Reply:

The SANDF is not aware of any Military Shop in Pretoria that sells military medals. The SANDF remains the custodian of all the South African military medals.

 

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

This matter is currently the subject of litigation between the Department and the company concerned and as such any comments at this stage are likely to prejudice the Department’s case.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

1. Yes
2. (a)(i) The process underway has been initiated by Armscor to test the market for information through the issuance of RFI (Request for Information).

At this stage Armscor has only done the RFI (Request for Information), depending on the findings from the RFI, the process can stop or be moved to the next step which will be a request for Offer (RFO).

(ii) Same as previous answer.

(b)(i) There is no specific amount allocated to the project, the request for information will assist in terms of the budget.

(ii) As above.

(c) This will dependent on whether we go ahead with the project in the first place. So far no such decision has been made.

3. The outcome of the findings will provide guidance on the way forward.

4. No statement will be made

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 07 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

The information can be processed through the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans in the new year, as the beneficiaries names are considered confidential.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

Due to the voluminous nature of the information requested, I would recommend that the member approaches the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and request to have this information tabled in a meeting of the Portfolio Committee in one of their sessions in 2016.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

Due to the voluminous nature of the information requested, I would recommend that the member approaches the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and request to have this information tabled in a meeting of the Portfolio Committee in one of their sessions in 2016

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

Due to the voluminous nature of the information requested, I would recommend that the member approaches the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and request to have this information tabled in a meeting of the Portfolio Committee in one of their sessions in 2016

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

The information can be processed through the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans in the new year, as the beneficiaries names are considered confidential.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

The integration process under the Termination of Integration Intake Act of 2001 terminated on 31 March 2002.

Reply:

(1) I cannot reply to the question as the information asked is by nature sensitive as it pertains to the movement of the State President. I will provide the information in a closed briefing of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence when it is duly convened.

Reply:

(1) I cannot reply to the question as the information asked is by nature sensitive as it pertains to the movement of the Deputy President. I will provide the information in a closed briefing of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence when it is duly convened.

Reply:

(1) Nothing procured yet but processes are in place for additional VVIP aircraft procurement.

(2) No

Reply:

The SAAF does not target any specific institution but people who have an interest in aviation.

Reply:

 

1. A contract for the provision of professional and technical services was signed on 18 August 2014 and runs until March 2016. It must be categorically stated that this is not a contract for “certain trades or professions to find work in South Africa”, but is a skills exchange programme over a specific time period.
2. The agreement identifies three areas of professional and technical services involving 93 Cuban specialists. Transport: 57 members working on maintenance, repair and preservation of military vehicles; Airforce: 18 engineers responsible for technical assistance on systems of combat aircrafts, transport aircrafts and helicopters; Military health services: 7 specialists advising on the improvement of military medical professional training.
3. It was not necessary to undergo such verification given that these contracts are focused on skills exchange and not employment.

I will not make a statement on the matter.

Reply:

 

1. Yes

(a)(i) and (ii) 93 Cuban nationals form part of a skills exchange programme not a contract of employment

(b) and (c) Transport: 57 members working on maintenance, repair and preservation of military vehicles; Airforce: 18 engineers responsible for technical assistance on systems of combat aircrafts, transport aircrafts and helicopters; Military health services: 7 specialists advising on the improvement of military medical professional training.

(d) This is not a contract of employment but an exchange of professional and technical skills.

(e) For the 2015/16 financial year a total of R150 million has been budgeted for this contract.

Reply:

 

1. Armscor is not aware of an indemnity provided to Denel by Government. The contract between Armscor and Airbus was cancelled and Airbus duly refunded Armscor its advanced payments accordingly and therefore no obligations on the part of Armscor arose as a consequence of the cancellation. Armscor is not aware of Denel and Government’s obligations.
2. Armscor is not aware of the claims made by Denel and the amount paid for the claims. The query should be referred to Denel.
3. Armscor is not aware of whether an oversight has taken place in respect to Denel’s claims. The question should be referred to Denel.

Reply:

Power outages at Camden Military Base experienced during the month of August have not been in line with load shedding. The power outages at Camden Military Base are attributed to the following: a) electrical copper cable theft and b) illegal electricity connections.

Reply:

1. (a) Pension, military pension, leave credits, Group Life Insurance Scheme; Injury on Duty (Rule 15)

(b)Pension, military pension, leave credits, injury on duty (Rule 15)

2. (a) Pension benefit: paid to the Master of the High Court and beneficiaries in June 2012 (details of payment not kept by DOD).

(b) Military pension – spouse is receiving it since November 2011

(c) Leave credits – set off against member’s outstanding departmental debt

(d) Group life insurance scheme – benefit paid on 12 January 2012

(e) Injury on duty – monthly amount paid since July 2014 as well as gratuity to spouse

(3) (a) Pension benefit: Pension benefit paid in various installments over the period October 2009 and August 2011. Gratuity and monthly pension payable.

(b) Military pension – being paid to beneficiaries since September 2009

(c) Leave credits - set off against member’s outstanding departmental debt

(d) Injury on duty – Spouse was paid gratuity and is receiving monthly pension since November 2014

Reply:

As of 1 October 2015 I have appointed a turnaround team at the Department of Military Veterans to focus on all the short comings of this Department and amongst others they will focus on the cleaning up of the database through verification.

Reply:

As of 1 October 2015 I have appointed a turnaround team at the Department of Military Veterans to focus on all the short comings of this Department and amongst others they will focus on the cleaning up of the database through verification. At present those military veterans who have been verified receive benefits and as the database is cleaned up more veterans will enjoy these benefits.

Reply:

The three indicators were removed during the 2015/16 financial year in response to guidance received from DPME and the Framework for Strategic Planning and Annual Performance Plans of the Department, in an effort for the Department to create performance indicators that are aligned to the national outcomes and reflect value for money.

Reply:

This disciplinary case has been finalized and the employee has been dismissed following the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.

Reply:

(a)(i) Due to avionic obsolesce and interior degradation due to age.

(ii) Full avionic refurbishment and interior refurbishment.

(iii) Avionic refurbishment was R10.2 million and the interior refurbishment was R381000.

b) (i) Never before

(ii) No future refurbishment is planned.

Reply:

This matter is the subject of ongoing litigation at present and therefore I will not make a statement on the matter at this stage.

Reply:

Stolen over the period 2013/14: 5 weapons

Lost over the period 2013/14: 3 weapons

Stolen over the period 2014/15: 8 weapons

Lost over the period 2014/15: 2 weapons

Total of 18 weapons were reported to Military Police Division:

(i) 8 x Z88 9 mm pistol

(ii) 1 x Star 9mm pistol

(iii) 1 x Baretta 9 mm pistol

(iv) 2 x 303 hunting rifle

(v) 6 x R4 rifles

(2) Ammunition lost or stolen over period 2013/14: 32 956 rounds

Ammunition lost or stolen over period 2014/15: 19 rounds

Types of ammunition: 9 mm sharp point; 5.56 mm and R4 rifle ammunition

(3) 12 people have been charged

(i) 1 x 9mm Z88 pistol stolen from Northern Military Police Region Head Quarters Duty room on 23/11/14.

• Weapon was recovered by Special Investigation Branch two weeks after it was stolen. Suspect was arrested and charged and sentenced to five years imprisonment.

(ii) 1 x 9mm Z88 pistol with 30 rounds of ammunition was stolen on 28/08/13:

• Suspect was charged and disciplinary action instituted. Outcome of criminal prosecution still awaited.

(iii) 1 x Z88 9 mm pistol lost on 16/12/13

• Military Police investigating the case

(iv) 1 x R4 rifle without ammunition was stolen on 08/11/13

• Weapon was recovered but the docket is still at LEGSATO for a decision

(v) 3 x R4 rifles, 1 x 9mm Star pistol and 1 x 9 mm Z88 pistol without ammunition was stolen on 11/06/14

• The case is at LEGSATO for a decision

(vi) 1 x R4 rifle lost on 31/5/14

• Suspect was found guilty and sentenced by Court of Military Judge

(vii) 2 x 3030 rifles were stolen on 11/01/14

• The docket is still under investigation and the member was declared unfit to possess a firearm

(viii) 1 x 9mm Z88 pistol was lost on 26/07/13

• Suspect found guilty and sentenced to R1500 fine and 180 days detention suspended for 3 years

(ix) 5 x 9mm rounds of ammunition was stolen and found on 30/10/14

• Suspect has already been charged and case is proceeding to trial

(x) 1 x Baretta pistol lost on 16/9/13

• Case still under investigation

(xi) 32400 x R4 sharp point ammunition stolen on 13/04/13

• 5 suspects arrested and the trial is ongoing in Lenasia Magistrate Court

(xii) 3 x 9mm Z88 pistols without ammunition stolen on 18/07/14

• Case is still under investigation

(xiii) 1 x R4 rifle lost on 23/01/15

• Case is still under investigation

(xiv) 556 x 45 mm blank ammunition stolen on 01/03/14

• Case docket sent to LEGSATO for a decision

(xv) 14 x cartridges box LMG belt links, Bomb stand attachments and bay stripping spring bellets stolen on 12/02/15

• Suspects have been charged and case still under investigation

Reply:

Integration has long been closed.

Reply:

1 (a) Co-operatives Training Programme and Skills Development Training Programme determined by the needs of individual military veteran.

(b) Co-operatives Training Programme - Both accredited by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) provided by accredited training providers from the Agency.

(c) Co-operatives Training Programme - Three hundred and sixty eight (368)

Skills development - 698

(d) None at the moment for Co-operatives Training Programme

Skills Development - Public and private institution and the maximum cost permitted to pay per student is R40 000.00

2. An audit was conducted on the type of businesses that military veterans own, what they would like to start and the support required to start and grow their businesses.

In terms of Skills Development no audit has been conducted because of the following reason; each military veteran advice the department on their areas which they need intervention on.

3. (a) and (b)

During the DMV roadshows, Military Veterans who attended the sessions in all Provinces were captured on attendance registers, questionnaires were distributed according to Military Veteran’s interest and a survey was conducted. The Military Veterans who showed interest in forming co-operatives were invited for this programme. The second group of Military Veterans was the ones who completed the “Aspiring” questionnaire and indicated interest in starting any form of business. The third group that was approached were the Military Veterans with informal businesses (Informal traders) and the last group was the ones with registered businesses but have not started operating and did not know how to get their businesses off the ground. A phoning exercise was embarked upon to establish whether the above-mentioned groups would like to form co-operatives. All these groups were then combined together to benefit in the Co-operatives Training Programme.

Not applicable to Skills Development.

Reply:

Members of the Appeals Board have been appointed on a part-time basis, as of 1 June 2015, for a period of five years.

Members of the Appeal Board not in the full-time service of the State shall receive remuneration in accordance with the scales provided for in Category B1of the Service Benefit Packages for Office-bearers of certain statutory and other institutions.

The Appeal Board is composed of five members and they are Mr. M. Msimang, who is the chairperson; Adv. C.O. Morolo; Mr. F. Hartzenberg; Adv. Fhedzisani and Ms Mkwanazi.

Reply:

 

1. Members of the Advisory Council have been appointed as of 1 October 2015 for a period of five years.
2. The functions of the Council are set out in section 10 of the Military Veterans Act, 2011. Members of the Council serve part time and those not in the full time employment of the State receive an hourly remuneration rate set by National Treasury for Boards.
3. and (4)

Name	Current Occupation
Mr Andile Apleni	Mkmva
Mr Kabelo Bokala	Aznla
Mr Tembile Magingxa	Sanmva
Ms P.M. Kubu	Mkmva
Mr Mbulelo Fihla	Aplamva
Mr Obbey Mabena	Mkmva
Ms Dudu Phama	Aplamva
Mr Mzwandile Vena	Private Business
Ms Ntsikelelo Khwezi	Mkmva
Mr Snuki Zikalala	Cosatu
Mr Miki Xayiya	Private Business
Ms Thandi Ndlovu-Molokwane	Private Business
Ms Vuyiswa Lieta	Mkmva
Mr Alex Mahapa	Dpsa

Reply:

This matter is the subject of ongoing litigation at present.

Reply:

Colonel Nhlanhla Dube left the employment of the South African Air Force in 2013, thus rendering the remainder of the question irrelevant.

Reply:

I responded to this question during the debate on the Adjustments Appropriation Bill of 2014, held on 20 November 2014, and I refer you to the Hansard and my detailed response to this question as captured therein.

Reply:

The Secretary of Defence cooperated with the Office of the Auditor General in relation to this matter.

Reply:

The information on travel costs in both the Departments of Defence and Military Veterans is contained in their respective Annual Reports for the Financial Year 2014-15 that were tabled in Parliament.



END

Reply:

The information on international visits undertaken by both the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans are contained in the Annual Report that was tabled in Parliament.


END

Reply:

(1)&(2) The information requested is depicted in the Table hereunder:

Defence Attaché Residents	Total Expenditure FY 14/15	Rental	Household Furniture	Municipal Services
43	32 228 545.00	27 143 511.00	105 480.00	4 979 554.00

 

 

END


 

Reply:

The information on travel and accommodation costs requested is contained in the respective 2014-15 Annual Report of the Department of Defence that was tabled in Parliament.


END

Reply:

(a) All formations have their constitution which does accommodate dispute resolutions amongst their members. The Department is in the moment, finalising the dispute resolution mechanisms for those who want to appeal after they have been rejected by the department to enrol in the database. Processes are already in place.

(b) Individuals are expected to present themselves to the Department for inclusion in the National Military Veterans Database and the dispute will be between the Department and the individual.

Reply:

SER NO		CONTRACTOR	SERVICES PROVIDED	RELATED COST
		a	b	c
1 Mil
1		CSIR	Transfer of Facility Management functions from the Department of Public Works to the Department of Defence	R 32 392 866.00
2		Tectura Architects	Professional consultant services for the Refurbishment and Upgrading of the 1st floor at 1 Military Hospital	R 40 536 138.24
			a.   Project Management services
			b.   Architectural services
			c.   Mechanical Engineering services
			d.   Electrical Engineering services
			e.   Civil Engineering services
			f.   Structural Engineering services
			g.   Quantity Surveying services
RWU KZN
1	Treesaurus		Cutting of tree	R 2 900.00
2	Alu Solutions Glass & Aluminum		Replace rotten wooden door at 5 Bisley Close	R 4 750.00
3	Alu Solutions Glass & Aluminum		Replace old door at 22 Bisley Close	R 4 750.00
4	IZA Business Enterprise		Repair plugs lights, CBI breakers at 258 Bisley Close	R 4 820.00
5	Jacobs Roller Door		Install garage door at 258 Bisley Close	R 4 490.00
6	184 Alderberry Trading CC		Installation of cupboards at 85 Lagoon Drive	R 489 744.00
7	E Ramsamy T/A Bobby's Construction		Upgrading at 19 Anchetil	R 446 260.00
8	Kwa-Zulu Industrial Contractors CC		Renovation upgrade at 5 Parsons Rd	R 267 900.00
9	Kwa-Zulu Industrial Contractors CC		Renovation and repair at 55 Doble Rd	R 296 400.00
RWU EC
1	Laundromat		Laundry services	R 11 959.00
2	Steiner Hygiene		Sanitary/Cleaning/Fumigation	R 15 552.00
3	Chubb Security		Security services	R 12 597.00
4	The courier and Freight Group		Courier services	R 4 271.00
5	Konica Minolta		Photocopy Machine	R 59 979.00
6	Vuka Uvuthulule Trading		General Building - Geyser	R 23 060.00
7	Bhugane		General Building - Electrical	R 9 840.00
RWU FS
1	Prekko Trd CC		Replace damage slabs with new slabs	R 2 021.98
2	Prekko Trd CC		Construction of partitioning 7.3x2.8 including door and aluminum frame	R 14 400.00
3	Mamello Trading		Constructing and installing of wooden counter at building 576 as per scope of work	R 8 000.00
4	F. Esterhuizen		Paint of x3 Theaters at 3 Mil Hospital as per scope of work	R 53 000.00
5	Servilline 58 CC		Completing of project Tempe Church Project 20/2014, waterproofing repair of gutters	R 29 684.00
6	Zulu Portia Trading		Laundry services for Log section	R 19 965.00
7	F. Esterhuizen		Upgrading of building 155, DOD Mobilization Centre, Project no 49/2015 Tender 14/2015
WTS
1	Kurhula Events Management		Rendering catering services at DW Fmn, Works Training School, Attridgeville	R 4 092 449.67
2	Tradeworx 177 (PTY) Ltd T/A Sizani Gardens		Rendering garden services at DW Fmn, Works Training School, Attridgeville	R 1 723 439.00
3	Coltrane Mpho Supplies		Painting of walls and window frames at DW Fmn, Works Training School	R 279 864.00
4	Coltrane Mpho Supplies		Removal, Install and paint of walls & passages at DW Fmn, Works Training School	R 452 672.00
5	Dose Construction		Ready mix for recreational centre	R 145 000.00
DW Fmn HQ Unit
1	Khanyoz Trading and Projects		Rendering garden services at DW Fmn HQ Unit	R 498 018.94
2	LLH Properties		Installation of paving for DW Fmn HQ	R 998 375.00
3	Sanqa Trading		Tree felling at DW Fmn HQ Unit	R 12 000.00
4	Tshwane South College		Technical Training for artisans	R 32 278 697.08
5	AB Logistics		Vehicle Hire	R 56 941.64
6	G - Fleet		Vehicle Hire	R 4 442 471.62
RWU GP
1	AK - RV Trading		Refurbishment of 7 Koos van Zyl str, General Kemp Hill	R 198 726.85
2	Dose Construction		Installation of kitchen cupboards, 3 Magazine str, Salvokop, Pretoria	R 240 000.00
3	ML Nkosi Electrical CC		Installation of windows, 3 Magazine str, Salvokop, Pretoria	R 242 000.00
4	Mashva Group		Upgrading of Personnel Service School, Officers Mess	R 285 900.00
5	Amper Sand Investments (Wilcote Midrand)		Renovations and repair of Edwin Swales Residential Area - Air Force Base Waterkloof	R 1 130 037.74
6	Thebanane Trading		Procurement and installation of burglar bars for RWU GP	R 160 000.00
7	AK ARV Trading PTY Ltd		Installation of Kitchen cupboards at Chaplain's residence	R 94 860.00
8	Stanleb Construction Projects		Installation of tiles at PS School officers accommodation	R 197 000.00
9	Jackson & Clifford Trading PTY		Tiling of floor using carpet tiles at PS School officers mess	R 225 010.00
10	Carpet Supplies & Décor Centre		Fitting of carpets at Chaplain General's house	R 27 489.00
11	Rosa IT Solutions		Replace old windows  - project no 1	R 29 950.00
12	Jackson & Clifford Trading PTY		Installation of carpets at PS School officers Mess	R 29 500.00
RWU NW
1	Planet (PTY) Ltd		Partitioning of offices & conference room	R 98 500.00
RWU WC
1	Munathi Construction		Installation of palisade fencing and gates at building 99	R 28 500.00
DLM
1	Armscor (DDSI)		Logistics Policy Development: 4yr contract	RM18.5

 

REPLY:

 

Reply:

Department of Defence

The following are in place:

Service Level Agreement between the DOD and Armscor concerning the services to be rendered by Armscor to the DOD.

Memorandum of Understanding between DOD and CSIR (DPSS) concerning the services to be rendered by CSIR.

Service Level Agreement between SITA and DOD concerning services to be rendered by SITA

Reply:

1. (1) (a) How (i)

The communications strategy is being rolled out and making some impact in so far as sharing information primarily through direct engagements using roadshows, stakeholder briefings with Military Veterans Associations including SANMVA the umbrella body as well as use of means such as media the website and publications. The fact that there is no national footprint and limitation of the communications structure limits capacity to reach the desired impact.

1. Yes

1. Targets were not amended. According to the Annual Performance Plan targets per Quarter, it is only the implementation and monitoring of the strategy.

(2)(a) The Department is currently the Department has a challenge with the organisational structure. This has limited the implementation of the Communication Strategy.

(2)(b) The Department is currently finalising its Q1 Performance review which will include amongst others, the implementation of the communication strategy. Furthermore, the Department is also running a communication campaign through GCIS. This communication campaign is focused at promoting the progress made by the Department thus far.

3.

(a) The current approved structure does not have communications staff members in provinces ,

(b) The current mode of communication with the provinces is through emails and telephones. The ICT is currently preparing for an intranet that will serve as a platform for internal communications at national and provincial level to assist in quicker relay of information to military veterans. The website capacity is also being beefed up.

(c) 07:30 – 16:30 pm are the official working hours though the officials go an extra mile and works on many occasions overtime and on weekends to cover and profile the departmental events.

(d) In the absence of physical structure of offices in provinces information is disseminated through Head Office.

(e) Not applicable

4. There is training and development planned for management and provincial coordinators to assist in the communication and marketing strategy implementation. The dates for training through a course with the School of Governance (former PALAMA) are between the 29th of July and the middle of August 2015. The current costs are R27 000

5.(a) Currently there is None.

(b) DMV is in a process of revisiting and reviewing the key performance indicators that will include that.

(c) The increase has been based on the DMV Annual Performance Plan as well as supporting key deliverables of the Department and the corporate communications programmes and activities. These include media engagements, advertorials, stakeholder engagements, use of own publications and media, branding and marketing as well as internal communications programmes. The budget is being reviewed to ensure that advertorials and other means such as social media are utilised more.

Reply:

1. Yes the inquiry was finalised on 28 March 2014, and the findings are as follows:

• The Dakota Cargo crashed because it was flown at an altitude to low to provide sufficient terrain clearance and in weather that made visibility marginal.
• The route flown also contributed to the accident as it did not ensure that the aircraft remain clear of the Drakensberg Mountains.
• It was found that it was highly unlikely that a proper pre-flight crew briefing was held, which should have identified the flaws in the selected flight plan.
• The aircraft was serviceable prior to the accident with no history of significant defects, and therefore did not contribute to the accident.

2. No, the Dakota aircraft did not deviate from the flight route.

3. No

Reply:

1.a, (i) (ii) Red tape refers to the hindrance caused to service delivery by bureaucratic processes within Government.

(b) (i)(II) An example of an intervention to mitigate effect of red tape is: Payment to SMMEs within 30 days as required by the Presidency and the department of Small Business Development. The DOD has a fast track process (to counter) red tape and to make sure that the SMMEs are paid within 30 days after invoicing. This is done with an understanding of the impact on the SMMEs if payments are delayed.

Reply:

Question 1(a). The Operations Support Legal Satellite Office (OSL) receives all incidents reported to the United Nations (UN) that involves allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct against members of the SANDF. Upon receipt the OSL deploys a team to investigate such allegations and where prima facie evidence of a commission of an offence is disclosed, the necessary disciplinary action is instituted.

Question 1(b). This OSL provides monthly feedback to the UN on all pending sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) cases. It should be noted that the recent UN report highlights the fact that South Africa is the only country to do so.

Question 2. Number of reported cases: 14. All the allegations lodged at the UN were investigated. Out of the 14 reported matters in only two cases the evidence disclosed prima facie evidence. These matters were finalised and the rest of the matters were reported closed due to no prima facie evidence.

Question 3(a). Members that faced disciplinary action: 2

Question 3(b). In both cases the members were convicted by a military court

Question 4. The submissions for assignment of Regular Force members and Reserve Force members as Senior Military Judges and Military Judges in terms of Section 14 of the Military Discipline Supplementary Measures Act, Act 16 of 1999, is with the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans for consideration.

Question 5. The number of outstanding cases within the military justice system is 1 588 cases.

Reply:

The information requested is depicted in the Table:

SN	Post	Advertisement Closing Date	Number of Members Shortlisted	Number of Members Interviewed	Comments
	a	b	c	d	e
1	Director Promotion of Access to Information	11 July 2014	9	9 invited or interviews	5 Interviews held on 8 July 2015 4 Interviews to be held on 14 August 2015
2	Deputy Direction Promotion of Access to Information Nodal Point	19 June 2014	10	8 Interviewed 2 Declined 1 Did not attend	Awaiting vetting status to appoint recommended candidate.
3	Deputy Direction Promotion of Access to Information Policy and Support	19 June 2014	8	6 Interviewed 1 Declined 1 Did not attend	Awaiting vetting status to appoint recommended candidate.
4	Assistant Director Promotion of Access to Information Nodal Point	19 June 2014	13	9 Interviewed 4 Declined	Awaiting vetting status to appoint recommended candidate.
5	Assistant Director Promotion of Access to Information Nodal Point	19 June 2014	4	3 Interviewed 1 Did not attend	Awaiting vetting status to appoint recommended candidate.
6	Chief Administration Clerk Promotion of Access to Information Nodal Point	19 June 2014	5	4 Interviewed 1 Declined	Awaiting vetting status to appoint recommended candidate.
7	Chief Administration Clerk Promotion of Access to Information Policy and Support	19 June 2014	5	3 Interviewed 2 Declined	Mr F. Davhana was appointed and assumed duty on 6 July 2015. Mr Davhana has a BCom in Business Management meeting the criteria for the advertised post which required a Diploma/Certificate/NQF Level 4/5 (Supply Chain Management and Financial Management).

Reply:

Department of Defence

(i) Sowetan

(aa) R67.921.20

(bb) R 98.280.00

(cc) R 171.536.00

(ii) Daily Sun

(aa) R 00

(bb) R 00

(cc) R 98.280.00

Reply:

Yes the AIR Force Base Swartkop is being used as an operational airbase by the SA National Defence Force

(a) The Air Force Base Swartkop forms part of the South African Air Force Strategy and this is to ensure the uninterrupted force preparation and force employment activities in support of the mandate of the South African National Defence Force

(b) (i) The re-alignment of existing structures and posts has taken place to ensure effective command and control of the base is centralised under one command. No additional posts are currently.

(ii) Direct command of the greater Swartkop facility will fall under the Officer Commanding Swartkop

(iii) There are no additional costs for the SAAF since the resident force structure elements continue to function with funding from the current budget in accordance with the existing projections in the MTEF.

Reply:

The Ministerial priorities that have been promulgated in the DOD Strategic Plan 2015 – 2020 are related to Milestone 1 of the SA Defence Review 2014. It is emphasised that the priorities as reflected in the Strategic Plan for the fiscal years 2011/12 – 2015/16 are embedded in the following priorities which are as follows:

Strategic Leadership.

Defence Funding Model.

Organisational Renewal.

Human Resources Renewal.

Capability Renewal

Defence Industry.

Defence Commitments.

Prior to the promulgation of these latest Ministerial priorities, an assessment was made of all previous Ministerial priorities and their implementation progress. After such an assessment a determination was made that all the priorities that were not exhaustively implemented, be incorporated under the 2015 -2020 MOD&MV high level priorities.

No Ministerial priorities were dropped, but were however incorporated under the high level Ministerial priorities. The DOD will, at its presentation of the Defence Review Implementation Plan to Parliament, make this point visible.

Reply:

(i) Registration of Co-operatives

The Department of Military Veterans has been tasked with ensuring that the registration of effective co-operatives continues to be deliverable for the Department in the 2015/16 financial year. In this regard, the Department has set a target for the establishment of at least 40 new co-operatives by the end of the financial year. The task involves the conducting of workshops to advise military veterans on the requirements for establishment of co-operatives. Thereafter, those interested are provided with a training workshop after which they are provided with the requisite documentation to allow for them to independently call their proposed co-operatives members together, complete the Constitution and applications forms and then to submit all the required documents to the DMV for registration of the co-operatives. In the interim, the DMV is engaging in discussion with various stakeholders for potential opportunities for economic participation and job opportunities for military veterans. All workshops and training of Co-operatives is done in conjunction with the Department of Small Business Development’s Small Enterprise Development Agency. A further critical opportunity identified is for the funding of small and medium enterprises and co-operatives of military veterans through the Small Enterprise Financing Agency, with whom the DMV has a signed MOU.

(ii) Alienation of Disposable Products from the Department of Defence

The Minister has identified a critical opportunity for Military Veterans to take part in the process for the disposal of old and non-usable stock from the Department of Defence. Through this opportunity, it is envisaged that many work opportunities and possibility for economic participation can be identified for military veterans. The DMV has been tasked with developing an entity to house the programme so that it is carefully managed to derive maximum benefit to all military veterans, SANMVA shall play a role as a stakeholder to this entity. At present, in planning towards achieving on this goal, the DMV has identified at least 31 military veterans to be trained as auctioneers, in conjunction with the Department of Defence, so that military veterans would have a clear knowledge of the different steps in the alienation of disposable materials from the Department of Defence. The training of the auctioneers is expected to commence before the end of August 2015. It is envisaged that a large proportion of the co-operatives currently listed on the business development and support register would be able to derive benefit from the Department of Defence Programme.

(iii) Training through MERSETA and SASSETA

(b) The Critical Opportunities Identified

(i) Department of Defence alienation of obsolete materials

The Department of Defence programme on the alienation of obsolete is a key initiative being negotiated by the Minister on behalf of Military Veterans as indicated above.

Reply:

1) Acquisition of Infrastructure is done through the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Department of Military Veterans does not have control over the process hence failure to acquire health and wellness centre as planned.

(2) The Department has made the financial provision for the establishment of the Health and Wellness Centre and had identified several sites in Gauteng which were submitted to the Department of Public Works, together with the specifications of the envisioned centre to fast track the procurement process as advised by DPW. Furthermore the Department is also considering the possibility of renting the Health and Wellness Sites and out-source the related services based on the specifications developed for the centre.

(3) Currently the Department has not incurred any costs but has reserved R19 million based on projections of the procurement and the management of the facility.

(4) (a) The ultimate plan for the Department is to establish one Health and Wellness Centre in each Province.

(b) The location of the Health and Wellness Centre will be based on the suitability of the sites, however for the 2015/16 period the Department plans to establish one centre in Gauteng.

(5) The department has developed a business plan which will inform the annual budget to ensure the sustainability of the program.

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