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27 September 2016 - NW1722

Profile picture: Bilankulu, Ms NK

Bilankulu, Ms NK to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(a) What progress has been made with regard to the Bucket Eradication Programme in the provinces where the specified programme has not been fully implemented and (b) what are the reasons for the delay in the completion of the specified programme?

Reply:

(a) The Bucket Eradication Programme is being implemented in the Northern Cape, Free State, North West and Eastern Cape Provinces, and the progress is indicated in the table below:

Province

Targets

Units Completed

Flushing

Not yet Flushing

Remaining to be constructed

Northern Cape

7618

7056

3685

3371

562

Eastern Cape

3319

3269

2919

350

50

North West

223

223

223

0

0

Free State

13880

13698

1827

11871

182

 

25040

24246

8654

15592

794

(b) Below are reasons for the delay in the completion of the specified programme:

  • Extreme difficult soil conditions exist in the Northern Cape with moderate conditions in the Free State Province which requires sophisticated machinery to enable the excavation of the rock formations;
  • In some towns, the extent of the sewer and water reticulation is in excess of 50km which with some difficult soil conditions slows the excavation process;
  • Due to the flat terrain of some projects, deep excavations for services, often as deep as 3m must be excavated to ensure gravity flows once connected;
  • Disruptions of existing services (due to excavations without drawings or designs of where existing services are located) such as water and electricity in some projects necessitate stoppages so as to restore the service before commencement.
  • The non-availability of materials (toilet structures, pipelines for water and sewer, conservancy tanks) have posed an additional delay in terms of acquiring such from suppliers often outside of the province;
  • Community protests or disputes over daily labour rates have delayed the project in some provinces for up to 3 weeks at a time.

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27 September 2016 - NW1721

Profile picture: Bilankulu, Ms NK

Bilankulu, Ms NK to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(a) What progress has been made with regard to the Nooitgedacht Low Level Scheme Phase 2 project which is intended to augment water supply and alleviate water scarcity at the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM) and (b) what are the challenges that have been encountered with regard to completing the project?

Reply:

(a) Phase 2: This phase is fully funded by the NMBM. It entails the construction of an extension of the Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Works (Civil works) on the Western side, all Mechanical and Electrical work associated with the civil works and a new Pump Station. All the work is under construction and approximately 60% completed. This phase should be finished by end of June 2017.

Phase 3: This phase is fully funded by my Department. It entails an extension of the Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Works (Civil works) on the Eastern side (Augmentation of the WTW's by 70Ml/day), all Mechanical and Electrical work associated with the civil works, a new 45Ml Reservoir at Olifantskop, Cathodic Protection and AC mitigation on all bulk lines as well as the rehabilitation of the Chelsea Motherwell pipeline. All the work has gone out on tender which closes on Friday 2 September 2016. All the evaluation and adjudication processes will then follow and it is expected to appoint a contractor by end of October 2016 after which site establishment and construction should start. It will be a 24 months construction period and the anticipated completion date is December 2018.

(b) Phase 2: The only challenges experienced in this phase were rain delays. No further challenges were experienced.

Phase 3: One of the challenges experienced was the signing of a Tri-Partite agreement between the Implementing Agent, Amatola Water, (Appointed by the DWS), DWS and the NMBM. This should however be solved in due course.

Another challenge which caused a delay was the decision of the tender processes on whether to put the work out on different tenders since the work requires different disciplines and skills and/or whether all the work should go out as one tender. The decision was to put it out on one tender which as mentioned above is closing on Friday 1 September 2016.

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27 September 2016 - NW1926

Profile picture: Stander, Ms T

Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Transport

What (a) were the objectives of the Youth Road Safety Summit launched on 25 June 2016 in Pretoria, Gauteng, (b) was achieved, measured against the specified objectives, (c) are the timeframes for the specified objectives and (d) mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that the specified objectives are met?

Reply:

(a) The Youth Road Safety Summit that was held on 25 June was a culmination of provincial Road safety Youth Summits that were held in all provinces. The purpose was to establish a national structure of young people who are engaged in road safety. The aim is to place youth at the centre of finding solutions to the ever daunting task of road death, these affect youth more than any age category of road user.

(b) A national structure was established. It is made up of youth from all provinces and different organisations from business, NGOs, faith-based organisations, etc were also co-opted into the structure.

(c) The term of office of the elected body is one year. They have the responsibility of developing a programme that will focus on youth and road safety. In developing such a programme they will take into account what is being done in the fraternity and what the shortcomings are as well as coming up with innovative ways of appealing to the youth. The programmes have to be all inclusive and accommodative of divergent youth of the country.

(d) The RTMC has been mandated to provide support to the national structure, with other road entities interacting with the structure as well. The provinces are expected to play a similar role with regards to supporting the youth structures in respective provinces.

27 September 2016 - NW1916

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)(a) What is the current total number of registered vehicles that are making use of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), (b) how many of the specified vehicles (i) have been e-tagged and (ii) paid their accounts; (2) how many vehicles that are making use of the GFIP (a) paid their accounts and (b) how many accounts are outstanding in each month as at the latest specified date for which information is available?

Reply:

(1) (a) Approximately 2.5 million individual vehicle registration numbers are identified on the GFIP during a month.

(b) (i) 1.4 million registered e-tag account holders.

(ii) Just over 1.3 million.

(2) (a) Just over 1.3 million.

(b) Currently in the VPC there are just over 2.9 million accounts with a balance owing, however 1.2 million thereof owe less than R500 each. (as at the middle of August).

27 September 2016 - NW1923

Profile picture: Rabotapi, Mr MW

Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) Why did the black economic empowerment partner (details furnished) withdraw from the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, (b) when did the specified withdrawal take place, (c) under what conditions did the specified withdrawal take place and (d) what were the costs, if any, to (i) the SA National Roads Agency Ltd and/or (ii) any other Government entity or department in this regard?

Reply:

(a) it is assumed that the honourable member is referring to the black economic empowerment partner of the Electronic Toll Collection Company. The transaction is proposed between the main members of the Consortium that was awarded the toll operations portion of the GFIP project. We have been informed that the recently issued press statements by the affected parties indicated that this was a normal transaction wher the BEE partner was exercising its right to sell its shares.

(b) As stated above, the transaction has not been finalised yet.

(c) As stated above, the details of the transaction are not available to Government.

(d) There are no costs to be incurred by SANRAL or any other Government entity. This is a private transaction between the involved parties.

27 September 2016 - NW1812

Profile picture: Basson, Mr LJ

Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether her department had any unspent budget funds at the end of the 2015-16 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what was the amount of unspent budget funds at the end of the specified financial year and (b) what amount of unspent funds, if any, did she request the National Treasury to roll over; (2) Whether the National Treasury approved the roll-over of any unspent funds; if not, why not; if so, what amount?

Reply:

(1) My Department did have unspent budget funds at the end of the 2015-16 financial year.

(1)(a) My Department has recorded an under expenditure of R189.558 million for the 2015-16 financial year.

(1)(b) Of the reported under expenditure of R189.558 million, my Department had requested to rollover funds from 2015-16 financial year to 2016-17 financial year in an amount of R77.448 million.

(2) National Treasury did not grant approval to the Department’s request for rollover of funds as it has been deemed that the Department can accommodate the related expenditure within the existing baselines.

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27 September 2016 - NW1827

Profile picture: Hoosen, Mr MH

Hoosen, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) What are the (i) time frames and (ii) milestones for the implementation of periodic testing of vehicles, (b) at what stage is her department in this regard, (c) what delays, if any, have taken place and (d) what steps were taken by her department to resolve the specified delays?

Reply:

(a) (i) No time frames have been developed yet.

    (ii) Department is currently busy with development of a process to deal with fraud and corruption within the motor vehicles testing environment to ensure that issuance of fraudulent road worthy certificates is reduced and ultimately eradicated.

(b) The Department is currently engaging with the sector on the development of a system that may be used by the testing station when testing motor vehicles to ensure that vehicles presented for the test instead of only the documentation being submitted. It is common knowledge that, if one was used to buying a fraudulent road worthy certificate they can still continue buying it, therefore it is critical that the environment be cleaned before you introduce a requirement that will only generate money but not assisting us in dealing with unroadworthy motor vehicles.

(c) The consultation on the finalisation of the appropriate system that can be incorporated in the vehicles testing environment and the cost implications.

(d) Consultations are still ongoing and no further delays are anticipated. It must further be noted that Periodic Vehicle Testing alone will not alone have an impact on reduction of fatalities hence the support by traffic law enforcement is prioritised.

 

27 September 2016 - NW1915

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport

With reference to her reply to question 421 on 23 March 2016, (a) what were the terms of reference for the investigation undertaken by the Passenger Rail Agency of SA into contracts awarded by its former Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lucky Montana, (b) on what date did the specified investigation commence, (c) what are the details of the legal processes that determine the envisaged time frames and (d)(i) what budget was allocated for the specified investigation and (ii) what has been spent to date?

Reply:

(a) Werksman’s Attorneys were engaged by PRASA to investigate the irregular expenditure transactions identified by the Auditor-General in his report of the 2014/2015 financial year and those transactions that were related to these transactions, that were above R10 milllion and that were concluded by PRASA between 2012 and 2015 as per the remedial steps recommended by the Public Protector in her report of August 2015, titled Derailed.

(b) August 2015.

(c) The time frames of the different legs of the investigation:

  • I am informed that at the beginning of the investigation, it became clear that there was no reliable retention of information and documents being destroyed and concealed, there was information and documents that were forensically removed from computers belonging to key employees and key former employees of PRASA. At that point, the focus of the investicgation, was in piercing together the information and documents, ensuring that the information and documentation may be used in legal proceedings. It was therefore impossible to determine the time frames of the investigation.
  • It is further reported that the the information gathered showed some glaring irregularities that led to the decision to litigate in respect of the concerned contracts.
  • The glaring irregularities led to a suspicion by the Board that there may be commissin of criminal offences provided for in section 34(1) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (PRECCA).
  • 41 Section 34(1) letters were sent to the Directorate for Priority Crimes and Investigation (the DPCI) on the 18th May 2016.
  • The launch of the civil litigation necessitated the provision of litigation support by the investigators. The major litigation is now at an advanced stage and the need for the support of the investigators has declined. The need will be on an as-an-when basis. The time frames are being discussed and will be finalised within the next two months.
  • PRASA is now at a point where it can define a clear scope of the forensic investigation. Discussions are underway with the investigators to determine this scope and a decision will be reached in this regard by the end of October 2016.

(d) (i) the forensic investigation started after the annual budgets had been finalised for the 2015/2016 financial year. The exercise that is being undertaken during October 2016, is to determine the extent of the remaining isssues and to agree on a budget and time frames for the remainder of the matters that require investigation.

(ii) R 97, 248,211.15, this amount covers the services of a team Advocates (Senior Counsel and Junior Councel), Attorneys with extensive experience in forensic investigations and litigation, Forensic Chartered Accountants, Chartered Accountants, Auditors and Forensic IT Specialists.

27 September 2016 - NW1813

Profile picture: Basson, Mr LJ

Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(1)(a) When was the raising of the wall of the Hazelmere Dam in KwaZulu-Natal approved, (b) what is the (i) approved budget and (ii) cost of the project to date, (c) when will the specified project be completed and (d) what is the expected completion cost of the specified project; (2) did the specified project go out on tender; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of the companies that made submissions for the specified tender and (b) what is the name of the company that was awarded the specified tender?

Reply:

(1)(a) The project was approved as a Government water work on 8 June 2010.

(1)(b)(i) The approved budget is R593 million.

(1)(b)(ii) The Expenditure as at August 2016 is R233 million.

(1)(c) The expected completion date is January 2018 (revised per programme).

(1)(d) The expected completion cost is R620 million (revised).

(2) Yes, the project went out on tender.

(2)(a) Below are the names of the companies that made submissions for the tender:

 

BIDS RECEIVED

1.

Bicacon PTY/Mapitsi Civils/Setheo Consortium & SinoHydro Joint Venture (JV)

2.

Lubbe Construction

3.

Aveng Grinaker

4

Basil Read LTD/

Rodio Consortium

5.

MRC – DSB Consortium

6.

Group Five Coastal (PTY) LTD

(2)(b)

The name of the company that was awarded the tender is Group Five Coastal (PTY) LTD.

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27 September 2016 - NW1819

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Whether the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA) has any creditor payments outstanding for more than 30 days; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the amounts outstanding to date, (b) how long has each amount been outstanding and (c) by what date will these amounts be settled; (2) what steps does PRASA take to (a) communicate with suppliers and service providers when they are not paid on time and (b) ensure that suppliers and service providers are paid on time?

Reply:

(1) Yes, the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA) has creditor payments outstanding for more than 30 days;

(a) Amounts outstanding to date is R796 million.

(b)

(c) At this stage PRASA is unable to give a firm undertaking as to when the outstanding amounts will be settled, however, PRASA is working tirelessly to ensure that it meets its obligations to its creditors.

(2) (a) PRASA communicates with suppliers where payments cannot be made through e-mails, phone calls and meetings.

(b) As long as PRASA has a cash flow problem, we will be unable to pay service providers on time. The contributory factors of the cash flow challenges include the tough economic climate, the unfunded mandate of Shosholoza Meyl, operational challenges such as the many coaches out of service, train burnings, major service disruptions, fare evasion and vandalism of infrastructure.  The Acting GCEO is leading Management in developing a Turn-Around plan by end October aimed at ensuring that PRASA is run efficiently, coaches out of service are brought back and quality commuter rail services are provided which generate the revenues required to operate the business.

27 September 2016 - NW1769

Profile picture: Hunsinger, Mr CH

Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

Has the SA Maritime Safety Authority applied the preference points and prescribed formula system in the awarding of all contracts within supply chain and procurement as expressed in (a) paragraph 2 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, Act 5 of 2000, and (b) section 51 of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, as amended; if not, why not; if so, (i) which contracts and (ii) to what value?

Reply:

(a) Yes, the preferential point system (in line with PPPFA) was applied on all transaction above R30,000.00

(b) Yes, a competitive bidding was followed for all transaction above R500,000.00

(i) And (ii) below is the list of all contracts awarded, preferential point system or method use and the transaction values for each contract.

No

Name of Supplier

Description (Contracts)

Evaluation Method

Value

1

Dinco Trading CC

Stationery

80/20

R137,894.83

2

Diventia Investments (PTY) LTD

Stationery

80/20

R123,700.00

3

Internet Solutions

MPLS

90/10

R359,901.98

4

MAKAVASA TRADING

Laminating Pouches

80/20

R63,000.00

5

Moribo wa africa trading enterprise

S-Clip files

80/20

R102,600.00

6

Nyalu Communications

Marketing Collateral

80/20

R39,680.08

7

PC Palace Gauteng

Computer Equipment: Dell Optiplex

80/20

R58,605.12

8

RAMBALANE TRADING PROJECTS

Stationery

80/20

R115,000.00

9

RAPOO RESOURCES(PTY) LTD

Stationery

80/20

R60,950.00

10

Ritlaku Trading Enterprise and Projects (Pty) LTD

Stationery

80/20

R35,600.00

11

Dimbuli Trading

Stationery

80/20

R90,000.00

12

DNV Business Assurance South Africa

Insurance

80/20

R280,203.45

13

RAPOO RESOURCES(PTY) LTD

Stationery

80/20

R150,000.00

14

WingsNaledi Corporate Travel Pty Ltd

Travel & Accommodation

90/10

R1,384,985.47

15

A New Aworkening Trading

First Aid Room Equipment

80/20

R344,251.84

16

LPV De Swardt

Job Evaluation & Grading

80/20

R39,250.00

17

TEKWENI TV PRODUCTION cc

Ship Repair Safety DVD

80/20

R62,700.00

18

Internet Solutions

MPLS

80/20

R364,161.91

19

KNMC Consultants

UPS installation - Richardsbay

80/20

R179,208.00

20

WingsNaledi Corporate Travel Pty Ltd

Travel & Accommodation

90/10

R1,520,859.55

21

Azas Projects (Pty) Ltd

UPS installation – Port Elizabeth

80/20

R204,495.00

22

KNMC Consultants

UPS installation - Durban

80/20

R443,916.00

23

MATHAMANE TRADING ENTERPRISE

Furniture

80/20

R55,500.00

24

Bathlodi Trading and Projects

Catering: Careers Expo

80/20

R46,500.00

25

Precision Networks

Laptops

80/20

R72,331.40

26

Internet Solutions

MPLS

90/10

R347,251.13

27

Internet Solutions

MPLS

90/10

R317,549.49

28

WingsNaledi Corporate Travel Pty Ltd

Travel & Accommodation

90/10

R1,156,839.79

29

WingsNaledi Corporate Travel Pty Ltd

Travel & Accommodation

90/10

R1,050,296.51

30

RAPOO RESOURCES(PTY) LTD

Stationery

80/20

R50,400.00

31

Sage Computer Technologies

Wireless Link for Hillcrest Office

80/20

R217,321.12

32

Fujitsu Service Core (Pty) Ltd

Server Maintanance

80/20

R73,596.51

33

Internet Solutions

MPLS

90/10

R351,849.91

34

WingsNaledi Corporate Travel Pty Ltd

Travel & Accommodation

90/10

R1,223,863.91

35

Biztech (PTY) Ltd

National Boat Show

80/20

R48,974.40

36

Business Connexion (Pty) Ltd

Software: Varonis Renewal

80/20

R131,345.43

37

Mccarthy

Vehicle

80/20

R315,000.00

38

Precision Networks

Laptops

80/20

R31,689.72

39

Introstat (Pty) Ltd

Laptops

80/20

R42,952.22

40

Internet Solutions

MPLS

80/20

R351,849.91

41

Itgility (Pty) Ltd

Dell NX400 storage

80/20

R80,469.34

42

3G Relocations and transport

Transversal Contract

 

R35,205.25

43

Basadzi Personnel cc

Advert

80/20

R106,557.90

44

OUTSOURCING DIGITAL

UPS Installation: Pretoria

80/20

R139,953.24

45

PC Palace Gauteng

Software: CITRIX Licence

80/20

R149,796.00

46

Sizwentsuluba VSP

Internal Audit

90/10

R281,748.00

27 September 2016 - NW1876

Profile picture: Mbhele, Mr ZN

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police

(1) Has the SA Police Service (SAPS) officer who shot and injured a 17-year old learner outside Rietvale Secondary School in Ritchie, Northern Cape, on 14 June 2016 been placed on suspension pending finalisation of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the specified IPID investigation has been completed yet; if not, (a) why not and (b) by when is it expected that the specified investigation will be completed; if so, (i) what were the findings, (ii) what is the recommended sanction against the specified officer and (iii) has the specified recommendation been implemented by the SAPS?

Reply:

(1) No. The member was not suspended after all relevant facts of the incident were considered by the Northern Cape Provincial Disciplinary Committee. The facts revealed that the member fired a warning shot. The incident was thoroughly investigated and referred for a disciplinary hearing which commenced on 19 September 2016.

(2) Yes.

(2)(a) Not applicable.

(2)(b) The investigation was completed and submitted to the South African Police Service on 15 July 2016.

(2)(b)(i) The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) through its investigation found that the member committed misconduct by contravening Regulations 20(a) in that he failed to comply with, or contravened an Act, Regulation or legal obligation; 20 (e), in that, he endangered lives of others by disregarding safety rules or regulations; 20(p), in that, while on duty he conducted himself in an improper, disgraceful and unacceptable manner; and Regulation 20(z) for committing a common law or statutory offence.

(2)(b)(ii) The recommendation was that the member be charged departmentally in terms of the South African Police Service Discipline Regulations, 2006.

(2)(b)(iii) Yes, the SAPS did implement the IPID recommendation by instituting disciplinary steps and referred the matter for a hearing as indicated in paragraph (1) above.

 

27 September 2016 - NW1892

Profile picture: Maynier, Mr D

Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

(1)Whether, with reference to his media statement of 1 September 2016, the report of the recommendations (a) was tabled at and (b) approved by Cabinet; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, on what date was the specified report (i) tabled at and (ii) approved by Cabinet; (2) whether he was authorised to release the specified media statement; if not, why not; if so, by whom; (3) when was an Inter-Ministerial Committee to investigate the termination of financial services to Oakbay Investments (Pty) Ltd established and (b) by whom; (4) whether he intends to pursue the recommendations of the specified report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether he intends to pursue the recommendation of the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the termination of financial services to the company, since the company has recourse to the courts; if not, why not; if so, why?

Reply:

The Minister of Mineral Resources released a statement on 01 September 2016. This was followed by an interview on SABC news on 02 September 2016. The Minister was not speaking in his personal capacity but in his capacity as Chairperson of the IMC. On 13 April 2016, Cabinet established an IMC to consider allegations that certain banks and other financial institutions acted unilaterally and allegedly in collusion, when they closed bank accounts and/or terminated contractual relationships with Oakbay Investments. The Minister recorded recommendations made to Cabinet by the IMC as well as the related resolutions taken by Cabinet at its meetings of 06 July 2016 and 31 August 2016 respectively. The IMC made 5 recommendations to Cabinet. 4 of the recommendations were approved by Cabinet and 1 was referred to the President for further consideration as it was not within the purview of Cabinet to take a decision on the matter. The Minister is not at liberty to make any further statements on this matter. 

 

Approved/not approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2016

27 September 2016 - NW1816

Profile picture: Baker, Ms TE

Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(1)(a)(i) From which country did her department import the desalination package plant in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and (ii) at what cost and (b)(i) who is operating the specified plant and (ii) at what cost; (2) what is the (a) capacity of the specified plant and (b)(i) cost of desalinating and (ii) selling price of each kilolitre of water; (3) whether the correct tender processes were followed to procure the specified plant; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) why did she not consider any South African companies before the procurement of the specified plant?

Reply:

(1)(a)(i) The Desalination Package Plant is supplied by a local company in KwaZulu- Natal.

(1)(a)(ii) The total costs of package plant amount to R250 million excluding VAT.

(1)(b) The packed desalination plant will be operated by Mhlathuze Water at a cost yet to be determined as discussions are still ongoing.

(2)(a) A total of 10Mega Litres per day will be produced by the desalination plant.

(2)(b)(i) The cost of the desalination plant is R250 million excluding VAT.

(2)(b)(ii) The selling price of each kilolitre of water is R3.96.

(3) My Department's supply chain procedures were followed as per National Treasury guidelines.

(4) A local company was appointed to procure these services.

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27 September 2016 - NW1895

Profile picture: Macpherson, Mr DW

Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

With reference to his reply to question 349 on 25 February 2016, (a) how many industrialists have been approved to date, (b) what are their names, (c) in which companies have the specified industrialists taken equity, (d) what is the total amount of money that has been dispersed to each of the specified industrialists for the specified equity, (e) what are the terms and conditions attached to the repayments of the specified amounts and (f) how many jobs have been (i) created and/or (ii) retained by each of the specified industrialists to date?

Reply:

(a) A total number of 22 projects have been approved under the Black Industrialist programme between the dti and the participating Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). In terms of the dti’s grant funding for Black Industrialists (BIs), 9 Black Industrialists projects have been supported for their investments in assets.

(b) The 9 incentivised Black industrialists projects include the following:

Baynes Transformers, K9 Pet Foods, Naledi Rail Engineering, Nciba Grain Group, Carbon Klean, Kenako Medical, Polybox Enterprise, Thaleka Manufacturing Services, and Maneli Pets

(c) The above mentioned companies are Black owned and managed entities. They have not taken equity from any existing companies. Only two Black Industrialists acquisitions were financed by a DFI to acquire 100% ownership of ABARDARE (Pty) Ltd and Machinery and Cutting Services Company.

(d) One DFI supported two Black Industrialists acquisitions to the value of R67 million and R12 million has been dispersed.

(e) The terms and conditions for equity transactions are concluded between the DFIs and their respective clients. In general, all funding for acquisitions are in a form of a preference share to the BI companies which then subscribe for ordinary shares in the target companies. The preference shares are payable based on the free cash flows of the target companies up to 10 years.

(f) The approved projects support 1000 jobs in the economy.

27 September 2016 - NW1924

Profile picture: Stander, Ms T

Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Transport

Who conducts training at the Road Traffic Management Corporation, (b) when was the tender to provide training issued, (c) to whom was the specified tender awarded, (d) on what basis was the service provider provides the highest standard of training?

Reply:

(a) Training at the Road Traffic Management Corporation is conducted by the RTMC Training Provisioning Unit, a unit within the RTMC Structure.

(b) Not Applicable (See A)

(c) Not Applicable (See A)

(d) Not Applicable (See A)

(e) Not Applicable (See A)

27 September 2016 - NW1744

Profile picture: Davis, Mr GR

Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Basic Education

With reference to her reply to oral question 117 on 24 August 2016, on what date did she make a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Education on education matters subsequent to the release of the Ministerial Task Team’s report on allegations of the selling of posts of educators by members of teacher unions and departmental officials in various provinces; (2) whether she will be tabling the specified report in Parliament; if not, why not; if so, (a) by when and (b) what are the further relevant details? NW2051E

Reply:

1. With reference to her reply to oral question 117 on 24 August 2016, on what date did she make a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Education on education matters subsequent to the release of the Ministerial Task Team’s report on allegations of the selling of posts of educators by members of teacher unions and departmental officials in various provinces?

(1)The Report of the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) was presented by the Department to the Portfolio Committee on 27 May 2016.

(2) Whether she will be tabling the specified report in Parliament; if not, why not; if so, (a) by when and (b) what are the further relevant details?

(2)The Minister is awaiting delivery of the final forensic report from the MTT. The Minister has indicated that she will bring the report to the Portfolio Committee on Education once the forensic investigation is completed so as to deal with it holistically.

27 September 2016 - NW1716

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Schmidt, Adv H to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether any funds allocated to her department for the Sedibeng Regional Sewerage Scheme in the Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Committee have been withdrawn; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the full reasons for the withdrawal of funds and (b) what amount of funding has been withdrawn?

Reply:

(a) The Sedibeng Regional Sanitation Scheme comprises the upgrade construction of the Sebokeng Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW), upgrade of the Meyerton WWTW, review of the feasibility study for the possible upgrade of the Rietspruit and Leeuwkuil WWTW, the construction of the Regional WWTW in Sedibeng, as well as the upgrade of the associated bulk collection infrastructure; such as pipelines and pump stations. The Project has not been withdrawn, but is underway and the Sebokeng WWTW and Meyerton WWTW are under construction; and the Sedibeng Scheme is under implementation readiness study.

(b) No amount of money has been withdrawn.

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27 September 2016 - NW1917

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)(a) How much money has been (i) collected since the launch of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) and (ii) retained for the management of the (aa) collections and (bb) collections infrastructure and (b) how much money has gone to servicing (i) road-related debt and (ii) road development; (2) how much money has been lost in each month through non-compliance with the e-toll system since the GFIP’s launch; (3) how many people have been (a) summoned for outstanding accounts and (b) found guilty for not paying the specified accounts in each month since the GFIP’s launch?

Reply:

1. (a) (i) See attached graph

(ii) All the funds collected were retained for servicing debt associated with all infrastructure of the GFIP project, maintenance of all infrastructure of the project and operational costs related to the provision of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Incident Management Systems (IMS) and operational costs associated with freeway lighting and toll collections. Also refer to (1)(b) below.

(b We kindly refer the honourable member to Note 27 of the Annual Financial Statements as published in the various Annual Reports for details of Finance Charges as well as the Segment Report in note 39, providing detail of expenditure on roads, split between Toll and Non-toll. As the honourable member is aware these are the audited financial statements as audited by the Auditor General.

(2) No money is lost as the amount of Revenue which is not collected remains in debtors, therefore still collectible from the debtor. I also bring to the attention of the honourable member that the PFMA compels all debt owed to be collected from the debtors. I am confident that the honourable member does not wish the debt not to be collected and inadvertently disrespect the legislation.

(3) (a) 5449 individuals and 837 Corporate/Business

(b) None of these matters reached the courts yet.

27 September 2016 - NW1810

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Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

(1)How many appeals (a)(i) are pending in terms of section 96 of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, as amended and (ii) were pending as at 1 April 2016 and (b) have been dealt with in each of the past five months of the 2016-17 financial year, in each case indicating the number of appeals (i) granted and (ii) denied; (2) (a) for how many days has the oldest pending appeal been outstanding and (b) what plans have been put in place to address the specified pending appeals?

Reply:

1(a) (i) As at 31 August 2016 the number of outstanding appeals are 957.

1(a) (ii) At 1 April 2016, the number of outstanding appeals were 947.

1(b) The following number of appeals were finalised in the months as indicated

April 2016 - 4 Appeals

  1. Appeals granted – 1
  2. Appeals dismissed – 3

May 2016 – 6 Appeals

  1. Appeals Granted – 4
  2. Appeals Dismissed – 2

June 2016 – 31 Appeals

  1. Appeals granted – 27
  2. Appeals dismissed – 4

July 2016 – 20 Appeals

  1. Appeals granted – 10
  2. Appeals dismissed – 10

August 2016 – 10 Appeals

  1. Appeals granted – 4
  2. Appeals dismissed – 6

2(a) Considering the timeframes provided for in Regulation 74, it takes approximately 120 days to process and finalise internal appeals in the prescirbed manner. The attainment of this period is dependent on number of appeals received during a given period as well as the complexity of such appeals and capacity constrains. The 2010 Constitutional Court judgement in Bengwenyama held that internal remedies must exhuasted before judicial review proceedings may be instituted. This led to the lodgement of significantly more appeals than before as more applcants were required to exercise internal remedies.

2(b) Action Plans:

  • There is a continuous liaison with internal and external parties involved to expedite conclusion of the Regulation 74 process which appears to be yielding positive results.
  • From time to time, the Office of the State Attorney is requested to assist with the finalisation of certain appeals.
  • While implementing the above measures, historic appeals are prioritised.
  • Draft regulations to significantly streamline the appeal process has already been formulated and is to be promulgated soon.

 

Approved/not approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2016

27 September 2016 - NW1825

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Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Transport

With reference to her reply to question 1603 on 7 June 2016, what are the exact time frames and time lines for the specified appointment?

Reply:

The Minister in consultation and by agreement with the Board of PRASA resolved at a meeting held on the 30th June 2016, that the environment within PRASA was not conducive for the appointment of a GCEO. In this regard, and following this agreement with the Board, the Minister seconded and the Board appointed Mr. Collins Letsoalo as Acting Group CEO effective 1 July 2016.

27 September 2016 - NW1811

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Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

(a) How many successful mining rights applications have been made through the SA Mineral Resources Administration System without the assistance of his department’s officials (i) in the (aa) 2013-14, (bb) 2014-15 and (cc) 2015-16 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2016 and (b) what is the approximate annual cost of (i)(aa) maintaining and (bb) operating the specified system and (ii) remunerating officials assigned to the specified system?

Reply:

Question (i)

PERIOD

NO OF MINING RIGHTS

(aa)

01 APR 2013 – 31 MAR 2014

185

(bb)

01 APR 2014 – 31 MAR 2015

139

(cc)

01 APR 2015 – 31 MAR 2016

142

     

Question (ii)

01 APR 2016 – 31 AUG 2016

55

TOTAL

521

(b) Approximate annual cost are as follows:

Cost Driver

2013 - 2014

2014 – 2015

2015 - 2016

Maintenance

R 786 600.00

R 786 600.00

None - R0

Operating

R 897 180.00

R 533 346.72

R 304 970.52

(iii) Remuneration:

  • There are nine (9) officials each at salary level:10 (R389 145.00 p.a). One (1) offficial in each Regional Office, Assistant Director: Mineral Information Management (MIM). There are responseble for the day to day spatial verification.
  • One (1) official at salary level:5 (R142 461.00). Administrative Clerk located at Head Office, responsible for helpdesk.
  • One (1) official at salary level:12 (R726 276.00), Deputy Director: Administration and Information Systems, located at Head Office.

 

Approved/not approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2016

27 September 2016 - NW1918

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Motau, Mr SC to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether, with reference to her replies to questions (a) 415 on 8 March 2016 and (b) 1603 on 7 June 2016, a deadline has been set by which the new Chief Executive Officer of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa will be appointed; if not, why not; if so, by what date?

Reply:

The Minister in consultation and by agreement with the Board of PRASA resolved at a meeting held on the 30th June 2016, that the environment within PRASA was not conducive for the appointment of the GCEO. In this regard, and following this agreement with the Board, the Minister seconded and the Board appointed Mr. Collins Letsoalo as Acting Group CEO effective 1 July 2016.

27 September 2016 - NW1921

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Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) How is vehicle owner information obtained by any e-toll collection agency, (b) what process is used to obtain permission to access personal information of vehicle owners in this regard and (c) what process is followed in cases where a vehicle owner refuses to provide their personal information?

Reply:

(a) As the honourable member is aware in terms of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 vehicle owners are required to provide accurate address and contact details on registration and licensing of their vehicles.  These details are captured on the e-Natis system.  The information used for violator invoicing (VPC) is directly extracted from this database, in terms of the legal requirement to pay toll, as per the applicable legislation – Act No 7 of 1998. In the event that the information from e-Natis is inaccurate, and summonses are served, the lawyers may source additional information from other available sources as an offence was committed.

(b) No process is required.  If a road user is not paying toll in terms of a legal requirement, a debt against the name of the vehicle owner occur.  SANRAL is entitled to collect the outstanding toll/debt in terms of the SANRAL Act.

(c) If the information for a vehicle owner is accurate on e-Natis, a vehicle owner may not refuse that the information is made available to SANRAL. It is available in terms of the law and there is a legal requirement that users must ensure that their latest information is reflected on the Natis system. If address or contact details change, a user has 26 days in which to provide updated information.

I am confident that the honourable member does not tolerate lawlessness of any manner whatsoever. Not paying toll fees is a criminal offence. Although, it may be regarded as a white collar crime, it nevertheless remains a crime

27 September 2016 - NW1814

Profile picture: Basson, Mr LJ

Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(1)(a) When did the pipeline project between the Craigieburn Dam and Greytown in KwaZulu-Natal start and (b) what is the (i) budgeted cost of the specified project and (ii) distance of the pipeline; (2) whether the specified project has been completed; if not, (a) why not, (b) when will it be completed, (c) what is the cost of the project to date and (d) what is the total estimated completion cost of the project; if so, on what date was the specified project completed; (3) did the specified project go out on tender; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of the companies that made submissions for the specified tender and (b) what is the name of the company that was awarded the specified tender?

Reply:

(1)(a) The pipeline project between the Craigieburn Dam and Greytown in KwaZulu-Natal started on 24 March 2015.

(1)(b)(i) The budgeted cost of the project was R203 802 607 including escalation, contingencies and VAT.

(1)(b)(ii) The distance of the pipeline is 35.0km

(2)(a) The project has not been completed due to poor performance of the three contractors appointed in the project which resulted in termination of the contracts.

(2)(b) It will take about eleven (11) weeks to complete the outstanding scope of the works. The actual start and completion dates will be negotiated between uMzinyathi District Municipality and the prospective replacement contractors once appointed through Section 32 of the Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations.

(2)(c) The cost of the project to date is R79 493 188.

(2)(d) The total estimated cost to complete the project is R138 647 000.

(3) Yes, the project went out on tender.

(3)(a) The companies that made submissions for the specified tender are as follows:

Bankuna Engineering

V. Bhengu Construction

Sizabonke t/a Pilcon Projects

Moray & Dickson Construction

Shula Construction

Nongafa Construction

Igugulabafazi Developments

Soundrite Construction

JMngcwango Trading

Valente Bros (Pty) Ltd

Barleda 65 cc JV Busizwe

Ntandoyami JV

Velakude Trading JV Ugwadule Trading

R&B Pipelines JV Sikoti

TBA Construction

Blue Dot G Services

F&A Civils

Thembalethu Civils

Anvisba Civils

Lenong Azishe JV

WK Construction

Velekude JV Umzuzu cc

Cycade Pipelines

AM Pomolong JV

WBHO Construction

Tshenolo Resources JV Kufiki

Namandla Roads & Civils

Esor Construction

Cerimele Construction

Phumi JV Ishishini

Zanamanzi Services

 

(3)(b) The pipeline was broken into three contracts, and the contractors awarded the tenders were Soundrite Construction, Bankuna Engineering and Phumi/Ishishini JV.

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26 September 2016 - NW1777

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Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Public Works:

With regard to a presentation by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works on 23 August 2016, in which it was noted that the mandate of the CBE and the six Built Environment Professional Councils includes the establishment of a Standards Generating Body, has such a body been created; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

Yes, each Built Environment Professional Council (BEPC) has established a Standards Generating Body (SGB) that is involved in the development of Occupational Qualifications under the umbrella of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

An SGB is a panel of knowledgeable, experienced individuals with expertise in various competency areas and their levels, as well as in the assessment criteria applied in evaluating learners who have completed their study programmes offered at various institutions. SGBs prepare and publish details of teaching/learning programmes and the assessment criteria that leaners must undergo, as well as the assessment criteria for candidates related to qualifications in particular fields of expertise.

According to the National Qualifications Frameworks Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008), the Council for Higher Education (CHE) is the sole authority and Quality Council for Higher Education. According to its Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) one of the critical mandates of the CHE is to develop qualifications standards, the purpose of which is to provide internal and external benchmarks for programmes that lead to qualifications, i.e. accreditation, implementation, development and quality assurance. The BEPCs established SGBs with the intention of working with the CHE to develop outcome-based qualifications for registration in particular fields of expertise in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework. The focus of the SGBs is to develop Occupational Qualifications under the QCTO that will enable learners/candidates to be registered professionals in the respective fields or categories administered by the Professional Councils. This was instituted due to the additional process required in the registration of the professional designation under the mandate of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The SGBs continue with the process established by the CHE and they work with the Deans of universities and higher education in order to develop learning pathways, unit standards and qualifications for learners in the various sub-fields leading towards qualification in those sub-fields.

The CHE has completed and published standards for the 6 BEPCs that are overseen by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), the entity that reports to the Minister of Public Works.

______________________________________________________________________

26 September 2016 - NW1775

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Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Public Works:

With regard to the 2014-15 annual report of the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), which noted that 51 of 170 applications to the Engineering Council of South Africa for Recognition of Prior Learning were not accepted in the specified financial year, (a) what were the reasons for each of the specified applications not being accepted and (b) how does the CBE plan to reduce the high proportion of unaccepted applications?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(a) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) considers practicing individuals in the professions who do not have a formal qualification in their field of work. RPL enables the affected individuals to be recognised as either professionals or candidate professionals under the statutory-determined professional designations. Their recognition is based on a demonstration of competence against learning outcomes required for a National Qualification Framework (NQF) aligned qualification.

The reasons for rejection of applications were as follows:

  • Inadequate exposure for candidates in other areas within the workplace where they are required to be competent.
  • Difficulty in securing professionally registered mentors (lack of access to competent mentors also contributes to the barriers and this is linked to the lack of structured in-service training programmes).
  • Incomplete reporting by the person applying for RPL and lack of supporting portfolio of evidence (this is one of the major reasons faced by applicants). This can be attributed to the applicants’ lack of clarity on the knowledge areas to be covered to assist with their progression in line with their Built Environment Professional Councils (BEPCs) required competency outcomes. Some of applicants have reported that they find the process of compilation of the Portfolio of Evidence to be onerous and highly demanding involved process, thus applicants fail to submit all required information.

(b) The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the six BEPCs are implementing the following interventions:

  • Review of the RPL frameworks of the six BEPCs to ensure a fair and equitable process.
  • Recording of interviews to monitor and promote transparency and consistent application of policy.
  • Introduction of an on-line self-testing portal. This is done by the individual prior to submission of the application. The individual tests whether he/she is ready to start the application process.
  • Identify programmes or courses to support applicants where they fall short.
  • Assist candidates, who are struggling to complete the candidacy programme, by introducing structured candidacy programmes.
  • Mentorship programme (assisting applicants in finding registered mentors to monitor the quality of the reports).
  • Provide timeous feedback, in order to ensure applicants submit complete applications.

26 September 2016 - NW1780

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Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Police

Whether he has formally engaged with the Minister of Basic Education regarding the dedication of resources to investigate the cases of alleged illegal actions by educators identified by the report of the Ministerial Task Team to Investigate Allegations into the Selling of Posts of Educators by Members of Teacher Unions and Departmental Officials in the Provincial Education Departments; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The allegations were not referred to us but to forensic investigators for preliminary enquiry. Once that process is finalized it will then come to us and that is when serious engagements will take place..

26 September 2016 - NW1732

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James, Dr WG to ask the Minister of Health

What is the total number of doctors who are (a) needed and (b) employed at the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases to assess medical conditions of miners who need to claim compensation for injuries and illnesses contracted in the course of their work in mines and quarries?

Reply:

(a) Medical doctors are needed to provide clinical assessments of miners or ex-miners at the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD). Specialist radiologists are needed to assess the Chest X-rays. Medical doctors are also needed to serve on the Certification Committees and the Medical Reviewing Authority for Occupational Diseases. The number of medical doctors needed for the various aforementioned activities is not quantified as yet as the Compensation Commissioner is quantifying the number of current and ex-miners needing such a service as well determining a service delivery framework involving nurses trained in occupational health to do the initial clinical assessment with referral to the medical doctors as appropriate.

(b) Two (2) medical doctors are employed for conducting clinical assessments at the MBOD; 1 sessional radiologist for assessing Chest X-rays; 24 medical doctors (19 seconded from the mining companies and 5 paid by the Department of Health) for sessions in the Certification Committees and 3 occupational health specialists in the Medical Reviewing Authority for Occupational Diseases from the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH).

END.

26 September 2016 - NW1666

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Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister in the Presidency

What was the (a) total amount spent and (b) breakdown of such expenditure by The Presidency on its participation in the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of Fraud, Corruption, Impropriety or Irregularity in the Strategic Defence Procurement Packages to date?

Reply:

The total amount spent by the Presidency on its participation in the Arms Procurement Commission in respect of the legal representation of the Presidency and former members executive is R1 364 328.00 

26 September 2016 - NW1733

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James, Dr WG to ask the Minister of Health

In light of his department's statement in 2015 that it would be setting up more one-stop service centres for miners who need to claim compensation for injuries or illnesses contracted in the course of their work in mines, (a) what is the total number of centres that have been set up and in each case, (i) is each centre fully operational (ii) where is each centre situated (iii) what is the total number of queries that have been handled to date and (iv) what is the total number of queries that are still outstanding and (b) what is the total number of centres that are still being set up by his department?

Reply:

(a) There are two (2) fixed one-stop service centres in Mthatha and Carletonville based at the respective provincial hospitals.

  1. Each centre is operational;
  2. The centres are based at the provincial hospitals in Mthatha, Eastern Cape and Carletonville, Gauteng;
  3. As at the end of June 2016, the total persons seen at Mthatha were 4867 and 5282 at Carletonville;
  4. The total number of outstanding queries from the one-stop centres is not known as yet as an internal track and trace system of claimant files has only been introduced at the MBOD as of September 2016.

(b) There are two one-stop service centres planned for Burgersfort in Limpopo and Kuruman in Northern Cape respectively in the 2016/17 FY.

END.

26 September 2016 - NW1970

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Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Health

(1)With reference to certain media reports that the Government Employees Medical Schemes (GEMS) could be insolvent by year end (details furnished), why did the council of medical schemes avoid putting the scheme under curatorship, despite its longstanding failure to meet the minimum statutory requirements by the industry; (2) whether he has found that the Council for Medical Scheme has in respect of GEMS (a) carried out its powers to ensure the proper and responsible governance of the scheme and (b) complied with its function of protecting the interest of the members of the scheme at all times?

Reply:

(1) A scheme that fails to meet the minimum statutory solvency level is required, in terms of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, to report the nature and causes of failure to the Registrar, as well as the proposed course of action. The Office of the Registrar has been monitoring GEMS closely and been engaging with the scheme and its management regarding the turnaround strategy. Further, whilst the scheme has not met the minimum statutory solvency requirement for various reasons, such as exponential growth in membership without the inflow of reserves as well as increased utilization, it remains a going concern and can continue to operate and honour its obligations into the foreseeable future.

There are currently no governance concerns regarding GEMS and as a result there is no reason to put the scheme under curatorship. This regulatory intervention is typically instituted for schemes where governance failures are indicated. For such schemes, the CMS would have investigated the governance failures and would have satisfied itself that curatorship is the most appropriate regulatory response under the circumstances.

(2) (a) The CMS has put GEMS under close monitoring in terms of regulation 29 (3) of the Medical Schemes Act. The regulation requires a scheme to submit a business plan and projections on how it intend fulfilling the requirements of reaching the statutory solvency level of 25%. These business plans are then discussed with the schemes and the CMS give directives on how to improve the performance of the scheme.

Further, it should be noted that GEMS is a going concern and will continue to honour claims by its members. The scheme currently has reserves of R1.5bn and sufficient cash to pay claims. GEMS currently have assets in excess of their liabilities i.e. positive net asset value. Although they are below the minimum required statutory solvency level, there is no immediate threat to the ability of the scheme to continue as a going concern.

(b) In order to ensure that members continue to be protected, the scheme and its management have undertaken to implement measures to mitigate against the factors that have resulted in the negative performance noted recently. The scheme is on close monitoring by the CMS. The scheme has an approved business plan identifying the causes of failure e and a recovery plan. The CMS has been continually engaging with the scheme on its plans to improve the performance of the scheme to ensure the protection of members. They also submit monthly management account to the Registrar and attend quarterly monitoring meetings.

END.

26 September 2016 - NW1686

Profile picture: Selfe, Mr J

Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister in the Presidency

Whether he requested any form of (a) legal advice and/or (b) advisory services from a certain firm of attorneys (name and details furnished) with regard to the Public Protector’s reports entitled (i) Secure in Comfort, report No 25 of 2013/14, (ii) Inappropriate Moves, report No 13 of 2013/14 and (iii) When Governance and Ethics Fail, report No 23 of 2013/14; if so, in each case, (aa) in which specific financial years were the services rendered and (bb) what was the cost of the services?

Reply:

No.

26 September 2016 - NW1648

Profile picture: Dudley, Ms C

Dudley, Ms C to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether there is existing legislation regarding testing on animals for cosmetic purposes; (2) whether his department is aware of any testing being done on animals in South Africa for cosmetic purposes; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the Government's (a) preparedness and (b) plans to deal with such testing through legislation?

Reply:

1. The Department of Health administers the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act No. 54, 1972), as amended in 2007. There are a number of Regulations published in terms of this Act to ensure that either food or cosmetics are appropriately controlled and that the public are protected.

Recently on 19 August 2016, the Minister of Health published a set of General Regulations amending the legislation from 1972 addressing Cosmetics. Kindly be advised that:

The proposed 19 August 2016 update to the General Regulations on cosmetic oversight makes provision for a company to claim on the label of the cosmetic to the fact that no animal testing has been carried out or that no any animal tests on the finished cosmetic product or its prototype or any of the ingredients contained in have been commissioned, or that no ingredients have been tested on animals for the purpose of developing new cosmetics. However, the proposed Cosmetic Regulations do not prohibit testing on animals.

2. The Department is not aware of any testing being done on animals in South Africa for purposes of testing cosmetics. The Department is aware of testing being done on animals for purpose of testing veterinary medicines for registration with the Medicines Control Council (MCC) in terms of the provisions of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965). These clinical trial sites are being inspected by the Department’s Inspectors and prior to the conduct of the clinical trial, the company is required to obtain authorization from the MCC for the conduct of the study.

 (a) None of the current health legislation in South Africa, i.e.

  • Act 35 of 1984 (Animal Disease Act) [Department of Agriculture];
  • Act 36 of 1947 (Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies) [Department of Agriculture];
  • Act 54 of 1972 (Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act) [Department of Health];
  • Act 61 of 2003 (National Health Act) [Department of Health] provides for regulatory oversight of testing of cosmetics in animals.

(b) The Department intends to deal with this regulatory gap by including, under the proposed cosmetic General Regulation (19 August 2016), the requirement that the cosmetic information file that each manufacturer of a cosmetic needs to keep, includes information on the assessment of safety in humans using animals.

END.

26 September 2016 - NW1876

Profile picture: Mbhele, Mr ZN

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police

(1) Has the SA Police Service (SAPS) officer who shot and injured a 17-year old learner outside Rietvale Secondary School in Ritchie, Northern Cape, on 14 June 2016 been placed on suspension pending finalisation of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the specified IPID investigation has been completed yet; if not, (a) why not and (b) by when is it expected that the specified investigation will be completed; if so, (i) what were the findings, (ii) what is the recommended sanction against the specified officer and (iii) has the specified recommendation been implemented by the SAPS?

Reply:

(1) On the basis of the information provided to me please accept this as an interim reply as I have dedicated somebody to give me more clarity on some of the issues I have raised with SAPS, therefore full response on part one will soon follow, however part two of the question has been responded to fully.

(2) The case was taken over from SAPS by IPID for investigation on the 17 June 2016. On 14 July 2016 the case was referred to the office of the Provincial Director of Public Prosecution and SAPS respectively with the recommendations that the member be charged both Departmental and Criminal. The Provincial SAPS decided to charge the member and the Departmental trial is set for 19 September 2016. The office of the National Director of Public Prosecution returned the case docket on 01 September 2016 for further investigation before the decision can be taken. The IPID intend to complete the outstanding investigations as directed by DPP on or before 15 September 2016. Furthermore, the IPID will not be in the position to state why the member was not suspended by SAPS. The suspension of the member is the solely the prerogative of the SAPS Management.

26 September 2016 - NW1971

Profile picture: Carter, Ms D

Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Health

With reference to certain media reports concerning Government Employees Medical Schemes (GEMS) (details furnished), what (a) are the root causes of the dire situation that GEMS finds itself in and (b) interventions are being undertaken to remedy the situation?

Reply:

Honourable Member, I answered the earlier question on GEMS (Question 1970) as it relates to the function of the regulator – the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). CMS is a statutory body that regulates all medical schemes in the country and it reports to the Department of Health. But the Department of Health does not manage any medical schemes including GEMS. GEMS reports to the Department for the Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and all questions regarding its everyday running must be referred to that Department.

END.

26 September 2016 - NW1746

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Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Whether all recommendations of the Jali Commission Report of December 2005 were implemented; if not, why not; if so, what was the outcome?

Reply:

No, the Department has not successfully implemented all the recommendations, however the department was successful in implementing the following major areas:

  • Human resource related recommendations:
    • Strategies were developed in order to deal with-
    • appointments made due to union influence;
    • failure to attract external skills;
    • ineffective transformation;
    • ineffective disciplinary code;
    • merit award system;
    • disciplinary enquiries;
    • recruitment;
    • abuse of power and sexual harassment;
    • The department has also migrated to the seven-day working week as recommended.
    • Monies relating to Medcor fraud were recovered.
  • Gangsterism
    • A gang management strategy was formulated and is currently being implemented
  • Correctional centre security
    • Minimum Security standards adopted and implemented
    • Access control in centres has been increased with CCTV’s installed at access control points. The new generation correctional centres also have security technology installed as part of the infrastructure of the centres.
  • Parole and conversion of sentences
    • A total of 53 parole boards have been established and it is expected for these structures to meet regularly to assess those eligible for parole. A medical parole board has also been established to focus only on cases for which parole may be awarded based on an offenders’ medical condition. The review board was established with the sole aim of reviewing complaints related to awarding and denial of parole. The National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS) has also been established.
  • Sexual violence in correctional centres
  • A policy to address sexual abuse of inmates in DCS facilities was developed;
  • Post Exposure prophylaxis is administered;
  • Regular health education is conducted for inmates;
  • The independence of the Judicial Inspectorate was strengthened by amendment the Correctional Services Act which now provides for a Chief Executive Officer to manage the office of the Judicial Inspectorate under the authority of the inspecting judge.

The following actions were taken in the supply chain environment:

  • Internal controls
    • To ensure proper control mechanisms a unit specialising in internal control and compliance matters has been established. This unit is able to regularly assess whether the necessary controls are being implemented within the department.
  • Management of investigations
    • The specialised departmental investigating unit has been established and is constantly making follow up where investigations are concerned.

The Department has not fully implemented the recommendation regarding the treatment of offenders mainly due to the fact that increased incidents of crime result in higher numbers of convictions (incarceration) which then means correctional facilities are increasingly overcrowded.

As at the end of 2015/16 correctional centres were 34% overcrowded. The high overcrowding has a consequence of overstretching resources including staff.

In an attempt to reduce levels of overcrowding the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) follows a multi-pronged strategy which amongst others includes:

  • Managing levels of Remand Detainees through the Integrated Justice System Case Management Task Team and Inter-Sectoral Committee on Child Justice;
  • Managing levels of sentenced offenders through improving effective and appropriate use of conversion of sentence to community correctional
  • supervision, release on parole and transfers between correctional centres to attempt to establish some degree of evenness of overcrowding;

The multi-pronged overcrowding strategy enhances efforts to minimize the negative effects of overcrowding in correctional centres.

Efforts are constantly made to ensure that the recommendations are as far as possible implemented.

26 September 2016 - NW1880

Profile picture: Redelinghuys, Mr MH

Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police

How many (a) SA Police Service (SAPS) members were found guilty of criminal charges from 1 April 2009 to date and (b) of the specified members are still employed by the SAPS?

Reply:

The accurate figure will be sent to you shortly as certain information is still in the process of being verified.

23 September 2016 - NW1898

Profile picture: Selfe, Mr J

Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Service

Whether a certain law firm (name and details furnished), provided any form of (a) legal advice and/or (b) advisory services to him with respect to the Public Protector’s reports entitled (i) Secure in Comfort, report no 25 of 2013/14, (ii) Inappropriate Moves, report no 13 of 2013/14 and (iii) When Governance and Ethics Fail, report no 23 of 2013/14; if so, in each case, (aa) during which specified financial years were the services rendered and (bb) what was the cost of the services?

Reply:

No, Mchunu Attorneys were not utilised for legal advice and/or advisory services with respect to the Public Protector’s reports mentioned above.

(aa) and (bb) Not applicable.

23 September 2016 - NW1889

Profile picture: Grootboom, Mr GA

Grootboom, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture

Whether the (a) Human Sciences Research Council, (b) Iziko Museums of South Africa, (c) KwaZulu-Natal Museum, (d) National Heritage Council and (e) Msunduzi and Ncome Museum Council complied with the provisions to implement the Use of Official Languages Act, No. 12 of 2012, by May 2015, after being granted a temporary exemption; if not, (i) which of the specified entities did not comply and (ii) what steps did he take against the specified entities; if so, (aa) which of the specified entities complied and (bb) which languages has each of specified entities adopted?

Reply:

There is admissible evidence that all the national public entities mentioned above complied with the implementation of the Use of Official Languages Act (the Act), No. 12 of 2012, by May 2015 except HSRC and Iziko.

(a) The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) gazetted its language policy on 18 March 2016 and indicating that it will utilise English, isiZulu and Sepedi for government purposes.

(b) Iziko Museums of South Africa gazetted its language policy on 9 October 2015 indicating that it will utilise Afrikaans, isiXhosa and English for government purposes.

(c) KwaZulu-Natal Museum gazetted its language policy on 31 March 2015 indicating that it will utilise English, isiZulu and Afrikaans for government purposes.

(d) National Heritage Council gazetted its language policy on 30 March 2015 indicating that it will utilise English, Setswana and isiZulu for government purposes.

(e) Msunduzi and Ncome Museum Council gazetted its language policy on 30 March 2015 indicating that it will utilise English, isiZulu and Afrikaans for government purposes.

(i) Institutions that did not comply by May 2015

  • Iziko Museums of South Africa complied by 9 October 2015
  • The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) complied by 18 March 2016

(ii) Steps taken to encourage entities to comply with the Act

  • The Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) organised a workshop with national government departments to encourage them to facilitate implementation of the Act with the national public entities reporting to them.
  • DAC appointed a service provider to facilitate the implementation of the Act with all non-complying institutions.

23 September 2016 - NW1734

Profile picture: Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP

Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

With reference to the undertaking made by his department during a parliamentary portfolio committee meeting in September 2014, that it would review the disclosure requirements for senior members of the public service with the aim to also include debts owed by public servants in the list of items to be disclosed annually, what progress has been made in revising such requirements?

Reply:

The Public Service Regulations, 2001 were reviewed after consultation with relevant stakeholders. The review included Chapter 3 (the Financial Disclosure Framework) of the 2001 Regulations. The Public Service Regulations, 2016 were issued after this review process and came into effect on the 1st of August 2016. Regulation 19 stipulates details of interests to be disclosed by designated employees. These details include the disclosure of “loan accounts”, among other things to be disclosed by designated employees. Members of senior management service are designated employees.

23 September 2016 - NW1865

Profile picture: Masango, Ms B

Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Police

With reference to his reply to question 1430 on 6 June 2016, by which date will the detective division at the Primrose Police Station in Gauteng receive six additional vehicles in order for the specified police station to comply with the ratio of two detectives per vehicle?

Reply:

On 31 August 2016, the South African Police Service Efficiency Index System that is used to manage all physical resources, reflected as follows for the Primrose Police Station:

Current detective personnel strength: 32

Current detective vehicle strength: 12

Ideal number of vehicles for 32 detectives: 16

Current shortage of vehicles: -4

New vehicles purchased for the Primrose Police Station will be issued by 31 January 2017.

23 September 2016 - NW1884

Profile picture: Groenewald, Dr PJ

Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

How many protection orders were issued in the country’s courts in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years;

Reply:

1. The table below provides information on the protection orders issued in the country’s courts in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act 116 of 1998):

Protection Orders Made Final: Section 6

Financial Year

Grand Total

Provinces

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

 

Eastern Cape

13 567

14 075

13 382

41 024

Free State

5 790

6 625

6 235

18 650

Gauteng

17 962

16 344

15 364

49 670

Kwa-Zulu Natal

13 511

13 740

13 551

40 802

Limpopo

7 931

8 014

8 462

24 407

Mpumalanga

6 276

6 362

6 436

19 074

North-West

4 548

5 424

5 658

15 630

Northern Cape

2 730

3 701

4 429

10 860

Western Cape

16 615

14 219

13 668

44 502

Grand Total

88 930

88 504

87 185

264 619

2. My Department has placed an additional focus on assisting all victims throughout the various services we render as part of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s strategic and policy direction. The protection of women and children remains an important element of the justice system and from the statistics furnished above clearly show that the courts have been issuing protection orders when and where required.

23 September 2016 - NW1831

Profile picture: Grootboom, Mr GA

Grootboom, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture

(1)Whether, in line with the responsibilities of his department to build non-racialism through community dialogues relating to sub-outcome 2 of outcome 15 of the National Development Plan, the specified community dialogues have commenced; if not, why not; if so, (a) where; (b) when has each of the specified dialogues taken place?

Reply:

1. The Department concluded the appointment of a service provider to conduct community conversations over a period of three years. The first phase of the community conversations were concluded in the last financial year and the second phase of the community conversations have commenced. A total of four community conversations were concluded in Northern Cape (Calvinia, Carnarvon, Prieska, Kimberly); two community conversations were held in Limpopo (Schoonoort and Modimolle); and three community conversations were held in Mpumalanga (Ermelo, Delmas, Lydenburg) thus far.

2. The community conversations took place from 16 – 19 August 2016 in Northern Cape; 30 – 31 August 2016 in Limpopo; 06 - 08 September 2016 in Mpumalanga.

SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Province

Town

Local Municipality

District Municipality

Area

Venue

Date-2016

Nothern Cape

Calvinia

Namakhoi

Namakwa

Semi-urban

Tromp Nell Hall

16 Aug

 

Carnarvon

Kareeberg

Pixley ka Seme

Semi-urban

DRC Hall

17 Aug

 

Prieska

Siyathemba

Pixley ka Seme

Rural

Steps of Omega Hall

18 Aug

 

Kimberley

Sol Plaatje

Frances Baard

Urban

MGregor Museum

19 Aug

             

Limpopo

Schoonoort

Mkhuduthamasa/

Elias Motsoaledi/

Fetakgome

Sekhukhune

Rural

Peter Nchabeleng Hall

30 Aug

 

Modimolle

Thabazimbi/Modimolle/

Bela Bela

Waterberg

Semi-urban

Library Auditorium

31 Aug

 

Tzaneen

Did not take place – Cancelled by DAC Provincial

1 Sep

   

Mpumalanga

Ermelo

Msukaligwa

Gert Sibande

Semi-urban

Transnet School Of Rail Hall

6 Sep

 

Delmas

Victor Khanye

Nkangala

Semi-urban

Braam Fisher Hall

7 Sep

 

Lydenburg

Thebe Cheu

Enhlanzeni

Semi-urban

Civic Center

8 Sep

             

23 September 2016 - NW1652

Profile picture: Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP

Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

(1)What are the (a) names, (b) descriptions of the positions and (c) circumstances of the Directors-General in the Public Service that did not submit their financial disclosure forms for the 2014-15 financial year as at (i) 31 March 2015 and (ii) 31 March 2016; (2) whether all senior management staff members of his department and the National School of Government submitted their financial disclosure forms by the due date for the 2014-15 financial year; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will the specified financial disclosure forms be submitted; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what steps have been taken to avoid a repetition of the failure to submit disclosure forms by (a) Directors-General in the Public Service and (b) senior management staff members in his department and the National School of Government on time in the 2015-16 financial year deadline?

Reply:

(1) Chapter 3 C.1 of the Public Service Regulations, 2001 (which was applicable during the period in question) provides that every designated employee (SMS member) shall, not later than 30 April each year, disclose to the relevant Executive Authority particulars of all her/his registrable interests in respect of the period 1 April of the previous year to 31 March of the year in question. Copies of the forms on which the designated employees disclosed their financial interests are to be submitted to the Public Service Commission (PSC) by not later than 31 May each year. In view thereof, the financial disclosure forms for the period 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 were supposed to reach the PSC by 31 May 2015. There were, however, financial disclosure forms, including those of some of the Directors-General, that were not submitted to the relevant Executive Authorities and the PSC by the respective stipulated due dates. The Directors-General (including those who were acting) and Executive Authorities who did not comply with the requirements to submit the financial as provided for in the Public Service Regulations are reflected in the Table below.

The level of compliance with the requirement to submit the financial disclosure forms by the due dates of 30 April 2015 (Director-General) and 31 May 2015 (Executive Authorities)

NAME OF DEPARTMENT

NAME OF DG

DATE CREATED! COMPLETED BY DG

DATE

SUBMITTED BY
EA TO PSC

Arts and Culture

Mr V. Jack (Acting)

The official never

submitted

-

Correctional Services

Mr Z.I Modise

22 April 2015

28 April 2016

Defence

Dr S.M. Gulube

The official never

submitted

-

Economic Development

Mr K. Naidoo

f(Acting)

21 April 2015

-

Environmental Affairs

Ms N.N. Ngcaba

16 April 2015

23 June 2015

Higher Education and Training

Mr G.F. Qonde

28 April 2015

17 December 2015

Human Settlements

Mr M. Tshangana

The official never

submitted

-

IPID

Mr R.J. McBride

The official was on

suspension during the submission period and never submitted.

-

Military Veterans

Mr T. Motumi

1 June 2015

-

National School of Government

Mr B.I. Maja

(Acting)

29 April 2015

-

National Treasury

Mr L. Fuzile

29 April 2015

-

Public Service & Administration

Mr M. Diphofa

30 April 2015

12 August 2015

Small Business Development

Ms P. Ncapayi

21 April 2015

16 February 2016

Sport & Recreation

Mr M.E. Moemi

16 October2015

(Submitted internally)

-

State Security Agency

Amb S. Kudjoe

The official never

submitted

-

Trade & Industry

Mr L.V. October

20 April 2015

16 February 2016

Women

Ms J. Schreiner

The official captured

the required
information on the e-Disclosure system but was not submitted.

-

For the 2015/2016 financial year the financial disclosure forms of only two Directors-General were outstanding as at the due date of 31 May 2016. These are the Director-General of State Security Agency (Ambassador S Kudjoe) and the Secretary General of the Office of the Chief Justice (Mr M Sejosengwe). The form of Mr Sejosengwe was, however, submitted on time internally (i.e. 15 April 2016) through the eDisclosure system. This form was only released by the Executive Authority to the PSC on 29 June 2016. Ambassador Kudjoe's form is still outstanding.

(2) For 2014/2015 financial year Public Service and Administration and National School of Government did not submit their financial disclosure forms to the PSC by the due date of 31 May 2015. As at the end of the 2014/2015 financial year (31 March 2016), the DPSA had submitted 97% of the forms and the National School of Government had not submitted a single form by then.

(3) The PSC is continuously making efforts to try and get Departments to improve the submission rate to 100% by the due date of 31 May each year. The following steps are taken on an annual basis in the quest to improve the submission rate by the due date:

  • The PSC sends out letters to the EAs reminding them to facilitate the submission of financial disclosure forms of SMS members within their respective departments. The DPSA issues notices on the salary advices of senior managers, reminding them of their duty to declare financial interests.
  • The Executive Authorities are advised on a continuous basis to take disciplinary steps against officials who, without valid reasons, fail to comply with the Financial Disclosure Framework, as stipulated in Regulation H of Chapter 3 of the Public Service Regulations.

23 September 2016 - NW1874

Profile picture: Robertson, Mr K

Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Police

With reference to his reply to question 671 on 1 April 2016, (a) why did the investigation of CAS 31/12/2015 opened at the Lothair Police Station in Mpumalanga involving the Minister of State Security’s security convoy take nine months to investigate, (b) what were the findings of the specified case and (c) why has the Independent Police Investigative Directorate done nothing regarding the further investigation of the specified case?

Reply:

(a) The case docket, Lothair CAS 31/12/2015 (Culpable Homicide) was received back on 29 January 2016 at Lothair Detective Service for further investigation. The investigation was then conducted and concluded and on 12 March 2016 the case docket was referred to the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision on prosecution. On 21 July 2016 the case docket was received back from the Senior Public Prosecutor with certain requests. These requests were concluded and on 22 July 2016 the case docket was sent back to the Senior Public Prosecutor, who then requested a further report from a forensic expert. On 26 August 2016 the report of the forensic expert was received and the case docket handed back to the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision on prosecution. This decision has not been made and the case docket is currently still with the Senior Public Prosecutor.

(b) The investigation has been concluded and the case docket is with the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision on prosecution.

(c) The matter was registered under Lothair CAS 31/12/2015 and occurred on 23/12/2015 under the auspices that it being alleged that the VIP Driver from the SSA Minister’s security detail was employed by the SAPS VIP Unit. After further enquiries it was determined that the vehicle that was part of the security detail was registered to the National Intelligence Agency (SSA) in Pretoria and upon obtaining SAPS profile checks on the driver, it was established that the employment details of the VIP driver were also mentioned to be the SSA in Pretoria.

Documentary evidence was then sourced from the VIP driver as well as the SSA in Pretoria, as part of the IPID investigation, to confirm that the VIP driver was in fact employed at the SSA as a VIP Driver to the SSA Minister and was not a SAPS VIP Driver as initially alleged.

The IPID then updated and prepared the case docket and returned this to the Office of the Mpumalanga SAPS Provincial Commissioner for further investigations and handling as the alleged suspect (VIP Driver) was not a SAPS member and there was no indication of any apparent SAPS negligence or unprocedural handling of the investigation in Lothair CAS 31/12/2015 that could warrant the IPID to continue with the case docket.

23 September 2016 - NW1858

Profile picture: Malatsi, Mr MS

Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Police

With reference to his replies to questions (a) 1426 on 6 June 2016 and (b) 3602 on 13 October 2015, when will he ensure that the detective division at the Boksburg North Police Station in Gauteng receives additional personnel in order to reduce the high number of cases each detective currently investigates from 52 to the recommended 40 to 45 case dockets?

Reply:

The recommended personnel strength for the Boksburg North Police Station Detective Service according to the Fixed Establishment is 58. The actual personnel strength of the Detective Service is 44.

Gauteng province is currently busy with a project where police stations with a surplus of members within the Visible Policing environment are instructed to identify and redeploy members to their Detective Service environment where there is a shortage of members.

Police stations are also instructed to redeploy experienced Visible Policing members to the Detective Service environment when they receive their new entry level constable allocation. Boksburg North Police Station received 5 new entry level constables.

23 September 2016 - NW1852

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Police

With reference to his replies to questions (a) 1433 on 7 June 2016 and (b) 3602 on 13 October 2015, when will he ensure that the detective division at the Kempton Park Police Station in Gauteng receives additional personnel in order to reduce the high number of cases each detective currently investigates from 200 to the recommended 40 to 45 case dockets?

Reply:

The recommended personnel strength for the Kempton Park Police Station Detective Service according to the Fixed Establishment is 80. The actual personnel strength of the Detective Service is 65.

The following posts were advertised and filled:

  • 1 x Sub Section Commander: Detective Service (salary level 12)
  • 4 x Salary level 8

3 x experienced re-enlisted members were placed at the Detective Service.

Gauteng province is currently busy with a project where police stations with a surplus of members within the Visible Policing environment are instructed to identify and redeploy members to their Detective Service environment where there is a shortage of members.

Police stations are also instructed to redeploy experienced Visible Policing members to the Detective Service environment when they receive their new entry level constable allocation. Kempton Park Police Station received 4 new entry level constables.

23 September 2016 - NW1878

Profile picture: Mbhele, Mr ZN

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police

What total amount did the SA Police Service pay for wrongful arrests as a result of (a) court rulings and (b) out-of-court settlements in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011- 12, (iv) 2012-13, (v) 2013-14, (vi) 2014-15 and (vii) 2015-16 financial years?

Reply:

The total amount paid for arrests and detention (wrongful arrests) is as follows:

  (a) COURT ORDERS:

FINANCIAL YEAR

AMOUNT

2009/2010

R32 271 175,70

2010/2011

R51 003 343,96

2011/2012

R78 192 440,38

2012/2013

R101 652 001,33

2013/2014

R138 189 961,09

2014/2015

R133 260 472,68

2015/2016

R170 652 542,30

  (b) SETTLEMENTS:

FINANCIAL YEAR

AMOUNT

2009/2010

R8 383 395,44

2010/2011

R7 060 753,14

2011/2012

R6 419 285,40

2012/2013

R22 554 053,61

2013/2014

R28 563 752,27

2014/2015

R42 740 971,99

2015/2016

R33 015 807,55

Note: The amounts paid during the respective financial years, were not necessarily received in the same financial year. The claim could have originated in a previous financial year.

23 September 2016 - NW1885

Profile picture: Groenewald, Dr PJ

Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Whether he is aware of the fact that the SA Police Service is referring some criminal offences directly to the courts without conducting a proper investigation and making an entry in the crime register; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many of the specified cases were referred directly to the courts countrywide in the (i) 2014-15 and (ii) 2015-16 financial years without proper investigation and (b)(i) what types of offences and (ii) how many of each specified offence were referred in such a way in each specified year; 2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

1. I have enquired from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) which is the institution that is mandated in law to prosecute matters in the courts, whether they are aware of such incidents where the SAPS could be referring some criminal offences directly to the courts without conducting a proper investigation and making an entry in the crime register, and they have indicated they have no knowledge of such. There are specific Standing Orders issued by the SAPS as to the registering and investigations of cases. The normal procedures relating to criminal matters are that the police official will register the case on the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS) at the police station. The complainant will thereafter receive a CAS number that needs to be kept as reference for future enquiries regarding the criminal case.

The completed case docket relating to the CAS number is allocated to a police detective who will carry out the investigation. The detective in charge of the particular case will complete the investigation and then promote the docket to the relevant court for prosecution with the CAS number as the SAPS reference number. This CAS number will then also be entered on the charge sheet and docket so that there is a linkage between the court record and docket information. No cases will be accepted without it being registered. If a matter is taken to court, but the investigation into the criminal matter is incomplete, the matter may be postponed and referred back by the prosecutor to the investigating officer, with guidance as to follow-up investigations.

(a) and (b) not applicable

2. No statement is required.