Questions and Replies

Reply:

1. Unknown. The SA Army cannot pronounce itself on the functioning of the 32 Battalion Trust Fund or its continuation after 24 November 2005 when it ceased to be administered by the SA Army Foundation.

Reply:

(1) In accordance to the Memorandum of Understanding, the Republic has a vested interest in the political, economic, social and security objectives to promote peace, stability and the well-being of its neighbours. This is affected by protecting the integrity of the territorial waters against any illegal activities that undermines security and economic development, which includes piracy. It is the conviction that close co-operation and a mutual understanding as well as collaboration in matters of maritime security will be mutually beneficial to all parties concerned.

It provides a deterrence and is preventative to maritime piracy and maritime crimes committed at sea. The presence of Islamic militants in Northern Mozambique and the potential maritime threat they pose, requires the protection of the sea lanes within the Mozambique Channel that convey a large percentage of South Africa’s fuel requirements. Attacks from the sea are proving a very viable option with a very low risk of being halted/stopped. If left unchecked, Northern Mozambique could very well become a “launching site” for further criminal activities and networks in the region, which may include piracy, adopting asymmetric tactics destabilising and rendering the adjoining seas dangerous.

It also ensures valuable time at sea and training for crew members of the South African Navy (SAN) and keeps the ships’ crews interested in their profession. Relationships are developed with the Mozambican Security Forces and the local population. It is also a valuable source in the gathering of maritime related information.

(2) The SADC Maritime Security Strategy was an attempt to address piracy in the SADC Indian Ocean. The benefits derived from this Strategy and the subsequent signing of the Trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the RSA, Mozambique and Tanzania, signalled an end to “sea blindness within the SADC east coast, as well as engaging in discussions surrounding maritime security and the “blue economy”.

The promulgation of the Maritime Security Strategy and trilateral MOU was the confirmation of closer co-operation between member states on the SADC east coast to solve a common threat. This should be seen in a positive light firstly as it not just engendered closer co-operation amongst the Navies of the SADC east coast it’s also the first positive step in unlocking the maritime estate of the SADC and with it the blue economy.

Further to the above the SADC Maritime Security Strategy gave effect to the 13th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government that declared that there is a need “to develop a comprehensive and coherent strategy” in order to achieve Africa’s Security and Safety, as well as developmental aspirations, particularly within the maritime domain.

It further charged the Regional Economic Communities to develop, coordinate and harmonize policies and strategies to improve the African maritime security and safety standards, as well as the African maritime economy for more wealth creation from its oceans and seas.

Reply:

(1) Most of the ammunition at the depot is old, but the ammunition is however not unstable. The life cycle of ammunition is not given in years, and it cannot be predetermined when ammunition reaches the end of life, or even when it will start to become unstable. For that reason annual inspections and functional testing are executed by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Various factors however influence the time span on how ammunition age and potentially become unsafe. The two worst case environments for explosives are heat and humidity, and therefore the controlled storage inside the licensed ammunition warehouses is. Annual inspections and testing are executed against specifications, designed for each type and configuration of ammunition to ensure both functioning as well as safety. Furthermore unserviceable ammunition is ammunition that is not functioning within specification, but it is still safe for storage, handling and transport. There are serviceable and unserviceable ammunition in the depot, where the backlog on disposal is on the unserviceable ammunition. There is no unstable ammunition in the depot. As soon as there is an indication from the annual testing and inspection that the possibility of ammunition become unsafe is there, these ammunition is destroyed or even sold back to the original equipment manufacturer before it could become unstable, in order to ensure that there is no safety implication from old ammunition in the depots.

At 97 Ammunition Depot there are approximately 8 000 tons (Nett Explosive Content) of unserviceable ammunition, measured in the explosive weight of the ammunition. This is primarily made up of small arms ammunition, mortar ammunition, hand and rifle grenades, aircraft bombs, artillery shells and medium calibre ammunition. The tonnage changes on a daily basis as ammunition is sold or destroyed, or as ammunition are regraded due to the inspections and dynamic testing. The phase out of weapon systems also has an influence on these tonnages.

(2) Ammunition is stored according to predetermined safety groupings in various designed for and licenced ammunition warehouses. These are designed to contain a possible explosion to those specific warehouses, and are thus traversed with a minimum safety distance to the next warehouse. The licence of each warehouse will indicate what types of ammunition can be stored there, as well as the maximum quantity of each type, in order to ensure the containment of a possible explosion. There are also an outside safety distance, taking into account all ammunition and explosives in all warehouses, to ensure the safety of personnel and infrastructure outside the depot. There is furthermore no ammunition or explosives stored in field storage, which could nullify this safety distances.

The department will carry on with the following steps to manage and reduce the ageing of ammunition. While the under mentioned steps will drastically reduce the old ammunition in the depot during the next 8 years, the ammunition will be able to be stored, handled and transported safely due to the storage conditions and annual management and prioritisation of the ammunition processes :

a. Continue with the annual inspections and dynamic testing in order to prioritise the disposal of potential unsafe ammunition.

b. Continue with the annual surveillance and chemical analyses of the propellant program, as was done for more than 10 years already, in conjunction with the industry.

c. Continue with ammunition disposal of approximately 1000 tons a year by means of sales through Armscor, which include aircraft bombs, 68mm

obsolete rockets, medium calibre ammunition and 90mm redundant ammunition, as well as conventional destruction of all other types of ammunition.

d. The conclusion of the upgrading and maintenance contract of the inert deforming facility, which was done over the past three years, followed by the already planned expansion of the facility to include explosive filled breakdown of ammunition, with the 140mm ammunition as a pilot project, over the next 4 years.

e. The rework of the mortar bombs on a new charge and tail configuration, which will upgrade the bombs from an obsolete and unserviceable condition to a serviceable condition for force preparation and force employment.

f. The placement of a destruction contract for small arms ammunition on the original equipment manufacturer is also in process as was twice done in the past.

(3) All ammunition depots and installations are to meet the requirements in terms of SANS Code of Practice 10313 of 2012, in conjunction with SANS 62305 and IEC Standards. Currently the lightning conductors are not certified. During April 2019 a process commenced to rectify these requirements. A Scope of Work and motivations were submitted to the Procurement Board, and service providers were invited on various occasions during 2020 for quotations in order to certify the lightning conductors. All three ammunition depots’ contracts have been approved for the annual service of the lightning conductors, and contractors has thus already been appointed. All funding has been put in place for these contracts, and all lightning conductors at the various depots will be certified and serviceable after the completion of this process by the contracted supplier. The Department of Defence is in the process of outsourcing the training of members in the assessment, testing, repair, maintenance and certification of the lightning conductors within the Department. The capability would thus be beneficial to the Department in the long term, as all other facilities would also be internally serviced in terms of laid down prescripts. This training should be completed in the next academic year.

(4) At the depot there is an outside perimeter fence, a three tier high security fence, guards as well as a two lock system on each of the ammunition warehouses, with all ammunition locked in warehouses. The high security fence consists of a three tier fence system, of which the middle fence is an electrical fence. The lapse of a maintenance contract entails that electricity of this fence is shut down. The three tier fence, inclusive of the gates, are however still serviceable and in working condition. Additional guards have been put in place to enhance security while the electrical fence is switched off. The maintenance of the high security fence is currently effectively executed by SANDF personnel. Once the project to upgrade the high security fences is finalised, a maintenance contract for the new fences and systems will be awarded again, as the SANDF does not have the capability to manage the electrical fence.

Reply:

1. Unknown. The 32 Battalion Trust Fund was under facilitation of the SA Army Foundation for a short duration as a Non-Profit Fund (NPF). This remote connotation with the Trust Fund ceased on 24 November 2005 with the payment of all monies of the Trust Fund to the 32 Battalion Veterans’ Association. The SA Army had no insight nor provided any direction to the Trust Fund management on its financial aspects, including the purposes of the fund and/ or its expenditure, prior to or following this payment and cessation of the relationship.

2. (a) The 32 Battalion Trust Fund was established on 01 April 1993 as a Non-Public Fund (NPF) and was managed by the 32 Battalion Veterans’ Association.

(b) and (c) It is not known to the SA Army what amount of monies were administered by the 32 Battalion Veterans’ Association as the 32 Battalion Trust Fund is not under any purvey of the SA Army since 24 November 2005, when a payment of R954,218.12 was made by the SA Army Foundation to the 32 Battalion Veterans’ Association (in the name of Miracle Mile Investments 39 (Pty) Ltd.). The SA Army was never privy to the management of the 32 Battalion Trust Fund.

Reply:

1. No, the Auditor General has not conducted an audit of the 32 Battalion Trust Fund. The office of the Auditor General does not have auspices over such Non-Public Fund (NPF) entities. The 32 Battalion Trust Fund was facilitated by the SA Army Foundation (an NPF entity); any tenuous association ceased when the funds were paid over to the 32 Battalion Veterans’ Association on 24 November 2005.

Reply:

1. No, as no ministerial authority has been obtained, yet. (a) there can be no closure of 4 Parachute Battalion as it was never established in Bofulanare, Mafikeng and (b) No, the establishment of a Parachute Battalion in Bulembu, Eastern Cape, is yet to obtain ministerial authority, the project is currently at a feasibility study stage and its strategic benefits will be made visible on the conclusion of the feasibility study.

2. While the SANDF is cognisant of the prevailing budgetary constraints, it has the Constitutional mandate to deliver on the protection of the country, its territorial integrity and its people, therefore, the conduct of this feasibility study is in the spirit of fulfilling this mandate.

Reply:

(1) Yes the suppliers involved in the concealed best before date have been identified. The companies are not yet blacklisted as the legal process must first be finalised. However the Department issued the companies involved with a warning letter, and no awards/invitations for the supply of patrol ration packs have been made to these companies since the incident. The suppliers are currently barred from doing business with the Department of Defence (DOD) pending the outcome of the investigation.

(b) The matter is under investigation

Reply:

(1) The Department will not offer any form of COVID-19 relief to small businesses, as its Departmental mandate is on Defence of the RSA, and the function does not include funds or resource allocation to businesses.

(2) (a) The Department provides small business the opportunity to supply the Department with goods and services as required. BBBE companies are also assisted in respect of compliance to National Treasury Regulations and other legislative prescripts. (b) No Covid-19 financial and/or other relief will be made available to small businesses in line with the answer provided in paragraph (1) above.

Reply:

1. Yes.

a. Since 2017.

b. The Exercise has been taking place for over four (04) years.

c. EXERCISE MAFADI is the official Field Exercise after at the end of the Battle Handling Course for Military Law Practitioners (MLPs). It is also Combat Readiness Exercise for the Defence Legal Service Division (DLSD) in order to prepare MLPs to provide legal support to operations in terms of the Legal Support Doctrine.

d. The primary objective of the EX MAFADI is to prepare Military Law Practitioners to support internal and external operation in terms the Operations Legal Support Doctrine. To teach them their role during Joint Military Operations with other state departments, Peace Keeping Missions and during War.

The aim is also to enhance their leadership skills and to teach them other important military skills such as Navigation, Map work and Radio communication. Thereby MLPs that took part in EX MAFADI are deemed and certified Combat Ready by the Division.

e. EX MAFADI alone is not a prerequisite for promotion; Military Law Practitioners are required to attend their respective Service Promotional Courses before they can be promoted to the next rank. However, EX MAFADI is the Practical Part of the Joint Battle Handling Course (JBHC) for Junior Military Law Practitioners. Military Law Practitioners must have successfully completed the JBHC (including Ex MAFADI) before they can be considered for promotion.

2. a. (i) On 28 June 2020 a South African Air Force, Oryx helicopter from 15 Squadron, Durban was dispatched to rescue a member who had taken a fall and could not continue with the exercise. The member was airlifted taken to Greys hospital in Pietermaritzburg where she was treated for minor injuries. She has since recovered. The cost of the Oryx deployment was R 163.582.00 (R71, 123/ hour for two (2) and half hours).

On 01 July 2020 an Oryx was dispatched again to conduct a Search and Rescue Mission for members from 7 Medical Battalion Group, who were also conducting a Military Exercises in the area. (b)The Mountain Club of South Africa members were involved because of their familiarity with area. The cost of the Oryx deployment was R 284,492. (R71, 123/ hour for four hours).

3. a. EX MAFADI is a Divisional exercise therefore the Head of the Division must either command the exercise personally or delegate command to other duly qualified Officers. In this case the Adjutant General appointed all other relevant commanders such as the Exercise Commander, Company Commander and Platoon commanders and he was also present as the overall overseer to ensure that the objectives of the exercise were achieved.

b. EX MAFADI is a not a hike but a Military Exercise authorised by Defence Legal Services Division. An exercise scenario is developed to simulate a certain military problem and the exercise is conducted accordingly. All military exercises are conducted at state expense. EX MAFADI was conducted over the following time periods.

- EX MAFADI I- 15 till 21 October 2017 (Reconnaissance).

- EX MAFADI II- 27 December 2017 till 03 January 2018.

- EX MAFADI III- 28 January till 08 February 2019.

- EX MAFADI IV- 26 June till 03 July 2020.

4. EX MAFADI is the Combat Readiness Exercise for DLSD and the training at Port St Johns is the Mission Readiness Exercise for Joint Operations Division.

Reply:

The Department of Military Veterans through its MoU with the South African Military Healthcare Services (SAMHS), provides for Military Veterans to be authorized for referral to the nearest Public or Private healthcare facility/hospital, where SAMHS does not have such facilities. This provision continues to be applicable during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Reply:

1. Defence Intelligence regularly compiles regional assessments that outlines the security situation in the Southern African Development Community, including the developments in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique.

2. The assessments are shared with the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) if and when required.

Reply:

(1) The average age of the permanent infantry force of the SA National Defence Force is 38 years.

(a) South African Infantry Corp (SAIC) members are deemed to be members from the rank of Rifleman (Rfn) up to Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col). Members above the rank of Lt Col are part of the SA Staff Corps (SA St C), and no longer part of the SAIC, although their original mustering may have been in the SAIC.

(b) Average ages of members of the SAIC by rank group are as follows:

1. Rifleman - 34 years.
2. Lance Corporal - 44 years.
3. Corporal - 46 years.
4. Sergeant - 48 years.
5. Staff Sergeant - 51 years.
6. Warrant Officer (Class 2) - 53 years
7. Warrant Officer (Class 1) - 55 years
8. Second Lieutenant - 33 years
9. Lieutenant - 36 years
10. Captain - 41 years
11. Major - 46 years
12. Lieutenant Colonel - 50 years

Reply:

(a)

Military Veterans’Housesillegally occupied

1. Gauteng

Region	Name of project	No: of units
West Rand	Westonaria Borwa	21
Johannesburg	Lufhereng EXT 1	12
Sedibeng	Savannah city	27
	Tshepong	20
	Golden Gardens	5
Tshwane	Nellmapiusext 22	33
	Rama City	15
TOTAL	133

2. Eastern Cape

Municipality	Name of project	N0: of units
Chris Hani	Lukhanji	26
TOTAL	26

3. Kwa-Zulu Natal

In Kwa-Zulu Natal there is no housing project for Military Veterans to date. The Military Veterans in the province illegally occupied the 40 sqm Breaking New Ground houses, normal RDP houses. Refer to the table hereunder;

Municipality	Name of project	N0: of units
Ethekwini	Cornubia	34
Ethekwini	Philani Valley	23
Ethekwini	Harmmonds Farm	7
Ethekwini	Kingsburgh West	33
Msunduzi	Aloe Ridge Social Housing	261
TOTAL	358

4. No houses have been invaded in the following Provinces;

a. Limpopo

b. North West

c. Free State

d. Mpumalanga

e. Western Cape

f. Northern Cape

(b)The Department of Military Veterans has agreed with role-players such as the Department of Human Settlements, the Housing Development Agency and Contractors to submit the approved allocation lists of Military Veteransso that the names should be linked to stand numbers before construction on housing projects commences.

Reply:

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

i) The department of Defence has not been allocated an additional amount by National Treasury. Following the budget estimate of Rb4.5 estimate the department of defence was allocated Rb3.0 on the 24th of June 2020 for COVID-19 expenses.

ii) The breakdown of R3.0 billion is as follows;

(a) R763.4 million for Cost of Employment (CoE/personnel costs), and;

(b) R2.2 billion for goods and Services and Capital equipment.

(ii) As of the 31st of July 2020, personnel costs totalling R476 million have been paid to SANDF personnel, and orders of goods and services amounting of R1.5 billion have been placed of which R1.1 billion been delivered and paid. (R753 million for PPE and minor medical equipment)

(iv) Procurement of additional equipment for a field hospital (SAMHS) is in the process of being finalised.

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY VETERANS

Covid 19 Spending Plan:

The Department of Military Veterans (DMV), in response to the Covid 19 pandemic, developed a Covid 19 Response Plan. In order to execute the plan, the DMV prioritised funds, following the guidelines provided by National Treasury, 2020 Special Adjustment of Budget. An amount of R4.3 million has been set aside to spend on Covid 19 related items.

Details of the Plan:

In an attempt to remain compliant with matters related to Covid 19 pandemic, the plan includes amongst other things, the procurement of Masks, Gloves,

Goggles, Face Shields, Temperature Scanners, Sanitizers, various detergents and cleaning materials, amongst other things.

Reply:

Ser No	Area Office	CAS No	Offence	Status
01	Wynberg MP	09/04/2020	Common Assault, a journalist alleged that he was driving behind a Military Convoy in Masiphumelele Township in Cape Town where he observed an SANDF member assaulting a civilian with a wooden stick	A case docket was referred to LEGSATO Cape Town and was withdrawn on 03 June 2020

Other cases were reported to the South African Police Services and progress can only be obtained from SAPS.

Reply:

a) The Defence Force has deployed personnel in support of other Government Departments to mitigate against COVID-19 pandemic. The deployed forces include health care services, engineering capabilities and lockdown enforcement elements.

b) The focus is on support to the SAPS, Health and Humanitarian Assistance, health care and water purification.

Reply:

1. In terms of the Sub Program Support to the People, as alluded to by the Secretary for Defence on several occasions, the appreciated force level requirement for border line control is to have 22 Sub-units instead of 15, however due to budgetary constraints it has been difficult to deploy the additional sub-units.

2. Should funds be made available the SANDF may prepare and deploy additional sub-units for the total border safe guarding effort and not only for countering potential movement of terrorist elements in the region.

Reply:

1. Defence Intelligence assessment indicates that in the short and medium term the Islamic insurgents activities are expected to continue and extend particularly to areas with gas exploration site.

2. No other details.

Reply:

(1)  The coordinated response of SADC to the insurgency in Mozambique is a matter involving the member state and the Regional body. The details of that response can best be articulated by the Chair or the Secretariat of SADC.

2. (a) The nature of the coordinated SADC regional political and military approach in response to the insurgency is informed by the decisions of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs.

     (b)  The organ is the determinant of the countries to be involved in such activities. 

(c)     The organ will also prescribe the time lines for the finalization and announcement of such plans to the public. 

Reply:

The solution employed in 2015 is still in use as one of the tactical measures to assist in border safeguarding especially in prevention of illegal cross-border movement and vehicle theft.

(1)(a) The SANDF has not stopped using the concept.

(1)(b) The effort has not been stopped.

(1)(i) No maintenance required as it is a temporary measure.

(1)(ii) The effort has, and is still making a very good impactin reducing the number of stolen vehicles illegally crossing the borderline.

(2)(a) It is not a solution but a military tactic of war, where soldiers create or put obstacles to stop movement or limit the speed of movement where required. The idea or concept can be adopted accordingly to address the porousness of our borders.

(2)(b) Yes, the concept can be a solution to fence security in areas of vehicular breaches on our borders. Evidence to this is that the KZN Provincial government adopted this operational concept and established a project to construct Modified Jersey Barriers to be installed on the borderline to replace the boulders and railway sleepers that the soldiers had put up. The Modified Jersey Barriers are 1.5 meters high and are much more stable and a long term infrastructure to prevent vehicular or wheeled movement across the borderline.

(3) The DOD has identified the use of security technology as one of the solutions that will make a huge and significant improvement in enhancing the borderline security and as such contribute to maintaining the territorial integrity of the RSA.

Reply:

1. The Department of Defence (SANDF) is a national department that is centrally managed therefore does not disburse funds to provinces. The SANDF’s funds as allocated by the National Treasury (NT) are centralised within the Services and Divisions, therefore no funding is allocated separately to any province. All expenditure with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic management is processed and approved centrally in terms of ordered commitments and appreciated requirements.

Reply:

The Department earlier started a decentralisation process of benefits with education support as a first benefit to provinces. The process relied on provincial coordinators to collect invoices to all schools across the country. The process started well until the national lockdown. The lockdown hampered the plan and DMV is only paying those invoices that are sent through by parents and schools that have recently opened.

Plans for collaboration with other provincial departments of education are underway, wherein the DMV is planning to transfer tuition and school fees to provincial Departments to pay invoices quicker. This will also assist in easy access of this benefit and other benefits to military veterans and their dependents.

Reply:

(1) number of houses per financial year

(a) 2017/18

2018/19

2019/20

(a) There are four (4) completed and occupied houses, three (3) in Kroonstad and one (1) in Viljoenskroon.

Additional to that there are two (2) houses that are at completion stage and four (4) are still outstanding in Kroonstad.

(b) The vetting process was conducted by the Department of Military Veterans in conjunction with Military Veterans Associations.

(c) Refer to the attached beneficiary list marked as Annexure A

(2) Refer to the attached beneficiary list marked as Annexure A

Reply:

Joint Ops:

1. The Joint Operations Division has done purchases of less than R500 000,00 with respect to support for COVID-19 (Op NOTLELA). The Joint Operations Financial System does not indicate where procurement is done as transactions are done via the Joint Support Base Garrison procurement system.

(a) The specified goods are as follows:

Ser	Description	Amount	Company	Unit
	a	B	c	d
1	Cleaning and Polishing Compounds	R42,888,00	NALEDI CHEMICALS	Northern Cape
2	Individual Equipment	R90,000,00	SIB DIVISION (PTY) LTD	J OP HQ
3	Toiletry and Paper Products	R18,675,00	PROMED TECHNOLOGIES	Northern Cape
4	Oils/Gas, Greases and Lubricants	R50,000,00	WO Fuels and oils CC	Northern Cape
5	Packaging and Packaging Materials	R115,350,00	YOKOGAZA WT ENTERPRISE	Eastern Cape
6	Fuels and Solids	R482,500,00	Alakha Trading	Eastern Cape
7	Oil and Grease	R27,588,00	Piston Power Chemicals	Western Cape
8	M & R D-Vehicle BMJ824M	R6,383,00		Western Cape
9	Cleaning and Polishing Compound	R24,420,00	Aristocraft	North west
10	Cleaning and Polishing Compound	R43,592,00	Promotha Mechanical Engineering	Limpopo
11	Diesel	R786,000,00
12	Oils and greases; Cutting, Lubricant	R163,185,00		Limpopo
13	Storage Tanks	R11,280,00	AMP Services	Limpopo
14	Food Cooking, Baking and service	R31,305,00	RINE SUPPLIERS AND PROJECTS	Limpopo
15	Food Cooking. Baking and service	R34,320,00	MM and MA GENRAL TRADING	Limpopo
16	M & D: D-Vehicles BMJ834M	R12,351,00
17	Toilet Paper Products	R44,270,00	Lifhasi Group	Limpopo
18	Petrol 93 ULP	R82,860,00	Valspar Petroleum	North West
19	Photocopy Papers	R14,600,00	GOMOLEMO TRADING AND PROJECTS	Gauteng
20	M & R D-Vehicle	R13,200,00	KHOKHO'S TECH ENGINEERS	North West
21	M & R D-Vehicle	R6,312,00	KHOKHO'S TECH ENGINEERS	North West
22	ADP Supplies	R11,774,00	IPT	Free State
23	Household and Commercial Utility	R22,360,00	EXODEC 60CC	Gauteng
24	ADP Supplies	R85,999,00	EXODEC 60CC	Gauteng
25	Brooms, Brushes and Mops	R10,250,00		Western Cape
26	Brooms, Brushes and Mops	R10,250,00	LA TOLO	Eastern Cape
27	Cleaning and polishing compound	R35,301,00	Jipalayo Trading	Gauteng
28	Cleaning and Polishing Compounds	R64,300,00	Qhaphelu (PTY) LTD	Eastern Cape
30	Bags and Sacks	R8,990,00	SINEMIHLE ENTERPRISE	Eastern Cape
31	Toilet Paper Products	R32,992,00	Glycoless	Free State
32	General Building maintenance	R32,657,00	KOTIPULA BUSINESS ENTERPRICE	Limpopo
33	Batteries Non Rechargeable	R18,125,00	LAMDALE TRADING	KZN
34	Office Supplies	R56,859,00	SC AEROTECH	KZN
35	Cleaning and Polishing Compounds	R38,337,00	Umtapo General Dealer	KZN
36	Bags and Sacks	R29,250,00	NASMO MARKETING	KZN
37	Toilet Paper Products	R82,480,00	Glycoless	KZN
38	Toilet Paper Products	R18,540,00	Promed Technologies	Eastern Cape
39	Diesel	R558,400,00
40	Diesel	R116,480,00
41	Diesel	R307,120,00
42	Diesel	R156,970,00
43	Paper and Paper Board	R32,400,00	HAMBANATHI FOODS	KZN
44	Sanitation and Plumbing work	R875,778,00	INGELOS PROJECTS	Western Cape
45	Toilet Paper Products	R118,590,00	EMU MEDICAL SUPPLIES	Gauteng
46	Paper and Paper Board	R23,760,00	EXCEL ENTERTAINMENT	Gauteng
47	Sanitation and Plumbing Work	R116,840,00	KOPANO EVENT	Gauteng

2. A deviation occurred when 200 reflector jackets were procured for the Joint Tactical Headquarters (20 per J Tac HQ).

(a) This was an emergency procurement after a member of the SANDF lost his life whilst performing road block duties. A decision was then taken that all J Tac HQs must be issued with reflector jackets for as PPE.

(b) Proper emergency procurement processes were followed to procure the items. This matter was submitted for urgent consideration to the Joint Operations COVID-19 Procurement Logistics Cell and three Companies were invited.

a. SIB DIVISION (PTY) LTD R 90 000.

b. GROUP EFFORT WORX R 100 200.

c. MOTHUSI BUSINESS ENTER PRICE R 100 000.

3. All companies were selected form CSD data base and they conform to treasury regulations, and procedures. The lowest company was selected. This are the only items that were procured with deviation of procurement, the rest of the items were procured through procurement processes via the e-Procure system.

SA Army:

1. The SA Army has not directly purchased any good and/or services below R500 000 connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. All equipment procured were obtained through either SAMHS or Logistics Division.

2. Not applicable. (See answer above)

3. Not Applicable. (See answer above)

4. No comment.

SAAF:

1. Everything that was procured in support of COVID-19 was under the amount of R500 000. All spending in the item segment of SCoA is recorded against the various appropriate FMS Item Codes depending on the use for the items or services procured. The SAAF has spent R616,018 to date on COVID-19 related goods and/or services (see Appendix A):

(a) The SA Air Force utilised a total of 117 regional suppliers in order to proceed with purchasing.

(b) The products that were procured are: thermo-scanners, cloth masks, surface disinfectant, sanitising dispensers.

2. There were no deviations from the standard Supply Chain Management procedures in the transactions. All procurement whether Government Order or Petty Cash were executed according to prescribed procurement prescripts.

3. Suppliers were approached that are supplied by the official Central Suppliers Database (CSD), where companies register themselves on the National Treasury database to be suppliers of specific items or can supply a service of a specific nature. If requirements were under R2 000 local suppliers within the local community were approached.

4. N/A

SA Navy:

1. Yes. (a)(b)(c) See Appendix B

2. No.

(a) Not Applicable.

(b) Not Applicable.

3. Not Applicable.

SAMHS:

1. The SAMHS did purchase goods and services below R500 000.

a) The companies that were utilised are reflected in Appendix C.

b) The amounts of all transactions are reflected in Appendix C.

c) The products and services procured are reflected in Appendix C.

2. Standard supply chain management processes were followed. Except for Price Quotations standing government contracts were utilised. When the contracted entity could not provide due to the national requirements other companies were requested to provide quotations in a comparative process, as prescribed. The Surgeon General is not in a position to express opinion on the process followed in terms of the two orders processed by the SA Army (order prefix 1H).

3. The rationale for the supplier utilised is premised on the following reason codes as indicated in Appendix A:

1. RT refers to National Treasury Transversal Contracts.
2. HP refers to Health Pharmaceutical Contracts.
3. HM refers to Treasury Contracts.
4. ROCD refers to Propriety Contract (Roche Diabetics).
5. RT COVID-19 refers to Treasury Contract.
6. AICC refers to Adcock Ingram Critical Care (This was a Price Quotation).
7. PQ refers to Price Quotation.
8. Del 3.2 refers to SA Army procurement entity.

Human Resources Division:

1. The HR Division expenditure on goods/services that were purchased connected to COVID-19 pandemic are as follows:

S/No	Description	Cost	Name of Supplier	Reason for Purchase
	a	b	c	d
1	Medicated Cosmetics and Toiletries( Hand Sanitizer)	R7 460.00	Mr First Aid (Pty) Ltd 24-28th Avenue Edenvale	Medical Supplies - the only supplier who had stock in hand to supply hand sanitizer with the correct alcohol content in March 2020 and delivery at short notice.
2	Clothing, Special Purpose(Cloth Masks)	R5 989.00	MTKP Designs(Pty) Ltd Pierre van Rheyneveld Pretoria	Purchase cloth masks for members on 05 May 2020 with delivery on short notice after announcement of Level 4 Lockdown.
	Total	R13 499.00

2. The above goods were cash purchases Personal Protective Equipment (hand sanitizers and cloth masks) by the different HR Division entities following the announcement of the Lockdown Level 5 State of Disaster declared by the State President in terms of the Disaster Management Act.

3. It can be confirmed that no deviation on standard supply chain management procedures occurred.

Logistics Division:

1. The Logistics Division did purchase goods and services below the amount of R500 000 connected to the Covid-19 pandemic. See the attached list (Appendix D) for the companies utilised for the purchasing of the specified goods and services, together with the amount of each transaction and the service and/or product that each company rendered.

2. With the purchasing of the goods and services the Logistics Division followed the process as stipulated in National Treasury Instruction No. 8 of 2020/21 (paragraph 3.7.6).

3. The purchasing of specified goods and services from the awarded companies was based on the availability of stock and the turnaround time of delivery from these companies.

Defence Intelligence:

1. Defence Intelligence (DI) procured goods below the amount of R500 000, 00 in order to implement Occupational Health and Safety measures iro COVID-19. The total amount for COVID-19 related procurement to date is R325 579, 30. The procurement (breakdown is reflected in Appendix E) was prior to the central distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).

2. The reason for procuring from the respective companies was due to the fact that they were the most cost effective ito quotations provided.

CMIS Division:

1. CMIS Div did not purchase any goods or service referred to in the letter and therefore submit a nil return.

Defence Reserves:

1. (a) The office of Defence Reserves purchased protective equipment in the beginning of the lockdown process on 20 April 2020.

(b) For the amount of R1 818.00 from Resuduac Bakrier Technology (Pty) Ltd.

(c) It is confirmed that the service/product was rendered.

2. There was no deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures in the transactions.

3. The company was selected by the Department.

4. Not applicable.

Special Force:

1. South African Special Forces did purchase goods and/or services below the amount of R500 000 connected to the Covid-19 pandemic (see Appx F).

2. There were no deviation from the standard supply chain as three (3) quotations were obtained from the Suppliers that were approved by Chief Logistics.

3. A list of suppliers which have transversal contract with National Treasury and their address were provided to the Headquarters and were utilised.

Defence Corporate Communication:

1. One Touch Global - R5000,00 - Sanitizers, surgical masks and gloves.

Purple Square Media - R5000,00 – Sanitizers, surgical masks and gloves.

MJ Multimedia – R5000,00 – Sanitizers, surgical masks and gloves.

Valhalla Pharmacy – R3750,00 – 3 Layer cloth masks.

2. No deviation.

3. Names were from database and best value for money as per PFMA requirements.

MP Division:

1. (a, b & c) – 2020

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

S/N	Company	Amount	Product/Service	Remarks
	a	b	c	d
1	FKJ Consultants	R 1 998.00	Hand Sanitiser	Product Rendered
2	S&S Dienste	R16 000.00	Hand Sanitiser	Product Rendered
3	Budget Shop	R 3 930.00	Surgical Gloves and Face Masks	Product Rendered
4	A’ Africa Pest Prevention	R 1 794.00	Thermometer	Product Rendered
5	A’ Africa Pest Prevention	R 2 185.00	Hand Sanitiser	Product Rendered
6	G Fox (Pty) LTD	R 4 918.21	Surgical Gloves, Face Masks, Face Shields & Eye Protections	Products Rendered
7	Clicks Humewood	R 1 999.99	Thermometer	Product Rendered
8	Conquest Cleaning Chemicals	R 1 975.00	Disinfectant	Product Rendered
9	Conquest Cleaning Chemicals	R 1 966.00	Face Masks	Product Rendered
10	Dischem	R 1  499.00	Thermometer	Product Rendered
11	Ronette Sanitizer, Dischem, Ukhamba Lobuntu, Offtek Wonderboom	R 15 722.75	Hand Sanitiser	Product Rendered
12	Makro	R 4 500.00	Surgical Gloves	Product Rendered
13	Aruzest T/A// Nizams	R 2 000.00	Spray Bottles	Product Rendered
14	Makro	R 1 999.00	Hand Sanitiser	Product Rendered
15	Super Hygiene	R 1 512.00	Batteries for Thermometer	Product Rendered
16	Valhalla Genaral Dealer	R 3 960.00	Hand Sanitiser	Product Rendered
17	FKJ Consultants	R 4 200.00	Surgical Gloves	Product Rendered
18	FKJ Consultants	R 4 200.00	Dusk Masks	Product Rendered
19	Phi Development	R 23 104.00	Hand Sanitiser	Product Rendered
20	Noko Health Care	R 707.25	Thermometer	Product Rendered
21	Moonflower/The Reeds	R 1 990.00	Thermometer	Product Rendered
22	Moonflower/The Reeds	R 1 897.00	Dusk Masks	Product Rendered
23	Moonflower/The Reeds	R 1 897.00	Dusk Masks	Product Rendered
24	Moonflower/The Reeds	R 1 900.00	Face Screens	Product Rendered
25	Moonflower/The Reeds	R 1 963.00	Dusk Masks	Product Rendered
26	Tahie Decor	R 1 990.00	Dusk Masks	Product Rendered
27	Tshinetisi General Trading	R 1 800.00	Sprayer (16lt)	Product Rendered
28	Tshinetisi General Trading	R  950.00	Foot Dispenser	Product Rendered
29	Tshimetisi General Trading	R  950.00	Foot Dispenser	Product Rendered
30	Hustleberg Holdings	R 2 000.00	Hand Sanitiser	Product Rendered
	TOTAL	R 117 507.20

2 There was no deviation from the Supply Chain Management in any of the above-mentioned processes.

3. Goods were purchased from the specific Companies after proper procurement processes were followed and the Company that adhere to all the prescripts according to Quotations was chosen.

Defence HQ Unit:

The following table depicts the Department of Defence Headquarters Unit Covid 19 related purchases below the amount of R500 000.00:

S/No	NAME OF COMPANY	AMOUNT	ITEMS PROQURED	DIRECTORATE
01	Solanga Fashion Creations	R1 995.00	Cloth Masks	DFSC
02	One Touch Global	R5 000.00	Cloth Masks	DCC
03	WTC Belegings	R3 750.00	Sanitisers	VIS COMMS
04	MCB Designs	R4 680.00	Cloth Masks	SEC DEF
05	Zamatungwa	R936.00	Cloth Masks	SEC DEF
06	Seamstress Delights	R1 920.00	Cloth Masks	TRG COMM
07	All out Mask	R1 000.00	Cloth Masks	CMIS DIV
08	Clicks	R359.94	Sanitisers	DFSC
09	MJ Multimedia	R5 000.00	Sanitisers	DCC
10	Steel and Pipes	R1 800.00	Sanitisers	C FIN
11	Soap Chemicals	R3 240.00	Sanitisers	DOD HQ Unit
12	Zome chemicals	R1 920.00	Sanitisers	DOD HQ Unit
13	Group Shape	R1 818.00	Sanitisers	MP Division
14	Makro	R1 999.00	Sanitisers	DEF RES
15	Recevoir Trading	R5 000.00	Sanitisers	CDLS
16	The Promo Group	R4 988.00	Sanitisers	TRG COMM
17	Van Roma	R1 570.00	Sanitisers	HR DIV
18	Modern Packaging	R1 797.00	Sanitisers	HR DIV
19	Servest	R1 828.50	Sanitisers	HR DIV
20	West Pack Lifestyle Store	R4 500	Sanitiser Dispensers	DOD HQ Unit

2. There were no deviations from the standard Supply Chain Management Procedures in the transactions. The Petty cash process was used as all transactions complied with the Petty cash rules.

No statement will be made on this Parliamentary question.

Reply:

1. All matters pertaining to National Security of other countries, especially within SADC Member States are presented and discussed at the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) as and when required.

Reply:

Military Veterans have access to health care through the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) across all nine Provinces. The process has been designed such that military veterans consult at their nearest sick bay, if there is need for referral, they are either referred to Military hospitals or nearest Public or Private health care facility especially in Provinces where there are no military Hospitals.

Reply:

(1)(a) There are three (3) reported cases involving members of the SANDF where civilians are involved:

I) Alleged assault case in Alexander involving Mr Khosa who later passed on. (CAS no 353/04/20 (Sv Khosa). An internal investigation in a form of a Board of Inquiry was conducted and finalised. The members allegedly involved were placed on special leave to allow the SAPS investigation to run smoothly and be finalised as well. Allowing SAPS process to proceed will also assist to determine what the cause of death is. It must also be mentioned that another parallel investigation by the Military Ombud would be done as directed by the Minister.

II) SANDF members were captured on social media assaulting a young man in Sebokeng. Those members have since appeared on negative office orders where they were duly reprimanded and warned against such behaviour. An assault case has also been opened under Sebokeng SAPS CAS Number 130/04/20 and is still under investigation thereof. No internal investigation was convened since the matter was handled through the Officer Commanding office orders process.

III) Alleged Common Law Assault in Cato Manor, KZN. This came to the SANDF’s attention when the SAPS investigating officer contacted the Company Commander with a view to interview our members. No internal investigation has been done as this was not reported to us. SAPS is investigating under CAS number 45/04/20.

IV) Alleged Common Law Assault in North West, Ikageng (SAPS CAS 62/05/2020). This incident was reported to us as an altercation between two SANDF members. We will then allow SAPS to carry on with its own investigation on the matter. This will also help determine if there are other people involved or not.

(2) All these cases are still under SAPS investigation, however internal Departmental Board of Enquiries have not been convened, but we understand that the Military Ombud and/or Human Rights Commission are also investigating some of these incidents.

Reply:

1. Defence Intelligence can confirm that there is an increase of Islamic insurgency activities currently in the province of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique and these has the potential to spread to other provinces and neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) states.

2. As the Islamic insurgency activities may affect some SADC states, the regional political and military approach has been recommended and to this effect plans are in place to discuss and concretize the approach.

Reply:

1. The Logistics Division did not award any tenders for procurement connected to COVID-19. The process as stipulated in the National Treasury Instruction No. 8 of 2020/21 para 3.7.6 which states that “Institutions may approach any other supplier to obtain quotes and may procure from such suppliers on condition that-

a. the items are to the specifications as determined by the National Department of Health;

b. the prices are equal or lower than the prices in Annexure A and;

c. the supplier is registered in the Central Supplier Database.

Reply:

The NCACC sought a legal opinion on the wording of the EUC and adopted an amendment that is in compliance with existing legal prescripts. An amendment to the Regulations of the NCACC Act has been drawn up and was recently certified by the State Law Advisers. It will shortly be published in the Government Gazette. The Defence Industry has welcomed the proposed amendment.

Reply:

(1)(a) Six hundred and forty eight thousand and thirty nine (648 039) applications were received from young applicants who wished to join the SA National Defence Force over the period 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2019.

(b) The breakdown per province is as follows:

2014

Ser No	Province	Number of Applicants
	a	b
1	Gauteng	33 936
2	Limpopo	12 501
3	Mpumalanga	7 343
4	KwaZulu Natal	9 869
5	Free State	5 869
6	North West	7 079
7	Northern Cape	3 873
8	Eastern Cape	6 350
9	Western Cape	5 054
Total Number of Applicants	91 874

2015

Ser No	Province	Number of Applicants
	a	b
1	Gauteng	29 179
2	Limpopo	7 869
3	Mpumalanga	7 016
4	KwaZulu Natal	11 458
5	Free State	6 592
6	North West	4 838
7	Northern Cape	4 125
8	Eastern Cape	5 550
9	Western Cape	5 049
Total Number of Applicants	81 676

2016

Ser No	Province	Number of Applicants
	a	b
1	Gauteng	29 694
2	Limpopo	8 828
3	Mpumalanga	8 865
4	KwaZulu Natal	12 298
5	Free State	6 500
6	North West	7 321
7	Northern Cape	6 004
8	Eastern Cape	6 727
9	Western Cape	6 047
Total Number of Applicants	92 284

2017

Ser No	Province	Number of Applicants
	a	b
1	Gauteng	46 515
2	Limpopo	12 368
3	Mpumalanga	9 230
4	Kwa Zulu Natal	9 879
5	Free State	9 354
6	North West	7 012
7	Northern Cape	7 379
8	Eastern Cape	8 524
9	Western Cape	5 837
Total Number of Applicants	113 098

2018

Ser No	Province	Number of Applicants
	a	b
1	Gauteng	52 905
2	Limpopo	15 281
3	Mpumalanga	13 746
4	Kwa Zulu Natal	15 206
5	Free State	10 108
6	North West	10 478
7	Northern Cape	7 165
8	Eastern Cape	10 970
9	Western Cape	10 984
Total Number of Applicants	146 843

2019

Ser No	Province	Number of Applicants
	a	b
1	Gauteng	42 915
2	Limpopo	13 801
3	Mpumalanga	10 741
4	Kwa Zulu Natal	13 331
5	Free State	8 925
6	North West	10 367
7	Northern Cape	4 919
8	Eastern Cape	6 934
9	Western Cape	10 331
Total Number of Applicants	122 264

(2)(a) The system classifies applicants with post matric qualifications as graduates. Eight thousand five hundred and ten (8 510) graduates applied over the period 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2019.

(b)(i) Nine thousand three hundred and six (9 306) applicants were enrolled over the period 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2019.

(b)(ii) Nine thousand one hundred and twenty three (9 123) applicants successfully completed the training programme.

Reply:

(1) and (2) No I did not authorise employment of any members under the Defence Act, 2002. I view this matter in a very serious light and have instructed the Chief of the South African National Defence Force to institute a Board of Inquiry and to take action against those involved. I will report back to Parliament on the outcome and actions taken following the completion of the Board of Inquiry.

 

Reply:

(1) and (2)

There was no employment under section 201 of the Constitution. I view this matter in a very serious light and have instructed the Chief of the South African National Defence Force to institute a Board of Inquiry and to take action against those involved. I will report back to Parliament on the outcome and actions taken following the completion of the Board of Inquiry.

(3) No.

Reply:

1.(a) To allow for a process to finalise the appointment of a new Secretary for Defence.

(b) From 15 December 2019 to 31 March 2020.

(c) R 612,925.50.

(2) Section 7 of the Defence Act, 2002, provides that the President must, subject to the laws governing the public service, appoint a person to the post of Secretary for Defence as head of the Defence Secretariat.

(3) A process to finalise this matter is currently underway.

Reply:

1. Yes, the Department of Defence incurred cost relating to the:

(a) Inauguration of the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, held in Pretoria on 25 May 2019 to the amount of (i) RM13,962 for the following (ii);

(aa) Subsistence and travel cost related to ceremonial proceedings, safety and security as well as the provisioning of the Presidential Medical Unit – RM6,340.

(ab) Jet fuel for aircraft, gun salute rounds as well as fuel for operational vehicles deployed – RM5,620.

(ac) Catering provided on behalf of The Presidency, not related to the Department of Defence – RM2,002.

(b) State of the Nation Address held in Cape Town on 20 June 2019, to the amount of (i) RM2,491 for the following (ii);

(ba) Subsistence and travel cost related to ceremonial proceedings as well as the provisioning of perimeter protection – RM2,094

(bb) Jet fuel for aircraft, gun salute rounds as well as fuel for operational vehicles deployed – RM0,397.

Reply:

The question requires a closed session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence as it relates to the security and movements of the VVIP.

Reply:

1. No luxury vehicles exceeding R600 000 were purchased by the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) in the 2014-15 to 2016-17 financial years. Twenty luxury vehicles were procured in the 2017-18 financial year, and two vehicles were procured in the 2018-19 financial year.

2. The total cost of the specified luxury vehicles in each specified financial year is as indicated in Enclosure 1.

3. The (a) make, (b) model and (c) quantity of each type of luxury vehicle is as indicated in Enclosure 1.

Enclosure 1

SER NO	FINANCIAL YEAR	NUMBER OF VEHICLES PROCURED
1	2014/15	NIL
2	2015/16	NIL
3	2016/17	NIL
4	2017/18	20
		VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL	COST	SERVICE/DIVISION
		Mercedes Benz V2500 7 Seated	R1, 027, 804. 00	Joint Operations Division
		Mercedes Benz V2500 7 Seated	R1, 027, 804. 00	Joint Operations Division
		Mercedes Benz V2500 7 Seated	R1, 027, 804. 00	Joint Operations Division
		Audi 6	R 631, 365.06	Joint Operations Division
		BMW 540i	R 831, 976. 80	Joint Operations Division
		BMW X5	R 916, 883. 50	SA Army
		BMW X5	R 916, 883. 50	SA Army
		BMW330D	R 635, 200. 00	SA Military Health Services
		BMW X5	R 947, 633. 50	SA Military Health Services
		BMW 540i	R 849, 526. 80	SA Military Health Services
		BMW750i	R 1, 683, 811. 04	Logistics Division
		BMW750i	R 1, 559, 340. 00	Logistics Division
		Audi Q7	R 964, 723. 11	Logistics Division
		Audi Q7	R 964, 723. 11	Logistics Division
		Audi Q7	R 964, 723. 11	Logistics Division
		Mercedes Benz V2500 7 Seated	R 812, 574. 00	Logistics Division
		Mercedes Benz V2500 7 Seated	R 812, 574. 00	Logistics Division
		Mercedes Benz V2500 7 Seated	R 812, 574. 00	Logistics Division
		Mercedes Benz V2500 7 Seated	R 812, 574. 00	Logistics Division
		BMW 540i	R 823, 326.80	Defence Intelligence Division
			R19, 023824.33
5	2018/19	2
		BMW520i	R 651, 862. 47	Defence Foreign Relations
		BMW540i	R 812, 563. 87	Defence Foreign Relations
			R 1, 464, 426. 34
		GRAND TOTAL	R20, 488, 250. 67

Reply:

1. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is well informed of the poor condition of facilities in the Thaba Tshwane military base in Centurion, which is a serious matter of concern to her. Cognisance must be taken that Thaba Tshwane was built on dolomite land, and with virtually no upgrade or renovations during the last two decades due to predominantly a lack of funds and a huge backlog of maintenance and repair, poses serious structural maintenance problems for both the Department of Defence (DOD) and Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

Buildings and land that the units occupy are managed and maintained by the DPWI, who is the custodian of state land and facilities and therefore responsible for the maintenance and repair of these facilities, however, partly the DOD is responsible for the failure to address poor maintenance of own properties and infrastructure, by not taking the initiative to repair its facilities on realising that DPWI is failing in its mandate. Repairs and renovations of sewer, storm water and roads, as well as sinkholes are in process to take place. A Facility Strategic Plan has been compiled with the Thaba Tshwane military area as one of the first priorities to be addressed. The Defence Works Formation is in the process to capacitate itself to be able to execute maintenance and repair work.

Reply:

(1)(a) An amount of Rm35, 963, 32 has already been spent against the projected Rm23.

(1)(b) Funding is done through reprioritisation within the departmental budget.

(1)(c) The allowance consists of Standby (R80.75), Danger (R15.58) and
Deprivation Allowances (R326.35) to the amount R12, 680.40. These allowance are taxable and therefore the members qualify for R8 084, 59 after tax depending on the member’s taxable income.

(1)(d) The allowances (Rm 14,5) are based on the number of deployed members multiplied by amounts stated in (1)(c). Of the Rm35,963, 32 , Rm4.5 will be paid for the purchase of showers and ablution facilities by the end of November and Rm4, 665,820, will be paid to the South African Air Force. Rm2,322,500 is for Fuel Oil and Lubricants (FOL) and Rm 9,975 for rations.

(2) The whole budget was spent as explained in (1)(a).

Reply:

1. The figures as indicated above are inaccurate. The expenditure on Project Thusano is as indicated in the table below per financial year:

Ser No	Financial Year	Amount Spent
	a	b
1	2015/16	R6 Million
2	2016/17	R144 Million
3	2017/18	R163 Million
4	2018/19	R261 Million
5	2019/20	R25 Million
	Total Expenditure	R599 Million

2. The total expenditure of R599 million, minus the planned expenditure of R229 million over five years on the initial contract terms equals to R370 million. This is an insignificant escalation compared to savings and recovered funds over five years.

3. It is estimated that the Department of Defence (DOD) will save R1, 9 billion, plus R192 million (10% inflation), that equals to R2.1 billion over the period of five years of the contract, excluding the costs of, amongst others:

a) labour;

b) reduced spares;

c) repair of components;

d) spray painting for the J Ops Division;

e) maintenance and repair at Special Forces;

f) support to internal and external operations;

g) maintenance and repair at Infantry School, and

h) training and qualifying of one-thousand-one-hundred-and-eighty-one (1181) apprentices.

4. The above mentioned calculations are based on R384 million that was saved in the FYs 2014/15 and 2015/16 of the initial contract and inclusive of the current contracted period.

5. Vocational and technical skills that have been developed over the past three years came with not only college-text book-theory, but along with excellent work ethic that is military-operational results driven; which cannot be found in any civilian institution. A feeder system to this initiative by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) recruitment, whereby youth is trained and employed every year; therefore in this case the project has indeed, and continues to contribute towards national objectives of creating sustainable jobs whilst imparting unparalleled skills development with a unique twist of excellent military operational work ethics.

6. Members of Parliament are invited to visit Project Thusano workshops to equate recovered and savings by observation on the ground, especially in the Department’s preservation facilities in Walmansthall (Pretoria) and De Brug (Bloemfontein).

Reply:

On 27 November 2019, the North Gauteng High Court declared the report of the Public Protector (Report no 10 of 2017/18) unlawful and unconstitutional and declared that it has been reviewed and set aside in review proceedings brought by the Department of Defence. 

Reply:

Mental disorder (Mental Health Illness) per se manifest in a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking and behaviour. The defined main groups are mood disorders (depression or bipolar disorder), personality disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, trauma-related disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder) and substance abuse disorders. Given the complexity of the development and later manifestation of such disorders it is not possible to quantify the numbers that are involved without deep analysis of patient history per incident.

The suicide incidence is a problematic aspect. Suicides are classed as unnatural deaths and is therefore reverts to the state coroner for final classification. The cause of death coding is vague with most capturing indicated as “death unspecified”

All members have access to the full spectrum of clinicians in managing mental disorders. The SAHMS does have management and defusing programmes in place to render care after traumatic incidents and after every deployment. As mental health presents, more frequently than not, differently in individual, each individual group programmes are not commonly used.

Given the complexity of the clinical environment under discussion it would be prudent to do a complete study to be able to answer the question.

Reply:

a) Engagements between the Department of Defence and National Treasury are taking place to address the funding challenges of the SANDF in general. Capabilities will gradually come to a grinding stop if both State Owned Entities like Denel and the DOD are not adequately resources to fulfil on their various mandates. The decision to stop flying will be determined by airworthiness and aviation safety considerations. The SAAF has qualified personnel that monitor and certify aircraft airworthiness and safety.

Reply:

The question requires a closed session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence as it relates to the ability of the Defence Force to execute its Constitutional mandate.

Reply:

 

a) The information requested in part (a) of this question refers to SANDF capabilities and can only be disclosed in a closed session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence.

(b) Underfunding has a direct effect on:

1. Denel Aeronautics losing key personnel
2. The continual degradation of maintenance and repair capability and capacity has a pronounced effect on the Air Transport Fleet of the SAAF.
3. Inability to fully fund all maintenance contracts has direct effect on survival of local industry like Denel ito the Maintenance and Repair Organisation (MRO) of the C130
4. SAAF not fully funded to operate aged and new fleet

 

Reply:

(1) The SANDF received a report of complaints from some community members of Phongolo in KZN with allegations of illegal house raids and searches that were conducted by members of the SANDF. The allegations central issue was the fact that the SANDF conducted the house raids illegally without the SAPS and or search warrants and are also alleged to have ill-treated some community members during the raids. The affected community members opened criminal cases at the local Police Station and laid charges of illegal conduct, theft and assault by these SANDF members.

(a) The SANDF duly responded by conducting an internal investigation and verifying these allegations and community complaints. The internal investigation found the allegations to be true and the complaints of the community members to be genuine.

(b) The SANDF will allow the legal process to take its course as per the criminal cases currently in the hands of the SAPS. The SANDF has already commenced with the internal Military Disciplinary processes on those involved and those found responsible will be dealt with accordingly and to ensure that such unbecoming conduct does not happen again.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, and the SANDF, unreservedly condemns this unbecoming conduct by these members and condemns it in the strongest terms. This is not how we conduct our business and, we as the organisation charged with the responsibility to protect and defend the people of South Africa, tender our sincere apologies to the affected community members as well as to the entire community of the area of Phongola.

We can assure the citizens of this country that the SANDF members deployed to conduct operations are given the necessary training on all aspects relevant to their tasks during the conduct of operations. Furthermore, continuous training is conducted on the conduct and discipline expected of all members of the SANDF. We will not allow a few members to tarnish the good work done by the bulk of our dedicated and disciplined members.

As a consequence of this incident, the Minister of Defence has directed the CSANDF to ensure that effective disciplinary actions are undertaken against those found to have been responsible. Furthermore, the CSANDF is to ensure that effective measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in future.

Reply:

The information requested relates to the operations on the ground of the SANDF troops deployed in the Western Cape and can only be disclosed in a closed session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence due to its security sensitive nature.

Reply:

1. The prevention of the SANDF capabilities from declining further is entirely dependent on the budget allocation of the Defence Force, which has been decreasing at an alarming rate over the years with a negative impact of the entire capabilities.

2. The Defence Review 2015 has been developed has been developed with a plan to arrest the decline of the SANDF but unfortunately no funding has been received to attend to the declining capabilities of the SANDF.

3. The Defence Review 2015 is the defence policy document which has all the tenants of the requirements of the Defence Force. The defence has become progressively unsustainable in terms of declining defence allocations and have reached a point where the Republic must decide on the kind of Defence Force it wants and can afford.

Reply:

Total spend:

	2017-18	2018-19
Cleaning	R 7,407,245	R 5,251,498
Security	R 8,146,346	R 1,833,180

Refer below for details.

Reply:

(a) Section 11 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002), read with section 52(1) of the Act, makes provision for a uniformed member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to serve in the regular force after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60 years for a period up to the age of 65 years on a contract. On 1 June 2016, the President extended the term of service of General Shoke for a period of 5 years.

(b) A regular force member.

(c) 31 May 2021

(d) Section 202(1) of the Constitution provides as follows: “The President as head of the national executive is Commander-in-Chief of the defence force, and must appoint the Military Command of the defence force”. Section 13(1) of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002), provides that the President must appoint the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (CSANDF).