Questions and Replies
07 March 2025 - NW489
Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister of Transport
On what date and time can commuters expect the long distance Shosholoza Meyl train service to start operating again?
Reply:
PRASA is continuing the work of adding more capacity to its service which will increase availability of inter-city routes. The following routes will run during the Easter peak period, departing from Johannesburg:
Johannesburg — East London departing on 17 April 2025 and returning to Johannesburg on 20 April 2025
Johannesburg - Durban departing on 17 April 2025 and retuming on 20 April 2025.
MS. BD CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
DATE: 3/3/2025
07 March 2025 - NW411
Kwankwa, Mr NL to ask the Minister of Transport
1. With reference to the announcement by the Eastern Cape Member of the Executive Council for Transport and Community Safety, Mr Xolile Nqatha, that the SA National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has declined the provincial government's request to assume responsibility for and upgrade the 21km road between the N2 in Mgqumo and KuMatshamba in Elliotdale, which serves as a critical lifeline for 40 schools and 15 clinics and has remained an unfulfilled commitment to communities since 2010, what were the specific justifications provided by SANRAL for rejecting the specified request; 2. what (a) concrete measures and (b) policy interventions does her department intend to implement to ensure the eventual upgrading of the specified road, given its significance in facilitating access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities; 3. what (a) is the envisaged time frame for resolving the long-standing issue and (b) accountability mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that affected communities are not subjected to further (i) delays and (ii) neglect?
Reply:
The road in question (DR18033) between the N2 in Mgqumo and KuMatshamba in Elliotdale is not part of the identified Strategic and Primary Road network, and as per the Road Infrastructure Strategic Framework for South Africa (RISFSA) classification it is classified as R4, a rural collector road, and does not meet the criteria for transfer to SANRAL.
2. (a)(b) The Department of Transport has established Provincial Road Maintenance Grants (PRMG) that seek to support provinces in the maintenance of their strategic and secondary road networks.
There is a refurbishment component of the grants that funds upgrading of gravel roads. The provincial authorities are advised to re-prioritise allocation to favour this 21 km stretch.
3. (a)(b)(i)(ii) The Eastern Cape Provincial road authorities are advised to consider and include this road in the 2025/26 Table B5 project List for implementation. However, this project must be approved and gazetted based on the requirements of the PRMG and Division of Revenue Act.
07 March 2025 - NW424
Kobe, Ms MP to ask the Minister of Transport
Given the pronouncements by the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, in the State of the Nation Address on 6 February 2025, on the construction of a new harbour in the Northern Cape, what are the relevant details with regard to (a) a detailed cost estimation for the specified project, including initial projections and any expected contingencies, (b) the projected timeline for the planning, construction and completion of the specified harbour, (c) the anticipated economic benefits of the harbour, including expected job creation and industry impact, (d) the funding model for the project and if it will be financed through public funds, private investment or a public-private partnership and (e) any feasibility studies conducted, including environmental impact assessments and projected trade or maritime activity for the region?
Reply:
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)
As the Boegoebaai project is still at the pre-feasibility stage, it is too early for the requested details to be provided. The honourable member will therefore need to pose these questions at a later point in time.
28 February 2025 - NW231
Zibi, Mr SS to ask the Minister of Transport
1) With regard to the Festive Season Road Safety campaign, what total number of provinces implemented the 24/7 Traffic Police Visibility Programme for the duration of the specified campaign; 2) Whether the National Traffic Police implemented the specified programme; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; 3) What is the total cost incurred by (a) provinces and (b) the National Traffic Police in implementing the programme; 4) What total number of roadblocks were conducted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation National Traffic Police? NW239E
Reply:
1. The implementation of 24/7 shift system differed from province to province. The Road Traffic Management Corporation's (RTMC) National Traffic Police (NTP) implemented the 2417 shift system in full for the entire festive season period. A 24/7 shift system was implemented by the Western Cape authorities which implements in pockets in identified areas. Implementation in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Eastem Cape was delayed as the matter is currently before the courts. Most provinces implemented a flexi-shifi system covering crucial routes during critical times of the day.
2. The NTP implement the 24/7 shift system as part of their conditions of employment. During critical road safety periods, the NTP is deployed to identified critical provinces covering the top uenty busiest routes as an intervention to increase visibility and enforcement.
3. The RTMC National Traffic Police incurred about R43 million from December 2024 to January 2025 for deployments in different provinces. The expenditure by other provinces can be sourced from the relevant provincial authorities.
4. The National Traffic Police worked in an integrated manner with other law enforcement agencies over the festive period. In total 997 integrated K78 Roadblocks were conducted
28 February 2025 - NW265
Letlape, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether she has made any follow-up with the Executive Mayor of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality on the implementation of the forensic report tabled by the former Minister of Transport, Ms S Chikunga, on 16 February 2023, regarding the Haueng Integrated Public Transport System Project; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) number of persons have been arrested, (b) amount has been recovered and (c) number of officials have had disciplinary charges brought against them? NW281E
Reply:
On November 21, 2024, the Deputy Minister of Transport visited the municipality for an oversight visitand emphasised the importance of implementing the recommendations from the forensic report, among other issues.
Following a meeting with the Deputy Minister, the municipality provided an update on resolutions passed by the City Council on January 31 , 2025:
1. The City Council approved the implementation of the recommendations from the Integrated Public Transport Network Forensic Investigation Report and Legal Opinion.
2. Disciplinary actions are to be taken against the officials involved.
3. All criminal cases have been referred to the law enforcement agency (DPCI) for further investigation.
4. The Disciplinary Board has been mandated to assess cases of financial misconduct.
5. The Executive Mayor is required to report progress to the Minister of Transport and the City Council within 90 days.
The municipality has handed over the matter to the DPCI, which has already commenced its investigation and collected relevant documentation from the municipality. Since then, DPCI officials have met with staff from the Department of Transport on 4 February 2025 to gather additional details.
(a),(b) (c) As of February 14, 2025, the city notified the eight internal staff members involved, and the cases of the four extemal members have been forwarded to their respective departments for further action.
28 February 2025 - RCW72
Swart, Mr PJ to ask the Minister of Transport:
(a) What new road safety measures are being introduced as a result of the alarming number of fatalities on South African roads during the 2024 festive season and (b) how will her department ensure stricter enforcement of traffic laws to reduce preventable deaths?
Reply:
Find reply here
28 February 2025 - NW312
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) In light of the 2024/2025 preliminary festive season road safety statistics, which indicates that a high number of drivers were arrested for exceeding permissible alcohol limits, what measures is her department implementing to (a) strengthen enforcement and/or (b) introduce harsher penalties for such offenders; (2) given that pedestrians account for 41% of road fatalities, what steps does her department intend to take to intensify its efforts, including communications campaign to mitigate pedestrian deaths, particularly in high-risk areas such as townships, informal settlements and rural communities, where road infrastructure and visibility may be inadequate. NW336E
Reply:
1 (a)(b) The effort to strengthen enforcement and to introduce harsher penalties for serious offences includes three critical focus areas. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) through the Technical Committee for Standards and Procedures, which is comprised of representatives from the private sectorJ road traffic authorities, law enforcement instruments and Directors of Public Prosecutions from the different provinces, has revised the current Alcohol Evidential Prosecutorial Standards to strengthen prosecution of alleged drunken drivers. This is to close all loopholes in the standard operation of arrests of offenders for drunken driving by traffic officers.
2. One of the main measures in place to increase pedestrian safety is to strengthen the RTMC coordination of all traffic authorities including the Metro Police through the implementation of the National Road Traffic Law. Enforcement Code - NRTLEC. This Code will ensure enhanced coordination of collaborations and sharing of resources between all authorities throughout the three spheres of government and close the gap in the reporting and monitoring of authorities' performance. Most critical is the adherence of all authorities to one national law enforcement 365 Road Safety Plan which will provide a framework for enhanced intervention planning targeting law enforcement, education and communications.
The RTMC has identified the top twenty hazardous routes in the country and alternative routes, escape or secondary routes with most of them having a high number of accidents involving pedestrians. Throughout the year as force multiplier the RTMC National Traffic Police were deployed to different provinces to enhance visibility and enforcement in these identified routes. An annual 365 Road Safety Operational Framework is being developed to guide authorities to focus on the most critical offences, identified locations, critical times with clear expected interventions.
28 February 2025 - NW376
Kobe, Ms MP to ask the Minister of Transport
What is the complete breakdown of all official travel for (a) her and (b) the Deputy Minister since they assumed office on 3 July 2024, including the (i) purpose and justification for each trip, (ii) destination details, (iii) costs incurred, including but not limited to transport, accommodation, meals and other related incidental expenses, (iv) names and roles of all accompanying support staff and their respective costs and (v) additional costs associated with each specified trip; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW407E
Reply:
Minister official domestic Travel (Parliamentary duties, oversight visits, stakeholder engagements, constituency work) |
R 1 179, 365, 79 |
Deputy Minister domestic travel (Parliamentary duties, oversight visits, stakeholder engagements, constituency work) |
R 3 294 371.28 |
Minister international Travel |
R 411 266.93 |
The Deputy Minister has not undertaken any international trips since his appointment. |
R 0.00 |
Staff in the Minister's Office |
Costs incurred (flights, accommodation, vehicle hire) |
Chief of Staff - Supporting the Minister in meetings and office support |
R 49 757.75 |
Personal Assistant — Assisting the Minister with parliamentary duties andoffice support |
R 202 507.09 |
Parliamentary officer — Assisting the Minister with parliamentary duties, attending sittings of portfolio and select committees, office support |
R 210 458.98 |
Political Advisor — supporting the Minister in meetings and crisis management |
R 293 439.40 |
Community outreach officer -stakeholder engagement and constituency work. Accompanied Minister on her international duties |
R 681 357.94 |
Staff in the Deputy Minister's Office |
Costs incurred (flights, accommodation, vehicle hire) |
Personal Assistant — Assisting the Minister with parliamentary duties and office support, attending meetings with the Deputy Minister |
R 285 675.90 |
Parliamentary officer - Assisting the Minister with parliamentary duties, attending sittings of portfolio and select committees, office support, attending meetings with the Deputy Minister |
R 81 539.78 |
Community outreach officer -stakeholder engagement, constituency work and attending meetings with the Deputy Minister |
R 453, 529.22 |
Due to Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act, the personal details of support staff cannot be disclosed.
28 February 2025 - NW256
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether she has taken any steps against (a) a certain person (name and details furnished) and (b) senior officials of the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency, based on the findings of the forensic reports released in (i) April 2023 and (ii) November 2024; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what steps has she taken in each specified case? NW272E
Reply:
The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) initiated an investigation against an official who was employed as the Executive Manager of Corporate Services. The investigation was completed and handed over to the C-BRTA in December 2024. The investigation report was handed over to the Agency’s lawyers last month to study and advise the organisation. The report and the recommendations from the lawyers will be taken to the Board for processing once completed. The organisation will take the necessary steps to address the outcomes of the forensic investigation report. This matter is being handled at the level of the CEO in consultation with the Board.
28 February 2025 - NW241
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Transport
What steps has her department taken to address the widespread (a) bullying of other road users by the minibus taxi operators who stop their cars and even go as far as issuing fines against those who provide lifts to hitchhikers and (b) harassment and bullying of (i) e-hailing drivers and (ii) passengers at (aa) airports, (bb) Gautrain stations and (cc) inner cities? NW254E
Reply:
a) The Department has consistently cautioned the taxi industry leadership that their patrollers do not have authority to stop any vehicle on a public road. Only Authorised Officers of the law are duly empowered to enforce compliance with all applicable laws and punish any violation by road users. The National Land Transport Act, No. 05 of 2009 clearly defines Authorised Officers, and under section 89 details the powers of these Authorised Officers in relation to land transport law enforcement. Authorised Officers include inspectors appointed by provinces, municipalities or the Road Traffic Management Corporation, members of the South African Police Service and municipal police. Patrollers are not empowered by any legislation, and therefore such cases of harassment must be reported to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action to be taken against perpetrators.
b) The Department is continuously engaging SANTACO, as the umbrella representative body for the taxi industry, to monitor and rein in their members to cease these illegal activities of threatening other public transport modes and also threatening passengers. Harassment and bullying of (i) e-hailing drivers and (ii) passengers, anywhere in the country, by members of the taxi industry, are clear acts of criminality that must be reported to law enforcement officials for investigation and prosecution. The Department will continue to engage and educate the taxi industry on this matter and where necessary work with law enforcement to bring perpetrators to book.
bb) See (b) above
cc) See (b) above
21 February 2025 - NW94
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1172 on 23 April 2024, she had sourced the detailed plans from the province as she undertook to do so; if not, why not; if so, (2) whether she can furnish Mr T P Mogale with copies of the detailed plans; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what (a) is the (i) clear time frame and (ii) due date for the completion of the R703 road repair project between Tweespruit and Verkeerdevlei and (b) total amount was budgeted for the project? NWI 12E
Reply:
As the honourable Member may be aware, the South African Constitution provides for the functional areas of concurrent national and provincial legislative competence. In the case of road construction, maintenance and operations, these are an exclusive mandate and function of all the three spheres of Government. It is the responsibility of provinces, to prioritise, plan, package and implement their road projects.
1. For information regarding detailed drawings (plans) and designs or the procurement plan, the Honourable Member is advised to directly with the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport.
(2) See (1) above.
See (1) above.
21 February 2025 - NW140
Kwankwa, Mr NL to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) Whether, given the alarming 1,502 road fatalities recorded in December 2024, marking a 5,3% increase from the previous year (details furnished), she will clarify the specific strategies for policy implementation regarding increasing dedicated highway patrols, particularly on high-risk routes such as the NI, N2, and N4; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so; what are the relevant details; (2) Whether there are any plans for shifting resources from urban roadblocks to highway patrols to ensure more effective enforcement; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what progress has been made so far in implementing the measures? NW162E
Reply:
(1) The interventions on the national critical routes such as NI , N2, and N4 have been in place for several years as part of the National Road Safety Strategy. This was strengthened by the activation of implementation and monitoring review sessions, which were led by the Minister of Transport, Deputy Minister, and Members of the Executive Council of Provinces responsible for Traffic and Transport matters during the 2024/25 festive season. Respective Heads of Departments and the CEOs of Transport Roads Agencies coordinated by the RTMC also held weekly sessions during the festive season to evaluate the implementation of the festive season plan and decide on interventions where necessary.
To ensure that these interventions were effective and sustainable, numerous meetings were held with the different MMCs responsible for traffic and transport to facilitate the coordination of local traffic authorities focusing on Metro Police Departments, noting that most fatal accidents, especially pedestrian-related happened within the urban areas. The RTMC will also deploy the National Traffic Police to the provinces to patrol the identified critical routes in line with the 365 Road Trafic Safety Operational Plan.
(2) There are no measures to shift the urban resources to national highways as the data proved that most fatal accidents happen in urban areas in general and not only during the peak of travel periods such as Easter weekend and Festive Season. The measures in place are to be strengthened by the RTMC coordination of all traffic authorities, including the Metro Police, through the implementation of the National Road Traffic Law Enforcement Code — NRTLEC. This Code will ensure enhanced coordination of collaborations and sharing of resources between all authorities throughout the three spheres of govemment and close the gap in the reporting and monitoring of authorities' performances.
21 February 2025 - RCW23
Scheurkogel, Dr IS to ask the Minister of Transport:
Whether her department has a hotline and/or service desk to report extortion .by officials that are responsible for testing drivers licenses as South Africans are facing fraud daily by driving schools; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
find reply here
21 February 2025 - RCW36
Du Plessis, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to Question 311 on 4 October 2024 regarding certain roads she referred as provincial roads, she will relook at the original question and reply accordingly as this matter has been reported to Traffic Signal in Gauteng (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she and/or her department will intervene in this matter that has been ongoing for years as government is interrelated and roads are a shared mandate; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
As stated in the previous response, the maintenance of roads and traffic signals in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area is the responsibility of the MMC for roads in the city.
MS. BD CREECY, MP MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
DATE: 19/02/2025
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCE QUESTION NO. 36 CW39E
21 February 2025 - RCW24
Scheurkogel, Dr IS to ask the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether her department a national register of all driving school instructors; if not, (a) how are such instructors regulated, (b) what regulations are in place to ensure that such instructors are capable of teaching citizens to drive beyond just being able to drive and (c) what penalties are in place when .:driving school instructors are not compliant; (2) (a) what regulations are in place to ensure driviog schools are compliant with legislation and (b) what legislation is in place to monitor driving schools; (3) (a) what penalties are in place for non-compliant driving schools and (b) where could citizens report fraudulent driving schools, especially when they have been scammed?
Reply:
Find reply here
21 February 2025 - NW90
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) Whether she verified the qualifications of a certain person (name furnished) before making the appointment (details furnished); if not, why not; if so;(2) whether the specified person met the requirements for the specified position; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) Yes, the individual's qualifications were verified and confirmed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before they were appointed..
(2) Yes, the individual met the requirements of the post of Chief of Staff.
06 January 2025 - RCW734
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Transport:
(a) What is the status of the 146 underutilised trains from Gibela and (b) how will they assist the devolution of train services in (i) the Eastern Cape and (ii) Mpumalanga?
Reply:
Find reply here
06 January 2025 - RCW740
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Transport:
(a) What communication strategies are being employed to keep the public informed regarding measures that are taken to address air traffic issues, (b) what is her departments long-term strategy to ensure the (i) sustainability and (ii) reliability of air traffic control services in the country and (c) how her department plans to prevent the recurrence of such issues in the future?
Reply:
Find reply here
06 January 2025 - RCW738
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Transport:
(a) What actions have been taken to rectify non-compliance issues that have been identified by the SA Civil Aviation Authority, (b) what is the timeline for restoring full air navigation services at the affected airports and (c) how is her department ensuring ongoing compliance with the (i) national and (ii) international aviation safety regulations?
Reply:
Find reply here
06 January 2025 - RCW739
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Transport:
(a) How Air Traffic Navigation Services' (ATNS) financial resources are being managed, particularly the allocations for system upgrades and staff remuneration, (b) what oversight mechanisms are in place to prevent financial mismanagement within the ATNS, (c) how is her department collaborating with (i) airlines, (ii) airport authorities and (iii) other stakeholders to mitigate the impact of ATNS' challenges in the aviation sector?
Reply:
Find reply here
06 January 2025 - RCW745
Badenhorst, Mr F to ask the Minister of Transport:
What is the (a) status regarding the roll out of Electronic Driving Licence Cards or Digital Driving Licence Cards and (b) latest update on her department's plans to support such cards?
Reply:
a) b) The Minister has instructed the office of the Auditor-General (AG) to investigate the procurement of the new drivers license card producing machine. The findings of the AG's investigation will inform any further policy position on the roll out of electronic drivers' license cards.
_ ,,..._ ' "·
MS. BO CREECY, MP MINISTER OF TRANSPORT DATE: C) f,/O (/
NCOP QUESTION NO. 745 CW885E
20 December 2024 - NW2475
Letlape, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether she was informed about reports that FlySafair failed to comply with the shareholding laws of the Republic that limit foreign ownership in domestic airlines to 25%; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps has she taken to ensure that customers are not negatively affected by this in the meantime? NW3874E
Reply:
FlySafair lodged a declaration application in the Pretoria High Court. This matter is still before the courts
20 December 2024 - NW2463
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) (a) What are the reasons for the closure of the SAAirways lounge at Cape Town International Airport and (b) for what period will the lounge be closed; (2) what (a) total number of persons employed in the facility are (i) permanent and (ii) on contract, (b) has she found to be the impact of the closure of the facility on employees and (c)(i) measures have been put in place to assist persons who will experience a loss of income due to the closure and (ii) communication channel was used to discuss the specified measures with the affected employees?
Reply:
The SAA lounge at Cape Town International Airport will be temporarily closed for 3 months to undergo renovations, from a date to be confirmed in February 2025. The renovations are aimed at enhancing the overall experience for our valued patrons. SAA thanks all its customers for their understanding as the airline works to improve its facilities All SAA lounge employees at Cape Town International Airport are employed on a permanent basis.
SAA assures members that there will be no loss of income for our employees during the lounge renovation period, and they will continue to receive their salaries. Employees will be either redeployed to other roles within the airport or assigned tasks that support the renovation efforts and future operations of the lounge. Discussions with their managers will be held to address any employee concerns and provide necessary updates.
Employees will be informed once the lounge closure date is confirmed. SAA customers will be informed of the lounge closure through various communications platforms, the SAA website, SAA Voyager newsletter, and all SAA social media platforms.
20 December 2024 - NW2407
Madlala, Mr EK to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether her depadment considers issuing interim permits upon receipt of a complete taxi route application to mitigate the delays in permit issuing; if not, why not; if so, (a) by what date and (b) what are the relevant details? NW3791E
Reply:
(a)(b) In terms of section 51 of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), No, 05 of 2009 as amended, the accountability to issue operating licences/permits is within the ambit of the National Public Transport Regulator, Provincial Regulatory Entities and/or Municipal Regulatory Entities.
The maximum lifespan of an operating licence/permit is seven (7) years. However, some Provinces stagger the validity period to five (5) years for safety and monitoring purposes of operators. Therefore, the existing legislation as amended does not cater for interim route permit applications.
20 December 2024 - NW2385
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) How does her department intend to ensure that there is a seamless collaboration between (a) national, (b) provincial and (c) municipal governments in implementing road safety measures during the festive season; (2) what additional measures, beyond monitoring, are planned for the 20 priority routes identified by her department where most crashes occur, to ensure immediate impact? (3) whether her department has sufficient resources, such as (a) manpower and (b) technology, to sustain 24/7 traffic enforcement on ail 20 high-crash routes throughout the festive season; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3769E
Reply:
1. The department through its lead Agency in road safety, the Road Traffic Management Corporations (RTMC), has developed the festive season road safety plan. This plan is a product of engagements and collaboration between the Department, RTMC, Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA), Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), the Road Accident Fund (RAF), Provinces and Municipalities.
The DOT will be coordinating the implementation of this plan with the RTMC having established an operational centre which will coordinate its implementation.
The department will also use the coordinating structures of the National Road Safety Steering Committee, which is comprised of provincial Heads of Department, SAPS and traffic chiefs, to monitor the implementation of the road safety plan.
2. The department will ensure that all necessary resources from the National Traffic Police are deployed to the 20 identified routes. This forms part of the festive season plan and has already been prioritised as such.
3. (a) Operationalising the road safety plan entails maximising the limited resources at our disposal. Accordingly, a total of 123 new traffic officers will be joining the service in December to augment the existing manpower.
(b) Technologies such as Mobile Vehicle Testing Stations (MVTS), and evidential breath alcohol tests (EBAT) are being used throughout the festive season. The Department and RTMC have partnered with both the private sector and non-state sectors in order to pool our collective resources together and amplify the impact of our interventions.
The RTMC recently hosted a two-day Road Safety Summit which was attended by private sector and civil society representatives. The parties to the Summit committed to working together to achieve the objectives of the National Road Safety Strategy which is aligned with the United Nations Second Decade of Action for Road Safety programme.
20 December 2024 - NW2354
Kobe, Ms MP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) What (a) is the current status of the (i) Daveyton Station project and (ii) recovery of the Eastern Corridor and (b) specific delays have been encountered since the repeated promises were made; (2) whether she will furnish Ms M P Kobe with an updated, realistic timeline for the resumption of full operations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) how does her department intend to restore public confidence in its infrastructure commitments given the persistent delays and lack of any visible progress on the crucial project? NW3547E
Reply:
(a)(i) The Daveyton Station project is at Stage 4 (design process), which deals with the detail design, bill of quantities (BOQ), preparation of construction drawings and tender documents. The construction is planned to go to market in March 2025 in alignment with the commencement of the 2025/26 financial year, with the construction period estimated to be eight (8) months. As a result, the recovery of the Daveyton Station has been shifted to the 2025/26 Fiscal year end.
(ii) With the Eastem Corridor, particularly the Springs-Dunswart-Germiston line, the Boksburg Bridge is near completion, so the handover is expected to be before the end of the 2024/25 financial year. The 3kV traction and 11kV distribution substations are in construction and work is expected to be completed by April 2025, noting that a portion of the railway tracks were stolen (about 8km) and the delivery of the ordered railway tracks is expected at the end of January 2024 (with shipment in progress).The tender for installation is under evaluation, however with the appointment subject to funding allocation, the expected appointment will be in April 2024. The award for the supply and installation of the Overhead Track Equipment (OHTE) has been finalized and contracting is underway. With all aspects considered the resumption of limited train services on the Eastem Corridor is expected in Quarter 4 of the 2025/26 financial year, targeting March 2025.
(b) Procurement processes, the long-lead times required for the delivery of the railway tracks, as well as Capital budget allocation constraints are all aspects that have contributed to the delays experienced.
(2) See (1) above
(3) The above shared milestones will be monitored through the department and the PRASA Board.
20 December 2024 - NW2476
Komane, Mr LM to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) are the reasons that the R25 road between Verena and Groblersdal has been left to deteriorate to such dangerous levels, putting countless lives at risk and (b) immediate action will she take to declare the road a crisis and avoid accidents, injuries and deaths that occur on the specified road; whether there are funds allocated for the maintenance and/or upgrade of the road; if not, why not; if so, what time frames have been put in place in this regard?
Reply:
(1) a) b) (2) The R25 road between Verena and Groblersdal falls under the jurisdiction of the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works Roads and Transport and the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure. Accordingly, the Honourable Member is requested to direct their questions to the relevant Provincial Legislatures.
13 December 2024 - NW2341
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) What (a) criteria is used for the acceptance of applicants at the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Aviation Academy, (b) is the total number of students are accepted per intake, (c) courses are offered and (d) is the total cost for each course; (2) whether there is a waiting list of applicants currently; if not, how does the ACSA Aviation Academy deal with surplus applicants; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what policy informs the admission decisions and/or procedure of the ACSA Aviation Academy NW3751E
Reply:
(1 )(a) The basic requirements of each course determine the acceptance of applicants. Each course is set against course outcomes and the outcomes determine the entry requirements. These are factors such as work experience, competencies already achieved, skills, previous courses attended etc.
(b) For online courses, there is no limit. For in-person courses, there is maximum intake of twenty (20) delegates for each course.
(c) In total ACSA has (4) faculties and overall thirty-eight (38) courses. The Airports Operations Faculty Faculty has twenty (20) courses, and Aviation Safety has two (2) courses.
(d) The cost for each cost is attached as Annexure A
(2) When classes are at capacity, a waiting list is maintained for seven (7) days prior to the commencement of a course. If there are no cancellations, the people in the waiting list are enrolled for the next session.
(3) Depending on the course, ACSA uses the rules as determined by the accrediting body. Most of ACSA's courses are accredited and endorsed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), Intemational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI); and as per their requirements and rules, the admission criteria are adhered to and aligned to the relevant stipulations.
13 December 2024 - NW2304
de Blocq van Scheltinga, Mr AD to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) Whether she has engaged with the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to ensure that ship-to-ship bunkering does not breach the Government's constitutional and international obligations regarding (a) environmental protection, (b) the prevention of pollution and environmental degradation and (c) ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the details; (2) what (a) is the official status of the moratorium on the issuing of new bunkering licences and (b) are the plans of the department in this regard; (3) (a) what are reasons that the meetings of the (i) Offshore Environmental Working Group (OEWG) and (it) Offshore Operators Stakeholders Forum (OOSF) were cancelled by the SA Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) in March 2024 and never rescheduled and (b) by what date does SAMSA intend to reconvene the important stakeholder group meetings; (4) whether her department intends to adopt the recommendations of the independent Environmental Risk Assessment Report on bunkering in Algoa Bay that was commissioned by Transnet from Consulting Port and Costal Engineers, including but not limited to its recommendation to discontinue bunkering at anchorage 2 due to the impact of underwater noise on the African Penguin population on St Croix Island; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further, relevant details? NW3713E
Reply:
(1) (a)(b)(c) There have been several meetings between relevant government stakeholders (the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, the Department of Transport, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMS) and the South African Revenue Service( SARS) )for the purpose of creating synergies over regulating bunkering operations. These relevant stakeholder engagements are continuing to ensure that bunkering operations comply with national legislation and international conventions. Bunkering, if undertaken in an environmentally responsible manner with regards for the risks associated therewith, does not breach any constitutional or international obligations.
Bunkering is not a listed activity as defined in the National Environment Management Act and therefore an Environmental Impact Assessment process would not need to be followed and the activity would not need an Environmental Authorisation prior to commencing.
Existing legislation, such as the Marine (Control and Civil Liability) Act, Section 57 of the National Potts Act, and the And Marine Pollution (Control And Civil Liability) Act 1981 as well as the conditions imposed by permits issued by SAMSA are based on the relevant International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Conventions, to which the Republic of South Africa has acceded. These Acts provide for the protection of the sea from pollution by oil and other harmful substances, including the safety standards for ships to adhere to. These Acts also cater for the master and ship owners' legal obligations in respect of the protection of the sea from pollution.
(2) The official position of SAMSA on bunkering operations is that there is no moratorium in Algoa Bay and as such, the approval process was re-initiated after the release of Marine Notice No.01-2024 for bunker approvals.
(3) (a)(i)(ii)(b)The Minister has instructed the leadership of SAMSA develop a quarterly calendar of meetings with the Offshore Environmental Working Group, the Offshore Operators Stakeholders Forum (OOSF), and other relevant stakeholders, and to provide the outcomes of these meetings to the Ministry.
(4) The report of study commissioned by TNPA is a baseline document that will be used as a guide/reference for decision making on the issuing of licences, including the holding capacity of the region. Furthermore South Africa has been nominated to participate in the IMO GloNoise study, which looks at the mitigation of underwater noise in the shipping industry, which will also assist as a decision-making tool.
The results of the study wilt assist the IMO to formulate operational guidelines which South Africa as a Member State will use to inform the development of the policy framework.
06 December 2024 - NW2100
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Transport
1. (a) How did her department fail to detect and address FlySafaids noncompliance with foreign ownership regulations, despite repeated complaints from competitors and (b) what (i) urgent measures will be taken to rectify FlySafair's ownership structure and ensure compliance and (ii) timelines are in place; 2. what justification is there for not revoking FlySafair's operating licence, given its blatant disregard for the regulations of the Republic; 3. (a) how did FlySafair operate for years without meeting the 75% local ownership requirement and (b) what actions will be taken against the airline; 4. (a) what economic benefits has FlySafair's foreign ownership brought to the Republic and (b) how do these justify the breach of regulations; 5. what total amount in revenue has FlySafair generated while operating illegally?
Reply:
1. (a) The issue of ownership of FlySafair is currently before the Courts of law. A decision has not yet been made if FlySafair is failing to comply or otherwise with the legislative requirements regarding ownership and control. The Department will only be in a position to comment thereon when the case is finalised;
b) (i) & (ii) The matter is within the jurisdiction of the Intemational Air Services Council and the Air Services Licensing Council, which are independent statutory bodies responsible for air services licensing matters. The two Councils are dealing with this matter as mandated by the Air Services Act No.115 of 1990 and the Intemational Air Services Act No. 60 of 1993. The timeframes for finalising this matter will be dependent on the outcomes of the litigation that is currently taking place between FlySafair and the Licensing Councils;
2. The decision to revoke an air service license may be made by the Licensing council, but only after following due process as precribed by legislation. The Licensing Councils have commenced with the investigation and, as indicated, the matter is still before the Courts of law;
3. (a) & (b) See (1) and (2) above.
4. (a) & (b) See (2) above.
5. The Honourable Member is requested to direct this query to FlySafair.
06 December 2024 - NW2055
Zibi, Mr SS to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) What (a) total number of unroadworthy vehicles were removed from the road for being unroadworthy in the (i) 2022-23 and (ii) 2023-24 financial years and (b) is the breakdown in terms of (aa) vehicle type and (bb) province;(2) what total number of vehicles are currently listed as unroadworthy on the eNatis system?
Reply:
(1) (2) Please see Annexure 1.
06 December 2024 - NW2079
Kobe, Ms MP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1286 on 1 November 2024, she will furnish Ms M P Kobe with a comprehensive report on the maintenance of railway lines within the Cape Metro region on Sundays, specifically detailing the (a) nature of maintenance work conducted, {b) dates on which the maintenance was carried out, (c) projected or actual dates of recovery for the affected lines, (d) projected or actual dates for the resumption of Sunday rail services and (e)' complete timelines for when Sunday rail services are expected to be fully restored across all Cape Metro lines; if not, why not in each case; if so, what the relevant details in each case; (2) Considering the acknowledgment in her reply of the need for new locomotives to reinstate long-haul rail services that are currently out of operation on the Shosholoza Meyl lines, what (a) happened to the locomotives that were in use, (b) total number of new locomotives are planned for procurement, (c) is the estimated cost for the procurement and (d) is the anticipated timeline for acquiring the locomotives? NW3360E
Reply:
1. (a)(b) The nature of maintenance work conducted within the Cape Metro Region on Sundays, comprises of signaling, perway, overhead traction equipment (OHTE) and sub-station work, as outlined in the maintenance report attached as Annexure A.
(a) The two (2) partial corridors that are being recovered on the Central Line arethe Nolungile— Chris Hani and Philippi - Kapteinsklip lines, with the resumption of services planned for the end March 2025.
(c) As the Region is still in the recovery period (as indicated by the extensive work that is being conducted on Sundays, as detailed in Annexure A) , the resumption of Sunday services will not be possible within this current financial year, ending 31st March 2025. However, should services be introduced before the end of March 2025, it would be a very limited service.
(d) As there are two (2) work packages remaining for the Western Cape Region in order to finalize the recovery of lines and improve the Track Quality Index (through the use of Heavy on Track Machines), it is anticipated that the lines will be sufficiently improved to allow for the resumption of Sunday services by 1st July 2025.
2. (a) Almost all the long-distance diesel locomotives that were in use are currently out of service.
The locomotives available that are in service are not reliable to offer a service to long-distance rail passengers, as PRASA's diesel locomotive fleet is nearing the end of its lifespan.
(b) PRASA is engaging the liquidators of Swifambo Rail to get six (6) AFRO 4000 locomotives which are in South Africa released for operations, given that these locomotives have been paid for.
(c) At this stage there is no procurement planned for new long-distance locomotives given the ongoing legal process with the liquidators of Swifambo Rail.
(d) See (c) above.
06 December 2024 - NW2160
Gama, Mr S I to ask the Minister of Transport
What are the reasons that a strategic equity partner for the SA Airways (SAA) will not be another global airline that would share critical aviation competencies with SAA and ensure that SAA is managed as a critical asset that promotes the Republic as a tourism destination of choice? NW3538E
Reply:
A decision on a strategic equity partner for the SA Airways has riot yet been made. Should such a decision be made, it will be based on several considerations which will enable earlier implementation of expansion to regional and international routes, as well as ensuring the continuing economic viability of the entity.
06 December 2024 - NW2047
Kobe, Ms MP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) In light of the recent increase in stone-throwing incidents that have severely impacted Blue Trains in Cape Town.{details furnished), what (a) total number of the specified trains have been damaged due to stone-throwing incidents and (b)(i) are the specific dates that each train was taken out of service, (ii) is the (aa) duration of its repair and (bb) timeline for restoration to full service; (2) whether there are concrete plans to increase security presence by deploying additional personnel and/or through collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to deter future incidents; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what specific measures are being implemented to protect the high-value, multimillion-rand assets, especially along identified hotspots on vulnerable rail lines; (3) given that stone-throwing has historically been a recurring issue, what are the reasons that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa was not more proactive in safeguarding the trains, considering the substantial investment and importance of the rail service; (4) whether she will furnish Ms M P Kobe with detailed information on the financial impact of the repair efforts, including the costs associated with ongoing repairs and maintenance due to stone-throwing incidents; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether any supplementary funding has been allocated to cover the unexpected repair costs; if not, why not; if so, how will the funds be sourced?
Reply:
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04 December 2024 - NW1929
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) What is the (a) current status of the boards of all the entities that report to her and (b)(i)(total number of vacancies in each specified board and (ii) time period that each vacancy has existed in each specified board; (2) (a) what are the reasons for not filling the specified positions and (b) who is responsible for the appointments? NW1524E
Reply:
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15 November 2024 - NW1672
Blose, Mr MB to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) are the full details of any job opportunities that are available in her department, specifically targeting young persons and (b) initiatives are in place to support youth employment in the transport sector?
15 November 2024 - NW1663
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)What total amounts that were received nationally from the fuel levy were (a) transferred to the Road Accident Fund, (b) paid as a year-end lump sum, (c) settled in claims and (d) paid to victims in each month of the past three financial years; (2) what (a) total amount was paid from the general fuel levy to metros and (b) amount of this amount were paid to each metro in each of the past three financial years; (3) what percentage of the amounts paid from the general fuel levy to metros were used for road infrastructure in each metro? NW2045E
Reply:
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15 November 2024 - NW1608
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Transport
1) What work (a) has her department already done on the Corridor that connects Daveyton to Springs, Benoni and Johannesburg and (b) is still outstanding; (2) Whether her department has awarded any tenders for all the stations along the specified Corridor; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) What are the full details of (a) each tender that her department awarded, (b) to whom her department awarded each tender, (c) what each tender was awarded for and (d) what the value of each awarded tender was; (4) Whether her department has a schedule of prices for trips along the Corridor; if not, why not; if so, (5) Whether she will furnish Mr MJ Cuthbert with the list; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1986E
Reply:
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08 November 2024 - RCW469
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Transport:
(1) What remedial actions has her department implemented to address the Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) which led to restrictions on aircraft landinös and take-offs at many airports that negatively affected travellers and airline industries; (2) (a) what are the costs to airlines for having to dived to other airports whose ATNS were operational , (b) what is the current staff complement of the ATNS at each of the affected airports and (c) what are the relevant qualifications of each of such staff members?
Reply:
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08 November 2024 - RCW474
Du Plessis, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport:
Whether the City of Ekurhuleni received any fines that have been issued at the OR Tambo International Airport and processed through the Kempton Park Magisterial Court for the (a) 2019/20, (b) 2020/21, (c) 2021/22, (d) 2022/23 and (e) 2023/24 financial years,' if not what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
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08 November 2024 - NW1540
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) What is the current status of each board of each respective transport entity reporting to her with regard to (a) vacancies and (b) expiry of the current term; (2) what (a) total number of aerodromes does the Republic currently have under the custody of Airports Company of South Africa, (b) number of the aerodromes are licenced and (c) are the relevant details of the reasons that not all of the aerodromes are registered; (3) what (a) steps has the Air Traffic Navigation Services taken to recover the alleged overpayment of board members and (b) is the status of the process? NW1852E
Reply:
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08 November 2024 - NW1449
Beesley, Mr AD to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) What is the extent of her powers and responsibilities with regard to any (a) interventions she may make to address the challenges faced by the GO! Durban project, (b) information she has been provided on the nature of the challenges, (c) timelines for proposed interventions and (d) consequence management actions she may implement; (2) Whether she will furnish Mr A D Beesley with a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the GO!Durban project to date, focusing on, but not limited to, the grants allocated to the project from its inception to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
08 November 2024 - NW1437
Kobe, Ms MP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) Whether the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has conducted a breakdown of wheelchair-accessible train stations across all regions in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, will she furnish MS M P Kobe with the relevant details of train stations in their respective regions that have (a) full accessibility for wheelchair users to the entire station, (b) partial accessibility for wheelchair users and (c) no accessibility for wheelchair users to the entire station; (2) What are the plans and/or timelines to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities across Prasa stations that currently have (a) no and/or (b) partial access? N01666E
Reply:
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08 November 2024 - NW1550
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Transport
Having paid approximately RI 1 million on unsuccessful court challenges in dispute of the Auditor-General (AG) findings regarding its deviations of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, what actions has she taken against the Road Accident Fund in its attempts to dispute the AG, as opposed to focusing on stabilising its finances? NW1863E
Reply:
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08 November 2024 - RCW484
Britz, Mr JHP to ask the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether, with reference to the final report into the investigations regarding the complaints that were lodged against the acting Chief Financial Officer of the Eastern Cape Department of Transport (details furnished), the recommendations of the Public Service Commission were implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the allegations against the acting Chief Financial Officer were referred to the Directorate for Priority Crimes; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the (i) case number and (ii) progress of such investigations and (b) what are the further relevant details; (3) whether the irregular and apparently fraudulent payments that were made and found in the report have been referred to the Auditor-General; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings of the Auditor-General; (4) whether any disciplinary actions were instituted against any officials of the Eastern Cape Department of Transport; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
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08 November 2024 - RCW485
Britz, Mr JHP to ask the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether the recommendations of the Public Service Commission that reported on the investigation into allegations of irregular appointments of staff, consultants and contractors in the Eastern Cape Department of Transport (details furnished) were implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether any disciplinary actions were instituted as recommended; if not, why not; if so, (a) what were the outcomes of such disciplinary actions and (b) what are the further relevant details; (3) whether the Member of the Executive Council complied with section 5(7)(a) of the Public Service Act, 1994 (Act No. 103 of 1994), as recommended; if not why not; if so, (a) what actions were taken in this regard and (b) what further steps were instituted by the Premier of the Eastern Cape?
Reply:
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08 November 2024 - RCW470
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Transport:
(1) With reference to the Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) which led to restrictions on aircraft landings and take-offs at many airports that negatively affected travellers and airline industries, (a) what are the outcomes of the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) concems that were raised regarding the lack of due processes not being followed at the ATNS, (b) when will the report be made available regarding such concerns and (c) what funding was made available to the ATNS to upgrade the ageing systems and technology; (2) whether any proper (a) planning and (b) provisions were provided regarding such funding; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether she will commission a thorough independent investigation into the conduct and the lack of govemance by senior management and the Board of Directors of the ATNS; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
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01 November 2024 - RCW422
Scheurkogel, Dr IS to ask the Minister of Transport:
(1) What is the status of comments for the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities on Gazette 38142, point 71, section 305 A-D; (2) (a) what is the status of the Draft National Parking Disc Policy of 2019 and (b) what actions are her department taking to ensure that amendments are made to standardise disability parking?
Reply:
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01 November 2024 - RNW1307
Abader, Ms ZS to ask the Minister of Transport
What steps has she taken to ensure that the issue of e-tolls is addressed?
Reply:
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01 November 2024 - RNW1324
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, with reference to the reply by the Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr A N Sarupen, to question 267 for oral reply on 18 September 2024, she has the authority to promulgate a criteria or standardised rate and/or an amount to determine the price of scholar transport per child; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the reasons for different prices in each province of the Republic?
Reply:
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