Questions and Replies
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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
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 - 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 - 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;
25 August 2015 - NW2702
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Transport
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)(a) total cost and (ii)(b) breakdown of such costs of each specified visit?
Reply:
(a) Yes, from 29 November - 06 December 2014
(b) No
(c) Yes
(i) State Visit to the People’s Republic of China
(ii) (a) R163 199.30
(ii) (b) Airfare: R149 459.00
S&T Advance: R 13 740.30
DIRCO has not submitted the invoices for Accommodation, Translators and Ground transport.
(c) (i) see table below
(ii) (a) R582 771.48
(b) See table below
Passenger |
Purpose of visit (c) (i) |
Travel Date |
Breakdown of Costs (c) (ii) (b) |
Mr Mkhacani Godfrey Maluleke |
Integrated Border Management Agency During September and October 2015 (BMA) |
18-27 October 2014 |
Airfares: R 71 764.00 Daily Allowance: R 8 683.65 Accommodation: Waiting for invoices from DIRCO Ground transport: Waiting for invoices from DIRCO Total Amount: R80 447.65 |
Ms Keitumetse Mathibe |
State Visit to the People’s Republic of China |
29 November - 06 December 2014 |
Airfares: R149 459 Daily Allowance: R 12 491.20 Accommodation: Waiting for invoices from DIRCO Total: R161 950.20 |
Ms Lesego Ntsieni |
State Visit to the People’s Republic of China |
29 November - 06 December 2014 |
Airfares: R149 459 Daily Allowance: R 12 491.20 Accommodation: Waiting for invoices from DIRCO Total: R161 950.20 |
Mr Mawethu Vilana |
State Visit to the People’s Republic of China |
29 November 2014
|
Airfare: R62 446 Advance: R 12 575.32 Accommodation: Waiting for invoices from DIRCO Total: R75 021.32 |
Mr P Mohan |
Cross Border Road Transport study Tour to China |
7-13 March 2015 |
Airfares: R 72 332.14 Total Amount: R 103 402.14 |
TOTAL COST |
R582 771.48 |
25 August 2015 - NW2963
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Will the draft regulations on the Rapid Deployment Policy be published for public comment; if not, (a) why not and (b) why has a public participation process not been followed; if so, (i) when and (ii) where will the draft regulations be published?
Reply:
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is the body responsible for issuing electronic communications regulations in South Africa. ICASA will be in a position to issue the Rapid Deployment Regulations in accordance with the procedure prescribed in the Electronic Communications Act No 36 of 2005 after the Cabinet has approved the Rapid Deployment Policy.
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 - NW2988
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) Where does the Hendrina Power Station source its coal from since the withdrawal of Optimum Colliery’s mining licence; (2) does the specified power station source its coal from a stockpile; if so, (a) how long will the stockpile last, (b) how is the coal transported, (c) at what price is the coal delivered and (d) how does the specified price compare to the Optimum Colliery contract price; (3) will the closure of the colliery affect the power output of the specified power
Reply:
(1) The suspension of the mining license at Optimum Colliery’s commenced on Monday 3 August 2015 and was lifted on Friday 7 August 2015. As part of the normal contingency plans at all coal fired Power Stations, supply is supplemented from other sources. The specific details of supplemental suppliers are confidential.
(2) Yes.
(a) There is over 30 coal stock days at Hendrina Power Station (levels vary daily).
(b) Coal is transported by conveyor belt from Optimum Colliery and is trucked in from the supplementary sources.
(c) This information is commercially sensitive and it is subject to standard confidentiality clauses in Eskom’s agreements with suppliers. Therefore it cannot be disclosed.
(d) This information is commercially sensitive and it is subject to standard confidentiality clauses in Eskom’s agreements with suppliers. Therefore it cannot be disclosed.
(3) If the supply of coal is maintained through other sources then the generating capacity will stay the same.
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 - NW2661
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)With respect to the report by the Auditor-General that 233 contractual awards to councillors, employees of councils and close family members of councillors to a value of R165 million were made by the local government in the Free State in the 2013-14 financial year, (a) how many contracts of this nature were made in each municipality and (b) what was the value of each specified contract made in respect of each of the municipalities in the Free State during the specified period; (2) (a) what are the names of the councillors that received rewards of this nature, (b) which municipalities are they from and (c) what amount did they receive due to each specified contract during the specified period; (3) what are the names of the (a) family members, (b) councillors that they are related to and (c) municipality that they belong to?NW3092E
Reply:
I do not have the information regarding sub-questions (1), (2) and (3).
The MEC responsible for Local Government in Free State, is being requested to commission an investigation into the matter.
25 August 2015 - NW2697
Volmink, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Health
Whether (a) he, (b) his Deputy Minister and (c) any officials in his department travelled to China in the 2014-15 financial year; if so, what was the (i) purpose of each specified visit and (ii)(aa) total cost and (bb) breakdown of such costs of each specified visit?
Reply:
The Minister visited China to attend the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of New Champions 2014, in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China from 10 to 12 September 2014. Minister used this opportunity to honour a long standing invitation to pay an official visit to China from Minister Li Bin, the Minister of Health and Family Planning of the People’s Republic of China. This official visit took place on the 9th of September 2014.
He was accompanied by Dr Anban Pillay: Deputy Director General: Health Regulation and Compliance Management and PA, Ms M Sethosa.
Return Air Tickets: R 316 576.00
Accommodation: R 78 000.00
Daily allowances: R 35 249.34
Vehicles: R 75 000.00
VIP Lounges: R 20 000.00
The total cost for the visit was R 524 825.34.
Another delegation of Senior Officials visited China from 18 to 22 August 2014 to attend the Global Health Diplomacy Executive Training Course in Beijing, China. The delegation consisted of Deputy Director-General: International Health Development and Support, Ms MK Matsau, Mr M Modisenyane, Director: Africa Relations and the Deputy-Director: South-South Relations, Ms T Khosa.
Return Air Tickets: R 135 108.00
Accommodation: R 24 717.00
Daily allowances: R 16 756.20
The total cost for the visit was R 176 581.20
Please note that the trip was sponsored, tickets, accommodation and local transport were paid for by the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of the People’s Republic of China.
END.
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 - NW2690
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Whether (a) he, (b) his Deputy Minister and (c) any officials in his department travelled to China in the 2014-15 financial year; if so, what was the (i) purpose of each specified visit and (ii)(aa) total cost and (bb) breakdown of such costs of each specified visit?
Reply:
(a) No, and the rest of the questions fall off.
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 - NW2724
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether the appointment of the municipal manager of Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality in the North West complied with relevant legislation and regulations; if not, (a) why not and (b) what action will he take in this regard; if so, what (i) are the qualifications of the specified municipal manager and (ii) process was followed in the municipal manager’s appointment; (2) What is the gross annual remuneration, total cost to company, of the municipal manager of Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality; (3) Whether such remuneration is within the Upper Limits for the Total Remuneration of Municipal Manager as promulgated in the Government Gazette; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) Whether the contract of the municipal manager was approved by the municipal council of Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality prior to the signing thereof; if not, (a) why not and (b) what action will he take in this regard; if so, (i) when was it tabled before council for consideration, (ii) what was the resolution of the council in this regard, (iii) when was the contract signed and (iv) by whom?
Reply:
- (a) The Local Government: Regulations on Appointment and Conditions of Employment of Senior Managers, which came into effect on 17 January 2014, requires that a person appointed as the municipal manager of a municipality must have a Bachelor degree in Public Administration/ Social Sciences/ Law, or equivalent. According to information at the disposal of the Department, the municipal manager of Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality holds a National Diploma in Town and Regional Planning, Certificate in Local Government Finance Management and a short course certificate in Public Management and Governance. As it stands, the Minister is not able to make a conclusive decision whether the qualifications of the municipal manager comply with the prescribed requirements due to lack of evidence or proof that his qualifications were subjected to an evaluation by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to determine if his qualifications are equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree.
(b) The MEC for local government in the North-West Province has been requested to investigate this matter, which will include an evaluation of the municipal manager’s qualifications by SAQA. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the MEC will submit a formal report to the Minister in terms of section 54A(7)(b) of the Municipal Systems Act, whereafter the Minister will determine the course of action, if any.
(i) National Diploma in Town and Regional Planning, Certificate in Local Government Finance Management and a short course certificate in Public Management and Governance.
(ii) The process followed in the municipal manager’s appointment will be determined once a full report on the appointment of the municipal manager has been received from the MEC.
2. The total annual remuneration package of the Municipal Manager of Lekwa Teemane is R970 920-00.
3. Yes, the total remuneration of the Municipal Manager is within the upper limits for the total remuneration payable to municipal managers, inclusive of the 20% market premium allowance as provided for in clause 10(4) of the Notice on upper limits of the total remuneration packages payable to senior managers under Government Notice No. 225 as published in Government Notice No. 37500 of 29 March 2014.
4. Section 57 of the Municipal Systems Act requires that a person may be appointed as a municipal manager of a municipality only in terms of a written employment contract with the municipality complying with the provisions of this section and that the employment contract be entered into with the municipality represented by the mayor or executive mayor. On 3 March 2015, the Lekwa Teemane municipal council resolved to appoint a successful candidate and further directed that the employment contract be entered into between the successful candidate and the municipality represented by the mayor.
(a) There is no legal requirement for the employment contract to be tabled before council prior to the signing thereof.
(b) (i) and (ii) Not applicable.
(iii) The employment contract was signed on 16 April 2015.
(iv) The contract was entered into between the municipal manager and municipality represented by the mayor.
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 - NW2650
Nkomo, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether his department has commissioned any studies on the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) currently present in the majority of maize crops in the country; (2) whether foodstuffs that contain GMOs are safe to eat; if so, what are the full relevant details?
Reply:
- The Department of Health has not commissioned any studies on the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, the Department participates in the regulatory systems of GMOs.
The safety of Genetically Modified Organisms is regulated in terms of the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997), (GMO Act), which is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). The GMO Act provides for safety of human and animal health, as well as the environment. There are specific regulatory systems which have been set up for the rigorous evaluation of GMOs and Genetically Modified foodstuffs, so as to ensure access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food. These regulatory systems evaluate both human health and the impact that these organisms may have. The regulatory system consists of scientists, including food safety experts, who conduct food safety assessments before the GMO crops are approved for human consumption. The Department of Health participates in this regulatory system which also focuses on risk assessments of GMOs.
2. All GMO foodstuffs approved by government are safe to eat.
All foodstuffs from GMOs are thoroughly assessed during the developmental phase to ensure that they are safe for animal and human consumption. This is done before they are made available to the public. The safety assessments of Genetically Modified foodstuffs are based on guidelines and principles developed by Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), an international body involved in food safety, under the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. The Codex guidelines and principles include the need for a case-by-case safety assessment, i.e., the use of scientific risk-based assessment methods that would take into consideration the newly introduced genetic material in crops, including new proteins and other characteristics of the Genetically Modified foodstuffs. This is also done in comparison with conventionally produced foods. All the Genetically Modified foodstuffs that are on the market have been approved by government and are considered as safe as their conventional counterparts.
The details of all the GMOs approved in South Africa are as a result of the safety assessment by scientists who are experts in fields related to GMOs as appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in terms of the GMO Act and evaluate risk assessments (scientific data relating to food, feed and environmental impact). The decisions for approval are by the Executive Council, which consists of officials from six government departments responsible for matters relating to Agriculture, Health, the Environment, Labour, Trade and Industry and Science and Technology, as well as the chairperson of the Advisory Committee.
END.
25 August 2015 - NW2972
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
What critical opportunities has her department (a) identified and (b) negotiated on behalf of military veterans in the 2015-16 financial year?
Reply:
(i) Registration of Co-operatives
The Department of Military Veterans has been tasked with ensuring that the registration of effective co-operatives continues to be deliverable for the Department in the 2015/16 financial year. In this regard, the Department has set a target for the establishment of at least 40 new co-operatives by the end of the financial year. The task involves the conducting of workshops to advise military veterans on the requirements for establishment of co-operatives. Thereafter, those interested are provided with a training workshop after which they are provided with the requisite documentation to allow for them to independently call their proposed co-operatives members together, complete the Constitution and applications forms and then to submit all the required documents to the DMV for registration of the co-operatives. In the interim, the DMV is engaging in discussion with various stakeholders for potential opportunities for economic participation and job opportunities for military veterans. All workshops and training of Co-operatives is done in conjunction with the Department of Small Business Development’s Small Enterprise Development Agency. A further critical opportunity identified is for the funding of small and medium enterprises and co-operatives of military veterans through the Small Enterprise Financing Agency, with whom the DMV has a signed MOU.
(ii) Alienation of Disposable Products from the Department of Defence
The Minister has identified a critical opportunity for Military Veterans to take part in the process for the disposal of old and non-usable stock from the Department of Defence. Through this opportunity, it is envisaged that many work opportunities and possibility for economic participation can be identified for military veterans. The DMV has been tasked with developing an entity to house the programme so that it is carefully managed to derive maximum benefit to all military veterans, SANMVA shall play a role as a stakeholder to this entity. At present, in planning towards achieving on this goal, the DMV has identified at least 31 military veterans to be trained as auctioneers, in conjunction with the Department of Defence, so that military veterans would have a clear knowledge of the different steps in the alienation of disposable materials from the Department of Defence. The training of the auctioneers is expected to commence before the end of August 2015. It is envisaged that a large proportion of the co-operatives currently listed on the business development and support register would be able to derive benefit from the Department of Defence Programme.
(iii) Training through MERSETA and SASSETA
(b) The Critical Opportunities Identified
(i) Department of Defence alienation of obsolete materials
The Department of Defence programme on the alienation of obsolete is a key initiative being negotiated by the Minister on behalf of Military Veterans as indicated above.
25 August 2015 - NW2761
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a) How many employees have resigned from Broadband Infraco in the period 30 September 2014 to 30 June 2015 and (b) in each case, (i) at what positions were they employed, (ii) what skills set did they hold and (iii) at what salary level were they employed?
Reply:
I have been advised by Broadband Infraco as follows:
(a) Six (6) employees have resigned from Broadband Infraco in the period from 30 September 2014 to 30 June 2015.
(b) The table below referred to questions (b)(i)-(iii)
Termination from September 2014 to June 2015 |
||||||
Number of resignations |
Termination date |
Termination Service |
Positions |
Skills |
Job Grade |
Annual TCTC |
1 |
2014/09/12 |
Resignation |
Technician |
Infrastructure maintenance |
Peterson C2 Lower |
R354 660 |
2. |
2015/01/31 |
Resignation |
Manager for performance Information Monitoring |
Business Performance Monitoring and Reporting |
Peterson D3 Lower |
R504 534 |
3. |
2014/02/01 |
Resignation |
Manager Legal |
Commercial Law |
Peterson D3 Lower |
R800 000 |
4. |
2015/05/31 |
Resignation |
Snr Engineer Transmission |
Network Design |
Peterson D3 Lower |
R711 207 |
5. |
2015/06/12 |
Resignation |
Payroll Account |
Payroll reconciliation and payment |
Peterson D1 Lower |
R355 200 |
6. |
2015/06/30 |
Resignation |
Specialist Maintenance |
Infrastructure Maintenance |
Peterson D1 Lower |
R759 384 |
25 August 2015 - NW2846
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a) Which (i) national departments, (ii) provincial governments and (iii) local governments are financing their inclusion in the rural broadband project announced in the State of the Nation Address on 12 February 2015 and (b) in each case, (i) what amount have they committed or budgeted for this project and (ii) which elements of the project are they financing (aa) in the current financial year and (bb) for the Medium-Term Expenditure Budget?
Reply:
(a)(i) National Department of Health (NDOH) has rolled out connectivity in 34 of the 50 targeted for the NHI Pilot. The solution will dovetail and align with SA Connect once the service rollout commences following the appointment of a service provider.
(ii) At provincial level, only the Gauteng provincial government and the Western Cape provincial government have financed broadband plans
(iii) At local government level, there are various initiatives by Government and the private sector to provide Wi-Fi hotspot infrastructure and access to the public. Initiative from Tshwane and Lusikisiki are good examples were WiFi infrastructure was financed. The rollout in Tshwane cost in the order of R77, 000 per Wi-Fi site.
(b) The rollout programme of the DTPS will focus on broadband infrastructure and services for government facilities. The DTPS will aggregate government demand to ensure that there is a compelling business case for infrastructure to be extended to the rural areas. The national, provincial and local government departments will then compliment the efforts of the DTPS by focusing on the provisioning of end-user devises and equipment, applications, relevant content and the training of users of the technology. The DTPS has worked with provincial departments to establish provincial broadband steering committees that are used to ensure alignment of the DTPS programme and provincial plans.
25 August 2015 - NW2653
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
What informed the process of stakeholder selection to discuss issues around lion breeding and hunting at the stakeholder engagement held on 17 July 2015; (2) whether all interested parties were invited to the specified meeting; if so, what are the names of the parties that were invited and attended the specified meeting; (3) when will the outcomes from this stakeholder engagement be brought before Parliament for the members’ consideration and input?
Reply:
1. The Minister requested a meeting with organisations which are involved in lion hunting in South Africa in response to mounting public concern around captive breeding of lion and, in particular, to address claims of allegedly widespread so-called canned hunting of lion in South Africa. This meeting was then convened on 14 July 2015.
The Department identified organisations in attendance through the National Wildlife Forum, which is a forum established by the Minister in 2005 to address policy, permitting and legislation issues that affect the wildlife sector.
2. No, The Minister still intends to invite civil society, non-governmental organisations and other interested members of the public to discuss the allegedly widespread so-called canned hunting of lion in South Africa.
The following organisations which were directly affected were invited:
- Professional Hunters Association of South Africa
- South African Predators Association
- Wildlife Ranching South Africa
- National Shooting Association
- Wildlife Translocation Association
- The National Confederation of Hunters Associations of South Africa
- South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
The following organisations attended the meeting:
- Professional Hunters Association of South Africa
- South African Predators Association
- The National Confederation of Hunters Associations of South Africa
- South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association
- Provincial Conservation Authorities
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
3. The Minister of Environmental Affairs from time to time receives requests to meet. And she also requests meetings with various stakeholders on a range of issues within the Department’s mandate; ranging from biodiversity and conservation, air quality, climate change, to general matters around environmental protection. All such meetings and their respective agendas are diarised.
The meeting with stakeholders in the hunting industry forms part of regular interaction between the Minister and industry. The Department’s Chief Directorate: Communications regularly releases statements on such meetings, which may be found on the Department’s website.
--ooOoo--
25 August 2015 - NW2848
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
With reference to his reply to question 2047 on 24 June 2015, what exact items will the R739 000 000 be spent on?
Reply:
The monies will be used to provide broadband connectivity services to the targeted government sites in the Phase 1 districts.
25 August 2015 - NW2764
Mubu, Mr KS to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) Has South Africa ratified the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Model Law on Computer Crime and Cyber Crime; if not, why not; if so, on what date was it ratified; (2) Whether any provisions of the specified policy are included in any legislation (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:
- South Africa has not ratified the Southern African Development Community Model Law on Electronic -Transactions and Electronic-Commerce Model Law; Data Protection Model Law; and Cybercrime Model Law.
These SADC Model Laws were developed under the Harmonization of ICT Policies in the Sub-Sahara Africa (HIPSSA) project to assist and to build a comprehensive regional framework for the development of the information society and the knowledge economy in SADC; and to guide the SADC Member States to draft or update their corresponding national legislations.
The SADC Model Laws were adopted as framework, not as binding agreement. Ratification is not applicable.
2. The SADC Model Laws are included in the following:
(a) None.
(b) The National ICT Policy.
(i) To be determined on finalization of the National ICT Policy White Paper.
(ii) To be determined by the National ICT Policy White Paper.
25 August 2015 - NW2759
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a)How many meetings have been held by each of the four chambers reporting to the National ICT Forum, (b) when was each of these meetings held, (c) did each specified meeting quorate and (d) what decisions were made at each of these meetings?
Reply:
(a) Only one meeting was held by the Governance and Security Chamber. The Social Chamber meeting is scheduled to take place on 21 August 2015, the Economic Chamber for 26 August 2015 and the ICTs and Disability Chamber in the first week of September 2015.
(b) Governance and Security Chamber meeting was held on 17 August 2015.
(c) Yes, the meeting did quorate.
(d) The following decisions were made by the meeting:
- The terms of reference of the Chamber were developed and adopted.
- A clear Scope of Work was developed and adopted.
- Working Groups were established in three areas, namely, cybersecurity, internet governance and e-commerce.
- Convenors of the Working Groups were nominated and confirmed.
- Each Working Group will develop a specific action plan to be implemented by the Chamber.
25 August 2015 - NW2770
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether his department (a) studied the latest reports of the Auditor-General in respect of municipal councils and (b) has taken any actions against municipalities that transgressed the Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003, either by sidestepping its provisions or blatantly acting in defiance of the specified Act and/or in any way negating its prescripts; if not, why not; if so, (i) which municipalities did he act against (ii) in what manner and (iii) to what end?
Reply:
(a) Yes, the department has studied the latest report of the Auditor-General in respect of municipalities.
(b) The Minister cannot directly take any action before a municipality is given time to do so as prescribed in the Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003 (MFMA). The Minister has, however, initiated the following measures:
(i) Introduced an item in the MinMEC meeting’s agenda, whereby the MECs report on how municipalities, in their respective provinces, are performing on the five pillars of Back to Basics (B2B), which if not performed will result into issues in the audit reports.
(ii) Giving special attention to the fifty (50) municipalities that received disclaimed audit opinion, with particular emphasis on 25 disclaimers in the past five consecutive years.
(iii) Partnering with the National Treasury to roll out the Financial Management Capacity Maturity Model to understand gaps to ensure support measures are targeted and customised accordingly.
(iv) Ensure that the competency regulations are complied with.
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.
25 August 2015 - NW2961
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Has the draft of the Rapid Deployment Policy been completed and handed to his department by the contractors; if not, (a) when is the specified policy due to be handed over and (b) what process will follow; if so, when?
Reply:
The draft Rapid Deployment Policy is scheduled to be processed by the Department at the end of September 2015. The draft Policy will then be gazetted for public comment in accordance with the procedure prescribed in the Electronic Communications Act No. 36 of 2005. The final Rapid Deployment Policy will then be developed taking into account the submissions made on the draft Policy. The final Rapid Deployment Policy will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
25 August 2015 - NW2594
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With regard to her reply to question 1960 on 23 June 2015, can she provide copies of the specified reports; (2) what process was used by the SA Social Security Agency’s (SASSA’s) senior management to interrogate these reports, as well as reports by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, to determine which payment model is appropriate for SASSA; (3) whether any additional international trips are planned; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2969E
Reply:
- Yes
- These reports on the payment model are being discussed at SASSA executive management level.
- Currently there are no planned international trips but this does not preclude the Agency or the Department to do so when the need arises.
25 August 2015 - NW2926
Groenewald, Mr HB to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
How many train accidents (a) occurred in ((i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012, (iv) 2013, and (v) 2014 and (b) have occurred since 1 January 2015; (2) (a) how many persons in each of the specified accidents in each specified year were (i) injured and (ii) killed, (b) where did the specified accidents take place and (c) what was the cause of each specified accident in each case; (3) Whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW3429E
Reply:
(1) (a) (i) 2010 = 3 train accidents
(ii) 2011 = 2 train accidents
(iii) 2012 = 3 train accidents
(iv) 2013 = 11 train accidents
(v) 2014 = 6 train accidents
(b) 7 train accidents.
(2 ) (a) (i) * 2010 = 3 employee injuries
* 2011 = no injuries
* 2012 = no injuries
* 2013 = 7 employee injuries
* 2014 = no injuries
since 1 January 2015 = 58 injuries (3 employee injuries and 55 3rd party injuries)
(ii) * 2010 = 6 employee fatalities
* 2011 = 2 employee fatalities
* 2012 = no fatalities
* 2013 = 3 employee fatalities
* 2014 = no fatalities
since 1 January 2015 = two 3rd party fatalities
(b) See annexure A
(c) See annexure A
(3) No, the Minister will not make a statement on the matter.
25 August 2015 - NW2884
Maimane, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Economic Development
Has his department commissioned any (a) research or (b) academic studies into the link between the three aspects of internet access, job creation and economic development; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings of the specified research or studies?
Reply:
Research studies undertaken in other economies and the experience of a number of countries have established strong and positive relationships between internet access, job creation and economic development.
The benefit of internet access is clear for individuals and enterprises.
For individuals, the internet provides access to a vast array of information through which citizens and workers can become more productive and effective at their workplaces. Businesses are often dependent on the opportunities that can be accessed through the internet inter alia to access information or market, buy or sell their products (e-commerce) and through improving business processes that enhances productivity. The benefits are not confined to large enterprises: many small companies are able to cut costs and improve their product offerings through access to the internet.
A study by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) of the impact of broadband on the economy noted the following
"The economic impact of broadband manifests itself through four types of effects.
The first effect results from the construction of broadband networks. In a way similar to any infrastructure project, the deployment of broadband networks creates jobs and acts over the economy by means of multipliers. The second effect results from the “spill-over” externalities, which impact both enterprises and consumers. The adoption of broadband within firms leads to a multifactor productivity gain, which in turn contributes to growth of GDP. On the other hand, residential adoption drives an increase in household real income as a function of a multiplier. Beyond these direct benefits, which contribute to GDP growth, residential users receive a benefit in terms of consumer surplus, defined as the difference between what they would be willing to pay for broadband service and its price. This last parameter, while not being captured in the GDP statistics, can be significant, insofar that it represents benefits in terms of enhanced access to information, entertainment and public services."
UNCTAD publishes annual reviews of the information economy that set international benchmarks and challenges.
Because the positive link between internet access and economic performance is so well-established. EDD has focused on advocacy of, and supporting measures to, enable more South Africans to have access to quality, affordable internet access, instead of conducting more research to simply confirm that positive relationship.
Access to the internet is a function of the backbone infrastructure laid by the public and private sectors, as well as the 'last-mile' connectivity that brings internet access to users and support for ICT-intensive industries.
There has been a significant increase in access to the internet in both urban and rural areas, through the availability of increased broadband facilities that has led greater broadband penetration (through lower prices and better quality of access) and improvement in smart-phone technologies that enables handset access to the internet.
Since 2009, 41 a significant of cable have been laid and maintained principally by Telkom, Eskom Transmission, Dark Fibre Africa, Broadband Infraco, FibreCo and the NLD Consortium. Broadband rollout is now monitored and supported through the work of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission. The CSIR has been appointed to coordinate the work of Strategic Integrated Project 15 on Information and Communication Technologies
According to the 2014 General Household Survey, 37% of South African households have access to mobile broadband, and 11% have fixed broadband. But the figures vary substantially by area. While 43% of people in the urban areas have access to mobile broadband and 15% to fixed, in the rural areas the figures are just 3% mobile and 25% fixed.
Many South Africans access the internet from their phones, personal computers (using home telephone or data lines) and portable devices such as laptops (using 3G and 4G cards). Though prices fell, cost is still a constraint for a considerable number of potential users.
In order to avoid the development of a digital divide where access is only available to those who can access private facilities, government has partnered to provide greater levels of public access to broadband. Though such initiatives are still fairly new, they have provided access points at schools, universities and some public transport and government facilities. We provide a few examples below.
A partnership between the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS),Telkom and the Department of Basic Education has resulted in 1650Dinalediand District schools connected (as at December 2014) at a cost of R375 million. By March 2015, 1148 of the targeted schools (70% of the total) are using the connection points.
USAASA is charged with extending broadband coverage and installs connection points to clinics, TVET colleges and libraries in rural areas with limited internet and television access. In the past two financial years, four rural municipalities with 493lic access to broadband. Though such iMorolong (Northern Cape); Ratlou (North West); Msinga (KwaZulu Natal) and Emalahleni (Eastern Cape). USAASA provided a subsidy of R46,7million. In 2015/16, a further two municipalities - Mutale in Limpopo and Albert Luthuli in Mpumalanga - will be connected, at a cost of R23 million, to provide coverage to 277 000 people.
A number of municipalities are extending broadband to their citizens. For instance, Tshwane has 673 live sites in schools, clinics and other public buildings, with 72023 million, to 493lic access to broadband. Though shrough smartphones.
A further priority is to ensure that broadband supports higher education and knowledge management. For this reason, government has prioritised improving ICT for universities.
Almost a million students at South African public universities have access to the Internet, either through their own computers or through the computer labs at the universities.
The current South African National Research Network (SANReN) backbone consists of a 10Gbps ring between Tshwane, Johannesburg, Mangaung, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London and eThekwini, extensions to more remote towns with university campuses, and several metropolitan rings.
All 26 public universities are connected to the internet.
During the 2014/2015 financial year the CSIR was tasked by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to expand the SANReN (South African Research Network) reach by 25 new connections and upgrade the networketworkchnology (DST) to expand the sburg, Mangaung, the computer labs aGbps) per connected site. Construction and commissioning work on 29 new broadband connections are also currently in various stages of completion.
The activation and backhauling of two 10Gbps channels of the recently procured West African Cable System (WACS) capacity right-of-use was completed in August 2014. This effectively doubled the available capacity for all South African universities and science organisations connected to the SANReN to transfer data between South Africa and the rest of the world.
In order to achieve more of the digital dividend for the economy, the National Infrastructure Plan provides for an increase in the rollout of broadband through additional fibre-optic networks.
-END-
25 August 2015 - NW2590
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1650 on 9 June 2015, the SA Social Security Agency will transfer any money to her department for the payment of military veterans; if so, what (a) amount is to be transferred, (b) are the reasons for the transfer and (c) process is to be used in order to recruit the military veterans?
Reply:
The Honourable Member must refer to question 300 on 28 April 2015 and question 1650 on 09 June 2015 in which I replied to these questions in details.
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 - NW2914
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether she had instituted an investigation (a)(i) to what extent and (ii) at what cost the modernisation of stations, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, had been effected and (b) when the special train will start to provide full service between Pietermaritzburg and Durban to ease congestions on the road; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
(a) The modernization of stations in the country is occurring according to the programme of implementation.
(i) Of the total of 135 stations identified for modernization, 25 are located in KZN
(ii) Duffs Road station is the only station in KZN in the current financial year undergoing modernization at a cost of R143 095 385, with expenditure to date being R82 114 808.
(b) The expected date of service of the KZN Business Express between Pietermaritzburg and Durban in early November 2015.
25 August 2015 - NW2760
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
What process is underway to seek new members of the board of the Universal Service Access Agency of South Africa when the term of the current board expires on 30 September 2015?
Reply:
The new board members will be appointed before the expiry time of the current board members.
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 - NW2822
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether any chief financial officers (CFO) in local, metropolitan, district municipalities or any other municipal entities do not meet the qualifications criteria for employment in such a position; if so, (a) what is the (i) name, (ii) qualifications and (iii) entity or municipality at which the specified person is employed and (b) what action has been taken in this regard; (2) (a) how many vacancies exist at CFO level in local, metropolitan, district municipalities or any other municipal entities and (b) what is the average duration that the positions have been vacant?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available within the Department. We have, however, requested all the Provinces, 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 - NW2818
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether any income and expenditure reports for the Mantsopa Local Municipality in the Free State have been tabled before the Municipal Council in the past 12 months; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was each report tabled, (b) what was the total operational income and expenditure reported in each case and (c) how much was owed to creditors in each aging category in each report?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available within the Department. We have, however, requested the Province and Mantsopa Local 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 - 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.
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