Commission for Gender Equality 2020/21 Quarter 2 performance

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

10 November 2020
Chairperson: Ms C Ndaba (ANC)
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Meeting Summary

Video: Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) briefed the Committee on its second quarter performance for y2020/21 financial year. The Commission presented its four strategic objectives, targets achieved and targets not achieved. In terms of overall performance, 79% of planned targets were reached. Covid-19 somewhat affected the Commission’s performance. The Commission has, however, tried to adapt to the use of technology, though some difficulties were still experienced and it could not achieve 100% of its target. Despite that, quarter two was an improvement to quarter one performance.

Initial budget allocation was R89.861 million, but following the national adjustment budget, the Commission’s budget was reduced by a net amount of R10.3 million. There was an overall reduction in expenditure due to the restrictions to business posed by the pandemic. Total expenditure for quarter two was R18 431 607, which is lower than the adjusted budget by about R4.4 million. The total income for quarter two was R20 million from National Treasury and R206 000 from sundry and other incomes.

Series of inconsistencies were noted in the Commissions reports, such as in the number of targets reached and in the number of cases dealt with. There were also incomplete reports such as the Ukuthwalwa situation, land cases in Limpopo, and outstanding Bill submissions.

Members asked about the outstanding Bills and submissions, and the inability of the Commission to reach its target. The Committee was particularly concerned about some Commissioners who were employed full-time by the Commission but were concurrently engaged in other jobs without obtaining the requisite approval.

Concerns were also raised on how Commission was able to provide its monitoring and evaluation functions, considering that it lacked the requisite tools. Questions were asked about the R5.5 million underspending, and the R1million spent on investigations.

The Committee expressed displeasure on the Commission’s failure to provide submissions timeously. Members observed that the quality of the report submitted was poor and lacked sufficient details. Certain issues presented in the first quarter have not been concluded and were not reported in the second quarter. There were also inconsistencies in the report.

The Chairperson, in conclusion, stated that further questions of the Committee will be forwarded in writing to the Commission and its chairperson. Written response would be expected from the Commission.

Meeting report

The Chairperson opened the virtual meeting, welcoming the Members and everyone present. Apologies were noted.

Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) quarter two performance

Ms Tamara Mathebula, Chairperson of the CGE, thanked the Committee for the invitation and said that report will be presented in line with the Commission’s multi annual strategic plans and in accordance with its four broad strategic objectives. The report will be given on budget allocation, expenditure, activities, achievements and performance as set out in the Annual Strategic Plan.

She introduced the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CGE, Ms Jamela Robertson, who commenced duty on 02 November 2020. The new CEO had been inducted and she is confident that the entity will benefit from her expertise, skills and past experience, and she will lead the Commission towards the achievement of its constitutional mandate. A formal letter of introduction will be forwarded to the Portfolio Committee.

The initial budget allocation for the Commission was R89.861 million, but following the national adjustment budget, the CGE budget for 2020/21 period was reduced by a net amount of R10.3 million. The Commission is committed to delivering on its planned activities despite the budget cut, and internal discussion will continue on the funding situation of the Commission and the impact it will have on the Commission’s service delivery at national, provincial and local level.

Ms Robertson, CGE CEO, appreciated the warm welcome. She presented the activities for the second quarter, achievement of targets against what was planned, and how it reached its mandate to facilitate equality at all levels – from the national and regional level, through socio-economic development.

In terms of performance, 79% of planned targets were reached. Covid-19 somewhat affected the Commission’s performance. The Commission has, however, tried to adapt to the use of technology, though some difficulties were still experienced and it could not achieve 100% of its target. Despite that, quarter two was an improvement to quarter one performance.

She took the Committee through the four strategic objectives of CGE, and highlighted the achieved targets and those that were not met.

Strategic Objective one: Enabling legislative framework for gender equality.

This objective had seven targets; six were achieved and one was not achieved.

 

Strategic Objective two: Promote and protect gender equality.

This objective had eight targets and all of them were achieved.

 

Strategic Objective three: Monitor and Evaluate issues that undermine gender equality.

This objective had three targets and all of them were achieved.

 

Strategic Objective four: Build Effective Organisation.

This objective had six targets; three were achieved and three were not achieved.

 

Financial management report quarter two

Mr Moshabi Putu, CGE CFO, presented the financial report. He presented a budget overview and an analysis of income and expenditure.

About R85 177 060 was originally allocated, but following the national adjustment budget, CGE budget was reduced by a net worth of R10.3 million. The total income for the quarter was R40 million. Expenditure incurred was R35.4m, which is R16.3m lower than the adjusted budget due to the reduced activity during the lockdown, saving on operational expenses, and some unspent money on some vacancies that were yet to be filled. The total income for quarter two was R20 million from National Treasury and R206 000 from sundry and other incomes.

Total expenditure for quarter two was R18 431 607, which is lower than the adjusted budget by about R4.4 million. Sub-programmes adjusted budget include Commissioners’ income, Corporate Services, and Main/Core Service Delivery. However, it is projected that spending rate will catch up in the succeeding quarters as the lockdown is eased, vacancies filled and APP activities implemented.

From the R80 million allocated, R35m has been spent. Spending rate will catch up with the ease of lockdown, and monies will be defrayed as CGE navigate its operations and delivery of services. About R2.5 million was saved on compensation of employees due to vacancies and salary increases that have not yet been implemented.

As at September 2020, CGE was declared financially sound, with more assets than liability, and surplus declared.

Discussion

The Chairperson said a request was received from the chairperson and deputy chairperson of CGE for an extension of the date of their submissions. She emphasised that all entities and government departments are expected to finalise their Annual Reports according to National Treasury regulations, and there are clear timelines which all departments and entities must adhere to. Nonetheless, the Committee agrees to give CGE seven more days to enable it make its submission. The commission’s plans and schedules must, at all times, be in line with the timelines stipulated by National Treasury regulations.

The Chairperson noted further that in CGE there are two types of Commissioners – full-time and part-time Commissioners. Full-time commissioners are paid according to their engagement and they are expected to work accordingly. Where full-time Commissioners want to take up other engagements outside of CGE, they need to apply for permission. The application must be approved, and the Presidency must be duly informed. Only one Commissioner of CGE has declared that she is working outside CGE, and she was given approval. Several other full-time Commissioners at CGE are engaged with other jobs, and they did not get the requisite approval.

The Chairperson stated that the audit report is still at the Auditor-General’s office, and that it would be embarrassing if the AG observes that some of the Commissioners are doing work outside without getting an approval. This act constitutes robbery of the state, and the Committee would not hesitate to present a report of such misconduct. The Committee has on several occasions informed CGE that their Commissioners have not declared, and nothing has been done about it till the moment. Only the deputy chair had notified the Committee that she was working at the University of Stellenbosch.

The Portfolio Committee has formally written to the legal team in respect of some of CGE’s presentations to the Committee which are untrue. A letter will be sent to the chairperson and deputy chairperson of CGE, and a formal response will be demanded. Once a formal response is received, the Committee will complete its report, table it to Parliament and thereafter forward to the Presidency.

The Chairperson welcomed the appointment of the CEO and said that the Committee will not be treating the CEO like an amateur, considering that she has been working with one of the legislatures and she understands how government does things. She is therefore expected to be accountable to the Committee. Late submission of reports will not be tolerated.

She observed that the quality of the report submitted was poor and lacked sufficient details. Certain issues presented in the first quarter have not been concluded and were not reported in the second quarter. There were also inconsistencies in the report; for example, from the annual report, the strategic objective number one states that CGE has seven planned targets. However, the APP only states five targets. In the first quarter, CGE reported that it dealt with 118 or 147 cases, but in the second quarter the report is in percentages. How does this translate to numbers? Why is there no consistency in the report writing?

The report states that CGE’s core business is to do monitoring; how do you monitor government departments and other entities when you do not have a monitoring tool? In the last report, it was stated that consultants were to be appointed, but the Committee objected. The Committee asked that CGE’s human resource department deal directly with the shortlisting, appointments, auditing and screening of applications.

The report also states that CGE is working with the department of monitoring and evaluation in finalising its monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework. When did this work start? And when will it be finalised? How will issues of Gender Based Violence be monitored? It was stated that the interim standing committee refused to grant CGE an interview because they had been disbanded. What has been done about it?

The Chairperson noted further the CGE’s report on provinces where PPE is deployed. What about provinces where they are not deployed to? Is CGE not supposed to provide comprehensive monitoring and assessment on issues of PPE? How will the reporting be done? When CGE started with the Portfolio Committee, it gave reports on tracking such as rape kits; what is the update on this report? Are all the police stations fully equipped with rape kits? Are there are no longer complaints?

Ms Mathebula had reported in a previous meeting that CGE was working with traditional leaders on issues of Ukuthwalwa. What is the update in provinces where Ukuthwalwa is prevalent? Is the project finalised? Has the practice stopped?

The CGE also reported that it was working on the issue of lands with women in Limpopo; what is the update on this report? There was a Bill by the Department of Justice, on polygamous marriages; what is CGE’s contribution on this Bill? CGE’s report submission on Bills contains no report on this Bill. The report contains submissions on new and proposed legislation based on project plan; which submissions were drafted and completed by CGE in quarter two? In quarter one there were outstanding bill submissions to be completed in quarter two. What has been done about them?

On recording of cases, the Chairperson confirmed receipt of the report of the Northern Cape case.

The Chairperson also noted that CGE had advertised positions of managers and that it was resolved that the Commission must wait for the new CEO, who should be part of the processes. But it was rumored and reported in the papers that a chief director appointed his wife in the Department of Women. Has the former acting CEO resigned or not?

There are legal costs of R1 million on slide number 13 that need to be qualified. Commissioners’ work involves attendance at events and webinars. What impact or influence do these events have on CGE?

Most of the cases reported to CGE do not seem concluded. The report lacks details.

Ms N Hlonyana (EFF) stated that CGE needs to provide the Committee with a full report on the issue of forced sterilisation of women living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, which was released on 24 February 2020. How many doctors have been arrested and have their medical licence been withdrawn? How much compensation has been given to victims of the forced sterilisation?

Secondly, on the issue of target, all targets must be met to ensure delivery. She asked the CFO to clarify on the R5.5 million under spending for PPE not delivered due to COVID 19 regulation. Was the R5.5m just for PPE or are there other reasons that lead to the under spending?

On slide 10, the CFO spoke about R45m remaining. Does the R45m include the R5.5m under spending represented in quarter two?

On slide 11, CGE said it recorded some savings due to positions that were not filled. What impact has these positions had on the functioning of the CGE? On the legal fees, there is need for more elaboration because it was assumed that the Commission had its in-house legal personnel. What were these legal fees for?

On slide 13 pertaining education and training, it was reported that due to COVID-19 there was a reduction in education and training. It is evident that COVID-19 will be around for a long time; what new methods or mechanisms will be adopted to ensure that the issue of education and training continue?

On slide 17, CGE spoke about a misappropriation of the sum of R125 000 and that a disciplinary committee will be set up. She proposed that the said persons be expelled and the money collected from their pension fund.

On slide 18, on the fleet management, she observed that new vehicles were purchased. What happened to the old vehicles? How were they disposed? Did the old vehicles reach their life span or was CGE adding to its existing fleet?

Ms F Masiko (ANC) welcomed the new CEO and wished her the very best during her term within the organisation. She observed that the Chairperson raised an important issue on timeous submission of performance information reports as guided by the National Treasury Regulation 5.3. The Committee must ensure that CGE’s reports are done timeously so as to enhance performance monitoring and quickly initiate corrective action. She appealed to the Commission to adhere to timelines set, so as to ensure that the monitoring and oversight duties of the Committee are not affected.

She also wanted to know the progress on action taken in respect to forced sterilisation. What is the progress of the meeting with the Department of Health and what is happening in relation to the national rollout of the programme?

The Chairperson interjected, adding that the report of CGE was focused on Kensington, and she wanted to know whether the research was focusing only on Kensington or on all provinces.

Ms Masiko asked for update on the monitoring and evaluation tools adopted by CGE as discussed in the last meeting. She also asked about the progress report on CGE’s engagement with the South African on issues relating to service delivery. She observed that issues raised in first quarter were not addressed in the second quarter, and some of these issues are still recurring.

The Chairperson asked if the M&E framework has not been finalised, how is CGE going to monitor other treaty compliance. Is CGE not doing anything in relation to this?

Ms Masiko pointed out that under strategic objective four, the M&E plan, which was said to be redrafted, was reported as not achieved. However, it will be recalled that in the previous meeting it was reported that an MME framework was developed, but the target is still reported as not achieved. Why is the target not achieved, and why is it reported as such?

Ms Masiko commended CGE for meeting all eight targets set in terms of strategic objective two. She asked about when the gender mainstreaming booklet and human trafficking information sheets be finalised. How will it be popularised to the general communities?

The Chairperson added that CGE reported in quarter one that they assessed the budgeting of two municipalities, what happened in quarter two in this regard.

Ms Masiko, in response, pointed out that the quarter two report stated that there were nine gender mainstreaming interventions, but the Committee needs to be updated on where the interventions were conducted. What was the outcome?

Ms Masiko noted that the target on the policy to regulate the interface between commissioners and staff was not met. This raises concern on the work of the commissioners, especially the full-time commissioners. Why was the Commission not able to draft this policy during the first quarter? And who were the commissioners assigned to undertake this task?

In terms of human resources, she wanted to know what the current vacancy rate is.

The Chairperson stated that the Department of Women, youth and persons with disabilities have reported to the Portfolio Committee that Cabinet has approved a gender-responsive budgeting framework. What has CGE done in this respect? Has CGE monitored or assessed what the Department of Women is doing?

Mr S Ngcobo (DA) asked about the gender mainstreaming booklet. He wanted to know if the booklet has been distributed; if not, when will it be distributed? Will the booklet be available in all languages and will it be disability friendly?

How many pending investigations is the CGE currently dealing with, apart from the one that involved the contracts which had an exception?

On slide 13, he noted that there are legal costs for pending investigations, amounting to R1 million. What does the R1mi entail for legal cost on pending investigation? What were the outcomes of the following initiatives: the Xhosa men dialogue, sexual harassment in the workplace and GBV, the Vodacom’s men’s dialogue, the progressive forum on GBV and Femicide, and Africa dialogue on Gender Based Violence?

He also wanted to know the current vacancy rate in the CGE.

Ms T Mgweba (ANC) welcomed the new CEO. She wanted more clarification on new submissions and proposed legislations. Which submissions were completed and drafted? CGE also indicated that there were outstanding Bills in quarter one. What are these Bills and submissions that have not been completed?

Secondly, it was reported that project planning information have been obtained from entities. She asked who these entities were; what are the findings made by these entities and have these entities implemented the information?

On strategic objective two, it was indicated that CGE engaged like-minded organisations on nine strategic objectives to promote gender equality. She wanted to know which like-minded organisations were engaged and what measures and mechanisms that have been discussed and agreed to promoting gender equality.

Ms Mgweba also observed the report on contract management, which stated that an investigation is underway and that internal processes are being undertaken. She wanted to know when this process will be completed and when will it be presented to the Committee.

On ICT and knowledge management plan, CGE indicated that knowledge management consultants have been appointed and work had commenced, and that they were in the process of finalising the project plan. In view of the fact that ICT has been a long-standing concern of the Committee, she wanted to know if this target is on tract, and when will it be achieved in the 2020/2021 financial year.

The Chairperson said that the next submissions for CGE’s report are 31 January, 2021 for third quarter, and 30 April 2021 for quarter, and this will be the final extension granted by the Committee.

Ms M Hlengwa (IFP) welcomed the new CGE CEO. She stated that the report is not comprehensive. She wanted the CFO to confirm who the beneficiaries of the bursaries, training and development were.

On the issue of women’s month and training people for leadership: if everyone is being trained to become leaders, who will then be led by these leaders? Where is the targeted place to get these people who are going to train as leaders?

She expressed her concern on the monitoring, because there is no tool that is designed for this monitoring. How will CGE measure this monitoring? How will they evaluate their achievement when they have not reached all the nine provinces?

The report stated indicated about 79% submission cases; how many were the actual number of the cases? Details and number of that percentage are required.

The Chairperson asked why CGE did not conduct a stakeholder engagement on the findings and recommendations of CEDAW report that was produced in the previous financial year.

CGE Responses

Ms Mathebula thanked the Committee for the shared dates for submission of reports and stated that CGE has an annual schedule of meetings which did not tally with the National Treasury Regulation. CGE will review its schedule of meetings and will align it with the Treasury regulations. Some of its meetings will be rescheduled for next year, especially with respect to quarter three and quarter four. She assured the Members that the default in presenting reports will no longer occur.

On the Bills, she stated that she will need to review the submitted Bills with the new CEO and identify their progress. The Bills under review include the Judicial Matters Amendment Bill, the Prescription in Civil and Criminal Matters (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill, the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Amendment Bill, Customary Initiation Bill and the Social Assistance Amendment Bill.

In terms of intervention and consultations done in Limpopo, CGE intended to make consultations which will enable it make informed submission on the Bill. Limpopo was chosen due to the history of complaints that came from the area. Two commissioners were sent there to make consultations within the communities which would, in turn, help CGE make informed submissions. The submission made to the Portfolio Committee on Justice was actually informed by the consultations CGE made in Limpopo.

During the consultations in Limpopo, CGE discovered that the need for an administrative appeal process which will enable the women not only access but own land, and that women could have access to civil courts once internal appeal process has been concluded. Most women lose cases and lose the land that initially belonged to them, because they were unaware of court processes, on how to defend themselves and how to appeal when cases have been lost. She stated that this was a clear example of the reason why CGE went into consultations in particular areas; even though it did not have a report, it had a submission or information that could inform the Bill.

On submission of reports when commissioners attend events, she confirmed that the commissioners do submit detail reports. However, CGE will ensure it expands on the templates it currently uses, so as to ensure that its attendance and intervention to meetings, events and webinars are more comprehensive for better understanding.

She stated that there is a handbook which regulates the interface between the commissioner and staff. The CEO had tried sharing the handbook, but it was too large to share. The revised handbook has, however, not gone through the plenary for final approval. But once the final draft of the revised handbook has been approved, it will be shared with the Committee. The process of revising the handbook was undertaken by several commissioners, and the process is almost finished.

Dr Nthabiseng Moleko, Deputy Chairperson of CGE, observed that CGE would have to internally review its own meetings and ensure reports are submitted timeously in terms with the regulations.

An issue that has been raised in this meeting and in previous meetings is that of monitoring framework. She stated that the monitoring tool and its content will be submitted to the Committee, and going forward, CGE would endeavour to provide the details that the Committee require. She confirmed that there is a monitoring tool for CGE to oversee the research reports and the legal reports that have been done. This enables it see what recommendations have been implemented and those that have not been implemented.

On internal monitoring and evaluation tool, the Committee stated in last meeting that it did not want CGE to use consultants. CGE decided to partner with relevant institutions to save cost, and this will be finalised by end of the quarter, i.e. end of December 2020.

On the comment of clarity on the report and the Bills, she apologised for the failure of CGE to submit in details the names of the Bills in its report. CGE would work on the Committee’s comments and improve on its reporting style, and clearly report on the impact of its interventions.

She noted the error in the APP target and report, and said that it will be rectified.

The Chairperson added that in a previous meeting, there was a question on some senior officials’ contracts which will be expiring soon. She wanted to know if CGE had started working on them and hoped that the commissioner in charge of human resources had been briefed and has started work on the advertisement of those contracts.

Ms Robertson (CEO) stated that since resumption of duties, she has been in consultation with the CGE chairperson and human resource (HR) personnel on the various advertised positions, the contracts that will soon terminate, together with the recent resignations of the two senior managers who were reported to have found better opportunities.

She provided a background on the activities of CGE in the provinces, and then highlighted that CGE currently operates with a staff complement of 78, including commissioners; 20 positions are vacant, while eight of the vacant positions were dissolved on grounds of budget reprioritisation and nine were recently advertised. Meetings were held with CGE chairperson and HR to work out a road map on the way forward. She assured the committee that before CGE closes in December, it would have interviewed the nine positions already advertised, and it will prepare to advertise for the positions that recently became vacant due to the resignations. She stated that she still awaits internal advice on the vacant positions that were dissolved.

On the issue of forced sterilisation, she said she is aware that there is a pending meeting between the Department of Health and other stakeholders. However, she cannot provide details or feedback at this point.

The Committee Chairperson noted the CEO’s account on the issue of leave. She stated that the Committee will await a written report from CGE in this regard, further to which the Committee will come up with its recommendations.

Ms Marissa van Niekerk, CGE’s Head of Legal Services, said that on the issue of forced sterilisation, responses were received from the Department of Health, but the responses were not sufficient. A meeting has been scheduled for 11 November 2020 with the Director-General, specifically so as to deliberate further in terms of the implementations and the new complaints received.

The Chairperson said that she expected that Ms van Niekerk would respond to the non-achievement of certain targets, because she had worked in the capacity of acting CEO and was part of the Portfolio Committee meeting when the report for quarter one was received.

Ms van Niekerk responded to the discrepancies raised in the targets as shown in the report. She explained that when there are no specific activities for the quarter, the activity is not counted when calculating the target. Going forward, however, it will be included so as to ensure that there is no confusion.

In terms of non-compliance with the targets on the reports from the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) reports, the stakeholder engagement did not take place in quarter two but is scheduled to hold in quarter three. For the targets that were not met in quarter one, they were rectified in quarter two and there are no outstanding targets for quarter one.

The Chairperson reckoned that it sounds very strange that despite the fact that CGE management team has expertise in administration, it is taking them very long to finalise work such as the MME framework. Why is CGE not using its own internal expertise to help the institution? Why do they want to outsource those services? From the records when interviews were conducted, it was evident that the institution had the required expertise to handle most of its responsibilities. She expressed her disappointment and that of the Committee on the output of CGE.

Mr Putu confirmed that the R5.5 million underspending formed part of the remaining R45 million that will be spent in the last six months of the financial year. He said that the commission had already spent R35 million from the allocated R80 million; the outstanding R45 million will be used to deal with other outstanding performance targets planned for quarter three and four.

The R1 million indicated in the report is a projected amount to deal with investigations. He explained that some investigations needed the engagement of independent advisers and outside service providers for verification of information received from the whistle blowers. The R1 million is just a projection for the three anticipated projects, but all the bills have not yet been received.

The projection on education and training is planned expenditure meant for the CGE internal staff members. This is in line with the national skills plan and strategy aimed at ensuring continuous training and development of staff members. This was planned to commence at the beginning of the financial year, but the training was delayed due to the COVID-19 situation.

Mr Putu (CFO) indicated that investigations were pending, in line with the fair position required in terms of the Labour Relations Act. The Commission had commenced receiving information as part of the investigation process and fact finding, before a determination is finally made. The case involves four officials, and their representation has been solicited; there will be a hearing, observation of natural justice, and there will be stringent action and implementation on the part of management. In terms of the timeline, the process will be driven from the office of the CEO. All the information needed is internal, and it is possible to have not more than 30 days turnaround. The disciplinary process will involve equal staff participation and fair chance given to state their case during the disciplinary proceedings.

The Chairperson pointed out that the committee is confused with the cases and investigations. Why is it a secret that it cannot disclose the kind of cases being handled? The Committee wanted to know the exact details of the cases and what the recommendations are.

Mr Putu explained that the case involves a contract in relation to a service provider for the wide-area network. The original contract was procured through competitive means and was extended for a short period. The extension required the officials to give notice of termination of the contract, but the officials did not do so. CGE proceeded to substitute the original extended contract with a new service provider without cancelling or giving the cancellation notice to the previous service provider. This resulted in a parallel overlapping period of three months, and the previous service provider is claiming a right to be paid for the three months period. Because it is a lease rental agreement, there is no legal basis or defence on the part of the CGE to justify that their services were not used. This cost is a fruitless and wasteful expense on the part of CGE because it did not receive any value for the money payable. Upon conclusion of the disciplinary hearing processes, those who are found liable and responsible will also have to bear the financial liability that could have been avoided.

On fleet management, Mr Putu said that new vehicles were purchased to replace the old ones which were purchased in 2006, and therefore had high mileage and were no longer reliable and costly to maintain. The cars were being replaced, and not a case of expanding on the fleet. The old fleet was disposed of through competitive measures in line with CGE internal disposal policy which is aligned to National Treasury Regulations. According to the policy, disposal had to be on competitive basis through auction. The fleet were auctioned, quotations got from the outside market, from multiple dealerships, and a minimum of three quotations received from the location where the vehicles were. The reserve price was determined and it was then auctioned internally to CGE staff members through an open auction. The auction excluded those in decision making positions, middle management and all senior managers. Sale was done to the highest bidder and the proceeds have been received.

The vacancy rate stands at 11%, based on calculations of vacancies before some of the vacant positions got dissolved.

Ms Hlonyana reiterated her question on whether the R5.5m underspending was only for the PPE’s or were also for other reasons.

Mr Putu referred to slide 13, which stated that the main sources of underspending were derived from compensation of employees, advertisement and publications, office cleaning & other maintenance, software subscriptions, training & development and event management.

Ms Hlonyana wanted to know whether the vacancies within the Department had any effect on the functioning of the CGE.

Ms Robertson confirmed that the vacancies have had an impact on the commission, hence the skeletal services which it operates and its inability to reach all the provinces. It is therefore a priority that the vacant positions are filled in the coming months.

Closing Remarks by the Chairperson

The Chairperson, in conclusion, stated that further questions of the Committee will be forwarded in writing to the commission, and some of the questions will also be forwarded to the deputy president. She stated further that the Committee will be expecting written responses to the questions.

She thanked everyone and said that there will be a follow up on all commitments made in the meeting. She pointed out that CGE did not respond to her comment on the under-utilisation of their skills. She hoped that all those responses will be sent in writing. She wished the new CEO well in the organisation and look forward to seeing her deal with its transformation agenda.

The meeting was adjourned.

 

 

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