Questions and Replies
12 August 2015 - NW2835
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)What discussions did he hold with the Department of Energy regarding the designation of local content for the Government’s proposed nuclear build programme; (2) what steps did he take to ensure that local content requirements were included in the various memoranda of understanding signed by the specified department; (3) what (a) value and/or (b) benefits will the local manufacturing sector derive from the nuclear build programme, including (i) job creation and (ii) investment in manufacturing; (4) has any person from his department been appointed to assist the specified department with local content and procurement; if so, (a) who has been appointed, (b) how were they selected and (c) what qualifications do they hold? NW3308E
Reply:
1-4 Government promulgated the revised Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity 2010 - 2030 (IRP2010) in March 2011. The IRP made provision for 9.6 gigawatts of nuclear capacity expansion.
The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) chaired the Nuclear Energy Sub-Working Group (NESWG) on Localisation, Industrialisation and Skills Development, with key economic departments and state owned companies (SOC) as participants, in support of the Nuclear Energy Working Group (NEWG).
The NESWG on Localisation, Industrialisation and Skills Development submitted its reports to the Department of Energy (DoE) dealing with all matters assigned to it.
All documents of the NESWG are classified as Top Secret and are in the possession of the DoE.
The Minister and Department of Energy have a constitutional mandate for national energy and energy related matters, inclusive of nuclear energy. Requests for programme specific information should therefore be directed to the Minister of Energy.
30 July 2015 - NW2605
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) What tests have been undertaken by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications pertaining to (i) road safety and (ii) vehicle safety in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years and (b) In each case, (i) what were the outcomes of each specified test, (ii) when was each specified test undertaken and (iii) under what conditions were the specified tests undertaken?
Reply:
a) i) The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) ensures that all new vehicle models and certain safety critical replacement components that fall within the domain of its compulsory specifications and specific provisions of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), comply with all relevant requirements before they are offered for sale in South Africa. The NRCS is mandated to ensure new manufactured and imported regulated products are in compliance with the set requirements. In addition to this initial approval, market surveillance activities ensure that manufacturers and importers that offer products for sale, continually comply with the requirements, after initial approval has been granted. Product samples are inspected during the approval process. During its market surveillance activities, the NRCS may sample products to confirm compliance.
a) ii) The NRCS is not responsible for roadworthiness of vehicles and components in use during the life cycle of the product. This obligation resides with the National Department of Transport and the National Road Traffic Act.
a.a (and b i, ii and iii):
In the 2012-13 period 5867 products were approved as they met with the requirements of the relevant compulsory specifications. Test reports from accredited laboratories independent of the NRCS, confirmed the compliance of these products. In addition, 4326 market surveillance activities confirmed compliance of products to the relevant compulsory specifications. There were no instances of non-compliance confirmed in 20 samples where non- compliance was suspected. Samples of trucks, tow-bars, brake friction material, replacement glass and lights were verified against the requirements of the compulsory specifications at the time of approval and during market surveillance. Test conditions are specified in the relevant standard referred to in the compulsory specification for a particular product.
a.b and b i; ii and iii):
In the 2013-14 period 5800 products were approved as they met with the requirements of the relevant compulsory specifications. Test reports from accredited laboratories independent of the NRCS, confirmed the compliance of these products. In addition, 4054 market surveillance activities confirmed compliance of products to the relevant compulsory specifications. There were 9 non-compliant products confirmed in sample testing where non-compliance was suspected. Relevant sanctions were imposed on these clients. Samples of tow-bars, brake friction material, replacement glass and lights were verified against the requirements of the compulsory specifications at the time of approval and during market surveillance. Test conditions are specified in the relevant standard referred to in the compulsory specification for a particular product.
a.c and b I; ii and iii):
In the 2014-15 period 3602 products were approved as they met with the requirements of the relevant compulsory specifications. Test reports from accredited laboratories independent of the NRCS, confirmed the compliance of these products. In addition, 4511 market surveillance activities confirmed compliance of products to the relevant compulsory specifications. There were no instances of non-compliance confirmed in 19 samples tested where non- compliance was suspected. Samples of trucks, tow-bars, brake friction material, replacement glass and lights were verified against the requirements of the compulsory specifications at the time of approval and during market surveillance. Test conditions are specified in the relevant standard referred to in the compulsory specification for a particular product.
In terms of the NRCS Act: Act No 5 of 2008, the sanctioning process is an internal mechanism used by the Regulator to prevent the entry of non-compliant products into the market. However, such information specific to the company/client cannot legally be made public.
30 July 2015 - NW2581
Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1) With regard to the recently established National Export Advisory Council, how will the council enable the unlocking of opportunities and unleashing of barriers to trade whilst dealing with developmental issues and facilitating market access;
Reply:
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
The National Export Advisory Council (NEAC) will facilitate access to targeted international markets by prioritising the resources and supporting the exporters to enter foreign markets and service continental infrastructure projects. NEAC will facilitate the eradication of trade barriers in the targeted markets (as informed by the Export Diversification Strategy) whilst dealing with the developmental issues as defined by the “four gear concept” of the International Trade Center, which places emphasis on the developmental impacts of the export sector and its synchronicity with the national development goals
The NEAC structure will provide direction, co-ordination and oversight in order to enhance the trade and business environment and improving the competitiveness of companies and sectors. The NEAC approach is modelled on ITC’s Four Functional Gear Concept of Competitiveness and Development which informs the draft Integrated National Export Strategy (INES). The four gears comprise 1) Border-in or supply-side issues dealing with capacity development, capacity diversification, skills and entrepreneurship development; 2) Border or business environment dealing with infrastructure, trade facilitation and cost of doing business; 3) Border-out or demand-side issues dealing with market access, in-market support and strategic export promotion; and the developmental issues such as export-related employment, transformation efforts and regional development. The three competitiveness gears of should reinforce other each, whilst powering the 4) developmental gear resulting in a combined competitiveness-development focus for the country. The NEAC structure will deal with all four gears in unlocking regulatory or institutional bottlenecks in order to improve competitiveness and drive exports.
Question
(2) (a) who are the members that serve on the specified council and (b) how were they chosen;
Response
(2) (a) NEAC will comprise the Ministries involved directly or indirectly in the export development and export promotion regulatory and policy framework, State Owned Enterprises, 5 Proxies of Export formations (including Export councils, Export clubs, Joint Action Groups, Industry associations, Chamber of Commerce) Business Unity South Africa, Black Business Council, Provincial Investment and Promotion Agencies etc.
(2) (b) The aforementioned members are recommended on their respective roles in advancing the national export agenda contributing to the realization of the National Development Plan and New Growth Path imperatives.
Question
(3) what remuneration will each council member receive;
Response
(3) The remuneration package of the council member are not determined as yet as we are awaiting the finalisation of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the establishment of the National Export Development and Promotion Bill, the outcome thereof will inform the modality of NEAC.
The Bill which is being explored will provide for the establishment of structure/s with the functions to represent and promote the interests of the export community and to advise national, provincial and local spheres of government on policy imperatives in order to advance the national export agenda.
Question
(4) what costs will be incurred by the specified council to do its work;
Response
The costs have not been determined for the aforementioned reason (Awaiting the outcome of the National Export Development and Promotion Bill that will inform the modality of NEAC and the needs of the potential beneficiaries).
Question
(5) has (a) a business plan and (b) key objectives been developed for the specified council; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW2956E
Response
(5) (a) A business plan will be compiled upon the conclusion of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the establishment of the National Export Development and Promotion Bill. It will be important to consider the proposed structure within a national responsive institutional framework in order to address the current fragmentation and the on-going strengthening of NEAC’s capacity.
(b) The key objectives of the council will be developed upon the conclusion of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the establishment of the National Export Development and Promotion Bill.
07 July 2015 - Questions asked to Minister of Trade & Industry B
03 July 2015 - NW2417
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
What amount did (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him spend on advertising in (i) Sowetan and (ii) Daily Sun in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years?
Reply:
Response from the Department
(a) (i) (ii) (aa) (bb) (cc)
Advertising Cost: 2012/13
The annual advertising cost per newspaper per financial year is indicated in the table below:
|
Newspaper |
2012/13 Financial Year |
2013/14 Financial Year |
2014/15 Financial Year |
|
Sowetan |
R1 283 046.88 |
R1 146 164 .88 |
R511 733.97 |
|
Daily Sun |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Response from the Entities
|
Entity |
b (i)(aa) |
b (i)(bb) |
b (i)(cc) |
b(ii)(aa) |
b (ii)(bb) |
b(ii)(cc) |
|
Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Credit Regulator (NCR) |
R 237 304 |
R 244 263 |
R 209 111 |
R 149 136 |
R 496 540 |
R 109 470 |
|
National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Empowerment Fund (NEF) |
R 135 254.40 |
R 111 960 |
R 657 600 |
R63 354 |
R 6 960 |
R 37 040 |
|
National Gambling Board (NGB) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Lotteries Commission (NLC) |
R 56 363 |
R 461 183 |
R 438 039 |
R 78 229 |
Not Applicable |
R 112 783 |
|
National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Regulator For Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Consumer Commission (NCC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
Companies Tribunal (CT) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
R 77 278.65 |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
02 July 2015 - NW2447
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)With regard to the published Liquor Policy Review, has his department conducted a regulatory impact assessment to ascertain what the cost to the economy would be in terms of job losses should the specified policy be implemented;
Reply:
(1) The initial Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) was conducted to inform the liquor policy review process, and as the policy consultation process continues, assessment continues. RIA serves as an internal tool for government policy development process, and assessment of the cost to the economy is a component of the RIA process. The final RIA report will as submitted with the final liquor policy review document to Cabinet as per process, and the Liquor Amendment Bill will be introduced into Parliament thereafter.
(2)(a) Legal consideration has been applied to all proposals that are made in the liquor policy review document that has been published for public consultation. The proposal regarding suspension or revocation of a trading licence is intended to give the powers to effectively enforce conditions of the licence as per section 13 of the Liquor Act. Suspension or revocation of a licence will be an option available after all remedies within the Act, such as compliance notice, have been exhausted to achieve compliance.
(b)(i) No amendment will be made to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Amendment Act, Act 53 of 2003 as there is no need for such amendment.
(ii) No amendment will be made to the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 46 of 2013 as there is no need for such an amendment. There is a need for the liquor legislation to be amended to empower authorities to enforce adherence to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Amendment Act, and its codes, whatever the form.
(3) The draft policy has taken into consideration the Constitutional Court judgement where the dti acquired the exclusive regulation competence over macro manufacturing and distribution of liquor, while Provinces hold the regulation competence over micro manufacturing and retail sale of liquor. The Liquor Act provides for norms and standards in the regulation of liquor for harmonisation. This harmonisation is achieved through co-operative governance established through the National Liquor Policy Council comprising the Minister and the MECs who legitimately formulate such standards. The norms and standards were adopted in line with the mandate and is within the bounds of the Constitution. The provinces remain responsible for issuance of licences for micro manufacturers and retail sale.
02 July 2015 - NW2452
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
Has his department or any of the entities reporting to him awarded any funding for the production of (a) the Uzalo television drama, produced by certain persons (names furnished) or (b) any other (i) film or (ii) television production involving the specified two individuals; if so, what are the relevant details
Reply:
(a) No approval has been given for the production of Uzalo television dram produced by Mr Duma Ka Ndlovu and Ms Gugu Ncube.
(b) No film or television production involving the specified individuals has been awarded funding by the Department of Trade and Industry.
|
Entity |
a |
b (i) |
a(ii) |
|
Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Credit Regulator (NCR) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Empowerment Fund (NEF) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Gambling Board (NGB) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Lotteries Commission (NLC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Regulator For Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
National Consumer Commission (NCC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
Companies Tribunal (CT) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |