QUESTION 13 (NO6183E)

Mr J S Malema (EFF) to ask the Deputy President:

1) With reference to his delegated role to implement rapid response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting service delivery hotspots in the country, and considering the dire state of municipal governance in the Republic that leads to chronic lack of delivery of services, what has he found to be the reasons that there have been no notable improvements in governance in some municipalities since he assumed this role;

2) whether he has found that municipalities in the main in the Western Cape offer the best model for municipal governance than elsewhere in the country; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

 

REPLY:

Honourable Speaker,

Let me thank Honourable Malema, for raising this important question about the state of municipal governance in some municipalities around the country.

As part of our outreach programmes, we have been engaging with various municipalities and communities to get a comprehensive understanding of governance and service delivery challenges. 

Reports from the Auditor-General and COGTA have also revealed that poor performance of many municipalities stem from corruption, financial mismanagement, lack of administrative capacity, lack of accountability, skills shortages, and governance challenges, all of which impede service delivery. Among other challenges, we have also observed that coalition arrangements at local government level often result in instability, and compromise governance in affected municipalities.

As a results, in August 2023, we convened a National Dialogue on Coalition Governments. The National Dialogue, agreed on the following six principles to guide coalition governments:

• Putting the people first,

• Combating poverty and deprivation,

• Building a prosperous and inclusive economy,

• Building a united, non-racial, and democratic society, 

• Good governance, 

• No tolerance for corruption.

The National Dialogue culminated in the development of draft amendments to the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, which aims to address issues like coalition instability and improvement of  governance. COGTA will soon table the Bill to Cabinet for approval.

Honourable Speaker,

As part of my responsibility to support the President in the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), we continue to coordinate all spheres of Government to improve municipal performance and to address community concerns. In this regard, I have been visiting and interacting with municipalities to have a full appreciation of governance challenges and service delivery blockages.

On the 2nd of October 2025, we conducted a whole-of-Government service delivery outreach programme at the OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape Province. The visit was aimed at addressing service delivery bottlenecks, engage with the Qunu community, while evaluating progress made in the roll-out of the DDM.

Through Water Task Team and Inter-Ministerial Committee on Service Delivery we are also strengthening support initiatives and interventions to address water related challenges, water infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.

On 6 June 2025, we launched the Clean Cities, Towns and Villages Campaign in Kliptown, Soweto in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). The Clean Cities, Town and Villages Campaign is a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting a cleaner environment and improving service delivery. We continue to encourage communities to take charge in the cleaning of their towns, cities, and villages.

As part of the Government’s response to local government challenges, COGTA is currently engaged in a process to review the 1998 White Paper on Local Government as part of Operation Vulindlela Phase II reforms aimed at creating a fit-for-purpose local government system.

Furthermore, Parliament is currently processing the Public Service Commission Bill which will extend the mandate of the Public Service Commission to the local government. 

Honourable Speaker, 

We have noted the 2023/2024 Municipal Audit Outcomes released on 28 May 2025. In terms of this report, 140 municipalities (55%) achieved unqualified and clean audit outcomes. In this regard, an increase in clean audits from 34 in 2022/23 to 41 in 2023/24.

While this is not a significant improvement, it is worth noting as it reflects an improved level of commitment of municipal leadership and officials to uphold financial discipline, internal controls, and consequence management.  

While several municipalities in the Western Cape are doing well in terms of audit outcomes, it is important to note that there is a significant and persistent disparity between the well-being of many residents residing in townships and informal settlements the Province. 

Although the province is often recognised for strong financial governance overall, this does not reflect the lived experience of many black communities, who continue to struggle with socio-economic challenges.

Therefore, the Western Cape's municipal governance model is not the best in the country, as it fails to address the legacy of apartheid-era spatial segregation. The optimal model would be one that accommodates all individuals, regardless of colour or race.

I thank you, Honourable Speaker.

QUESTION 14 (NO6542E)

Mrs D E Mpapane (ANC) to ask the Deputy President:

With reference to the market inquiry conducted by the Competition Commission into the fresh produce market and their finding in January 2025 that although the fresh produce market exceeds R53 billion, participation by historically disadvantaged farmers remains minimal, to what extent has the Government acted upon the recommendation of the Competition Commission to implement measures to increase the annual sales of small-scale and historically disadvantaged farmers through National Fresh Produce Markets to achieve increased participation of historically disadvantaged persons in the agricultural value chain?

 

REPLY:

Honourable Speaker,

Let me thank Honourable Mpapane for posing this critical question and for highlighting the Competition Commission's report released on 13 January 2025. The report makes recommendations to promote competition, lower entry barriers, and the creation of an inclusive and competitive fresh produce value chain. 

The report estimates that the total value of fresh produce sold through the National Fresh Produce Markets was over R21 billion in 2022, with the overall domestic fresh produce market, including formal retail and fresh produce markets, currently worth over R53 billion annually. This is an indication of steady revenue growth over the past two years. However, participation by historically disadvantaged farmers remains minimal. 

Honourable Speaker,

Addressing equity and inclusion of small scale and previously disadvantaged farmers is crucial for achieving sustainable, inclusive, and competitive fresh produce value chains in South Africa. The inclusion of emerging black farmers in commercial agriculture is critical for the transformation of the agricultural sector and our land reform programme. 

The ongoing land reform process and release of Government land demonstrates our Government’s commitment to benefit emerging farmers and ensure that they contribute to the growth of South Africa's agricultural economy.

In September 2025, I visited Klein Ezeljacht Farm in Theewaterskloof Local Municipality in Caledon with Minister Nyhontso and other Cabinet Ministers to discuss land reform programs and community development challenges with emerging farmers in the Overberg District, Western Cape.

As part of our oversight visits, we also attended the NAMPO Harvest Day in Bothaville on May 15, 2025 and the Nampo Cape Agricultural Show in Bredasdorp on 12 September 2025. These events draw over 40,000 visitors and features over 500 exhibitors from across the agricultural value chain, including mechanisation, smart technology, inputs, financing, agri-services, and farmer support.

Through these engagements, we are focusing on improving Government’s support to the agricultural sector, particularly emerging black farmers, by addressing challenges related to land reform, infrastructure, access to finance through title deeds, farm safety and access to agricultural markets.

Honourable Speaker, 

Part of the recommendations of the Competition Commission was for the Department of Agriculture to undertake a review of the legal framework in which National Fresh Produce Markets currently operate. In this regard, the Department of Agriculture is developing two draft bills, namely: the Agricultural Produce Agents (APA) Amendment Bill and the National Fresh Produce Market Council (NFPMC) Bill, to address the concerns raised in this report.

In the meantime, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and other relevant state bodies are giving attention to the recommendations that relate to barriers to entry.

We further welcome the Competition Commission’s proposal of the target of 10% annual sales uplift for small-scale and historically disadvantaged farmers. While on the other hand, Government continues to engage the US government on the reduction of 30% unilateral tariffs imposed on our exports to the US market.

Through multi-sectoral collaboration with partners like the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa and other commercial financiers, government will continue to support all farmers – commercial, small-scale and historically disadvantaged farmers, and ensure that the agricultural sector is representative, inclusive, contributes to the growth of the economy and food security for our country.

I thank you, Honourable Speaker.

QUESTION 15 (NO6587E)

Mr G Michalakis (DA) to ask the Deputy President:

Whether, as the Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Crime Prevention and Security, he has found that the interventions to bolster crime intelligence in the SA Police Service to stem gangsterism and other forms of violent crimes have been effective; if not, why not; if so, what are the reasons whereupon he has found that the interventions have been effective?

 

REPLY:

Honourable Speaker, 

Let me welcome this critical question by Honourable Michalakis. Under the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS), several measures have been introduced to restore the integrity and performance of SAPS Crime Intelligence.

The SAPS has developed the National Anti-Gang Strategy, aimed at dismantling gang-related criminal networks through intelligence gathering, proactive policing, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration.

The SAPS is further expanding the scope of the Anti-Gang Units to include gang-related cases such as drug trafficking, shootings, and murders, beyond the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. The Units will also be supported by operations like Operation Shanela and Operation Vala Umgodi.

Furthermore, Acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia, announced a multi-agency anti-gang plan in the Western Cape, involving the National Prosecuting Authority, Asset Forfeiture Unit, Special Investigating Unit, and SAPS, to combat gangsterism and extortion. This plan has already been finalised with funding allocated for implementation. 

Furthermore, SAPS has increased digital analytics, surveillance, and data-driven policing resources to enhance intelligence-led operations in hotspot areas, including ongoing collaborations with South Africa Revenue Service to develop strategies targeting organised crime's financial infrastructure through cross-border business networks.

Honourable Speaker, 

The on-going Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Ad Hoc Committee Investigating Allegations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will shed more light on what needs to be done to strengthen the criminal justice system as a whole and the police service in particular. For now, we will refrain from specific commentary about both processes as they are still underway. 

We will continue to strengthen our Crime Intelligence Division to counter organised crime, gangsterism, and violent criminality in hotspot areas through structural and technological interventions, including Community Policing Forums (CPFS).

I thank you, Honourable Speaker.

QUESTION 16 (NO6543E)

Ms N A Ndalane (ANC) to ask the Deputy President:

Given that the issue of land reform is critical for the transformation of the agricultural sector to the same degree that the development of small  and medium scale black farmers is vital for ensuring food security and increasing agricultural exports, as the Chair of the National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and in co-operation with the Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, what

(a) performance targets have been set to achieve land reform and agricultural development since the formation of the Government of National Unity and

(b) integrated approach is being developed by the IMC to holistically support infrastructure development in the rural areas to support the growth of the agricultural sector?

 

REPLY:

Honourable Speaker, 

Let we welcome this important matter raised by Honourable Ndalane. Government is dedicated to advancing land reform and agricultural development, with the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Agriculture and Land Reform providing political and strategic leadership on these issues.

In terms of targets for land reform, the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has been working towards allocating 200,000 hectares of land between 2024 and 2029 to ensure equitable land access and improved tenure security. This work will build on the significant progress achieved during the previous administrations of the ANC-led Government. 

Among other matters, the following progress has been reported to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture:

• The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights reported that a total of 3,760,495 hectares of land were settled in the period between 1995 and 31 December 2024. A total of nearly 2,4 million individuals, including 1,275 persons with disabilities and 466,568 households, including 180,354 female-headed households benefited from these settlements. 

• Since 2019, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has released 125 land parcels measuring 25 549 hectares, for land redistribution,

• As of April 2025, the Department of Human Settlements had already released 44 land parcels measuring 2 424 hectares in extent. Power of Attorneys (POAs) have been issued to enable development planning. 

Regarding agricultural development, the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan is one of key priorities identified in the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2029).

The plan aims to increase black commercial small-holders, expand agro-processing, boost exports, and create jobs by unlocking productive land, financing, and scaling farmer support, expediting land restitution and redistribution through robust post-settlement packages, infrastructure, extension, markets, and secure tenure rights.

The Department of Agriculture plans to boost agricultural exports by 5% over five years to improve food security, job creation, and sector growth. This will be achieved through the implementation of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, strengthening partnerships, and streamlining trade processes. This include revising agreements and leveraging on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AcFTA) to open more opportunities across the continent.

Through the Proactive Land Acquisition Policy, we aim to expedite State Grant processes by setting clear targets and timelines, enabling direct transfer or free leasehold for households with limited land access, subsistence production, and small-scale farmers.

One of the key interventions managed by the National Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Provincial Departments of Agriculture, is the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme. Through this programme, the Department of Agriculture plans to support approximately 12,000 small-holding producers, 7,787 red meat producers, and 6,807 grain commodity producers during the 2025/2026 financial year.

Government is also addressing land rehabilitation, conservation agriculture, development of agro-ecosystem management plans, and farm management plans, for approximately 700 hectares. 

Furthermore, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure supports rural and farming communities through the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme, which addresses infrastructure backlogs by constructing bridges to improve access to services and economic opportunities.

Government will continue to intensify efforts to support our farmers, improve logistics network and rural supply chains, as well as open new export markets, to significantly expand the agricultural sector.

I thank you, Honourable Speaker.

QUESTION 17 (NO6266E)

Ms L M Ngobeni (ActionSA) to ask the Deputy President:

In light of the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality administration securing a landmark agreement with Eskom to settle the R6,67 billion debt inherited from the previous administration of the specified municipality, and with R1 billion already paid and interest waived over a five-year plan, what rapid response intervention plans has he put in place to ensure that such governance turnarounds are replicated across municipalities that owe outstanding debts to Eskom?

 

REPLY:

Let me welcome this important matter raised by Honourable Ngobeni. The escalating municipal debt to Eskom is a major concern to government as it continues to pose a risk to the financial sustainability of Eskom. As of July 2025, the total overdue municipal debt had reached R102 billion, up from R20 billion in the financial year 2019. According to Eskom, this amount could exceed R300 billion in the year 2030, if there is no urgent intervention.

As part of the ongoing efforts to address this challenge, the Eskom board has approved a mechanism called the Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA), which is a long-term contract between a municipality and Eskom. This arrangement forms part of the Active Partnering Initiative. This model seeks to restore technical and financial sustainability in distressed municipalities through the following interventions:

• Municipalities appoint Eskom as a service delivery agent for municipalities’ distribution businesses.

• The DAA enables Eskom to collect revenue, manage operations, and maintain infrastructure on behalf of participating municipalities;

• Establishes a ring-fenced revenue account to enhance transparency and ring-fence Eskom’s recoverables and municipality’s entitlements.

• The intervention involves skill transfer, operational reforms, and a structured exit plan to return distribution operations to the municipality after meeting competency benchmarks.

Honourable Speaker,

It is worth noting that the participation of municipalities in the DAA is voluntary, and municipalities retain their licence to reticulate and distribute electricity.

With regard to the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality agreement with Eskom, this matter was settled through a court process, which included litigation processes and may not necessarily be replicated in other municipalities. 

However, struggling municipalities are encouraged to consider Active Partnering with Eskom through the implementation of the DAA. The Active Partnering Model, implemented by Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in the Free State Province and Emfuleni Local municipality in Gauteng, has significantly reduced the debt of the worst-performing municipalities in electricity distribution, demonstrating the success of this model.

Furthermore, The National Treasury is providing assistance to 71 municipalities through the Debt Relief Programme, which allows for the write-off of a portion of their arrears if they meet strict financial management standards. Aligned with the DDM and Municipal Support and Intervention Framework, Government, Eskom, Business, and State institutions will continue to support these struggling municipalities to meet their financial obligations and improved service delivery. 

I thank you, Honourable Speaker.

QUESTION 18 (NO6544E)

Ms M M Senne (ANC) to ask the Deputy President:

Noting that the 6th South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey, released by the Human Sciences Research Council at the 25th International AIDS Conference held in July 2024 in Munich, Germany, revealed that females continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, with a 16,4% prevalence compared to the 8,8% prevalence in males, what has he found to be the impact of government strategies towards addressing the disproportionate HIV prevalence in women and girls to date?

 

REPLY:

Honourable Speaker,

Let me welcome this critical matter raised by Honourable Senne. The Human Sciences Research Council's 6th South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey reveals that females, particularly those aged between 15-24 years, are disproportionately affected by HIV, with a prevalence of 16.4%, compared to males' 8.8%, highlighting the need to address social drivers and inequalities that hinder progress towards ending AIDS in the country.

The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), which I chair, has developed robust policy frameworks like the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB, and STIs 2023-2028, HIV Prevention Roadmap 2025-2028, and National Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy, which prioritise adolescent girls and young women, acknowledging gender inequality, violence, and human rights barriers as key drivers.

Despite the challenges identified by the 6th HIV Prevalence Survey, Government has improved access to comprehensive health services, HIV testing, treatment, sexually transmitted infections management, contraception, condoms, and oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

Furthermore, SANAC is implementing the "Zikhala Kanjani" Youth HIV Prevention Strategy, targeting adolescent girls and women, engaging boys and men, and promoting mental health through digital campaigns. Moreover, the Department of Health utilises B-Wise, a technology platform, to provide HIV prevention, treatment, and sexual and reproductive health information to Adolescent Girls and Young Women.

The Department of Basic Education is implementing "Keeping Girls in School," a programme that provides comprehensive sexuality education, life skills, and links girls to sexual reproductive health and HIV services, reducing HIV transmission rates. As Government we continue to fund youth-led organisations such as LoveLife and Soul City to amplify prevention and treatment literacy and link young people to care. 

Through My Journey pogramm and other related programmes, hundreds of thousands of adolescent girls and young women, including young men have been reached with services that cover testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, gender-based violence prevention, psycho-social support and education subsidies. Overall, the sustained rollout of antiretroviral therapy has increased life expectancy and reduced HIV-related deaths; and women, who account for the majority on treatment, have benefited directly. 

We remain committed to end the disproportionate impact of HIV on adolescent girls and young women, and to sustaining inclusive and equitable prevention that leaves no one behind.

I thank you, Honourable Speaker.