Questions and Replies
26 September 2016 - NW1970
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 - NW1732
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 - NW1733
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.
- Each centre is operational;
- The centres are based at the provincial hospitals in Mthatha, Eastern Cape and Carletonville, Gauteng;
- As at the end of June 2016, the total persons seen at Mthatha were 4867 and 5282 at Carletonville;
- 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 - NW1666
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 - NW1746
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 - NW1971
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 - NW1876
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 - NW1648
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 - NW1775
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
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..
23 September 2016 - NW1852
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 - NW1885
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.
23 September 2016 - NW1734
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 - NW1828
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development
What amount in funding did the Industrial Development Corporation commit to the establishment of the Beijing Automobile International Corporation automotive assembly plant at the Coega Industry Development Zone?
Reply:
The IDC will be subscribing for 35% shareholding in the project and has committed a funding package totalling R1,5 billion for this purpose. This funding package is made up of subscription of ordinary shares, shareholder’s loan and shareholder guarantees proportional to its envisaged 35% shareholding in the project company. The rest of the funding for the project costs will be invested by the BAIC Group, local and international banks.
-END-
23 September 2016 - NW1874
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 - NW1652
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 |
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 |
- |
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 - NW1831
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 - NW1884
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 - NW1761
Grootboom, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture
Whether any strategies have been developed towards the deracialisation of the South African society; if not why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
As I have indicated in my response to question 1760 that I have developed a programme to engage society through the sectoral engagement on matters that relate to nation building and social cohesion. In every province there are Social Cohesion Advocates who continuously engage various sectors of society on these matters.
These engagements will culminate in a national convention that will developed a social compact to build social cohesion and strengthen efforts against racism.
23 September 2016 - NW1865
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 - NW1898
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 - NW1760
Grootboom, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture
Whether in light of the recent alleged racism at the Pretoria Girls High School, he, in collaboration with the Department of Education, launched any initiatives to address racism in all schools; if not why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
On assumption of this responsibility after the 2014 National elections I have developed a programme to engage society through the sectoral engagement on matters that relate to nation building and social cohesion. In every province there are Social Cohesion Advocates who continuously engage various sectors of society on these matters. Education is amongst the sectors of society that are engaged.
Amongst others in discharging this programme, partner departments in outcome 14 like Basic Education and Justice and Constitutional Development are on board.
23 September 2016 - NW1741
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether he will table legislation to move the Matatiele Local Municipality from the Eastern Cape back to KwaZulu-Natal; if not, why not; if so, (a) by what date and (b) what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
No.
Section 103 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (“the Constitution”), read with Schedule 1A, provides for the boundaries of the Provinces.
The movement of the Matatiele Local Municipality from the Eastern Cape Province to the KwaZulu-Natal Province, or the movement of any municipality from one province to another, therefore requires an amendment to the Constitution.
As the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services is the custodian of the Constitution, it is that Minister who will table legislation in this regard, should such a decision be taken to move the Matatiele Local Municipality to the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
23 September 2016 - NW1878
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 - NW1830
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development
How does the Industrial Development Corporation intend to place its subsidiaries, (a) Scaw Metals and (b) Foskor, on a commercially sustainable footing given that the former made a loss of R 1,1 billion and the latter R 568 million in the 2015-16 financial year?
Reply:
I have drawn to the IDC’s attention the need to fast-track a turnaround strategy for Scaw Metals and Foskor and requested the IDC Board to regularly review progress with such turnaround strategy. Both companies are in significant sectors of the economy, namely in the metal and fertiliser value-chains and their products are used in downstream industries.
The Chief Executive Officer of the IDC advises the following in respect of the two investments:
(a) Scaw Metals is in the process of finalizing the restructuring of the group, which will result in the introduction of Strategic Equity Partners (SEPs) in some or all of the four steel operations. The SEP’s are expected to add the necessary operational expertise to turn around the businesses. This process is underway and the decision will be made towards the end of the current financial year after evaluating all the proposals. The interested SEP’s have similar businesses and their core competencies are aligned to that of Scaw businesses.
(b) Foskor’s financial performance is dependent on market prices for its products, which are largely commodities. Global prices have softened since their peak in 2008-2010 as a result of supply and demand dynamics. Although this is substantially outside Foskor’s control, there are opportunities to upgrade equipment and improve production efficiencies to place it on a firmer footing. Foskor has therefore developed an investment and performance improvement plan, which also entails IDC finance. Although this will result in improved competitiveness, the timing to achieve sustainable levels of profitability will remain dependent on the speed of recovery of market prices.
-END-
23 September 2016 - NW1858
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 - NW1807
Hoosen, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Whether (a) he and/or (b) the Government have taken any steps since 1 January 2013 to ensure that South Africa re-joins the United Kingdom’s visa waiver list; if not, why not; if so, (i) how many times has (aa) he and/or (bb) the Government met with the British authorities to discuss the re-joining of the specified list and (ii) what were the outcomes in each case; (2) whether (a) he and/or (b) the Government have conducted any assessments regarding the specified re-joining since 1 January 2013; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a-b) On 10 September 2013 the 10th SA-UK Bilateral Forum was held in Cape Town. At this meeting the two parties agreed that the United Kingdom would send a UK experts group to access South Africa’s passport and border security processes. The honourable Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane co-chaired the meeting with Britain’s then Foreign Secretary, Mr William Hague. This meeting was followed up by eight Senior Officials meetings, three of which took place in 2013, two in 2015 and three in 2016.
During the 2013 meetings the UK authorities informed the South African counterparts of its intention to review their visa policy towards South Africa. It was agreed that a road map be developed for the lifting of visa restrictions for South African diplomatic and official passport holders. This was followed by a UK experts team assessment of South African passport issuance and border management processes, which assessment recognised the improvements made by South Africa.
The 2015 meetings focussed on the United Kingdom seeking response from South Africa on their decision to lift visa restrictions for South African diplomatic passport holders. South Africa’s response was that we would only consider reciprocity if the United Kingdom lifted visa restrictions for all South African passport holders.
The 2016 meetings concerned the continuing requests for the lifting of visa restrictions for all South African passport holders. The UK counterparts are now awaiting the new government’s visa policy where after they will inform the South African authorities accordingly.
(2)(a-b) All efforts made to engage the British government to understand the rationale behind its decision or to at least reconsider by exempting South African diplomatic and official passport holders were in vain.
23 September 2016 - NW1829
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development
What are the reasons for the profits of the Industrial Development Corporation dropping by 87% from R 1, 65 billion in the 2014-15 financial year to R 223 million in the 2015-16 financial year?
Reply:
The IDC posted a profit of R 223 million for the year ended 31 March 2016 compared to a profit of R1, 65 billion for the year ended 31 March 2015. The main contributor to the reduced profits for the year was increased levels of impairments (an increase of R 1, 6 billion) caused by difficult operating conditions including the impact of the drought.
The CEO of the IDC provided details of the impact at the public release of the IDC’s financial results on 30 August 2016 and he noted that these operating conditions mainly impacted the IDC’s clients in the manufacturing, mining and agricultural sectors. A number of IDC clients were affected by market conditions and requested restructuring of their facilities and / or assistance with drought relief funding. The impairment levels reflect the IDC commitment to play a counter-cyclical role in the economy as well as supporting high risk sectors and business unattractive to commercial financiers.
A considerable effort has gone towards implementing various impairment interventions which are expected to reduce the impairment levels over the medium to long-term.
-END-
23 September 2016 - NW1739
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Has there been any investigation into (a) Sam Shabalala Manager at the Emfuleni Local Municipality and (b) the financial affairs of the specified municipality; if so, what is the (i) nature and (ii) current status of each investigation conducted; (2) whether any disciplinary or criminal charges have been preferred against any individuals as a result of the investigation?
Reply:
The response below was provided by the province:
1. (a) There has been no investigation instituted against the former Municipal Manager of Emfuleni Local Municipality, Mr Sam Shabalala. Mr Shabalala voluntarily resigned from the municipality.
(b) No investigation has been conducted with regard to the financial affairs of the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
2. There has been no disciplinary or criminal charges laid against any individual in relation to the investigation.
23 September 2016 - NW1889
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.
22 September 2016 - NW1853
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his replies to questions (a) 1427 on 6 June 2016 and (b) 3602 on 13 October 2015, when will he ensure that the detective division at the Norkem Park police station in Gauteng receives additional personnel in order to reduce the high number of cases each detective currently investigates from 81 to the recommended 40 to 45 case dockets?
Reply:
The recommended personnel strength for the Norkem Park Police Station Detective Service according to the Fixed Establishment is 38. The actual personnel strength of the Detective Service is 37.
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.
Signed LIEUTENANT GENERAL
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER: GAUTENG
DS DE LANGE
Date: 13 September 2016
Reply to question 1853 recommended
Original signed LIEUTENANT GENERAL
ACTING NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
JK PHAHLANE
Date: 14 September 2016
Reply to question 1853 approved/not approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
NPT NHLEKO, MP
Date:
22 September 2016 - NW1856
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his replies to questions (a) 1425 on 6 June 2016 and (b) 3602 on 13 October 2015, when will he ensure that the detective division at the Bedfordview Police Station in Gauteng receives additional personnel in order to reduce the high number of cases each detective currently investigates from 65 to the recommended 40 to 45 case dockets?
Reply:
The recommended personnel strength for the Bedfordview Police Station Detective Service according to the Fixed Establishment is 36. The actual personnel strength of the Detective Service is 35. One experienced re-enlisted member was 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. Bedfordview Police Station has a surplus of one member within the Visible Policing environment and should therefore identify and redeploy one member 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.
22 September 2016 - NW1854
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his replies to questions (a) 1424 on 6 June 2016 and (b) 3602 on 13 October 2015, when will he ensure that the detective division at the Edenvale Police Station in Gauteng receives additional personnel in order to reduce the high number of cases each detective currently investigates from 90 to the recommended 40 to 45 case dockets?
Reply:
The recommended personnel strength for the Edenvale Police Station Detective Service according to the Fixed Establishment is 37. The actual personnel strength of the Detective Service is 36.
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. Edenvale Police Station has a surplus of 1 member within the Visible Policing environment and should therefore identify and redeploy 1 member 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.
22 September 2016 - NW1752
Mulder, Dr PW to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Whether his department has met the requirements of the Use of Official Languages Act, Act No 12 of 2012, according to which his department (a) has established an official language policy for the department and (b) instituted a language unit; if not, (i) why not and (ii) what steps he will take to ensure that the provisions of the Act are met; if so, what are the relevant particulars?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:-
(a)The department has developed a draft language policy which is currently being consulted within the department. The draft policy will be approved by the Department’s Executive Committee for gazetting after 30 September 2016.
(b) The Department does not have a language unit in existence. As this is a new Department, a review process of the Department’s organizational structure in line with the new mandate is underway. Once the review process is complete and a new structure approved, the Department will fill all relevant posts.
22 September 2016 - NW1855
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his replies to questions (a) 1432 on 6 June 2016 and (b) 3602 on 13 October 2015, when will he ensure that the detective division at the Sebenza Police Station in Gauteng receives additional personnel in order to reduce the high number of cases each detective currently investigates from 63 to the recommended 40 to 45 case dockets?
Reply:
The recommended personnel strength for the Sebenza Police Station Detective Service according to the Fixed Establishment is 17. The actual personnel strength of the Detective Service is 19. The Sebenza Police Station Detective Service is over capacitated.
22 September 2016 - NW1832
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1612 on 13 June 2016, he intends to take any steps to ensure drastic improvement of the low drug conviction rate of 1,43% in respect of cases from the Kempton Park Police Station in Gauteng that went to court; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes. A meeting was held with the Department of Justice and a possible solution is that members should be briefed during parades on the correct search and arrest procedures. The Forensic Science Laboratory is working on backlogs to improve the turnaround time. Arrangements will be made with members specialising in drug identification to workshop other members at police stations in recognising habit forming substances.
22 September 2016 - NW1844
Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 1427 on 6 June 2016, by which date will each of the 15 detectives at the Norkem Park Police Station in Gauteng, who have not yet attended and passed the detective course, attend the specified detective course?
Reply:
With reference to the Norkem Park Police Station, the call up instruction for the detective course is awaited from the Gauteng Provincial Human Resource Development and identified members will be prioritised.
22 September 2016 - NW1851
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his replies to questions (a) 1429 on 6 June 2016 and (b) 3602 on 13 October 2015, when will he ensure that the detective division at the Tembisa Police Station in Gauteng receives additional personnel in order to reduce the average number of 91 cases that each detective currently investigates to the recommended 40 to 45 case dockets?
Reply:
The recommended personnel strength for the Tembisa Police Station Detective Service according to the Fixed Establishment is 93. The actual personnel strength of the Detective Service is 84.
The following posts were advertised and filled:
- 1 x Sub Section Commander: Detective Service (salary level 10)
- 1 x Salary level 8
Two 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. Tembisa Police Station has a surplus of 7 personnel within the Visible Policing environment and should therefore identify and redeploy 7 members to their Detective Service environment where there is currently 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. Tembisa Police Station received 1 new entry level constable.
22 September 2016 - NW1861
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 1427 on 6 June 2016, by which date will the detective division at the Norkem Park Police Station in Gauteng receive four additional vehicles in order for the specified police station to comply with the ratio of two detectives for each 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 Norkem Park Police Station:
Current detective personnel strength: 35
Current detective vehicle strength: 16
Ideal number of vehicles for 35 detectives: 18
Current shortage of vehicles: -2
New vehicles purchased for the Norkem Park Police Station will be issued by 31 January 2017.
22 September 2016 - NW1849
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 1430 on 6 June 2016, by which date will each of the six detectives at the Primrose Police Station in Gauteng, who have not yet attended and passed the detective course, attend the specified detective course?
Reply:
One member was transferred back to Visible Policing at his own request.
One member successfully completed the detective course.
One member is currently attending the detective course.
The remaining three members will be trained as soon as courses and seats are available.
22 September 2016 - NW1846
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 1425 on 6 June 2016, by which date will the detective at the Bedfordview Police Station in Gauteng, who has not yet attended and passed the detective course, attend the specified detective course?
Reply:
Nineteen members have attended the detective course, including officers.
Twelve members have not yet attended the detective course.
There are no members currently attending the detective course. Members will be sent as soon as there are courses available and members are called up to attend the course.
22 September 2016 - NW1863
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 1424 on 6 June 2016, by which date will the detective division at the Edenvale Police Station in Gauteng receive five additional vehicles in order for the specified police station to comply with the ratio of two detectives for each 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 Edenvale Police Station:
Current detective personnel strength: 36
Current detective vehicle strength: 17
Ideal number of vehicles for 36 detectives: 18
Current shortage of vehicles: -1
New vehicles purchased for the Edenvale Police Station will be issued by 31 January 2017.
22 September 2016 - NW1834
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1614 on 13 June 2016, he intends to take any steps to ensure drastic improvement of the low drug conviction rate of 4,73% in respect of cases from the Norkem Park Police Station in Gauteng that went to court; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, by increasing crime prevention operations and enhancing proper investigation of dockets by investigation officers. The drug conviction rate has improved for this financial year, due to the high density crime prevention operations and proper investigation of dockets.
22 September 2016 - NW1835
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Police
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1615 on 13 June 2016, he intends to take any steps to ensure drastic improvement of the low drug conviction rate of 9,79% in respect of cases from the Tembisa Park Police Station in Gauteng that went to court; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes. In most cases suspects are arrested with small quantities of dagga and those cases are not placed on the court roll. Intensive operations are then conducted to trace the dealers and sellers. This includes the involvement of the Community Policing Forums to provide information on places where dagga is sold. During the meetings with Department of Justice it was envisaged that suspects be convicted even with smaller amounts of dagga.
22 September 2016 - NW1836
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Police
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1613 on 13 June 2016, he intends to take any steps to ensure drastic improvement of the low drug conviction rate of 9,18% in respect of cases from the Tembisa South Police Station in Gauteng that went to court; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes. Reports on cases referred for diversion on the South African National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO) are long outstanding. Arrangements have been made with the Senior Public Prosecutor to communicate with the Department of Social Development to speed up the long outstanding diversion programme reports.
22 September 2016 - NW1857
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his replies to questions (a) 1430 on 6 June 2016 and (b) 3602 on 13 October 2015, when will he ensure that the detective division at the Primrose Police Station in Gauteng receives additional personnel in order to reduce the high number of cases each detective currently investigates from 50 to the recommended 40 to 45 case dockets?
Reply:
The recommended personnel strength for the Primrose Police Station Detective Service according to the Fixed Establishment is 35. The actual personnel strength of the Detective Service is 35. One experienced re-enlisted member was placed at the Detective Service. The Primrose Police Station Detective Service is fully capacitated.
22 September 2016 - NW1859
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 1429 on 6 June 2016, by which date will the detective division at the Tembisa Police Station in Gauteng receive seven 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 Tembisa Police Station:
Current detective personnel strength: 71
Current detective vehicle strength: 26
Ideal number of vehicles for 71 detectives: 36
Current shortage of vehicles: -10
New vehicles purchased for the Tembisa Police Station will be issued by 31 January 2017.
22 September 2016 - NW1810
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:
Question 1 (a) (i)
As at 31 August 2016 the number of outstanding appeals are 957.
Question 1 (a) (ii)
At 1 April 2016, the number of outstanding appeals were 943.
Question 1 (b)
The following number of appeals were final ised in the months as indicated
April 2016 - 4 Appeals
(i) Appeals granted - 1
(ii) Appeals dismissed - 3
May 2016 - 6 Appeals
(i) Appeals Granted - 4
(ii) Appeals Dismissed – 2
June 2016 - 31 Appeals
(i) Appeals granted - 27
(ii) Appeals dismissed - 4
July 2016 - 20 Appeals
(i) Appeals granted - 10
(ii) Appeals dismissed – 10
August 2016 - 10 Appeals
(i) Appeals granted - 4
(ii) Appeals dismissed – 6
Question 2(a)
Considering the timeframes provided for in Regulation 74, it takes approximately 120 days to process and finalise internal appeals in the prescribed manner. The attainment of this period is dependent on the number of appeals received during a given period as well as the complexity of such appeals and capacity constraints. The 2010 Constitutional Court judgment in Bengwenyama held that internal remedies must be exhausted before judicial review proceedings may be instituted. This led to the lodgement of significantly more appeals than before as more applicants were required to exercise internal remedies.
Question 2(b)
Action Plans:
• There is 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
22 September 2016 - NW1864
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 1425 on 6 June 2016, by which date will the detective division at the Bedfordview Police Station in Gauteng receive three 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 Station Efficiency Index System that is used to manage all physical resources, reflected as follows for the Bedfordview Police Station:
Current detective personnel strength: 31
Current detective vehicle strength: 17
Ideal number of vehicles for 31 detectives: 16
There is currently no shortage of vehicles at the Bedfordview Police Station Detective Service.
22 September 2016 - NW1850
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his replies to questions (a) 1428 on 6 June 2016 and (b) 3602 on 13 October 2015, when will he ensure that the detective division at the Tembisa South Police Station in Gauteng receives additional personnel in order to reduce the average number of 98 cases that each detective currently investigates to the recommended 40 to 45 case dockets?
Reply:
The recommended personnel strength for the Tembisa South Police Station Detective Service according to the Fixed Establishment is 36. The actual personnel strength of the Detective Service is currently at 36.
The following posts were advertised and filled:
- 1 x Sub Section Commander: Detective Service (salary level 10)
- 1 x Salary level 8
The Tembisa South Police Station Detective Service is fully capacitated.