Questions and Replies
27 August 2015 - NW2981
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development
(a) What amount has his department spent on accommodation for him in the period 25 May 2014 until 6 August 2015 and (b) in each case, (i) what are the names of the establishments where he stayed, (ii) where are the specified establishments located, (iii) how many nights did he spend at each establishment and (iv) what was the daily rate paid on each occasion?
Reply:
During the period until 6 August 2015, hotels were used once for domestic travel and on four occasions for international travel.
The domestic travel was to eThekwini for a three-night stay, at a cost of R5 753.
The international travel entailed official trips to the United Kingdom, Indonesia, the United States and Switzerland. This involved 12 nights accommodation at hotels. Of these, accounts have been received and paid for in respect of three of the trips, totalling R54 663 for eight nights stay in hotels. One account is still outstanding from DIRCO who secures hotel accommodation on behalf of the Ministry.
-END-
27 August 2015 - NW2989
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1) Does his department conduct lifestyle audits of its employees; if not, why not; if so, when was the last lifestyle audit conducted; (2) is there any monitoring of employee expenditure patterns; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) has any employee ever been found guilty to have accepted money for (a) issuing a license or (b) not issuing a stoppage order, if so, what are the relevant details of each specified case?
Reply:
- No, the department does not conduct lifestyle audits of its employees. No, there is no monitoring of employee expenditure patterns because there has never been any reason to do so;
- (a) Yes, the matter was referred to the relevant law enforcement agency.
- Yes, the matter was referred to the relevant enforcement law agency.
27 August 2015 - NW2812
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What total amount has been allocated to each province for the provision of Early Childhood Development (ECD) services in the (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 financial years; (2) are there any memoranda of understanding between her and the (a) Minister of Basic Education and (b) Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs with regard to the specified ECD services; (3) how often has her department engaged in the supervision of all ECD centers to ensure that they comply with requisite norms and standards?
Reply:
1.
PROVINCE |
FINANCIAL YEAR |
ALLOCATED BUDGET R’000 |
Eastern Cape |
2013/14 |
R188, 753,400 |
2014/15 |
R 173,621,000 |
|
Gauteng |
2013/14 |
R284, 000.000 |
2014/15 |
R 321, 870,000 |
|
Limpopo |
2013/14 |
R240, 000.000 |
2014/15 |
R227, 000,000 |
|
North West |
2013/14 |
R55,000.000 |
2014/15 |
R 54,330,000 |
|
Northern Cape |
2013/14 |
R71, 026.000 |
2014/15 |
R76,030,000 |
|
Western Cape |
2013/14 |
R282,927,000 |
2014/15 |
R231, 581,000 |
|
Free State |
2013/14 |
R161.541.000 |
2014/15 |
R175, 498,000 |
|
Mpumalanga |
2013/14 |
R185, 296. 320 |
2014/15 |
R192 ,283,000 |
|
Kwazulu Natal |
2013/14 |
R211, 333.000 |
2014/15 |
R219, 108,000 |
2. The Department of Social Development does not have any memoranda of Understanding with both the Departments. What is in place are the Terms of Reference, agreed upon among the Interdepartmental Committee for ECD which includes the departments mentioned in the question. The South African Integrated Programme of Action for ECD: Moving Ahead was approved by Cabinet on 18 September 2013, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of all Departments that deals with ECD issues.
3. According to the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, the provincial head of social development must conduct inspections at the prescribed intervals of partial care facilities in the province to enforce the provisions of this Act. Each province conducts monitoring of ECD centres on a quarterly basis, based on their targets for the quarter.
27 August 2015 - NW2983
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development
How much did the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) spend on (a) print, (b) radio, (c) television, (d) online and (e) outdoor advertising in the 2014/2015 financial year; 2. What are the names of every (a)publication, (b) radio station, (c) television station and (d) website and (e) the exact location of every billboard location which carried IDC advertising; 3. What amount was spent on each advertising category?
Reply:
The Industrial Development Corporation reports that is spent the following sums on advertising in the 2014/15 financial year, for specified advertising categories:
- Print media: R9.3 million
- Radio: R11.8 million
- Television: R6.3 million
- Online: R1.1 million
- Outdoor advertising: nil
Question 2 and 3
Media category |
Publication/station |
|
Digital |
BD Live |
|
Cadreon |
||
Clicks2customers |
||
Dash of Lime |
||
Entrepreneur.ZA.Com |
||
Forestry SA.co.za |
||
IOL |
||
ITWEB |
||
Jewellery Biz News |
||
MiningMx |
||
MSN |
||
News 24 |
||
Perform Digital |
||
Pop I Media Innovations |
||
SA Forestry Magazine.co.za |
||
Sowetan Digital |
||
The Times |
||
Yahoo |
||
Yonder Media |
||
Magazine |
Agbiz Congress |
|
Business Hi-Lite |
||
Business Times : Beneficiation |
||
Businessbrief |
||
CSI Handbook |
||
Durban Chamber Directory |
||
Engineering News |
||
Food Trade SA Directory |
||
Infocom |
||
Jewellery Biz News Connect (Directory) |
||
KZN Top Business |
||
Mining Weekly |
||
MiningMX |
||
MiningMX Yearbook |
||
Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
||
SA Jewellery News |
||
Savca Directory |
||
Sawubona Magazine |
||
The Thinker Magazine |
||
Truesight Communications t/a Hluma Magazine |
||
Newspaper |
Alex News |
|
Beeld - Sake Beeld |
||
Brits Pos |
||
Business Day |
||
Business Report (Star, Cape Times, Pretoria News, Mercury) |
||
Cape Argus |
||
Cape Times |
||
Capricon Voice |
||
City Press |
||
City Press - Business |
||
Daily Dispatch |
||
Daily News |
||
Daily Sun |
||
Daily Voice Cape Town |
||
De Aar Echo |
||
Diamond Fields Advertiser |
||
Die Burger - Sake Burger |
||
Die Volksblad |
||
Die Volksblad - Sake Volksblad |
||
Eastern Cape Industrial & Business News |
||
Eastern Cape Today |
||
Eastern Free State Issue |
||
Excelsior News |
||
Free State Sun |
||
Gemsbok |
||
Greater Alex Today Newspaper |
||
Highveld Tribune |
||
Ilanga |
||
Isolezwe |
||
Kalahari Bulletin |
||
Kathu Gazette |
||
Klerksdorp Record |
||
Letaba Herald |
||
Lowvelder/Laevelder |
||
Mafikeng Mail |
||
Mail & Guardian |
||
Mangaung Issue |
||
Middelburg Herald |
||
Mpumalanga News |
||
Noordwester/Oewernuus |
||
Overvaal |
||
Polokwane Express |
||
Polokwane Observer |
||
Pretoria News |
||
Rapport |
||
Rustenburg Herald |
||
Son |
||
Sosh Times |
||
SowetanNewpapers |
||
Sunday Times |
||
Sunday Times-Business Times |
||
The Herald |
||
The Mercury |
||
The Star |
||
Victoria West Messenger |
||
Vukani (Inc) |
||
Weekend Post |
||
Weekend Review |
||
Witness |
||
Radio |
702 Talk Radio |
|
Capricorn FM |
||
Energy FM |
||
Kaya FM |
||
KFM |
||
Lesedi FM (Sesotho) |
||
Metro FM |
||
MunghanaLonene FM (Tsonga) |
||
OFM |
||
Power FM |
||
RSG (Radiosondergrense) |
||
SAFM |
||
Ukhozi FM (Zulu) |
||
UmhloboWenene FM (Xhosa) |
||
Television |
ANN7 (Africa News Nertworks ) |
|
Business Day TV |
||
ENCA |
||
ETV |
||
MNET |
||
SABC 1 |
||
SABC 2 |
||
SABC 3 |
||
SSHD4 |
||
Supersport HD6 |
||
Supersport 7 |
||
Supersport HD 2 |
||
Supersport HD5 |
||
-END-
27 August 2015 - NW2905
Dudley, Ms C to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with reference to Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), she intends to promulgate a policy for social workers to make enquiries about the extent in which a mother was exposed to alcohol during pregnancy when a child with problematic behaviour is taken to a children’s home or another form of care; if not, how does she intend to deal with this need for information in the diagnosis of FASD children; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No; the Department of Social Development does not have nor intend having a policy for Social Workers to make enquiries about the extent in which a mother was exposed to alcohol during pregnancy when a child with problematic behavior is taken to children’s home or another form of care .
However, the Department of Social Development has assessment tools that are being administered when children including children with FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) are admitted to a children’s home or another form of care. The assessment tools provide the social workers with background information of every child including the family circumstances of the child. Additionally social workers can access information from other health care workers to assess the impact of the family and environmental circumstances on the behavior of the child.
27 August 2015 - NW2982
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development
(a) What amount has his department spent on consultants since 26 May 2014 until 6 August 2015 and (b) in each case, (i) what (aa)are the names of the consultants, (bb) amount was each consultant paid and (cc) was the nature of their work and (ii) for what period were the specified consultants contracted to his department?
Reply:
The Department spent R168 744 during the period for a co-sourcing contract with the Business Innovation Group to provide support for the internal audit function in the EDD, covering performance information and transfers/subsidies to entities of the Department.
-END-
26 August 2015 - NW2886
Mbatha, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
With reference to his reply to question 42 on 27 February 2015 wherein he stated that the total expenditure on the Vukani Aviation cadet pilot programme is R68 million as at February 2015, what were the agreed programme performance targets for the specified signed contracts in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; (2) what were (a) the reported achievements of the specified programme and (b) the reasons for non-performance on the specified financial years; (3) (a) how many cadets were actively participating in the commercial pilot license training and (b) what was the amount of the specified contracts as at 12 February 2015; (4) when is the specified programme expected to be completed?
Reply:
- The Department concluded one contract with Vukani Aviation, which commenced on 8 January 2013 covering a period of 36 months and includes the information on the requested financial years.
The Vukani Aviation Cadet Pilot Scheme Programme has the following targeted outcomes:
Programme |
Target |
Aviation Awareness: Recruitment and Selection |
500 |
Psychometrics Test |
500 |
Simulation |
100 |
Life Skills Programmes |
60 |
Commercial Pilot License |
60 |
It should be noted that the cadets were split into 3 groups of 20, to allow for reasonable instruction time.
(2) (a) A summary of achievements since the inception of the programme are as follows:
- Training
Training Programmes |
|
Learners who completed the Commercial Pilot License and Advanced Pilot Training |
4 |
Learners currently undergoing Commercial Pilot License Training |
19 |
Learners who have obtained their Commercial Pilot License and currently undergoing Advanced Pilot Training |
15 |
Cadets who have found employment after completing the Commercial Pilot License and Advanced Pilot Training |
5 |
Total students who dropped out / dismissed / absconded |
17 |
Total |
60 |
- Aviation Awareness: Recruitment and Selection - The aviation awareness portion of the project started on 16 February 2013 targeting 500 learners. Vukani Aviation visited rural and township based schools in five provinces, as well as utilizing radio stations and local newspapers to ensure greater awareness and project reach. According to the data provide to us, over 10 000 students were reached through this awareness campaign.
- Psychometric Test: 189 Psychometric tests were done.
- Simulation: 100 Learners were shortlisted and went through the simulation process.
Life Skills Programmes: The planned target for the Life Skills Programme was 60 learners, with 50 learners benefitting whilst 10 learners left the programme before completing all the required activities.
(b) The intention was that all 60 cadets would complete all the required tasks and flight hours in a period of 18 months, which proved to be difficult due to the following reasons:
- According to Vukani Aviation, the Private Pilot License Ground School component took longer than anticipated, as the cadets struggled with mastering the required content and some were given more than the required attempts to accomplish certain tasks.
- During the period leading up to the funeral of the late President Nelson Mandela, flight schools around Gauteng lost almost a month of flying time due to restrictions placed on the Gauteng airspace.
(3) (a) 9 Cadets have completed the Commercial Pilot License and Advanced Pilot Training with 5 cadets already having found employment, 19 learners are currently undergoing Commercial Pilot License Training and 15 learners are currently undergoing Advanced Pilot Training.
(b) The total budgeted programme cost is R77 070 921.00.
(4) The entire programme, as per the contract with Vukani Aviation, is expected to be completed by 31 December 2015.
Compiler/Contact persons:
Contact number:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 2886 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
26 August 2015 - NW2876
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
(a) How many community radio stations have been funded by the Media Development and Diversity Agency since 2004, (b) how many of these community radio stations are still operational, (c) which stations are not operational, (d) what are the reasons for their inability to operate, (e) how much (i) funding, (ii) equipment and (iii) training was provided to the community radio stations that are no longer operational and (f) what happens to the equipment once the station is no longer operational? NW3349E MINISTRY: COMMUNICATIONSREPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Private Bag X 745, Pretoria, 0001, Tel: +27 12 473 0164 Fax: +27 12 473 0585 Tshedimosetso House,1035 Francis Baard Street, Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria, 1000 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER: 2876 of 2015 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 07 August 2015 MS V VAN DYK (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS (a) How many community radio stations have been funded by the Media Development and Diversity Agency since 2004, (b) how many of these community radio stations are still operational, (c) which stations are not operational, (d) what are the reasons for their inability to operate, (e) how much (i) funding, (ii) equipment and (iii) training was provided to the community radio stations that are no longer operational and (f) what happens to the equipment once the station is no longer operational?NW3349E REPLY: MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS The MDDA has funded 103 Community Radio Stations since 2004 in 57 district municipalities in South Africa. Of the 103 community radio stations currently on the MDDA’s disbursement profile, ninety nine (99) are fully operational. Four (4) out of 103 three stations currently on MDDA’s disbursement profile are not operational. They are as follows: i Franchoek FM (Western Cape – Cape Wine Lands District Municipality) ii Motsitle Community Radio (North West – Bojanala District Municipality) iii Qwa Qwa FM (Free State – Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality) iv Blouberg Community Radio (Limpopo Province – Capricorn District Municipality) During the grant funding cycle, MDDA pays for the insurance of broadcast equipment. Once the grant funding agreement expires, stations are supposed to continue with the insurance. (i) Cumulatively grants totalling R 280 million have been awarded since 2004 to date. (ii) 55 community radio stations have received digital broadcast infrastructure to the value of R47, 236,885.00 (iii) Not applicable. Currently all radio stations are operational, however in terms of the Grant in Aid Agreement and the NPO Act/ including the constitutions of the entities MDDA funds there is a clause that provides for such equipment to be transferred to a project of similar objectives. MR NN MUNZHELELE DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING] DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS DATE: MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP) MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS DATE:
Reply:
(a) The MDDA has funded 103 Community Radio Stations since 2004 in 57 district municipalities in South Africa.
(b) Of the 103 community radio stations currently on the MDDA’s disbursement profile, ninety nine (99) are fully operational.
(c) Four (4) out of 103 three stations currently on MDDA’s disbursement profile are not operational.
They are as follows:
i Franchoek FM (Western Cape – Cape Wine Lands District Municipality)
ii Motsitle Community Radio (North West – Bojanala District Municipality)
iii Qwa Qwa FM (Free State – Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality)
iv Blouberg Community Radio (Limpopo Province – Capricorn District Municipality)
(d) During the grant funding cycle, MDDA pays for the insurance of broadcast equipment. Once the grant funding agreement expires, stations are supposed to continue with the insurance.
(e) (i) Cumulatively grants totalling R 280 million have been awarded since 2004 to date.
(ii) 55 community radio stations have received digital broadcast infrastructure to the value of R47, 236,885.00
(iii) Not applicable.
(f) Currently all radio stations are operational, however in terms of the Grant in Aid Agreement and the NPO Act/ including the constitutions of the entities MDDA funds there is a clause that provides for such equipment to be transferred to a project of similar objectives.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
26 August 2015 - NW3058
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of State Security
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 State Security Agency (SSA) conducts continuous performance reviews with specific reference to reducing lead time and improve turn-around time against the Annual Performance Plans (APPs) and Annual Operational Plans (AOPs) through Business Process Mapping and Re-engineering.
- The State Security Agency (SSA) does not have any entities.
26 August 2015 - NW2989
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1) Does his department conduct lifestyle audits of its employees; if not, why not; if so, when was the last lifestyle audit conducted; (2) is there any monitoring of employee expenditure patterns; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) has any employee ever been found guilty to have accepted money for (a) issuing a license or (b) not issuing a stoppage order, if so, what are the relevant details of each specified case?
Reply:
- No, the department does not conduct lifestyle audits of its employees.
- No, there is no monitoring of employee expenditure patterns because there has never been any reason to do so;
- (a) (b) Yes, the matter was referred to relevant law enforcement agency.
Approved/not approved
Adv N Ramatlhodi
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/ 2015
26 August 2015 - NW2954
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to her reply to question 453 on 27 November 2014, (a) when is the envisaged start and end date for the Information for Empowerment Dialogues, (b) which (i) stakeholders and (ii) towns and cities will be visited,(c) how many officials will participate and (d) what is the budgeted costs for the specified dialogues? NW3458E MINISTRY: COMMUNICATIONSREPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Private Bag X 745, Pretoria, 0001, Tel: +27 12 473 0164 Fax: +27 12 473 0585 Tshedimosetso House,1035 Francis Baard Street, Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria, 1000 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER: 2954 of 2015 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 14 AUGUST 2015 MR G R DAVIS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: With reference to her reply to question 453 on 27 November 2014, (a) when is the envisaged start and end date for the Information for Empowerment Dialogues, (b) which (i) stakeholders and (ii) towns and cities will be visited,(c) how many officials will participate and (d) what is the budgeted costs for the specified dialogues? NW3458E REPLY: MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS The Minister of Communications received the report from the National Communication Task Team (NCTT). The report is being evaluated. All matters relating to the NCTT will be appropriately responded to once the Minister concludes with the evaluation of the report and expresses her opinion on how the process will be carried forward. MR NN MUNZHELELE DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING] DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS DATE: MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP) MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS DATE:
Reply:
The Minister of Communications received the report from the National Communication Task Team (NCTT). The report is being evaluated. All matters relating to the NCTT will be appropriately responded to once the Minister concludes with the evaluation of the report and expresses her opinion on how the process will be carried forward.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
26 August 2015 - NW2950
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
What is (a) the status of the current discussions about moving agricultural colleges to the Department of Higher Education and Training and (b) his position on this potential move? NW3454E.
Reply:
(a). Cabinet has already approved that the two Departments appoint a Joint Technical Task Team (JTTT) to spearhead the process and modalities for the transfer. The JTTT has been officially appointed and has started working on the processes.
(b). The transfer of Colleges to the Department of Higher Education and Training is a Cabinet decision. My responsibility is to facilitate the implementation of the decision together with the Minister of Higher Education and Training.
26 August 2015 - NW2951
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
What maintenance has his department conducted at each agricultural college(a) in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010, (iii) 2011, (iv) 2012, (v) 2013 and (vi) 2014 and (b) since 1 January 2015?
Reply:
In 2009, my Department conducted a study to assess the level of compliance of the twelve Colleges against the approved Norms and Standards the Governance and Financing Framework for ATIs. The assessment study report revealed that no single College complied fully with the established Norms and Standards albeit in differing degrees. Flowing from the approved Norms and Standards and the Governance and Financing Framework for ATIs including the findings of the compliance study, a Revitalisation Plan for the Colleges of Agriculture was developed.
The Colleges Revitalization Plan (CRP) is guided by the following critical pillars:
- Pillar 1: Improvement of Infrastructure and equipment
- Pillar 2: Curriculum review with emphasis on value addition
- Pillar 3: Accreditation and registration of Colleges
- Pillar 4: Leadership development and change management
- Pillar 5: Strengthening of Information and Communication Technology including Colleges Governance
In support of the process of revitalizing the Colleges of Agriculture, my Department approached the National Treasury in 2009/10 to present the case of the twelve Colleges and to solicit funding for their improvement. My Department commenced with its National Treasury approved and funded Colleges Revitalization Plan in 2011/12 financial year. Since then, my Department has been allocating a substantial amount of money to Colleges to augment their equitable budget.
A total amount of R2 236 705 009.00 (two billion two hundred and thirty six million seven hundred and five thousand and nine rand only) has been spent on Colleges of Agriculture between 2009 and January 2015.
A total amount of R1 907 356 342.00 (one billion nine hundred and seven million three hundred and fifty six thousand and three hundred and forty two rand only) has been spent on Goods and Services and Compensation of Employees (Annexure A).
A total amount of R329 348 667.00 (three hundred and twenty nine million three hundred and forty eight thousand and six hundred and sixty seven rand only) has been spent on Colleges of Agriculture since 2011/12 through Colleges Revitalization Plan (Annexure B).
Annexure C presents a list of major infrastructure support provided to Colleges by my Department through the Colleges Revitalization Plan since 2011/12.
26 August 2015 - NW2877
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) How regular does the Media Diversity and Development Agency (MDDA) monitor community radio stations that it has funded, (b) which stations are being monitored by the MDDA and (c) in each case, (i) on what dates and (ii) in what manner have the stations been monitored in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years? NW3350E MINISTRY: COMMUNICATIONSREPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Private Bag X 745, Pretoria, 0001, Tel: +27 12 473 0164 Fax: +27 12 473 0585 Tshedimosetso House,1035 Francis Baard Street, Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria, 1000 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER: 2877 of 2015 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 07 AUGUST 2015 MS V VAN DYK (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS (a) How regular does the Media Diversity and Development Agency (MDDA) monitor community radio stations that it has funded, (b) which stations are being monitored by the MDDA and (c) in each case, (i) on what dates and (ii) in what manner have the stations been monitored in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years? NW3350E REPLY: MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS The MDDA has a grant funding cycle that that runs from 12 to 18 months. Projects are monitored twice during the project funding cycle. Funding is allocated in four tranches and each tranche is released after satisfactory reporting and compliance with the Grant in Aid Agreement and monitoring. Due to cost saving, site visits are conducted once during the life cycle of projects. Project report on quarterly basis, this is another form of close monitoring. All Radio Stations are monitored on the following: i. Attainment of intended project objectives as of inception ii. Governance and institutional stability iii. Financial Management iv. Financial Sustainability and revenue generation v. Community Participation vi. Partnerships vii. Compliance and non-compliance with the Grant in Aid Agreement i. MDDA conducts monitoring on all the funded community radio stations. The dates for monitoring are determined based on the status quo of the projects, funds disbursed and the reporting cycle of each project. Due to cost saving, site visits are conducted once during the life cycle of a project (Average project lifecycle would normally be 14 months). Oversight monitoring is conducted if there is delayed reporting. ii. In the previous three financial years the projects have been monitored through: Desktop monitoring Site visits monitoring and evaluation Project reporting Annual evaluation using different methodologies such as formative, summative and clarificative where required Board Members undertake Provincial site visit on a random basis MR NN MUNZHELELE DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING] DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS DATE: MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP) MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS DATE
Reply:
(a) The MDDA has a grant funding cycle that that runs from 12 to 18 months. Projects are monitored twice during the project funding cycle. Funding is allocated in four tranches and each tranche is released after satisfactory reporting and compliance with the Grant in Aid Agreement and monitoring. Due to cost saving, site visits are conducted once during the life cycle of projects. Project report on quarterly basis, this is another form of close monitoring.
(b) All Radio Stations are monitored on the following:
i. Attainment of intended project objectives as of inception
ii. Governance and institutional stability
iii. Financial Management
iv. Financial Sustainability and revenue generation
v. Community Participation
vi. Partnerships
vii. Compliance and non-compliance with the Grant in Aid Agreement
(c) i. MDDA conducts monitoring on all the funded community radio stations. The dates for monitoring are determined based on the status quo of the projects, funds disbursed and the reporting cycle of each project. Due to cost saving, site visits are conducted once during the life cycle of a project (Average project lifecycle would normally be 14 months). Oversight monitoring is conducted if there is delayed reporting.
ii. In the previous three financial years the projects have been monitored through:
- Desktop monitoring
- Site visits monitoring and evaluation
- Project reporting
- Annual evaluation using different methodologies such as formative, summative and clarificative where required
- Board Members undertake Provincial site visit on a random basis
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
26 August 2015 - NW2714
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
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 Embassy of the People’s Republic of China has extended an invitation to Minister Muthambi F to attend the Ministerial Workshop on Development and Management of Radio and TV Media for Developing Countries trip will take place on 20 – 31 July 2015.
The South African delegation was represented by:
1. Chief of Staff.
2. Outcome facilitator.
3. Assistant director in the office of the DG.
4. DTT project Head.
5. Chief Director Broadcasting Policy.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR SUPPORT STAFF
Item |
People |
Exchange rate |
Days |
Cost |
Accommodation: Changsha, China |
3 |
|
11 |
R46 200.00 |
Ground Transport |
3 |
11 |
R 11 000.00 |
|
Ticket, service fees and insurance(To and From and internal Flights) |
5 |
R130 710.00 |
||
Daily Allowance |
5 (note) |
11 |
R63 864.80 |
|
Total |
R 251 774.80 |
Note
The accommodation and ground transport in respect of the Head of the DTT Project and the CD: Broadcasting Policy were sponsored by the Government of China. The DoC was only responsible for paying the daily allowance for the period.
There are no financial implications for the Minister due to the fact that the above expenses were catered by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China as the sponsor.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR MINISTER
Item |
People |
Exchange rate |
Days |
Cost |
Accommodation: |
1 |
11 |
R0.00 |
|
Ground Transport |
1 |
11 |
R0.00 |
|
VIP Services at airport |
1 |
11 |
R0.00 |
|
Ticket, service fees and insurance |
1 |
R0.00 |
||
Ticket, service fees and insurance |
1 |
R12 807.44 |
||
Total |
R12 807.44 |
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL ACTING
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
26 August 2015 - NW2879
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) Which community radio station currently funded by the Media Diversity and Development Agency (MDDA) are in financial distress and (b) what assistance has the MDDA given community radio stations that are in financial distress? NW3352E MINISTRY: COMMUNICATIONSREPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Private Bag X 745, Pretoria, 0001, Tel: +27 12 473 0164 Fax: +27 12 473 0585 Tshedimosetso House,1035 Francis Baard Street, Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria, 1000 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER: 2879 of 2015 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 07 AUGUST 2015 MS N I TARABELLA MARCHESI (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: (a) Which community radio station currently funded by the Media Diversity and Development Agency (MDDA) are in financial distress and (b) what assistance has the MDDA given community radio stations that are in financial distress?NW3352E REPLY: MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS Community radio stations in ‘financial distress’ are defined as stations that have requested and been funded by the MDDA on more than one occasion upon completion of the original grant. These are the stations that request for more funds towards strengthening on areas that are still lacking. For instance, a station might request funds for salaries, transmission costs, Outside Broadcast Equipment and Back-Up Power Supply (Generator or Solar Power). The stations that have been funded more than once are as follows: Inanda FM Emalahleni FM Vukani FM Bush Radio Inkonjane Community Radio Voice of Tembisa Aganang Community Radio Sekhukhune Community Radio ICORA Radio Khwezi Maputaland Community Radio Moletjie Community Radio Greater Tzaneen Kanyamazane Community Radio Star FM N FM Radio Riverside Radio Namakwaland Radio Zibonele A majority of these Community Radio Stations are in communities whose socio economic standards directly affect self-sustainability of the projects post the grant period. They solely rely on advertising revenue which is invested back into operational costs. All stations face a challenge of delayed payment for services rendered particularly from government and this has an adverse impact on their income and cash flow. The MDDA has provided financial support for salaries, infrastructure refurbishment, transmission costs, Outside Broadcast Equipment, Back-Up Power Supply (Generator or Solar Power). The MDDA also lobbies national, provincial and local government to support community radio stations through advertising. The MDDA is further working closely with the GCIS media buying unit in order to ensure investment to the sector. MR NN MUNZHELELE DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING] DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS DATE: MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP) MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS DATE
Reply:
Community radio stations in ‘financial distress’ are defined as stations that have requested and been funded by the MDDA on more than one occasion upon completion of the original grant. These are the stations that request for more funds towards strengthening on areas that are still lacking. For instance, a station might request funds for salaries, transmission costs, Outside Broadcast Equipment and Back-Up Power Supply (Generator or Solar Power).
The stations that have been funded more than once are as follows:
- Inanda FM
- Emalahleni FM
- Vukani FM
- Bush Radio
- Inkonjane Community Radio
- Voice of Tembisa
- Aganang Community Radio
- Sekhukhune Community Radio
- ICORA
- Radio Khwezi
- Maputaland Community Radio
- Moletjie Community Radio
- Greater Tzaneen
- Kanyamazane Community Radio
- Star FM
- N FM
- Radio Riverside
- Radio Namakwaland
- Radio Zibonele
A majority of these Community Radio Stations are in communities whose socio economic standards directly affect self-sustainability of the projects post the grant period. They solely rely on advertising revenue which is invested back into operational costs. All stations face a challenge of delayed payment for services rendered particularly from government and this has an adverse impact on their income and cash flow.
(b) The MDDA has provided financial support for salaries, infrastructure refurbishment, transmission costs, Outside Broadcast Equipment, Back-Up Power Supply (Generator or Solar Power). The MDDA also lobbies national, provincial and local government to support community radio stations through advertising. The MDDA is further working closely with the GCIS media buying unit in order to ensure investment to the sector.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
26 August 2015 - NW2855
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Communications
What was the purpose of her attendance at the annual Lifestyle Show Hub in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on 8 July 2015, (b) who attended the event with her and (c) what amount was spent by her department on (i) flights and (ii) accommodation for (aa) her and (bb) those who attended the show with her?
Reply:
(a)The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development has extended an invitation to Minister Muthambi F to attend both the Atlanta Lifestyle Hub Show and the Santa FE Folk Art Market events with other role-players to represent the country in these important gatherings.
(b)South African delegation:
1. The Minister
2. Chief of Staff
3. Protector
4. Assistant Director in the office of the DG
(C)FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR SUPPORT STAFF
Item |
People |
Exchange rate |
Days |
Cost |
Accommodation: Atlanta Santa FE |
3 |
$275 $ 289 |
9 |
R10 226.46 R10 747.08 |
Ground Transport Atlanta Santa FE |
3 |
$85 $100 |
9 |
R 6 321.78 R 9 916.56 |
Ticket, service fees and insurance |
3 |
9 |
R349 823.16 |
|
Travel and Subsistence Daily Allowance |
3 |
$106.40 |
9 |
R30 226.59 |
Total |
R417 261.63 |
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR MINISTER
Item |
People |
Exchange rate |
Days |
Cost |
Accommodation: Atlanta Santa FE |
1 |
$515 $580 |
9 |
R6 383.79 R7 183.30 |
Ground Transport Atlanta Santa FE |
1 |
$170 $195 |
9 |
R12 643.62 R19 337.28 |
VIP Services at airport |
1 |
$100 |
9 |
R 2 479.14 |
Ticket, service fees and insurance |
1 |
R116 607.72 |
||
Travel and Subsistence Daily Allowance |
1 |
106.40 |
9 |
R11 619.70 |
Total |
R176 254.55 |
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL ACTING
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
26 August 2015 - NW2949
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(1) What is the current language policy at each of the Agricultural Colleges; (2) Is there any change expected in the specified language policy; (3) What is the breakdown of the home language spoken by students at each of the specified Colleges?NW3453E
Reply:
(1). Currently Agricultural Colleges do not have language policies, but their academic rules and procedures clearly state their respective mediums of instruction, the following Colleges Glen, Owen Sithole, Cedara, Taung, Fort Cox, Tsolo, Madzivhandila and Tompi Seleka use English as their medium of instruction.
Elsenburg and Potchefstroom Colleges use a 50/50 (English or Afrikaans) medium of instruction; this is due to the fact that almost all classes are multilingual. The practice is that the lecturer teaches in either English or Afrikaans or both. The audio- visual aids are in the other language that is not being used by the lecturer i.e. English or Afrikaans. The class notes and student guides are available in both English and Afrikaans.
Grootfontein College uses a parallel mode of instruction where tuition is in English to one group (non-Afrikaans) and Afrikaans to the other group.
(2). There is no change expected in the language policy or guidelines of the following Colleges Glen, Owen Sithole, Cedara, Taung, Potchefstroom, Fort Cox, Tsolo, Madzivhandila and Tompi Seleka as they are experiencing no challenges in their respective Institutions regarding the medium of instruction.
Elsenburg College is overseeing a process to inform and sensitise staff and the student body on best practice regarding the current language approach. A Task Team has been established to consult with corresponding institutions on matters related to language policies, options and plans. The College Council will thereafter present a framework to the Department for consideration. A process of consultation with stakeholders, including students and industry representative bodies, regarding the proposed policy framework is envisaged after which a process to draft and adopt a language policy and plan for the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute will be initiated, in accordance with the approved framework.
My Department has initiated processes of amending the current medium of instruction at Grootfontein College with the aim of developing a language policy which will introduce English as a new medium of instruction.
(3). Breakdown of home language spoken by students at each of the specified Colleges is presented on Attachment A;
26 August 2015 - NW2745
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) Has her department ordered an investigation into the refusal of senior managers of the Government Communications Information Service (GCIS) to co-operate with the National Communications Task Team (NCTT) (details furnished); if so, what are the (a) terms of reference of the investigation and (b) time frames when the investigation is to be completed; (2) (a) how many workshops were held between the NCTT and GCIS, (b) on what dates were these workshops held, (c) where were the workshops held and (d) what were the outcomes of these workshops? NW3177E
Reply:
The Minister of Communications received the report from the National Communication Task Team (NCTT). The report is currently being evaluated. All matters relating to the NCTT will be responded to once the Minister concludes with the evaluation and expresses her opinion on how the process will be carried forward.
MR N MUNZHELELE
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
26 August 2015 - NW3006
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Whether he has taken any action to assist small-scale farmers at Grabouw, Western Cape, in particular, and other farmers in a similar predicament in general, who have no land for their cattle to graze on, resulting in their cattle straying where they are impounded and/or roaming near major national roads where they are knocked down by motorists causing farmers serious loss and seriously endangering the lives of motorists; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION 3006 / NW3545E MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Honourable W. M. Madisha to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: QUESTION Whether he has taken any action to assist small-scale farmers at Grabouw, Western Cape, in particular, and other farmers in a similar predicament in general, who have no land for their cattle to graze on, resulting in their cattle straying where they are impounded and/or roaming near major national roads where they are knocked down by motorists causing farmers serious loss and seriously endangering the lives of motorists; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? REPLY The Theewaterskloof Local Municipality (THWK LM), the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) from the Office of the Honourable Deputy Minister Skwatsha, the Office of the Premier of the Western Cape, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDOA), and other role players held a meeting on the 27th July 2015 particularly to discuss the problem of the cattle (120 cows) crossing the roads, especially crossing on the National Road (N2) which has put motorists and other people’s lives at risk. There is an urgent need for land that will be used to graze the cattle. The requirement for land has been communicated with the DRDLR office. The THWK LM reported that there are 2 farms available in the area, but these could not be committed as available/secure for use by the cattle. This will be looked into as a short term solution whilst following the DRDLR processes to acquire land. There is a 17 hectare piece of land available as part of the ARC land, though this is equally not available for use by the producers immediately as it is meant to support the ARC’s research interventions. The WCDOA advised the producers to reduce the number of cattle in order to contain the cows in a better condition, in terms of supervision and easy handling, including the provision of feed on a continuous basis. The reduction in cattle numbers was proposed by the WCDOA as a short term solution whilst the THWK LM resolves the availability of the two farms for immediate use. The cattle producers did not agree to this and refused to negotiate any further. The land acquisition matter is being discussed as a matter of urgency to address the challenge of the cattle crossing the N2.
Reply:
The Theewaterskloof Local Municipality (THWK LM), the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) from the Office of the Honourable Deputy Minister Skwatsha, the Office of the Premier of the Western Cape, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDOA), and other role players held a meeting on the 27th July 2015 particularly to discuss the problem of the cattle (120 cows) crossing the roads, especially crossing on the National Road (N2) which has put motorists and other people’s lives at risk. There is an urgent need for land that will be used to graze the cattle. The requirement for land has been communicated with the DRDLR office. The THWK LM reported that there are 2 farms available in the area, but these could not be committed as available/secure for use by the cattle. This will be looked into as a short term solution whilst following the DRDLR processes to acquire land.
There is a 17 hectare piece of land available as part of the ARC land, though this is equally not available for use by the producers immediately as it is meant to support the ARC’s research interventions. The WCDOA advised the producers to reduce the number of cattle in order to contain the cows in a better condition, in terms of supervision and easy handling, including the provision of feed on a continuous basis. The reduction in cattle numbers was proposed by the WCDOA as a short term solution whilst the THWK LM resolves the availability of the two farms for immediate use. The cattle producers did not agree to this and refused to negotiate any further.
The land acquisition matter is being discussed as a matter of urgency to address the challenge of the cattle crossing the N2.
26 August 2015 - NW2878
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) How many easy-to-use toolkits produced and published by the Media Diversity and Development Agency in specific skills areas like marketing and advertising have been distributed to community radio stations and (b) in each case, (i) to which community radio stations where they distributed and (ii) on what date? NW3351E MINISTRY: COMMUNICATIONSREPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Private Bag X 745, Pretoria, 0001, Tel: +27 12 473 0164 Fax: +27 12 473 0585 Tshedimosetso House,1035 Francis Baard Street, Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria, 1000 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER: 2878 of 2015 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 07 AUGUST 2015 MS V VAN DYK (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: (a) How many easy-to-use toolkits produced and published by the Media Diversity and Development Agency in specific skills areas like marketing and advertising have been distributed to community radio stations and (b) in each case, (i) to which community radio stations where they distributed and (ii) on what date?NW3351E REPLY: MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS MDDA developed and distributed 1500 toolkits for Media Advertising and Marketing for both radio and another 1500 for print. In addition the MDDA has also produced an “easy to use” Corporate Governance Toolkit Participants at the workshops were all provided the toolkits: Toolkits Workshops Area Beneficiaries Period Marketing and Advertising Mpumalanga Provincial Workshop 6 Community Radio Stations and 7 Publishers August 2011 Northern Cape Provincial Workshop 5 Community Radio Stations and 1 Publisher August 2011 Gauteng Provincial Workshop 20 Community Radio Stations, 1 Community TV and 3 Publishers August 2011 KwaZulu Natal Provincial Workshop 14 Community Radio Stations, 1 Community TV and 10 Publishers August 2011 Corporate Governance National Workshop 37 Publishers and 11 Community Radio Stations. May 2012 National Workshop 10 community Radio Stations, 3 Community TV and 6 Publishers. February 2013 Starting Your School Newspaper Provincial Annual Media Literacy Workshops 100 Learners per annum Annually since 2012 Limpopo, Free State, Northern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Western Cape These toolkits are subsequently distributed in all workshops and Learning Forum where MDDA beneficiaries participate. MR NN MUNZHELELE DIRECTOR GENERAL ACTING DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS DATE: MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP) MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS DATE
Reply:
(a) MDDA developed and distributed 1500 toolkits for Media Advertising and Marketing for both radio and another 1500 for print. In addition the MDDA has also produced an “easy to use” Corporate Governance Toolkit
(b) Participants at the workshops were all provided the toolkits:
Toolkits Workshops |
Area |
Beneficiaries |
Period |
Marketing and Advertising |
Mpumalanga Provincial Workshop |
6 Community Radio Stations and 7 Publishers |
August 2011 |
Northern Cape Provincial Workshop |
5 Community Radio Stations and 1 Publisher |
August 2011 |
|
Gauteng Provincial Workshop |
20 Community Radio Stations, 1 Community TV and 3 Publishers |
August 2011 |
|
KwaZulu Natal Provincial Workshop |
14 Community Radio Stations, 1 Community TV and 10 Publishers |
August 2011 |
|
Corporate Governance |
National Workshop |
37 Publishers and 11 Community Radio Stations. |
May 2012 |
National Workshop |
10 community Radio Stations, 3 Community TV and 6 Publishers. |
February 2013 |
|
Starting Your School Newspaper |
Provincial Annual Media Literacy Workshops |
100 Learners per annum |
Annually since 2012 Limpopo, Free State, Northern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Western Cape |
These toolkits are subsequently distributed in all workshops and Learning Forum where MDDA beneficiaries participate.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL ACTING
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
26 August 2015 - NW2768
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether National Treasury intends to undertake a countrywide road show to explain to citizens (a) what debt the Government was incurring in their name in order to fund its annual undertakings, (b) how it was proposing to manage and pay off the specified debt so that the country does not become another Greece or Puerto Rico in the next decade and in such specified process solicit the citizen’s support for incurring the specified debt so that they could not say, in the near future, that they knew nothing about such debt and therefore want no involvement in taking responsibility to pay off the specified debt and/or be subjected to severe austerity measures; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) National Treasury makes significant efforts to communicate publicly its fiscal strategy and implications for the debt outlook. Extensive budget information is released to the legislature and the public in general. According to the international Open Budget Index survey, South Africa ranks as one of the top countries for transparency and accountability. Parliament holds public hearings after the tabling of each Budget Review and Medium Term Budget Policy Statement. As part of its budget outreach programme, National Treasury representatives travel around South Africa presenting the fiscal outlook to universities and civil society organisations. The National Treasury conducts domestic investor roadshows and communicates regularly with the media on the implications of the fiscal framework for the national debt outlook.
The debt that government will incur over the coming decade is set out in the publicly available budget documents tabled in parliament in February each year. Provisions are made for debt that is falling due, with the details outlined in chapter 7 of 2015 Budget Review. A more detailed breakdown is published in the annual Debt Management Report, which is available on the National Treasury website.
(b) Government manages the debt outlook by narrowing the deficit over time while mitigating refinancing risk (i.e. the risk that government will not be able to raise money to finance the budget deficit and repay debt at any scheduled point, or will have to do so at high cost). In order to close the deficit, government has raised taxes and reduced the rate of expenditure growth. The budget also aims to change the composition of borrowing, in order to ensure that government debt is used to fund infrastructure spending with a positive long-term impact.
The medium-term borrowing strategy focuses on mitigating the risks presented by the sharp increase in loan repayments in 2017/18 and beyond. To meet these high loan repayments, cash has been generated from higher long-term borrowing in 2014/15. Over the medium term, the cash will be used to pay down short-term borrowing. Government also makes use of a bond-switch programme to ease pressure on targeted areas of the bond redemption profile by exchanging short-term for longer-term debt.
26 August 2015 - NW2811
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to her reply to question 1348 on 23 June 2015, (a) what are the names of (i) representatives of the (aa) companies, (bb) industry groups and (cc) consultants and (ii) any ministerial advisors involved in the revision of the Broadcast Digital Migration policy approved by Cabinet in March 2015, (b) what were the (i) dates and (ii) locations where meetings were held by the specified persons to discuss and revise the specified policy and (c) were minutes of the meetings taken?
Reply:
(a) (i), (ii), (aa), (bb), (cc), (dd).
The Department of Communications did not commission any consultants or external third parties to undertake the task of revising and drafting the Policy amendments that were submitted in February 2015 and finally adopted by Cabinet on the 4th of March 2015. The task was undertaken by the internal Policy Unit personnel of the DoC and the DTT PMO under the supervision of the Acting Director-General and the leadership of the Minister.
(b) (i), (ii) and (c)
The only point at which external parties were engaged in the formulation of the policy amendments was to solicit the inputs from the consultation session that was held with industry and various stakeholders in the broadcasting sector. This mainly occurred at a workshop called by the Minister to revive the Broadcasting Digital Migration (BDM) Policy and to assist the DTT PMO team to finalise the Policy amendments and attended by several representatives of companies and industry groups from the electronic manufacturing sector. The details are as follows:
Date : Thursday 06 November 2014
Venue : Auditorium, Ground Floor, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard, Hatfield, Pretoria
Time : 09H00
Attendance register is attached.
Numerous working sessions were held to process the inputs between the period November 2014 and February 2015. The final output of these working sessions was a draft Policy amendments submitted in February 2015 and approved by Cabinet on the 4th of March 2015.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
26 August 2015 - NW2921
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
Whether he interacted with his counterpart in China during his recent visit to that country to ascertain why the Beijing Institute of Technology, North Western Polytechnical University, Xidian University, Shenyang Aerospace University, Ningbo University and South China University of Technology were so pivotal to knowledge production and economic growth in China; if not, why not; if so, (a) what useful lessons do the specified universities and other universities have to offer South Africa and (b) when will he implement policies derived from such lessons?
Reply:
No, I did not interact with my counterpart during my recent visit to China as I was invited by the Deputy President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa to form part of his delegation. I therefore followed the Deputy President’s programme and accompanied him to all his meetings.
However, there are many useful lessons that other universities in China can offer South Africa. There are on-going collaborations between various Chinese and South African Universities, e.g. the Universities of Pretoria and Stellenbosch have partnered with Northeast Normal and Hunan Universities.
A Centre for Chinese Studies (CCS), based at Stellenbosch University, has been established to analyse China-related research by collaborating with scholars from Africa, China and other international academic centres with similar interests, and publishes regular discussion papers, policy briefings and short opinion pieces on current issues. CCS also hosts visiting academics and government officials within the China Forum that provides a platform to discuss and debate on China-African related subjects.
CCS has co-operative linkages with key universities and institutions pursuing both research collaboration and exchange undertakings, prioritising linkages with Chinese institutions that include Beijing University, Tsinghua and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. CCS is also home to the Confucius Institute, the first institution of its kind established in Africa.
Compiler/Contact persons:
Ext:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 2921 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
26 August 2015 - NW2790
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Whether he has requested or will be requesting a seminar or bosberaad with departmental officials and private sector experts to understand the implications of the report of the International Labour Organisation released in February 2015, entitled Farm Workers’ Living and Working Conditions in South Africa: key trends, emergent issues and underlying and structural problems, and in particular to address the point that outdated assumptions and oversimplifications continue to fuel unhealthy polarisation in the perceptions and views of key players in agriculture; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) when will he make a statement regarding the failure of the Government as highlighted in the specified report?
Reply:
Although I am fully aware of the ILO study on farm workers living and working conditions in South Africa, the report that was issued in February 2015 was just a draft for input by affected stakeholders. The ILO final report on farm workers living and working conditions in South Africa was only finalized and published on 21 July 2015.
I am arranging a briefing from the International Labour Organisation on the findings of the study. Consequently, I will interact with Ministers of Labour and Rural Development and Land Reform to have an integrated approach to the recommendations of the report. We will then consult with relevant stakeholders in the agriculture sector to discuss and develop a sector action plan to address challenges addressed in the report.
26 August 2015 - NW2856
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Communications
Did her department set up an SABC Task Team; if so, (a) who did the task team comprise, (b) what is the mandate of the task team, (c) on what date was the task team set up, (d) what amount did her department spend on the specified task team and (e) what were the findings of the task team?
Reply:
The department did not set up a SABC Task Team.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
26 August 2015 - NW2792
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Whether the Government has developed or was developing a policy and funding plan to allow the country’s rural population to have access to biodigesters in order to create biogas for domestic cooking and electricity purposes as is happening in India and/or to stimulate large-scale production of purified biogas for fuel as in China; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details of the biogas initiatives in the country that are led by the Government and (b) how extensive is the roll-out of the specified initiatives in the country’s rural population?
Reply:
(a) What are the relevant details of the biogas initiatives in the country that are led by the Government?
The Department and the ARC completed a pilot phase of the Biodigester project in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District (Free State province) that started in June 2012 and just concluded in June 2015 as part of the mitigation and adaptation to climate variability and change in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District (Free State Province). This project was rolled-out in Thabo Mofutsanyane District with a number of beneficiaries, mainly community livestock farmers who received training and had the biodigesters equipment purchased for them.
The ultimate goal of the project was to enhance agricultural productivity by promoting the adoption of an integrated crop-livestock system that effectively mitigates, adapts to and reduces vulnerabilities to climate change. It is also aimed at introducing and encouraging agricultural practices in rural communities that have the potential of mitigating climate change and adapting to adverse effects of climate change and the use of biogas for domestic cooking and electricity purposes.
About 13 biogas digesters for generation of bio-gas for cooking and/lighting from livestock manure were installed and they are operational. The farmer training was conducted and provided an opportunity to promote renewable energies and inform farmers on the possibility of self-energy generation. Capacity building and job creation was achieved through training of the local youth on biogas digester installation. Relevant weather and climate information was distributed to farmers during the planning and implementation of their agricultural activities via sms. The findings of this pilot project will assist with the climate change adaptation and mitigation measures (in the form of strategies and/or polices) for the country.
(b) How extensive is the roll-out of the specified initiatives in the country’s rural population?
This pilot project is currently been rolled out to three Provinces namely: Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo targeting ten (10) small scale farmers per Province from the financial year 2015/16 to 2017/18. The project aims at raising awareness of climate change among different stakeholders in the agricultural community. It will promote the integrated crop-livestock production system. The beneficiaries in these provinces, mainly livestock farmers will be trained and have biodegesters purchased for them and installed.
Biogas could be used to generate a large portion of the peaking power required and thereby effect very large cost savings for the country. More funding and resources are however, needed to roll it out at a larger scale.
25 August 2015 - NW2763
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
1) Has South Africa ratified the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection; if not, why not; if so, when was the convention signed; 2) Whether any provisions of the specified convention are included in any legislation that is (a) under review or (b) being developed in collaboration with entities in the security cluster; if so, what (i) laws and (ii) regulations will be amended and developed?
Reply:
- The African Union Convention on Cyberspace Security and Protection of Personal Data was adopted by the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union which was held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on 26 and 27 June 2014.
South Africa has not ratified the African Union Convention on Cyberspace Security and Protection of Personal Data because South Africa has not yet signed as she is awaiting the official document from the African Union Commission to be dispatched through diplomatic channels.
The Convention has not yet been signed.
2. The provisions of the AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection
(a) Will have to be studied by the relevant department and authorities, as part of the process of ratification to ensure that it is consistent with our domestic law and not in conflict with any of South Africa’s international law obligations and that procedurally South Africa is in a position to ratify the Amendment. This will be done by the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and Office of the Chief State Law Adviser - International Law of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
(b) No information is available, awaiting the study and legal opinion.
(i) Not applicable
(ii) Not applicable
25 August 2015 - NW2651
Nkomo, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department has any programmes in place to improve education about multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, with particular reference to the importance of testing; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Honourable Member, the same question was asked by Honourable LV James of the DA (see Annexure A - Question 2059 asked on 29 May 2015).
END.
ANNEXURE A
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. 2059
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 MAY 2015
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 17)
Ms L V James (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
Whether his department has any programmes to improve education about multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, specifically about the importance of testing; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2322E
REPLY:
The National Department of Health has several programmes and platforms that are being used to inform, educate and raise awareness about TB, including MDR-TB at community level.
(a) The national and provincial TB programmes have Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation units with focal persons whose role is to, on a regular basis, disseminate information to members of the community on the importance of being screened, tested and treated for TB, including MDR-TB. Each of these units have focal persons who, sometimes with support from partner organisations, use various platforms including the media (radio, television, and print) to educate communities about TB. The units also disseminate information through posters, fliers and billboards and sometimes conduct door-to-door campaigns to engage household members on TB.
(b) In 2010, during the advert of the FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa, the Department and Stellenbosch University conceptualised and implemented a communications platform called “Kick TB and HIV”, which uses community activations (campaign style) to educate members of the community on TB. Over the past year, 266 activations were conducted, and 467 817 people were reached.
(c) The Deputy President launched, on 24 March 2015, a massive TB campaign that aims to mobilise millions of South Africans to be screened, tested and treated for TB, including MDR-TB.
(d) An integrated mass media communication and education campaign that will focus on HIV/AIDS, TB (including MRD-TB), maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, violence and injuries, has been developed and a tender is currently being evaluated to appoint a service provider to manage the campaign over the next 3 years.
END.
25 August 2015 - NW2849
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
With reference to his reply to question 2042 on 24 June 2015, (a) what are the dates of the presentations to the information and communications technology industry on SA Connect, (b) where were the specified meetings held and (c) which industry players attended the specified meetings; (2) When can the work plan, based on the National Broadband Advisory Council, be submitted to his department; (3) Will the specified work plan be published; if so, (a) when and (b) how will it be published?
Reply:
(1) (a) Presentations were held on the 21 August 2014 and 27 November
2014.
(b) Presentation were held at the DTPS offices
(c) For the meeting of the 21 August 2014, six members of the NBAC Working Group, four members from the department and a representative from Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) were in attendance. For the meeting of the 27 November 2014, five members of the NBAC Working Group were in attendance as well as six members of the department. Viasat and the Gauteng Broadband Network (GBN) were invited to deliver presentations at the meeting of 27th November 2014 but only Viasat managed to deliver the presentation on the day.
(2) The Minister will meet the Chairperson of the NBAC to map a way forward with regards to the continuing role of the NBAC as well as the work plan that will guide the NBAC going forward.
(3) Since the work plan is expected to be a dynamic document, it will not be gazetted to allow for flexible adaptation of the document to the rapidly changing ICT environment and to ensure that the work of the NBAC remains relevant.
25 August 2015 - NW2713
Bhanga, Mr BM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether (a) he, (b) his Deputy Ministers and (c) any officials in his department travelled to China in the 2014-15 financial year; if so, what was the (i) purpose of each specified visit and (ii)(aa) total cost and (bb) breakdown of such costs of each specified visit?
Reply:
(1) No.
25 August 2015 - NW2964
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) (a) What is the status of the draft policy on data pricing and (b) who drafted the specified policy; (2) Whether the specified draft policy will be published for public comment; if not, why not; if so, when?
Reply:
- (a) The draft policy direction has already been prepared and consultation with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa commenced.
(b) The draft policy direction was drafted by the Department.
(2) After finalising consultation with ICASA, public consultation will commence in accordance with section 3(5) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 that requires that the text of a policy direction must be published in the Gazette for 30 days to obtain the views of interested persons.
25 August 2015 - NW2867
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Whether, with regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153, where it is stated on page 65 that the area where the Trachyandra erythrorrhiza species was found is not a typical habitat for the species and therefore not regarded as crucial that the specific habitat be protected by the specified buffer (details furnished), she has found that it was not crucial to protect the specified habitat; if not, what action does she intend taking in this regard; if so, what is the basis of her finding?
Reply:
The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the Member of Executive Council is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
--ooOoo--
25 August 2015 - NW2806
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Whether, in light of the non-commercial value and dwindling numbers of our Tiger Sharks, Raggedtooth Sharks, Bull Sharks, all species of Hammerhead Sharks and Cow Sharks also known as Broadnose Sevengill Sharks, her Department will consider providing full protection to the specified species of sharks, not only in all marine protected areas, but in all South African waters to ensure that they may not under any circumstances, recreational or commercial, be slaughtered and if caught be released; if so, what are the full relevant details?
Reply:
Hammerhead and Broadnose Sevengill sharks are commercially exploited by fishers. The latter species is targeted by linefishers and are a major source of income for fishing villages in the Western Cape. This species is also targeted by the demersal longline fishery and, therefore, they have a commercial value and need sustainable management rather than prohibiting all catches.
In addition, not all the species/groups listed in the question have “dwindling numbers”. According to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Bather Protection Programme catch rates, there is evidence for declines of Spotted Raggedtooth sharks, Bull sharks and Scalloped and Great Hammerhead sharks, but increases in Tiger sharks and Smooth Hammerheads. Other studies indicate that for the east coast of South Africa the Spotted Raggedtooth shark population is stable, but generally for the species mentioned there is a lack of suitable data for assessing trends outside of KZN.
Also it should be noted that Hammerhead sharks are now CITES listed, which affects international trade in these species but not local trade. Since 2011, retention of hammerhead sharks by the pelagic longline fishery has been prohibited in the Cape. The demersal longline fishery is prohibited from targeting Bull sharks.
Furthermore, for the first time, marine species are being included in the national Threatened or Protected (ToPS) list. The Tiger shark, Raggedtooth shark and the Scalloped Hammerhead and Great Hammerhead sharks are all among the marine species that are listed on the draft ToPS list that went out for public comment in March 2015.
--ooOoo--
25 August 2015 - NW2762
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a) What is the (i) mandate and (ii) budget of the Cyber Security Hub for the (aa) 2015-16 financial year and (bb) Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and (iii) programme of action of the hub for the specified financial year, (b) how many persons does it employ, (c) what skills set do they hold, (d) who is in charge of the Cyber Security Hub, (e) what is their job title and (f) to whom do they report?
Reply:
(a)(i) The mandate of the Cybersecurity Hub is to be the central point of collaboration for Cybersecurity incidents;
(ii)(aa)The budget for 2015-16 Financial Year is R11 755 000.00
(bb)The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework is as follows:
Financial Year (FY) 2016-17 (R11 847 000.00)
FY 2017-18 (R11 939 000.00)
FY 2018-19 (R12 536 000.00)
(iii) The money will be spent on operations of the Cybersecurity Hub as per the Cybersecurity Hub Road Map.
(b) The operations of the Cybersecurity Hub is currently outsourced.
(c) Most of the staff members from the Service Provider hold Masters Degrees.
(d) As outlined in the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework, the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services is in charge of the Cybersecurity Hub and the Cybersecurity Hub is headed by Mr Jabu Radebe.
(e) He is a Chief Director: ICT Security
(f) The Cybersecurity Hub reports to the Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services, the Director-General of the Department, Deputy Director-General: ICT Infrastructure Support and the Cybersecurity Response Committee (CRC).
25 August 2015 - NW2736
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
In relation to the Manase Report into corruption and maladministration in the Ethekwini Municipality, how many officials have been dismissed as a result of internal disciplinary action stemming from the report; (2) What criminal charges have been brought against (a) current or (b) former officials stemming from the report; (3) What cost recovery proceedings have been initiated against (a) current of (b) former officials stemming from the report; (4) What action has been taken against politicians implicated in the report?
Reply:
The response below was provided by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality:
- Two (2) officials were charged with misconduct following the recommendations of the Manase report were dismissed.
- In line the resolution of Council, the City Manager referred all the matters that required investigation by the police to the Anti-corruption Task Team for consideration of possible criminal action. The report from the ACTT is still outstanding.
- The Manase report recommended recovery from a number of officials involved in irregular expenditure. (a) The current criminal investigation will assist to determine which amounts were proceeds of crime, which would enable recovery. (b) One million rand was recovered from the two dismissed officials, dismissed for fraud. This amount was taken from their pension.
- Council referred the matters relating to Councillors to the Ethics Committee. Disciplinary action was taken against the ten (10) Councillors who were implicated. One Councillor is no longer a Councillor and two are deceased. The other Councillors were fined according to the quantum of transgression. The fines ranged from R8248,19 to R19500,22. Arrangements were made by the Councillors to pay the fines.
25 August 2015 - NW2819
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether the whereabouts and status of the mayoral chain of each metropolitan municipality are known; if so, (a)(i) where and (ii) how is each specified mayoral chain secured and (b) what is the current value of each specified mayoral chain; (2) is each specified mayoral chain insured for full replacement value; if not, (a)(i) when and (ii) under what circumstances did the mayoral chain or elements thereof go missing and (b) was any claim instituted against the municipal insurance for the loss of the mayoral chain or elements thereof; (3) in cases where the whereabouts of the mayoral chain is not known, has any criminal case been opened relating to the loss of the mayoral chain or elements thereof; if not, why not; if so, what is the current status of the case?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available within the Department. We have, however, requested all the Metropolitan Municipalities, to provide the information.
The Honourable Member will be provided with the requested information as soon as it is submitted to us.
25 August 2015 - NW2865
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Whether, with regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153 which states on page 65 that Dr Johan van der Waals concluded various soil surveys and applied the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) 2005 guidelines for the classification of a wetland, and his findings was that the area in which the Trachyandra erythrorrhiza species was found cannot be classified as a wetland because it did not contain all the required characteristics of a wetland, (a) she is in agreement with this finding and (b) there are more recent DWS guidelines for the classification of a wetland; if so, (i) why are the 2005 guidelines being used, (ii) what are the differences between the two sets of guidelines and (iii) is the developer compelled to use the latest set of guidelines?
Reply:
The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the above-mentioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the Member of Executive Council is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
(a) and (b)(i), (ii) and (iii) Not applicable
--ooOoo--
25 August 2015 - NW2873
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Police
(1)How many SA Police Service (SAPS) officers in each province were charged with aiding an escapee (a) in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) how many such cases against the specified SAPS officers have been (a) withdrawn and/or (b) are pending; (3) how (a) many escapees did a SAPS officers assist in escaping and (b) did they assist the escapee in each specified case?
Reply:
Due to the nature of information that is required . A request is hereby made for an extension in order for us to provide quality and correct information as soon as it is received.
25 August 2015 - NW2863
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
With regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13- 14/E0153 which states on page 66 that the fauna and flora specialist also found some medicinal plants on the study area and it will be recommended that the medicinal plants also be relocated, which medicinal plants (a) were found and (b) are on the vulnerable list; (2) can the specified plants be relocated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the Member of Executive Council is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
(a) and (b) Not applicable
2. Not applicable
--ooOoo--
25 August 2015 - NW2864
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Whether, with regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153 which states on page 65 that the relocation of the species Trachyandra erythrorrhiza can be treated as a pilot project in order to determine whether the plant can be successfully transplanted, she is in agreement for a pilot project to continue; if so, (a) what will the impact be on the area if the transplanting does not succeed and (b) on what evidence did her Department rely when determining that the species could possibly be transplanted?
Reply:
The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the Member of Executive Council is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
(a) and (b) Not applicable
--ooOoo--
25 August 2015 - NW2962
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Whether any engagements have been held with stakeholders in the review of the draft Rapid Deployment Policy; if so, which stakeholders (a) contributed to and (b) reviewed the specified policy?
Reply:
Extensive discussions have been held with stakeholders in both the government and private sectors.
These include:
National Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Rural Development and Land Reform; Environmental Affairs; Economic Development; Public Enterprises; Transport; Water Affairs; Performance Monitoring and Evaluation; Office of the Chief State Law Adviser; the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA); South African Local Government Association (SALGA); Broadband Infraco; Cell C; Dark Fibre Africa; Fibreco; Internet Solutions; Dimension Data; Link Africa; Liquid Telecoms; MTN; Neotel; Sentech; Telkom; Vodacom; Vumatel; Fibre to the Home (FTTH) Council; Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Association; Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA); South African Communications Forum (SACF); Wireless Access Providers’ Association (WAPA); Eskom; Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA); South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL); State Information Technology Agency (SITA); Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Transnet; Cape Town Municipality; Ekurhuleni Municipality; Tshwane Municipality and ATC South Africa.
Following these engagements, the Department of Transport, ICASA, Office of the Chief State Law Adviser and Telkom provided further information in writing. Based on these engagements a discussion paper highlighting the policy issues has been developed and circulated to stakeholders.
The Discussion Paper is also available on the Department’s website. This Discussion Paper has been workshopped with stakeholders on 21 August 2015, the draft Rapid Deployment Policy will be developed based on the input derived therefrom.
25 August 2015 - NW2817
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education
( 1) How many (a) blind and deaf learners are enrolled in the Kha Ri Gude programme in each (i) province and (ii) district and (b) qualified (i) braille and (ii) SASL educators or volunteers are registered to teach these learners; (2) How many officials at (a) district and (b) circuit level are qualified to assist these educators or volunteers in presenting the classes; (3) What was the drop-out rate of the specified learners in each {a) province and (b) district in the 2012, 2013, 2014 calendar years? NW3290E
Reply:
(1) (a)(i)
In 2014. the Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign enrolled 2 048 Blind learners that were taught how to read and vvTite using Braille. In addition, 1 084 deaf learners were taught to communicate using the South African Sign Language (SASL).
There is a challenge with regard to finding qualified unemployed educators to teach Braille and SASL. Therefore the campaign did not recruit learners in the Northern Cape. Unfortunately, the programme was unable to recruit blind and deaf learners in the Northern Cape and blind learners in the Western Cape.
The Campaign has implemented plans to recruit a suitable volunteer in both these provinces for the 2015 Campaign to ensure that these learners are included in the campaign.
Attached find here: Provinces
25 August 2015 - NW2735
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
With reference to the 2014-15 budget for the eThekwini Municipality, (a) what amount was made available for block sum allocations to each ward, (b) what was the (i) block sum allocation in each ward used for and (ii) cost thereof and (c)(i) what consultation was done with ward councillors, (ii) in what manner and (iii) on what dates did the consultations take place?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available within the Department. We have, however, requested the Province and eThekwini Municipality, to provide the information.
The Honourable Member will be provided with the requested information as soon as it is submitted to us.
25 August 2015 - NW2598
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With regard to development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, (a) how many (i) primary and (ii) high schools are to be built on the specified property, (b) how many learners will each school accommodate, (c) when will each school be completed and (d) what is the projected total cost of building each specified school?
Reply:
(a); (i), (ii), (b), (c), (d). According to information received from Gauteng Department of Education, no educational sites have been provided during the town planning of the area mentioned. Rietfontein falls within the border of the City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipalities and is surrounded by areas such as Greenstone, Linksfield, Modderfontein and Edenvale. At this point there are no sites earmarked for public schooling within the area and no schools are presently planned to be built on the specified sites.
25 August 2015 - NW2874
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Police
(a) What is the total amount of narcotics seized by the SA Police Service (i) in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) what amount of the seized narcotics subsequently went missing and (c) how many SAPS members faced disciplinary action as a result of the missing narcotics in each case?
Reply:
Due to the nature of information required. A request is hereby made for an extension in order for us to provide quality and correct information as soon as it is received.
25 August 2015 - NW2821
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1) Whether any municipal managers are remunerated in excess of the Upper Limit of Total Remuneration Package Payable to Municipal Managers and Managers Directly Accountable to Municipal Managers; if so, what is the (a) name, (b) qualification(s) and (c) municipality of the relevant municipal manager in each case; (2) Whether a waiver was (a) requested and (b) granted by him in each case; (3) What is the (a) remuneration amount and (b) amount in excess of the upper limit in each case; and (4) Whether any action has been taken to address the amounts paid to municipal managers remunerated in excess of the Upper Limit of Total Remuneration Package Payable to Municipal Managers and Managers Directly Accountable to Municipal Managers; if not, why not; if so, what steps have been taken in this regard? NW3294E
Reply:
- The first Notice on the total remuneration packages payable to municipal managers was issued on 29 March 2014, with the express provision that it becomes applicable from 1 July 2014. According to transitional measures contained in Item 11 of the Notice, the Notice does not apply to serving municipal managers whose contracts were concluded before the commencement of the Notice (i.e. 1 July 2014); meaning that such senior manager remuneration will continue to be governed in terms of their employment contracts until the contracts have lapsed or terminated.
- (a) A total of twenty (20) applications to waive the provisions of the Notice were received by the Minister.
(b) No application of waiver was granted by the Minister.
3. No waiver was granted.
4. Please refer to the response on (3) above.
25 August 2015 - NW2922
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Whether (a) his department has (i) fully investigated the viability of the SA Post Office (SAPO) considering the fact that many users have transferred their business to elsewhere and (ii) examined SAPO’s financial difficulties to ascertain whether it had any prospects of reversing its decline and (b) as a result thereof, he had decided to recommend to the Government to sell a part or the whole of the SAPO’s business before it is too late; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the details, in each case?
Reply:
(a)(i) Yes, an Intervention Team that worked under the supervision of the Administrator did a comprehensive diagnostic work into the difficulties / challenges faced by the South African Post Office (SAPO). The work resulted in a Turn-around plan, which has been approved by Cabinet and proposes a new business model. This Strategic Turnaround plan is being implemented.
(ii) The diagnosis undertaken paid specific attention to the financial difficulties of SAPO and proposed specific interventions to deal with these.
(b) Government is not considering selling either part or the whole of SAPO as the company still has value to offer to the citizens especially those residing in the underservice parts of the country especially the rural areas.
25 August 2015 - NW2971
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Why has her department failed to establish a health and wellness centre, as per its 2014 Annual Performance Plan; (2) What options were under consideration with reference to her department’s briefing to Parliament that her department was on the verge of procuring a centre; (3) What are the current associated costs for the specified centre; (4) (a) how many centres does her department plan to establish and (b) where will the specified centres be established, including the roll-out plan by the end of the 2015-16 financial year; (5) What is the sustainability plan for the specified centres in the long term?
Reply:
1) Acquisition of Infrastructure is done through the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Department of Military Veterans does not have control over the process hence failure to acquire health and wellness centre as planned.
(2) The Department has made the financial provision for the establishment of the Health and Wellness Centre and had identified several sites in Gauteng which were submitted to the Department of Public Works, together with the specifications of the envisioned centre to fast track the procurement process as advised by DPW. Furthermore the Department is also considering the possibility of renting the Health and Wellness Sites and out-source the related services based on the specifications developed for the centre.
(3) Currently the Department has not incurred any costs but has reserved R19 million based on projections of the procurement and the management of the facility.
(4) (a) The ultimate plan for the Department is to establish one Health and Wellness Centre in each Province.
(b) The location of the Health and Wellness Centre will be based on the suitability of the sites, however for the 2015/16 period the Department plans to establish one centre in Gauteng.
(5) The department has developed a business plan which will inform the annual budget to ensure the sustainability of the program.
NW3475E
25 August 2015 - NW2765
Mubu, Mr KS to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
What is the status of the revision of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, Act 25 of 2002?
Reply:
The amendment of the ECT Act was taking place in parallel to the ICT Policy review process. It was decided to halt the amendments of the ECT Act pending the finalisation of the review. This was to ensure alignment and coherence with the outcomes of the policy review.