Question NW2009 to the Minister of Human Settlements

Reply:

(1) Yes, there are plans to develop and implement a policy based on the National Vetting Strategy by the end of the financial year (2009/10).

(2) Yes, only at executive level through NIA. However the department is in the process of putting mechanisms in place to ensure that pre-employment screening of potential employees for criminal records is done to specific identified posts.

(4) In terms of records based on the info provided on application forms, the department does not have any employees with criminal records.

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION No 1904

Question

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

1. Whether there are any plans to introduce energy saving initiatives in the building of new subsidised homes: if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?

2. Whether there are any plans to introduce policy or legislation to encourage future private homeowners and/or developers to make use of energy saving initiatives in the construction of their homes; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?

Answer

1. Yes, the National Housing Code contains detailed guidelines to promote environmentally and energy efficient housing in the subsidy sector. The Department of Human Settlements has been working with the NHBRC to cost various measures to enhance the thermal performance of houses in the subsidy market. The most promising and cost effective of these is the installation of a ceiling and the provision of above ceiling insulation. Other measures include plastering of the external walls of the houses, under floor insulation and sealing of windows and doors. The cost implications of introducing energy efficient measures in the subsidy housing market will be considered, once the NHBRC have finalised their research report.

2. Yes, the Department of Energy has instructed the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to develop national standards for energy efficiency in naturally ventilated building. Theses standards will form part of the National Building Regulations and is referred to as the SANS 204 Standard. The Department of Human Settlements participated in the working group process and the draft standards have been published for comments. The standards are currently being refined in terms of the comments received and will then be presented for approval.

QUESTION 672

QUESTION

672. Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether he and his department will implement a programme to eradicate the housing backlog in all the provinces; if not, why not; if so, (a) when will the programme start and (b) what is the set target to achieve?

REPLY

Section 26 (1) and (2) of the Constitution determines that The State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the right to have access to adequate housing.

The aim of Government's Human Settlement Programme therefor is to provide housing to all qualifying beneficiaries in an integrated manner within the context of sustainable human settlements. This implies that Government aims to eradicate the housing backlog over time, depending on the availability of resources.

Based on provincial allocations of the Integrated Housing and Human Settlement Grant, Provincial MECs responsible for Human Settlements prepare annual provincial plans which indicate the spending priorities within a particular province. These priorities are determined according to housing demand in a province with a view to the eradication of backlogs.

Therefor, Government's Human Settlement Programme since 1994 has been aimed at eradicating the housing backlog.

a) Falls away

b) Government has decided not to set targets based on the eradication of backlogs per se, but rather to pursue the establishment of integrated, sustainable human settlements based on the availability of financial resources being made available in terms of the Integrated Housing and Human Settlement Grant.

QUESTIONS 870

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

870. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) Whether the customer service hotline where the public can report corruption or fraud in housing is in operation; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many cases of irregularities have been reported and (b) what is the nature of the irregularities;

Answer: The customer services hotline in the Department of Human Settlements is in operation, and the operational hour's starts from 06:00-22:00

(a) The cases of irregularities reported is 3

(b) The nature of irregularities is as follows:

· Councillors selling houses to their relatives

· Housing demand database not transparent

· People are being pushed at a certain prize to be on the Housing Demand databaselist

· Title deed in somebody's else name

(2) Whether any cases has been referred to the SA Police Service; if not, why not; if so, how many (a) cases have been referred and (b) suspects have been (i) arrested and (ii) charged thus far?

(a) Three (3) cases received from call centre since August 2009.Those cases are still under investigation by our internal forensic team and can only be referred to SAPS after we have concluded our investigation. However there is no automatic referral to SAPS .We gather more facts and conduct case analysis , in order to establish whether these cases would warrant a criminal investigation or not.

(b) No suspect arrested as the matter is still under investigation

(c) No Charges

QUESTION No 1754

Question

1754.Mr AC Steyn, MP (DA) to asked the Minister of Human Settlements:

What progress has been made with the policy development regarding the Farm Worker/Farm Occupier Housing Assistance Programme?

Reply

The policy and implementation guidelines for the National Housing Programme: Farm Residents Housing Assistance was approved and my Department is currently acquiring the services of legal expertise to develop pro-forma contractual agreements to facilitate the implementation of the programme. Where feasible, provinces and municipalities may already implement the programme.

QUESTION NO: 1753

Mr A C STEYN (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) What (a) are the closing-down costs of (i) Thubelisha Homes, (ii) Servcon Housing Solutions (Pty) Ltd and (iii) the Social Housing Foundation and (b) is the exact breakdown of the costs involved in closing down each of these entities;

(2) what (a) are the outstanding amounts owed by service providers to (i) Thubelisha Homes, (ii) Servcon Housing Solutions (Pty) Ltd and (iii) the Social Housing Foundation and (b) (i) are the names of these service providers and (ii) is the amount owed by them in respect of each entity and (c) steps has the department taken to recover these amounts?

ANSWER

(1) (a)

(i) The costs of closing Thubelisha were estimated at the time of preparing the closure plan in August 2008. These costs were revised with improved estimates on 29 January 2009. At that stage, the estimated cost of the closure of Thubelisha was given as R 241,5m. This included a combination of actual closure costs, settlement of the deficit in the company and a provision for possible claims from creditors and clients (Provinces). The total known costs of closing Thubelisha is R24,4 m, significantly less than the R130,4 m estimate at 31 December 2009. The actual costs of closing the company have been reduced to R 23, 9 m.

(ii) The cost of closing Servcon totals R 54,205,490.78.

(iii) In terms of the Social Housing Foundation (SHF), closure costs cannot yet be stated since this information is currently not available.

(b)

Thubelisha

The exact breakdown of the costs involved in closing down Thubelisha is as follows:

The actual costs of closing the company have been reduced to R 23,9 M (Reference A)

There are still two amounts relating to VAT from Contractors (R12,8M) and MIG debtors from the City of Cape Town (R40,8) that have not yet been recovered and may have to be written off (Reference B)

Mainly as a result of the release of un required provisions and the recognition of income resulting from project reconciliations, the expected deficit in the company has been reduced from an accumulated loss of R 12,7 M to a surplus of R 53,1 M (Reference C)

This brings the total known costs of closure to R 24,4 M, significantly less than the R130,4 M estimate at 31 December 2008.

A provision for additional claims and contingencies made in December 2008 has been retained amounting to an addition R 111M (reference D), which may or may not be required.

Servcon

The exact breakdown of the costs involved in closing down Servcon are as follows:

· Provision for staff cost from September to March 2010: R16,316,571.16

· Provision for severance expenses : R32,888,919.62

· Consulting expenses, including audit fees, liquidation fee and other related fees : R5,000,000.00

(2) (a)

(i) The basis for this question is uncertain. If the question relates to money owed to service providers the submission is that Thubelisha owes money to service providers and not the other way round. In this regard, Thubelisha is in the process of settling all valid creditors that are outstanding. However, if the question relates to claims and potential write offs, then the outstanding amounts owed by service providers is R53, 6 m. It must be noted however that there are claims and counter claims against major consortia that have worked mainly on the N2 Gateway project that still need to be resolved. The nature of these claims are discussed below (2(b)) in detail.

(ii) Servcon Housing Solutions (Pty) Ltd outstanding amount due from from the clients is R197,324,994.49.

(b)

(i) The names of service providers owing monies to Thubelisha are as follows:

· City of Cape Town for Municipal Infrastructure Grants (MIG) on the N2 project: R40, 8 m

· There are still amounts not yet recovered from service providers for VAT incorrectly paid to them. For this to be recovered, the service provider would in turn claim the amount from SARS and additional input tax. The recovery or not of this amount is thus neutral to Government as a whole. The cost of pursuing these old service providers is likely to be significant with no significant value to Treasury. Recovery efforts are still underway but likelihood of recovery is considered remote for the final amounts: R12, 8 m

· There are claims and counter claims against major consortia that have worked mainly on the N2 Gateway project such as Ibuyile and Sobambisana. With regards to Ibuyile, there is a provision in the books of Thubelisha for R 61m for this claim which is also included in the claim of R 133 million indicated below. Thubelisha believes it has a claim of R 43 million. The Consortium believes it has a claim of an amount of R 133 million. Sobambisana on the other hand has indicated that they would be making counter claims which at header date we have not received as yet.

The names of service providers owing monies to Servcon are as follows:

· Gauteng Department of Human Settlements : R82,550,535.37

· Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements : R14, 420,103.00

· National Department of Public Works : R99,744,288.00

· Others (rent ect.): R610,068.12

(c)

· In relation to the City of Cape Town, Thubelisha is continuing with the recovery of this amount with the assistance of the staff of the Housing Development Agency (HDA). Furthermore, the pursuit of old service providers for VAT incorrectly paid to them is likely to be significant with no great value to the National Treasury. Recovery efforts however, are still underway but likelihood of recovery is considered remote for the final amounts. Both claims are with Thubelisha's attorneys. The entity has received responses from the consortiums and is currently looking at them. Once the entity has completed their reports, this will proceed to arbitration or litigation in the next 14 days.

· With regards to Servcon and the recovery of amounts due to them, the Department will work with Servcon with a view to assist with the recovery of monies due from the provinces.

QUESTION 1499

FOR REPLY

1499. MR A C STEYN (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether his department is taking any steps to offset its carbon footprint; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

1. The Department has complied with the requirements set out by the Department of Energy and has installed energy efficient lighting within the facilities. Furthermore the Department of Public Works has appointed a service provider that will ensure and maintain the lighting within government owned and leased buildings with a view to promoting savings towards carbon footprint.

QUESTION 1500

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1500. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

1. Whether there are any plans to introduce energy saving initiatives in the building of new subsidised homes: if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?
2. Whether there are any plans to introduce policy or legislation to encourage future private homeowners and/or developers to make use of energy saving initiatives in the construction of their homes; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?

REPLY

1. Yes, the National Housing Code contains detailed guidelines to promote environmentally and energy efficient housing in the subsidy sector. The Department of Human Settlements has been working with the NHBRC to cost various measures to enhance the thermal performance of houses in the subsidy market. The most promising and cost effective of these is the installation of a ceiling and the provision of above ceiling insulation. Other measures include plastering of the external walls of the houses, under floor insulation and sealing of windows and doors. The cost implications of introducing energy efficient measures in the subsidy housing market will be considered, once the NHBRC have finalised their research report.

2. Yes, the Department of Energy has instructed the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to develop national standards for energy efficiency in naturally ventilated building. Theses standards will form part of the National Building Regulations and is referred to as the SANS 204 Standard. The Department of Human Settlements participated in the working group process and the draft standards have been published for comments. The standards are currently being refined in terms of the comments received and will then be presented for approval.

QUESTIONS 1387

FRIDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2009

1387. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) (a) What are the (i) names and (ii) qualifications of the persons who formed part of the management team that was sent to assist the Eastern Cape housing department in 2008 and (b) where were they seconded from;

(2) what was the (a) duration of their secondment and (b) description of their individual responsibility within the management team;

(3) what are the details of the (a) progress and (b) skills transferred to date;

(4) (a) what is the total cost to his department of the intervention and (b) how is the cost made up with regard to (i) travelling, (ii) accommodation, (iii) remuneration and (iv) other specified expenses?

REPLY

NAME	QUALIFICATIONS	PERIOD OF ENGAGEMENT
Leshabe Sam Rampedi	B.com (accounting) , Masters in Development studies	April 2008 to date
Thomas Ntshengedzeni Ramovha	B. Tech management services Diploma in Municipality Management	April 2008 to date
Siphumedze Mndze	Msc Dev planning, BA degree, Dipll PR.	July to Nov 2008 Sept 2008 to date
Lorraine S. M. Makola	B. Com Computer Science Dipl. Human Rights	01 May 2008 to date
Thanyani Ramatsea	Professional Engineer. B. Sc (Civil) Eng Masters in Engineering	01 Oct 2008 to date
Rudzani Percy Mamphaga	Professional Engineer. BSc (Civil) Eng. Graduate Diploma in Engineering.	01 Sept 2008 to date
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala	B.sc Quantity Surveyor	01 Sept 2008 to Nov 2009
Sam Johannes Du Preez	Professional engineer. B Sc (civil) Eng	01 June 2009 to date
Sifiso Sibanyoni	B.Sc Eng Civil Hons	01 Sep 2008 to 31 Oct 2008
Tsikadzashe Nemato	Professional Engineer. B.Sc Eng Civil Hons.	01 Nov 2008 to 31 March 2009
William Chitsa	Professional Engineer. B. Sc Eng Civil Hons. MBA	01 Nov 2008 to date
Tsholofelo Diale	B. Sc Eng Civil Hons	01 Sep 2008 to 31 Oct 2008
Ferdinand C. Fester	B. Sc Quantity Surveyor	01 Sept 2008 to 31 Nov 2008
Jan G Fourie	Professional Engineer. B. Sc Eng Civil B. Com LLB Msc. Eng	Nov 2008 to March 2009
Sthembiso Ndlovu	B. Tech In Construction Management Masters in Project Management	01 September 2009
Thabo Wahls Mathibeli	Professional Engineer B. Sc Eng Civil B. SC Maths & Physics MBA	01 July 2009 to date
Thamsamqa Patrick Skele	Professional Engineer Technologist - Civil GCE Civil Eng B. Tech Civil Eng N.H.D. Civil Eng N. Dipl Civil Eng	01 July 2009 to date
Letta Mokgotsi	B.A.	April 2008 to Oct 2008
Bahle Precious Sitaba	BA Environmental and Development	01 Nov 2009 to 31 Jan 2009
David Victor Hatton Hall	Profesional engineer B. Sc Eng Civil Hons MBA Dipl Prof Construction Project Manager	25 Nov 2009 to Feb 2009
Kamlesh Naran Bhana	B Tech: Town planning	01 Sept 2008 to 31 March 2009
Brenda Mvula	Post Graduate Diploma: Project management	01 Nov 2008 to date
Dave Awogu	Masters In Town & Regional Planning Post Grad Dipl In Computer Science B.sc Hons Urban & Regional Planning	01 June 2009 to date
Sindile Bidla	Masters Geo Information Sc A& Earth Observation B.sc Agriculture	01 May 2009 to date
Abraham van der Berg	Professional Land Surveyor Bachelor Degree Land Surveying Masters Town & Regional Planning B.A. Public Admin Hons	June 2009 to date
Calvin Sehlapelo	B. Com Hons Acc & CA B. Comm Acc	July 2009 to date

1(b) The officials were seconded from National and other Provinces. Other officials were sourced from the private sector and were appointed as independent contractors (consultants).

2(a) The duration of secondment is captured above in the last column.

2(b) Mr Rampedi is the team leader of the Eastern Cape Intervention.

Ms Makola is the office manager that ensures necessary arrangements and control of the team.

Mr Ramovha is responsible for the oversight role within the team and monitors progress.

3(a) The province has improved in the overall system of housing delivery in the areas of project management, quality assurance, multi-year planning, financial management and reporting.

3 (b) As part of capacity building the National Department deployed skills

in the areas of strategic management, financial management, engineering, town planning and information management. These professionals have worked closely with the province to ensure that skills are transferred to provincial officials. This has manifested in improved conditional grant expenditure, planning, increased number of units completed, quality management and reporting.

4 R 6.177 million

(b) (i) R1.7 million

(ii) R912 000

(iii) R3.5 million

(iv) Telephones: R30 733

Office equipment: R3 600

Lease payments: R30 806

QUESTION NO. 1385

WRITTEN REPLY

Mr A C Steyn (DA) MP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(a) Who were the managing agents after the completion of the rental units at Phase 1 of the N2 Gateway project;

(b) What are the relevant details of the agreement entered into with the managing agents, including;

(i) the date that the agreement was entered into,

(ii) the duration of the agreement

(iii) details of the

(aa) responsible

(bb) remuneration of the managing agents and;

(c) Who is currently managing the

(i) maintenance and;

(ii) collection of rentals for these units?

REPLY

(a) Thubelisha Homes have a lease agreement with the City of Cape Town (owners of the rental portion of Joe Slovo Phase 1).

(b) (i) The original lease agreement was signed in 2006.

(ii) The lease was for a period of five years, with a 30 year renewable option.

(iii) (aa) Maintenance and rental collection.

(bb) In terms of the lease agreement, no payment is made Thubelisha Homes as it was envisaged they would recoup costs from rental income received. Trafalgar Property Management Services were appointed to maintain a billing service. This service merely records payments made and sends out accounts to the tenants. Trafalgar Property Management are paid an amount of R 8 037.00 monthly for this service.

(c) (i) Currently the maintenance falls under Thubelisha Homes as the as the lease with the City of Cape Town is still in force.

(ii) Currently rental payments which are made by tenants are paid into Thubelisha Homes' bank account.

QUESTION NO: 278

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION:

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether he will review the housing needs, allocations, lists and qualifications of all those who 'applied for RDP houses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

Housing Needs

No. The Government remains committed towards housing assistance to household who cannot independently resolve their own housing needs. The bulk of housing funding allocation is still channelled towards the upgrading of informal settlements as the highest priority.

The Government is, however, in the process to broaden the application scope of the National Housing Programmes as part of the implementation of the mandate contained in the Comprehensive Plan for the Creation of Sustainable Human Settlements, also referred to as the "BNG" policy framework. In this process and to achieve a holistic planning and development orientation a framework for the establishment of a National Housing Demand Database was approved and submitted to the provincial departments.

The main objective of the National Housing Demand Database is to establish a single integrated database from which all housing departments will draw housing need data. The establishment of the actual housing demands per development or region may warrant investigations into the possible enhancement of the definition of the housing needs and such will be subject to the normal policy decision-making process.

Allocations

No. The principles for the allocation of housing opportunities created through the various National Housing Programmes remain the unchanged. Applications are still considered on the basis of first came first served and in terms of compliance with the standard qualification criteria.

Allocations for housing opportunities in informal settlement upgrading projects differ in that the development is planned with and for the specific inhabitants of the relevant area.

The implementation of the National Housing Demand Database will further enhance the allocation process in that developers will be able to establish needs and invite prospective housing subsidy applicants to apply for subsidies where housing opportunities are available from the data base.

Lists

No. It is assumed that this sub-section of the questions relate to so called "waiting lists".

Although the introduction and maintenance of housing demand lists or ~waiting lists" is not prescribed by national policy, all such existing municipal and provincial lists were incorporated, or are in the process of being incorporated, into the National Housing Demand Data Base.

Qualification Criteria

No. The qualification criteria to obtain access to the housing assistance measures instituted by Government are not under review at this moment.

It is important to note that in addition to the general qualification criteria, each National Housing Programme is governed by programme specific criteria, tailored to achieve the goals of the relevant programmes. The current qualification criteria of the various National Housing

Programmes are regarded adequate and effective. However as policy evolves and new programmes are developed that warrant changes to the existing criteria, such will be subject to the normal policy decision-making process before approval and implementation.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 918

FROM MR AC STEYN OF THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE (DA): WRITTEN REPLY

DEPUTY MINISTER

1. PURPOSE

To submit a draft reply in respect of Parliamentary Question no 918 received from Mr. A C Steynof the Democratic Alliance (DA).

2. DETAILS OF THE QUESTION 918.

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

1. Whether his Director-General signed a performance contract with him, if not, why not, if so, when;

2. whether all senior managers in his department signed performance contracts with the Director-General; if not, (a) which senior managers did not sign, (b) for what reason and (c) when will it be done; if so; on which date each senior manager sign a performance contract?

3. REPLY

1. The performance agreement of the Director General is awaiting endorsement by the Minister. This is to be filed with the Public Service Commission on the due date of 31 August 2009.

2. Only 33 of the 63 senior managers have concluded performance agreements with their respective supervisors. The Performance Agreements were concluded before 31 July 2009 as required.

(a) The following senior managers did not conclude the Performance Agreements for the year 2009/10:

1. Kraba KMS

2. Werner L M

3. Damane S F

4. Mngomezulu M

5. Mashabane T

6. Mthembu J T

7. Mbanjwa Z N

8. Thembani N

9. Ramovha T

10. Mirembe J

11. Muthige M

12. Mohale A

13. Mabalane I

14. Mokalapa P

15. Nxumalo S

16. Lelosa M

17. Ngxongo EM

18. Von Broembsen DJ

19. Jolobe LM

20. Bayat J

21. Arendse A

22. Maclean M

23. Jiyana W

24. Minnie J

25. Gaesale RK

26. Kabagambe K

27. Dlabantu M

28. Letsholonyane N

29. Maphisa M

30. Wallis J

(b) The reasons for non compliance vary. In most of the cases, the agreements are signed by one party and are awaiting concurrence by the supervisors. In other instances, there is no reason given.

(c) The Department issued communiqué to senior managers to give them a period of grace until 31 August 2009. This was a final reminder and the necessary correction steps will be taken for non-compliance.

4. RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that you approve the draft reply to written question no. 918, should you concur with the content thereof.

QUESTION: 948

Ms B N Dambuza (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether, with regard to an increased need for urban housing against the demographic trend towards urbanization and the growing scarcity in and increased cost of urban housing, his department is promoting the regulation and protection of sectional title holder, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

The Sectional Titles Act, 1986 (Act No. 95 of 1986) ("the Sectional Titles Act") which regulate the sectional tittles industry is currently administered by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. The Department of Human Settlements is currently in the process of taking over certain provisions from the Sectional Titles Act. However, until this process has been finalized by Parliament, the Department does not have any legislative or Constitutional authority to promote the regulation and protection of sectional title holders since these functions currently still fall within the ambit of the mandate of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform through the Sectional Tittles Regulatory Board established under the Act.

QUESTION 947

Ms B N Dambuza, MP (ANC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether his department has a programme on its own, or in collaboration with other departments, to provide housing for child-headed households; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

No. However, my Department is a process of finalising a new National Programme that will address the housing needs of orphans and vulnerable children. The programme will be finalised in consultation with the Department of Social Development.

The Programme will provide grant funding to registered care-givers to enhance their current houses by adding a room, or rooms as the case may be, to ensure that they provide adequate shelter to the orphans and/or vulnerable children placed under their care. The additional rooms could be attached to existing houses or could be constructed as stand alone units on the stand. It will also be possible to adjust the designs of new dwellings to be constructed as part of approved housing subsidy projects.

In the case of child-headed households living in the houses of their deceased guardians, the proposed Programme will provide similar relief. The difference being that the property will belong to the deceased estate of the guardians and not to the care-givers. Such properties will later be transferred to the children in terms of the law of succession and as instructed by the Master of the Supreme Court.

The Programme is subject to the conditions that care-givers must be legally appointed by the Department of Social Development and orphans and/or vulnerable children must be legally placed under the care of the legally registered care giver through a Court order.

The Department of Social Development will be required to certify the need for additional living space, administer the appointment of care-givers and the Court procedures to place children with care-givers. The said Department will also be required to ensure that the living space so provided, is utilised for the intended purpose.

My Department is in the process to consult the Sector Departments through the Directors-General Social Protection and Community Development Cluster to ensure all aspects of the proposed programme are supported where after the matter will be submitted for final approval.

In terms of planning, the new Programme will be implemented with effect from 1 April 2010.

QUESTION NO. 929

QUESTION

Dr CP Mulder (FF Plus), to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) With regard to each financial year since 2004 until the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) how many (i) developers and (ii) construction firms in (aa) each province and (bb) countrywide were responsible for the construction of Government housing projects and (b) what amounts for each of the projects has the Government paid out to each of the (i) developers and (ii) construction firms;

(2) whether the Government has used any of the (a) developers and (b) construction firms more than once; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) which (aa) construction firms and (bb) developers were used for which projects and (ii) how much were they paid for each project;

(3) how many of the (a) developers and (b) construction firms (i) experienced financial problems or (ii) were declared insolvent prior to the completion of the Government housing projects;

(4) how many of the (a) developers and (b) construction firms who erected Government housing projects were involved in corruption and fraud in respect of the Government projects?

REPLY:

1 (a) Number of developers and construction firms.

(i) (aa)

Number of developers in each province

PROVINCE	Number of Developers
EASTERN CAPE	133
FREE STATE	206
GAUTENG	108
KWAZULU NATAL	111
LIMPOPO	209
MPUMALANGA	77
NORTHERN CAPE	47
NORTH WEST	90
WESTERN CAPE	143
TOTAL	1124

(i) (bb)

The number of developers country wide is 1124

(ii) (aa)

Number of Construction firms (Contractorsl Builders) in each province

PROVINCE	Number of Developers
EASTERN CAPE	8
FREE STATE	109
GAUTENG
KWAZULU NATAL	5
LIMPOPO	7
MPUMALANGA
NORTHERN CAPE	70
NORTH WEST	1
WESTERN CAPE	2
TOTAL	202

Gauteng and Mpumalanga have classified construction firms and municipalities in the Housing Subsidy System (HSS) data as developers.

(ii) (bb)

There are 202 construction firms country wide.

(b) The amounts paid by government for each project in respect of:

(i) Developers, refer to list A and D - Projects and payments

(ii) Construction firms, refer to list Band C - Projects and payment

2 (a) Yes, Government has used developers and

(b) Yes, Construction firms

(i) (aa) Lists Band C contain Construction firms used for each housing project: .

(bb) Lists A and D contain Developers used for each housing project

(ii) (aa) Amounts paid to construction firms for each housing project are as listed in lists Band C.

(bb) Amounts paid to developers for each housing project are contained in lists A and D.

3 (a) (i) As the Information Systems at the disposal of the Department does not incorporate information relating to the financial status of developers and construction firms, this information had to be requested from Provincial Human Settlements Departments who at this stage only two have indicated as follows:

Gauteng

Northern Cape: 11 contractors have experienced financial problems and did not complete the projects.

Further information regarding the other province will be provided as soon as it is received in full

(ii) The information regarding insolvency and liquidation of construction and development companies is not kept by the Department, therefore no information is available in this regard.

None

(b) (i) and (ii)

Information Systems at the disposal of the Department does not incorporate information relating to the financial status of developers and contraction firms. The Information was requested from Provincial Departments and they have not been able to provide such details.

4 (a) and (b) There were 289 developers and construction firms who were allegedly involved in corruption and fraud in respect of the Government projects.

QUESTION NUMBER 1163

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

Whether his department uses temporary employment services and/or labour brokers; if so, (a) why, (b) how many positions have been filled by temporary employment services in the (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08 and (iii) 2008-09 financial years, (c) what percentage of the total staff complement did temporary employment services contribute in each of these years and (d) how much money has been spent on temporary employment services in each year?

REPLY

Yes. The Department utilises the services of employment agencies in the acquisition of temporary workers.

(a) The Department makes use of agencies for the appointment of staff on a short term or temporary basis.

The Department also utilises temporary staff to fill positions while the recruitment for permanent staff is in progress. This ensures that service delivery on critical functions is not hampered while the recruitment process is in progress.

(b) (i) 1

(ii) 9

(iii) 15

(c) 2006/07 = 0.2% (419 posts)

2007/08 = 2.1% (419 posts)

2008/09 = 3.2% (457 posts)

(d) 2006/07 = R131 700

2007/08 = R757 855

2008/09 = R1 203 420

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 383

FROM MR AC STEYN OF THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE (DA): WRITTEN REPLY

TO: THE MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

1. Purpose

To submit a draft reply in respect of Parliamentary Question no 383, received from Mr. A C Steyn of the Democratic Alliance (DA).

2. Background

The Minister has received a Parliamentary Question (attached below) from a Member of Parliament. Mr. A C Steyn of the DA who enquires on the following issue/s:

Whether a function was held by his department to celebrate his appointment as minister; if so,

(1) (a) How much did the function cost?

(b) What is the breakdown of the cost?

(c) How many guests attended the function?

(2) Whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests: if so,

(a) What were the costs? And

(b) What was the breakdown of these costs?

3. Discussion

The Department of Human Settlement did not hold any function to celebrate the appointment of the Minister and Deputy Ministers. Instead, an internal introductory meeting of the Minister and Deputy Minister to staff was held.

The introduction meeting of the Ministers cost the Department 1 (a) R25 433.40; (b) see (4) below; and (c) the staff complement of the Department of Human Settlement.

For question 2 (a) & (b), please refer to (4) below.

4. Financial implications

The introduction of Ministers to staff was done a minimal cost of R25433.40 for the hiring of chairs, decor and public sound address system.

5. Recommendation

It is recommended that the attached draft reply to Parliamentary Question 383 be noted and approved should you concur with the contents thereof.

Recommended/Not recommended

DR. CLARENCE TSHITEREKE

ACTING CHIEF DIRECTOR: COMMUNCATION SERVICES

DATE:

Supported/Not Supported

MR. NYAMEKO MBENGO

CHIEF DIRECTOR: FINANCIAL SERVICES DATE:

Supported/Not Supported

MR. MZIWONKE DLABANTU

DEPUTY DIRECTOR.(GENERAL: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DATE:

Approved/ Not Approved

MR. ITUMELENG KOTSOANE

DIRECTOR GENERAL: HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

DATE:

MR. MG SEXWALE

MINISTER: HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

DATE:

QUESTION NO: 1719

QUESTION

Mr A M Figlan (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) What amount was spent by his department on (a) hotel accommodation, (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs (i) in the 2008-09 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, for (aa) him, (bb) his deputy minister, (cc) specified officials of his department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

(2) Why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case?

REPLY:

1(i) The amount spent by the Department of Human Settlements for the financial year 2008/09 is as follows:

(a) Hotel accommodation is R19, 989, 296.17.

(b) Restaurant expenses are R372, 729.06.

(c) Travel costs are R38, 662, 281.64.

(ii) The amount spent by the Department of Human Settlements for the current financial year up to 20 October 2009 is as follows:

(aa) The former Minister and current Minister have spent R1, 310, 972.05 for hotel accommodation, R9,999.10 for restaurant expenses and R 2, 172, 125.98 on travel costs.

(bb) The Deputy Minister has spent R199, 994.55 for hotel accommodation, R0, 00. for restaurant expenses and R479, 467.16 for travel costs

(cc) The Director General has spent R655, 980. 52 for hotel accommodation, R29, 482.93 for restaurant expenses and R1, 084 372.37

(dd) The Deputy Director General's have spent R662, 650.29 for hotel accommodation, R7, 321.43 for restaurant expenses and R879,513.67 for travel costs.

2. The Minister and the Deputy Minister used the specified accommodation when attending Ministerial duties while each specified individuals have used the specified accommodation in the execution of their duties.

QUESTION NO. 1212

QUESTION

Mr B Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister the Minister of Human Settlements:

1. Whether, on appointment to office, the department purchased a new vehicle for the Deputy Minister, or did the Deputy Minister inherent an existing vehicle; if a new vehicle was purchased, (a) what make and model was that vehicle,(c) how much did the vehicle cost, (b) (i) what extras, above and beyond the vehicle's purchase price, were bought with the vehicle and (ii) at what cost and (d) what was the motivation for the purchase; if a new vehicle was not purchased (a) what was the make and model of the car inherited by the Deputy Minister and(b) how old is the vehicle?

REPLY:

The Deputy Minister inherited extsting vehicles: Audi A8 of 2006 and Mercedes Benz E-300 of 2007, used for Pretoria and Cape Town respectively.

The Audi A8 is due for disposal and a new BMW was ordered as a replacement vehicle. The particulars of the vehicle ordered are as follows;

(a) a BMW 530d of 2009.

(b) the price of the vehicle is R 576 444.14 VAT. Inclusive.

(c) (i) no extras above and beyond the vehicle's purchase price were bought with the vehicle.

(ii) no cost for the extras as the vehicle was bought without extras.

QUESTION 877

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 AUGUST 2009; INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY NO. 10-2009

Ms A.T. Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

a) Whether, with reference to the need to conserve scarce water resources, an assessment of the ability of municipalities to supply treated water and waterborne sewerage systems to the population they serve on a sustainable basis is carried out before any new housing development is approved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

b) whether, in instances where a municipality is unable to provide sustainable water and wastewater services to the population it serves, houses provided by the Government will, in future, be provided with rainwater collection systems, including guttering, the necessary pipes and storage tans; if not, (a) why not and (b) what alternative water supply facilities will be provided; if so, what are the relevant details;

c) whether, in instances where a municipality is unable to provide long-terms sustainable waterborne sewerage facilities to the population it serves, new housing developments will be provided with alternative ablution facilities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

a) It is a prerequisite of the National Housing Programme that the approval of so-called "Greenfield" housing development projects are subject to the confirmation by the applicable services providers that the services [and amenities] planned for the residential development are sustainable and feasible and that it will be able to provide the required services on a sustainable basis. Therefore, in circumstances where developers are not able to provide the required services, the Members of the Executive Councils responsible for Human Settlements will not approve the project and/or township applications.

b) Effective and efficient resource-use is an issue wholly endorsed, not only by the Department, but by government as a whole. It should, however, be borne in mind that the limited fiscus coupled with the ever-increasing demand for shelter, demands that there be prioritization insofar as funding is concerned. While this does not negate the need to think creatively around the application of funding allocations set aside for shelter provision, it should be remembered that shelter provision – as set out in the Housing Act – is an incremental programme; more specifically, this allows for the provision of basic shelter which can be improved upon over time.

Where feasible and practicable, project developers may consider alternative water provision and sanitation systems, on condition that such alternative solutions are sustainable for the future, is acceptable to the community and complies with environmental sustainability requirements for the said areas.

c) The Ministerial National Norms and Standards in respect of Permanent Residential Structures that directs minimum standards for the housing subsidy programme, already provides for the use of alternative sanitation systems on condition that these sanitation systems are acceptable to the community, are environmentally acceptable and can be sustained. The nature of the alternative systems that might be considered will be determined at project level and will be directed by environmental considerations, geotechnical conditions, etc.

The deployment of such alternative systems is not necessarily linked to the capacity of the municipality to provide the required services. Alternative sanitation systems have become necessary to ensure that the country complies with the urgent need for environmental sustainable development, especially in regions where water is scarce commodity.

QUESTION NO: 1965

QUESTION

1965. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) Whether (a) he, (b) his deputy minister, (c) any specified officials and (d) any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card; if so, what are the relevant details for him, his deputy minister and each holder of a credit card in respect of the (i) name, (ii) job title, (iii) credit limit, (iv) outstanding amount as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (v) monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit card, (vi) reason for such persons being issued with a credit card and (vii) uses that such a credit card is intended for.

(2) whether any such credit cards are over their credit limit; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit cards exceeding the limit;

(3) whether any action has been taken against such persons for exceeding their credit card limits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

1(a) The former Minister of Housing was issued with a government credit card, the current Minister of Human Settlements has not been issued with a government credit card.

(b) The Deputy Minister was issued with a government credit card.

(c) The Director General was issued with a government credit card.

(d) No other persons have been issued with a government credit card.

RELEVANT DETAILS

(i) Name	(ii) Job title	(iii) Credit Limit	(iv)Outstanding amount on 29/09/2009
Ms ZA Kota-Fredericks	Deputy Minister	R20,000.00	R14, 634. 47
Mr IW Kotsoane	Director General	R10,000.00	R10, 570.35

In addition to the above there is a total corporate limit of R50, 000.00 which should not be exceeded in a month. In this way where an individual card credit limit is reached special approval is given to exceed the individual limit on condition that the corporate limit is not exceeded. This is to avoid embarrassing circumstances, situations which may compromise security as well as during foreign trips.

(v) Monthly expenses since receiving the card:

Ms Z A Kota-Fredericks Deputy Minister

July 2009	R 319.98
August 2009	R1,037.60
September 2009	R14,634.47

Mr I W Kotsoane Director General Issued May 2006

May 2006	R 216.69
June 2006	R8,261.48
July 2006	R3,534.65
August 2006	R2,351.05
September 2006	R3,084.29
October 2006	R5,626.34
November 2006	R3,400.25
December 2006	R7,170.63
January 2007	R 751.63
February 2007	R2,182.95
March 2007	R1,593.28
April 2007	R7,720.09
May 2007	R1,942.70
June 2007	R4,881.20
July 2007	R3,291.00
August 2007	R 388.68
September 2007	R6,048.57
October 2007	R4,609.79
November 2007	R 978.00
December 2007	R10,004.56
January 2008	R0.00
February 2008	R2,946.60
March 2008	R7,060.04
April 2008	R 337.00
May 2008	R3,519.25
June 2008	R1,950.00
July 2008	R5,307.74
August 2008	R4,469.85
September 2008	R11,477.20
October 2008	R2,250.59
November 2008	R6,152.50
December 2008	R8,475.80
January 2009	R10,082.50
February 2009	R15,749.60
March 2009	R2,318.20
April 2009	R5,937.00
May 2009	R8,549.00
June 2009	R9,285.15
July 2009	R6,451.91
August 2009	R6,760.27
September 2009	R10,570.35

(vi) A Corporate credit card was issued to these officials for official purposes and with the approval of the Director-General in terms of the Cabinet decision on the 4th of November 1998.

(vii) Official domestic and overseas transport;

Official domestic and overseas accommodation;

Official domestic and overseas telephone expenditure;

International cellular phone rental expenditure;

International conference and registration fees;

Parking fees;

Tollgate fees;

Domestic and overseas subsistence; and

Official personal entertainment

2. (a)The Director General's credit card has exceeded the individual credit

card limit although the corporate limit has not been exceeded

(b) The Director General had to use the credit card to pay for a special

meeting he had with the provincial Heads of Departments.

3. The Director General has arranged to settle the amount.

QUESTION NO. 2122

QUESTION

Dr LL Bosman (DA), to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

(1) Whether his department has a record of the (a) number and (b) details of the beneficiaries that have benefited from the Farm Worker and Occupier Housing Assistance programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2790E

REPLY:

1 (a) Yes, 1 119 beneficiaries have benefited from Farm Worker related housing assistance.

(b) The details of the beneficiaries are available and can be obtained from Mr. Johan Minnie on the telephone number 012 421 1778 within our Department.

QUESTION NO: 573

PARLAMENTARY QUESTION NO NW637E: INCIDENCE OF BLOCKED PROJECTS AND PROGRESS MADE IN UNBLOCKING THEM

REFERENCE: BP/PQ/NW637E

MINISTER

1. PURPOSE

To obtain approval of the draft reply to parliamentary question NW637E

2. DETAILS OF THE QUESTION

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

1. Whether any housing projects have been blocked in each province during each of the past five (5) years up to the latest specified date for which information is available.

If so:

(a) how many government housing projects were blocked; and. (b) for each project that has been blocked:

(i) where is situated?

(ii) when was it blocked?

(iii) why was it blocked?

(iv) how much was spent on the project?

2. Whether these projects are still blocked?

If so, why?

If not:

(a) when was the project; and,

(b) when was or will it be completed?

3. Discussion

The relevant question was received by the Department on Monday, 13 July 2009. The information required to provide Mr Steyn with a comprehensive reply is not readily available in the Department and needs to be obtained from and verified by Provinces.

The question also requires sourcing additional historical information from the Provincial Human Settlement Departments which is no longer contained in the Housing Subsidy System (HSS), such as the following:

• Identification of projects that have been blocked during the past five years, but have since been unblocked;
• to establish the various reasons for the blockages; and,
• to establish the dates on which the projects were unblocked, and have since been completed or are projected to be completed.

4. RECOMMENDATION

In view of the above it is recommended that Hon. Steyn be provided with a comprehensive reply once all the information has been obtained from the Provinces, and that an interim reply be provided as follows:

The information required to provide Mr Steyn with a comprehensive reply is not readily available in the Department and needs to be obtained from and verified by Provinces. A detailed response will be tabled once all the required information has been obtained and verified with the nine Provincial Human Settlement Departments.

QUESTION NO.: 110

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

(1) What is the current status of (a) Servcon, (b) Thubelisha and (c) the proposed Housing Development Agency;

(2) whether her department has set any timelines with regard to the proposed Housing Development Agency; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. (a) Servcon: The Closure Plan of Servcon has been approved. As such the business of Servcon is currently being wound up. The Department has constituted a Steering Committee comprising of officials from the National Departments of Housing, Public Service & Administration and National Treasury to facilitate the closure process in consultation with the Board. The Steering Committee meets regularly to assess progress and report to the Board. All business pertaining to the Service Level Agreements with Provincial Housing Departments will be finalised before final closure of the entity.

(b) Thubelisha: The Closure Plan of Thubelisha has been approved. As such the business of Thubelisha is currently being wound up. The Department has constituted a Steering Committee comprising of officials from the National Departments of Housing, Public Service & Administration and National Treasury to facilitate the closure process in consultation with the Board. The Steering Committee meets regularly to assess progress and report to the Board.

(c) HDA: The HDA Board was constituted in February 2009 and the positions of the CEO and CFO were also filled in February 2009.

2. Yes there are set timelines. All deliverables, as set out in the project implementation plan, have been achieved within and earlier than the set timeframe.

ANNEXURE A: HDA ESTABLSIHMENT PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:

Item Description	Deliverable	Indicator	Time	Achieved
Business Case	Finalise the preparation of the Business case and the consultative processes with key stakeholders	Business Case prepared and approved	February 2008	Done
Approval of the Housing Development Agency Bill	Seek approval of the Housing Development Agency Bill	Housing Development Agency Bill approved	March 2008	Done
Briefing of the Portfolio Committee on Bill and Business Case	Brief the Portfolio Committee on Bill and Business Case and Obtain approval for Business Case	Portfolio Committee briefed of the Business Case and Bill	April 2008	Done
Submitting the Bill and Business Case to Cabinet	Submit Bill and Business Case to Cabinet - Draft SPV Bill OR Revised Housing Amendment Bill; - A Bill which creates a new entity; and - The Publication of the Bill prior to its introduction in Parliament	Bill submitted to Cabinet	July 2008	Done
Publication of the Bill in the Gazette	Bill published in Gazette for comment (A minimum of 30 days must be allowed for public comment. Engage DPLG regarding the Municipal Systems Act consultation processes).	Bill published in the Gazette	September 2008	Done
Resubmission of the Bill to Minister and Cabinet	Resubmit revised Bill to Minister and Cabinet for Approval	Bill resubmitted to Minister and Cabinet for approval	October 2008	Done
State Law Advisors	Refer Bill to Sate Law Advisors for Certification (6 weeks allowed for State Law Advisors)	Bill referred to State Law Advisors	October 2008	Done
Translation of the Bill	Bill returned to Department and submitted for translation	Translated Bill returned to the Department	November 2008	Done
Rule 159/241 Notice	Rule 159/241 Notice published in the Gazette	Rule 159/241 Notice published in the gazette	November 2008	Done
National Assembly and Chair of the NCOP	Bill and Copy of Notice to Speaker of National Assembly (NA) and Chair of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)	Bill and Copy of Notice submitted to the Speaker of National Assembly and Chair of the NCOP	November 2008	Done
Bill introduced to parliament	Introduction of the Bill to Parliament Bill introduced in Parliament	Bill introduced to Parliament	November 2008	Done
Printing of the Bill	Bill printed and tagged	Bill printed and tagged	November 2008	Done
Portfolio Committee Briefing	Brief Portfolio Committee	Portfolio Committee briefed	November 2008	Done
Passing of the Bill by National Assembly	Deliberation and passing of Bill by NA	Bill deliberated and passed by the NA	January 2009	Done
NCOP and Select Committee Briefing	Bill to NCOP and briefing of Select Committee	Bill submitted to NCOP and Select Committee briefed	February 2009	Done
Declaration and passing of the Bill by the NCOP	Declaration and passing of Bill by NCOP	Bill declared and passed by the NCOP	February 2009	Done
Approval and promulgation of the Act	Bill signed by President and promulgated	Signed and Approved Bill	February 2009	Done
Establishment of the Legal Entity	Establish Legal Entity	Legal Entity established	March 2009	Done
Criteria and advertising for Board Nominations	Develop criteria & Advertise for Board nomination	Criteria for Board Nominations developed	February 2009	Done
Criteria and Advertising for CEO position	Develop Criteria & Advertise for CEO appointment by the Board	Criteria for CEO appointment developed	February 2009	Done
Criteria and Advertising for CFO position	Develop Criteria & Advertise for CFO appointment by the Board	Criteria for CFO appointment developed	February 2009	Done

QUESTION NO 86

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

(1) Whether her department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

(2) whether advertising from her department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

Communications is part of the responsibility of delivery. The Department of Housing's communication campaign has been on-going and is independent of election process. As such, it will continue in each financial year as the need to educate the public about the criteria for benefiting from the national housing programme and options available for beneficiaries will surely exist beyond the elections.

QUESTION 1732

Question 1732: Mr E W Trent (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

• 1. In respect of each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) how many houses have been built with funds allocated in terms of the capital subsidy grant scheme in the municipalities of (i) Makana

QUESTION 1732

Question 1732: Mr E W Trent (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

• • 1. In respect of each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) how many houses have been built with funds allocated in terms of the capital subsidy grant scheme in the municipalities of (i) Makana and (ii) Vollanlie and (b) what is the current backlog in housing delivery in each case:
    2. Whether a survey has been conducted to establish the number of defective houses that have been built; if not, why not, if so, how many houses were found to be defective;

3. Whether her department will repair the defective houses; if not, why not; if so,

4. Whether she will take any action against the responsible contractors; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

The information will be provided to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available.

QUESTION NO.: 1705

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

1. In respect of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 annual rep

QUESTION NO.: 1705

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

1. In respect of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 annual reports of her Department and the annual reports of each statutory and other entities reporting to her,

(a) what was the (i) budgeted cost, (ii) actual cost and (iii) unit cost of each annual report;

(b) how many copies of each were (i) produced and (ii) distributed?

Reply:

The information will be provided to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available.

QUESTION No. 30

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

Whether her department commissioned a certain television show (name and details furnished); if not, who commissioned this show; if so, (a) what is the purpose of commissioning the show, (b) how much (i) is each television channel paid for broadcasting the series and (ii) has been (aa) budgeted and (bb) spent on this show, (c) from which budget was this amount allocated and (d) what is the running period of the show?

Reply

In view of the fact that the Honourable Member lodged an official complaint with the Public Protector on this matter, I am unable to provide him with the information until the investigation is completed.

It must be pointed out for the record that the programme has been running for the last 18 months. It is interesting that the conscientious member is only now complaining about it.