Question NW385 to the Minister of Higher Education and Training
16 March 2017 - NW385
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1) Whether the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA) incurred a cost of R41 775,42 for the rental of a vehicle on behalf of its board chairperson for the period 18 to 22 October 2016; if so, (a) what was the purpose, (b) what are the (i) names and (ii) positions of individuals who were transported, (c) what are the names of the places that were visited during each specified trip and (d) what was the reason for using a luxury 4x4 vehicle; (2) (a) what is the detailed breakdown of all costs incurred on the specified trip, (b) how were the costs paid for and (c) which board members and staff qualify for assistance of this nature; (3) Whether the costs incurred were in line with the official travel policy of AgriSETA; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) by whom was the policy adopted; (4) Whether any person has been held accountable for the costs incurred; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes.
According to the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA):
(a) “The purpose of the trip was to meet the former Chairperson, Professor Mayende, to finalise the hand-over process following his resignation as the Chairperson of the AgriSETA Board to take up the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for the University of Fort Hare. During this trip, the acting Chairperson scheduled a meeting with the former Member of Executive Council of Agriculture in the Free State, Ms M Qabathe, and the Head of Communications at Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Mr Q Khedama, regarding partnerships with AgriSETA.
(b) Names and positions of people transported
|
(i) Name |
(ii) Position |
|
Mr Thami ka Plaatjie |
Acting Chairperson of the Board |
(c) The following places were visited:
- Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality; and
- University of Fort Hare campus in East London.
(d) The acting Chairperson had to attend a meeting in Bloemfontein (Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality) which was followed by a meeting in East London (University of Fort Hare) the next day. As flights could not be found on the specified meeting dates, a decision was taken to use road transport.
2. Based on the information submitted by the SETA, the detailed breakdown of the cost incurred per trip is as follows:
(a) R38 290.30 was incurred for car hire and R3 300.12 for hotel accommodation at the Blue Lagoon Hotel in East London and Protea Hotel in Bloemfontein.
(b) Travel with Flair was appointed by AgriSETA to manage its travel bookings.
(c) Only board members are entitled to use this category of vehicles.”
3. The AgriSETA Policy is silent on this matter.
4. No official has been held accountable, however, the Department is still investigating the matter in terms of the relevant prescripts of the Skills Development Act, No. 97 of 1998 (as amended).
COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:
EXT:
MR GF QONDE
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
QUESTION 385 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
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DATE: