Questions and Replies

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

1. All Policy Documents of the Department undergo public consultation with relevant stakeholders. Some of the consultations may require closed meetings and such are undertaken when requested included by political parties.

(i) The Draft White Paper on Audio and Audio-visual Content Services Policy Framework, Gazette No. 43797, published on 09 October 2020, was consulted with commercial media companies including eTV, Multi Choice, Primedia, National Association of Publishers.

(ii) The Draft Next Generation Networks Spectrum Policy was consulted with ACT,and WAPA, and the Department is currently considering a request from the individual telecommunications companies for private session to discuss the Draft policy.

(iii) The reason is to solicit the views of critical industry players through frank deliberations without fear of compromising business strategy.

 

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

1. About 1, 5 million registrations have been recorded since the commencement of registrations in September 2015 to date.

2. A date of 30 September 2022 is gazetted and remains the deadline for citizens to make application for Government subsidised Set-top box. We have created sufficient awareness around the final registrations date, and the Minister does not intend issuing another gazette to extend the registration deadline.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

Parliamentary sittings are broadcasted to South Africans through Commercial, Public, and Community broadcasting platforms. Secondly the parliament channel is accessible through various streaming platforms.

1. Currently the public may follow sittings live on Parliament Radio and TV (DStv Channel 408), via live stream on Parliament YouTube channel and Twitter and Facebook pages. The public may subscribe to the Parliament YouTube channel to receive instant notification of live feeds, videos and streaming of the plenaries of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces.
2. The SABC’s 2020 editorial policies define events of national importance to include “the opening of Parliament, the budget speech, major Parliamentary debates, and the opening of provincial legislatures…” that it will broadcast from time to time on its national television and radio platforms.
3. Parliamentary Channel is accessible through the Free-to-Air DTT platform together with other SABC television services..
4. Sentech is syndicating the Parliamentary channel to over 100 community broadcasters across the country
5. To further enhance above efforts, Parliament, Provincial and Local Legislatures must approve targeted funding to ensure that Parliamentary, Legislatures and Council plenary sittings and committee meetings that will ensure that they are accessible to the public through broadcasting platforms which are free to air.  This is at the core of the public service mandate of the SABC and various community media broadcasters of promoting universal access and making Parliamentary, Legislatures and Council plenary sittings, committee meetings and activities more accessible to the masses or for all South Africans on a free-to-air basis. It requires deliberate and targeted funding by the three spheres to ensure that it happens daily.
6. South Africa has sufficient DTT Multiplexes and streaming capacity to achieve greater accessibility, however content production and distribution costs must be covered

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been informed by the entities as follows:

(1)(a)The State-Owned Company (SOC) Rationalisation project seeks to harmonise and align SOCs capabilities within the DCDT to form a coherent agent for the efficient delivery of ICT services to South African citizens.. Broadband Infraco holds an Electronic Communications Network Service (ECNS) licence whilst Sentech has both Electronic Communications Service  (ECS) and ECNS licences. The two entities capabilities are complementary in completing the service value chain and therefore logical to merge and equip for the growing service demand.

(1)(b)(i) Both the SENTECH and BBI capabilities will exist in the merged entities and will require workforce to manage these capabilities. Secondly, the merger is premised on Growth and to improve ICT services for South African. It therefore anticipated that the merger will not result in job losses. It will also create opportunities in other areas of the merged entity.

(1)(b)(ii) The Board directorship will be revised for efficiency and effective Leadership of a Merged entity in alignment with the market shifts.

(2)(a) A financial Due Diligence process is being undertaken by the two entities, whereafter the report will be shared with the Minister during third quarter of FY23.

(2)(b) The process is scheduled to be completed by the end of the financial year 2023.

Authorised for submission by

___________________

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

________________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

____________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

Telkom has committed to engage with Department, as its significant shareholder. The Minister is confident that the matter will be resolved through the application of the relevant prescripts of the Companies Act, and the applicable JSE Securities Exchange rules and regulations.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

a) The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies did not decide to close any post office branch.

 

Authorised for submission by

_______________

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

_______________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

___________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

As the shareholder representative of Telkom, I am unaware of any intention to sell Government’s shares in the company.

Authorised for submission by

____________

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

The Department has advised me as follows:

(1)(a)(i) Three (3)

(ii) Nil (0)

(iii) N/A. Employees were instructed to report to office post the lifting of the Covid-19 regulations.

(b) The employees were expected to return to office. Disciplinary action is being taken against those who continue working remotely.

(2) No.

 

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the USAASA as follows:

(a) The legal fees spent for the financial year 2021/22 amounted to R 2 535 000.00.

(b) The agency made a provision in its financial statements for the contingent liabilities in respect of the legal cases. Upon winding down of USAASA, the liabilities relating to legal cases will be dealt with in line with the National Treasury’s Guidelines for the Disestablishment of entities.

Authorised for submission by

 

MR T NGOBENI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

Plans are afoot to relocate and combine the mailboxes with the Wierda Park Box Lobby.

 

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

(a) Farramere Post Office was temporarily closed due to non-payment of rent however the branch is now open and all services are rendered.

(b) The mail is being sorted at the Post Box lobby.

 

 

Authorised for submission by

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the SOEs as follows:

SOEs	(i) Flowers	(ii) Cards	(iii) Wreaths	(iv) Gifts
ICASA	R500.00	-	-	R8 250.00
Sentech	R63 905.00	R15 878.00	R4 322.00	R55 273.00
USAASA	-	-	-	-
FPB	-	-	-	-

• ICASA implemented the cost cutting measures as issued by National Treasury under Instruction Note 03 of 2017/18. The spending for flowers, cards, wreaths and gifts are classified under the staff welfare account. The above expenditure is as per ICASA’s employee value proposition and in terms of the then applicable HR Policies.
• Sentech has an employee benefits policy which regulates the buying of gifts and arrangement of long service and retirement functions. As part of their employee wellness and support initiatives the company normally hosts memorial services for deceased employees as well as buying flowers and wreaths for their employees who have passed away.
• USAASA and FPB indicated that no flowers, cards, wreaths and gifts were bought in the past eight (8) years.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

1. (a) The Department did not set aside budget for connectivity restoration on the affected network sites. In our engagements with the affected parties, which mostly consists of the Mobile Network Operators (MNO’s), they have indicated that they will work from their operational plans to restore connectivity on the affected sites.

(b) (i) The restorations and repair costs will be covered by the affected parties (ii) time frame has not been specified as the dependency is on restoration of power by Eskom and respective authorities on affected areas

2. Not applicable.

Authorised for submission by

 

MR T NGOBENI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been informed by the SABC as follows:

In 2019 the SABC entered into a year-long contract with Athletics South Africa (ASA). This lapsed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During negotiations for a new ASA agreement, including securing the rights to broadcast the Comrades Marathon, the SABC learnt that ASA had already signed an exclusive contract with SuperSport for all premium ASA content, including the Comrades Marathon. This is despite the public broadcaster being open to negotiating a non-exclusive deal with ASA - allowing maximum rights revenue for the federation while ensuring most South Africans had access to premium athletic events.

The only recourse thereafter was for the SABC to sublicense these premium events from SuperSport. However, SuperSport's initial terms were unacceptable to the SABC as it wanted the public broadcaster to only broadcast the event a week after the event. After further negotiations it was eventually agreed, through ASA, that the highlights could be flighted within a few hours after the event. Also, the SABC would gain access to live coverage of the start and end of the Comrades Marathon as well as live updates. SuperSport further insisted on including clauses that severely limited where and how the SABC could broadcast the event, including a prohibition on carrying the content on the SABC Sports Channel (across all platforms).

SuperSport had previously tried to insert similar clauses in other sublicense agreements offered to the SABC and which were rejected. Consequently, SuperSport's actions forced the SABC to lodge a complaint of anti-competitive behaviour to the Competition Commission. The Competition Commission is currently dealing with the matter.

Authorised for submission by

 

MR TINYIKO NGOBENI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been informed by the SABC as follows:

A special committee was set up to investigate the allegations. It was then found that the allegations were untrue. This report was made public by the SABC.

 

Authorised for submission by

 

MR TINYIKO NGOBENI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been informed by the SABC as follows:

1. (a) The qualifications of the newly appointed head of news are as follows:

(i) Honours Degree (NQF 8) in Journalism

(ii) LLB Degree (NQF 8)

(iii) Post Graduate Diploma in Arts (NQF 8 equivalent)

(iv) Post Graduate Certificate - Management Advancement Programme

(b) The position of Group Executive: News and Current Affairs was advertised as per the SABC’s Recruitment and Selection Policy. The necessary approvals were obtained accordingly and the whole recruitment and selection process was fully compliant. All verification processes were duly undertaken, including psychometric tests. As per the advertisement, the inherent minimum requirements of the job are Journalism qualification (NQF 6/) or equivalent plus Post Graduate business qualification (NQF 8). MA/MBA was recommended.

2. The above job qualification requirements were fully met and exceeded by the current incumbent as per his qualifications stated in (a) above. The required working experience is 10 years’ work experience in News, Current Affairs and International broadcasting of which five years should be at Senior Manager Level and this was the second most important minimum requirement.

The above work experience requirements were also fully met and exceeded by the current incumbent which is evident in his CV which reflects 25 years overall relevant experience, that is:

(i) His Reporter experience began in 1996 to 2006.

(ii) His Functional leadership continued from 2007 to 2015.

(iii) His General Leadership continued from 2016 to 2021.

3. All Group Executive positions (including the Head of News) have secretary posts in their approved structures. This is consistent across the Corporation. The secretary serves the entire division, not the respective head of the division, in their performance of the divisional administrative functions. The appointment of the secretary was therefore not unique in the case of the Head of News as the secretary serves the entire division. The position was also advertised both internally and externally which allowed for any internal/external candidates to apply for the post. As such, the SABC is not aware of any available secretary that have been overlooked.

4. The current incumbent is part of the Group Executive Committee and attends all these meetings unless work engagements take preference. He is not an Executive Director and as such he is not part of Board meetings unless there is a specific reason for him to attend.

5. The required information is obtainable in the Annual Report which is duly audited by the Auditor-General.

 

Authorised for submission by

 

MR TINYIKO NGOBENI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been informed by SAPO as follows:

1. 

Liabilities in 'R million	Mar-18	Mar-19	Mar-20	Mar-21	Mar-22
Trade Creditors and accruals	577	669	692	1,088	1,422
Rental	190	124	89	243	364
Statutory	102	150	108	1,396	2,443
Salary Debt				150	150
Total	869	943	889	2,877	4,379

2. In the past five years (2018/2019 to 2021/2022) SAPO has been dealing with the following, ongoing, court actions:

MATTER	BRIEF DESCRIPTION	STATUS
Mrwetyana Family (Uyinene Mrwetyana)	The Mrwetyana family issued a summons in November 2020 against SAPO and Others following the murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana allegedly by an employee of SAPO at Clareinch Post Office, Cape Town. The claim is for delictual and consequential damages.	Matter is still in progress with settlement negotiations underway. The initial settlement offer was rejected.
Postnet (PN)	SAPO lodged a complaint with ICASA around 2019 to challenge unlawful competition contrary to the Postal Services Act for doing business in the reserved area of under 1kg. SAPO was successful and the ICASA tribunal (Complaints and Compliance Committee – “CCC”) recommended a ruling against PN, which ICASA endorsed for PN to stop its unlawful competition. But PN and their professional association, SAEPA, is challenging the ruling/order, by having it reviewed. They also lodged an High Court application to interdict SAPO from implementing the ruling/order, and not allowing PN to do business whilst the matter is continuing. There are currently interlocutory and counter-applications between ICASA, PN and SAEPA.	Matters are still in progress. The Interdict against SAPO is still in place.
VC IT Insight (VCII) (BMC Management Tools & CHM Vuwani)	VCII sued SAPO in 2017 for approximately R14.9 million, for purchasing BMC Management Tools. It was not indicated that the actual purchase was from VCII instead of CHM VUWANI, whom was a BMC Partner. SAPO applied to the High Court to have the “contract” set aside, declared invalid, reviewed and to reclaim R10.38m from VCII, which has been paid. SAPO did not pay the balance of R14.9 million pending the outcome of investigations and the Court’s decision as to the validity of the contract.	Matter still in progress. The judicial review application by SAPO will be heard in the High Court when a date has been set for trial.
Koninklijke JOH Enschede B.V	SAPO was issued with a summons in 2015 for non-payment in respect of Madiba Stamps and Folders under a verbal agreement. SAPO made some partial payment in this regard. There were staff members disciplined and dismissed for this. SAPO had issued a judicial review to review and set aside the “agreement”. SAPO filed its founding affidavit, the plaintiff filed its answering affidavit and SAPO thereafter filed its replying affidavit. A trial date will be applied for at the Registrar of High Court, South Gauteng. SAPO is also claiming back the partial payment which was made previously. Delays in concluding the legal matters were mainly caused by SAPO being unable to pay its Attorneys in due time.	Matters still in progress in the High Court.
Medipos	A Settlement Agreement involving post-retirement medical aid benefits was made an Order of Court by the Supreme Court of Appeal. On 25 August 2022 the Constitutional Court reaffirmed the decision and declined to grant SAPO leave to appeal the Supreme Court judgement. On 6 September 2022, Medipos brought an application in terms of Rule 8 seeking urgent relief to enforce the original Court judgement.	On 11 September 2022, the SAPO Board reached out to the Medipos Board of Trustees regarding the implementation of the Constitutional Court judgement. Engagements are still ongoing.
Redefine Properties Limited	A liquidation application was brought by Redefine Properties (Pty) Ltd which is SAPO’s landlord in some postal outlets.	The matter was settled between the parties.
Blue Turtle Technologies (Pty) Ltd	The IT software provider filed a liquidation application and a provisional liquidation order was granted on 6 June 2022, with a rule nisi. Final liquidation was scheduled for 24 August 2022.	The matter was settled between the parties.
Zaliwa (Pty) Ltd	SAPO received a Notice of Motion for liquidation on 22 August 2022. SAPO is currently dealing with the matter and a court date has not yet been allocated.	The matter is pending.

Authorised for submission by

 

MR TINYIKO NGOBENI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by SABC as follows:

a) The Section 189 process was led internally by SABC Executives, i.e. the Chief Operating Officer and Group Executive: Human Resources. The process was facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). No legal costs were incurred during this period. However, as is common knowledge, Organised Labour (BEMAWU) took the SABC to court during the tail-end of this process. The court ruled in favour of the SABC after which BEMAWU appealed. The court also ruled against the union upon appeal. Several individuals also took their cases to the CCMA and Labour Court respectively. The Labour Court upheld its earlier decision and ruled in favour of the SABC in all these cases. The rulings confirmed that the SABC executive followed all elements of procedural and substantive fairness. These matters are now considered closed. In total R 2 133 016.61 was spent on legal fees in the cases related to the S189 process.

b) The reorganisation of the SABC and the reduction in the employee compensation costs were vital elements in efforts to stabilise the finances of the Corporation as it embarked on a cost-cutting exercise. The SABC would have, in all likelihood, been left in a worse financial position were the status quo to have remained.

 

Authorised for submission by

 

MR TINYIKO NGOBENI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

The programme of removing underutilised red letter deposit boxes is underway. The box at 57 Main Street is scheduled for removal in October 2022.

 

Authorised for submission by

 

MR TINYIKO NGOBENI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the USAASA as follows:

The company in question was liquidated in December 2018 and the appointed liquidators are Mr. R. K. Pollock N.O, Mr. R. F. Lutchman N.O. and Ms R Pieters N.O. The directors before liquidation were Mr. Itumeleng Mafoko and Ms. Mabuyi Memela.

Reply:

I have been advised as follows:-

No, the Department does not have programmes in place to promote cybersecurity training as the Department does not gave a training mandate.

However, the Department identified a gap in cybersecurity skills in the country and at present, partnered with the Bank SETA and the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) to develop a National Cybersecurity Skills Framework to guide the training of cybersecurity professionals by the relevant institutions.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

a) The total raised by the high-demand radio frequency spectrum auction is R14 477 889 512.60.

b) The revenue collected from the auction will go to the national fiscus.

c) Any details on the spending of the amount can be directed to the Minister of Finance.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

That the digital migration process commenced in South Africa around 2008 where the necessary Broadcast digital migration (BDM) Policies and Regulations guiding the broadcasters about the process was established. It is quite concerning and appalling that some broadcaster can claim that they are not ready after these many years.

(a) (i) At the time of publication of the question, the Gauteng High Court had extended the date for analogue switch off to 30 June 2022. As of 25 April 2022, 398 251 households were awaiting installations which must be completed by 30 June 2022.

(ii) Majority of South African television households are already receiving television services through satellite platforms. In addition, Digital television is also received through digital television sets which aresold in South Africa since 2012. Between 2016 to date, more than 2.6 million Digital TV sets have been sold.. Furthermore, government has taken measures to ensure South Africans do not unknowingly buy Analogue TV sets.

(b)       Refer to (a) above

Reply:

I have been advised SAPO as follows:

Most post offices in urban areas were closed due to unprofitability, as well as congestion of branches. The few branches closed in rural areas were due to incidents of crime. As a result, a total of 144 branches were closed. Out of the 144 closed branches, 26 were due to non-payment of rentals.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

a) As per the court judgement, the department needs to conclude 100% installations by 30 June 2022, for those who have registered before 31 October 2021. The numbers that were due for installations by 30 June 2022 as per Gauteng High Court judgement were completed by the set date except for 106, 571 in KZN and Eastern Cape due to the impact of the floods.

b) Applications and approved registrations from 1 November 2021 to 31 March 2022 were 260, 868. Applications received between 1 April 2022 and 30 June 2022 were only 49, 385

(i) At the time of publication of the question, the Gauteng High Court had extended the date for analogue switch off to 30 June 2022.

(ii) There is no way of knowing the number of households watching TV through analogue TV sets and it is for that reason that government called for those watching TV through analogue and qualifying for government assistance to apply for assistance. In addition, Digital television cannot only be watched through STBs but digital television sets which were already sold in South Africa since 2012. Between 2016 to date, more than 2.6 million Digital TV sets have been sold in South Africa and can be deemed majority TV sets in households. Furthermore, government has taken measures to ensure South Africans do not unknowingly buy Analogue TV sets in the market.

Reply:

I was advised by the Department and Entities as follows:

(a)(i) No

(b)(ii) No

(aa-ee) Not applicable

 

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

a) The Verwoerd Park mail is now being redirected to the Alberton Post Office due to numerous complaints regarding the safety of clients while accessing their mail. The lobby box has a severe vagrant problem. This is despite a fence being erected and several interventions by the South African Police Service – both of which have not deterred the vagrants from returning and utilising the facility.

b) (i) No plans are in place due to lack of funds. The boxes are being relocated to Alberton Post Office lobby that have vacant boxes.

(ii) Same as above.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(1)(a) The State Information Technology Agency (SITA)

(1)(b) Nil

(2) (a) No

(2) (b) The website is being redesigned.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department and SOEs as follows:

a) Department

Department	i) Flowers	(ii) Cards	(iii) Wreaths	(iv) Gifts
	R47 363, 00	0	Included (i) due to BAS SCOA classification	R691, 00

(b-f)

SOEs	(i) Flowers	(ii) Cards	(iii) Wreaths	(iv) Gifts
SAPO	-	-	-	-
NEMISA	R3 549.90	-	-	-
SABC	R96 329.00	-	R4 463.00	R 116 181.00
SITA	R21 463.00	-	-	-
BBI	R69 156.00	-	-	R24 075.00

SAPO indicated that no money was spend for flowers, cards, wreaths and gifts in the last eight (8) years.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

No incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault were reported in the Department in the past three years and since 1 April 2021.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

a) The total amount spent on catering for the period in question was R738 982.91,

(i) Minister: R157 644.86

(ii) Deputy Minister: R 90 665.20

(iii) Officials in the Department: R490 672.85

b) The total amount spent on entertainment for the period in question was R0.00,

(i) Minister: R0.00

(ii) Deputy Minister: R0.00

(iii) Officials in the Department: R0.00

c) The total amount spent on accommodation for the period in question was R15 345 562.86

(i) Minister: R 3 615 001.95

(ii) Deputy Minister: R 1 021 003.90

(iii) Officials in the Department: R10 709 557.01

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department and SOEs as follows:

I have been advised by the SOEs as follows:

a) Department:

i) Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality:

(aa) Water R0.00

(bb) Rates R0.00

(cc) Electricity R0.00

ii) Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality:

(aa) Water R0.00

(bb) Rates R0.00

(cc) Electricity R0.00

iii) Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality:

(aa) Water R0.00

(bb) Rates R0.00

(cc) Electricity R0.00

(b-d) SOEs:

• SAPO has indicated that no amount is owed to any of the mentioned municipalities as at 07 March 2022. All utilities, rates and taxes accounts are paid in full.
• Nemisa indicated that municipal rates and taxes accounts are up to date
• SABC responded that the accounts at the municipalities mentioned were up to date as at 07 March 2022.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised as follows:

The Department is guided by the Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field (RF EMF) guidelines of March 2020 developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which provide the necessary and sufficient levels of protection from adverse effects relating to exposure to RF EMF when networks including 5G are deployed or operated.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department and SOEs as follows:

DEPARTMENT:

(1)(a)(i) R329,384-00 was paid on settlements.

(1)(a)(ii) R2 024 276,50.

2. The response is provided in annexure A.

SOEs:

1. (b-f)

SOEs	(i)NSettlements	(ii) Salaries to suspended employees
SAPO	R23, 023,132. 69	R69, 631,178. 13
Nemisa	R 30 000.00	R653 332.77
SABC	R66 390 764.35	R26 787 242.38
SITA	R 9 438 136.08	R 46 882 565.68
BBI	R 1 971 372.00	R 2 083 164.00

2. The responses are provided in the annexures. Annexure B for SAPO and annexure C for the other entities in question.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

(a)(i) There were 1762 incidents recorded during the last two financial years in which SAPO paid Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants. Implementation was from May 2020. 1131 incidents of burglaries and 631 incidents of armed robberies were reported during the same period.

(a)(ii) 103 cases of vandalism or malicious damage to property were reported during the abovementioned period.

(b) Due to the sensitivity around SRD payments, SAPO is not in a position to provide a breakdown of the losses incurred. It can, however, confirm that beneficiaries did not incur any loss as supplementary cash orders were made available for swiftly making payments. In addition, SAPO is insured against losses incurred for, among other things, incidents of violent crime.

Authorised for submission by:

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

(a) None.

(b – f) Not Applicable.

 

Authorised for submission by:

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

 

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

1.

(a) The only local authority that SAPO owes is Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The amount outstanding is R 237,256.83 and will be settled in full on 15 April 2022.

(b) All other local authority accounts are up to date.

(2) SAPO is recovering all outstanding utilities amounts from Telkom

(3) No statement will be made on the matter.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the SOEs as follows:

1.

SOEs	(i)mSettlements	(ii) Salaries to suspended employees
a) ICASA	R1,098 751.50	R3 041 738.20
b) Sentech	R299 090.06	R1 557 694.72
c) USAASA	-	R 1 521 3834.00
d) FPB	R3 320 804.52	R1 337 956.81
e) GCIS	The question pertaining to the GCIS and MDDA should be directed to the Minister in the Presidency as these entities fall within his portfolio.
f) nMDDA

 

2. The responses are provided in the attached annexure.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the SOEs as follows:

(a)- (b) USAASA and FPB have indicated that they do not owe any of the mentioned municipalities.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

(a) Since 1 January 2018 a total of 248 branches were closed, for various reasons.

(b) Please see attached spread sheet

(c) Please see attached spread sheet

Authorised for submission by:

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

 

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the SOEs as follows:

a) nState Information Technology Agency (SITA):

1. Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality account is up to date.
2. Not applicable.
3. Not applicable.

b) nBroadband Infraco (BBI):

(i-iii) The BBI does not owe any of the Municipalities in question.

c)n Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)

(i-iii) ICASA does not owe any of the Municipalities in question.

d) Sentech

1. As at 7 March 2022, Sentech owed the Tshwane Municipality R1 221 722.00. This amount was subsequently paid off.
2. Johannesburg Municipality was owed R724 934.89 and this amount was paid off on 18 March 2022.
3. Not applicable.

Authorised for submission by

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the department as follows:

a) A specific feasibility study relating to the 10GB data has not been undertaken, however, the SA Connect Phase 2 proposal borrows on the tenets of universal access to basic and essential services (e.g. water, electricity and data being the next step). Recognizing the negative impact of the digital divide, especially in the rural and underserviced areas, the statement relating to the allocation of 10GB is a statement of intent to address this divide.

b) The proposed timeline is in parallel to the roll out of the SA Connect Revised Model, which is planned to be completed within the next 3 years starting from 01 April 2022.

Reply:

I have been advised by the SABC as follows:

1. There are sufficient commentators for all indigenous languages and for all covered sporting codes, even XK FM has started doing live commentary in !Xu and Khwe languages.

2. (a,b,c) The SABC has always carried live cricket commentary in the three languages (English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans).  This is still in place on the respective radio stations when they carry the games.  This is not possible on analogue TV as it cannot do multiple audio tracks.  This is possible on the SABC Sport Channel (DTT and DTH) and does occur, but the SABC cannot afford to do this simultaneously at this time.

3. This is the specialty of SABC Radio Stations and has been the case for many years. The SABC has identified and groomed most of the country’s sports commentators, who have gone on to work for other industry players.

4. This is already in place, but sequentially. This is done in parallel and will only be possible if the costs can be justified and it will be on a ‘case by case basis’. Currently Sport is a loss-making entity due the high cost of sport rights. The SABC is mandated in terms of the sports regulations to prioritise national sporting events. Therefore, it tries its best to ensure that there is a balance of the core language groups used in the broadcast of such events.

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department and entities as follows:

DEPARTMENT:

a) Currently there are no invoices that are unpaid by the Department for,

b) N/A.

c) N/A

ENTITIES:

(a)

ENTITY	(aa) 30 days	(bb) 60 days	(cc) 90 days	(dd) 120 days
SITA	51	40	28	91
NEMISA	None	None	None	5
BBI	35	95	24	9
SENTECH	7	2	4	20
FPB	1	1	2	1
SABC	23	19	9	2
ZADNA	None	None	None	None
SAPO	90	26	17	63
POSTBANK	1	2	-	5
ICASA	18	11	03	29
USAASA	6	6	2	3

(b)

ENTITY	30 days	60 days	90 days	120 days
SITA	R45.3m	R45.3m	R45.3m	R45.3m
NEMISA	-	-	-	R70 364.74
BBI	R13 000 942	R19 100 028	R17 089 078	R12 338 747
SENTECH	R267,606.64	R267,606.64	R267,606.64	R267,606.64
FPB	R 7 854.20	R 737 420.63	R 456 499.72	R318 279.37
SABC	R1 152 514.02	R24 421 343.05	R 1 973 703.05	R191 242. 27
ZADNA	-	-	-	-
SAPO	R119m	R59m	R37m	R270m
POSTBANK	R136 967,30	R141 107,14	-	R10 672 890.74
ICASA	R371 859,95	R366 837,92	R19 946,55	R175 127.05
USAASA	R419 193.21	R441 369.37	R107 308.27	R29 090.64

(c)

SITA is working with all its client departments to ensure that they make funds available to settle all outstanding invoices as soon as possible, not later than 31 March 2022. These outstanding amounts are largely for services consumed by different government departments, and SITA manages the related contracts on their behalf, and can only settle invoices when client departments make funds available.

NEMISA envisage that the outstanding amount will be settled by 31 March 2022.

BBI stated that; (30 days) 29 of these invoices (R2 615 956) have since been paid. The balance of the invoices is from fellow SOE’s with whom they are discussing payment options. (60 days) 70 invoices (R162 783) are from their previous Travel Management Company and still undergoing verification. The balance of the invoices is from fellow SOE’s with whom they are discussing payment options. (90 days) the invoices are from two fellow SOE’s with whom they are discussing payment options. (120 days) the invoices are from two fellow SOE’s with whom they are discussing payment options.

SENTECH stated that the outstanding amounts will be settled by 31 March 2022.

FPB indicated that the envisaged date of settlement is by 31 March 2022 for all invoices that meet the payment requirement i.e. Service or Goods have been delivered.

.ZADNA indicated they have no outstanding amount to be settled.

SABC invoices falling between 30-120 days will be settled between February 2022 and March 2022 subject to all internal processes being concluded.

SAPO currently does not have the required funds to settle the liabilities. SAPO has requested funding through the MTEF process. SAPO has developed a revised strategy to improve its operational and financial performance and is in the process of implementing such. However, the success of the new Strategy depends on the availability of funding.

Postbank has indicated that the payment will be made by 28 February 2022, with the exception of SAPO where payments to SAPO were put on hold as SAPO has withheld Postbank's revenue from SASSA on payment of grants. Negotiations between SAPO and Postbank are still in progress. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the way forward.

ICASA stated that invoices falling between 30 – 90 days are currently in progress and will be settled no later than the end of February 2022. The invoices falling within the 120 days are either under dispute or the supplier’s tax status is not up to date, therefore payment cannot be effected.

USAASA has indicated that some of the invoices will be paid before end of February 2022, while other invoices are awaited to be are fully compliance.

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

(a)

• Graaff Reinet Post Office
• Aberdeen Post Office
• Willowmore Post Office
• Jansenville Post Office

(b)

• Graaff Reinet – R552,534.75
• Aberdeen – R150,743.43
• Willowmore – R103,500.00
• Jansenville – R0

(c) All SAPO landlords were sent a letter explaining the financial situation of SAPO and negotiating a payment model. The commitment made was that payments would be made as soon as finances become available.

(d) Some payments are honoured based on cash flow, the Jansenville Post Office landlord was fully paid on February 10, hence the outstanding balance is R0.

(e)

Office	SASSA Grants (Average)	SRD Grants (Average)
Graaff-Reinet PO	R117 500	R29 750
Aberdeen PO	R105 750	R13 300
Jansenville PO	R82 250	R9 800
Willowmore PO	R157 450	R 10 850

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER

DATE:

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

1. (a) Landlords

As at 31 January 2022 an amount of R304 million was owed. The amounts owing to landlords include rental and operational/ utilities costs

(b) & (c) Municipalities & Water and electricity

The current balance for municipalities as at 10 February 2022 is R915 000 which is only the current costs for the month.

2. The reason for outstanding rentals is due to SAPO’s constrained cash flow position. SAPO’s costs have continued to exceed revenue resulting in losses for the year ending 31 March 2021 and for the ten months ending 31 January 2022. The losses are unfunded resulting in SAPO having insufficient funds to settle liabilities.

3. (a) Negative impact on customers as branches are closed / locked by landlords.

(b) Also impacts on revenue not being generated by closure of these branches.

4. SAPO currently does not have the required funds to settle the liabilities. SAPO has developed a revised strategy to improve its operational and financial performance – and is in the process of implementing such. In addition, SAPO has requested funding through the MTEF process.

Reply:

No, the department did not receive such correspondence from the Political Party in question.

A rigorous procedure guided by Public Service prescripts is followed in the recruitment and appointment processes in the department.

Reply:

a) The Minister continues to facilitate engagements between the parties to the litigation to find an amicable solution. These efforts have resulted in consensus on matters on dispute be they on the release of the spectrum or temporary spectrum.

b) The Department continues to support the development and advancement of modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), etc. At this point the Department is working with industry experts and academia to develop South Africa Artificial Intelligence Policy, this is after the country successfully led the development of the AI Blueprint for Africa the Smart Africa Alliance. Of course, the ability to extend the availability of these technologies will highly be influenced by the deployment of the spectrum.

Reply:

I have been advised by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:

a) (24) Twenty-four Post Office branches have been permanently closed in Gauteng for which official approvals have been granted. Another (66) sixty-six branches have been closed awaiting official approval for the closure. The closure of these branches relate to landlord disputes, lockouts due to rental arrears, electricity arrears, while others have been looted and vandalised. See details hereunder. The lists hereunder details affected branches but is fluid given the changing circumstances and issues at any point in time.

b) Some have been permanently closed due to optimization of the SAPO branch network as well as forced closures by landlords as a result of rental arrears.

c) Communities have been referred to the nearest alternative branches which are in a radius of +-5km. This does not affect the street delivery of mail in these areas. Where private boxes are to be moved, renters retain their PO Box numbers once transferred to the closest open Post Office.

Official approval granted for permanent closure:

No	Office	Province	When Closed	Reason
Approval granted for closure during April 2021
1.	Linden	Gauteng	Apr 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
2.	Jukskeipark	Gauteng	Apr 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
3.	Thokoza	Gauteng	Apr 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
4.	Fontainebleu	Gauteng	Feb 2021	Forced closure by landlord
5.	De Deur	Gauteng	May 2020	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
6.	Fairland	Gauteng	Aug 2020	Forced closure by landlord
Approval granted for closure during May 2021
7.	Glenharvie	Gauteng	Mar 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
8.	Sonlanpark	Gauteng	Nov 2020	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
9.	Monumentpark	Gauteng	Feb 2021	Forced closure by landlord.
10.	Henbly	Gauteng	Mar 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
11.	Strubensvallei	Gauteng	May 2021	Forced closure by landlord.
12.	Van Dyk Park	Gauteng	May 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
13.	Brenthurst	Gauteng	May 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
14.	Bakerton	Gauteng	May 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
15.	Edenpark	Gauteng	May 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
16.	Dunnottar	Gauteng	May 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.
Approval granted for closure during June 2021
17.	Wendywood	Gauteng	Feb 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices
18.	Boipatong	Gauteng	Jun 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices
19.	Kagiso	Gauteng	Sept 2020	Forced closure by landlord
20.	Welobie	Gauteng	May 2021	Forced closure by landlord
21.	Woodhill	Gauteng	Sept 2020	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices
Approval granted for closure during July 2021
22.	Khumalo	Gauteng	Feb 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices
Approval granted for closure during August 2021
23.	Dower Glen	Gauteng	May 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices
24	The Tramshed	Gauteng	Aug 2021	Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices

Branches closed awaiting official approval, locked out by landlords due to rental arrears, electricity arrears, looted and vandalised branches:

No	Office	Province	Reason
1	Alexandra South	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
2	Aston Manor	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
3	Atlasville	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
4	Benoni North	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
5	Bertsham	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
6	Boitumelo	Gauteng	Electricity account arrears
7	Bramley	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
8	Cleveland	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
9	Dersley	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
10	Doornpoort	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
11	Dunnottar	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
12	Dunswart	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
13	East Lynn	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
14	Ebony Park	Gauteng	Looting and vandalised
15	Elardus Park	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
16	Elspark	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
17	Evaton	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
18	Faerie Glen	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
19	Fararmere	Gauteng	Electricity account arrears
20	Florida Hills	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
21	Fourways North	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
22	Heidelberg	Gauteng	Electricity account arrears
23	Highveld Park	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
24	Ifafi	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
25	Isando	Gauteng	Burglary. Equipment stolen
26	Kaalfontein	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord and vandalised by looters
27	Kagiso East	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
28	Katlehong	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
29	Khumalo	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
30	Kliptown	Gauteng	Looting and vandalised
31	KwaXuma	Gauteng	Looting and vandalised
32	Kyalami	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
33	Lambton	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
34	Laudium	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
35	Leondale	Gauteng	Looting and vandalised
36	Lynnwood Ridge	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
37	Masoheng	Gauteng	Looting and vandalised
38	Montana	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
39	Noordheuwel	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
40	Oliefantsfontein	Gauteng	Blocked sewerage drain
41	Orange Farm	Gauteng	Looting and vandalised
42	Paardekraal	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
43	Pierre Van Ryneveld	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
44	Protea Gardens	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
45	Quagga	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
46	Randhart	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
47	Randpark Ridge	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
48	Rant en Dal	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
49	Raslouw	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
50	Rensburg	Gauteng	Electricity account arrears
51	Ruimsig	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
52	Rusloo	Gauteng	Electricity account arrears
53	Rynfield	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
54	Sandringham	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
55	Silverton	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
56	Sinoville	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
57	Stretford	Gauteng	Looting and vandalised
58	Strubenvale	Gauteng	Electricity account arrears
59	Sunward Park	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
60	Tembisa South	Gauteng	Looting and vandalised
61	Three Rivers	Gauteng	Locked out by landlord
62	Tiegerpoort	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
63	Turffontein	Gauteng	Closed, awaiting official approval
64	Vosloorus	Gauteng	Electricity account arrears
65	Westonaria	Gauteng	Electricity account arrears
66	Zola	Gauteng	Looting and vandalised

Reply:

1. The dispute between mobile network operators and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) was finally resolved on the 15th September 2021 with the granting of a court order, in terms of which the decisions taken by the Authority to publish the Invitations-to-Apply (ITAs) for the release of high demand spectrum and licensing of the Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN) was set aside and the matter was referred back to the Authority for reconsideration.

In light of the above, the Authority will, during the course of Quarter 3, make an announcement on the reconsideration of the matter as directed by the court.

(2) The Department – as the policy maker – will work with ICASA and all stakeholders to ensure that ICASA’s initiation of the process of licensing of spectrum.