Questions and Replies

Reply:

1. (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.

Reply:

1. Yes
2. These reports on the payment model are being discussed at SASSA executive management level.
3. Currently there are no planned international trips but this does not preclude the Agency or the Department to do so when the need arises.

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.

Reply:

The Deputy Minister of Labour, Honourable SP Holomisa led a delegation consisting of eight (8) senior officials of the Department of Labour to China, once during 2014-15 financial year.

The visit to China was to finalise focal areas of cooperation in terms of the signed Memorandum Of Understanding with China.

Reply:

The new board members will be appointed before the expiry time of the current board members.

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.

Reply:

1. 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.

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.

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

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.

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 Accommodation: R 15 670.00 Daily Allowance: R 15 400.00 Total Amount: R 103 402.14
TOTAL COST			R582 771.48

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.

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--

Reply:

The monies will be used to provide broadband connectivity services to the targeted government sites in the Phase 1 districts.

Reply:

1. 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.

Reply:

1. Response is as follows:

• KILLINGS

This office agrees that a number of people have been killed in Glebelands Hostel, there are 21 people who have been killed in the past 14 months from June 2014 to July 2015.

• POLICE CORRUPTION

No one has come up with any evidence with regard to Police corruption. We encourage anyone with evidence to come with such evidence so that corrupt members will be brought to book.

• SALES OF HOSTEL BEDS

This is the domain of Ethekwini Municipality.

• GANGSTERISM

This office is not aware of any gangsterism at Glebelands Hostel. There was a block chairpersons committee that was existing and later a group opposing block chairpersons was formed. Both of these structures have since been dissolved.

• POLICE COLLUDING WITH HOSTEL THUGS

This office is not aware of any policemen who are colluding with the thugs. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward with such information.

• POLICE SHARING ROOMS WITH HITMAN

This office is not aware of any police members who share rooms with hitman at the hostel. We are aware that there are SAPS, SANDF and Metro Police members who reside in the hostel.

• DEPARTMENT LEAVING THE SITUATION TO ESCALATE

The SAPS did not leave the situation to escalate. Additional personnel were deployed to the hostel on a 24 hours basis. Different police Units, (POP) Public Order Police, (TRT) Tactical Response Team, Visible Policing, Crime Intelligence and Metro Police Intelligence led Crime Prevention Operations are conducted including Operation Field/ reclaim (where the army was also involved) are conducted at Glebelands Hostel.

The issues of environmental design, such as:-

- Lack of access control,

- No fencing or broken fence in some parts of the Hostel,

- No lighting or insufficient lighting outside the hostel blocks, on the street and in open places and in the passages inside the blocks, and the lack of CCTV cameras,

were identified as some of the crime generators at the Hostel. Ethekwini Municipality have since come on board to address the above mention environmental design issues. An integrated Project Plan was developed. The SAPS, Metro Police, Ethekwini Municipality and the Department of Community Safety and Liaison are working together to implement the plan. There is a noticeable good progress.

2.  The police are doing their best to maintain peace and stability at the hostel and do not favour any faction. The police always perform their duties professionally and impartially.

3. Anyone with information or evidence of any police involvement in corruption is encouraged to come forward with the information so that those police members will be brought to book. At this stage no one has ever come up with any information or evidence.

4.  This certain person was arrested together with (2) two other persons on Umlazi Cas 638/4/214, Attempted Murder. They appeared at Umlazi Court on 2015-07-07 and he was acquitted.

  The remaining co-accused appeared at Umlazi Court on 2015-08-03; they were found not guilty and were discharged. He (the said person) is not directly implicated in any of the other reported cases at this stage. His rooms have also been raided for firearms several times with negative results.

 

 

Signed MAJOR GENERAL

ACTING DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER: VISIBLE POLICING

MM MOTLHALA

Date: 4 August 2015

Reply to question 2785 recommended

Signed LIEUTENANT GENERAL

DEPUTY NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: POLICING

KJ SITOLE (SOE)

Date: 4 August 2015

Agree with reply to question 2785

Signed GENERAL

NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

MV PHIYEGA

Date: 5 August 2015

Reply to question 2785 approved/not approved

MINISTER OF POLICE

NPT NHLEKO, MP

Date:

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.

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.

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.

 

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-

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.

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--

Reply:

a) Since the post was vacant following the termination of service of the former Secretary of Police at the end of August 2014, the post was advertised in line with Section 11 (2) of the Public Service Act which requires that there should be transparent competition between applicants for the post.

b) The post was advertised on the 20th October 2014 with a closing date of 31 October 2014.

(i)  No

(ii) Not applicable

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

Reply:

(a) No, and the rest of the questions fall off.

Reply:

(a)  As mentioned in my previous reply, there is already a multi-lateral police cooperation agreement in place which has been in existence for a number of years. Both Mozambique and Zimbabwe are, as pointed out previously, party to this agreement. Under the auspices of this agreement, the South African Police Service, the Mozambican Police and the South African National Parks meet frequently to discuss operational issues and to put in place operational plans in order to jointly combat rhino poaching. This type of cooperation and interaction is also possible, under the auspices of the multi-lateral agreement, with the relevant authorities in any of the countries in the region which are party to the agreement.

(b)  An interim Memorandum of Understanding is therefore not required, as cooperation is already taking place on the basis of the existing multi-lateral agreement and the frequent operational interaction referred to above.

(c)  Through the frequent interaction and consequential operational plans which arise therefrom, the resources required to address the scourge of rhino poaching are determined and sourced from the relevant entities mentioned in paragraph (a) above.

Reply:

The South African Police Service conducted the following awareness campaigns with regards to the Domestic Violence Act in the Paarl Magistrate`s Court jurisdiction areas from January 2015 – May 2015:

• Information sessions

• Door to door visits at complainants of domestic violence cases to give support to the families.

• Visits to farms

• Visits to schools

 

 

Signed MAJOR GENERAL

ACTING DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER: VISIBLE POLICING

MM MOTLHALA

Date: 3 August 2015

Reply to question NW3040E recommended

 

Signed LIEUTENANT GENERAL

DEPUTY NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: POLICING

KJ SITOLE (SOE)

Date: 3 August 2015

Agree with reply to question NW3040E

Signed GENERAL

NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

MV PHIYEGA

Date: 5 August 2015

Reply to question NW3040E approved/not approved

MINISTER OF POLICE

NPT NHLEKO, MP

Date:

Reply:

The Domestic Tourism Management Branch invites Traditional Councils and Leaders to participate in the Capacity Building Seminars of the Department. These seminars are aimed at ensuring that relevant stakeholders at local level have the capacity to contribute to the growth of tourism in their communities, as well as benefiting small businesses, Non-Profit Organisations and cooperatives. Traditional leaders from most of the 27 Rural Nodes have participated.

Some of the Social Responsibility Implementation Projects have targeted areas under the jurisdiction of traditional leaders, who play a vital role in facilitating community participation and beneficiation.

Reply:

(a)  The initial question, question 1826, contained only the name Lesedi Biogas (Pty) Ltd, and no reference was made to any specific complainant and/or CAS Numbers, which made it impossible to detect information in this regard. The question was circulated to all the Commercial Crime Investigation Units, but due to the limited information supplied no positive feedback was received.

Mention is made of two (2) case numbers stated above, these reference numbers are incomplete as no station name is indicated where the applicable cases were allegedly registered. Therefore, the details cannot be verified.

(b)  The limited information supplied makes it impossible to establish if there are any registered cases in respect of Lesedi Biogas (Pty) Ltd.

 

Reply:

(a)  Members receive basic training and continuous in-service training through scheduled workshops with regard to National Key Points

(b)  Operational procedures are in place which pertains to:

• Security advisory services in relation to the Minimum Physical Protection Standards for National Key Points and Strategic Installations
• Functions and the functioning of the SAPS members within the contingency plans of all Joint Operational Committees at National Key Points.

Reply:

(1)(a)(i) & (ii) Daily operations were held by members of SAPS Chatsworth.

(1)(b)(i) & (ii) Daily operations were held between 1 April 2014 and 21 March 2015.

(2)(a) 3 082 arrests were made.

(2)(b) 3 082 suspects were charged.

(2)(c) Various cases of possession of drugs in contravention of the Dependence Producing Drugs legislation.

(3) 1 320 convictions.

Reply:

The following schools, situated in the magistrate court district of Paarl, participate in the SAPS Safer School Programme:

• Agter Groenberg Primary
• Sittendal Primary
• Wamakersvalley
• Voor Groenberg Primary
• Bergrivier Primer
• Noorder Paarl Primer
• Paarl School Of Skills
• Groendal Primer
• Newton Primary
• Ihluumelo Primary
• Desmund Tutu Primary
• Iboniselo Primary
• Mbekweni Higher
• Langabuya Primary
• Amstellhof Primary
• Charleston Hill Primary
• Dalveuda Primary
• Groenheuwel Primary
• Klein Nederburg Primary
• LK Zeeman Primary
• Magnolia Primary
• Nederburg Secondary
• New Orleans
• Orleans Veil
• Paulus Joubert Primary
• Stellenbosch High
• Stellenbosch Primary
• AF Louw Primary
• Stellenzicht High
• Weber Gedenk Primary
• Paul Roos Gimnasium
• Bloemhof High
• Rhenish High
• Lynedoch Primary
• Devon Valley Primary
• Eikestad Primary
• Rhenish Primary
• Vlottenburg Primary
• JJ Rhode Primary
• St Pauls Primary
• Kayamandi Primary
• Kayamandi High
• Makaphula High
• Waldorf Private School

Reply:

The information in question is confidential and cannot be provided.

Reply:

(a)   The National Commissioner approved a re-enlistment process of former members for the 2015/2016 financial year to address the service terminations experienced by the South African Police Service. This is an exercise specific for this financial year only and whether it goes on until 2019 cannot be determined at this stage. The posts for re-enlistment were externally advertised during June 2015 and a total of 3187 applications were received nationally. These applications are currently under consideration and as announced by the National Commissioner only former members with a consistent track record of good performance, disciplinary and attendance record will be re-enlisted. Furthermore former members must have no criminal record and/or criminal cases pending. The number that will be finally recruited/re-enlisted cannot be determined at this stage as they are being subjected to the different standards and criteria for re-enlistment.

(b)   The re-enlistment process of former members will be accommodated in vacant posts in terms of the approved funded fixed establishment of the South African Police Service.

(c)  Re-enlistments will only be considered on the rank of Lieutenant due to budgetary constraints and to allow for the progression of SAPS internal members to higher ranks who are due for promotion.

Reply:

 

1. The tender contract was awarded to Hauwei through the Gauteng Department of Finance.
2. The funds were from the Gauteng Department of Finance.
3. Please see the above response.

Reply:

The post of a Station Commander was advertised internally within SAPS for appointment/ promotion on 2015-02-13 which was later withdrawn due to not enough applicants received. The post was re-advertised on 2015-06-15 and the selection process is still conducted. Currently there is an acting incumbent in the post to ensure that service delivery is not hampered.

Reply:

1. Six (6) cases of murder have been investigated prior to the Marikana incident. Three (3) of these cases were in court on 4 August 2015 and are remanded to 22 October 2015 for the parties to study the contents of the released report. One (1) other case will be in court on 6 August 2015 and will also be remanded to 22 October 2015. Two (2) other cases are with the Director for Public Prosecutions for decision on Prosecution. There was an agreement between the Investigation Team, the Chairperson of the Farlam Commission and the Evidence Leaders that the investigation of all six cases be placed on hold until the release of the report by the Commission. The investigation of these six cases has now resumed.
2. Yes, progress has been made.

         (a) Not applicable

         (b) Not applicable

(i)  Four cases are on the court roll and two cases are with the Director of Public Prosecution of North West for a decision on prosecution.

(ii)  The investigations conducted thus far, has not produced any evidence of misconduct on the part of any SAPS member, and therefore no departmental action is contemplated at this stage.

Reply:

(a) Edenvale CAS 316/08/2010 – The case against the accused was withdrawn in court.

(b) Sergeant MS Selomane.

Reply:

The following schools in the Magistrates Court district of Stellenbosch participate in the SAPS Safer school Programme:

• Stellenbosch High
• Stellenbosch Primary
• Stellenzicht High
• Weber Gedenk Primary
• Paul Roos Gimnasium
• Bloemhof High
• Rhenisch High
• Lynedoch Primary
• Eikestad Primary
• Rhenisch Primary
• Vlottenburg Primary
• JJ Rhode Primary
• ST Pauls Primary
• Kayamandi High
• Kayamandi Primary
• Makaphula High
• Waldorf Private School

Reply:

(a) Yes,

(b) No,

(c) Yes.

(i)  The purposes of the visits were to share experiences and international best practice in the functional areas of land reform and rural development, as well as skills development for youth in business.

(ii) (aa) Total: R4 019168.25

(bb)

• Visit 1: To the People’s Republic of China from 27 October to 01 November 2014: R263 089.25
• Visit 2 : ( 24 October – 02 November 2014) : 42 member deligation including 10 officials : R1 109 570
• Visit 3 ( 22 March – 06 April 2014 ) 52 member deligation including 11 officials : R1 356 849
• Visit 4 : ( 22 August—07 September 2014 ) 42 -member delegation including 11 officials: R1 289 660

Reply:

(c)(i)(ii)(aa)(bb)

The information in respect of SAPS officials is attached.

Reply:

South Africa does not support canned lion hunting. The prohibition is provided for through the National Environmental Management Act (Act No 10 of 2014), which is implemented by the Department of Environmental Affairs. We believe that responsible citizenship would also assist in preventing such occurrences. All known cases of canned lion hunting should therefore be reported to the law enforcement agencies. Discussions with the Ministers of Environmental Affairs and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries have not taken place.

Reply:

 

1. Yes, the Department has taken into consideration the needs and challenges of blind learners and learners with poor vision by procuring the latest technology which is user-friendly and audible to support effective learning and teaching in special schools. In addition, the appropriate e-copies of Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) have also been procured to ensure adequate resources to support learners with special needs. Additional training has been provided to educators to be able to use the provided equipment to the optimal level.
2. Please see the response above.

Reply:

(1)(a) All South African Police Service (SAPS) Management and Leadership Programmes for managers are conducted at SAPS Paarl Academy and the SAPS Thabong Academy. There is no training for managers conducted at station level.

The SAPS monitor training through the Training Provisioning Plan where the needs for training are determined in consultation with Divisions and Provinces to plan interventions accordingly.

Courses attended by members are captured on the South African Police Service’s Training Administration System. The system captures training conducted, members completed or not completed and members found competent or not yet competent.

(1)(b) Members who do not complete training because of withdrawal due to personal reasons, such as death of a family member, are called-up to attend the training at a later stage.

When members of the South African Police Service are found not competent in training provided, they receive remedial training and re-assessment is conducted.

(2)(a) SAPS Members at Station level trained in Police Leadership and Management courses – 2014/2015 financial year:

Programme	Level/Position	Duration of course	No trained
Basic Supervisory Learning Programme	Public Service Act Personnel on level 6 & 7	5 days	174
Basic Management Learning Programme I	Constables (with 5 years’ experience)	5 days	277
Basic Management Learning Programme II	Sergeants	4 weeks	295
Junior Management Learning Programme	Captains, Lieutenants & Warrant Officers	7 weeks	210
Middle Management Learning Programme	Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels & Majors	6 weeks	51
Executive Development Learning Programme	Major Generals & Brigadiers	6 months	11
Public Management Development Programme	Cluster Commanders	12 months	29
Practical Project Management Programme	Station and Detective Commanders	12 months	52
Relief Commanders Learning Programme	Relief Commanders	3 weeks	149
Detectives Commanders Learning Programme	Detective Commanders	6 weeks	349
Operational Commanders Training	Operational Commanders	4 weeks	78
Station Management Learning Programme	Station Commanders	17 weeks	87

(2)(b) Yes, in general, training has enhanced the skills of managers to ensure effective and efficient management of resources and improved performance within their work environment.

(2)(c) Impact studies are conducted after a period of between three to four years to assess the impact of training provided to managers and also for the purpose of reviewing the programmes where necessary. Impact studies for Management and Leader Programmes are planned to be conducted during the financial year 2015/2016 and 2017/2018 progressively.

Reply:

 

1. The South African Schools Act of 1996 (Act No 84 of 1996) makes provision for all schools to document and report incidents of (a) violence, including sexual violence, and (b) theft occurring in both schools and school hostels.
2. Guidelines for the provisioning of boarding facilities in public ordinary schools have been developed and distributed to all provinces. The principles underpinning the guidelines emanate from the National Policy on an Equitable Provisioning of an Enabling School Physical Teaching and Learning Environment. The management of boarding facilities is the responsibility of the School Governing Body (SGB). The Guidelines are clear in terms of taking care of the overall safety of learners.

Reply:

(a) (i)The television show is a communication platform between the SAPS and the communities. This platform has enabled the SAPS to engage, and most importantly, educate South Africans on the relevance of the SAPS in their day to day life, which will ultimately improve their understanding. Using this show, we are able to answer questions such as “what is the role of the SAPS in a democratic and developing state” and also in addressing the crime situation facing all South Africans. The programme produces crime awareness campaigns with the purpose of eliciting maximum response from the members of the general public, in order to assist the SAPS with its investigations of criminal activities. When Duty Calls gives visual support to the communication objectives of the police through the episodes produced on;

• crime patterns,
• serious and violent incidents crimes,
• Crime prevention hints,
• profiling the most wanted suspects and missing persons,
• feedback to the public on current investigations, investigative successes,
• as well as highlighting the various units and components of the SAPS- how they operate and how the general public can access their services.

(ii) Through the various segments within the programme, we have been able to communicate some much welcomed successes of the work done by ordinary members of the SAPS. The viewing audiences normally appreciate the feedback they receive each week when watching the programme. The police fight crime every minute, they are arresting suspects every day, and only a small fraction makes headline news. When Duty Calls serves as that additional platform to document the less talked about stories and arrests. Its effectiveness is also measured on the feedback we receive from the viewers (the general public) each week, on the arrests the Police make on a daily basis, but also on the citizens appreciating the often thankless job that the men and women in blue do each and every day. Through the When Duty Calls programme, we have also been able to get tip-off’s from the viewers on the whereabouts of the numerous wanted suspects, sometimes leading to the arrests and/or convictions of said individuals. Another way of measuring the programme’s effectiveness is the percentage share of the audience ratings that we continue to meet every week, based on the number of viewers watching TV during the time slot.

(b) When the television show was incepted in 2000, there was an agreement with the state broadcaster, SABC, that the South African Police Service shall provide the show’s content while the SABC will provide airtime at no cost to the SAPS.

The SAPS is not carrying any costs for the broadcasting of the show on SABC 2 but is responsible for the production of the show at its own studios.

Production costs are borne by the SAPS through the employment of permanent production staff consisting of professionals including an Executive Producer, Content Producers, Scriptwriters, Researchers, Video Editors as well as Camera Operators.

The SAPS supplies 48 programmes per year to the SABC.

The programme has repeats on Soweto TV, Bay TV, and KZN TV at no cost.