape Town-Worcester; Nigel-Springs; Eerste Rivier-Muldersvlei; Johannesburg-Oberholzer; Germiston-New Canada (Booysen); Wests-Durban; Mabopane-Pienaarspoort (via Capital Park).
(b) The main issues holding back refurbishment are: load shedding affecting some of operational areas supplied by the Municipality (Connect power supply from substations), encroachment and community unrests activities, which affects the acceleration of the key projects for the Recovery Programme.
(2) PRASA Protection Services has collaboration with SAPS, Crime Intelligence, as well as the State Security Agency. Regional meetings between Law Enforcement and PRASA Protection Services takes place every 2 weeks, with National meetings conducted on a monthly basis.
PRASA is represented on the Economic Sabotage of Critical Infrastructure (ESCI) Forum and collaborates with SOE’s, such as Telkom, Eskom, Transnet, etc… The ESCI Forum meets on a monthly basis.
3. At this stage it is not possible to quantify the volumes of material that PRASA is currently utilizing – however, we can report that:
(a) Materials such as rails, turnouts, wheels, and major cables on the General Overhaul and toilets on the Mainline Passenger Services Coaches are imported.
(b) Major spares, namely windows shrouds, interior panels, interiors seats floorboards, insulation material and paint are bought through South African producers and are sourced locally.
23 May 2023 - NW127
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, after the announcement he has made regarding the fixing and closing of potholes throughout the country, he will furnish Mr K P Sithole with (a) specific updates on the work that has been done in this regard in each province and (b) a report on the financial expenditure to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Roads Authority |
Progress Reported |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eastern Cape |
Within the province of the Eastern Cape work is allocated to in-house and outsourced services depending on the availability of resources such as personnel and funding. Demonstrated below is the work that has been done up-to-date.
As demonstrated above the province has repaired 28 967.62 m² potholes using a combination of In-house and outsourced services. In the process of repairing potholes the province has incurred R5 104 703.51 expenditure up-to-date. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Free State |
The programme started on 8 August and the Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport have identified roads to form part of the Vala Zonke Programme. Some roads have already been attended to and oversight visits taken place by the Minister, together with the Deputy Minister and MEC responsible for PR&T. The following roads formed part of the National Launch:
A total of 15 407 square meters of potholes have been attended to in the Free State.
No contractors or implementing agents are involved. Teams from the Department perform the activities. To date the Free State spent R6,9 million on the procurement of material for the fixing of potholes by Departmental Maintenance teams |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gauteng |
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has introduced two apps to improve the Department's response to the problem of potholes. The first app, PotholeFixGP allows the public to report potholes on any public road in Gauteng to the Department. Potholes reported by the public on provincial roads are then attended to by the Department's maintenance teams, while potholes reported on municipal and SANRAL roads are referred to the relevant road authority for attention. The app was launched on 28 May 2022 and to date, the public has reported 5 419 potholes using the PotholeFixGP app, with 990 potholes reported on provincial roads, 4 379 on municipal roads and 50 on SANRAL roads. The Department has repaired 566 of the potholes reported on provincial roads to date. The second app is an in-house maintenance app that the Department's maintenance teams use to record potholes found by them and to then report when these potholes have been repaired. This app was introduced at the end of May 2022 and to date the Department's maintenance teams have used the app to capture information for 13 291 potholes that have been repaired on the Gauteng provincial roads. At an average area of 3.4 m2 per pothole, the total area of the 13 291 potholes repaired by the Department is 44 875 m2. At an average rate of R 130/ m2 to repair a pothole, the total amount spent to repair the 13 291 potholes is R 5.8 million. (Note: The R 130/m2 is based on the rate supplied to the CSIR by the Department when we prepared the inputs for the 2021/2022 RAMP. SANRAL has reported rates of R 700/ m2 to R 1 500/ m2 to repair potholes. Using a rate of R 700/ m2, the cost to repair the 13 291 potholes would be R 31.4 million and at R1 500/ m2, it would be R 67.3 million.) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
KwaZulu Natal |
Since the launch of Vala-Zonke Program on the 8th August 2022, the Kwa Zulu-Natal Department of Transport repaired a total of 275 137 .83 m2 of blacktop compared to a provincial target of 311 963.53 m2 . The above was achieved by combination of internal teams and external service providers with a total spend of R 190 919 230.08 as at the end of the 6 month period. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Limpopo |
Since the launch of pothole patching operation in August 2022, 92 513m2 have been repaired. The operation is carried out mainly through departmental workforce augmented by about 2 000 temporary beneficiaries. In this regard, the cost is estimated at R26 million based on material and workman-hours. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mpumalanga |
The Mpumalanga Department of Public works, Roads and Transport has been repairing potholes in line with Vala Zonke pothole repairing programme using both outsourcing and internal approaches. To date, Transport Infrastructure ten months performance report indicates good performance when compare annual planned targets of 142 186 m2 vs 173 585 m2 ten months actual outputs. The Department is investing more in building internal capacity, four mechanised potholes patching machines are in operational on tourist roads in the Province and more potholes square metre are achieved within short space of time. The Mpumalanga Department of Public works, Roads and Transport has an expenditure of 52% on surfaced road potholes patching allocation as shown below.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northern Cape |
The Northern Cape Department of Roads and public works has been repairing potholes in line with the Vala Zonke Programme launched by National Department of Transport. The table below show the m2 of pothole patched and expenditure since the launch of the programme in August 2022 up to December 2022.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North West |
DR KENNETH KAUNDA DISTRICT The annual target for the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District for the 2022/2023 fiscal period is 6970.00m² (as it appears on the District’s Operational Plan for 2022/23). For the period 01 April 2022 to 10 February 2023 the output is 29575.20m² and 9530 potholes patched (in-house and outsourced). 34270.80 bags (25kg each covering 0.5m²) were applied to achieve the output of 29575.20m² (8728 potholes patched) at an expense of Operation Vala Zonke / Kwala Kaofela was launch on 01 August 2022. For the period 1 August 2022 to 10 February 2023 the District patched 5696.19m² and 4156 potholes (in-house and outsourced). Included in the District’s output of 29575.20m² and 9530 potholes patched, service providers (outsourced output) contributed the following: i) 2300.00m² and 280 potholes (rollover from appointment in 2021/22) and ii) 1050.00m² and 148 potholes; and iii) 9089.80m² and 374 potholes = a total of outsourced output achieved of 12439.80m² and 802 potholes patched in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District for 2022/2023 (01/04/22 – 10/02/2023) The expense in respect of the 12439.80m² (802 potholes patched by appointed service providers in terms of the Framework Agreement PWR 125/20B amounted to R4 614 873.52 for the 2022/23 fiscal year. The total cost implication in respect of 29575.20m² and 9530 potholes patched in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District for the period 01 April 2022 to 10 February 2023 amounts to R6 671 121.52 BOJANALA DISTRICT The total work done from August to December 2022 which is Q1 and Q2 is 8407m2 and number of total Potholes is 11 915.9 for the 2022/23 financial year. For Q3 the total work done from January to February 2023 is 671m2 and number of total Potholes is 698.20 for the 2022/23 financial year. The cumulative total as of 03 February 2023 for work done is 12614m2 and for number of Pothole is 9078. The total expenditure for the District is as follows: 1. Asphalt readymix = R1 970 640.00 2. Cement = R166 800.00 3. 9,5mm Crushed road stone= R619 476.00 4. KRS Drums = R543 375.00 5. Small Equipement = R231 816.00 6. Diesel = R3 079 320.00 TOTAL = R 6 611 427 NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA DISTRICT In-house maintenance 6147 m² - Material cost R511 462,5 NB: Coldmix only R83,2 per m² Outsourced Projects 392,3 m² – R32 361,45 : work done and number of Potholes patched is 1721 from 14 July to September 2022 for Q2 In-house maintenance 12 295 m² - R1 762 519 R143,35 per m² NB: Composition of Emulsion and Crusher stone; plus Coldmix Work done and number of Potholes patched 3443 from 1st October to December 2022 for Q3 In-house maintenance 3298m² - R532 308 R161,40 per m² NB: Composition of Emulsion and Crusher stone Work done and number of Potholes patched 1045 from 1st January to 30th January 2023. The Total number of Potholes patched to date is 22 132m2 and number of Potholes to date 6209 DR. RUTH SEGOMOTSI MOMPATI DISTRICT The total work done from August to December 2022 which is Q2 is 4 958.29 m² and number of total Potholes patched is 5 142 for the 2022/23 financial year. The total work done from 1st October to December 2022 which is Q3 is 845.13 m² and number of total Potholes patched is 896 for the 2022/23 financial year The total work done from 1st January to 17th February 2023 which is Q4 is 289.47 m² and the number of total Potholes patched is 321 for the 2022/23 financial year The Total number of Potholes patched to date 6 092.89 m² and number of Potholes to date 6 359 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Western Cape |
The Western Cape Government, Department of Transport have performed routine maintenance works on the provincial road network to repair and fix potholes. The amount of blacktop patching repaired from 1 April 2022 to 31 December 2023 was 17 444 square meters. The Department do not have the itemised financial reports for the repair and fixing of potholes and cannot provide this information. |
23 May 2023 - NW1779
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) Whether any of the companies that colluded and corruptly manipulated in siphoning billions of Rand from the State were awarded tenders by his department in the past two financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether any of the directors of the specified companies have been charged criminally; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the directors; (3) whether steps that were taken by the State against the treasonous act were adequate, considering the amounts of monies involved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2043E
Reply:
In response to all questions, the Department requested Parliament to engage the Party to provide the list of companies indicated as specified, as it was not provided with the Question.
On 16 May 2023, office of the Procedural Advisor: Questions, confirmed that the information has as yet not been received.
As such, the Department is not in a position to currently respond to the question, but will do so once the information is provided by the Party.
23 May 2023 - NW1589
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) plans are in place to build proper bridges in areas such as the Eastern Cape, where there are a number of makeshift bridges which have been constructed by residents so to cross rivers and streams and (b) are the details of the time frames that have been put in place in this regard?
Reply:
a) Government has always been constructing bridges for vehicles and pedestrians across provinces, and addition to this is response to SONA, as Welisizwe bridges are planned for rollout. The Eastern Cape is one of the Provinces that will be receiving 19 Welisizwe bridges that will be concluded in October 2023.
b) During the 2023/24 financial year, additional 17 bridges are planned for construction. The DPWI and SANDF are integral Departments in this program.
03 May 2023 - NW1173
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether her department has received claims from motorists for damages to their tyres from potholes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the total number of claims that her department has received from such motorists in the past four years?
Reply:
No, the Department does not receive claims. As the honourable member may be aware the Department through South African National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) maintain National roads while the provinces maintain the provincial roads through Provincial Road Maintenance Grant.
The honourable member should note that all road damage claims are submitted to SANRAL, provinces and municipalities.
25 April 2023 - NW883
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether, with reference to the fact that high cube intermodal containers at a laden height exceeding 4 300 mm remain technically in contravention of relevant South African road regulations, yet comprise 90% of containers used worldwide and the majority in use across the Republic and Southern Africa, which legal anomaly creates a risk for South African, regional and global freight trade and has been identified as a possible contravention of the Southern African Development Community Protocol on Transport, her department intends to resolve the longstanding impractical legislative impasse by suspending, repealing and/or amending the relevant regulations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether an ongoing moratorium on enforcement will be applied until such time as the legislative changes have been instituted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. The high Cube Containers are regulated by Section 224(b) of the National Road Traffic Regulation 2000,issued under the National Traffic Act 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996 ) wherein an exemption was granted in 2011 ( Government Gazette No. 34621) , extended in 2021, to exempt the operation in the Public roads of motor vehicles transporting international Standards Organisation (ISO) containers with a height exceeding the permitted high of 4300 metres. The road freight industry made a plea to the Minister to allow transportation of high cube containers to permissible height approximately 4600 meters as part of global standards practice when containers are transported on skeletal or low bed trailers. It was reported that the containers are transported across SADC region on the 4 600 meters and coming in to South Africa ,cargo owners are faced law enforcement officers and punitive measures , that the high cube as part with containers cause damage to the bridges-all these factors are going to be researched to establish scientific facts and operational efficiency that may lead to review and /or amendment of the Regulations 224(b). The research seeks to find a balance on the economic impact for operators and the unintended damage to the road infrastructure whilst maintaining the elements of road safety strategy.
(2) Yes, the moratorium has extended until further notice, with effect from 31 March 2023- Government Gazette No. 48348. The Department of Transport shall advise on the developments and way forward with regard to the lifting of the moratorium in due course
(3) Yes, Minister of Transport has issued a Government Gazette No. 48348 to that effect to inform the sector and law enforcement agencies, and this will be issued and broadly circulated to all affected and interested stakeholders in the transportation sector.
25 April 2023 - NW1256
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether her department has plans to repair the R719 road from Bloemfontein to Bothaville, which is a regional road with a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h, as it has become impossible to drive on and considering that the young and unemployed put their lives at risk trying to fix the road by closing potholes with soil with the hope of donations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department can confirm that the road R719 between Bultfontein-Wesselsbron-Bothaville, from Bloemfontein is indeed a regional road with the posted speed of 100km/hr.
The Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport is currently experiencing budgetary constraints regarding routine maintenance resulting with the section between Wesselsbron to Bothaville in a worse condition.
To address the above challenges, the Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport is providing pothole repair with assistance from the farming community through the Letsema programme, whereby the Department is providing equipment and material whereas the farming community is providing labourers, who will be supervised by Government officials to work on road surface to ensure safety on the road.
24 April 2023 - NW834
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, with regard to work repairs of road embankments failure to N2, Section 24, OKM-12km and embankment and pavement failure on N2 Section 23, KM 49.8 which was set to commence early this year, he will furnish Mr K P Sithole with an update on the work as we enter into the 3rd month of the year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
N2 Section 24, KM 0 – KM12
The temporary deviation to the median opened to traffic on 27th May 2022. The intervention design has been completed and construction contract was awarded on 24 January 2023 to a value of R352,680,879.10 to Stefanutti Stocks (Pty) Ltd for construction period of 11 months. The contract commencement date was on 6 February 2023, and currently the contractor is finalising local stakeholder engagements. The local stakeholder Project Liaison Committee was established on 6 March 2023 and physical works is due to commence during March 2023.
N2 Section 23, KM 49,8
The tender for consulting engineering services closed on 26 January 2023. The tender is in the evaluation process and has been conditionally awarded on 9 March 2023. It is intended for the investigation and detail design to commence in March 2023, and a contractor to be appointed by April 2024.
In the interim, the Southbound carriageway (SBC) slow lane has been closed which is where the major slip failure cracking has taken place. Construction of the crossover in the median as well as the northbound carriageway (NBC) widening has been completed, and traffic will be diverted onto the NBC within the next 2 weeks ending 24 March 2023. This will ensure full access will be available to the design team for the investigations as well as to the Contractor during the construction phase.
24 April 2023 - NW304
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether, considering that in July 2022 the Transnet National Ports Authority committed to an investment of R16 billion in infrastructure development at ports in the western region over the next seven years, his department will furnish Mr K P Sithole with an update on (a) how the specified funding has been spent and (b) what developments have been made to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether his department intends to make additional funds accessible to ports, such as Richards Bay, in other regions of the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) (a) The Department of Transport exercises oversight and monitoring of CAPEX for Transnet National at the Ports Consultative Committee (PCC) as regulated by the National Ports Act. The relevant Shareholder Minister in this regard is the Minister of Public Enterprises.
(b) The question must be directed to Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).
(2) The Department does not budget for port development and infrastructure. DoT is a Policy Department.
24 April 2023 - NW1172
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Transport
On what date will SANRAL repair the R703 road linking the N8 with the N1, particularly the pothole-riddled section between Verkeerdevlei and Excelsior?
Reply:
The R703 linking the N8 with the N1 is not a SANRAL road but a Provincial Road. It is also not part of the identified Strategic and Primary Network still to be transferred to SANRAL in Free State Province. As R703 is not a SANRAL road, SANRAL has no mandate to repair it.
The Department will source the Detailed Plans by the Province regarding this road will then be submitted to Parliament.