Questions and Replies

Reply:

QUESTION 1817

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 17 October 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 31 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether any disciplinary action was taken against officials in her department (a) in
(i) 2005, (ii) 2006 and (iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to
30 September 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how many instances of disciplinary action occurred, (ii) what was the rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken, (iii) what was the transgression and (iv) what disciplinary action was taken?

NW2612E

REPLY

(a)(i) Yes.

(a)(ii) Yes.

(a)(iii) Yes

(b)(i) A total of 594 instances of disciplinary action occurred in the period
01 January 2008 to 30 September 2008.

(b)(ii) Rank / position of each official – please note that the ranks / positions are stated together with the number of officials in that specific rank against which disciplinary action was taken. As per the table below:

Rank / position	Number of officials
Senior Administrative Officers	42
Vetting Officer	1
Senior Administration Clerks	113
Senior Immigration Officers	10
Senior Provisioning Administrative Officer	1
Administration Clerks	125
Senior Legal Administrative Officer	1
Security Officers	13
Refugee Reception Officers	8
Quality Assuror	1
Provisioning Administrative Officers	8
Legal Administrative Officers	2
Information Technology Specialists	2
Immigration Officers	149
Interns	3
Grounds man	1
Foreign Mission Co-ordinator	1
Fingerprint Comparers	35
Drivers	4
Deputy Directors	6
Control Security Officers	2
Client Service Consultant	1
Cleaners	11
Chief Immigration Officers	18
Casual Workers	4
Assistant Directors	12
Administrative Officers	7
Senior Personnel Officer	1
Chief Administration Clerks	4
Chief Training Officer	1
Control Immigration Officers	3
Data Typist	1
National Youth Service Participant	1
Principle Communications Officer	1
Secretary	1
Total	594*

(b)(iii) The transgressions – as per the table below. Please note that the number of a specific instance/s is only stated:

Transgression	Number of officials
Assault	15
Disrespect and abusive behaviour	33
Aiding and abetting and corruption	209
Theft	10
Fraud / false statements	67
Unauthorised absence / abscondment	98
Discrimination against fellow employees	0
Damage to / loss of State property	8
Unauthorised use of Government vehicles	56
Dereliction of duty	94
Absenteeism / abscondment	45
Total	635*

* More than one transgression by official in some cases, hence the difference in totals.

(b)(iv) The disciplinary action taken. Please note that only the number of actions taken is stated:

· Dismissals: 196

· Suspension without salary: 44

· Demotions: 3

· Written Warnings: 196

· Cases withdrawn /

found not guilty / not finalised: 196

QUESTION 843

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 30 May 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15 of 2008

Mr M H Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) What (a) is the total number of refugee applications pending and (b) steps are being taken to address the backlog;

(2) how many applications have been (a) approved and (b) rejected in the past financial year;

(3) whether her department receives any revenue to support refugees; if so, (a) from whom and (b) what amounts have been received?

NW1531E

REPLY

(1)(a) A total number of 89 584 refugee applications were pending as on 31 March 2008.

However, not all of these constitute a backlog, but are pending applications which are being dealt with, at our permanent office.

(1)(b) The Department of Home Affairs implemented the Refugee Backlog Project to address the pending asylum applications and refugee applications which were submitted before 1 July 2005. This project ended in February 2008, and all applications for political asylum, which were lodged before 1 July 2005, have successfully been dealt with by the Backlog Project. Cases which were not finalised are cases where the applicants appealed against the decisions of the Refugee Status Determination Officers. The backlog project was successful, and it has, now, been closed.

Applications are, currently, being dealt with by the five permanent Refugee Reception Offices, following the appointment of 190 additional staff members (between the five centres), in addition to the existing staff members. The newly appointed Centre Managers, Operations Managers, Refugee Status Determination Managers, and Refugee Reception Managers will ensure that applications for asylum and refugee status are being dealt with swiftly and responsibly.

To improve efficiency, the Department has identified the status determination process of asylum seekers and refugees, as one of the Department's priorities, within the Turnaround Project. The Department is currently piloting the "Refugee and Deportation (RaD) Integrated System in this regard.

(2)(a) A total of 1617 applications were approved during the past financial year (2007/08) – i.e refugee status was granted in terms of section 24 of the Refugees Act, 1998 (Act No 130 of 1998).

(b) A total number of 5661 applications were rejected during the 2007/08 financial year.

(3) (a) & (b) No.

QUESTION 595

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 March 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) What are the key criteria identified by her departmental turnaround team necessary to be met in order to meet the objectives of the turnaround strategy, (b) on what basis was each of these key criteria identified, (c) on what date was the turnaround strategy first implemented, (d) what is the progress to date in respect of each key criterion and (e) by what date will all the objectives have been met so that her department will begin to function efficiently and effectively in all key service delivery and operational areas?

NW1280E

REPLY

The following key criteria were identified:

Improved service delivery which will be customer focused.

The reduction of fraud and corruption.

A much improved and more effective management of risks.

Improved turnaround times for key enabling documents.

Effective operations encompassing people, processes, infrastructure and technology.

Improved organisational alignment.

The selection of the turnaround criteria factored in the key findings of the Ministerial Support and Intervention Task team which was appointed in June 2006 to analyse the root causes of the problems in Home Affairs, and subsequently, made recommendations. In addition, a diagnostic exercise was undertaken in the Department and extensive interviews were conducted to identify key issues and success criteria for the Turnaround.

Phase 1 (one) of the Turnaround was initiated on the 01 June 2007, and encapsulated the design of a new Vision, and defining an Operational Model for the Department, as well as, the Roadmap for the Turnaround. Phase 1 (one) was completed in December 2007, and Phase 2 (two) began in January 2008.

At this stage, it is not possible to assess the progress to date with regards to each set criteria, as the Department has, only, now, embarked on the Piloting and Implementation Phase of the Turnaround Project (Phase 2). This process follows the initial defining of the new Vision and Operating Model of the Department, as well as, the Roadmap for the Turnaround Project.

However, a number of Phase 1 Quick Win initiatives had a significant impact on

the key criteria. These included:

A Track and Trace system for Identity Documents (ID) was implemented, enabling the Department to identify key bottleneck areas in the process, and giving citizens access to the status of their ID applications.

A first line Contact Centre was established to support the existing second line service centre to improve service delivery.

Critical path backlogs were eliminated in fingerprint verification, and turnaround times improved from an average of 27 days to 4 days.

More than 400 front office officials working with Identity Document (ID) applications have been trained on quality assurance. A single courier service has been put in place for the pick up, and delivery of IDs, and applications between front offices, and the head office. This resulted in an improvement in the time it takes to dispatch an application from an average 20 days to 10 days. This figure is set to decline further as implementation progresses in Phase Two.

A new Late Registration of Birth process was developed to minimise fraud in the late registration process. More than 300 front office officials were trained in the new process.

A large account unit was set up to expedite issuing of permits focusing on scarce skills.

(e) The Turnaround Project, a complex task, which typically takes three to five years in many big organisations, is expected to be completed by 2011. It is anticipated that 55% to 65% of the Turnaround effort will be implemented by the end of 2009.

QUESTION 596

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 March 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether her department has made any special budget allocation for the implementation of the turnaround strategy; if not, (a) why not and (b) how will the funds required be sourced; if so, (i) what is the total amount budgeted for the turnaround strategy in each province or region, (ii) how many (aa) individual and (bb) company consultants and/or agencies have been appointed to carry out the (aaa) research on and (bbb) implementation of the turnaround strategy, (iii) what is the total cost of the turnaround strategy to date and
(iv) how much has been expended on outside agents and consultants?

NW1281E

REPLY

(a) No specific budget is allocated to the Turnaround Project, as its work is integrated in the Strategic Plan of the Department. All amounts for the work done in the Turnaround Project are covered in the baseline of the Department's Budget.

The National Treasury has also made a special allocation of R 300 000 000 per annum for specific Turnaround Projects. This is held on commission by the Treasury, and was made available to the Department of Home Affairs on motivation.

(b)(i)The Department has now budgeted a total amount of R1,126,621,000 for the Turnaround Project – please see the tables given at (b)(iv) for a comprehensive breakdown of this amount, which indicates that the amount will be utilised during the 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11 financial years. The amount budgeted for, includes the total cost of the Turnaround Project for the Department's Head Office, as well as, all its Provinces.

(b)(ii)(aa) & (bb). A total number of 107 consultants from the consulting firms Fever Tree Consulting and A.T. Kearney were employed.

(b)(iii) The total expenditure incurred by the Department in respect of the Turnaround Project (as on 31 March 2008) amounts to R148.061 million.

(b)(iv) A breakdown of the expenditure as per the tables below:

Description	Budget Allocation (million)	Expenditure as at 31-03-2008 (million)	Budget Allocation (million)	Total Budget (million)	Total Expenditure as at 31-03-2008 (million)
	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11
Consultants	R147,310	R146,022	R255,305	R64,104	-	R466,719	R146,022
DHA	R34,719	R2,039	R55,346	R246,591	R323,246	R659,902	R2,039
Total	R182,029	R148,061	R310,651	R310,695	R323,246	R1,126,621	R148,061

QUESTION 597

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 March 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether her department paid for the travel and car hire and any other related costs for a certain person (name furnished) on or about 30 May 2006, 1 and 2 July 2006; if so, (a) in what capacity was the said person employed by her department, (b) why did this person incur these costs and (c) what was the total cost to her department of the expenditure incurred?

NW1282E

REPLY

Yes. The Department paid for the costs for the 30th May and 1st of July 2006 only. The person was offering voluntary service to the Department.

To cover her travel expenses while assisting the Deputy Minister with communication and speech writing services.

R 7 737.60

QUESTION NO.: 598 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 March 2008

Dr J T Delport (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) What is the current staff vacancy rate in the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO) at each (a) salary and (b) occupation level;

(2) whether there has been an increase in the number of staff resigning from the DSO since the announcement that it would be disbanded by June 2008; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether there are any plans in place for the prosecutors and forensic investigators who are currently part of the DSO but who will not be transferred to the SA Police Service after the disbanding of the DSO; if not, why not; if so, what plans?

NW1283E

REPLY

(1) The vacancy ratein the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO as at 30 July 2008 is as follows:

(a) Vacancy rate according to salary bands:

SALARY BAND	NO OF POSTS	NO FILLED	VACANCY RATE %
Lower Skilled (Levels 1 – 2)	0	0	0%
Skilled (Levels 3 – 5)	18	17	6%
Highly Skilled Production (Levels 6 – 8)	148	108	27%
Highly Skilled Supervision (Levels 9 – 12)	481	346	28%
Senior Management (Levels 13- 16)	74	43	42%
	721	514	29%

(b) The vacancy rate according to occupational levels:

OCCUPATIONS	NO OF POSTS	NO FILLED	VACANCY RATE %
Administrative Related	73	64	12%
Advocated	104	57	45%
Client Information Clerks (switchboard)	1	1	0%
Communication and Information Related	2	0	100%
Finance and Economics Related	1	0	100%
General and Special Investigators*	432	319	26%
Head of Department/CEO	1	0	100%
Library mail and related clerks	3	3	0
Logistic Support Personnel	8	5	38%
Messengers/Porters	8	8	0%
Other Administrative Related Clerks	1	0	100%
Other Information Technology	1	0	100%
Prosecutors	5	1	80%
Protection Services	9	9	0%
Public Relations	1	1	0%
Secretaries	9	4	56%
Senior Managers**	62	43	31%
	721	514	29%

* Includes Trainee and Assistant Forensic Accountants

** Includes DDPP's and Forensic Accountants

(2) Resignations at the DSO have remained at an average of 3.5 per month for the months before and after the announcement but since April 2005, it has risen to an average of 5 per month.

(3) A plan on these matters is not yet finalised and discussions are ongoing.

QUESTION 882

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 30 May 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) (a) How many burglaries have occurred in her department's offices throughout the country in each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) how many (i) identity documents, (ii) passports,
(iii) computers and (iv) other equipment were stolen during such burglaries, (c) what was the total cost incurred by her department as the result of the burglaries and
(d) what is the total amount spent by her department on office security in each of these years;

(2) whether any of her department's officials were implicated in these burglaries; if so, (a) how many and (b) at which offices were they based;

(3) whether her department has taken any action against the implicated officials; if not, why not; if so, what action?

NW1573E

REPLY

(1)(2(3) The Department has had a series of burglaries in some of its offices, around the country, in the past, which caused so much inconveniences. The information, the Honourable Member is looking for, requires an enduring process of accessing information, spanning so many years that may require the extensive use of resources, so dearly required for the critical advancement of the challenges, and the undertaking of the immediate tasks of the Department.

QUESTION 633

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 9 May 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2008

Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether the spouses of foreign persons with critical skills recruited to come to work in the Republic of South Africa are themselves allowed to seek work in South Africa; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, under what conditions?

NW1319E

REPLY

Currently, the spouse of a recruited foreign person with critical skills does not automatically qualify for a work permit, but is allowed to seek work in the Republic of South Africa. However, as is the case with all other foreign nationals, an application for a work permit must be submitted at the nearest Regional office of the Department in the Republic of South africa (RSA) (or South African Embassy, or High Commission in their country of origin).

Having recognised that this has a potential to negatively affect the recruitment of much needed scarce skills, we intend to consider a review of this legal position as part of the immigration policy review process.

QUESTION 1208

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 1 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether her department has taken any steps to establish whether companies, small businesses and other employers employ illegal immigrants; if so, for each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, how many (a) employers have been found to be employing illegal immigrants and (b) illegal immigrants were employed in each case; if not,

(2) whether her department intends taking such steps; if not, why not; if so, when;

(3) whether they were fined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1949E

REPLY

(1), (2) and (3) Yes. The Chief Directorate: Inspectorate is responsible for immigration law enforcement. This unit continues to conduct inspections of companies and businesses on a regular basis to ensure that employers do not employ illegal foreigners. The table below reflects information on each province for the past five financial years and also the fines imposed:

Province	Year	Number of employers	Amount Fined	Number of illegal foreigners	Amount fined
Kwazulu Natal	2003/04	2	R2000	1	R500
	2004/05	1	R1000	0	0 *
	2005/06	2	R7000	0	0 *
	2006/07	0	0	0	0
	2007/08	0	0	0	0
	Total	5	R10000	1	R500
Mpumalanga	2003/04	1	R14000	1	R1500
	2004/05	2	R3000	1	R1500
	2005/06	0	0	0	0
	2006/07	10	R15000	2	R3000
	2007/08	2	R6000	2	R3000
	Total	15	R38000	6	R9000
Eastern Cape	2003/04	0	0	0	0
	2004/05	0	0	0	0
	2005/06	2	R5000	1	R2500
	2006/07	2	R5000	1	R1000
	2007/08	5	R17500	1	R2500
	Total	9	R27500	3	R6000
Western Cape	2003/04	4	R12000	2	R2700
	2004/05	4	R7500	1	R1500
	2005/06	4	R10000	1	R2000
	2006/07	5	R30000	4	R10000
	2007/08	15	R86800	2	R5000
	Total	32	R146 300	10	R21200
Northern Cape	2003/04	0	0	0	0
	2004/05	0	0	0	0
	2005/06	2	R2000	0	0 *
	2006/07	0	0	0	0
	2007/08	0	0	0	0
	Total	2	R2000	0	R0
North West	2003/04	8	R19200	8	R4000
	2004/05	10	R20000	6	R5000
	2005/06	10	R41500	9	R6300
	2006/07	8	R24000	4	R3000
	2007/08	9	R11000	5	R3800
	Total	45	R115700	32	R22100
Free State	2003/04	1	R5000	1	R500
	2004/05	4	R6000	2	R2000
	2005/06	5	R15500	4	R4000
	2006/07	4	R24500	2	R4000
	2007/08	1	R2500	1	R1000
	Total	15	R53500	10	R11500
Gauteng	2003/04	16	R33200	9	R3100
	2004/05	10	R27000	6	R2800
	2005/06	23	R6300	23	R4600
	2006/07	67	R31100	52	R26000
	2007/08	10	R10000	9	R4500
	Total	126	R107600	99	R41000
Limpopo	2003/04	7	R38300	5	R7000
	2004/05	12	R22500	7	R4500
	2005/06	16	R26100	7	R7000
	2006/07	0	0	0	0
	2007/08	0	0	0	0
	Total	35	R86900	19	R18500

* Please note: No fines were imposed on illegal foreigners, as the illegal foreigners involved were directly deported. Section 32(2) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002) states that any illegal foreigner shall be deported.

QUESTION NO 1237

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 15 September 2006

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 30 - 2006

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether any cases of financial misconduct have occurred in her department in the 2004-05 financial year; if so, what are the relevant details?

N1640E

REPLY:

Yes. A total of seven employees have been dismissed for financial misconduct in the 2004/2005 financial year.

The nature of the financial misconduct in respect of the dismissed employees:

- Misappropriation of State funds;

- Failure to bank or declare revenue monies collected; and

- Inflation of subsistence and travel claims

The Ranks, Offices and dates of dismissals:

1) Rank: Senior Administration Clerk

Office: Directorate: Identity Documents: Pretoria

Date of dismissal: 07 July 2004.

2) Rank: Immigration Officer

Office: Pontdrift Port Control Office(Limpopo)

Date of dismissal: 02 November 2004.

3) Rank: Senior Administration Clerk

Office: Regional Office: Umgungundlovu (Kwazulu-Natal)

Date of dismissal: 28 October 2004.

4) Rank: Administration Clerk

Office: Regional Office: Bethlehem (Free State)

Date of dismissal: 22 December 2004.

5) Rank: Immigration Officer

Office: Cape Town Regional Office (Western Cape)

Date of dismissal: 28 June 2004.

6) Rank: Senior Administration Clerk

Office: Polokwane Regional Office (Limpopo)

Date of dismissal: 27 August 2004.

7) Rank: Administration Clerk

Office: Wynberg District Office (Western Cape)

Date of dismissal: 15 December 2004.

QUESTION 1482

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in KwaZulu-Natal as at 25 August 2008?

NW2226E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services were available at each office in the Kwazulu-Natal Province on 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Amajuba Regional Office (R/O)	43	13	16
Chatsworth District Office (D/O)	23	5	1
Commercial Road D/O	43	11	1
Dundee D/O	12	4	0
Empangeni D/O	30	9	1
Eshowe D/O	17	4	1
Estcourt D/O	11	3	0
Ethekwini D/O	61	21	4
Greytown D/O	2	0	0
Howick D/O	0	2	0
Ingwavuma Service Point (S/P)	17	5	1
Ixopo D/O	17	5	1
Jozini D/O	15	5	1
Kokstad D/O	22	6	1
Kwadukuza D/O	22	7	1
Kwamashu D/O	8	2	0
Ladysmith D/O	34	10	1
Maphumulo D/O	8	2	0
Mbazwana S/P	16	5	1
Melmoth D/O	10	1	1
Mpumalanga D/O	8	1	0
Mtubatuba D/O	26	7	1
Ndwedwe R/O	51	15	3
New Hanover D/O	8	1	1
Ngotshane D/O	13	1	1
Nkandla D/O	10	3	0
Nongoma D/O	10	2	0
Nquthu D/O	8	2	0
Phoenix D/O	26	7	1
Pinetown D/O	43	11	1
Prospecton D/O	27	7	1
Richmond D/O	10	3	0
Scottburgh D/O	27	8	1
Tongaat D/O	25	7	1
Ugu R/O	49	15	3
Umbumbulu D/O	8	2	0
Umgungundlovu D/O	16	11	3
Umlazi D/O	37	11	3
Umsinga D/O	14	6	1
Uthungulu R/O	53	15	3
Vryheid D/O	27	7	1
Zululand R/O	25	2	1
TOTAL	932	264	58

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Kwazulu-Natal Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Managers
Ethekwini D/O	24	5	3
Ugu R/O	16	4	1
Umgungundlovu D/O	15	4	1
Uthungulu R/O	20	5	1
Amajuba R/O	12	16	6
Golela PCO	18	6	1
Kosi Bay PCO	8	3	0
Onverwacht Port Control Office (PCO)	5	1	0
Durban Harbour PCO	12	3	0
King Shaka Airport PCO	18	2	2
Sani Pass PCO	3	1	0
Boesmansnek PCO	3	1	0
TOTAL	154	51	15

QUESTION 1483

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in the Western Cape as at 25 August 2008?

NW2227E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Western Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Cape Town Regional Office (R/O)	124	38	4
Wynberg District Office (D/O)	44	13	1
Bellville D/O	62	21	1
Cape Town International Airport	51	12	1
Cape Town Harbour	11	3	0
Cape Town Refugee Reception Office	16	9	1
Paarl R/O	34	11	2
Worcester D/O	19	7	1
Stellenbosch D/O	6	2	0
Malmesbury D/O	22	7	1
Vredendal D/O	8	2	0
George R/O	35	15	2
Knysna D/O	11	2	0
Beaufort West D/O	14	5	0
Oudtshoorn D/O	12	3	0
Khayelitsha R/O	38	17	2
Caledon D/O	24	8	1
Mitchell's Plain D/O	21	6	1
Nyanga D/O	32	7	1
TOTAL	584	188	19

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Western Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Cape Town International Airport	90	9	2
Cape Town R/O	40	4	1
Cape Town Harbour	10	3	0
Khayelitsha R/O	14	3	1
George R/O	15	3	1
Paarl R/O	15	3	1
Malmesbury D/O	5	1	0
TOTAL	189	26	6

QUESTION 1484

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Mpumalanga as at 25 August 2008?

NW2228E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Mpumalanga Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Nelspruit Regional Office (R/O)	13	6	2
Barberton District Office (D/O)	5	2	1
Hazyview D/O	7	3	1
Komatipoort D/O	6	2	1
Lydenburg D/O	4	1	1
Mhala D/O	9	6	1
Nkomazi D/O	5	3	1
White River D/O	5	2	1
Witbank R/O	36	16	2
Middelburg D/O	19	6	1
Belfast D/O	5	2	0
Kwamhlanga D/O	10	4	1
Mdutjana D/O	18	7	1
Mkobola D/O	9	3	0
Ermelo R/O	23	8	2
Piet Retief D/O	5	3	1
Evander D/O	22	7	1
Bethal D/O	8	2	1
Standerton D/O	6	2	0
Volksrust D/O	5	2	0
TOTAL	220	87	19

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Mpumalanga Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Nelspruit R/O	10	4	1
Witbank R/O	10	1	0
Middelburg D/O	2	0	0
Siyabuswa D/O	0	1	0
Lydenburg D/O	2	0	0
Hazyview D/O	2	0	0
White River D/O	2	1	0
Nkomazi D/O	2	0	0
Komatipoort D/O	5	0	0
Barberton D/O	2	1	0
Lebombo Port Control Office (PCO)	41	2	0
Mananga PCO	6	2	0
Jeppes Reef PCO	10	2	0
Josefsdal PCO	1	1	0
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport PCO	9	2	0
Mhala D/O	5	1	0
Ermelo R/O	1	1	0
Piet Retief PCO	1	1	0
Bethal D/O	1	0	0
Secunda D/O	1	0	0
Oshoek PCO	31	1	0
Waverley PCO	2	1	0
Nerston D/O	4	2	0
Emahlathini D/O	4	1	0
Mahamba PCO	10	4	0
TOTAL	164	29	1

QUESTION 1485

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Eastern Cape as at 25 August 2008?

NW2229E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Eastern Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
King Williams Town Regional Office (R/O)	24	15	2
Zwelitsha Service Point (S/P)	3	1	0
Alice District Office (D/O)	12	5	1
Fort Beaufort S/P	3	1	0
Middledrift S/P	3	2	0
East London D/O	26	10	1
Keiskammahoek D/O	11	6	0
Mdantsane D/O	9	5	0
Peddie D/O	8	4	0
Queenstown R/O	31	12	2
Whittlesea S/P	3	1	0
Cofimvaba D/O	16	5	1
Tsomo S/P	3	1	0
Cradock D/O	12	5	1
Middleburg S/P	3	1	0
Ngcobo D/O	13	4	1
Cala S/P	3	1	0
Elliot S/P	3	1	0
Lady Frere D/O	10	5	0
Port Elizabeth R/O	33	15	2
Clearly Park D/O	14	4	1
Graaff Reinet D/O	8	4	1
Grahamstown D/O	12	5	1
Port Alfred S/P	3	1	0
Humansdorp D/O	12	5	1
Motherwell D/O	20	6	1
Somerset East D/O	6	3	0
Uitenhage D/O	17	5	1
Mthatha R/O	31	18	2
Mqanduli S/P	5	1	0
Butterworth D/O	12	7	1
Ngqamakhwe S/P	4	1	0
Centane Thusong D/O	2	1	0
Qumbu D/O	10	4	1
Tsolo S/P	4	1	0
Willowvale D/P	17	6	1
Dutywa S/P	4	1	0
Elliotdale S/P	2	1	0
Mount Frere R/O	22	10	2
Mt Ayliff S/P	3	1	0
Aliwal North D/O	6	3	0
Burgersdorp D/O	6	3	0
Mount Fletcher D/O	6	3	1
Maluti S/P	3	1	0
Matatiele S/P	3	1	0
Sterkspruit D/O	14	6	1
Lusikisiki R/O	21	8	2
Flagstaff S/P	3	1	0
Bizana D/O	14	5	1
Libode D/O	14	5	1
Ngqeleni S/P	4	1	0
Port St Johns D/O	12	5	1
Ntabankulu D/O	8	4	0
TOTAL	551	231	31

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Eastern Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
King William's Town R/O	21	5	2
East London D/O	16	4	0
Queenstown D/O	21	6	1
Engcobo D/O	2	1	0
Port Elizabeth R/O	12	5	1
Graaf Reinett D/O	4	1	0
Grahamstown D/O	6	2	0
Butterworth D/O	5	1	0
Mount Fletcher D/O	5	1	0
Sterkspruit PCO	5	1	0
Lusikisiki PCO	16	5	1
Mthatha R/O	19	5	1
Couga PCO	16	5	0
Telebridge PCO	10	1	0
Qachasneck PCO	10	1	0
Ramatisilo PCO	6	1	0
Ongeluksnek PCO	6	1	0
TOTAL	180	46	6

QUESTION 1486

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Northern Cape as at 25 August 2008?

NW2230E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Northern Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Kimberley Regional Office (R/O)	49	22	2
De Aar District Office (D/O)	15	6	1
Prieska D/O	10	4	0
Jan Kempdorp D/O	8	3	0
Upington R/O	43	18	2
Kuruman D/O	24	10	1
Postmasburg D/O	13	5	1
Springbok R/O	23	10	2
Pampierstad D/O	12	6	0
Calvinia D/O	13	5	1
TOTAL	210	89	10

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Northern Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Kimberley R/O	17	6	1
Upington R/O	22	6	1
Springbok D/O	12	4	1
De Aar D/O	5	1	0
Kuruman D/O	11	3	0
Alexander Bay Port Control Office (PCO)	7	1	0
Sendelingsdrift PCO	2	1	0
Vioolsdrift PCO	17	5	0
Onseepkans PCO	2	1	0
Nakop PCO	17	7	0
Rietfontein PCO	2	1	0
Gemsbok PCO	3	1	0
Twee Rivieren PCO	2	1	0
Middelputs PCO	2	1	0
McCarthy's Rest PCO	2	1	0
TOTAL	123	40	3

QUESTION 1487

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Limpopo as at 25 August 2008?

NW2231E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Limpopo Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Giyani Regional Office (R/O)	12	3	2
Tzaneen District Office (D/O)	17	6	1
Phalaborwa D/O	12	3	1
Thohoyandou R/O	27	4	2
Vuwani D/O	12	5	1
Dzanani D/O	14	5	1
Elim D/O	13	6	1
Malamulele D/O	12	4	1
Makhado D/O	20	6	1
Mutale D/O	13	4	1
Musina D/O	6	2	1
Mokopane R/O	27	4	2
Lephalale D/O	12	3	1
Modimolle D/O	8	2	0
Tauyatwala D/O	3	0	0
Thabazimbi D/O	6	0	0
Polokwane R/O	28	6	2
Bochum D/O	9	3	0
Seshego D/O	3	0	0
Mankweng D/O	7	2	0
Lebowakgomo D/O	50	12	1
Molemole D/O	7	3	1
Groblersdal D/O	6	3	1
Sekhukhuni Hospitals	25	9	0
TOTAL	349	95	21

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Limpopo Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

QUESTION 1488

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Gauteng as at 25 August 2008?

NW2232E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Gauteng Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Brakpan District Office (D/O)	19	6	1
Nigel D/O	22	6	1
Kempton Park D/O	30	9	1
Benoni D/O	19	6	1
Springs Regional Office (R/O)	45	14	2
Boksburg D/O	24	2	1
Germiston R/O	31	4	2
Akasia R/O	25	6	2
Centurion D/O	10	3	1
Alberton D/O	23	3	2
Edenvale D/O	17	3	2
Cullinan D/O	14	5	1
Mabopane D/O	18	2	1
Soshanguve D/O	10	3	1
Garankuwa D/O	25	7	1
Pretoria R/O	88	16	2
Johannesburg R/O	20	20	2
Alexandra D/O	4	4	0
Market Street D/O	4	9	0
Randburg D/O	14	6	0
Sandton D/O	6	3	1
Randfontein R/O	9	12	2
Carletonville D/O	5	4	1
Krugersdorp D/O	5	6	1
Soweto R/O	9	9	1
Roodepoort D/O	17	7	1
Vereeniging R/O	19	11	2
Heidelberg D/O	4	2	0
Sebokeng D/O	4	2	1
Vanderbijlpark D/O	11	4	1
Total	551	194	35

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Gauteng Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Springs R/O	18	3	2
Benoni D/O	4	1	0
Kempton Park D/O	3	1	0
Nigel D/O	5	1	0
Daveyton D/O	5	1	0
Tembisa D/O	5	1	0
Brakpan D/O	5	1	0
Carletonville D/O	1	1	0
Krugersdorp D/O	3	1	0
Soweto R/O	5	2	1
Vereeniging R/O	8	1	1
Germiston R/O	16	3	1
Alberton D/O	3	1	0
Boksburg D/O	3	1	0
Edenvale D/O	3	1	0
Randburg D/O	3	1	0
Randfontein D/O	40	2	2
Roodepoort D/O	2	1	0
Marabastad D/O	24	5	2
Akasia R/O	0	1	1
Pretoria R/O	10	6	1
Johannesburg R/O	19	3	0
Lanseria Airport	8	1	0
O R Tambo International Airport	161	17	4
Crown Mines Refugee Reception Office	34	52	9
TOTAL	388	109	24

QUESTION 1489

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Mr T D Lee to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in North West Province as at 25 August 2008?

NW2233E

REPLY

Due to the fact that the Department of Home Affairs has separated its Civic Services and Immigration Services as part of its Turnaround Project, the following number of posts relating to Civic Services were available in the North West Province on 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

North West Province
Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Mmabatho Regional Office	22	6	9
Molopo District Office	14	2	5
Lehurutshe District Office	9	2	3
Ganyesa District Office	9	3	2
Taung District Office	14	4	4
Vryburg District Office	7	3	4
Rustenburg Regional Office	20	6	8
Mankwe District Office	5	3	4
Madikwe District Office	7	4	2
Brits District Office	10	2	4
Garankuwa District Office	7	2	5
Mabopane District Office	8	4	3
Moretele District Office	15	3	2
Klerksdorp District Office	17	5	7
Lichtenburg District Office	12	3	4
Atamelang District Office	6	2	2
Potchefstroom District Office	8	2	3
Wolmaranstad District Office	2	0	1
TOTAL	192	56	72

Due to the fact that the Department of Home Affairs has separated its Civic Services and Immigration Services as part of its Turnaround Project, the following number of posts relating to Immigration Services were available in the North West Province on
25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Mafikeng	0	0	1
Mafikeng RRO	5	2	1
Mmabatho	20	5	1
Klerksdorp	20	5	1
Rustenburg	20	5	1
Brits	5	1	0
Moretele	5	1	0
Lehurutse	5	1	0
Vryburg	5	1	0
Ganyesa	5	1	0
Potchefstroom	5	1	0
Makopong	6	1	0
Bray	6	1	0
Makgobistad	6	1	0
Derdepoort	6	1	0
Swartkopfontein	12	4	0
Kopfontein	24	7	0
Ramatlabana	24	7	0
Skilpadshek	24	7	0
TOTAL	203	52	5

QUESTION 1490

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Free State Province as at 25 August 2008?

NW2234E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Free State Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Bloemfontein Regional Office (R/O)	49	14	2
Botshabelo District Office (D/O)	16	5	1
Zastron D/O	8	2	1
Koffiefontein D/O	8	2	1
Taba Nchu D/O	11	4	1
Phuthaditjhaba R/O	49	14	2
Bethlehem D/O	24	8	1
Harrismith D/O	8	2	1
Sasolburg D/O	12	5	1
Welkom R/O	40	14	2
Kroonstad D/O	17	4	1
Bulfontein D/O	10	3	1
TOTAL	252	77	15

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Free State Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Ficksburg Bridge Port Control Office (PCO)	33	12	1
Maseru Bridge PCO	42	12	1
Caledonspoort PCO	20	4	0
Van Rooyenshek PCO	13	4	0
Monantsapas PCO	3	1	0
Pekabrug PCO	3	1	0
Sepapushek PCO	3	1	0
Makaleng PCO	3	1	0
Phuthaditjhaba D/O	14	4	1
Bethlehem D/O	5	1	0
Bloemfontein R/O	19	5	1
Botshabelo D/O	5	1	0
Welkom R/O	19	5	1
Kroonstad D/O	5	1	0
TOTAL	187	53	5

QUESTION 1004

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 13 June 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) (a) What are the reasons for her department not releasing a report submitted to her office by a team of immigration experts assessing the huge backlogs in processing applications for asylum-seekers, (b) what is the total cost for the (i) compilation of the report and (ii) remuneration to members of the team who wrote the report and (c) how many times did the team meet to discuss or elaborate on the report;

(2) whether she will release the report; if not, why not; if so, when?

NW1742E

REPLY

(1)(a) As far as I know, there was never any report to be published, as this was a Backlog Project. The Exit Report was prepared, and submitted by the Backlog Managers appointed and trained by the Department, with the aim of eradicating the backlog in asylum applications, accumulated since 1998, and not to "assessing the huge backlogs in processing applications for asylum-seekers" as suggested.

In essence, the Exit Report, so compiled by the Backlog Managers, was purely an administrative report, intended for in-house use; and, therefore, cannot be published.

It is also important to note that the writers of the Exit Report were not a team of Immigration experts. They were, instead, appointed by the Department to assist in eliminating the accumulation of pending asylum applications by means of approvals and rejections, through an adjudication process, for the duration of the project. In order to achieve that, the Department provided them with training in "Refugee Status Determination and Immigration matters".

(b)(i) No additional costs were incurred for the report, as its compilation was completed within the allotted budget for the Backlog Project.

(ii) The total cost was R9 179 552.25. This was the amount paid in salaries to the Backlog Managers for the duration of the project (May 2005 to March 2008).

(c) Project members met regularly to discuss challenges, and progress made. However,

the last three (3) months of the project were basically dedicated to the compilation of

report, and the closure of the project.

(2) With reference to the response given in (1)(a) above, the report is intended for

Internal use. Besides, there are lessons learnt in the project which are also vital for improving processes, and service delivery, such as file census, file audit, file management system, segregation of dormant files from active ones, etc.

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 20 June 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) (a) what were the reasons for the correct procedures not being followed in awarding tenders to four IT firms to modernise the identification system and (b) what are
(i) the full names of the tender committee members responsible for the allocation of those tenders and (ii) their designations;

(2) whether any action will be taken against those found to have not followed the correct procedures in awarding the tenders; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1775E

REPLY

(1) and (2) It needs to be clarified that there is no report that has ever found any tender for the Department of Home Affairs to have been awarded without following correct procedures. It is also not clear from the question which specific tender the Honourable Member is referring to. A number of tender relating to the identification system have been issued and/or awarded in the department. These include the HANIS tender, the Smart ID card tender and the Who-Am-I-Online tender.

With regard to the Who-Am-I-Online tender, I have taken a decision to refer the concerns raised by Members of the Home Affairs portfolio Committee regarding the process and the costs to the Office of the Auditor-General who currently dealing with this matter. A report in this regard is still not yet available.

QUESTION 1043

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 20 June 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) When was the Large Account Initiative, created to assist companies with large requirements of foreign skills, set up, (b) how many companies are part of this Large Account Initiative, (c) how many skilled foreign nationals have been recruited and (d) what is the breakdown of the foreign skills acquired since the initiative was established?

NW1777E

REPLY

(a) The first phase of Large Account Initiative (LAI) which serviced 4 (four) pilot companies,\ started in July 2007.

(b) Apart from the initial 4 pilot companies, an additional 23 (twenty three) companies

were selected on the 15th of May 2008.

(c) To date, a total number of 1810 skilled foreigners have been recruited by the initial 4 piloted companies.

(d) The foreign skills which were acquired consisted of the following: (i) Mining Engineers, (ii) Artisans, (iii) Specialized Engineering skills for the Construction Industry and (iv) Industrial Engineers.

QUESTION 1044

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 20 June 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) (a) When will the recently-announced division of her department into separate civics and immigration service units be implemented, (b) how will the two new units be structured and (c) what amount (i) was budgeted, (ii) was allocated and (iii) has already been spent in dividing the department into these two units;

(2) whether there will be any staff retrenchments or job losses resulting from this restructuring; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the
(a) relevant details and (b) reasons for these retrenchments;

(3) whether any new jobs will be created by the division of the department into the civics and immigration services units; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how many?

NW1778E

REPLY

(1)(a) The Department is in the process of implementing the new structure, including the division between Civic Services and Immigration Branch.

(b) These units will be structured according to the Vision and Design structure that was presented, and approved by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) on 11th of April, and by the Minister of Home Affairs on 16 April 2008.

(c) (i)(ii)(iii) No separate budget was allocated to this particular part of the re-organisation.

(2) The intention of this re-organisation is not to reduce capacity. On the contrary, between 2000 and 3000 vacancies need to be filled in the next five years. The intention is to capacitate the organisation, in the best way possible, so that the Department of Home Affairs can meet its performance obligations to the South African public.

(3) Civic Services is expected to grow with approximately 1 700 employees, in five (5) years, while the National Immigration Branch/Immigration Services is expected to grow with approximately 1000 employees, in five (5) years, as well.

QUESTION 1271

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 8 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2008

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether her department pays for the printing costs of the annual reports of all agencies, councils and commissions reporting to her; if not, who pays for the printing of these annual reports; if so, what were the associated costs of this in each year from 1994 to 2008?

NW1236E
REPLY

No. The Department of Home Affairs is only responsible for paying printing costs for its own Annual Report and that of the Government Printing Works, as its annual performance is incorporated in the Department of Home Affairs' Annual Report. Printing costs of the Annual Reports for entities reporting to me, i.e. the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Film and Publication Board (FPB) are paid by themselves as budgeted for in their own budget allocations.

The Department of Home Affairs:

Unfortunately, records reflecting the printing costs regarding the Department's Annual Report are only available from the 2001/02 financial year – as per the table below:


Financial year Printing costs Number of copies
2001/02
Reprint R44,706,02
R28,309,79 1800
1000
2002/03 R92,952,00 6000
2003/04 R118,070,94 3000
2004/05 R141,802,21 3000
2005/06 R169,555,60 5000
2006/07 R257,062,20 5000
2007/08 R275,973,80 3000

QUESTION 354

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 7 March 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 of 2008

Dr S-B Huang (ANC) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether she and her Deputy Minister are monitoring her department's turnaround strategy that was launched in 2007; if not, why not; if so, what benchmarking mechanisms are being used in this regard;

whether this is bearing any fruit; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW957E

REPLY

(1) Yes. On a lower level, there is an Executive Committee (EXCO) that oversees the work done by the workstreams, and once in a month, the Deputy Minister, and myself get updated, and subsequently, give strategic direction, at a political level, by way of a Steering Committee (STEERCO) meeting on all matters pertaining to the Turnaround. Notwithstanding, the flash reports that are given to me on a weekly basis.

(2) Immense progress, thus far, is commendable. We have been able to realise the Turnaround plan through the 55 projects that have been set up. As we speak, the restructuring and the migration plan of the Department is being implemented.

QUESTION 1094

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 20 June 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether her department (a) kept records as required by the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, and (b) reported any incidents of losses through
(i)criminal conduct, (ii) unauthorised expenditure, (iii) irregular expenditure or
(iv) fruitless and wasteful expenditure in the 2007-08 financial year; if not, why not;
if so,

(2) whether any action has been taken against the offending officials; if not, why not; if so, in each category, (a) how many officials (i) were dismissed, (ii) were suspended and (iii) had other sanctions imposed on them and (b) what amounts were involved;

(3) whether there were any disciplinary cases pending on 31 March 2008; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1833E

REPLY

(1)(a) to (b)(iv) As per the table below:

Incident	Disciplinary steps taken/criminal proceedings	2007/08
An official procured goods and services for private use	The department has since charged the official with additional 62 cases of fraud and found guilty and dismissed. The money will be recovered from his pensions.	9
An official procured goods and services for private use	The department has since charged the official with additional 62 cases of fraud and found guilty and dismissed. The money will be recovered from his pensions.	2
An official procured goods and services for private use	The department has since charged the official with additional 62 cases of fraud and found guilty and dismissed. The money will be recovered from his pensions.	24
An official procured goods and services for private use	The department has since charged the official with additional 62 cases of fraud and found guilty and dismissed. The money will be recovered from his pensions.	42
Rendering of catering services without obtaining relevant orders and authorisation from Procurement services	Explanatory information was obtained from the affected offices and the expenditure will have to be regularised.	8
Accommodation of newly appointed officials without following proper procurement processes	The matter is under investigation	31
The Chief Directorate: Communication Service made use of Service Provider: Monitoring South Africa for media monitoring and reporting without following normal procurement procedures where bids needed to be invited.	The department is still in the process of finalising the case to determine liability and the Official responsible for this action.	498
TOTAL		614

(2) (a) For the financial year 2007/2008, 53 officials were involved in financial misconduct.

(i) 21 officials were dismissed for financial misconduct.

(ii) 25 officials were suspended.

(iii) 15 officials had other sanctions imposed on them:

13 officials had only Final Written Warnings imposed on them and;

2 officials had Final Written Warning plus Suspension Without Salary

2 officials were found not guilty.

1 official resigned.

(b) A total amount of R965 885.20 was involved. Please note that in some instances the amounts are not specified.

(3) 14 cases are still pending finalisation. (1) Yes, my Department has kept records, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999 of losses incurred through criminal conduct, unauthorized expenditure, irregular expenditure and fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

(2) Action was taken against the relevant offending officials found guilty.

(a) With regard to the instances of financial misconduct for the period 2007-08, the following action was taken against officials in my Department:

(i) 4 were dismissed;

(ii) 9 were suspended; and

(iii) 21 had other sanctions imposed on them. Regarding officials that are found to have been liable for the losses, the State Attorneys offices have been briefed to recover the losses from them. Such matters are subject to ongoing litigation.

(b) The process of determining the actual amounts lost takes time. In most cases, the initial figures are estimates but once the investigation is completed, the amounts are generally accurate.

(3) There were 230 cases outstanding at the end of the 2007/08 financial year. To date, 112 of these matters have been finalised.

QUESTION 976

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 30 May 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15 of 2008

Mr L B Labuschagne (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether her department has conducted an energy audit to determine its (a) use of energy and (b) opportunities for reduction of energy use; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether her department has any plans to reduce energy consumption; if not, why not; if so, what plans;

(3) whether her department has made any material reduction in energy use since
1 January 2008; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1660E

REPLY

(1)-(3 The Department has disengaged geyser installations, and has, further, requested officials

to, no longer, use portable bar heating systems. As part of the contingencies to deal with load shedding (power-cuts), the Department has installed 11 Gensets and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) at state owned buildings. The rollout of this to all Department of Home Affairs Regional Offices is led by the Department of Public Works (DPW).

The energy savings audits, previously done by DPW, at all the offices of the Department of Home Affairs will, subsequent to its findings, issue recommendations on further energy savings methods, as well as, energy saving devices that must be installed at the various offices of the Department.

QUESTION 429

DOF PUBLICATION: Friday, 14 March 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9 of 2008

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether she will introduce an e-identity document; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1033E

REPLY

I will be introducing a Smart ID Card, in the course of the 2008/09 financial year, which is considered to be compatible to the needs of our society. A pilot project is scheduled for the end of December 2008, and a full rollout will commence towards the end of December 2009.

QUESTION 706

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 9 May 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether her department makes use of private security firms; if so, how much money was spent on such firms in 2007;

(2) whether these firms are used on a contractual basis; if so, (a) how many contracts did her department take out in this regard in 2007, (b) with which firms were these contracts taken out, (c) for what specific purpose was each contract taken out and (d) what was the value of the contract in each case;

(3) why is there a need for her department to use a private security firm as opposed to state security?

NW1403E

REPLY

(1) Yes. A total amount of R29,339,473,87 was spent on private security firms in the 2007/08 financial year.

(2) Yes. (a) A total of ten (10) contracts were in place during 2007.

(b) Khulani Fidelity Security Services (Most Khoza Security Services), Double Barrel Security Services, Motheo Security Services, M2M Security Services, SSE Security CC, Davidson Security Services, P S Legal Protection Security Services, Cheetah Security Services, Naphtronics Security Services and Bagale Security Services.

(c) The contracts were for the provision of guard duties, cash-in-transit facilities and armed response services.

(d) The following amounts were paid to each of the respective service providers:

· Khulani Security Services R 26,882,623,98

· Most Khoza Security Services R4,860,75

· Double Barrel Security Services R1,875,563,08

· Motheo Security Services R31,686,20

· M2M Security Services R27,000,00

· SSE Security Services R91,618,20

· Davidson Security Services R110,238,00

· P S Legal Security Services R6,666,93

· Cheetah Security Services R43,638,06

· Bagale Security Services R95,006,10

· Naphtronics Security Services R176,122,57

· Fidelity Security Services R450,00

(3) The utilisation of private security companies is necessitated by the fact that the Department currently does not have the internal capacity to provide security, at all of its offices, in all nine (9) Provinces. However, the Department has appointed nineteen (19) new Security Officers during the 2007/08 financial year. Ten (10) of these officers are, currently, stationed at the Department's Head Office, and the remaining nine (9) (Control Security) officers, have, each, been deployed to the Provinces.

Based on different appraisals and audits that have been conducted by both the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the South African Police Service (SAPS), it is more cost effective, at this point, in time, for the Department to outsource physical security. By outsourcing physical security, the Department only needs to pay for services provided by a private security guard, which is, in all instances, far less than the salary, and benefits to be paid to an appointed official, in a financial year.

QUESTION 740

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 16 May 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13 of 2008

Mr J Selfe (DA) to ask the Minister Home Affairs:

(1) Whether her department's office in Wynberg, Cape Town is experiencing staff shortages; if so, (a) for how long have the staff shortages persisted, (b) what have the implications been for the delivery of services to the public as a result of such staff shortages and (c) what steps is her department taking to alleviate the shortages;

(2) whether the Wynberg office currently conforms to her department's vision of providing a world class service; if not, what steps is her department taking to ensure conformity?

NW1427E

REPLY

(1) Yes. (a) Staff shortages have been experienced over the past two financial years.

(b) Long queues are evident due to the shortage of frontline staff members.

(c) The following steps were taken and are still in force:

· Staff members, including a deployed Assistant Director, stationed in the Office of the Provincial Manager: Western Cape, as well as, staff members in the offices of the Regional Managers regularly assist when queues are reported to be long.

· Four (4) Queue Managers were appointed with effect from
27 April 2008 to focus on client relations and queue management.

· Three (3) new staff members (appointed at the Regional Office: Khayelitsha) assumed duty at the Wynberg office on Monday, 19 May 2008.

· Members of the National Youth Service were also deployed to the Wynberg office to assist with queue management.

· Five (5) new staff members (appointed at the District Office: Bellville) will also assume duty at the Wynberg office once their appointments have been finalised.

· The Directorate: Human Resource Administration at the Department's Head Office is also investigating ways to further expedite the advertisement of vacant posts.

(2) No. At the moment, the Wynberg office does not conform to the Department's vision of providing a world-class service. However, as part of the Turnaround Project, the Department will address the shortcomings of this office, and it forms part of the offices that have to be refurbished.

The Department of Home Affairs is, further, in the final stages, of finalising its new structure which will cluster Provinces into zones. The proposed separation of Civic Services and National Immigration Services in the Department will address the needs of the Department and its Regional – and District Offices which will minimise capacity constraints.

QUESTION 519

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Thursday, 20 March 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether her department has a national data base containing the records, including fingerprints, of all persons who have applied for an identity document; if not, (a) why not and (b) what plans are envisaged to address this matter; if so, (i) what is the nature of the information recorded on the data base, (ii) what steps are planned to ensure that every person applying for refugee or residence status have such information recorded on the data base and (iii) what arrangements have been made to share the information with other agencies like the SA Police Service?

NW1161E

REPLY

(a) Yes. A full set of fingerprints in respect of every South African citizen who applies for a South African identity document is kept on the Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS). The HANIS System further makes provision for the integration with other Information Systems of the Department, such as the new Refugee System.

(b)(i) The nature of the information that is recorded on the database is as follows:

The identity document number of the applicant or South African citizen.

A full set of fingerprints of the applicant or South African citizen.

A photograph of the applicant or South African citizen.

Demographic data of the applicant or South African citizen, such as surname, full names, date and place of birth, residential, as well as, postal address and the applicant's status, with regard to South African citizenship.

(b)(ii) The Department of Home Affairs has acquired a new Refugee System, and it is currently being piloted by the Department for capturing asylum seekers or approved refugees, and their fingerprints will also be stored in HANIS.

(b)(iii) The SA Police Service has access to the information from the database in electronic, as well as, hardcopy format. In addition, there are three members of the SA Police Service attached to the Criminal Record Centre, and these three members are permanently stationed at the New Co-Operation Building in Pretoria, and they have easy access to any information on the Department's data basis.

QUESTION 768

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 16 May 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13 of 2008

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

In respect of each of the past five years up to and including 2007, (a) how many posts existed at the Electoral Commission, (b) how many of these posts were vacant, (c) for how long was each of these posts vacant, (d) what amount was allocated by her department for the operation of this Commission and (e) what amount was actually spent?

NW1457E

REPLY

(a)(b) & (c) The information is not readily available or determinable. However, statistics on

the number of posts and vacancies, as at the last day of the relevant financial

year, are given in the Commission's annual reports to Parliament for the fina-

ncial years ending in March 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Similar statistics

were not given in the annual report for the year ending March 2007, as the

Commission's structures were under review, and thus, in a state of flux, at

that time. Comparable statistics will be included in this year's (2008) annual

report.

(d) & (e) The Department of Home Affairs does not allocate funds to the Electoral

Commission. Parliament votes for the Electoral Commission, and the

amount voted appears on the Home Affairs vote as a transfer amount. The

annual amounts voted by Parliament for the Commission are to be found in

the yearly budgets submitted by the Minister of Finance, and approved by

Parliament. The amounts received by the Commission as income, and spent

in each financial year can be found in the Commission's Annual Reports to

Parliament containing the Commission's financial statements, and the Auditor

-General's reports on those financial statements.

QUESTION NO.: 769 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MAY 2008

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:

In respect of each of the past five years up to and including 2007, (a) how many posts existed at the Human Rights Commission, (b) how many of these posts were vacant, (c) for how long was each of these posts vacant, (d) what amount was allocated by her department for the operation of this Commission and (e) what amount was actually spent?

NW1458E

REPLY

Details of the vacant posts at the South African Human Rights Commission for the past five years as well as the budget allocated by my Department for the operation of this office are indicated in the table below:-

Year	Total Establishment	Total Nr of Funded Posts	Total Nr of filled Posts	Total Nr of Vacant Funded Posts	Total Funds Available	Total Spent
2002/03	85	85	85	0	27,401,000	28,201,016
2003/04	114	114	95	19	32,728,000	29,458,174
2004/05	120	120	106	14	37,653,000	38,827,409
2005/06	138	138	108	30	41,774,000	42,392,847
2006/07	135	135	104	31	49,220,000	45,574,082

The table below indicates the period which each vacant post remained unfilled:-

TOTAL NUMBER OF POSTS	DESCRIPTION OF POSTS	VACANT FROM	TO
	New and Vacant positions 2004 (19)
1	Education Officer: Mpumalanga Provincial Office	February 2004	March 2005
1	Legal Officer: Mpumalanga Provincial Office	February 2004	March 2005
1	Admin Secretary: Mpumalanga Provincial Office	February 2004	April 2005
1	Provincial Manager: Mpumalanga Provincial Office	February 2004	March 2005
1	Housekeeper: Mpumalanga Provincial Office	February 2004	March 2005
2	PAIA Researchers x2	April 2004	August 2004
5	ESR Researchers x 5	May 2004	September 2004
1	Deputy Director: Equality	May 2004	October 2004
1	Deputy Director: Media & Communications	June 2004	December 2004
1	Legal Officer	July 2004	September 2004
1	Secretary: PEPUDA	July 2004	October 2004
1	Legal Secretary	July 2004	September 2004
1	Legal Practitioner	August 2004	December 2004
1	Deputy Director: Administration	October 2004	March 2005
19
	New and Vacant positions 2005 (14)	From	To
1	Head of Programme: Finance & Administration	January 2005	May 2005
1	Head of Programme : Legal Services	March 2005	November 2005
1	Legal Officer	March 2005	August 2005
1	Legal Officer	March 2005	August 2005
1	Deputy Director: PAIA	March 2005	August 2005
1	Legal Officer	March 2005	Abolished
1	Legal Officer	April 2005	Abolished
1	Deputy Director:PEPUDA	April 2005	November 2005
1	Deputy Director: Media & Communications	April 2005	October 2005
1	Researcher:PEPUDA	April 2005	December 2005
1	Researcher ESR	May 2005	Abolished
1	Deputy CEO: Operations	May 2005	August 2006
1	Deputy Director: Finance	July 2005	December 2005
1	Legal Practitioner	November 2005	July 2006
14
	New and Vacant positions 2006 (30)	From	To
1	Deputy Director: ESR	January 2006	Abolished
1	Communications Officer	January 2006	Upgraded
1	PA to CEO	February 2006	August 2006
1	Education Officer: Northern Cape Provincial Office	January 2006	September 2006
1	Provincial Manager: Eastern Cape Provincial Office	February 2006	January 2007
1	Education Officer	March 2006	September 2006
1	Legal Officer	March 2006	September 2006
1	Admin Secretary: Free State Provincial Office	March 2006	August 2006
1	Employee Relations Manager	April 2006	May 2006
1	Head of Programme: Human Resources	April 2006	August 2006
1	Provincial Manager: North West Provincial Office	April 2006	September 2006
1	Legal Officer: North West Provincial Office	April 2006	June 2007
1	Administrative Secretary	April 2006	June 2007
1	Office Assistant	April 2006	January 2008
1	Deputy Director: Child rights	April 2006	June 2007
1	Deputy Director: HIV/AIDS	April 2006	September 2006
1	Deputy Director: Older persons	April 2006	September 2006
1	Deputy Director: Non-nationals	April 2006	September 2006
1	Legal Officer	April 2006	September 2006
1	Compliants Administrator	July 2006	October 2006
1	Legal Assistant	July 2006	October 2006
1	Secretary	July 2006	July 2006
1	Education Officer: Northern Cape Provincial Office	July 2006	Outstanding
1	Legal Officer	April 2006	June 2007
1	Head of Programme: NACHRET	August 2006	April 2007
1	Human Resources Practitioner	August 2006	September 2006
1	Legal Practitioner	September 2006	February 2007
1	Education Officer: Mpumalanga Provincial Office	November 2006	July 2007
1	Education Officer: Western Cape Provincial Office	November 2006	June 2007
1	Education Officer	March 2006	July 2006
30
	New and Vacant positions 2007 (31)	From	To
1	Admin Assistant: Human Resources	July 2007	August 2007
1	Chief Internal Auditor	April 2007	November 2007
1	Parliament: Administrator	April 2007	November 2007
1	Deputy Director: Disability	April 2007	September 2007
1	Deputy Director: Crime & Human Rights	April 2007	September 2007
1	Deputy Director: Business & Human Rights	April 2007	September 2007
1	Archivist	April 2007	September 2007
1	IT Help Desk Administrator	April 2007	September 2007
1	Deputy Director: Equality	April 2007	November 2007
1	Office Manager	April 2007	September 2007
1	Senior Researcher	April 2007	September 2007
1	Head of Programme: Finance	April 2007	September 2007
1	Senior Assistant Accountant	April 2007	October 2007
1	Head of Programme: Human Resources	May 2007	November 2007
1	Deputy Director: E-Learning	July 2007	December 2007
1	Provincial Manager: Eastern Cape	July 2007	Outstanding
1	Researcher Parliament	July 2007	December 2007
1	Provincial Manager: Western cape Provincial Office	July 2007	Outstanding
1	Provincial Manager: Mpumalanga Provincial Office	August 2007	Outstanding
1	Head of Programme: Legal Service	November 2007	December 2007
1	Administrative Secretary	November 2007	February 2008
1	Administrative Secretary	November 2007	February 2008
1	Head of Programme: Research	November 2007	June 2008
1	Travel & Events Manager	November 2007	January 2008
1	Legal Officer- Northern Cape Provincial Office	November 2007	Outstanding
1	Legal Assistant	November 2007	Abolished
1	Records Clerk	November 2007	April 2008
1	Human Resources Manager	November 2007	Outstanding
1	Accounts Clerk	November 2007	April 2008
1	Deputy Director: Monitoring and Evaluation	October 2007	Abolished
1	Education Officer: Northern Cape Provincial Office	May 2008	January 2008
31

QUESTION 770

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 16 May 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) What is the total daily cost for running the Lindelani Immigration Centre, (b) how many people is the centre legally allowed to host, (c) how many illegal immigrants are currently (i) hosted and (ii) daily fed by the centre, (d) how many staff members at the centre are employed by her department, (e) how many posts are vacant at the centre, (f) how long have they been vacant, (g) when are these posts going to be filled and (h) how much has been budgeted to fill them?

NW1459E

REPLY

(a) The total daily cost of running the Lindela centre is calculated as the average number of illegal foreigners which were detained – per day – over a calendar month. The Department is then charged R105.00 per day to detain one illegal immigrant.

(b) 4004.

(c)(i) As on the morning of 20 May 2008, a total number of 2205 illegal immigrants were hosted at the centre.

(ii) As on the morning of 20 May 2008, a total number of 2205 illegal immigrants were fed by the centre, but the total varies during the course of the day because of new admissions and deportations.

(d) Fifty eight (58) staff members are currently employed at the centre.

(e) There are currently 15 vacant posts.

(f) As per the table below:

Job title description	Post status description	Post date	Vacant date	Salary level
Immigration Officer	Vacant	2004-03-01	2008-02-11	5
Immigration Officer	Vacant	2004-03-01	2007-12-01	6
Immigration Officer	Vacant	2004-03-01	2008-04-01	6
Immigration Officer	Vacant	2004-03-01	2008-04-04	6
Immigration Officer	Vacant	2006-03-16	2008-05-01	6
Immigration Officer	Vacant	2006-03-16	2006-03-16	6
Immigration Officer	Vacant	2006-03-16	2006-03-16	6
Immigration Officer	Vacant	2006-03-16	2006-03-16	6
Control Immigration Officer	Vacant	2007-09-28	2007-09-28	8
Control Immigration Officer	Vacant	2008-04-01	2008-04-01	8
Assistant Director: Immigration services	Vacant	2006-03-16	2006-03-16	10
Senior Administration Clerk	Vacant	2008-03-10	2008-03-10	5
Senior Administration Clerk	Vacant	2007-08-01	2007-08-01	5
Senior Administrative Officer	Vacant	2007-09-01	2007-09-01	8
Assistant Director: Administration	Vacant	2006-01-01	2006-01-01	9

(g) The Department is in the process of finalising a new structure, which will address capacity at this specific office, as well as, all other offices of the Department.

(h) A total amount of R1,190,775,20 has been budgeted to fill all the vacant positions after the finalisation of the new structure.

QUESTION 231

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 25 February 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 of 2008

Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether her department is currently making use of the services of an international task team to assist with its turnaround strategy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many persons are employed by the task team, (b) what is the annual cost of the task team, (c) what mandate was given to this task team, (d) in what section are they employed, (e) for how long will her department still use the task team, (f) what is the estimated future cost of the task team and (g) why are (i) local consultants not being used and (ii) highly paid officials in her department unable to perform the turnaround tasks now being done by these consultants?

NW696E

REPLY

(1) No. The team of consultants in the Department cannot be viewed as an "international

task team", as overseas consultants, in the team, constitute a negligible number.

A total number of 107 consultants are currently being utilised.

For a comprehensive breakdown of all costs associated with the Turnaround Project, please refer to the tables below:

Description	Budget Allocation (million)	Expenditure as at 31-03-2008 (million)	Budget Allocation (million)	Total Budget (million)	Total Expenditure as at 31-03-2008 (million)
	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11
Consultants	R147,310	R146,022	R255,305	R64,104	-	R466,719	R146,022
DHA	R34,719	R2,039	R55,346	R246,591	R323,246	R659,902	R2,039
Total	R182,029	R148,061	R310,651	R310,695	R323,246	R1,126,621	R148,061

(c) The mandate of the turnaround project is to transform the Department into a modern, efficient, cost-effective service organisation responsive to the needs of South African citizens, residents and visitors to our country

(d) The consultants are deployed in all the Branches and Business Units of the Department.

(e) It is anticipated that the consultants will be utilised until the end of the 2009/10 financial year.

(f) Please see the table as mentioned in point (b) above.

(g)(i) & (ii) The minority of international consultants, in the team, merely complements the majority of the local consultants, in conjunction with the Departmental staff, on a daily basis, on all the projects, as project sponsors, team leads, or team members, with their wealth of international experience on Home affairs related matters.

QUESTION NO. 237

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 FEBRUARY 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 4)

Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether the Chief Financial Officer of her department received a performance bonus in 2007; if so, (a) how much and (b) why was the performance bonus awarded?

NW702E

REPLY:

Yes.

(a) R20,274.03.

(b) For his performance as evaluated by the Accounting Officer when measured against a set of pre-determined indicators.

QUESTION 1103

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 27 June 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 20 of 2008

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether she will ensure that her department (a) monitors and (b) reduces its carbon footprint with immediate effect; if so, how will this be done;

(2) whether this will include the phasing out of glossy publications from all agencies or councils reporting to her; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) (a) what is the estimated cost of all such (i) reports and (ii) publications per annum in the case of these agencies and all other working documents of her department and (b) what kinds of (i) energy are being used in the offices of her department and (ii) energy saving measures are being implemented in these offices?

NW1230E

REPLY

(1) (a) & (b) Yes. The Department of Home Affairs is committed to the implementation of the Programme of Energy Efficient Measures in National Government Buildings, as approved by Cabinet, which includes the monitoring and reduction of the use of energy by National Departments. We are currently working on a plan in this regard. The finalised plan will be costed and implemented.

(2) This is dependent on the plan that will be implemented.

(3)(a)(i) & (ii) As per the table below:

Department of Home Affairs:

Financial year	Costs	Number of copies
2001/02 Reprint	R44,706,02 R28,309,79	1800 1000
2002/03	R92,952,00	6000
2003/04	R118,070,94	3000
2004/05	R141,802,21	3000
2005/06	R169,555,60	5000
2006/07	R191,244,30	5000
2007/08	R R275,973,80	3000

(3)(b)(i) The Department of Home Affairs utilises electricity supplied by Eskom through the various local municipalities, as it does not have its own source of energy.

(3)(b)(ii) The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) did not embark on a specific energy savings audit. However, the matter was raised with the Department of Public Works (DPW) who is enrolled to do energy savings audits at offices of all National Departments, including all the offices of the Department of Home Affairs. DPW will, subsequent to its findings, issue recommendations on energy saving methods, as well as, energy saving devices that must be installed at the various offices of the Department.

Whilst we await the DHA audit report, we have as an interim measure done the following to address energy saving:

- Discontinued with the installation of geysers

- Requested officials to no longer use portable bar heating systems

As part of our contingencies during load shedding (power-cuts), the Department has installed 11 power generators and uninterrupted power supply at state owned buildings. Further rollout to our Regional Offices will be led by DPW.

Film and Publication Board (FPB):

(3)(a)(i) & (ii) The annual cost of publications, including the Annual Report, is estimated at about R190,000,00. These are necessary and unavoidable publications for the benefit of the public, such as schools and community organisations.

(3)(b)(i) As the FPB does not have its own source of energy, it is utilising electricity supplied by Eskom through the various local municipalities

(3)(b)(ii) The FPB embarked on standard energy saving methods, which include that electrical equipment are switched off when not in use, to use electrical lighting only where and when necessary, utilisation of energy saving light bulbs and to ensure that electricity in all offices are switched off after hours.

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC):

(3)(a)(i) Three (3) reports at a total cost of R199,818,64 in the 2007/08 financial year.

(3)(a)(ii) Twenty three (23) publications, which included manuals, pamphlets, flyers, banners, programs, modules, folders and brochures at a total cost of R999,545,42 in the 2007/08 financial year.

(3)(b)(i) Electricity – with standby diesel generators in a limited number of cases.

(3)(b)(ii) - All non-essential electrical equipment such as lights and air-conditioners are switched-off after working hours.

- The IEC uses electronic communication as its prime means of communicating, both internally and externally. This includes working documents, newsletters and the like. Large amounts of paper are thus saved.

- The IEC embarked on a program in 2007 to plant a tree at every school it uses as a voting station as a means of reducing its carbon footprint. The cost is being covered by donations and staff contributions.

QUESTION 1144

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 27 June 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 20 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether any function was organised to mark the occasion of the delivery of her budget vote in 2008; if so, (a) what total amount was spent on this function, (b) from which budget was the money allocated, (c) what amount was spent on (i) food and refreshments,
(ii) venue, (iii) entertainment, (iv) staff and (v) transport and (d) how many persons were invited to attend this function?

NW1882E

REPLY

(a) Yes. An amount of R67 650 00 was spent on the function.

(b) The money was allocated from the Department's budget.

(c)(i) R67 650.00.

(ii)(iii)(iv)(v) No extra amount of money was spent.

(d) One Hundred and Fifty (150) people were invited.

QUESTION 468

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 14 March 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) With reference to the scarce skills and work permit quotas schedule appearing as a link to her department's website, what are the reasons for (a)(i) chartered accountants, (ii) management accountants, (iii) cost accountants and
(iv) accounting technicians not listed as scarce on the schedule and (b)(i) doctors, (ii) nurses and (iii) other health care professionals not listed as scarce under the health professionals category;

in respect of each of the three most recent financial years for which information is available, how many applications (a) for work permits had been (i) received,
(ii) approved and (iii) successfully placed in terms of permanent employment and (b) considered as having a scarce skill had been (i) received, (ii) successfully registered on the site and (iii) successfully placed in terms of permanent employment?

NW1108E

REPLY

The Department of Home Affairs does not determine the professional categories and occupational classes which are deemed to be scarce and critical or the applicable quotas, but mainly facilitates the issuing of quota work permits to foreigners in these professional categories or occupational classes. For this reason, a national list of scarce skills (Master Skills List) has been developed through collaboration by key Departments (Education, Home Affairs, Labour, and Trade and Industry) in order to provide a concrete picture of skills shortages that have been identified as contributory to blocking economic growth and development.

(2) The following breakdown of information available:

(a) During the period 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006:

(i) 12 765 applications for work permits were received; and

(ii) 12 582 applications for work permits were approved.

During the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007:

27 997 applications for work permits were received; and

26 917 applications for work permits were approved.

During the period 1 April 2007 until 31 March 2008:

20 824 applications for work permits were received; and

18 584 applications for work permits were approved.

(b) During the period 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006:

(i) 339 quota work permit applications were received; and

(ii) 285 quota work permits were approved.

During the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007:

942 quota work permits applications were received; and

661 quota work permits were approved.

During the period 25 April 2007 until 31 March 2008:

1191 quota work permit applications were received; and

1133 quota work permits were approved.

(2)(a) (iii) and (2)(b)(iii) Work permits are temporary residence permits and are issued for temporary employment and not permanent employment. With regard to general- and intra company transfer work permits, foreigners have secured employment prior to applying for work permits, which means that they have been placed successfully. In so far as quota work permits are concerned, foreigners are required to provide proof of having secured employment in the respective professional category or occupational class within 90 days after having entered the RSA.

QUESTION 1800

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 17 October 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 31 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

With regard to her reply to Question 889 on 10 October 2008, how many of the 1831 vacancies (a)(i) were filled by the end of the 2007-08 financial year and (ii) are still vacant and (b) by when will her department fill all the vacancies?

NW2595E

REPLY

(a) (i) The 1831 vacancies referred to were vacant as at 10 May 2008.This was before the implementation of the new organisational structure that was approved in January this year.A total of 474 positions were filled since 10 May 2008. However, the Department of Home Affairs has started with the implementation of its newly approved structure with effect from 01 June 2008 and 809 critical positions were identified for filling.

(ii) All the critical identified positions (809) are still vacant. A total of 417 vacant positions have already been advertised. Another 476 vacant positions will be advertised soon.

(b) The Department envisages to fill all remaining vacancies by the end of January 2009.

QUESTION 1800

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 17 October 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 31 of 2008

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

With regard to her reply to Question 889 on 10 October 2008, how many of the 1831 vacancies (a)(i) were filled by the end of the 2007-08 financial year and (ii) are still vacant and (b) by when will her department fill all the vacancies?

NW2595E

REPLY

(a) (i) The 1831 vacancies referred to were vacant as at 10 May 2008.This was before the implementation of the new organisational structure that was approved in January this year.A total of 474 positions were filled since 10 May 2008. However, the Department of Home Affairs has started with the implementation of its newly approved structure with effect from 01 June 2008 and 809 critical positions were identified for filling.

(ii) All the critical identified positions (809) are still vacant. A total of 417 vacant positions have already been advertised. Another 476 vacant positions will be advertised soon.

(b) The Department envisages to fill all remaining vacancies by the end of January 2009.

Reply:

QUESTION NO.: 1444

Mr A C Steyn (DA) is to ask the Minister of Housing as follows:

(1) (a) What was the total cost to the State of consultants used by her

department in the (i) 2005-06; (ii) 2006-07 and (iii) 2007-08 financial years, (b) what are the names of the consultants used, (c) for what purpose were they used and (d) what was the reason for preferring to use consultants instead of hiring persons with the necessary skills?

(2) Whether any former employees of her department have been employed as consultants in the abovementioned financial years; if so (a) why and (b) why did each person leave her department?

Reply:

(1)(a)(i) The total cost to the State of consultants used by the department in the 2005-06 financial years amounted to R 16 597 564.46;

(ii) The total cost to the State of consultants used by the department in the 2006-07 financial years amounted to R21 495 726-96; and

(iii) The total cost to the State of consultants used by the department in the 2007-08 financial year amounted to R 29 464 653-47.

(b)(i) Consultants appointed in 2005-06:

Name of Consultant	Purpose of appointment
CSIR - Boutek	Conduct feasibility study into the development of a mechanism to support alternative technologies and indigenous knowledge systems in rural context.
Shikanda Event Management cc	To organize a National Housing research seminar for the Department of Housing.
Strategic Alter Management	Development of a detailed policy and implementation guidelines for housing assistances to Households affected by death of Guardians / Parents and the protection of Assets Financed by HSS .
V3 Consulting Engineers	Assist with the determining the capacity requirements for the National department of Housing as well as the Provincial Housing Departments.
Nkonki Incorporated	Development of a detailed policy and implementation manual on variation of subsidy amount to cater for extraordinary development. Conditions and the special housing requirements of categories beneficiaries.
Manto Management (Pty) Ltd	Validation of the housing waiting lists in the country, their development processes and the consolidation thereof.
KPMG Service	Development of a comprehensive monitoring evaluation and impact assessment system for the National Department of Housing.
Africon Engineering International	Development of a comprehensive monitoring evaluation and impact assessment system for the National Department of Housing.
Procurement Dynamics (Pty) Ltd	Investigation of the impact of client payment processes on small/ micro and medium contractors.
Nkonki Incorporated	Finalizing of registration process towards achieving a National Housing demand database in the Western Cape, City of Cape Town.

Consultants appointed in 2006/07:

Name of Consultant	Purpose of appointment
EDTECH Consulting	To Conduct Housing Consumer Education Train the Trainer as part of the Housing Consumer Education {HOE} – Rollout to Provinces and Municipalities.
T.L. Consulting	To Manage the implementation of the housing Consumer Education Programme.
Nomkhitha Gys ans & Associates Development Consultants	For finalizing the registration / confirmation process towards achieving a national housing demand database in the Western cape City of Cape Town.
Kago Local Government Consulting	Conduct Train-the-Trainer on Sanitation, Health and Hygiene Programme:
Richard Tomlinson	For converting the National Housing Code into new policy and implementation guidelines for sustainable housing development.
Khuthulani Cleaning Services	Rendering of cleaning services for one year.
Bergstan SA	Conduct a study into the State of Social Economic, Ethnic, Citizenry and Racial Integration in residential areas.
Focused Approach Management Urban Dynamics Gauteng Inc.	Appointment of a service provider: task directive for the first phase of a back office delivery turn around plan for the National Department of Housing.

Consultants appointed in 2007/08:

Name of Consultant	Purpose of appointment
Bergstan SA	To undertake a study into the State of Social Economic, Ethnic, Citizenry and Racial Integration in Resettlement Areas.
Tiso Coaching Services	To workshop Councilors in terms of the Home Loan and Mortgage Disclosure Act 2000 (Act No. 63 of 2000)
Development Works	Development of the Rollout Strategy for Housing Chapters of Integrated Development Plans
Oryx Media Products	Develop and implement a Communication Strategy to influence and raise awareness in the NS Gateway Project
Graham Paddock and Associates	Assist with the completion of the remaining work on Sectional Titles Management Bills and Community Schemes Ombud Service Bills.
Ashira Consulting	Do an investigation of insurance cover for subsidy house
Kayamandi Informatics (Pty) Ltd	To mediate between communities in conflict over housing development in Ekhuphumeleni in Phillipi in the Western Cape Province
Centre for Conflict Resolution	Conduct training on Housing Consumer Education and Housing Policy and Legislation for the N2 Gateway Project
T L Consulting	Undertake a benchmarking initiative on corporate policies of public agencies and develop a full suite of corporate policies for the Housing Development Agency Ltd in preparation for its eventual establishment and operation
I Selepe Consulting	Perform DOH Risk Management Services
Ernst & Young	Do an evaluation of the reporting on the advance tranch payments made to municipalities to implement approved projects linked to subsidies
Hlaniki Investment Holding and Wits Business School	Conduct training for elected Councilors
Dynamics Maserumule Incorporated	Assist with legal advisory services
Urban Dynamics	Appointment of a service provider: task directive for the first phase of a back office delivery turn around plan for the National Department of Housing.

(c) See above.

(d) The appointment of consultants was necessitated by the specialised nature of the specific assignments. These assignments required special expertise for a defined period. Such projects furthermore did not warrant the appointment of persons on a permanent basis on the structure of the Department as it would not have been cost effective.

2. No former employees of the department were employed as consultants during the financial years: 2005/ 06; 2006/07 and 2007/08.

QUESTION NUMBER 1520

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether she has been informed of a letter being distributed in the name of a certain person (details furnished); if so,

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

Please find the following statement that was issued by the MEC for Local Government and Housing: North West on 11 August 2008, responding to this matter.

"Confiscation of houses a hoax

11 August 2008

The North West Department of Developmental Local Government and Housing has dismissed the fraudulent declaration signed by a fictitious "Hon Richard Molefe" purportedly in his capacity as Minister for Local Government and Housing as a hoax.

The deceitful "declaration" dated 31 July 2008 is fraudulently written on the letterhead of the North West Provincial Legislature and circulated in Klerksdorp. It alleges that according to New Statue Law 34/217 of 2008, 5 000 houses and or townhouses to the value of between R1.2 million in Tlokwe, Matlosana and Rustenburg Local Municipalities are to be confiscated from white house owners and transferred to previously disadvantaged groups.

There is no Hon Richard Molefe in the North West Provincial Legislature, in the National Assembly, National Council, Council of Provinces and in other provincial legislatures throughout South Africa. The quoted Statue Law does not exist and the "declaration" is not even in the prescribed format or gazetted as required by law. The hoax is a dishonourable, mischievous product of desperate elements wishing to stir unnecessary anxiety, discontent and tension within the targeted communities.

In dismissing the circulated document as a hoax, the MEC for Developmental Local Government and Housing, Howard Yawa said. "The Department has no intention to confiscate any houses or townhouses or infringe on the rights of citizens to property. The hoax is a disingenuous farce that undermines our constitutional democracy."

The department urges any person with information as to the origin of the document or its distributors to report the matter to the police. Residents are also urged to be vigilant and demand identification from any person claiming to be an official executing the declaration and report the person to the police."

QUESTION NO. 824

WRITTEN REPLY

Mr A C Steyn, MP (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

Whether any economically sustainable communities have been developed over the past fourteen years through the RDP housing; if not, why not; if so (a) how many, (b) where are they located and (c) how was their sustainability measured.

Reply

The concept of economically sustainable communities was only adopted in relation to the Comprehensive Plan for the Establishment of Sustainable Human Settlements (Breaking New Ground) introduced in 2004 and therefore has no bearing on the RDP housing programmes.

QUESTION NO.: 563

Mr A C Steyn (DA), MP to ask the Minister of Housing:

(a) Which provinces made use of the Operational Expenditure Budget in support of the implementation of National and Provincial Housing Programmes,

(b) What amounts were disbursed against this facility in each province in the (i) 2006-07 and (ii ) 2007-08 financial years,

(c) What are the names of the consultants appointed,

(d) What was their total remuneration in each financial year,

(e) What are the details of the projects they were involved in, and

(f) What is the value received by the provincial department by their employment?

RESPONSE:

For 2006/07 financial year 5 provinces, namely Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Western Cape made use of the Operational Capital Budget. With respect to 2007/08 all provinces in exception of Limpopo have made use of Operational Capital Budget.

The amount disbursed by the provinces are as follows:

Provinces	06/07 Expenditure R'000	0 7/08 Expenditure R'000
Eastern Cape	21,246	29,746
Free State	7,628	17,676
Gauteng	-	46,944
Kwazulu Natal	-	535
Limpopo	-	-
Mpumalanga	4,349	14,496
Northern Cape	1,413	1,294
North West	-	19,092
Western Cape	11,552	3,626
Total	46,188	133,409

Question no: 564

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(a) How many Cuban technical advisors were involved in the co-operation programme between her department and Cuba's Ministry of Construction in the (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2007-08 financial years, (b) which provinces were they employed in, (c) how many were employed in each province and (d) what are the details of the projects they were and are involved in in respect of (i) value, (ii) number of units and (iii) expected completion dates?

Reply:

(i) In 2006/07 fifty seven (57) Technical advisors were employed by provinces.

(ii) In 2007/ 08- fifty seven (57) Technical advisors were employed in provinces.

Cuban technical advisors were employed in provinces as follows:

Province	Number of Cuban advisors employed in provinces
Eastern Cape Mpumalanga Free State Limpopo Kwazulu Natal Western Cape North West	9 12 5 7 10 12 5

(d) (i) Cuban engineers and architects are recruited by provinces to provide technical support in housing projects implemented by provinces. It is a known fact that, currently the country is experiencing shortage of skills in almost all sectors. The construction industry is facing similar challenges more especially with the i nfrastructure investment by government and the looming big event like the 2010 World Cup the demand for skills remain high. Government is competing with the private sector for the limited skills available and with the incentives that the private sector offers, skilled people are easily lured to the private sector, and that leaves the public sector with the challenge to implement its programmes without adequate capacity. The challenge is even compounded/ increased by the fact that housing programmes are being implemented in rural areas where very few professionals are interested in providing their services. The Cuban technical advisors are recruited to address skills shortage and to fill the void where their services are mostly required especially in rural areas. Cuban advisors have provided invaluable service by imparting skills and knowledge to officials at provincial and municipal level, communities, NGO's and students who participated in housing projects as part of their experiential learning.

(ii) Cuban technical advisors were involved in projects as follows:

Province	NO of projects they were involved in	Houses/Units completed	Houses/ Units under construction
Eastern Cape	102	2208	37 952
Kwazulu Natal	24	1 760	1 300
North West	19	3 700	545
Nothern Cape	6	700	1000
Mpumalanga	27	2 532	2 967
Free State	24	1 760	1 300
Western Cape	20	847	779

(iii) The Cuban technical advisors are employed in the provinces for a fixed three year period. Due to the fact that housing projects are implemented in phases, in many instances when they enter or leave South Africa after their contracts have expired, projects are at various stages of development.

QUESTION No. 887

Mr E W Trent (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether there has been a comprehensive physical inspection of housing projects by the various Provincial Authorities and/or her department to quantify accurately the number of houses with building defects; if not; why not; if so, in each province (a) how many units require repair work and (b) what is the total estimated cost thereof;

(2) whether any contracts have been rewarded for the repair of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses; if so, in each province (a) how many contracts, (b) what is the total number of units involved and (c) what is the estimated cost thereof;

(3) Whether there has been a comprehensive survey in each province to establish the number of persons who have taken occupation of their RDP houses, but have not yet received the deed of transfer, if not, why not; if so, how many of these transfers have been outstanding for a period (a) less than three months, (b) between three to six months, (c) between six to twelve months and (d) longer than 12 months;

(4) Whether there is a plan in place to rectify the situation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

(1) Yes, Provincial Housing Departments did initiate a process to determine the number of housing units with building defects. Various methodologies such as surveys and requests for beneficiary applications were utilised to determine the projects and number of units with defects that have to undergo rectification. The services of the NHBRC are utilised to ensure that the same contractor who initially built the units, is not appointed to do the rectification and that contractors appointed adhere to the necessary requirements.

In terms of the information received from the Provincial Housing Departments, the Rectification Programme has been implemented in all nine provinces. Detail of the status quo in each Province is set out in the table below:

Province	Number of units	Total estimated costs - R' million	Status
Eastern Cape	19 953	99,7	Currently 150 units are at various stages of completion.
Free State	-	-	In a process of appointing a service provider to do a survey to identify the number of units to be rectified.
Gauteng	3 440	N/A	Rectification process in progress
KwaZulu-Natal	839	N/A	Rectification process in progress
Limpopo	2000	N/A	Rectification process in progress
Mpumalanga	9 701	N/A	Survey has been done and the appointment of contractors for the first 300 units is receiving attention through the normal procurement process
Northern Cape	1341	12,4	Currently 554 housing units have been rectified and the balance is in process.
North West	600	2,3	Programme is still in the planning stage and a contractor has not yet been appointed.
Western Cape	2473	82,4	Applications has been received for 2705 and are in process of being evaluated.

(2) The following provinces have already appointed contractors, namely: Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Western Cape.

PROVINCE	HOW MANY CONTRACTS	TOTAL NUMBER OF UNITS INVOLVED	ESTIMATED COST R' MILLION
Eastern Cape	26	5,145	99,7
Mpumalanga	3	N/A
Northern Cape	1	1341	12,4
Western Cape	6	2473	82,4

(3) Yes, various initiatives have been undertaken or are in the process to verify whether beneficiairies ocuppying their houses have received deed of transfer. Details of the status quo in the various Provinces are as follows:

Eastern Cape:

The survey is under way. A service provider has been appointed to conduct a door to door verification exercise of all people that received a subsidised house. The objective of the survey is to verify whether the occupant is the approved owner of the property and whether he/she has received a title deed. The survey only commenced in April 2008 and has not yet been finalised. Some of the transfers have been outstanding for longer than twelve months due to certain municipalities not having finalised the township establishment process.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Housing Department is in the process of appointing town planning experts to assist with the fast-tracking of the township establishment process in projects where this is an inhibiting factor. The latter projects have been identified. The Provincial Department is also currently beefing up its contract management capacity to assist municipalities to deal with slack conveyancers. In terms hereof, monthly meetings are held with the relevant municipalities and their conveyancers to iron out issues that have blockages.

Gauteng:

The Gauteng Provincial Housing Department has appointed a service provider, namely Servcon to undertake an audit of occupation of the housing subsidy scheme houses. Servcon has been instructed by the Provincial Housing Department to visit houses built by the province and ascertain whether the approved beneficiary is in occupation of the house. Servcon established to date that 25 053 beneficiaries are in occupation of their housing subsidy scheme house but have not received their title deeds. The Provincial Housing Department has mandated Servcon to regularize instances where the beneficiaries have not received their title deeds and to ensure that these beneficiaries are registered at the Deeds Office.

Limpopo:

According to a survey conducted, a total number of 10 473 beneficiaries have taken occupancy of subsidised houses without deeds of transfer being issued. The Provincial Department is planning to register 3000 of these properties during the current financial year, 4000 in 2009/10 and the balance of 3475 in the 2010/2011 financial year.

Mpumalanga:

The Provincial Housing Department is aware of the occupants of subsidised houses without title deeds. Problems are being experienced with registering title deeds because most of the townships were not proclaimed and developments are located in rural areas. As a result, conveyancers are struggling to register deeds. The Provincial Housing Department has initiated a process to proclaim all townships in order to be able to register title deeds which will assist in preventing beneficiaries from selling subsidised houses unlawfully. A service provider has been appointed to take the necessary steps and some documentation has already been submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Deeds.

Northern Cape

A total number of 2628 beneficiaires without title deeds was identified during an investigation in October 2007. Of this number 1136 registrations have already taken place and the particulars of the other have been forwarded to the relevant conveyancers for the necessary attention. Investigations are continuing and the number of registrations is updated every two weeks.

Western Cape

The Western Cape Provincial Housing Department has commenced with some surveys in this regard but no information is yet available of the extent or number of beneficiaries that occupy subsidised housing units which are not yet transferred to their names.

(4) As indicated in paragraph (3) above, most Provinces have already put some initiatives in place to address this matter. In addition, the National Department of Housing is also in the process of considering various options in this regard to assist Provincial Housing Departments in their efforts.

QUESTION NO.: 636

Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Housing as follows:

(1) How many employees in her department are currently (i) under investigation for fraud related to housing subsidies and ancillary matters and (ii) being prosecuted for fraud (iii) have owned up to fraud and have been spared prosecution provided that money that has misappropriated, is paid back, (b) what steps have been taken to eliminate fraud con cerning housing subsidies and (c) with what success?

Reply:

None

I can imagine the glee with which the Honourable Member asked the question. Here are the facts:

No employees in my department are under investigation because no corruption or fraud has taken place IN the department, but unearthed when an audit was done and civil servants across government had made false submissions and thereby procured housing subsidies. NOT ONE of these civil servants was from the Department of Housing. NOT ONE.

In my Budget Vote on 28 May 2008, I reported back to Parliament on a matter referred to the department by the Auditor-General from his review of the period 1999 to 2004, where government employees from various levels of government, had fraudulently claimed subsidy housing. The Department of Housing monitors the subsidy scheme in the same way as National Treasury monitors the Persal salary payment system.

The National Department of Housing does not administer subsidies, it only monitors the system.

(b) This is what I delivered in my Budget Vote address on 28 May 2008:

"The SIU embarked on a massive forensic data analytical investigation and identified 31259 potentially irregular housing subsidy transactions awarded to government employees nationally. The SIU has begun the process of prosecuting and finalising criminal cases against the corrupt officials in different Provinces around the country. 29 cases have already been finalised with sentences including the payment of the value of the houses. The total amount of debt we expect to recover is R6 827,036.30. A cash amount of R1 103,772.00 has been paid back. The SIU will make recommendations to the Department in order to curb future systematic or opportunistic abuse of the Housing Subsidy System.

"It is envisaged that two hundred (200) cases will be placed on the court roll in the new financial year. The prosecution of fraudulent beneficiaries will have a significant impact in terms of deterrence and promoting a culture of legal obedience."

QUESTION NO: 332

Mr S.J. Masango, (D.A), to ask the Minister of Housing:

As the latest specified date for which information is available,

(a) How many units of the N2 Gateway development were occupied

(i) in total; and

(ii) by individuals who had been on the Cape Town housing list.

(b) What is the current estimated date of completion of the project; and

(c) What constraints remain in meeting the target date?

Reply

(a) (i) As of 17th June 2008, the total number of units occupied in the N2 Gateway Project is as follows:

Rental Units: Joe Slovo Rental Units 705

Total 705

Ownership units: Delft Symphony Precints 4 and 6 1061

Delft 7 – 9 150

New Rest 150

1361

(ii) Of the 1361 houses handed over, 429 beneficiaries were backyarders and 932 from informal settlements who are all from the City's waiting list..

(b) The N2 Gateway Project is a project which seeks to test the appropriateness of the "Breaking New Ground" Comprehensive Plan for the delivery of sustainable and integrated Human Settlements.

The current status of the project:

Delft Symphony	6242 serviced sites. Serviced site for the construction of 350 rental units.	Complete Complete.
Delft 7-9	3908 serviced sites Serviced site for the construction of 845 rental units.	Complete
New Rest	1154 serviced sites.	To be completed Dec 2008
Joe Slovo 3	1545 serviced sites.	Date unknown as we await outcome of court action.
Boystown	1308 serviced sites.	Unknown

HOUSES

Joe Slovo Rental Housing	705 units	Complete
Delft Symphony Precinct 4 & 6	2374	To be completed Aug 2008 1061 occupied.
Delft Symphony Precinct 1& 2	1850	To be completed Jun 2009
Delft Symphony Social Rental	350	To be completed Jun 2009
Delft Symphony Precinct 3 & 5	1333	To be completed Jun 2009
Delft 7-9	3908	To be completed Dec 2008 150 occupied.
Delft 7-9 Social Rental	845 (up to 3 storeys)	To be completed Jun 2009
New Rest (contractor Built)	620	To be completed Feb 2009 150 occupied.
New Rest (PHP)	535	To be completed Jun 2009
Boystown	1308	To be completed Mar 2010
Joe Slovo 2	43 ( affordable houses by others)	December 2008.
Joe Slovo 3	1545	Date unknown as we await outcome of court action.

The above upon completion will realise 15,416 housing opportunities. Whilst it was originally the intention to deliver 23,178 housing opportunities this figure continues to increase as a result of inward migration and is estimated to be now closer to 30,000. It follows, therefore, that a further 15,000 housing opportunities will have to be made available. This will form part of the next process, which has already been initiated, of identifying and acquiring land to be able to meet this growing demand which then will define the project completion date.

(c) Other than the land shortages experienced in the whole of the Cape Town region, the other constraints remaining in meeting the target for the completion of the project are as follows:

· Illegal invasions

· Labour challenges

· Protest actions

QUESTION 1014

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether her department (a) has kept records as required by the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, and (b) has reported any incidents of losses through (i) criminal conduct, (ii) unauthorised expenditure, (iii) irregular expenditure or (iv) fruitless and wasteful expenditure during the 2007-08 financial year; if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether any action has been taken against the offending officials; if not, why not; if so, in each category, (a) how many officials (i) were dismissed, (ii) were suspended and (iii) had other sanctions imposed on them and (b) what amounts of money were involved;

(3) whether there were any disciplinary cases pending on 31 March 2008; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. (a) Yes

(b) Yes

2. Yes

(a) (i) One (1) dismissal for theft

(ii) None

(iii) One written warning

Four final written warnings

(b) A total of R32 328-12 for all cases

4. Yes, one (1) case is pending. It was found that the official negligently mismanaged state finances.

QUESTION NO.: 1253

Mr AC Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

§ What amount was spent by officials of her Department on

(a) Hotel Accommodation

(b) restaurants expenses and

(c) travel costs.

(i) in the 2007 -08 financial year and

(ii) during the period 1 April 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

REPLY

The Department has constitutional and statutory responsibilities towards the Portfolio Committee and other Parliamentary structures, whenever their presence is required. In the period under question, the department has appeared before Parliament structures no less than 51 occasions. The staff attends Minmec meetings, which is also a statutory requirement. A departmental team is permanently based in the Eastern Cape, acting on a Cabinet instruction for a special intervention. In addition, the officials of the Department of Housing are responsible to regularly travel to all nine provinces to check on progress made with the implementation of housing projects, meet with Provincial Housing Departments. These responsibilities of the National Department of Housing means that officials would travel and sometimes stay overnight in hotels and that costs would be incurred.

Total expenditure incurred during 2007/08 on hotel accommodation, restaurants and travel costs amounted to R 27 754 161.46

DOMESTIC	FOREIGN
(a)(i) Accommodation R 5 762 905.68 (b)(i) Daily allowance and incidental costs R 639 594.95 (c)((i) Travel costs R 16 916 483.88 Total R 23 318 984.51	(a)(i) Accommodation R 2 005 885.54 (b)(i) Daily allowance and incidental costs R 291 068.15 (c) (i) Travel costs R2 138 223.26 Total R4 435 176.95

Total expenditure incurred from 1 April 2008 to 05 August 2008 on hotel accommodation, restaurants and travel costs amounted to R 10 159 539.93. The amount comprises:

DOMESTIC	FOREIGN
(a)(ii) Accommodation R 1 888 273.70 (b)(ii) Daily allowance and incidental costs R 253 359.41 (c)(ii) Travel costs R 6 046 885.52 Total R 8 188 518.63	(a)(ii) Accommodation R 1 592 478.48 (b)(ii) Daily allowance and incidental costs R 122 075.98 (c)(ii) Travel costs R 256 466.84 Total R 1 971 021.30

QUESTION NO: 1275

Mr P J Groenewald (FF) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) What amount did her department (a) budget and (b) spend on the construction of new houses in North West in the (i) 2004-05, (ii) 2005-06, (iii) 2006-07 and (iv) 2007-08 financial years and (c) in what areas was this money spent;

(2) Whether there was any over- or under spending of the budget; if so, what were the reasons for this in each case;

(3) Whether any problems are mentioned in the project reports of the various project managers in North West; if so, (a) what are these problems and (b) what corrective steps are being taken in each case;

(4) Whether she will make a statement on the matter?

REPLY

1 The following amounts were granted to the North West province for the (i)2004/05; (ii) 2005/06; (iii) 2006/07 and 2007/08 financial years:

Financial year	Total Funds available R'000	Amount spent R'000
2004/05	513 737	371 933
2005/06	609 795	615 412
2006/07	699 915	696 544
2007/08	875 178	*785 516

* The figure for the 2007/08 financial year is in the process of being audited due to the fact that the audit report has not been issued as yet.

(c) The funds were reported to have been spent in the following housing programmes:

1. Project-Linked Subsidies	7. Developer Driven Individual Subsidy
2. Consolidated Subsidies	8. Individual subsidies
3. Institutional Programme	9. Extended Benefit Scheme
4.Hostel Upgrading Programme	10.Social Housing Prorgramme
5. Rural housing Programme	11.Integrated Human Settlement Programme
6. Peoples Housing Process Programme	12. Operational Capital Programme

QUESTION NO: 904

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether her department makes use of private security firms; if so, how much money was spent on such firms in 2007;

(2) whether these firms are used on a contractual basis; if so, (a) how many contracts did her department take out in this regard in 2007, (b) with which firms were these contracts taken out, (c) for what specific purpose was each contract taken out and (d) what was the value of the contract in each case;

(3) why is there a need for her department to use a private security firm as opposed to state security?

Reply

(1) No

(2) Not applicable

(3) Not applicable

QUESTION NO: 904

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether her department makes use of private security firms; if so, how much money was spent on such firms in 2007;

(2) whether these firms are used on a contractual basis; if so, (a) how many contracts did her department take out in this regard in 2007, (b) with which firms were these contracts taken out, (c) for what specific purpose was each contract taken out and (d) what was the value of the contract in each case;

(3) why is there a need for her department to use a private security firm as opposed to state security?

Reply

(1) No

(2) Not applicable

(3) Not applicable

QUESTION No. 1905

Mr S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to oral Question 102 on 12 March 2008, the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and the Eastern Cape Provincial Housing Department has provided her with the relevant information; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

(1) Yes. Funding for the work was approved by the Council, tender documents were prepared, and the tender process was followed. The site was handed over to the successful contractor on 21 November 2008. Although the contractor managed to be on site with all the necessary equipment, he failed to comply with Occupation and Health Safety Regulations. The contractor is currently in the process of putting the necessary procedures and processes in place to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations and will commence with actual repairs by the middle of January 2009.

QUESTION 1945

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

In each of the past five years up to and including 1 November 2008, (a) how many houses has her department built in each province, (b) how many provincial departments of housing have underspent their budgets, (c) how many housing projects (i) are currently under way, (ii) were completed and (iii) were suspended and (d) what is the total cost of all (i) houses that her department has built and (ii) suspended housing projects?

REPLY

The National Department of Housing has delivered a total number of houses completed and in process of completion as follows:

(a)

(b) h

NNote: Housing delivery information for the month of October and November 2008 is in the process of being finalised.

(b)

Provinces	2004/05	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008	2008/2009
No. of PHDs with under-expenditure of more than 5%	4	3	3	3	Pending

(b) The number of housing projects:

(i) that are currently under way:

Province	Total
EC	127
FS	221
GP	676
KZ	182
LP	317
MP	371
NC	87
NW	170
WC	346
Total	2,467

(ii) that were completed:

Province	Total
EC	29
FS	111
GP	105
KZ	65
LP	66
MP	82
NC	59
NW	23
WC	162
Total	732

(iii) that were suspended:

There are no projects that the National Department of Housing is aware of that have been suspended.

(c) The total cost of:

(i) houses that the department has built:

R29,6 billion has been expended over the 5 year period to 01 November 2008.

Year	Total (R '000)
2004/05	R 4,481,638
2005/06	R 5,014,231
2006/07	R 6,495,433
2007/08	R 8,219,794
2008/09	R 5,462,632
Total	R 29,673,728

(ii) suspended housing projects:

Nil - There are no projects that the National Department of Housing is aware of that have been suspended.

QUESTION 1633

Dr R Rabinowitz to ask the Minister of Housing:

1. Whether a tender was issued for the supply of solar water geysers in the two projects in Alexandria (names furnished), if not, why not; if so, (a) which companies responded to the tender, (b) what were their tenders in each case, (c) to whom was the tender awarded (d) what was the cost (i) per item or per geyser and (ii) per geyser installed and (e) how many geysers were installed,

2. Whether there is an ongoing service component to the awarded contract; if not, why not, if so, what does it comprise;

3. Whether it includes the training of persons in the community; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

1. According to the Eastern Cape Department of Housing, as well as the Ndlambe Municipality, none of the housing projects in that municipality contain solar water geysers due to the fact that the housing subsidy does not provide for the installation of geysers in subsidized houses. A tender in this regard was therefore never issued.

2. Not applicable

3. Not applicable

QUESTION NO. 1070

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether any members of her department are currently suspended on full pay; if so, (a) how many, (b) at what rank level, (c) in which management areas and (d) for how long have they been on suspension

(2) what was the cost to her department of salaries paid to members suspended on full pay in respect of each of the past three financial years up to and including the 2007-08 financial year?

Reply

(1) No

(2) 2005/06 R0

2006/07 R385 554.47

2007/08 R630 875.79

QUESTION NO 961

Mr. A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether her department has conducted an energy audit to determine its (a) use of energy and (b) opportunities for reduction of energy use; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether her department has any plans to reduce energy consumption; if not, why not; if so, what plans;

(3) Whether her department has made any material reduction in energy use since 1 January 2008; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

(1) Yes; the department engaged the services of Electro Sense to undertake an energy audit during March 2008. The outcome of the Audit indicates that the department complies with the Department of Minerals Energy requirements as far as the fittings is concerned The report highlights that there is a need to switch off lights when not in use and that all magnetic and or cold start electronic ballasts must be retrofit to the more efficient warm electronic ballasts as well as changing inefficient incandescent lamps to compact fluorescent lamps and/ or lower wattage incandescent lamps, of which these amount to only 73 units as the other units are energy efficient.

(2) Yes. The department is implementing a plan which indicates time to switch off lights and which areas are to be lit up. Energy efficient bulbs and fittings have been fitted to the buildings. Further process of sourcing the lighting retrofit and sensor installation is currently underway.

(3) The department has made concerted efforts to comply with the energy efficiency measures as it has outlined above however, it is too soon to can proclaim a substantive reduction in energy usage.

QUESTION NO.: 742

Mr A.C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) Whether there have been any instances where certificates of occupations, rather than the title deeds, have been used as the basis for the sale of low-cost houses; If so (a) what is the extent of this problem and (b) what action has been taken to address this problem;

(2) Whether any persons who had purchased a house under such circumstances have subsequently lost (a) the house and (b) the purchase amount; If not, what is the position in this regard; If so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1)(a) No

(1)(b) Not applicable

(2)(a) Not applicable

(2)(b) Not applicable

QUESTION NO.: 749

Mr AC Steyn (DA) asks the Minister of Housing:

As the latest specified date for which information is available, whether, any action has been taken against developers for failure to deliver on their contracts; if not, why not, if so

(a) What action; and

(b) Against whom?

Reply

Yes

Action has been taken against developers as follows:

Limpopo Province

Legal actions have been taken against three developers who had not complied with the specifications.

Mpumalanga

The services of two contractors were terminated and taken over by a new contractor. Additional penalties were changed for missing items and quality problems.

QUESTION NUMBER 756

Mr S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

Whether the position of Chief Operations Officer currently held by a certain person (name furnished) was advertised internally and externally; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was the position advertised, (b) in which newspapers, (c) what were the requirements and qualifications for the position; and (d) – (i) how many people were short-listed and (ii) what are their (aa) names and (bb) qualifications

REPLY

Yes

(a) Sunday, 21 October 2007

(b) Sunday Times, City Press and Rapport

(c) (i) Proven strategic management and planning abilities as well as

administrative and organisational skills; Experience in international co-operation and inter departmental relations; Ability to maintain sound interpersonal relations; Knowledge of administrative procedures applicable to the Public Service; In-depth knowledge of the housing environment, pertaining specifically to the development of housing legislation and policy; A clear understanding of the political, socio-economic environment and unwavering commitment to customer care; Proven skills in both written and verbal communication at a high level will be strong recommendations; Understanding of broader transformation issues; Knowledge of Government finances and the PFMA would be and advantage; Ability to work under pressure; Refine knowledge and understanding of inter-governmental relations.

(ii) An appropriate three-year Bachelor's degree/diploma or equivalent qualification plus proven relevant experience.

(d) (i) No applicants were short-listed for the post due to the fact that the incumbent of the post of Deputy Director-General: Delivery Support was transferred to the post of Chief of Operations.

Not applicable – see (d) (i)

(aa) Not applicable

(bb) Not applicable

QUESTION NO. 1104

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister of Housing:

1. Whether she will ensure that her department (a) monitors and (b) reduces its carbon footprint with immediate effect; if so, how will this be done;

2. Whether this will include the phasing out of glossy publications from all agencies or councils reporting to her; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

3. (a) what is the estimated costs of all such (i) reports (ii) publications per annum in the case of these agencies and all other documents of her department and (b) what kinds of (i) energy are being used in the offices of her department and (ii) energy saving measures are being implemented in these offices?

REPLY

The response below applies to the National Department of Housing and, the following Housing Institutions – National Home Builders Registration Council; National Housing Finance Corporation; Rural Housing Loan Fund; Servcon; NURCHA; Thubelisha and Social Housing Foundation.

(1a) The National Department of Housing currently monitors and evaluates the impact of National Housing Policies, Programmes and Projects. There are currently no specific mechanisms in place for the monitoring of the carbon footprint as pertains to the national Department of Housing and it's Housing Institutions.

(1b) In view of the growing importance of the issue of managing national carbon footprints globally, the Department will have to consider the role of the Monitoring & Evaluation unit in investigating the problem. This action will also lead to the need to consult with other relevant Departments such as the Departments of Environment Affairs and Tourism, as well as Minerals and Energy and others in order to develop collaborative strategies regarding carbon footprints.

Once this consultation and processes have been completed, my Department may be in a position to develop and provide all relevant entities with guidelines on how to conserve energy and promote a healthy environment.

2. The Department and the Housing Institutions that report to the Minister of Housing primarily produce non-glossy publications aimed at imparting information to all stakeholders in the housing sector. Among these are factual Z-fold pamphlets that inform beneficiaries of housing access criteria and existing housing programmes.

Currently the only glossy publications produced are Annual Reports/Reviews which are statutorily required for 'tabling' to Parliament (750 copies per entity and the Department).

As part of the investigation and development of a strategy to manage the issue of reducing the Departmental carbon footprint, the unit tasked with this function will be required to make recommendations on the development of environmentally friendly strategies in terms of energy audits at construction sites, recycling programmes and, production alternatives.

Currently the Department and some of the entities are already applying environmentally friendly strategies that contribute to the conservation of the environment. Among these are:

· the use of environmentally friendly paper for the production of Annual Reports;

· the reduction of the full copy print runs to meet the requirements for Parliamentary 'tabling' quotas and;

· extensive use of alternative methods such as DVD's and, the Website.

In addition to the Website smaller hard copy quantities of the summarised version of the report will be produced to cut down on the impact on the environment.

· availing in-house documents and reports in electronic format for employees to read on their Computers instead of printing hard copies.

(3a)

(i) Estimated costs for Annual Reports are R1 251 558.00

(ii) Estimated costs for Publications per annum are R765 000.00

The costs tabulated in these figures account for bulk multi-lingual (11 languages) printing of publications (and exceeds the six languages of the National Language Framework) aimed at reaching the primary target markets in their own mother tongue languages. This is especially the case with the national Department which also supplies Provinces and Municipalities with copies for on-going local distribution.

(3b)

(i) Energy used in the offices is electricity supplied by Eskom or the Local Municipalities within which organisations operate.

(iii) Energy saving measures implemented include:

· Electricity:

i. Switching off unused lights during the day as well as all lights at the end of the working day.

ii. Replacing conventional light bulbs with energy saving light bulbs.

iii. Switching off computers when not in use as well as removing screen savers from computer screens.

iv. Unplugging cellular phone chargers when not in use.

v. Connecting several officers to fewer printers.

vi. Severely limit the number of Colour printers available for staff use.

vii. Conversion of air conditioners to individual operation controls instead of being centrally operated.

viii.

· Paper:

i. Produce, distribute and store press cuttings electronically.

ii. Electronic editing/comments for Draft documents.

iii. Double sided printing.

iv. Re-cycle used paper via re-cycling bins and, printing drafts on used paper.

v. Electronic stock control, orders and receipt issuing;

vi. Electronic presentation and distribution of 'Presentations' at meetings;

vii. Printing of limited quantities of in-house Newsletters which are also accessible on the Website/Intranet;

viii. Limited bulk printing of official Stationary (eg. letterheads, fax sheets, invitations, cards etc.) – the template/master copies are available from the Intranet for individual downloading;

ix. All staff have access (at own Desk or Library) to the Intranet where they can access official documents to read or print if necessary.

x. Reduction of the number of publication subscriptions.

· Others:

i. Encourage staff to share cars when attending the same meetings;

ii. Promotion of teleconferencing to avoid travel to meetings.

While these energy saving measures are not exhaustive, the entities and the Department will continue to explore alternative methods for environmentally friendly ways of doing business and, develop campaigns to conscientise employees on the need to save energy at work and at home.

QUESTION NO.: 1145

Mr AC Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

Whether any function was organised to mark the occasion of the delivery of the minister's budget vote in 2008; If so,

a) What total amount was spent on this function,

b) From which budget was the money allocated

c) What amount was spent on

i. Food and refreshments

ii. Venue

iii. Entertainment

iv. Staff and

v. Transport

a) How many persons were invited to attend this function?

REPLY

Yes,

a) R0

b) ABSA Bank sponsored the event

c) Expenditure was as follows

i. Not applicable

ii. Not applicable

iii. Not applicable

iv. Not applicable

v. Not applicable

d) 200 guests, including the Honourable Steyn. And as a point of general information: a great deal of fun was had by all!

QUESTION NO.: 493

Mr I E Jenner (ID) to ask the Minister of Housing:

In respect of the 20061. Whether her Department or any institutions falling under her Department are currently experiencing any shortages in qualified personnel; if not what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the extent of the shortages in each category of specialized work, including in respect of qualified (i) project managers, (ii) electricians, (iii) architects, (iv) plumbers, (v) accountants and (iv) other skilled specialised workers and (b) what steps are being taken to rectify these shortages?

REPLY

A.

The budgeted cost, actual cost and unit cost in respect of the Statutory and other Entities reporting to the Department were as follows:

THUBELISHA HOMES

Thubelisha Homes is currently being wound down and shortages should be seen against this background.

B. SOCIAL HOUSING FOUNDATION (SHF)

The SHF is currently being wound down and shortages should be seen against this background.

C. SERVCON HOUSING SOLUTIONS

(a) Servcon Housing Solutions is not experiencing any shortages in skilled staff, since well created positions have been successfully filled

D. NATIONAL URBAN RECONSTRUCTION HOUSING AGENCY (NURCHA)

(a) Nurcha is not experiencing any shortages in skilled staff.

E. RUARAL HOUSING LOAN (RHLF)

(a) RHLF does not experience any staff shortages in qualified personnel. All the approved job positions of RHLF are filled in line with the capacities of the size of the institution as required.

F. NATIONAL HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION (NHFC)

(a) The NHFC does experience skills shortages, as follows:

· Institutional Level

The expansion of the NHFC's mandate has included restructuring of the Corporation's structure to align it with the changed mandate and direction. The restructured organization necessitated new competencies to ensure that the new demands of the mandate were fulfilled. This meant additional capabilities at institutional level, to ensure that institutional interventions such as skills audit, leadership capability assessment are undertaken. The NHFC engaged well equipped partners to assist in this regard. The result from both processes was an implementation of the recommendations which are currently underway.

· Individual Level

The changes, also meant that the Corporation needed to acquire new capabilities (human, process, and technology) in order to ensure delivery of its new mandate.

Priority to the resourcing of the Corporation was given to the internal candidates who were adequately skilled to fulfill the demands of the newly established roles. Where there was a need to go externally because of inadequate competencies, there was a deliberate effort to ensure mentoring of the internal resources through shadowing. This was deliberate in order to beef up the internal competencies and to preserve jobs.

The challenges are experienced in the recruitment of specialized financial skill e.g. Turnaround Specialist, Enterprise Wide Risk Management and Actuarial skills, which skills are requisite in the financial industry which NHFC is in. The NHFC has drafted a retention strategy which is aimed at ensuring that its mission critical employees are retained.

G. NATIONAL HOME BUILDERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL (NHBRC)

(a) NHBRC is experiencing staff shortages in respect of engineers as there is a general shortage of technical skills in South Africa in particular Engineering, Finance and scientific fields as espoused by our Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA's). NHBRC has lost some of its recruited engineers since the beginning of 2007/08 financial year to organizations that offer far higher salaries. Whilst some of the positions have been filled, the NHBRC presently has to fill vacant positions of Structural Engineers.

(b) The NHBRC is taking measures to recruit engineers from India, Cuba and to use the Presidential database in identifying engineers who can be recruited. NHBRC has introduced a programme of adopting schools by providing financial assistance to Grade 12 students and encouraging them to pursue engineering and IT fields.

Learnerships and internship programmes have been introduced within the NHBRC to increase capacity and to expose young South Africans to the environment. Bursaries are also given to matriculants who have attained excellent results and pursuing the field of engineering e.g. 17 students were offered bursaries and are studying at various institutions.

QUESTION NO.: 1769

Mr A C Steyn (DA) is to ask the Minister of Housing as follows:

Whether any disciplinary action was taken against officials in her department (a) in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006 and(iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to30 September 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how many instances of disciplinary action occurred, (ii) what was the rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken, (iii) what was the transgression and(iv) what disciplinary action was taken?

REPLY

(a) Yes, there has been disciplinary action taken against certain officials in my department. The following disciplinary action was taken against the employees in 2005, 2006, and 2007 respectively.

(i) 2005

Instances	Position	Transgression	Disciplinary Action	Sanction
First Offender	Deputy Director	1.Nepotism 2. Contravention of the Code of Conduct of the Public Service 3. Wasteful and fruitless expenditure	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty of all the charges and sanction of Final Written Warning was awarded.

(ii) 2006

Instances	Position	Transgression	Disciplinary Action	Sanction
First Offender	Senior Secretary	 Insolence and Insubordination  Theft and / or unlawful removal and use of departmental property  Theft or dishonesty  Falsification of Records	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty of all the charges and sanction of Dismissal was awarded

(iii) 2007

Instances	Position	Transgression	Disciplinary Action	Sanction
First Offender	Secretary	Fraud	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty and sanction of dismissal was awarded.
First Offender	Senior Secretary	Breach of Administrative Process	Progressive discipline applied to the employee	Sanction of written warning was awarded

(b) During the period 01 January 2008 to 30 September 2008

Instances	Position	Transgression	Disciplinary Action	Sanction
Second Offender	Messenger/Driver	Theft	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty and sanction of demotion and Final Written Warning was awarded.
First Offender	Librarian	Theft	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty and sanction of demotion and Final Written Warning was awarded
First Offender	Senior Administrative Officer	Theft	Disciplinary enquiry was held against the employee	The employee was found guilty and sanction of Final Written Warning was awarded. The employee was also referred to Employee Health and Wellness Programme for Counseling.