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22 September 2015 - NW3105

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James, Dr WG to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether the recently recalled defective rapid HIV test kits came from a batch or batches that were tested for quality by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD); if not, why not; if so, provide a copy of the report(s) issued by the NICD for these batches; (2) how many batches of rapid HIV test kits have been imported by certain suppliers (names furnished) in each case since 1 April 2014; (3) whether each of the specified batches were tested for quality by the NICD before distribution; if not, why not; if so, in respect of each of the batches, (a) what was the batch number, (b) when was an NICD report on the quality of the relevant product issued and (c) what were the findings of each report?

Reply:

(1) Yes the batches were tested by the NICD prior to distribution. Pre distribution reports attached. At the time of initial testing, the batches met the requirements.

Advanced Quality Titima Medical 2015011616_PMS FEB 2015

Advanced Quality Titima Medical 2015010602_PMS JAN 2015

Advanced Quality Titima Medical 201501 615_PMS FEB 2015


(2)

 

SUPPLIER

NO. OF BATCHES RECEIVED AND TESTED

 

ABON

26

 

TITIMA MEDICAL

13

 

ADVANCED QUALITY ARMADA

9


(3) (a)-(c) Reports attached with batch numbers. All reports met the required specifications.

Herewith the batches distributed by Armada / Advanced Quality as from the start of the new tender in 2014:

2014071401

2014071701

2014080101

2014090221

2014091821

2014092308

2014112702

2014121510

2014122409

Total of 9 batches distributed to date.

 

END.

22 September 2015 - NW3165

Profile picture: Esau, Mr S

Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

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

Reply:

The Department and its entities do not sit and define “red-tape”. However, they have mechanisms to deal with unnecessary delays in their operational processes such as regular reviews of rules, regulations, protocols and legal framework to improve effectiveness and efficiency in achieving our outcomes.

Amongst others, I would like to refer the member to annual reports, strategic plans and quarterly reports of the entities and the Department.



END

22 September 2015 - NW3175

Profile picture: Mulder, Dr PW

Mulder, Dr PW to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether special buildings and other facilities have been erected to receive visitors to the Vredefort Dome, and to brief and assist them; if not, why not; if so, (a) what did the total cost of the complex or information centre amount to and (b) whether the buildings are currently being utilised; if so (i) how many staff members of staff have been appointed and (ii) what are their official working hours?

Reply:

(a) Yes, the Vredefort Interpretation Centre was designed to include a reception area for visitors. An amount of R11,7 million was budgeted for the Vredefort Interpretation Centre but was not completed due to the structural defects on the building and a budget shortfall. According to an independent engineer, the main building (interpretation centre) started to show cracks, leaks and structural defects as a result of the weak panels supporting the structure which would endanger the lives of any person entering the building.

The project proposal was prepared in 2004 and the cost norms and standards applicable at the time were used to determine the project budget. The actual construction work only commenced in 2006 which under normal circumstances would have included escalation to accommodate increased costs. The allocation of budget by the department did not take into account the time lapses and associated cost escalations.

The project was implemented in two phases and the building in question was one of the many deliverables. The building was done in phase 1 and the budget for the project included other deliverables such as stalls, kitchen, ablution block, fencing, bulk electricity and water supply.

(b) No, the Department of Tourism is in the process of completing the project.

(i) Falls away

(ii) Falls away




END

22 September 2015 - NW3263

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Ntobongwana, Ms P to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1)What (a) total amount did her department spend on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) is the total number of trips that were undertaken; (2) What is the total amount that her department spent on (a) accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year?

Reply:

 

 

(1) & (2) The information requested by the Honourable member is provided in the 2014/15 annual report of the Department which has already been tabled in Parliament on 28 August 2015.

 

 

END

22 September 2015 - NW3355

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Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

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

Reply:

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

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

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

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

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

-END-

22 September 2015 - NW2906

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Dudley, Ms C to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether the country is winning the fight against tuberculosis (TB); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he has found that the current reality with regard to TB indicates that measures currently in place are adequate; if not, (a) what is being done to re-assess the situation urgently and (b) what urgent steps are being taken to bring the situation under control; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (3) how do these measures compare with best practice in other countries?

Reply:

1. Yes Honourable Member, the Department has definitely made serious strides in the war against TB. The treatment success was 76% in 2009 and it is 89% now. By 2009 70 000 people were dying of TB per annum but now the figure has dropped to 40 000. However, TB still remains the biggest killer in our country.

2. Yes the measures are doing well but we need to do more to eradicate TB. Hence the President announced in the State of the Nation Address this year that we are going to focus on TB.

The Deputy President launched a massive TB screening campaign on 24 March this year, focusing on high prevalence districts, the mineworkers and the inmates in Correctional Service facilities.

We used to have only 9 centralised treatment centres to treat MDR-TB and XDR-TB. Now we have 298 decentralised sites, 272 satellite sites and 150 injection teams to help decentralise management of MDR-TB and XDR-TB.

We have trained 1 700 nurses to manage MDR-TB and 230 of them can even initiate treatment of MDR-TB in the absence of a doctor.

3. According to Stop TB Partnership, the measures in South Africa are far ahead of many countries, for instance there are 700 patients globally who are on Bedaquiline treatment. A total of 400 of these are in South Africa alone. The remainder is scattered all over the world. We are now putting 3 000 on Bedaquiline this financial year.

END.

22 September 2015 - NW3435

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Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Labour

Whether, considering reports that South Africa could face as many as 60 000 job losses in 2015, mainly in mining and steel industries, she has put plans in place to turn the situation around?

Reply:

MINISTER OF LABOUR REPLIED:

Both the Department of Mineral Resources and the Department of Labour are handling this matter in terms of applicable legislations, viz; Section 189A of the Labour Relations Act and Section 52 of MPRDA. The CCMA is also fully engaged on this matter.

END

22 September 2015 - NW3188

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

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

Reply:

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

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

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

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

-END-

22 September 2015 - NW2998

Profile picture: Mkhaliphi, Ms HO

Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister in the Presidency

With the increasing number of youth in need of financial assistance on the one hand and limited resources on the other and the waste of resources together with corruption resulting in the National Youth Development Agency applying for R4,8 million preservation orders, in respect of forfeiture of assets of employees who committed fraudulent activities, (a) why were these employees who committed fraudulent activities not arrested and (b) has the money been recovered; if not, why not; if so, how much?

Reply:

All citizens have the responsibility to report cases of fraud and crime to the South African Police Services. The Honourable Member is encouraged to do the same. The Police will investigate and if there is sufficient evidence, they will arrest those who commit these crimes. The Courts are tasked with the responsibility to test the evidence and pass judgement regarding those who are found guilty.

END

22 September 2015 - NW3202

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Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

(1) Considering the usefulness of visiting other countries and learning lessons from their practices and experiences, (a) what is the total number of days that he has spent out of the country in (i) 2014 and (ii) from 1 January 2015 up to the latest date for which information is available, (b) which countries did he visit and (c) what useful lessons did he learn; (2) has he put the lessons he has learnt into practice; if so, (3) did the specified lessons yield positive results; if not, why not; if so, what were the results?

Reply:

During the period from 1 January 2014 until 15 September 2015, a total of 18 days were spent outside the country (excluding travel time) on official trips to the United Kingdom, Indonesia, the United States and Switzerland, to meet investors or to showcase examples from South Africa to other policy-makers.

In the course of such engagement, both parties normally share national experiences. The observations of the experience of other countries help to shape the refinement and implementation of our policies. In none of these cases did we take an existing policy or practice from another country and simply implement it, which limits the assessment of their impact on our domestic economy.

Investor feedback has been helpful however in confirming the value of actions taken in respect of the export of scrap metal, the renewable energy programme and the shift of focus of skills training to technical and artisanal skills. In addition, valuable insights have been gained on the importance of infrastructure investment for economic development.

-END-

22 September 2015 - NW3185

Profile picture: Breytenbach, Adv G

Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

What progress has been made in the (a) investigation and/or (b) prosecution in a certain matter (details furnished) which was formerly investigated by the Specialised Investigating Unit and which is currently with the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit in Pretoria?

Reply:

a)   I wish to inform the Honourable Member that the investigation is at an advanced stage after suffering delays when both the lead investigator in the South African Police Services and prosecutor in the National Prosecuting Authority left the case in the middle before the investigation was completed.

b)   The investigation is anticipated to be finalised during the course of this year (2015).



END

22 September 2015 - NW3183

Profile picture: Breytenbach, Adv G

Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

What amount has been spent on the traveling costs of the (a) Chief Justice and (b) his entourage, including the breakdown of the names of persons and their specific ranks, in the (i) 2012-13 and (ii) 2013-14 financial years?

Reply:

 

(a)  (i) During the period 2012-13, the Chief Justice travelled on official international trips to the Seychelles, Korea, France, Italy, Russia, Germany, Ghana, Mozambique and Mauritius. The total costs for these official trips amounted to R677 214.21

(a)  (ii) In the year 2013-14, the Chief Justice travelled on official international trips to Benin, Germany, United Kingdom, Norway, Tanzania, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore and Nigeria. The total costs for these trips amounted to R879 073.72

(b)  (i) 2012-13 - Chief Justice’s entourage

Official trip to Seychelles

The Chief Justice’s entourage consisted of the following Judicial Officers and officials:

  • Justice Y Mokgoro, retired Judge of the Constitutional Court
  • Justice L Theron, Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal
  • Dr G Moshoeu, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Judicial Education Institute
  • Mr A Slingers, Executive Aid to the Chief Justice

Official trip to Korea

The Chief Justice’s entourage consisted of the following persons:

  • Mrs A Mogoeng, Chief Justice’s spouse
  • Mr A Slingers, Executive Aid to the Chief Justice

Official trip to France, Italy, Russia and Germany

The Chief Justice’s entourage consisted of the following Judicial Officers and officials:

  • President L Mpati, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (All four countries)
  • Justice C Jafta, Justice of the Constitutional Court (All four countries)
  • Dr K De Wee, Acting Secretary General of the Office of the Chief Justice (As he was then) (All four countries)
  • Ms M Sejosengwe, Chief Director: Court Services (As she was then) (All four countries)
  • Mr S Masisi, Director: Executive Support (All four countries)

Official trips to Ghana and Mozambique

The Chief Justice’s entourage consisted of the following officials:

  • Ms M Sejosengwe, Chief Director: Court Services (As she was then)
  • Mr S Masisi, Director: Executive Support

Official trip to Mauritius

The Chief Justice’s entourage consisted of the following persons:

    • Mrs A Mogoeng, Chief Justice’s Spouse
  • Mr S Masisi, Director: Executive Support
  • Ms R Leyds, Executive Personal Assistant to the Chief Justice.

The costs for the Chief Justice’s entourage for all the official international trips for the period 2012-13 amounted to R1 122 751. 28.

(b) (ii) 2013-14 - Chief Justice’s entourage

Official trip to Benin

The Chief Justice’s entourage consisted of the following officials:

  • Mr S Chiloane, Acting Chief Director: Judicial Policy and Research
  • Mr A Slingers, Executive Aide to the Chief Justice
  • Mr M Mama, Security Coordinator

Official trips to Germany, United Kingdom, Norway

The Chief Justice’s entourage consisted of the following Judicial Officers and officials:

  • President L Mpati, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (All three countries)
  • Deputy President K Mthiyane, Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (All three countries)
  • Justice J Van Der Westhuizen, Justice of the Constitutional Court (Germany only)
  • Justice S Khampepe, Justice of the Constitutional Court (Germany only)
  • Justice J Froneman, Justice of the Constitutional Court (Germany only)
  • Justice C Jafta, Justice of the Constitutional Court (Germany only)
  • Justice R Zondo, Justice of the Constitutional Court (Germany only)
  • Judge President M Leeuw, Judge President of the North West Division of the High Court (United Kingdom and Norway)
  • Judge President D Mlambo, Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court (United Kingdom only)
  • Ms M Sejosengwe, Secretary General of the Office of the Chief Justice (United Kingdom and Norway)
  • Mr S Chiloane, Acting Chief Director: Judicial Policy and Research (All three countries)
  • Mr S Masisi, Director: Executive Support (United Kingdom and Norway)
  • Mr A Slingers, Executive Aide to the Chief Justice (All three countries)
  • Mr Z Jekeqa, Protocol Coordinator (All three countries)

Official trip to Tanzania

The Chief Justice’s entourage consisted of the following officials:

  • Mr S Chiloane, Acting Chief Director: Judicial Policy and Research
  • Mr A Slingers, Executive Aide to the Chief Justice
  • Mr Z Ntswanti, Deputy Director: Research

Official trips to Malaysia, Qatar and Singapore

The Chief Justice’s entourage for the consisted of the following Judicial officers and officials:

  • President L Mpati, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (All three)
  • Deputy President K Mthiyane, Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Justice S Majiedt, Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Judge President M Leeuw, Judge President of the North West Division of the High Court (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Judge President D Mlambo, Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Judge M Rampai, Acting Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court, (as he was then) (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Judge N Erasmus, Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Judge A Jappie, Judge of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court (All three countries)
  • Mr K Nqadala, Regional Court President (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Mr D Niar, Chief Magistrate (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Dr G Moshoeu, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Judicial Education Institute (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Mr M Doralingo, Chief Director: Court Administration (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Mr P Gagai, Director: Judicial Policy (All three countries)
  • Adv E Seema, Director: Superior Courts (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Mr S Ntsimane, Executive Manager, Information, Communication and Technology (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Mr G Lesiba, Chairperson of the Integrated Justice System Board (Malaysia and Singapore)
  • Mr A Slingers, Executive Aide to the Chief Justice (All three countries)
  • Mr Z Jekeqa, Protocol Coordinator (Malaysia and Singapore)

Official trip to Nigeria

The Chief Justice’s entourage consisted of the following persons:

  • Mrs A Mogoeng, Chief Justice’s spouse
  • Mr M Mama, Security Coordinator

The costs for the Chief Justice’s entourage for all the international trips for the period 2013-14 amounted to R4 287 509. 48.




END

22 September 2015 - NW3069

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

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

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

Reply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-END-

22 September 2015 - NW3270

Profile picture: Khawula, Ms MS

Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister in The Presidency: Women

(1) What (a) total amount did her department spend on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) is the total number of trips that were undertaken; (2) What is the total amount that her department spent on (a) accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year?

Reply:

(1) a) The total amount that the department spent on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year is R1, 442,598.01.

(b) The total number of return trips that were undertaken was 68.

(2) (a) The total amount spent by the department on accommodation in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year is R257, 626.03.

(b) The total amount spent by the department on car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year is R107, 251.02.

 

Approved by the Minister on
Date: 22/09/2015

22 September 2015 - NW3273

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Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

(1) What (a) total amount did her department spend on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) is the total number of trips that were undertaken; (2) What is the total amount that her department spent on (a) accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year?

Reply:

REPLY:

1(a) The total amount her department spend on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year were as follows:

  • 2014/2015: R 439 893.90

1(b) the total number of trips that were undertaken was as follows;

  • 2014/2015: 75 Trips

 

2(a) the total amount that her department spent on accommodation was as follows:

  • 2014/2015: R 210 542.21

2(b) the total amount that her department spent car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year were as follows

  • 2014/2015: R 115 795.21



END

22 September 2015 - NW2925

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van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Whether his department meets the Government’s 2% employment equity target for the employment of persons with disabilities that was set in 2005; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Office of the Chief Justice received its own budget vote with effect from 1 April 2015. I can report that to date the employment equity rate for the employment of persons with disabilities in the Office of the Chief Justice is at 1.2% which is below the national target of 2% by 0.8%.



END

22 September 2015 - NW3207

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Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

(1) What is the failure rate in each subject constituting the Emergency Medical Care and Rescue Diploma at the Central University of Technology in the Free State; (2) have there been student protests concerning aspects of the specified failure rate, if so, what are the relevant details of these protests; (3) is the University aware that the life of one of the lecturers (name furnished), who is in charge of one or more of these courses has been threatened; (4) (a) has the University received and taken cognisance of (i) a petition requesting the specified person to be removed from the course and (ii) numerous affidavits from signatories to that petition stating that it was signed under false pretences and (b) is the specified person continuing to teach the course; (5) Has the University intervened at any stage in the programme or any of its component courses in order to alter the pass rate after these protests; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Department does not manage the affairs of any university and the following responses to the above questions have been obtained from the Central University of Technology (CUT):

  1. The success rate of the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) programme is currently below 50% compared to the university average of 76%. Ten students graduated on 4 September 2015 with the Diploma in EMC with 87 students at years two and three levels in the programme.
  2. No student protests have occurred, however some of the students reported the challenges experienced in the programme to the media. The Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic and Research, Acting Dean and Head of Department (HOD) engaged with the students and staff to discuss and put strategies in place to address the concerns raised by students and staff.
  3. Yes, the university is aware that the life of Mr RG Campbell, one of the lecturers in charge of one or more of these courses, has been threatened. The University has put processes in place to deal with the matter according to its internal policies.
  4. Yes, the university took cognisance of this petition and alleged false pretences. The Dean, HOD and Director of Human Resources have had several engagements with the particular staff member and students. This matter has been resolved and the lecturer has continued lecturing from July 2015.
  5. The following interventions were implemented by the university during 2014/15:
  • A task team was established to monitor the EMC programme at a strategic level for the period January to June 2015;
  • Accreditation by the Professional Board for Emergency Care;
  • Appointment of an Internal Review Panel;
  • Improvement of the staffing situation in the EMC programme;
  • Strengthening of student academic support;
  • Increase in the effectiveness and efficiency of the Work-Integrated Learning programme to ensure that sufficient placement opportunities for students are secured;
  • Improvement in communication structures;
  • Regular meetings between CUT and the Professional Board;
  • Interventions by Senate; and
  • Regular interventions by university management.




END

22 September 2015 - NW2686

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Dreyer, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

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

Reply:

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


END

22 September 2015 - NW3285

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Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

1. What(a) total amount did his department spend on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliamentary business in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) is the total number of trips that were undertaken; 2. What is the total amount that his department spent on (a) accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year?

Reply:

(1)(a) An amount of R642 886-72 was spent on air travel in the financial year 2014/2015 for employees attending Parliamentary business during 2014-2015; and (b) 120 trips were undertaken;

(2)(a) An amount of R128 994-48 was spent on accommodation; and

(b) an amount of R55 007-56 was spent on car rentals, for employees attending Parliamentary business in Cape Town for the 2014/15 financial year.


END

22 September 2015 - NW3336

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Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Public Works

(1) (a) What is the total number of (i) housing and (ii) apartment units that exist in all parliamentary villages in Cape Town and (b) how many of them are (i) in a condition for habitation and (ii) currently not available for use; (2) how many of the (a) housing and (b) apartment units are currently allocated to (i) Members of Parliament and (ii) other persons or entities; (3) how many Members of Parliament have not been allocated units within the parliamentary villages despite their requests to be accommodated there; (4) can he provide a breakdown of the (a) persons or entities the specified units in all parliamentary villages in Cape Town were allocated to, (b) departments the specified persons or entities belong to and (c) rationale for the allocation in each case; (5) whether any members of the newly established Chamber Support Unit within the Parliamentary Protection Services have been allocated units within the parliamentary villages; if so, on what basis?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(1)(a)(i) There are 507 housing units at the three Parliamentary villages.

(ii) There are 155 apartment units at the three parliamentary villages.

(b)(i) 621 units are in a condition for habitation.

(ii) 41 units are not available for use currently.

(2)(a)(i) 347 housing units have been allocated to Members of Parliament.

(ii) 160 housing units have been allocated to other persons or entities.

(b)(i) 2 of the 155 apartment units have been allocated to Members of Parliament.

(ii) 127 apartment units have been allocated to other persons or entities.

(3) There are currently no Members of Parliament (MPs) who have requested accommodation and who have not been allocated units within the Parliamentary villages.

(4)(a) Persons allocated accommodation in the Parliamentary villages include Sessional Officials, Public Works Officials who are servicing the Parliamentary Villages, Party Support Staff, Aides to disabled Members of Parliament, domestic workers and a former Member of Parliament’s dependents residing in the parliamentary villages.

(b) Sessional Officials employed by the following Government departments are accommodated at the parliamentary villages:

1. Ministry of Public Enterprises

2. Ministry of Social Development

3. Ministry of Health

4. Ministry of National Treasury

5. Ministry of Water Affairs

6. Ministry of Communications

7. Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans

8. Ministry of Arts and Culture

9. Ministry of Rural Development

10. Ministry of Trade and Industry

11. Department of Energy

12. Ministry of the Presidency

13. Ministry of Human Settlements

14. Ministry of Public Works

15. Ministry of Police

16. Ministry of State Security

17. Ministry of Women, Children and People with Disabilities

18. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries

19. Ministry of Labour

20. Ministry of Tourism

21. Ministry of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs

22. National Youth and Development Agency

23. International Relations and Co-operation

24. Ministry of Sports and recreation

25. Ministry of Science and Technology

26. Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services

27. Ministry of Higher Education

28. Ministry of Economic Development

29. Ministry of Home Affairs

30. Ministry of Small Business Development

31. Ministry of Basic Education

32. Ministry of Environmental Affairs

33. Ministry of Mineral Resources

34. Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services

35. Ministry of Water and Sanitation

(c) The rationale for accommodating the categories mentioned above, is as follows:

  • Sessional Officials designated by the Heads of their Departments for a Parliamentary session are accommodated at the Parliamentary villages.
  • Officials employed by the Department of Public Works who perform standby duties at the parliamentary villages are accommodated at the parliamentary villages.
  • Party Support Staff / Aides to disabled Members of Parliament: Special ministerial approval was granted for aides to disabled Members of Parliament to be accommodated at the Parliamentary villages.
  • Domestic workers who are registered by a legal tenant at the Parliamentary villages and approved by the Department of Public Works.
  • Former MP’s dependents: Extension of stay was granted after the commencement of the Fifth Parliament, as the dependents were still attending school. Subsequent notices to vacate were ignored. A final notice to vacate is being processed, where after the case is to be handed over to the office of the State Attorney for eviction, should the subjects ignore the final notice to vacate.

(5) No members of the newly established Chamber Support Unit within the Parliamentary Protection Services have been allocated units within the Parliamentary villages.

___________________________________________________________________

22 September 2015 - NW3341

Profile picture: Alberts, Mr ADW

Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

Why did Transnet not pay out the bonus expected by the middle of 2015 to pensioners who are members of the Transport Pension Fund and the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund and are drawing a pension of R15 000 or less per year?

Reply:

As responded to in PQ3010 submitted on 27 August 2015, the ex gratia payments made by Transnet to qualifying pensioners of the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund and the Transnet Sub Fund of the Transport Pension Fund are discretionary amounts. No decision has been taken by Transnet to make a payment in the 2015 calendar year.




END

 

22 September 2015 - NW3170

Profile picture: Singh, Mr N

Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1) What is her department’s position in respect of the statement by Eskom’s spokesperson that Eskom’s financial issues were only partly responsible for the country’s rolling blackouts; (2) whether this is an indication of a greater Government culpability in respect of the blackouts; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1.   Eskom’s financial issues are responsible for load shedding in as far as limited funding for maintenance and restrictions on diesel purchases for Open Cycle Gas Turbines are concerned.

​2.  In the main load shedding has been caused by maintenance deferred in the past which resulted in a backlog of maintenance and decline in plant reliability.



END

22 September 2015 - NW3101

Profile picture: Walters, Mr TC

Walters, Mr TC to ask the Minister of Health

With reference to his reply to question 441 on 8 June 2015, what are the relevant details of the workload indicators for staffing need (WISN) work that had been done in the clinics?

Reply:

The Workload Indicators for Staffing Norms (WISN) method is an evidence-based Human Resource planning and management tool developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This tool was applied in sampled facilities located within the NHI pilot sites to determine the number of health workers of a particular category required to cope with the workload of the given health facility. The findings from this work were subsequently used to develop health workforce normative guides and standards for Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities.

Implementation guidelines of health workforce normative guides and standards for fixed PHC facilities are available. This guideline will be used in the process of determining staffing requirements in all fixed PHC facilities by benchmarking facility staffing against normative guides using facility headcount as a proxy of workload.

END.

22 September 2015 - NW3319

Profile picture: Alberts, Mr ADW

Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

1. Whether, with reference to his reply to question 2649 on 18 August 2015, he has any scientific facts at hand which prove that English as a medium of instruction will offer all persons access to institutions of higher education, given that there are many areas in the country where the persons are not at all proficient or have very poor communication skills in English; (2) whether he will endeavour to protect all the indigenous official languages, including Afrikaans, against the dominant nature of English in order to prevent English from eventually displacing the other languages, which will lead to entirely English-speaking institutions of higher education, as is the case with the University of Johannesburg; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

  1. There is no need for scientific facts to validate the response provided in my reply to question 2649. The response is validated by the fact that all schools in South Africa teach English, either as a first language or second language, whilst other African languages, including Afrikaans, are also taught as a first or second language, depending on the geographical area or school types. This therefore makes English a common or cross cutting language for all matriculants entering University, something that cannot be said for all other African languages. As mentioned previously, this does not detract from the development of all African languages, which is a necessary process. The fact that some students are not proficient in English is a separate matter, however the fact remains that they have been exposed to English in comparison to other African languages.
     
  2. I would like to indicate that a similar parliamentary question, published in internal question paper no. 25 of 2014, was posed to me. Therefore, the honourable member should refer to my response to question 2319 of November 2014.




END

22 September 2015 - NW3437

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Labour

Will (a) the suspension of a certain person (name and details furnished)be lifted and/or (b) a disciplinary hearing take place; if so, (i) when in each case and (ii) what are the relevant details?

Reply:

 

MINISTER’S REPLY

  1. The certain person is not on suspension and as such the question in its entirety is not relevant.



    END

22 September 2015 - NW3295

Profile picture: Malema, Mr J

Malema, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(1) (a)(i) What total amount did his department spend on his travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did he undertake between Cape Town and Gauteng in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did his department spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for him in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year; (2) (a)(i) what total amount did his department spend on each Deputy Minister’s travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips between Gauteng and Cape Town did each Deputy Minister undertake in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did his department spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for each Deputy Minister in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year?

Reply:

(1)(a) (i) The Department spent R479 694 on my air travel costs between Pretoria and Cape Town for the 2014/15 financial year; and R508 844 for car rentals, which comes to a total of R988 538;

        (ii) I undertook 47 trips between Cape Town and Gauteng to attend Parliamentary business in Cape Town for the specified financial year;

(b)(i) I spent R32 023 on hotel accommodation; and

   (ii) regarding residential and other accommodation, this information is not readily available, as I live in my own house in Pretoria, Gauteng when in Pretoria; and I live in the Parliamentary Village in Cape Town when in Parliamentary session in Cape Town.

(2)(a)(i) Regarding the costs of the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Department spent an amount of R202 926 on air travel for 2014/15 and R154 662 for car rentals, which comes to a total of R357 588;

(ii) 67 trips were undertaken between Cape Town and Gauteng by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development;

(b)(i) An amount of R972.00 was spent on hotel accommodation for the relevant Deputy Minister; and

(ii) regarding residential and other accommodation, this information is not readily available, as the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development lives in his own house in Gauteng; and he lives in the Parliamentary Village in Cape Town when in Parliamentary session in Cape Town.


END 

 

22 September 2015 - NW2802

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Health

Whether his department meets the Government’s 2% employment equity target for the employment of persons with disabilities that was set in 2005; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

No, the Department has not yet met this target. However, the Department has disabled people who refuse to be classified as such. Hence the Department dropped below 1% on this target.

END.

22 September 2015 - NW3626

Profile picture: Motau, Mr SC

Motau, Mr SC to ask the Minister of Police

(a) What cases are currently being investigated by the various Specialised Commercial Crimes Units across the country and (b) which of the specified cases are currently before the courts?

Reply:

a)     The Commercial Crimes Investigation Units are currently investigating Common law and Statutory Crimes relating to Fraud, Electronic Banking Crimes , Municipal Fraud, Theft ,Corruption ,Money Laundering ;Counterfeit Goods Act , Prevention Of Organised Crime Act; Exchange Control Regulations Act ;Companies Act; National Credit Act; Forgery and Uttering; Advanced Fee Fraud ;Copyright Act; Customs & Excise Act, Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, Income Tax Act, Tobacco Control Amendment Act, Tobacco Products Control Act, Value Added Tax Act ;Social Assistance Act.

b)      A total of 4726 cases are currently in court.

22 September 2015 - NW3259

Profile picture: Dlamini, Mr MM

Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Public Works

(1) What (a) total amount did his department spend on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) is the total number of trips that were undertaken; (2) what is the total amount that his department spent on (a) accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year?

Reply:

 

1.  (a) The total amount spent on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town on officials of the Department of Public Works attending official Parliamentary business during the 2014/15 financial year is R238 670.94

     (b) The total number of trips undertaken is 48.

2.  (a) The total amount spent on accommodation is R79 666.50

     (b) The total cost of car rental was R25 844.61

 

22 September 2015 - NW3096

Profile picture: Kalyan, Ms SV

Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of Health

Whether there are any (a) hospitals, (b) hospital wards, (c) clinics and/or (d) any other health facilities dedicated to treating patients with (i) tuberculosis and (ii) multi-drug or extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis; if not, why not; if so, (aa) what are the names of the specified facilities, (bb) where are they situated and (cc) what is the treatment capacity of each specified facility?

Reply:

Patients with Tuberculosis are diagnosed and started on treatment in all public sector hospitals and clinics as well as 154 facilities in the private sctor and 243 owned by the South African Military Health Services and NGOs. Patients with MDR and XDR TB are treated in 9 specialised central hospitals and 298 decentralised sites and 272 satellite sites. There are also 150 injection teams that manage some of the patients at home (on an ambulatory basis).

END.

22 September 2015 - NW3184

Profile picture: Breytenbach, Adv G

Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Did he advise the President, Mr Jacob G Zuma, of the request of the former National Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Mxolisi Nxasana, to have (a) Ms Nomgcobo Jiba and (b) Mr Lawrence Mwrebi suspended or removed from office?

Reply:

Yes.

22 September 2015 - NW3075

Profile picture: America, Mr D

America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Labour

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

Reply:

MINISTER RESPONSE:

The Department and Entities reporting to the Minister have, to the best of my knowledge, not officially complained or reported any red tape.


END

22 September 2015 - NW3438

Profile picture: Lees, Mr RA

Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transpor

(1) Has the proposed new route of the N11 through and/or around Ladysmith, Kwazulu-Natal been determined; if so, (a) what are the details of the specified new route, (b) when will tenders for its construction (i) open and (ii) close, (c) when will construction begin, (d) when is the construction of the specified new route expected to be completed and (e) what will be the cost of constructing the specified new route; (2) will the proposed new route require the purchase of land; if so, (a) from whom, (b) have the current land owners agreed to sell the required land, (c) what are the relevant details, including title deed descriptions, of the specified land to be purchased and (d) what are the relevant details of the specified purchase price(s) of the land to be purchased; (3) have the current land owners agreed to the specified purchase price(s) offered to them; if not, what steps does her department intend to take to reach an agreement(s) on the specified purchase price(s); (4) what are the relevant details of the road to be built along the proposed new route; (5) will the new road be tolled; if so, (a) what method of tolling will be used and (b) what will the cost of the specified tolling method be?

Reply:

  1. The proposed new route of the N11 through and/or around Ladysmith, Kwazulu-Natal is in the basic planning phase.  Prior to finalizing the route - including the land required - an environmental impact assessment will be undertaken to establish the feasibility of the various options (route locations).

(a)                        As such, the route has not been finalized.

(b), (c) & (d)         Tenders for construction cannot be called for until such time that all the prior steps have been completed.  Forward planning is underway regarding this project.

(e)                        The construction cost can only be estimated once the work prior to the construction phase has been completed.  The route has not been chosen, nor have any of the environmental impact studies been undertaken.

(2)   The portion of the N11 under question will be developed as a greenfield project and, as such, will require land to be purchased.

a)    As the project is still in the basic planning phase, it is not yet known which specific and/or how much land will be required for the road.

 

b)    Once the land requirements for the construction project have been assessed, the affected land owners will be contacted directly regarding the sale of the required land.

(c) & (d)               The project is still in basic planning phase and it is not yet known which specific land will be required for the road.

3.    The project is still in basic planning phase and it is not yet known which specific land will be required for the road.  Transactions between the buyer and the seller will be within the bounds of the applicable legislation.

4.    The details of the proposed new route of the N11 through and/or around Ladysmith, Kwazulu-Natal have not yet been determined.  Given the current growth of traffic and adopting a prudent growth scenario, it is envisaged that the ultimate solution will comprise a dual carriageway that will be constructed in phases.

5     The funding requirements for the proposed new route of the N11 through and/or around Ladysmith, Kwazulu-Natal have not yet been determined, as the project is still in the basic planning phase.  The decision on the funding method will be taken once the initial cost estimates have been completed.

(a) & (b)               The funding method for this road has not been decided upon yet.


 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE MINISTER

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION BY MR R A LEES (DA) FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Mr R A Lees from the DA requested information regarding the proposed new route of the N11 through and/or around Ladysmith, Kwazulu-Natal.

SANRAL has supplied the following additional information:

The delivery of road infrastructure that meets the needs of a growing country requires forward planning. 

In the planning of roads, sustainable land use poses a challenge as to how to deal with the conflict that arises between people’s future needs and the present infrastructure and land use.  The road network itself is a form of land use, and the planning of this network strongly depends on the other land uses.  Land for human development uses rely heavily on this network.

It is with this in mind that the current exercise with respect to the N11, through and/or around Ladysmith, is underway.  The project is in the basic planning phase and the route is not finalized. 

Prior to finalizing the route - including the land required - an environmental impact assessment will be undertaken to establish the feasibility of the various options (route locations).  Thus there is still a long road to travel.

Tenders for construction cannot be called for until such time that all the prior steps have been completed.  Forward planning is underway. The cost of construction can only be estimated when the prior work has been completed.

A road network developed as a greenfield project, as the portion of the N11 under question will be, will require land to be purchased.  All affected landowners will be contacted on completion of the various studies still to be undertaken.  It would be premature to contact landowners at this stage, since it is not yet known which specific and/or how much land will be required for the road.  The affected parties will be directly contacted once the land requirements have been assessed.  However, the public in the area have been informed of the potential future developments that may take place with respect to a new road.

All transactions by SANRAL when purchasing land for road requirements are made within the bounds of the applicable legislation.  The land is acquired on the basis of the willing seller, willing buyer principle.  Independent valuers determine the price, all land is acquired at market related prices; the purchase price includes economic, if any, losses of the willing seller.

The details of the road to be built have not yet been determined.  Given the current growth of traffic and adopting a prudent growth scenario, it is envisaged that the ultimate solution will comprise a dual carriageway that will be constructed in phases.

The funding requirements for this route have not been determined as yet.  Given the constraints on the fiscus, all financial instruments must be considered.  This includes the application of the ‘user-pay’ principle as espoused in the National Development Plan.  The funding method has not been decided upon yet.  The decision on the funding method will be taken once the initial cost estimates have been completed.





 

22 September 2015 - NW3176

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Telecommunication and Postal Services

Whether his department meets the Government’s 2% employment equity target for the employment of persons with disabilities that was set in 2005; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

No. The department is currently at 1.8% representivity.

The department has had difficulty in attracting persons with disabilities, who comply with the requirements of the positions. The departmental Human Resources and Employment Equity plans have however addressed this specific requirement. It is important to note that currently the department is merely short of one official with a disability on a SMS level to achieve its 2% employment equity target.



END

22 September 2015 - NW3081

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

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

Reply:

Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

a) Red Tape refers to unduly strict regulations that often make it difficult for small emerging enterprises to thrive and hinders aggressive competition with medium and macro enterprises that do business with government. It also refers to rules, regulations, and I or bureaucratic procedures and processes which are excessively complex and which impose unnecessary delay(s), inaction and I or costs which exceed their benefits, and I or is no longer effective in achieving the purpose for which they were originally created. Red tape results in undesirable economic, business and I or social impacts or outcomes as a result of negatively impacting on productivity.

(b) (i) The department has implemented key actions to facilitate a progressive improvement in the payment of suppliers, within the prescribed 30-day period, such as the centralisation of the receipt and recording of invoices as well as an integrated order and payment tracking system.

In addition to the above, the Departments are currently implementing parts of the Shared Services Model between DCOG, OTA and MISA and are working together with National Treasury's Technical Assistance Unit to enhance and refine the model. Lastly, the department is also implementing the automated submission system, which will improve efficiency in decision making processes within the departments.

South African Cities Network

1. The South African Cities Network (SACN) (ii) defines red tape as an expression used to describe rigid conformity to formal rules that may hinder or slow down the decision-making process.

(b)(i) The SACN believes in early submission of documentation that requires approval to allow enough time for the recipient to thoroughly engage with the documentation without compromising the deadlines

(ii) The Annual Performance Plan assists in forward planning and eventual execution of tasks and this is reviewed on a monthly basis to ensure we are still working within the correct timeframes.

South African Local Government Association (SALGA)

1. (ii) Red tape refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making.

(b)(i) Development of an automated procurement system to eliminate the lengthy manual processes to ease decision-making and action or implementation.

(c) (ii)(aa)(bb) Systems implemented to enhance efficiencies without compromising on compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Automated requests, workflows, approvals and reporting have been implemented to ensure effective service delivery.

Municipal Demarcation Board (MOB)

1. (a)(ii) Defines Red tape as the excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making.

(b)(i) No specific interventions have been implemented;
(b)(ii) (aa) and (bb) Systems and processes have been implemented to enhance efficiency without compromising on compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Applicable work processes, public and stakeholder consultation forums, reporting and approval structures have been implemented to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission)


(1)(a)(ii)

The CRL Rights Commission defines red tape as the duplication of processes that lead to waste of resources and strict adherence to official rules and formalities.

(b )(i)(bbb)

The Commission has streamlined its internal process and developed Standard Operating Procedures with the view of improving efficiency. Furthermore, these were processed through internal governance structures of the Entity and communicated to general staff.

The CRL Rights Commission utilise the strategic plan and annual performance plan to ensure that there are no duplication in functions and that every program deliver on a unique specialisation in the mandate of the Commission. In planning ahead it helps the Commission to be able to reach its goals without having to deal with unplanned and other issues that just crop up.

22 September 2015 - NW3473

None to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(1) What is the official policy with regard to travel undertaken by regional court presidents (a) domestically and (b) internationally in respect of the (i) number of trips which may be undertaken and (ii)(aa) number and (bb) position and/or status of persons forming part of such delegations; (2)(a) how many (i) domestic and (ii) international trips were undertaken by each regional court president in the past 12 months and (b) what (i) number of persons formed part of the delegation, (ii) was the position and/or status of each person in the delegation and (iii) was the total cost of the trip?

Reply:

 

1. Regulations in terms of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993) does not prescribe the number of trips that may be undertaken domestically or internationally. Furthermore neither does the said regulation advocate the number as well as position and/or status of persons forming part of such delegations.

Regulation 47 reads as follows:

(i) All official journeys of which itineraries are submitted shall be authorised by the head of office who shall ensure that the journeys are necessary and in the interest of the administration of justice”

(ii) The head of office referred to in subregulation (1) shall consider each application for an official journey, having regard to costs, availability of transport, route, timespan and any other relevant circumstances.

With the exclusion of the Director-General, Deputy Directors-General and persons holding equivalent ranks, paragraph 8.4.10.5.1 of the Departmental Financial Instructions (DFI) limits the number of employees travelling on official duty to address the same matter to three (3).

In addition paragraph 8.4.10.12 of the DFI specifies the following with regards to international travel:

“International travel must be limited to meetings or events that are considered absolutely critical and the number of employees attending such meetings or events must be limited to those employees that are directly involved in the subject matter related to such meetings or events”.

Paragraph 8.4.10.5.3 prescribes that prior approval from the Minister is required for magistrates’ travelling abroad.

2.  (i) domestic trips: please see attached.

    (ii) The Magistrates Commission only dealt with one application by a Regional Court President to travel abroad in the past 12 months from Regional Court President J Wessels.  She received an invitation by UN: Women And UNFPA In Partnership With UNDP And UNODC To The Global Technical Consultation On The Police And Justice Sector’s Response To Violence Against Women And Girls - Marrakech, 1 to 4 July 2014. 

Travel to and accommodation in Marrakech were carried by the organisers.  

The Magistrates Commission also indicated that Ms Wessels took no delegation with her. There was therefore no expenditure by the Regional Court Presidents on overseas trips



END

 

22 September 2015 - NW3322

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr P

Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)(a)(i) What total amount did her department spend on her travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did she undertake between Gauteng and Cape Town in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did her department spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for her in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year; (2) (a)(i) what total amount did her department spend on the Deputy Minister’s travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did the Deputy Minister undertake between Gauteng and Cape Town in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did her department spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for the Deputy Minister in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year?

Reply:

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


END

22 September 2015 - NW3266

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Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Communications

1) What (a) total amount did her department spend on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) is the total number of trips that were undertaken; (2) What is the total amount that her department spent on (a) accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year?

Reply:

1. (a) R 723 000.00

    (b) 120 Trips

2. (a) R 92 000.00

    (b) R 44 000.00



END

22 September 2015 - NW3262

Profile picture: Moteka, Mr PG

Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Labour

(1) What (a) total amount did her department spent on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014 - 15 financial year and (b) is the total number of trips that were undertaken? (2) what is the total amount that her department spent on accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year?

Reply:

 

The Annual Report of the Department that I tabled during September 2015 provides information on the expenses incurred by the Department including travelling and accommodation both locally and abroad by all our officials. The Auditor General audited all this information. The Annual Financial Statements format did not however allow us to provide a breakdown of this information in the manner that the Honourable member requires.

22 September 2015 - NW3306

Profile picture: Ntobongwana, Ms P

Ntobongwana, Ms P to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1)(a)(i) What total amount did her department spend on her travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did she undertake between Gauteng and Cape Town in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did her department spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for her in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year; (2) (a)(i) What total amount did her department spend on the Deputy Minister’s travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did the Deputy Minister undertake between Gauteng and Cape Town in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did her department spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for the Deputy Minister in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year?

Reply:

I wish to refer the Honourable Member to the unqualified Annual Report (2014/2015) and audited clean Financial Statements of my department that were tabled in Parliament on 28 August 2015 and published in the ATC dated 28 August 2015, wherein travel costs are reflected under the item ‘Travel and Subsistence’.

In regard to accommodation, I wish to remind the Honourable Member that accommodation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers in Cape Town and Gauteng is provided through the Department of Public Works.

 

END

22 September 2015 - NW2967

Profile picture: Redelinghuys, Mr MH

Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police

(1)Whether the SA Police Service(SAPS) has policies or guidelines for enforcing legislation on sex work and suspected sex workers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether SAPS members are trained about the specified policies or guidelines; (3) whether the specified training includes (a) apprehending suspected sex workers, (b) searching their person and (c) identifying suspected sex workers; (4) (a) how many complaints against SAPS members regarding (i) assault and/or (ii) abuse of suspected sex workers have been received in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years and (b)(i) what were the outcomes of the specified investigations and (ii) what action has been taken against the specified SAPS members?

Reply:

  1. Submitted to Parliament on 6 September 2015.
  2. Submitted to Parliament on 6 September 2015.
  3. Submitted to Parliament on 6 September 2015.
  4. The following replies are provided based on the information retrieved:

(4)(a) Complaints against SAPS members regarding:

(4)(a)(i) Assault complaints:

(4)(a)(i)(aa) 2012/2013 = 1

(4)(a)(i)(bb) 2013/2014 = 13

(4)(a)(i)(cc) 2014/2015 = 2

(4)(a)(ii) Abuse of suspected sex workers:

(4)(a)(ii)(aa) 2012/2013 = 2

(4)(a)(ii)(bb) 2013/2014 = 4 (including unlawful arrest)

(4)(a)(ii)(cc) 2014/2015 = 8

(4)(b) Investigations and outcomes:

(4)(b)(i) Outcomes of the specified investigations:

Of the 32 allegations/complaints against members, seven criminal cases were registered. Of the seven cases registered against members, three were withdrawn in court, two were still being investigated by IPID, one was finalized as nolle proseque while the remaining one is still on the court roll.

(4)(b)(ii) Action has been taken against the specified SAPS members:

One member received a written warning (Mufuleni - DR 32/2014) and findings against other two members were that departmental steps were not required (Cape Town DR 308 and 309/2014).

END

22 September 2015 - NW3255

Leader of Opposition (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works

(1) Following the recommendations of the reports of the (a) Public Protector (b) Special Investigating Unit and (c) Inter-Ministerial Committee on the irregular expenditure related to the private Nkandla residence of the President, Mr Jacob G Zuma, what (i) remedial, (ii) disciplinary and (iii) other actions have been taken against (aa) officials and (bb) staff in his department to date; (2) (a) what action has his department taken to recover monies from (i) contractors, (ii) staff and (iii) suppliers who were identified and found to have contributed to the irregular expenditure related to the President’s specified residence; (3) has his department recovered any monies from the specified persons or companies to date; if so, what amount has been recovered?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(1) (a), (b) and (c) (i) The Department of Public Works has taken the following remedial action:

  • Improved systems and training of staff members
  • Appropriate delegation of authority to Regional Offices was implemented to ensure operational effectiveness in service delivery. As a form of control to ensure that Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes are adhered to, all successful tenders awarded by Regional Offices are now reviewed at the Head Office by the Compliance Inspectorate to check for compliance with the SCM framework prior to being confirmed.
  • A change management programme is being implemented in the Department that seeks to build on three fundamentals underlying infrastructure delivery. These include business process re-engineering through the implementation of the Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS), human resource capacity development, as well as governance and accountability improvements.

          The IDMS, which was developed in partnership between the Public Works sector (national and provincial), along with             National Treasury, is a best practice methodology for the delivery of infrastructure. Its implementation will result in                 improved achievement of infrastructure delivery targets with respect to time, quality and budget.

  • The Department of Public Works, with the assistance of the State Security Agency (SSA), has embarked on a vetting project of all its SCM officials. The vetting of SCM officials at the Head Office has been prioritized, as well as at the Regional Offices that have a significant portfolio of Prestige projects (Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria Regional Office).
  • As part of the overall DPW Turnaround Strategy, the Department has concluded a detailed review of its business processes, which resulted in extensive business process re-engineering to vastly improve the SCM system. The 7-year reform path for SCM business processes began with a phase of the correction of inefficiencies to stabilisation (2014 – 2017) and will move ultimately to standardization, integration and optimization of the SCM business process (to take place during the period 2017 – 2020). This will ensure that DPW supply chain management is fully compliant with the regulatory framework and will also be able to meet its business requirements effectively. The SCM reform initiatives are pursued in collaboration with National Treasury’s Chief Procurement Office. The Department of Public Works was selected by the Minister of Finance as a pilot site for the implementation of general procurement reforms in the public sector.
  • The DPW has reviewed its SCM Policy, which now promotes stricter governance and compliance. The SCM policy is to be reviewed annually. For every SCM activity that is performed, there is a mapped out process flow with activity checklists, templates and reports. Utilisation of the mentioned documentation now enhances compliance, thereby contributing to reducing irregular expenditure.
  • The organizational structure of SCM has also been reviewed and a new structure was developed to meet business requirements. The structure is geared to focus on the support of the various functional streams of the Department through the correct mix of skills sets and competencies. The new structure provides for adequate segregation of duties and thus conflicts of interest will be avoided.
  • The Department’s Inspectorate and Compliance Unit is now a key role player in SCM processes prior to the award of every bid or quotation. This unit verifies that every SCM activity leading up to the recommendation of the bid has been complied with. Only upon receipt of the approved compliance checklist, will the bid be forwarded to the relevant committee for approval.
  • The Department is examining the guidelines, policies, norms and standards for the implementation of security measures at the private and official residences of the Executive and the Legislature in general, as well as certain administrative buildings, for consultation with the security cluster departments. It is envisaged that these consultations as well as those planned with the Department of Public Service and Administration will result in a refined procedural framework with respect to the implementation of physical security measures for tabling before Cabinet.

(ii) The following disciplinary action has been taken against the staff in DPW:

  • The investigation by Special Investigating Unit (SIU) indicated that 12 employees or former employees of the Department were probably guilty of misconduct due to acts and omissions in 30 separate matters related to the appointment of contractors for the security upgrades at President’s residence in Nkandla.
  • The Department has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the 12 officials. One official has since pleaded guilty with a sanction of two months suspension without pay and a final written warning and barred from participating in procurement processes for three years until he has undergone training. Disciplinary cases with respect to the remaining 11 employees are still on hold pending the high court application for media access to the disciplinary hearings by various media houses.

(iii) (aa) and (bb) No other action has been taken against officials or staff of the Department of Public Works.

(2) (a) (i), (ii) and (iii) The SIU investigation into the conduct of contractors/service providers has provided a basis for civil action against the architect, Mr M Makhanya for the recovery of R155 million. As the Principal Agent, Mr Makhanya bore the overall responsibility for the project.

The civil claim against the Principal Agent was instituted by the SIU on 11 August 2014 for the recovery of R155 324 516.49, being the amount of losses suffered by the Department for over-billing. The matter is before court and the hearing is pending.

(3) See the paragraph (2) (a) (i), (ii) and (iii) above. There is currently no basis in terms of a finding to warrant recovery of money from any staff member of DPW.

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

22 September 2015 - NW3402

Profile picture: Madisha, Mr WM

Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Whether he intends to immediately introduce amendments to the Public Protector Act, 1994 (Act No 23 of 1994), to ensure that information requested by the Public Protector from any organ of state is not (a) withheld to the extent that the Public Protector has to resort to the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No 2 of 2000), to get it, (b) made so difficult to access that it has to be clawed out in dribs and drabs as happened with the investigation into the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), (c) falsified or given in a manner that casts doubt on its authenticity, (d) given without proper authentication or certification and (e) delayed to the point that the report has to be finalized without the required information; if not, why not; if so, when does he propose to introduce such amendments to help facilitate the work of the Public Protector?

Reply:

No. I believe the provisions of the Public Protector Act, Act 23 of 1994, has adequate provisions to deal with the issues the Hon Member raises.

Section 7 deals with investigations by the Public Protector, some of the relevant provisions being –

(a) subsection (3)(a) which provides that the Public Protector may request any person at any level of government or performing a public function to assist him or her in the performance of his or her functions with regard to any particular investigation;

(b) subsection (4)(a) which provides that the Public Protector may, by subpoena, direct any person to submit an affidavit or to appear before him or her to give evidence or to produce any document in his or her possession or under his or her control which has a bearing on the matter being investigated; and

(c) subsection (4) (b) which empowers the Public Protector to request an explanation from any person whom he or she reasonably suspects of having information which has a bearing on the matter being investigated.

 

Section 7A deals with entering upon premises by the Public Protector. It provides, among others, that the Public Protector is competent, subject to the authority of a warrant issued by a magistrate or judge, to enter, or authorize another person to enter, any premises and to make such investigation or inquiry as may be necessary and to seize anything which may have a bearing on an investigation. This section even recognises the need to use force to gain entry should the need arise.

Section 9 deals with contempt of the Public Protector and provides that no person may insult the Public Protector or do anything in connection with an investigation which, if the investigation had been proceedings in a court of law, the conduct in question would have amounted to contempt of court.

Section 11 provides for offences and penalties. In terms of section 11(1) a person who contravenes section 9, referred to above, or who interferes with the functioning of the office of the Public Protector as contemplated in section 181(4), referred to above, is guilty of an offence. In terms of section 11(3) any person who, without just cause, refuses or fails to comply with a direction or request under section 7(4), referred to above, or refuses to answer any question put to him or her or who gives an answer which to his or her knowledge is false, is guilty of an offence. The penalty for these offences is a fine not exceeding R40 000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.




END

22 September 2015 - NW2995

Profile picture: Motau, Mr SC

Motau, Mr SC to ask the Minister in the Presidency

How many (a) government departments have established measures to combat corruption in order to comply with Management Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT) Standard Prevention of Fraud and Corruption and (b) of the specified departments comply with the specified standard at Level 3 or higher?

Reply:

The Management Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT) standard on prevention of Fraud and Corruption assesses whether department have measures and requisite capacity in place to prevent and combat corruption. Elements that are assessed in the standard are on:

  • whether departments have fraud prevention plans and whistle blowing policies minimum anti-corruption capacity to prevent fraud and corruption;
  • whether departments are providing feedback on anti-corruption hotline cases to the Office of the Public Service Commission (OPSC); and
  • whether disciplinary and criminal procedures are being instituted where fraud and corruption occurs.

    a) Whereas the 2014 MPAT assessments results are in the process of being finalised, the 2013 results showed a total number of 55 departments (25 national and 30 provincial) are compliant with this standard.

    b) The 2013 results also shows that twenty five (25) departments (11 national and 14 provincial) met the level 3 compliance requirements, whilst 30 exceeded the requirements (14 national and 16 provincial).


    END

22 September 2015 - NW3134

Profile picture: Whitfield, Mr AG

Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)With reference to the section 139(1)(b) intervention in Makana Local Municipality, (a) why was the contract of a certain person (name and details furnished) not renewed, (b) what are the terms of reference for the newly appointed person (name and details furnished) to that position, (c) what are the relevant details of the specified person’s remuneration package and (d) has the appointment of the specified person been approved by (i) the National Council of Provinces and (ii) him; (2) whether the specified person is currently employed by his department; if so, what are the (a) relevant details of the specified person’s employment and (b) specified person’s (i) qualifications and (ii) professional work experience?

Reply:

The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available within the Department. We have, however, since requested the Eastern Cape Provincial government to provide this information.

The Honourable Member will be provided with the requested information as soon as it is submitted to us.




END

22 September 2015 - NW3343

Profile picture: Groenewald, Dr PJ

Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1) With reference to her reply to question 2926 on 25 August 2015, how many rail accidents involving (a) Spoornet, (b) Prasa and (c) Metrorail trains took place (i) in (aa) 2010, (bb) 2011, (cc) 2012, (dd) 2013 and (ee) 2014 and (ii) from 1 January 2015 until the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) (a) how many passengers in each accident in each separate year (i) were injured and (ii) died, (b) where did each specified accident take place and (c) what was the cause of each specified accident; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

It should be noted that with reference to the question on the number of accidents, the Honourable member, Dr PJ Groenewald (FF-Plus) is asking the same question he had asked in PQ 2926 and I have already provided a response in that regard. The only difference is that this time Dr Groenewald focuses on PASSENGERS whereas in the previous PQ on this matter, his focus was on PERSONS in general. For the record, the Honourable member should take note that Transnet does not operate passenger trains at all and questions related to the operations of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) should be referred to the Minister of Transport.




END

22 September 2015 - NW3345

Profile picture: Groenewald, Dr PJ

Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1) Whether any insurance money was paid out due to damages sustained after pressure tests at the Duvha Power Station; if not, why not; if so, what (a) amount was paid out for repair work, (b) amount was paid out due to loss of business and (c) other amounts were paid out by the insurers; (2) whether the full amount that was paid out for repairs to the damaged units was, indeed, utilised for the specified repairs; if not, (a) why not, (b) what amount was utilised for the repairs and (c) what was the remaining money used for; (3) whether any repair work on the damaged units has already commenced; if not, why not; if so, when will the repair work be completed; (4) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

(1) The insurance claim has not yet been concluded and no money has been paid out.

(2) Not applicable as no money has been paid to Eskom.

(3) The Duvha Unit 3 Recovery Project execution strategy has not yet been approved by the Eskom Board. Only preservation and site preparation work has commenced. Timelines into recovery will only be definite once a service provider has been appointed.

(4) The relevant stakeholders will be kept abreast of these developments as required.



END 

22 September 2015 - NW3579

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport

Why are applications of members of the public for vehicle license renewal refused if they have outstanding e-toll amounts?

Reply:

Currently there is no legal instrument that links the non-payment of tolls to the renewal of vehicle licences.

I am not aware of any instances where vehicle licenses have not been renewed for the non-payment of toll. I urge the honourable member to bring all such instances to the attention of the relevant authority.

However, as the honourable member is aware it is an offense as stated in Act No 7 of 1998 not to pay toll fees.




END

22 September 2015 - NW3337

Profile picture: Singh, Mr N

Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1)Whether she is aware of the burgeoning tiger trade in the country which is steadily growing with exports of canned tiger hunting trophies, tiger skins and bones, as well as live tigers; if not, what steps does she intend to take in this regard; (2) in view of the more than 50 tigers that are reportedly kept by a Vietnamese national in the North West whose operation is reportedly not registered with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (details furnished), what steps does she intend to take in respect of reports that current relevant legislation in the country is extremely fragmented, inadequate and renders very little protection to these non-indigenous animals and requires an urgent regulatory framework; (3) what steps will she take with regard to (a) the absence of regulations regarding the possession of tiger derivatives, processing carcasses, or the sale or trade in carcasses and derivatives and (b) reports that private operators in Gauteng and North West are allowed to conduct all sorts of unethical tiger business under the Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance No 12 of 1983, as it only deals with the import and release of tigers?

Reply:

 

1.     Yes, The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is aware of international trade in tiger and tiger products from South Africa. The following table, obtained from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Trade Database (http://trade.cites.org) reflects the exports from South Africa from 2004 till 2014:

Taxon

Term

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Panthera tigris

bodies

       

1

   

1

1

   

Panthera tigris

claws

             

1

     

Panthera tigris

live

8

18

5

4

11

25

32

29

33

21

4

Panthera tigris

skins

 

1

1

1

   

2

2

2

   

Panthera tigris

skulls

 

1

           

1

   

Panthera tigris

trophies

4

 

2

   

6

3

4

3

1

 

Panthera tigris altaica

live

         

4

   

2

   

Panthera tigris altaica

trophies

         

1

         

It is clear from the above that the majority of trade is in live specimens. Trade in tiger specimens is regulated in terms of the CITES Regulations, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004). It should be noted that due to the fact that tiger is listed in CITES Appendix I, import permits are issued by importing countries before an export permit can be issued by South Africa. The import permit must specify the purpose of the transaction and because commercial trade is not allowed in Appendix I specimens, the international trade authorised in terms CITES will be for non-commercial purposes only and this will be reflected on both the import and export permits. Compliance with the CITES Regulations and requirements are monitored by the Environmental Management Inspectors, who are responsible for the inspection of consignments and the endorsement of permits prior to export.

2.      The CITES Regulations, 2010 are implemented by all provinces as well as the Department of Environmental Affairs and provides a uniform regulatory framework to implement and enforce the provisions of the Convention. In terms of these regulations a captive breeding facility or a person who trades internationally in CITES Appendix I species (tiger) must be registered with the relevant provincial CITES Management Authority.

The Department identified the need to strengthen regulatory provisions relating to the activities involving CITES Appendix I listed specimens that are imported to South Africa and in this regard the following provisions have been included in the draft Threatened or Protected Species Regulations that was published for public participation in terms of Section 100 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004) on 31 March 2015:

Specific circumstances relating to the prohibition to possess and trade in listed protected species that are also included in Appendix I of CITES

74. (1) A person may not possess—

     (a) an imported specimen of a listed protected species that is also included in Appendix 1 of CITES; or

     (b) The off-spring of a specimen contemplated in paragraph (a);

     unless such person is authorized by a permit issued in accordance with these Regulations to possess such imported            specimen or the off-spring of such imported specimen.

(2) A person may not sell or donate an imported specimen contemplated in subregulation (1)(a), unless—

(a) such imported specimen originates from a commercial captive breeding facility that has been registered with the CITES Secretariat; and

(b) the selling or donation of such specimen is authorized by a permit issued in accordance with these Regulations.

(3)   (a) The regulatory provisions referred to above address the possession of tiger specimens as well as the captive breeding of tiger.

(b)    Illegal activities should be reported to the Department through the Hotline number: 0800 205 005. Concerns relating to the Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance No 12 of 1983 should be addressed to the relevant provincial legislature.

 

 

 

 

END

22 September 2015 - NW3275

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr P

Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)What (a) total amount did her department spend on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) is the total number of trips that were undertaken; (2) what is the total amount that her department spent on (a) accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year?

Reply:

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



END