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22 September 2015 - NW3069

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Economic Development

(a) How does (i) his department and (ii) entities reporting to him define red tape and (b) what (i) specific interventions and/or (ii) systems have been implemented to (aa) identify and (bb) reduce red tape in (aaa) his department and (bbb) the entities reporting to him?

Reply:

Red tape is typically defined as rules, regulations and/or official procedures and processes which are excessively complex and which impose unnecessary delays, inaction and/or costs which exceed their benefits and/or is no longer effective in achieving the purpose for which they were originally created.

There are three areas of red-tape reduction relevant to the Department:

  • Internal red-tape
  • Red-tape in the Department that affects members of the public and
  • Red-tape outside the Department (entities and other government bodies) that affect the public and indeed the effectiveness of government itself.

To address internal red-tape that back-office functions (eg IT, Finance, Supply-chain or Human Resources sections) impose on front-line parts of EDD, a user-survey has been introduced in the current financial year and it is helping to reorient the back-office sections to becoming outcome-driven. Unnecessary requirements are being eliminated.

Because the Department does not render a range of public services that require adherence to regulations and rules, the scope to decrease red-tape for the public is limited.

To address red-tape outside the Department, EDD has undertaken the following:

a)     Training to officials in Tshwane, Nelson Mandela Bay and Ekurhuleni Metros on red-tape reduction and the implementation of the new impact-assessment tool, namely the Social and Economic Impact Assessment (SEIAS)

b)     Ministerial engagement with entities to review their internal processes and make these simpler and more effective. These have assisted to set maximum timeframe targets for consideration of applications and a dashboard against which entities report on their adherence to these targets

c)     Support to unblock regulatory approvals by other Departments, for example on expediting water-use licences and environmental impact assessments.

The Industrial Development Corporation has revised its internal processes to address and finalise decisions on non-complex funding applications. This has assisted to bring down the waiting periods considerably.

ITAC has reviewed its tariff investigations regulations and redrafted its questionnaires to make them clearer and reduce the burden of unnecessary information. Turnaround times for tariff applications have been redesigned and these are now much swifter that before.

The Competition Commission has set performance targets to expedite consideration of mergers and cartel investigations.

The Competition Tribunal has simplified its procedures for non-lawyers, including through a ‘frequently asked questions’ section on its website, a consolidation of rules and procedures for easy reference and by making facilities available to unrepresented individuals at hearings (including through advice from Tribunal members on procedure and a pro bono arrangement negotiated with one of the Law Societies).

-END-

22 September 2015 - NW3355

Profile picture: Cardo, Dr MJ

Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

Is his advisory panel that was announced in 2010 (details furnished) still in existence; if not, why not; if so, (a) who are the members of the specified advisory panel, (b) how often has the specified advisory panel met since 1 January 2010 and (c) what recommendations has the specified advisory panel made on (i) economic growth and (ii) employment?

Reply:

The Advisory Panel as announced in 2010 met formally on 25 May 2010, 14 July 2010 and 16 January 2011 to provide advice and information relevant to the conclusion of the New Growth Path policy document of government as well as on ways to step up industrial funding, promote the green economy and develop pro-employment measures.

After the completion of this first phase of the Panel’s work, from which we benefitted in a number of ways, I engaged with individual members of the Panel on an ‘as needed’ basis on matters connected to economic development.

These included engagements on a number of occasions with Professor Joseph Stiglitz on matters as diverse as global economic developments relevant to South Africa; and on the terms of the final submission of a competitor supplier fund proposal to the Competition Appeal Court in the Walmart merger. In this latter instance, this contributed to the final decision of the Court to impose a R240 million Fund to promote the Walmart local and small-business supply chain.

In addition, I have benefitted from the insights of Michael Power on the emergence of new economic powers; the changing role of China and its impact on the global economy; and the trade-offs inherent in different exchange-rate policies, among others.

Other members of the Panel provided their insights on contemporary economic policy matters as requested from time to time.

-END-

22 September 2015 - NW3326

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Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

Has it at any stage since 11 May 2009 been his policy position for a devaluation of the rand by the SA Reserve Bank?

Reply:

Since October 2010, Cabinet has supported a more competitive and stable exchange rate. This does not involve a “devaluation of the rand by the SA Reserve Bank”.

-END-

22 September 2015 - NW3189

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Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Economic Development

Since the initiation of the Price Preference System for scrap metal in September 2013, how many export permits have been (a) applied for, (b) denied as a result of a local buyer having been found and (c) approved?

Reply:

A total of 11 224 applications were received between September 2013 and June 2015. Of these,

  • 10 571 were approved
  • 374 are pending or have been withdrawn (in part because a local buyer has been found or the application does not meet the requirements for an export licence) and
  • 279 have been declined.

These figures exclude any successful voluntary negotiations between sellers and local industry, made in anticipation of the conditions applicable through the Price Preference System.

-END-

22 September 2015 - NW3188

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Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Economic Development

(1)What is the underlying formula or formulae for the calculation of the prices published under the Price Preference System (PPS) for scrap metal; (2) has his department conducted an impact study to examine the economic impact of the PPS since its introduction in September 2013?

Reply:

The formulae for the calculation of prices under the Price Preference System for scrap metal is detailed and can be found as follows on the ITAC website:

Government Gazette no 37992 Notice Number R714 published on 12 September 2014 can be accessed at http://www.itac.org.za/upload/gg37992_nn714.pdf

ITAC’s Report No 490, Review of the Discount Rates in the Price Preference System for Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Waste and Scrap, which may be accessed at http://www.itac.org.za/upload/Report%20No%20490.pdf .

Whilst a formal impact study is scheduled for April 2016, the Department monitors the impact of the regulations on the level of exports of scrap metal.

-END-

27 August 2015 - NW2983

Profile picture: Cardo, Dr MJ

Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

How much did the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) spend on (a) print, (b) radio, (c) television, (d) online and (e) outdoor advertising in the 2014/2015 financial year; 2. What are the names of every (a)publication, (b) radio station, (c) television station and (d) website and (e) the exact location of every billboard location which carried IDC advertising; 3. What amount was spent on each advertising category?

Reply:

The Industrial Development Corporation reports that is spent the following sums on advertising in the 2014/15 financial year, for specified advertising categories:

  1. Print media: R9.3 million
  2. Radio: R11.8 million
  3. Television: R6.3 million
  4. Online: R1.1 million
  5. Outdoor advertising: nil

Question 2 and 3

Media category

Publication/station

 

Digital

BD Live

 
 

Cadreon

 
 

Clicks2customers

 
 

Dash of Lime

 
 

Entrepreneur.ZA.Com

 
 

Forestry SA.co.za

 
 

IOL

 
 

ITWEB

 
 

Jewellery Biz News

 
 

MiningMx

 
 

MSN

 
 

News 24

 
 

Perform Digital

 
 

Pop I Media Innovations

 
 

SA Forestry Magazine.co.za

 
 

Sowetan Digital

 
 

The Times

 
 

Yahoo

 
 

Yonder Media

 
     

Magazine

Agbiz Congress

 
 

Business Hi-Lite

 
 

Business Times : Beneficiation

 
 

Businessbrief

 
 

CSI Handbook

 
 

Durban Chamber Directory

 
 

Engineering News

 
 

Food Trade SA Directory

 
 

Infocom

 
 

Jewellery Biz News Connect (Directory)

 
 

KZN Top Business

 
 

Mining Weekly

 
 

MiningMX

 
 

MiningMX Yearbook

 
 

Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and Industry

 
 

SA Jewellery News

 
 

Savca Directory

 
 

Sawubona Magazine

 
 

The Thinker Magazine

 
 

Truesight Communications t/a Hluma Magazine

 
     

Newspaper

Alex News

 
 

Beeld - Sake Beeld

 
 

Brits Pos

 
 

Business Day

 
 

Business Report (Star, Cape Times, Pretoria News, Mercury)

 
 

Cape Argus

 
 

Cape Times

 
 

Capricon Voice

 
 

City Press

 
 

City Press - Business

 
 

Daily Dispatch

 
 

Daily News

 
 

Daily Sun

 
 

Daily Voice Cape Town

 
 

De Aar Echo

 
 

Diamond Fields Advertiser

 
 

Die Burger - Sake Burger

 
 

Die Volksblad

 
 

Die Volksblad - Sake Volksblad

 
 

Eastern Cape Industrial & Business News

 
 

Eastern Cape Today

 
 

Eastern Free State Issue

 
 

Excelsior News

 
 

Free State Sun

 
 

Gemsbok

 
 

Greater Alex Today Newspaper

 
 

Highveld Tribune

 
 

Ilanga

 
 

Isolezwe

 
 

Kalahari Bulletin

 
 

Kathu Gazette

 
 

Klerksdorp Record

 
 

Letaba Herald

 
 

Lowvelder/Laevelder

 
 

Mafikeng Mail

 
 

Mail & Guardian

 
 

Mangaung Issue

 
 

Middelburg Herald

 
 

Mpumalanga News

 
 

Noordwester/Oewernuus

 
 

Overvaal

 
 

Polokwane Express

 
 

Polokwane Observer

 
 

Pretoria News

 
 

Rapport

 
 

Rustenburg Herald

 
 

Son

 
 

Sosh Times

 
 

SowetanNewpapers

 
 

Sunday Times

 
 

Sunday Times-Business Times

 
 

The Herald

 
 

The Mercury

 
 

The Star

 
 

Victoria West Messenger

 
 

Vukani (Inc)

 
     
 

Weekend Post

 
 

Weekend Review

 
 

Witness

 
     

Radio

702 Talk Radio

 
 

Capricorn FM

 
 

Energy FM

 
 

Kaya FM

 
 

KFM

 
 

Lesedi FM (Sesotho)

 
 

Metro FM

 
 

MunghanaLonene FM (Tsonga)

 
 

OFM

 
 

Power FM

 
 

RSG (Radiosondergrense)

 
 

SAFM

 
 

Ukhozi FM (Zulu)

 
 

UmhloboWenene FM (Xhosa)

 
     

Television

ANN7 (Africa News Nertworks )

 
 

Business Day TV

 
 

ENCA

 
 

ETV

 
 

MNET

 
 

SABC 1

 
 

SABC 2

 
 

SABC 3

 
 

SSHD4

 
 

Supersport HD6

 
 

Supersport 7

 
 

Supersport HD 2

 
 

Supersport HD5

 
     
     

-END-

27 August 2015 - NW2982

Profile picture: Cardo, Dr MJ

Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

(a) What amount has his department spent on consultants since 26 May 2014 until 6 August 2015 and (b) in each case, (i) what (aa)are the names of the consultants, (bb) amount was each consultant paid and (cc) was the nature of their work and (ii) for what period were the specified consultants contracted to his department?

Reply:

The Department spent R168 744 during the period for a co-sourcing contract with the Business Innovation Group to provide support for the internal audit function in the EDD, covering performance information and transfers/subsidies to entities of the Department.

-END-

27 August 2015 - NW2981

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Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

(a) What amount has his department spent on accommodation for him in the period 25 May 2014 until 6 August 2015 and (b) in each case, (i) what are the names of the establishments where he stayed, (ii) where are the specified establishments located, (iii) how many nights did he spend at each establishment and (iv) what was the daily rate paid on each occasion?

Reply:

During the period until 6 August 2015, hotels were used once for domestic travel and on four occasions for international travel.

The domestic travel was to eThekwini for a three-night stay, at a cost of R5 753.

The international travel entailed official trips to the United Kingdom, Indonesia, the United States and Switzerland. This involved 12 nights accommodation at hotels. Of these, accounts have been received and paid for in respect of three of the trips, totalling R54 663 for eight nights stay in hotels. One account is still outstanding from DIRCO who secures hotel accommodation on behalf of the Ministry.

-END-

25 August 2015 - NW2884

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Maimane, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Economic Development

Has his department commissioned any (a) research or (b) academic studies into the link between the three aspects of internet access, job creation and economic development; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings of the specified research or studies?

Reply:

Research studies undertaken in other economies and the experience of a number of countries have established strong and positive relationships between internet access, job creation and economic development.

The benefit of internet access is clear for individuals and enterprises.

For individuals, the internet provides access to a vast array of information through which citizens and workers can become more productive and effective at their workplaces. Businesses are often dependent on the opportunities that can be accessed through the internet inter alia to access information or market, buy or sell their products (e-commerce) and through improving business processes that enhances productivity. The benefits are not confined to large enterprises: many small companies are able to cut costs and improve their product offerings through access to the internet.

A study by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) of the impact of broadband on the economy noted the following

"The economic impact of broadband manifests itself through four types of effects.

The first effect results from the construction of broadband networks. In a way similar to any infrastructure project, the deployment of broadband networks creates jobs and acts over the economy by means of multipliers. The second effect results from the “spill-over” externalities, which impact both enterprises and consumers. The adoption of broadband within firms leads to a multifactor productivity gain, which in turn contributes to growth of GDP. On the other hand, residential adoption drives an increase in household real income as a function of a multiplier. Beyond these direct benefits, which contribute to GDP growth, residential users receive a benefit in terms of consumer surplus, defined as the difference between what they would be willing to pay for broadband service and its price. This last parameter, while not being captured in the GDP statistics, can be significant, insofar that it represents benefits in terms of enhanced access to information, entertainment and public services."

UNCTAD publishes annual reviews of the information economy that set international benchmarks and challenges.

Because the positive link between internet access and economic performance is so well-established. EDD has focused on advocacy of, and supporting measures to, enable more South Africans to have access to quality, affordable internet access, instead of conducting more research to simply confirm that positive relationship.

Access to the internet is a function of the backbone infrastructure laid by the public and private sectors, as well as the 'last-mile' connectivity that brings internet access to users and support for ICT-intensive industries.

There has been a significant increase in access to the internet in both urban and rural areas, through the availability of increased broadband facilities that has led greater broadband penetration (through lower prices and better quality of access) and improvement in smart-phone technologies that enables handset access to the internet.

Since 2009, 41 a significant of cable have been laid and maintained principally by Telkom, Eskom Transmission, Dark Fibre Africa, Broadband Infraco, FibreCo and the NLD Consortium. Broadband rollout is now monitored and supported through the work of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission. The CSIR has been appointed to coordinate the work of Strategic Integrated Project 15 on Information and Communication Technologies

According to the 2014 General Household Survey, 37% of South African households have access to mobile broadband, and 11% have fixed broadband. But the figures vary substantially by area. While 43% of people in the urban areas have access to mobile broadband and 15% to fixed, in the rural areas the figures are just 3% mobile and 25% fixed.

Many South Africans access the internet from their phones, personal computers (using home telephone or data lines) and portable devices such as laptops (using 3G and 4G cards). Though prices fell, cost is still a constraint for a considerable number of potential users.

In order to avoid the development of a digital divide where access is only available to those who can access private facilities, government has partnered to provide greater levels of public access to broadband. Though such initiatives are still fairly new, they have provided access points at schools, universities and some public transport and government facilities. We provide a few examples below.

A partnership between the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS),Telkom and the Department of Basic Education has resulted in 1650Dinalediand District schools connected (as at December 2014) at a cost of R375 million. By March 2015, 1148 of the targeted schools (70% of the total) are using the connection points.

USAASA is charged with extending broadband coverage and installs connection points to clinics, TVET colleges and libraries in rural areas with limited internet and television access. In the past two financial years, four rural municipalities with 493lic access to broadband. Though such iMorolong (Northern Cape); Ratlou (North West); Msinga (KwaZulu Natal) and Emalahleni (Eastern Cape). USAASA provided a subsidy of R46,7million. In 2015/16, a further two municipalities - Mutale in Limpopo and Albert Luthuli in Mpumalanga - will be connected, at a cost of R23 million, to provide coverage to 277 000 people.

A number of municipalities are extending broadband to their citizens. For instance, Tshwane has 673 live sites in schools, clinics and other public buildings, with 72023 million, to 493lic access to broadband. Though shrough smartphones.

A further priority is to ensure that broadband supports higher education and knowledge management. For this reason, government has prioritised improving ICT for universities.

Almost a million students at South African public universities have access to the Internet, either through their own computers or through the computer labs at the universities.

The current South African National Research Network (SANReN) backbone consists of a 10Gbps ring between Tshwane, Johannesburg, Mangaung, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London and eThekwini, extensions to more remote towns with university campuses, and several metropolitan rings.

All 26 public universities are connected to the internet.

During the 2014/2015 financial year the CSIR was tasked by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to expand the SANReN (South African Research Network) reach by 25 new connections and upgrade the networketworkchnology (DST) to expand the sburg, Mangaung, the computer labs aGbps) per connected site. Construction and commissioning work on 29 new broadband connections are also currently in various stages of completion.

The activation and backhauling of two 10Gbps channels of the recently procured West African Cable System (WACS) capacity right-of-use was completed in August 2014. This effectively doubled the available capacity for all South African universities and science organisations connected to the SANReN to transfer data between South Africa and the rest of the world.

In order to achieve more of the digital dividend for the economy, the National Infrastructure Plan provides for an increase in the rollout of broadband through additional fibre-optic networks.

-END-

12 August 2015 - NW2701

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Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Economic Development

Whether (a) he, (b) his Deputy Minister and (c) any officials in his department travelled to China in the 2014-15 financial year; if so, what was the (i) purpose of each specified visit and (ii)(a) total cost and (b) breakdown of such costs of each specified visit?

Reply:

Neither the Minister, Deputy Minister nor Officials of the Economic Development Department travelled to China in the 2014-15 financial year.

-END-

11 August 2015 - NW2565

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America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Economic Development

With regard to the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC), what are the names of each of the companies registered to import fuel?

Reply:

ITAC does not have a list of registration of companies to import fuel. ITAC issues import permits for the importation of fuels of tariff heading chapters 27.08 to 27.15.

-END-

30 July 2015 - NW2426

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Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

What amount did (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him spend on advertising in (i) Sowetan and (ii) Daily Sun in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years?

Reply:

EDD, Competition Commission, Competition Tribunal and ITAC did not spend any amount on advertising in the Sowetan and The Daily Sun for the 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15 financial years.

IDC

(aa) 2012-13: IDC did not spend on advertising in the Sowetan and The Daily Sun during this period.

(bb) 2013-14 : Sowetan - Total spent was R 514 601.10

Daily Sun - Total spent was R 674 568.00

(cc) 2014-2015: Sowetan - Total spent was R 59 580.00

Daily Sun - IDC did not spend on advertising during this period

-END-

31 December 2009 - Questions: Minister of Economic Development

MPs to ask the Minister of Economic Development

Reply:

QUESTION NO.: 1169

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

Mr M H Steele (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

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? NW1504E

REPLY

The Economic Development Department has not made use of temporary employment services or labour brokers.

QUESTION NO.: 1208

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

Mr M H Steele (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1) Whether his Deputy Minister or his department purchased a new vehicle on the Deputy Minister's appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether she inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle? NW1547E

REPLY

(1) The Deputy Minister has not purchased a new vehicle, she uses hired vehicles both in Pretoria and Cape Town.

(2) No. Economic Development is a new Ministry.

QUESTION NO.: 1223

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

Whether a time-frame for the implementation of the State's response to the economic crisis has been formulated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1562E

REPLY

The response package consists of a number of different components. Each of these has its own timeframes. Two processes are taking place in parallel: while priorities where programmes have been agreed are being implemented, discussions are taking place in expanding the list of programmes.

For the initial list of priorities announced in parliament on 20 August 2009, the following details are relevant:

(a) The training layoff: the scheme is being launched in pilot form during September 2009. The first applications have now been received and are being processed. Subject to the progress made in the pilot phase, it is expected to be fully operational by November 2009.

(b) The IDC R6b Fund: this has been implemented and a number of applications have been approved and details were provided to the National Assembly on 20 August 2009. The IDC continues to receive more applications and will consider these on a case by case basis during the remainder of 2009 and during 2010.

(c) Distressed sector interventions: the non-fiscal components of the programmes are in the process of being implemented and those components requiring budget allocations will be dealt with through the Adjustment process. Subject to the outcome of the Adjustment process, it is planned that most of the programmes agreed to date will be implemented during the next two months.

(d) Customs fraud: the identified action is being implemented and prosecutions have been initiated in a number of cases. Details of the state of the process were provided in the Statement to the National Assembly made on 20 August 2009.

(e) Competition investigations in the food supply chain: the investigations have all commenced and some prosecutions have been initiated. Each area of the supply chain is at a different stage of progress.

(f) Debt management: Engagements with the banks are continuing. Banks reported to Nedlac that they have started implementing various measures to assist consumers in distress and these reportedly include increasing bridging loans, debt rescheduling, debt factoring, converting debt into equity and interbank lending guarantees.

In addition, as new areas of the Framework are finalised, they will have their specific time-frames for implementation. Details of these will be supplied to Parliament.

QUESTION NO.: 1208

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

Mr M H Steele (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1) Whether his Deputy Minister or his department purchased a new vehicle on the Deputy Minister's appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether she inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle? NW1547E

REPLY

(1) The Deputy Minister has not purchased a new vehicle, she uses hired vehicles both in Pretoria and Cape Town.

(2) No. Economic Development is a new Ministry.

QUESTION NO.: 1271

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

Mr P D Dexter (Cope) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

Since the start of the recession, how many jobs have been (a) lost and (b) created? NW1618E

REPLY

Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) figures are the basis of tracking employment in the economy. There are two surveys, namely the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) and the Labour Force Survey (LFS). These surveys reflect net employment, i.e. the difference between new jobs created and jobs lost.

The LFS is a household-based sample survey of both formal and informal labour activities of individuals above the age of 15 whereas the QES is a survey of enterprises in the formal non-agricultural business sector.

The data does not allow for a separation of jobs created and lost by sector, but rather for net changes in employment by sector. Certain sectors would therefore reflect net job losses and others net job gains. The aggregate data in turn reflects the net figures for the economy as a whole. The data reveals that job losses have been widespread across the economy. However, the government's response to the crisis, in particular the impact on the construction sector of pressing ahead with much needed infrastructure investment has been acting to counter the employment losses from the recession, although not sufficiently to outweigh them.

Much depends on the dates over which employment figures are compared and which survey is used.

The contraction of the economy started in the fourth quarter of 2008. The most significant impact was felt during the first two quarters of 2009.

Labour Force Survey

The following are the key findings of the LFS since the beginning of the recession, that is, from the fourth quarter of 2008.

For the six month period since 1 January 2009 to end June 2009, the position is as follows. At end December 2008, total employment stood at 13 844 000. By the end of June 2009, total employment was 13 369 000 which indicates 475 000 net job losses over the six-month period.

At the end of the third quarter of 2008 on 30 September 2008, ie the date prior to the contraction of the economy as measured by quarterly GDP figures, total employment stood at 13 655 000. By the end of June 2009, total employment was 13 369 000 which indicates 286 000 net job losses over the nine-month period.

Compared for a 12 month period, the total employment at the end of June 2008 was 13 729 000 and at the end of June 2009, it was 13 369 000 which indicates 360 000 net job losses over the 12 month period.

Quarterly Employment Survey

The following are the key findings of the QES since the beginning of the recession, that is, from the fourth quarter of 2008.

For the six month period since 1 January 2009 to end June 2009, the position is as follows. At end December 2008, total employment (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) stood at 8 512 000. By the end of June 2009, the corresponding employment was 8 259 000 which indicates 253 000 net job losses (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) over the six-month period.

At the end of the third quarter of 2008 on 30 September 2008, ie the date prior to the contraction of the economy as measured by quarterly GDP figures, total employment (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) stood at 8 492 000. By the end of June 2009, the corresponding figure stood at 8 259 000 which indicates 233 000 net job losses (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) over the 12 month period.

Compared for a 12 month period, the total employment (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) at the end of June 2008 was 8 457 000 and at the end of June 2009, it was 8 259 000 which indicates 198 000 net job losses (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) over the period.

QUESTION 141

141. Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

Whether there will be a future shift in investment by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and Independent Development Corporation (IDC) from equities to rural infrastructure listed companies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

RESPONSE

The question of investment guidelines that covers rural infrastructure, as well as other priorities identified in government's programme will be reviewed, and results made public once a decision has been taken.

QUESTION NO.: 1461

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1) Whether he envisages that the amount made available for rescue packages to overcome the economic recession will be depleted within two years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether additional funding will be made available; if not, why not; if so,

(3) whether any plans have been put in place to address the matter; if not, why not; if so, what plans? NW1819E

REPLY

It is envisage that funds will be fully utilised within the two year period. Initial indications from the IDC are that the IDC funding will be fully utilized. The IDC is monitoring the take-up on an ongoing basis. The Board of the IDC will then need to consider whether additional resources will be available. The take-up on the training lay-off will be monitored and subject to the take-up rate, the need for additional funding will be addressed. A committee drawn from the social partners and government will evaluate this on an on-going basis.

QUESTION NO.: 1913

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 OCTOBER 2009

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(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? NW2477E

REPLY

No.

QUESTION NO.: 2002

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 2 November 2009

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1) What total amount in respect of advertising has his department and all specified entities reporting to it (a) budgeted for and (b) spent during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) (a) what total number of advertisements for his department and each entity reporting to it (i) appeared in the print media and (ii) were broadcast on (aa) radio and (bb) television, (b) how much did each advertisement cost and (c) what was the purpose of each advertisement? NW2654E

REPLY

The Economic Development Department (EDD) has budgeted R600, 000 for advertising, mainly for recruitment and tender advertisements. No disbursements have been made and no advertisements have been placed.

4 NOVEMBER 2009

QUESTION NO.: 242

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 OCTOBER 2009

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1) What is the nature of the broad-ranging economic policy changes (details furnished) that he intends to implement;

(2) whether he intends to propose any long-term changes to the exchange rate; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO2560E

REPLY

The Honourable Member's question was prompted by a report that appeared on 22 October, in the local media. Let me start by noting that the media report was without factual basis and we have written to the media outlet concerned.

However, the broader question raised by the Honourable Member deserves a reply.

When the ruling party went to the electorate to seek a fresh mandate in the recent elections, its Manifesto set out a policy framework that contained 5 priorities. One of these relate to economic policy issues and decent work.

The President appointed a Cabinet and we adopted a Medium Term Strategic Framework that sets out the operational components of our economic programme.

So, Honourable Member, this does involve ensuring that we secure better employment outcomes principally through a more labour-absorbing growth path. This has been the theme of our public pronouncements.

I refer in this regard to the President's State of the Nation address on 3 June wherein he outlined government's economic priorities and the centrality of decent work – by which we refer to the need for more jobs and better jobs – to government's economic policies. Similarly, in a presentation I made to the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development on 19 June, these priorities and their linkages to an employment-absorbing growth path were elaborated upon. These sentiments were recently re-emphasised in the Honourable Minister of Finance's Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) speech delivered to the House just over a week ago. Similarly, my colleague, the Honourable Minister of Trade & Industry noted 2 days ago the need to place the economy on a new growth path.

The guiding principles in looking at economic policy include the following:

1. Policy adjustments will be evidence-led. We will look at the facts and we let that guide us;

2. Economic outcomes must lead to better development outcomes: in reducing income inequality, fighting poverty and addressing unemployment;

3. Policy changes will be considered and approved by Cabinet. No single Ministry makes policy – we do so as a team and we place the results of our work before the President and Cabinet for consideration;

4. We will seek as far as possible the views of our social partners, i.e.of the business community and organised labour, of civil society – because they have insights and a knowledge base in the real economy that can be of enormous benefit to policy-making and they will be partners in a common vision we need to forge;

5. We learn from the experiences of countries elsewhere- both in what works and what does not work, but we have the confidence to develop a growth path appropriate to South Africa.

In respect of the exchange rate, we have expressed our goal of achieving a competitive value to the Rand. Since January this year the Rand has strengthened by about 15.5% against the US Dollar. Against the Chinese Renminbi, it has strengthened by about 16%.

The impact of this is significant. The exchange rate is a key economic variable which impacts on competitiveness, employment, industrial development, trade flows and export performance. We have become about 15% more expensive in our exports, and imports are 15% cheaper from these two major trading partners.

Private sector representatives and trade unionists have met with my Ministry to convey their concerns of the impact of the Rand on their businesses and on workers. We agreed that there is value in a Policy Platform that we will convene with economists and social partners to dialogue further on this matter.

QUESTION NO.: 2344

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 NOVEMBER 2009

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

Whether, with reference to his reply to Question 366 on 17 July 2009, he has purchased a new vehicle; if not, when will he purchase a new vehicle; if so, (i) why, (ii) what make and model is the vehicle, (iii) what did the vehicle cost and (iv) what (aa) accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (bb) was the cost of such accessories? NW3057E

REPLY

An order and the necessary documentation for the purchase of a Toyota Fortuner is in the process of being finalised. A supplementary reply will be furnished once the final quotation has been received from the supplier.

QUESTION NO.: 275

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 OCTOBER 2009

Ms P Bhengu (ANC) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

What is the extent and nature of his interaction with the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform? NO2600E

REPLY

The Economic Development Department (EDD) and the Department for Rural Development and Land Reform initiated a strong working relationship because of the significant connection between economic development and rural development.

To this end, the two Ministers together with senior officials have met and constituted a task team which is responsible for developing a joint work programme.

As a result, a Policy Platform was convened in September in Durban, Kwa Zulu-Natal. It considered the results of research on rural economic development in South Africa and policy insights from the international experience.

The Departments will work together on the formulation of a Rural Development Policy. It contains a number of specific proposals that will be considered.

QUESTION NO.: 254

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 OCTOBER 2009

Mr S N Swart (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1) Whether his department has done an assessment of the impact of the proposed increase of 45% per annum over the following three years in the price of electricity on inflation and economic growth prospects; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether he will make a statement on the matter? NO2575E

REPLY

Honourable Member, my Ministry is working closely with an Inter-Ministerial Committee that includes the Ministers of Finance, Energy and Public Enterprises, to consider the implications of the ESKOM application.

We are carefully considering three dimensions:

- first, the impact of different tariff increases on economic growth, employment, competitiveness and industrial performance, inflation and the impact on poor communities;

- second, the demand-management measures that can prudently be factored into the estimates of the country's energy needs;

- third, the need to ensure the resources for a programme to build additional energy-generating capacity, including different funding options that may be available.

The research as well as the work at interdepartmental level has not yet been concluded and thus any statement will be premature. The Minister of Finance will make a submission to the regulator by 9 November 2009 on behalf of government.

The decision on the tariff lies with the regulator. The challenge that the regulator will face in the months and years ahead is to find the optimum balance in the tariff structure that limits the negative social and economic impact and yet ensures the resources for an appropriate build-programme and the future energy-mix that provides for cleaner and renewable electricity-generation technologies.

QUESTION NO.: 276

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 OCTOBER 2009

Mrs D R Tsotetsi (ANC) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

How many of the fifteen companies which receive financial support from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) are owned by previously disadvantaged women and people with disabilities? NO2601E

REPLY

Since April to September 2009 the IDC has approved almost R 1 billion to 15 distressed firms from a dedicated facility that is in line with the Framework Agreement. These interventions are estimated to have saved over 3,000 direct jobs in six provinces.

Seven of these companies have black representation in ownership of between 20-100%; one has female representation of 8%. One company had shareholders which consist of a community trust and a workers' trust. Women form part of the beneficiaries of these trusts.

IDC support to enterprises owned by previously disadvantaged women and people with disabilities are also financed from other general and dedicated funds, details of which are as follows:-

The IDC advises that in the 2009 financial year, over 120 financing approvals (60% of IDC total) benefitted black empowered businesses. From April 2009, up to the end of September, the IDC had approved more than 70 transactions. Of these companies, 8 had more than 15% shareholding by black women.

As part of its commitment to assist entrepreneurial development, the IDC launched the Transformation and Entrepreneurship Scheme (TES) in the 2009 financial year. This R1 billion fund consists of the Women Entrepreneurial Fund (R400m), People with Disabilities Fund (R50m), Equity Contribution Fund (R150m), Development Fund (R250m – workers), and Community Fund (R150m). The purpose of establishing these funds is to increase access to finance to marginalised groups that still have difficulty in gaining access to capital in general and equity in particular.

4 NOVEMBER 2009

QUESTION NO.: 279

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 OCTOBER 2009

Mr S B Huang (ANC) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

Whether, in light of the signs that the economy is recovering from the international economic crisis, his department is preparing to make use of the accompanying opportunities of such recovery; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NO2604E

REPLY

Yes, the Department, working with other departments in government, is preparing to utilise the opportunity to prepare for economic recovery.

Recessions tend to weaken the productive base of economies. In the face of chronic demand shortages, firms have no incentive to invest in productive capacity and they tend to "scrap" existing capacity to meet whatever little demand exists. On the labour market front, the drop in aggregate demand leads to a drop in the demand for labour. The longer the recession runs, the greater the labour market damage: workers lose their productive capabilities and their skills and become discouraged from seeking jobs-the recession thereby creates a structural unemployment problem out of what was initially a cyclical problem.

The key interventions, details of which in respect of (a) to (d) were provided to the National Assembly on 28 August 2009, include:

(a) the training layoff scheme, intended to build skills during the period of industrial slack;

(b) support to distressed sectors and companies that are intended to address some of the structural problems of the companies concerned;

(c ) competition measures to address collusive practices in a number of sectors, in order to ensure that competition is enhanced, with the benefits that accrue in the long-term to the economy;

(d) addressing the problems of customs fraud that has eroded the market- share of legitimate manufacturers and retailers. The success of this effort will help to spur domestic economic activity;

(e) local procurement promotion to provide a long-term reorientation of

state procurement and provide the spur for private companies to invest in new capacity;

(f) local economic development initiatives to help generate strong growth and job creation.

QUESTION: 366

366. Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1) Whether he purchased a new vehicle on his appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether he inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle?

NW426E

RESPONSE

The Minister of Economic Development has not purchased a new vehicle on his appointment to office, nor did the Minister inherit an existing vehicle. For the period since his appointment to office, he has utilised vehicles made available through the Department of Transport, the Government Garage, car rental agencies and his private vehicle. The Minister requires the use of vehicles in the performance of his duties and any vehicle purchased will be done within the guidelines applicable to Members of Cabinet.

QUESTION: 367

367. Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1) Whether a function was held by his department to celebrate his appointment as minister; if so, (a) how much did the function cost, (b) what is the breakdown of the cost and (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? NW427E

RESPONSE

No.

QUESTION: 516

516. Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

Whether any function was organised to mark the occasion of the delivery of his budget vote in 2009; if so, (a) what total amount was spent on this function, (b) from which budget was the money allocated, (c) what amount was spent on (i) food and refreshments, (ii) venue, (iii) entertainment, (iv) staff and (v) transport and (d) how many persons were invited to attend this function? NW579E

RESPONSE

Economic Development has not been allocated a budget vote as yet. The Minister of Economic Development addressed Parliament on the occasion of the dti's budget vote. The function organised to mark the occasion was arranged by the dti, and accordingly the Hon Dr. PJ Rabie is referred to the dti.

QUESTION NO.: 1624

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 OCTOBER 2009

Mr S J F Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1). Whether his department developed and adopted a policy providing guidelines for the appointment of persons with a criminal record; if so, (a) when was the policy (i) developed and (ii) adopted and (b) where can a copy of the policy be obtained; if not,

(2). whether his department has any plans in place to develop and adopt such a policy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3). whether his department does any pre-employment screening of potential employees for criminal records; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4). whether any employees with criminal records are currently employed by his department; if so, (a) how many and (b) what is their (i) job level and (ii) occupational category? NW2030E

REPLY

The Economic Development Department is a newly-created department and is in the process of developing staff guidelines. To date the Economic Development Department (EDD) has not developed nor adopted a written policy providing guidelines for the appointment of persons with a criminal record. 

EDD has no plans at this stage to develop and adopt such a policy. Once it is more fully established, the development and adoption of such a policy will be considered.

At present, the dti assists EDD with the appointment of staff. The dti's human resources department verifies candidate's highest qualifications, confirms their South African citizenships, and checks that their criminal and credit records are clear. 

In terms of the verification reports received to date, no employees have criminal records.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO.: 1623

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 OCTOBER 2009

Mr S J F Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1). Whether all (a)(i) offices and (ii) sites of his department and (b) entities reporting to him adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not, (aa) why not, (bb) which facilities fail to adhere to the Act, (cc) where are they situated and (dd) what (aaa) aspects of the Act does each such facility not comply with and (bbb) action has been taken in each case; if so, what are the relevant details;


(2). (a) how often should each facility be inspected and (b) when last was each facility inspected? NW2029E


REPLY

The Economic Development Department is currently accommodated within the office complex of the dti in Pretoria and in the facilities of the dti in Cape Town. The dti takes responsibility for all regulatory compliance issues. The honourable member is referred to the dti's response to question 1606 regarding the above matter.

QUESTION NO.: 1913

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 OCTOBER 2009

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(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? NW2477E

REPLY

No.

QUESTION NO.: 2002

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 2 November 2009

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1) What total amount in respect of advertising has his department and all specified entities reporting to it (a) budgeted for and (b) spent during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) (a) what total number of advertisements for his department and each entity reporting to it (i) appeared in the print media and (ii) were broadcast on (aa) radio and (bb) television, (b) how much did each advertisement cost and (c) what was the purpose of each advertisement? NW2654E

REPLY

The Economic Development Department (EDD) has budgeted R600, 000 for advertising, mainly for recruitment and tender advertisements. No disbursements have been made and no advertisements have been placed.

QUESTION NO.: 2344

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 NOVEMBER 2009

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

Whether, with reference to his reply to Question 366 on 17 July 2009, he has purchased a new vehicle; if not, when will he purchase a new vehicle; if so, (i) why, (ii) what make and model is the vehicle, (iii) what did the vehicle cost and (iv) what (aa) accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (bb) was the cost of such accessories? NW3057E

REPLY

An order and the necessary documentation for the purchase of a Toyota Fortuner is in the process of being finalised. A supplementary reply will be furnished once the final quotation has been received from the supplier.