Questions & Replies: Questions & Replies No 1276 to 1300

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2010-05-11

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QUESTION NO 1276

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 APRIL 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11)

1276 Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether her department has issued a water use licence to a certain person (name furnished) for sand mining in the Mogol River in Limpopo; if so, (a) what are the (i) details and (ii) conditions of the licence, (b) what is the duration of the licence and (c) on what basis was the decision made to issue the licence;

(2) Whether compliance with the conditions has been monitored and enforced; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the monitoring and enforcement;

(3) whether she has been informed of a letter by her regional office to the said person approving the sand mining operation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(4) Whether this letter serves as a licence as required by the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether she has been informed that the sand mining operation impacts on the irrigation operations of riparian farmers; if not, what steps will she take to investigate the matter; if so, (a) what action has been taken and (b) will be taken to protect the interests of the riparian farmers? NW1435E

REPLY:

(1) No, a water use licence has not been issued; however my Department issued a general water use authorisation to Mr L Fourie on 1 March 2010.

(1)(a)(i) The letter instructed Mr L Fourie to comply with Government Gazette no 32805, notice no. 1199 dated 18 December 2009 which is a General Authorization relating to section 21 (c) and (i) water uses as defined in National Water Act , act 36 of 1998 (The Act).

(1)(a)(ii) The notice in the Gazette referred to in (1)(a)(i) above has conditions stipulating what Mr. L Fourie and any other entity or person is/are required to comply with when exercising water uses in terms section 21 (c) and (i) of The Act.

(1)(b) The duration is subject to:

· Schedule 3 of the Gazette referred in (1)(a)(i)

· The existence of a valid mining permit in terms of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act no. 28 of 2002) and

· Continued compliance with conditions stipulated in Gazette referred in (1)(a)(i) and any other circumstances associated with/or resulting from the activity that can be detrimental to water resource (i.e. Mokolo River )

(1)(c) Taking note that sand is supplied to the construction of Medupi Power Station which is a national strategic project for socio-economic development and that the protection of Mokolo River as a water resource can be achieved sustainably with continued monitoring and rehabilitation, my Department agreed with Mr. L Fourie based on the conditions in the Gazette.

(2) Compliance monitoring was conducted on 12 March 2010 during which no non-compliance cases were identified, and rehabilitation through planting of grass and trees on the cleared banks was ongoing. Mr. L Fourie has submitted two sets of water sampling analysis results and is required to continue with the taking and analysis of water samples on a bi-weekly basis whenever he undertakes sand mining (i.e. sand mining occurs only during low river flows and the latest was undertaken in December 2009 with the next one expected during the winter season).

(3) The authority to approve a sand mining operation rests with the Department of Mineral Resources in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act no. 28 of 2002). Regarding the letter issued by my Department's Regional Office: Limpopo, it should be noted that not all correspondence and/or decisions relating to water use authorisations are relayed to my office. I was however briefed on the matter through a reply to my enquiry pursuant to receiving a complaint from the Mokolo Residents Association dated 10 February 2010.

(4) The letter required Mr. L Fourie to comply with Government Gazette no 32805, notice no. 1199 dated 18 December 2009 which is a General Authorization relating to section 21 (c) and (i) water uses as defined in National Water Act , act 36 of 1998.

(5) My Department's Regional Office: Limpopo conducted site inspections on 29 December 2009, 27 January 2010, 17 February 2010 and 12 March 2010 and no interference with the water flow regime could be observed. The Mokolo Irrigation Board, which is an organisation representing irrigation farmers in the area, has participated in a number of stakeholder engagement meetings held by my Department's Regional Office on the matter. The latest meetings were held on 9 December 2009 and 12 March 2010, and no concerns relating to irrigation were raised during these meetings.

QUESTION NO. 1277 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11 NW1436E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2010

Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) How will the department ensure a holistic and cumulative assessment of the environmental impacts of the numerous major developments in the Lephalale area in Limpopo;

(2) who will be responsible for ensuring and financing a regional or strategic environmental assessment when such assessments are needed?

Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1277. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) The department has already in 2009 initiated the development of an Environmental Management Framework for the Waterberg District Municipality. This project is done in partnership with the provincial and local authority and would amongst other things assess the status quo of the environment, determine the desired future state of the environment and therefore the levels of acceptable change and cumulative impacts of the proposed development activities. It would also put in place a strategic environmental management policy for the region and would form the baseline against which decisions on individual applications can be taken. The EMF will be completed towards the middle of 2011.

(2) Environmental Management Frameworks are normally initiated by either the provincial or national Department of Environmental Affairs in partnership with municipalities. Accordingly most of the EMFs done to date or that are in development, have been funded through these departments' budgets. There are also some supported by donor funding and due to the cumulative assessment value and based on the polluter pay principle, increasingly industry are willing to contribute funding to these very costly projects.

QUESTION No 1278

QUESTION: Ms A Dreyer (Democratic Alliance) to ask the Minister of Labour:

1. Whether the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) formally keep any records, especially records of formal filing of annual returns since 2003: if not, why not; if so, what are the details;

2. Whether the UIF have any staff on their records who have passed away or resigned; if so, what are the details;

3. Whether the UIF keeps records of their annual returns together with their annual payment cheques and information captured onto their system; if not, why not; if so, what are the details;

4. Whether the UIF updates their computer systems regularly; if not, why not; if so, (a) how often, (b) what are the details;

5. Whether any information and /or correspondence of the UIF is stored in boxes; if not, why not; if so, what are the details?

The Minister of Labour replied:

1. Yes, records of employee information and employer payments are kept electronically on the UIF database.

The UIF does not collect annual returns from employers but receives monthly declarations from employers. The Unemployment Insurance Act requires employers to declare any changes in employment of their staff on or before the 7th of each month in respect of the previous month. These declarations are made:

2. No.

3. Yes, employee information and declaration of income as well as payments are kept on the UIF database and are updated with new information on a monthly basis.

4. Yes, UIF use updated IT Technology, (a) daily, (b) changes in employee details are received and captured daily.

5. Yes, manual employer declarations, employer registration documents and manual returns are kept in boxes after the information has been captured into the system as per the PFMA & Audit requirements.

QUESTION 1279

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1279. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) To what extent does the (a) National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) and (b) its Board meet;

(2) whether the fact that a significant portion of its income is derived from licensing fees poses any concern for the independence of the NNR; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, how will this situation be rectified;

(3) whether the NNR has actively engaged with (a) the Coalition Against Nuclear Energy, (b) Earthlife Africa and (c) the Pelindaba Working Group since 1 January 2008; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(4) whether any efforts have been made by the NNR to respond to the problem of the Beaufort West community being exposed to 222Ra due to houses having previously been built with uranium-rich stones; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1438E

REPLY

(1) The NNR Board is scheduled to hold formal meetings at least once every quarter. In addition, there are Board Committees that engage NNR management from time to time.

(2) The fact that NNR receives a significant portion (about 80%) of its income from licensing fees does not pose any concern about its regulatory independence because;

· the payment of license fees by operators does not in any way influence the manner in which the NNR discharges its regulatory responsibility. In fact, the NNR has taken certain measures in the past and continues to do so against the licensees where there are deviations from set regulatory standards, a clear reflection that the NNR executes its mandate without influence from operators;

· the license fees of the NNR are determined by the Minister of Energy in consultation with the Minister of Finance.

· all regulatory decisions concerning nuclear safety are based on established safety standards that are based on technical and scientific considerations.

(3) The NNR is developing a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy to facilitate a structured engagement with all its stakeholders, including NGOs. Recently (March 2010) NNR representatives met Earthlife Africa (Joburg) and Koeberg Alert Alliance (Cape Town) to solicit their inputs into this strategy and also to provide the NGOs an opportunity to raise issues of concern. The Pelindaba Working Group participates in the Necsa - Public Safety Information Forum (PSIF) and were part of the March 2010 meeting. The PSIF meetings are held every 3 months to enable continuous engagement between the public, operator, regulator and government. The NNR has also made contact with CANE to discuss a structured engagement process. A meeting has been planned to engage NGO's in Johannesburg in May 2010.

After the NNR received information on the radon exposure situation in Beaufort West, a study was commissioned on radon levels in the two houses on the farms Aardoorn and Blikkraal respectively. It was reported that crushed uranium ore from Rystkuil farm was used for the construction of the entire foundation and concrete slab for a house at Aardoon and for some parts of Blikkraal farm house. The current action level for indoor radon is 3mSv/a, which is higher than the public dose limit of 1mSv/a from authorized actions. The findings of the study were that the average dose at the Blikkraal farm house are above the public dose limit of 1mSv/a but lower than the action level of 3mSv/a recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The NNR is developing an appropriate system to handle indoor radon exposure. Indoor radon exposure is regarded as an intervention situation that is not occurring as a result of licensed/authorized activities. This process will be done in conjunction with the Department of Health Directorate Radiation Control.

QUESTION NO. 1280 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11 NW1439E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2010

Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What (a) was the status of air quality in Secunda as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) were the various measurements related to individual measured components in the overall assessment of air quality;

(2) whether there is any mechanism to conduct an ongoing epidemiological assessment of the local population to determine the effect of air quality on human health; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has found the air quality in Secunda to be acceptable; if not, what steps will she take to rectify the situation; if so, what was her findings based on;

(4) whether Sasol is compelled to release regular results from its own air quality monitoring stations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether the department has (a) issued any (i) notices of non-compliance or (ii) directives or (b) brought any criminal charges against Sasol since 1 January 2009; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1280. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) An annual assessment of air quality in Secunda based on the results of the four priority pollutants is as follows:

· Particulate matter (PM10): Daily concentrations of particulate matter over a 12 month period shows non-conformances with particulate matter legal standards mostly in winter. A similar trend is observed for PM2.5 which is a smaller fraction of PM10. This is related to conducive meteorological conditions (e.g. low temperatures) as well as increased fuel-combustion activities.

· Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): Daily concentrations of SO2 over a 12-month period shows compliance with national standard throughout the year. SO2 concentrations in Secunda are related to combustion related activities as well as long-range transport of SO2.

· Ozone (O3): Ozone has high frequency of exceedance of the national standard across the whole year. It is difficult to fully understand the main sources of ozone in the Highveld as it is well recognized that ozone has a regional influence in this area largely due to abundant sunlight which aid in the formation of ozone.

· Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Assessment of NO2 data trends shows that this pollutant does not present a problem in Secunda.

In general, the state of air quality in Secunda requires improvement particularly around particulate matter. Risk assessment studies done locally (see [1]Rosana et al 2008) have shown serious association between particulate matter and mortality outcomes.

(2) It is evident that Secunda has an air quality challenge, hence the declaration of the Highveld Priority Area (HPA). Health studies might not serve much purpose at this stage. However, studies will be required after the implementation of interventions to evaluate their effectiveness. The requirement at this stage is an understanding of the extent of the problem and to decide on appropriate interventions for improving the quality of the air.

(3) Secunda falls under the Highveld Priority Area (HPA) which was declared as such in terms of Section 18(1) of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004) (AQA), on the 23 November 2007. This was as a result of the existing poor air quality in this region. A comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the HPA is still being developed to address air quality challenges. The Air Quality Baseline Assessment, which is the initial step in developing AQMP will soon be finalised. The assessment will provide information on the status of air quality in the HPA and identify the sources and conditions resulting from the air quality problems. This information will be used to decide on appropriate interventions to rectify the situation.

(4) As part of evaluating compliance against Atmospheric Emission Licenses, the department has the prerogative to request SASOL to report on its monitoring data, as monitoring of ambient air quality remains the function of government.

(5) A comprehensive compliance inspection was undertaken at the facility as part of the strategic compliance monitoring project focusing on the Refineries Sector. The findings of this inspection were issued to the facility in July 2009 and Sasol was provided with an opportunity to make representations in response to these findings. These representations, including a significant volume of information in the form of reports, have now been reviewed by the Department. Further clarity is being requested on a number of issues in order for the Department to make a final decision on the compliance approach required. It is important to note that such an approach will also involve the provincial authority as well as the relevant municipality.


[1] Norman R, Cairncrosse E, Witi J & Bradshaw D 2008. Estimating the burden of disease attributed to urban outdoor air Pollution in South Africa. SAMJ, 97:782-790.

QUESTION 1281

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1281. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether she has been informed that the informal settlements of (a) Tudor Shaft, (b) Bull Brand, (c) Soul City and (d) Baghdad may be at risk from a higher than acceptable exposure to radiation as a result of uraniferous tailings on which the settlements were built; if so,

(2) Whether she will investigate this matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1440E

REPLY

(1) No, I (Minister) have not been informed. I will treat this question as part of informing me.

(2) The matter will be investigated. I will require relevant information from the National Nuclear Regulator to establish if they are aware of the radiation exposure in the places mentioned and if anything has been done in this regard. Following that all relevant government entities (Department of Human Settlement, COGTA and local municipalities) will be engaged in order to address the matter.

QUESTION 1282

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1282 Mr D C Ross (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether her department has estimated the amount of energy that will be required in (a) five, (b) 10 and (c) 20 years' time; if so, what (i) is the amount for each time period and (ii) is expected to be the installed capacity in each of these time periods;

(2) whether the building of the (a) Kusile and (b) Medupi power stations will cater adequately for the energy needs of the next 20 years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(3) whether her department has compared the estimated cost of energy generation from the new coal power plants and other renewable sources; if not, why not; if so, (a) what comparative costs and (b) on what methodology are these costs based? NW1441E

Reply

(1) The integrated resource plan (IRP) process includes the projection of the electricity demand for the next 25 years. This demand projection forms part of the stakeholder engagement process and will only be concluded after stakeholder comments have been collated towards the end of June 2010.

(2) Medupi and Kusile will certainly contribute towards the energy needs of the future. The extent to which additional power stations will be needed will be determined through the IRP process.

(3) This will be concluded towards the end of June 2010 as part of the IRP process, after consideration of various stakeholder inputs in regard to the costs relating to various technologies.

QUESTION 1283

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1283. Mr D C Ross (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) By which (a) government departments and (b) public entities is rural electrification being coordinated;

(2) whether municipalities are constrained in implementing their own initiatives before they are able to feed energy generated by renewable means into the grid for rural electrification; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether municipalities may set up mini-grids in rural areas; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether any municipalities have introduced renewable energy programmes into their energy mix; if not, why not; if so, (a) which municipalities and (b) what has been the success? NW1442E

Reply

(1)(a) Rural electrification is being coordinated by the Department of Energy (planning, monitoring and management of funds)

(b) Eskom and licensed municipalities implement the rural electrification programme

(2) Yes. Municipalities must comply with the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as all other statutory and regulatory provisions governing the generation of electricity.

There are several municipalities that are initiating renewable energy projects, namely:

· eThekwini Municipality has commissioned a 6 MW landfill gas project.

· Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is at an advanced stage of establishing a wind energy project

· Ikwezi Municipality, Naledi Municipality and ekuRhuleni Municipality are seeking guidance regarding electricity generation within their areas of jurisdiction.

(3) The municipalities can set up mini-grids in rural areas provided they meet the license requirements for distribution and generation.

(4) A few municipalities have introduced renewable energy sources into their electricity generation mix.

(a) eThekwini Municipality: the landfill gas project is generating electricity, which is contributing to the total energy mix.

(b) Clanwilliam Municipality, hydro power with a capacity of 1,5 MW;

(c) Ditlhabeng Municipality – approximately 3 MW from hydro power in Bethlehem;

(d) City of Cape Town has signed a PPA with the Darling Wind farm, with wind power capacity of about 5.2 MW.

QUESTION 1284

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1284. Mr D C Ross (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether her department has adopted a policy regarding reverse metering; if not, when will it be done; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has licensed or conditionally approved any (a) individual or (b) company producing energy using photovoltaic (PV) panels for the purpose of reverse metering their excess energy into the grid; if not, (i) why not, in each case and (ii) what is NERSA, Eskom and her department doing about the reverse metering practised by a growing number of people; if so, what entities have been approved? NW1443E

REPLY

(1.) The existing energy policies do not specifically refer to reverse metering or net metering (as it is commonly known). However, the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006, under tariff principles facilitates the implementation of such metering. A pilot project targeted for the last quarter of 2010 on selected sites and municipalities or licensees will evaluate the issues of the revenue impact on licencees and the appropriate tariffs that should be applicable. The pilot project will be aimed at PV plants that are less than 1 MW and as such not covered by the REFIT Programme.

(2.) The Energy Regulator has not received an application for PV plants for reverse metering and hence has not yet licenced any. Net metering and reverse metering requires the implementation of an appropriate metering infrastructure, hence the pilot project being proposed. NERSA, Eskom, DoE and the relevant municipalities/licensees will develop the appropriate rules of engagement for reverse/net metering by the first quarter of 2011.

QUESTION NO. 1285 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11 NW1445E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2010

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether she will introduce amending legislation in Parliament to the South African Weather Service (SAWS) Act, Act 8 of 2001; if not, why not; if so, when;

(2) whether the operation of the current Act has had any consequences for the management of the SAWS; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details?

1285. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) The proposed South African Weather Services (SAWS) Amendment Bill is expected to be tabled to Parliament in September 2010.

(2) The proposed South African Weather Services Amendment Bill will have a slight impact on the management of the SAWS. Over the years and through the implementation of the South African Weather Services Act, 2001 (Act No. 8 of 2001), some areas of the SAWS Act have been identified for review to ensure that its purpose and objectives are met in a more sustainable, effective and efficient manner.

Amongst others, the proposed Amendment Bill will provide SAWS with the legal mandate to operate and maintain the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS). In order to meet the information requirements for good air quality governance and ensure full compliance with the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, (AQA) 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004), the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) together with the SAWS have been developing the SAAQIS and the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network (NAAQMN) since the promulgation of the AQA in early 2005. In February 2006, the former Minister approved SAWS as the formal host for the SAAQIS. Although the department, in partnership with SAWS, has been developing the SAAQIS and the NAAQMN since 2005, the only formal agreement for the DEA-SAWS relationship in this regard is a very broad Memorandum of Agreement. Thus, to ensure the sustainability of these systems as well as ensure that SAWS is provided with the necessary mandate and powers to implement these systems efficiently and effectively, both parties have agreed that an amendment to the SAWS Act is desirable.

In addition, the SAWS Act currently does not provide for the CFO being a member of the Board. The proposed Amendment Bill, in line with the Treasury Regulations and Cabinet decision that stipulate that both the Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers of Public Entities should be ex‑officio members of Public Entities' Boards, thus closing this loophole.

The SAWS Bill also provides SAWS with the mandate in respect of severe weather–related warnings. Accordingly, only the SAWS can issue these warnings and there will be only one authoritative voice for this crucial service.

QUESTION 1286

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 26 April 2010

Internal question paper no

Mr. E Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) What is the plan of action for the effective roll out and implementation of the Children's Act;

(2) Whether any additional social workers will be appointed to ensure the effective implementation of this act; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many, (b) when will they be appointed, (c) what are the details;

(3) What will be the allocation of (a) current and (b) appointed social workers for each programme;

(4) What will be the scales on which social workers will be appointed?

REPLY:

(1) The National Department of Social Development in consultation with the various national Departments and NGOs that have obligations to implement the Children's Act 38 of 2005 (the Act) and the nine provincial Departments of Social Development, has prepared a plan for the implementation of the Act. The implementation plan provides for the following:

· Priorities which include services to children who are wards of the state, children in partial care and early childhood development (ECD) programmes, children in need of care and protection. Provision has also been made for prevention and early intervention programmes.

· Institutional issues such as the finalisation of norms and standards, training guidelines, and the National Policy Framework for the implementation of the Act.

· Human resources and infrastructure required to implement the Act.

· Restructuring of the Departments and organisations in order to respond to the new demands of the Act. There are proposed organograms for the restructuring of the National and provincial Departments of Social Development.

· Phased-in roll-out of services.

· 5-year budgets.

· Management processes such as the management of new programmes including ECD, prevention and early intervention programmes and cluster foster care schemes. Management processes also include the development of knowledge information system and the monitoring and evaluation system.

Sixty five new obligations in terms of the Act have been prioritised by all stakeholders for monitoring including training, recruitment and retention of staff to implement the Act and financial requirements. All relevant stakeholders will report quarterly as from July 2010 on progress through the Child Care and Protection Forum which is a National intersectoral Forum responsible for monitoring the care, protection and services to children in terms of the Act.

(2)(a) Yes, additional social workers have been appointed to ensure the effective implementation of the Act.

(b) A total of additional 763 social workers have been appointed as from 01 April 2010. (c) The details of the appointed social workers are as follows:

PROVINCE

NUMBER OF APPOINTED SOCIAL WORKERS

Western Cape

72

Free State

31

Kwa-Zulu Natal

91

Mpumalanga

50

Eastern Cape

235

Northern Cape

20

Northwest

56

Gauteng

92

Limpopo

116

TOTAL

763

NB: Information provided by the provincial coordinators for service to children.

More social workers will be appointed as they graduate from universities, especially those who are on the scholarship programme.

(3)(a) Social workers currently rendering service to children are not allocated to specific programmes. They provide generic social work services relating to early childhood development, prevention and early intervention, foster care, registration, monitoring and funding of facilities and child protection. The following are the details of the social workers responsible for services to children before 01 April 2010.

PROVINCE

NUMBER OF SOCIAL WORKERS CURRENTLY RENDERING SERVICES IN TERMS OF THE CHILDREN'S ACT (excluding newly appointed social worker)

Free State

282

Kwa-Zulu Natal

700

Mpumalanga

330

Eastern Cape

967

Northern Cape

179

Northwest

402

Gauteng

719

Limpopo

579

Western Cape

499

Total

4657

NB: Information provided by the Human Resource Directorate at the National Department of Social Development.

(b) The total of 763 additional social workers appointed also perform generic child care and protection social work services. They are not allocated to specific programmes.

(4) Based on the Occupation Specific Dispensation, social workers' salaries have been improved. The table below depicts the new salary scales for social workers.

RANK

REVISED SALARY SCALE PER ANNUM (entry level)

Social worker

R130 467

Social work supervisor

R196 446

Social work policy developer

R186 006

NB: Information provided by the Human Resource Directorate at the National Department of Social Development.

Experienced social workers are remunerated according to their years of experience.

QUESTIONS 1288 FOR WRITTEN REPLY MONDAY, 26 APRIL 2010

1288 Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

(1) Whether there is any reason for moving the budget vote of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to fall under budget vote 11 of the Department of Public Service and Administration; if not, why not; if so, what are the reasons and motivations;

(2) Whether the PSC will still retain its constitutional independence; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) How will this move impact on the accountability of the PSC to Parliament? NW1448E

_______________________________________________________________

REPLY:

(1) This is an interim arrangement and is being attended to accordingly.

(2) Yes, the PSC will retain its constitutional independence.

(3) The inclusion of PSC in the DPSA vote should have no impact on the direct accountability of the PSC to Parliament. The change does not require the PSC to account via the DPSA to Parliament.

QUESTION 1289

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/04/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 11 OF 2010)

Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:

(1) Whether he has received the report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the assessment of the Public Sector Education and training authority's PSETA) contribution towards the development of skills and careers progression prospects in the public section; if so , what are the relevant details ; if not ,

(2) Whether he accepts the recommendations based on the findings of the PSC with regard to the functioning of the PSETA; if not, why not if so, what are the details of the (a) dates and (b) timelines for the implementation of the report recommendations?

N1449E

REPLY:

  1. The Department has received the report of the PSC on the assessment of its contribution towards the development of skills and careers progression prospects in the public sector and the report is relevant in its entirety given that in the Department's assessment of the PSETA, it has been operating in a unstable environment which resulted in it being a poorly performing SETA.
  1. The Department accepts the recommendations of the PSC report. The Department has further commenced on a process to address the poor performance of the PSETA in terms of the relevant legislative requirements as well as approved policies and processes.

QUESTION 1289

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/04/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 11 OF 2010)

Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:

(1) Whether he has received the report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the assessment of the Public Sector Education and training authority's PSETA) contribution towards the development of skills and careers progression prospects in the public section; if so , what are the relevant details ; if not ,

(2) Whether he accepts the recommendations based on the findings of the PSC with regard to the functioning of the PSETA; if not, why not if so, what are the details of the (a) dates and (b) timelines for the implementation of the report recommendations?

N1449E

REPLY:

  1. The Department has received the report of the PSC on the assessment of its contribution towards the development of skills and careers progression prospects in the public sector and the report is relevant in its entirety given that in the Department's assessment of the PSETA, it has been operating in a unstable environment which resulted in it being a poorly performing SETA.
  1. The Department accepts the recommendations of the PSC report. The Department has further commenced on a process to address the poor performance of the PSETA in terms of the relevant legislative requirements as well as approved policies and processes.

QUESTION 1290

DATE OF PUBLICATION: MONDAY 26 APRIL 2010 [IQP No 11- 2010] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 1290 for Written Reply, National Assembly: Ms R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(a) How many new plant protection products have been registered under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, Act 36 of 1947, since 1 January 2009, (b) how does this compare with the previous three years, (c) how many applications for registration of the products are awaiting registration and (d) what is the date of the oldest application in the backlog? NW1450E

REPLY:

(a) Since January 2009, 241 new plant protection products have been registered under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, Act 36 of 1947, finalized

(b) In 2007 and 2008, 162 and 100 new plant protection products were registered, respectively. As indicated above, since January 2009, 241 new plant protection products were registered.

(c) Thirty eight (38) applications for new registrations are awaiting registration. It must be noted that some of these applications have been partially evaluated and we are waiting for responses from the applicants.

(d) The date of the oldest application is 2007 however it must be noted that these applications and most of the 2008 have been partially evaluated and we are waiting for responses from the applicants.

QUESTION 1291

DATE OF PUBLICATION: MONDAY 26 APRIL 2010 [IQP No 11- 2010] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

question 1291 for written reply: National assembly, Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and FISHERIES:

(a) How many new plant protection products have been registered under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, Act 36 of 1947, since 1 January 2009?

Reply – Label Amendment – 198 applications for amendments to the existing registration of plant protection products have been approved

(b) How does this compare with the previous three years?

Reply LA – 2008 - 46 applications for amendments* to the existing registration of plant protection products have been approved

(c) How many applications for amendments are awaiting processing?

Reply

Reply: 14 applications for amendments. These are for the period from August 2007 until January 2009. It must be noted that these applications and most of the 2008 have been partially evaluated and we are waiting for responses from the applicants.

(d) What is the date of the oldest application in the backlog?

Reply: 2007: Reply: 2007: It must be noted that these applications and most of the 2008 have been partially evaluated and we are waiting for responses from the applicants.

N. B. The numbers given in question (a) above do not include other minor applications such as permits, adverts, parallel and daughter registration, transfers, product name change amounting to 357.

It must be noted that applications for major amendments takes approximately 15 months to finalize given the current capacity, provided that the applicant submits all the required data and other relevant documentations.

* The information provided above was only captured as from May 2008. Furthermore, during that period, the Unit had limited capacity of only two Technical Advisors.

QUESTION NO 1292

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 APRIL 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11- 2010)

Date reply submitted : 18 May 2010

1292 Mrs D A Schäfer (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) (a) With reference to his reply to question 813 on 19 April 2010, how many members will be employed in the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, (b) what training will these members have at the time they are assigned to these units, (c) how many units are envisaged and (d) where will they be located;

(2) whether trained staff that previously manned the FCS units will be re-employed in the new unit; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether these reinstated specialised units will be any different from the disbanded FCS units; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1452E

REPLY:

(1)(a) The exact number of members to be deployed to FCS units is in the process of being determined, taking into account the workload and geographical location of the envisaged units.

(b) The level of expertise in terms of training will vary from members who have attended the following courses:

§ Detective Learning Programme (DLP);

§ Detective Commanders Learning Programme (DCLP);

§ Sexual Offences Investigators course;

§ Resolving of Crime course; and

§ Fully fledged FCS course.

(c)&(d) It is envisaged to align FCS units with the Cluster Policing Model consisting of 176 Clusters. However, crime tendencies and environmental factors within a demarcated Cluster will be taken into account when establishing fully fledged FCS units at Cluster level. Additional investigative capacities will also be placed at Provincial level, dealing mainly with serious FCS related crimes.

(2) All trained and current serving personnel that previously manned FCS units will be considered for placement. The latter placement will be done in terms of the transfer policy of SAPS.

(3) The functions of these units will be the same but will be reinforced with Forensic Social Workers to support specifically child victims and persons with disabilities. The FCS units will also work closely with NGO's and other Government initiatives such as the Thuthuzela Care Centres.

QUESTION NO 1293

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 APRIL 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11- 2010)

Date reply submitted : 18 May 2010

1293 Mrs DA Schäfer (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) Whether any steps have been taken to investigate the alleged hit list in Mpumalanga province; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the details in respect of each individual on the list who (i) is alive, (ii) has died and (iii) has disappeared and (b) what are the further relevant details;

(2) whether the persons who appear on the list are receiving any police or security protection; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1453E

REPLY:

(1) Yes.

(a) The case is still under investigation.

(i) All people on the list are alive, except for Sammy Mpatlanyane and Mohlala.

(ii) Only Sammy Mpatlanyane and Mohlala who passed on.

(iii) This office is not aware of any person who disappeared.

(b) The case is still under investigation.

(2) For operational reasons we will not provide details with regard to who is currently receiving protection.

QUESTION NO: 1294

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11 OF 26 April 2010

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether any of the mayors and/or Mayco members of the North West province municipalities currently under administration are receiving their full salaries; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is each of them earning currently; if so, what is each person's respective salaries currently;

(2) Whether the awarding of such salaries to the mayor and/or Mayco members while these municipalities are under administration is in accordance with policy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1454E

Reply

(1 ) Yes, they are receiving their full salaries

· Moses Kotane Local Municipality R589 000

· Ngaka Modiri Melemo District Municipality R538 000

· Twaing Local Municipality R432 206

· Madibeng Local Municipality R576 275

(2) Yes, there is no policy or legislation which makes provision for the

QUESTION NO 1295

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 APRIL 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11)

1295 Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 974 on 19 October 2009, in the cases of the municipalities in Mpumalanga, what (a) is the current status of the section 19(3) notices and (b) has been the response of each municipality since the initial notices or directives were issued;

(2) Whether any further section 19(3) notices have been issued against municipalities in Mpumalanga; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1456E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1)(a) Refer to Annexure A

and

(1)(b) Refer to Annexure A

(2)Refer to Annexure B

QUESTION NO 1296

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: THURSDAY, 27 MAY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: MONDAY, 26 APRIL 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 11 – 2010)

Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) What was the rationale for cancelling the recently-awarded contracts with security companies to safeguard Metrorail's commuters, (b) what are the names of the companies which have replaced the companies referred to above, (c) what impact has the change in the contract had on the number of persons deployed as security guards on trains, (d) what criteria were used to appoint the people to guard the safety of commuters on Metrorail's trains and (e) what was the minimum level of training and experience required for deployment on these trains;

(2) whether any recruitment process was conducted to select the new security personnel; if not, why not; if so, (a) what process and (b) how were the posts advertised;

(3) whether the contractual change resulted in Metrorail spending less money on the deployment of security guards on trains; if not, why not; if so, how much money did Metrorail save in the process;

(4) whether his department has been informed of any criminal or misdemeanour charges which have been laid against Metrorail's new recruits and which relate to Metrorail; if so, what is the position in this regard?

NW1457E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) The security contracts were not "recently–awarded". The majority of the security contracts had been running for approximately 10 years. The rationale for the re-alignment of security is aimed at ensuring the effective operational

implementation of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa Limited (PRASA) Security Strategy. Many of the old security companies were not responding effectively to the new mandate of PRASA after the completion of the passenger rail consolidation process. PRASA's security risk, threat and vulnerability assessment pointed to an acute need to tailor-make the security provision in line with the new security demands as dictated by the new mandate of the passenger rail business.

(b) The majority of the old security companies were re-appointed with a new mandate focusing on PRASA's new mandate. There were only two companies contracted in Gauteng (GP) following the realignment of security contracts within the Region and these are:

· Royal Security (New following realignment - GP)

· Vimtsire Security (New following realignment GP)

The following companies have been within the operational environment of PRASA for the past five to 10 years:

· R1 (GP)

· Enlighten (GP)

· Sinqobile (GP)

· Hlanganani (GP)

· Afri-Guard (GP)

· Futures Guarding Services (GP)

· Vusa Isizwe (GP)

· Changing Tides (GP)

· Fidelity Springbok (KwaZulu-Natal (KZN))

· Security International (KZN)

· Ibsubesi (KZN)

· Masakhane (Eastern Cape (EC))

· National Force (EC)

· Chippa (Western Cape (WC))

· Sechaba Protection Services (WC)

· Khulani Security Services (WC)

· Chuma Security Services (WC)

· Supreme (WC)

· Comwezi (WC)

· Iliso (WC)

(c) PRASA now has more efficient, effective and competent guards who are responding appropriately to the security challenges within the rail environment.

(d) The criterion used is:

Internal recruitment

Conducted according to the recruitment policy of PRASA - the Company advertises posts internally, a shortlist of applicants is developed and applicants are interviewed.

External recruitment

A tender process is followed according to the Supply Chain Management policy of PRASA for the appointment of appropriate security suppliers.

(e) The minimum level of training and experience required are as follows:

Internal security personnel are trained on the basis of the following four critical areas:

· Crime Prevention

· Crowd Control

· Customer Care

· Incident Management

External training requirement is that they must be trained according to the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) standards. The minimum level must be Grade D and accredited by PSIRA.

(2) (a) and (b)

A recruitment process is followed by the Contractors according to their own internal recruitment process.

PRASA Corporate Security ensures that private security members appointed within its environment are qualified in terms of PSIRA requirements and security screening is conducted on all guards.

(3) Before the implementation of the new strategy, the security budget was escalating rapidly. The new process has thus far resulted in a saving of approximately 10% per month on the total national security budget.

(4) The Department of Transport is not aware of and does not have any record pointing to any criminal conduct or behaviour against Metrorail's new recruits.

QUESTION NO 1297

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 7 MAY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: MONDAY, 26 APRIL 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 11 – 2010)

Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) When did the process of reviewing the SA Maritime Safety Authority Act, Act 5 of 1998, commence, (b) how many (i) days, (ii) weeks and (iii) months did his department spend on reviewing this legislation and (c) when is it anticipated that the review process will be completed;

(2) whether his department has formulated any process and/or mechanisms to increase the number of seafarers; if so, what are the relevant details; if not,

(3) whether he intends formulating a policy to increase the number of seafarers; if not, why not; if so, when will work on this policy commence?

NW1458E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) (b) (i), (ii), (iii) and (c)

The South African Maritime Safety Authority Amendment Bill ("the Bill") review process was undertaken by the Department of Transport (DoT) in conjunction with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) in 2005, and the DoT took responsibility for processing, approval and referral of the Bill to Parliament for promulgation into law. By the end of 2009, the DoT was ready to table the Bill before Parliament.

However, given that a lot of time had passed since the Bill was reviewed, and during the time there have been a lot of developments which had taken place, these had to be taken into account and incorporated into the Bill.

Against this background, SAMSA requested that the Bill be withdrawn.

The Bill in 2005 only dealt with the following changes:

• Regulating the constitution and operation of SAMSA;

• introducing consistency with the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999), as amended;

• reconstitution of the Maritime Fund within the accounts of SAMSA;

• regulating statutory protection of SAMSA, its Board members, staff and other persons acting on its behalf; and

• enabling SAMSA to make marine rules.

As stated above, SAMSA proposed that the Bill be withdrawn in order to accommodate developments that had subsequently taken place, namely:

• SAMSA's mandate was extended in 2007 to include inland waters; and

• to allow the Maritime Transport Policy, currently in draft form with the DoT, to come into force (such that the Policy informs the Bill).

Further, discussions regarding the Bill have commenced between the DoT and SAMSA. The review process should be completed by the end of 2010 and we anticipate that the Bill will be introduced to Parliament in 2011.

(2) and (3)

Processes and mechanisms for increasing seafarers or seafarer skills in South Africa are a function of a number of complementary policy initiatives, some of which have already started, whilst others will start shortly. They also cut across a number of departments.

As part of the processes of increasing the number of seafarers, the DoT is working on a Maritime Transport Policy document that lays the foundation for transforming the maritime transport industry in the country. Seafarers form a key component of this transformation and issues pertaining to their training, development and generally increasing such numbers are dealt with in this policy document. We plan to send the document for final Cabinet approval in the course of 2010.

One other complementary policy initiative that seeks, inter-alia, to increase the number of seafarers, is the Tonnage Tax. This policy process is being led by National Treasury. National Treasury, together with the DoT, issued a discussion document on how to stimulate the transport industry, especially shipping, through a taxation framework that encourages ship owners to register their vessels onto the South African flag (register). Part of the condition of such registration is the training (skilling) of South African seafarers and the manning of such vessels by South African seafarers. Public comments have been received and processes of incorporating them in this document are underway.

Along with the above policy interventions, there are other initiatives that are sequenced to support the Maritime Transport Policy and Tonnage Tax intentions to grow the seafaring cadre in this country. These include cabotage, coastal shipping and ship registry. These initiatives are receiving attention this year.

Furthermore, SAMSA, as an authority on maritime skills, is now conducting a skills audit that will highlight where the shortage of skills is and will propose what strategies the country should adopt (policy or otherwise) with regard to addressing and growing maritime skills generally.

QUESTION NO 1298

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 7 MAY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: MONDAY, 26 APRIL 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 11 – 2010)

Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) How many contraventions of the governing provisions have been found to have taken place within the past five financial years following the investigating team's investigations into the Ports Regulator of South Africa, (b) what was the nature of each of these contraventions and (c) what (i) penalties and (ii) punitive sanctions have been imposed upon persons who have been found in contravention of the governing provisions within the past five financial years;

(2) (a) how many (i) hearings and (ii) appeals have been heard by the relevant authorities during the course of the investigation and (b) what was the outcome of each (i) hearing and (ii) appeal that has taken place?

NW1459E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) No investigation into the Ports Regulator was ever done by any investigation team, except for the Auditor-General in the course of normal audits. The Auditor-General's opinion was that the financial statements represent fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Ports Regulator for both the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 financial years.

(a), (b) and (c) (i) and (ii) Fall away.

(2) (a) (i) and (ii) and (b) (i) and (ii)

The Ports Regulator of South Africa has furnished the following information in respect of hearings and appeals that have been heard by the Regulator:-Please see attached table

QUESTION NUMBER 1299

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 April 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9 OF 2010

Date reply submitted: 13 August 2010

1299. Mrs D Robinson (DA) to ask the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities:

(1) Whether she has been informed of an investigation being conducted by the Auditor-General and the office of the Public Protector into possible financial misconduct and irregularities at the Commission for Gender Equality; if so, what are the relevant details; if not,

(2) Whether she will familiarise herself with this case; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the reasons for this investigation and (b) when is it expected that the investigation will be finalised;

(3) Whether the report of the investigation will be made public; if not why not; if so, (a) when and (b) how? NW146

REPLY

(1) The Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities held a meeting with the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) on 04 December 2009, wherein she was informed about the investigations being undertaken by the OPP and the AGSA. The OPP investigation is still underway and relates to maladministration issues including but not limited to the appointment by the Commission of two Commissioners, to act as Acting Chief Executive Officers; the changing of the job descriptions of the personal Assistants of the former Chairperson and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and their transfers without reason; the taking over by Commissioners of all administrative powers; the duties and functions of the Commission and the adoption and implementation of policies without considering the views of Internal stakeholders such as Senior managers, staff members and the recognised union. The other factors included the employment of staff, without following the due processes and employment policies of the Commission. Another concern was the appointment of Mr Setshedi, as the interim CEO.

At present, the CGE is awaiting the findings of the OPP, and based on the studied report findings, the CGE will be in a better position to take an informed decision. The AGSA investigation focuses on the possible contravention of laws and regulations and financial Irregularities at the Commission for Gender Equality. The key areas that formed part of the investigations are bank and cash management; the usage of the corporate credit accounts; supply chain management issues; expenditure management; claims and allowances; air travel; accommodation and car hire and CGE payroll.

(2) The Minister will familiarise herself with the report. The draft forensic report was given to CGE on the 12 May 2010 in Cape Town. The CGE has made comments and forwarded them to the Office of the Auditor General.

(3) Both the OPP and AGSA reports will be presented to Parliament since these investigations were called by the Office of the Speaker through the Deputy Speaker's office. The two reports will narrate the alleged offences, financial misconduct and general irregularities once presented to Parliament. The CGE cannot pre-empt the findings of the two reports and the Minister would not know whether Parliament (as an independent body) will make the report of the investigations public or not.

QUESTION 1300

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/04/2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11-2010)

Dr JC Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(1) How many schools have been converted into full-service centres for learners with special needs, (b) what are the names of these schools, (c) in which province is each such full-service centre located, (d) how many learners can be accommodated at each such school and (e) what is the nature of special needs learners who are enrolled at each of these institutions;

The number of schools that have been converted into full-service centres for learners with special needs

The Department identified 30 ordinary schools for conversion into full-service/inclusive schools of which 10 were allocated funding for physical upgrading. Eight of the first cohort of 10 ordinary schools have been fully converted into full-service schools and the remaining two are nearing completion. The table below represents information about the 10 full-service schools:

(a) Names of the 10 full-service schools according to location and progress

PROVINCE

SCHOOL

STATUS

LIMPOPO

Mokgalabye Primary

Complete

Tshisahulu Primary

Complete

MPUMALANGA

Tenteleni Primary

Major work completed, finishings nearing completion

NORTH WEST

Mphuphuthe Primary

Phase 1 completed, Phase 2nearing completion

FREE STATE

Letlotlo Primary

Major work completed, finishings nearing completion

KWAZULU NATAL

Sondelani Primary

Completed

Dover Primary

Completed

WESTERN CAPE

J D Crawford Primary

Completed

EASTERN CAPE

Ebhotwe Primary

Completed

Zanokhanyo Primary

The process of physically upgrading the school was to be done in two phases. Phase 1 has been completed and phase 2 is in progress.

Provinces took over the responsibility for the physical upgrading of the second cohort of 20 selected full-service schools in 2009 and are at different levels with regard to progress.

(b) The table below indicates the names of the schools and the provinces where they are located:

School

Province

Madlala Primary

KwaZulu-Natal

Sibumba Primary

Luyakoma Lower Primary

Vumanhlavu Primary

Nyamazane Primary

Macabuzela Primary

Nkomo Junior Primary

Louwsburg Primary

Enkelabantwana Primary

Impunga Senior Primary

Cascade Primary

Western Cape

Sibisi Primary

Mpumalanga

Maboloka Primary

Free State

Dr Ngoma Primary

Baxoxele Primary

Gauteng

Ntuthuko Primary

MC Weiler Primary

Lakeview Primary

Mariveni Primary

Limpopo

Lokgeng Primary

North West

Kgosikeehe Primary

Nanogang Primary

Sonop Primary

Mphuphuthe Primary

Sonop Primary

Meerhof Primary

Thuto Metsi Primary

Mogosane Primary

Sol Plaatje 2 Primary

Northern Cape

Redirile Primary

Eludini Primary

Eastern Cape

Zanokanyo Primary

(c + d) Number of disabled learners enrolled in full-service schools

according to their special needs

School

Number of learners that can be accommodated at each school

Number of disabled learners accommodated at each school

Nature of special needs

JD Crawford

1075

2

Physically disabled

7

Intellectually disabled

1

Down syndrome

3

Speech

1

Neurological

1

ADHD

Letlotlo

1322

6

Physically disabled

1

Hearing impaired

25

Intellectually disabled

2

Speech

Ebhotwe

355

6

Physically disabled

9

Hearing impaired

2

Visually impaired

63

Learning barriers

Tenteleni

960

9

Physically disabled

13

Hearing impaired

4

Intellectually disabled

4

Speech

2

Epilepsy

92

Partially sighted

109

Learning barriers

Mokgalabe

400

4

Physically disabled

25

Intellectually disabled

2

Speech

Tshisahulu

1300

9

Physically disabled

2

Hearing impaired

6

Visually impaired

17

Intellectually disabled

3

Speech

3

Multiple disability

Dover

997

9

Hearing impaired

10

Visually impaired

3

ADHD

3

Learning barriers

Sondelani

735

5

Physically disabled

Mphuphuthe

361

3

Cerebral-palsy

5

Physically disabled

3

Learning barriers

Zanokhanyo

1034

46

Intellectual disability

6

Physically disabled

5

Epilepsy

28

Partially sighted

11

Hearing

2. What is the nature and content of the special training which has been provided, (b) to whom has the special training been provided, (c) why did she say in her Budget Vote (details furnished) that more needed to be done and (d) what policies or plans has her Department put in place to ensure that their intensions on this issue are fulfilled,

(b) The selected full-service schools have participated in Inclusive Education activities including advocacy on Education White Paper 6, training on Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) and Inclusive Learning Programme (ILP). Provinces have also provided training to the schools. Teachers from a selection of these schools participated in training on visual and hearing impairment. They also participated in the training on the use of assistive devices and technology during the installation and distribution of these at 31 special and full-service schools in the 2009/10 year.

(c) Inclusive Education is one of the priority areas that is included in the schooling 2025 plan. It has been highlighted in the budget vote to give prominence to our commitment to address it.

(d) This year teachers from full-service schools will be trained on the Guidelines for Full-Service Schools. The training will target all selected full-service schools including the de facto ones.

The Department is working on the development of norms and standards for staff provisioning, which will in turn inform a human resource development plan which will go a long-way addressing challenges experienced in the development of inclusion in full-service and ordinary schools.

3. (a) how many pilot studies are currently being conducted by her department, (b) in which provinces are these projects being implemented and (c) what is the purpose of these projects;

The Department conducted a Field test on the implementation of Education White Paper 6 from 2004 to 2009. The Department is piloting the following activities. Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) has also been carried out. In addition, full service schools have been exposed to Inclusive Learning Programmes (ILP) which is intended to support teachers in dealing with learners who experience barriers to learning.

4. Whether her department is in possession of interim reports regarding these pilot projects; if not, why not; if so,

· A report on the Field Test is available and has been presented to HEDCOM.

· A report on the External Evaluation of the Field Test by donor countries (Finland Sweden) is available in Basic Education.

· Report on the implementation of strategy for Screening, Assessment, identification and Support (SIAS) of learners with disabilities is available from provinces.

5. Whether these reports will be published; if not, why not, if so, when? NW 1461E

The report will be taken through due processes of the Department before it can be published.