Questions and Replies
29 December 2010 - Question:Minister of Cooperative Governance
MPs to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Reply:
QUESTION NO: 296
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 02 OF 19 February 2010
Mr N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) (a) How many community development workers have been engaged by municipalities countrywide and (b) Provincial CoGTA. who is responsible for the salaries of these community workers;
(2) Whether his department is involved in successfully engaging these community workers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether he will make a statement on the matter? NW312E
Reply
(1) According to the information received from the Department of Public Service and Administration there are 3153 community development workers engaged at ward level (b) The Provincial Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs or premier's offices are paying the salaries of the CDWs.
(2) The provinces as employers are dealing with the daily operations of the CDWs.
(3) No.
QUESTION NO: 1522
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 Of 21 May 2010
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional
Affairs:
Whether there are any consequences for an executive mayor and the mayoral committee members when the municipality they govern is placed under administration in terms of section 139 of the Constitution; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1778E
Reply
If the Municipality is placed under administration in terms of Section 139 (1 )(b) of the Constitution, normally all the executive functions of the executive mayor or mayoral committee related to that particular identified executive obligation will be assumed by the Administrator, but the Mayor and Mayoral Committee will still be responsible for all the other executive obligations. However, if the Administrator is assuming all the executive obligations of the executive mayor and mayoral committee, then the mayor and mayoral committee will be left without any executive obligations. In both these instances the Mayor and the Council remains with the legislative Authority over all the functions.
If the administration is in terms of section 139(1)(c) both the executive and legislative functions are taken away by the Administrator, as the Council is dissolved until a new Council is elected. Dissolution would mean the Mayoral Committee and Executive Mayor being stripped of their duties of executive functions as well as legislative functions. The remuneration package does not get to be paid out to the Executive Mayor and Mayoral Committee as the Municipal Council has been dissolved.
QUESTION NO: 1187
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 OF 19 April 2010
Ms M Wenger to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether there are any national laws stipulating safety measures that must be enforced for domestic swimming pools and other water bodies such as fish ponds; if so, (a) what are these safety measures, (b) who enforces these safety measures; if not, (a) why not and (b) who is responsible for the development and implementation of these safety measures?
Reply
Available national Laws
There are national laws stipulating safety measures that must be enforced for domestic swimming pools and other water bodies such as fish ponds, This is in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act No, 103 of 1977), and on the recommendation of the Council of the South African Bureau of Standards which came into operation on the 1 October 2008,
Furthermore, in terms of section 14 of the Municipal Systems Act, the Minister of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, at the request of organized local government representing local government nationally, or after consulting the MECs for local government and organized local government, may by notice in the Gazette- make standard draft by-laws concerning any matter, including standard draft rules and orders referred to in section 160 (6) of the Constitution, for which municipal councils may make by-laws,
(a) what are these safety measures?
In terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, Regulation 04 sub regulation (1) the owner of any site which contains a swimming pool shall ensure that access to such swimming pool is controlled and (2) any owner who fails to comply with the requirement of sub-regulation 1 shat! be guilty of an offence, The requirements of regulation 04 shall be deemed to be satisfied where change in level, the design of access to swimming pools, as the case may be, complies with SANS 10400-0.
(b) Who enforces these safety measures?
The municipalities enforce the measures. A Municipal Manager of a Municipality in terms of section 13 of the Local Government: Municipal System Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000), read with section 162 of The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996(Act 108 of 1996), publishes the Swimming Pools and Spa Baths By-laws which have been approved by the Municipal Council.
QUESTION NO: 1200
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 OF 19 April 2010
Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether he has been informed of the expropriation of plots of land in Winterveldt by the City of Tshwane; if not,
(2) whether he will launch an investigation into the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) what are the details of the process that is being followed in the investigation into the expropriation;
(4) whether he intends taking any steps to rectify this matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1358E
ANSWER
The matter has not been brought to my attention and thus cannot comment. However, the details if in possession by the member will assist in mapping the appropriate intervention.
QUESTION NO: 1200
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 OF 19 April 2010
Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether he has been informed of the expropriation of plots of land in Winterveldt by the City of Tshwane; if not,
(2) whether he will launch an investigation into the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) what are the details of the process that is being followed in the investigation into the expropriation;
(4) whether he intends taking any steps to rectify this matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1358E
Reply
(1) The said municipality, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, could not confirm if they had informed this Department of the expropriation of plots in Winterveldt. This Department has no record of any communication received from the City of Tshwane in this regard. In investigating this matter so as to respond to this parliamentary question, this Department was informed by the City of Tshwane that it did, on three separate occasions, during 2003, 2005 and 2007, expropriate land in Winterveldt Agricultural Holdings for housing purposes and that all the statutory prescriptions in this regard were met, including obtaining the prior written approval of the Gauteng and North-West Provincial MECs' for Local Government and Housing.
(2) Based on the information provided by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, this Department sees no need to launch an investigation into the matter. The Department is satisfied that the expropriation of Winterveldt does not violate any section of the Constitution, especially in terms of Section 25 (Property) and Section 26 (Housing). The current upgrading and development of Winterveldt ( which was until fairly recently, a densely-populated informal settlement on privatelyowned agricultural land ) is much more than just a housing construction project - it is a holistic development programme - which the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality has ambitiously cast into the mould of the Winterveldt Reconstruction and Redevelopment Programme ( WRRP ) - The WRRP is based on an eight year Business Plan with developmental programmes which are collectively aimed at the eradication of the housing and infrastructure backlogs in Winterveldt, as well as a spectrum of urban renewal projects aimed at enhancing the social, economic and institutional sustainability of Winterveldt as an urbanized and integrated suburb of the City of Tshwane.
(3) The City of Tshwane has confirmed that it is not true that people's houses are being demolished, as alleged, without compensation. After extensive negotiations and consultations with the affected community in Winterveld, it was agreed that the following procedure would be followed when approved housing beneficiaries are relocated into their new RDP houses: As soon as a specific number of houses have been approved by the Inspectors for occupation, the officials of the Housing Department inform the housing beneficiaries that their new RDP house is ready for occupation and on which date they will be relocated into their new house. As soon as the said beneficiary has moved into his/her new house, his/her informal shack is then demolished by the Security Company appointed by the Municipality as a proactive measure of ensuring that that particular shack is not subsequently occupied by another family coming from outside of Winterveldt, which, if it were allowed to occur, would defeat the Municipality's objective of eliminating the housing backlog and also create opportunity's for queue-jumping.
(4) In light of the responses provided above, the Department sees no need at this stage to take any steps.
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
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QUESTION NO: 3512
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 39 OF 26 November 2010
Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether (a) his department and (b) any entities reporting to his department provided any financial support to the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for the World Festival of Youth and Students to be held in Pretoria in December 2010; if not, why not; if so, (i) what amount was provided to the NYDA, (ii) from which budget were these funds drawn, (iii) who made the decision to provide these funds to the NYDA and (iv) how is this (aa) decision and (bb) amount justified;
(2) whether the NYDA made any other request to (a) his department and (b) any entities reporting to his department to provide support to the festival; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4351 E
Reply
The Department has not transferred any funds to the NYDA for the said festival and we have no know1edge of any request made by the Agency for funding towards such a festival.
QUESTION NO: 3464
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 39 OF 26 November 2010
Mr J R 8 Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(a)How many employees of (i) his department and (ii) any entities reporting to his department who are on level 11 salary scale and above have been suspended with ful1 pay (aa) in the 2009-10 financial year and (bb) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what is the total amount of money that was paid by his department in respect of these salaries? NW4299E
Reply
FINANCIAL YEAR |
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES SUSPENDED |
DATE OF SUSPENDED |
AMOUNT INCURRED |
2009/2010 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
2010/2011 |
1 |
30 March 2010 |
R506 843,87 |
QUESTION NO: 3455
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 39 OF 26 November 2010
Mr G R Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether the Ekurhuleni Metro has taken out any loans or bonds since the 2000-01 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many loans or bonds were taken out, (b) on which dates and (c) what (i) is the value of each loan or bond, (ii) are the interest and repayment conditions for each loan or bond and (iii) is the time frame of the repayment of the loan or bond? NW4290E
Reply
Response from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM):
Yes, the EMM has taken both loans and bonds since the 2000/2001 financial year.
The following loans were taken up:
- December 2001 - RiS0 million from INCA @ 12.25% (Annuity Loan)
- March 2002 - R150 million from DBSA @ 13.5% (Annuity Loan)
- March 2003 - R291 m consolidation of existing DBSA loans @ 12.2%
(Annuity Loan) (restructuring of existing loans, not additional funding)
- July 2004 - R400m from ABSA @ 11.99% (Bullet repayment)
- May 2009 - R1.1 b from Nedbank @ 10.78% (Annuity Loan)
- February 2010 - R400m from ABSA @ 11.68% (Annuity Loan)
- March 2010 - R200m from ABSA @ 11.68% (Annuity Loan)
- April 2010 - R200m from ABSA @ 11.68% (Annuity Loan)
- July 2010 - R815m - Municipal Bond @ 10.56% (Bullet repayment) -
R4b Domestic Medium Term Note Programme has been registered with the JSE.
A further R800m bond tapping is scheduled for January / February 2011.
The National Treasury Quarterly Return on Borrowings is attached as additional information.
QUESTION NO: 3433
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 39 OF 26 November 2010
Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether he has a plan for (a) large-scale services and (b) the (i) shortfalls and (ii) maintenance in respect of such services; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether he has submitted an application to National Treasury to make funds available for this purpose in the 2011-12 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4207E
Reply
(1)(a)The Department is in the process of finalising proposals with regard to the establishment of a Bulk Infrastructure Fund that would focus on unlocking the delivery of reticulation services by funding bulk infrastructure that includes the upgrading, refurbishment and rehabilitation of bulk infrastructure such as Water and Waste Water Treatment Works, especially in rural areas.
(b)(i) The shortfall in bulk infrastructure is estimated in the region of R400
billion.
1(b)(ii) The maintenance for bulk infrastructure municipalities for which municipalities are responsible for, should be accommodated through current operating revenue streams such equitable share allocations and rates and taxes.
(2) An application was submitted to National Treasury in respect of the funding for bulk infrastructure over the 2011/12 Medium Term Expenditure Framework period which amounts to R26,3 billion. National Treasury is still in the process of evaluating the funding request.
QUESTION NO: 3363
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 37 OF 12 November 2010
Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether the average age of municipal debt is increasing compared to previous years; if so, (a) what are the reasons that he has identified for this trend and (b) what are the implications in respect of (i) credit control and (ii) collection? NW4193E
Reply
Yes, (a) this is due to the need to strengthen our debt collection and revenue enhancement at municipal level (b) (i) and (ii) in terms of credit control and revenue collection, the Department has intervened through the implementation of the Local Government Turn-Around
Strategy and the implementation of outcome 9 signed between myself and the President.
QUESTION NO: 3335
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 37 OF 12 November 2010
Ms N P Gcume (Cope) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether his department has taken any steps to deal with issues affecting service delivery in the Qawukeni Municipality in the Eastern Cape; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW4167E consioutise
Reply
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs conducted an assessment in all the municipalities in the Republic of South Africa to ascertain the State of Local Government challenges and opportunities that were prevalent in various municipalities and the Ngquza Hill Municipality as it is called now was not an exception.
The state of Local Government Report has identified amongst others that in this municipality the following are challenges:
· Low revenue base
· Problems of financing by the National Treasury using the FFC formula
· Service delivery backlogs
· Conflict within the council
· High unemployment and poverty rate
When the Local government turnaround strategy was rolled out to various municipalities to address the challenges which were discovered during the local government assessment all municipalities were workshopped just to get to the understanding on the crafting of Municipal Turn Around Strategies and their implementation. This was done after an intensive workshop on the Local Government Turn Around Strategy. Through the efforts by this Department the Municipality was then able to develop its own MTAS and all the projects are linked to the MTAS and the lDP.
The Mayor of the municipality has through the initiatives of outcome nine (9) and its seven (7) outputs signed a delivery agreement on the 30 September 2010. The signing of this agreement is to ensure that this municipality is responsive, accountable, effective and efficient.
The provincial government of the Eastern Cape is empowered by all laws in this including Section 139 of the Constitution to deal with municipalities in their own jurisdiction. The Honourable Member may ask members of her political party in the Eastern Cape Legislature to ask this question.
QUESTION NO: 3317
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 37 OF 12 November 2010
Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether h is department is working with other state agencies to deal with municipal corruption more effectively; if so, (a) what agencies, (b) what are the working arrangements (c) what is the geographical scope of the investigations, (d) what (i) human and (ii) other resources are being devoted to this initiative and (e) how are particular investigations prioritised;
(2) Whether the initiative is .applicable to alleged corruption extending as far back as' the establishment of municipalities in 2000; if not, why not;
(3) Whether, in view of his department's writ, the initiative also applies to corruption in the nine provinces and the national sphere; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW4144E
Reply
(1 ) Yes, the Department is· working with other state agencies to deal with municipal corruption more effectively. (a) the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), (b) the working arrangements with the SIU are by a presidential proclamation, unless there is a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the SIU and the concerned provincial department responsible for localgovernment affairs, (c) the geographical scope of the investigations is reliant on the nature of allegations levelled against each of the municipality, (d) (i) specialised forensic investigators and (ii) financial resources are deployed in conducting the investigation, (e) priority for investigations is given to cases that have the potential negative impact on service delivery.
(2) Yes, other reported cases are investigated by provincial departments responsible for local government and .covers periods back to the year 2000.
(3) No, the mandate of the department is limited to municipalities and provincial departments responsible for local government. National and other provincial departments are the responsibility of the Department of Public Service and Administration.
QUESTION NO: 3220
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 37 OF 12 November 2010
Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
What is the (a) total cost and (b) number of copies of each (i) annual report and (ii) report on strategic plans that was produced by (aa) his department and (bb) any of its entities in the 2009-10 financial year? NW4034E
Reply
The CoGTA Annual Report for 2009/10 and the strategic plan for the financial year were produced and the details are as follows:
Name |
Financial Year |
Budgeted Cost |
Actual Cost |
Number Copies Of Printed |
Number Copies Of Distributed |
CoGTA Annual Report |
2009/10 |
R 500 000 |
R 287 460.78 |
1 500 |
Being distributed |
CoGTA Business Plan |
2009/10 |
R 500 000 |
R 52 455.11 |
800 |
550 |
South African Cities Network |
2009/10 |
R75000 |
Still under production no final cost yet |
Not printed yet (300 planned) |
Nil |
Municipal Demarcation Board |
2009/10 |
R160,000 |
R73,638.30 |
700 |
482 |
National House of Traditional Leaders |
2009/10 |
Part of funds allocated for communications |
R26298.66 |
1500 |
1500 |
National House of Traditional Leaders – Strat Plan |
2009/10 |
N/A |
R24 333.30 |
1000 |
1000 |
South African Local Government |
2009/10 |
R 350,000 |
R 325,178.16 |
5000 |
5000 |
CRL Commission |
2009/10 |
R300 000 Part of funds allocated for communications |
R109440.00 |
1000 |
1000 |
CRL Commission |
2009/10 |
R1 478. 81 |
12 digicards 12 CD's |
12 digicards 12 CD's |
QUESTION NO: 3139
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 36 OF 05 November 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether, with reference to copper thefts at Sabie's main pump station that left the town without water on 25 October 2010, municipalities are required to provide security at such pump stations in order to protect the supply of clean water; if not, (a) why not and (b) how is the supply of water protected; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3939E
Reply
According to the report received from Thaba Chweu Municipality
The premises has a 2,4m high razorblade security fence with a locked gate.
During the incident on 26 October 2010, access was gained to the premises by cutting a hole in the security fence.
After the incident, they have arranged for security guards to protect the premises.
A detection system has been installed which activates an alarm and sends an SMS to the personnel on duty, the moment there is tampering taking place. The pumps are switched off when the Electricity is cut.
QUESTION NO: 3004
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 34 OF 29 October 2010
Mr M H Steele (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) (a) Who are the members of his department's audit committee since 1 April 2010, (b) when were these members appointed and (c) how many (i) properly constituted, (ii) quorate, (iii) invalid and (iv) non-quorate meetings has the audit committee held;
(2) whether any issues of (a) internal control or (b) risk management have been (i) identified by and (ii) reported to the accounting officer of the audit committee; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW3718E
Reply
(1) (a) The members of the Department's audit committee are as follows;
· Ms Nonhlanhla Khumalo- Interim Chairperson
· Mr William Ndlovu - member
· Mr Thomas Ntuli - member
(b) Audit Committee members were recruited and inaugurated in March 2010
(c) Three(3)
i. Yes, they are properly constituted with diverse experience
ii. All three members were present in all the meetings held during the current financial period
iii. No invalid meeting took place
iv. There was no non-quorate audit committee meeting which took place during the current financial period.
(2) (a) The internal financial controls for the previous financial year were reported as not effective, however, during the current financial year management has put measures in place to improve the control environment, e.g. Annual Financial Statements checklist has been developed. Department has resuscitated the Internal Audit Steering Committee meeting which will convene and oversee all the audit matters and advice the Accounting Officer accordingly.
(b) The department did not conduct a formal risk assessment during the previous financial year. The risk assessment for the current financial year has been conducted and it will be used to direct internal audit efforts. The risk assessment report will be used to develop the internal audit plan where high risk areas will be subjected for auditing. Reports on how risks are being mitigated will be issued to the Accounting Officer and the Audit Committee.
QUESTION NO: 2992
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 34 OF 29 October 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [*93.] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because in excess of quota [Rule 108(8)]
What (a) is the total number of ward committee members and (b) has been the total cost of their stipends in the 2008-09 financial year? NW2529E
Reply
- The total number of ward committee members is 37750.
- The Department does not keep records on stipend for ward committee members. However this information will be forwarded to the member once it becomes available.
QUESTION NO: 2991
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 34 OF 29 October 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [*92.] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because in excess of quota [Rule 108(8)]]
Whether any funds have been earmarked by his department to assist the Sedibeng District Municipality with their regional sewer works; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so; how much money has been set aside for this purpose? NW2528E
Reply
The Department of Water Affairs is currently undertaking an environmental impact assessment for the development of Sedibeng Regional Sewer scheme Project.
The financial implications for the project will be finalised with proposals to undertake Public Private Partnerships to support the development of the scheme. Once these are finalised the commitments from the department will be made through the Municipal Infrastructure grant.
A meeting between the Minister and the Mayor is in the pipeline to also discuss this project.
QUESTION NO: 2968
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32 OF 22 October 2010
Mr D C Ross (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether any (a) funding or (b) implementation plans have been set in place to deal with the dysfunctional water supply and purification system in the Brandfort region in the Masilonyana Municipality; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW3660E
Reply
(a) Yes an amount of R8,030,507.00 is registered as a Municipal Infrastructure Grant project for the Upgrading of the Brandfort Water Purification Plant.
(b) An implementation plan does exist and the site was handed over to the Contractor Big Bravo on 9 June 2010. The project is currently under construction. The project is at 32% progress and the expected completion dateis March 2011.
QUESTION NO: 2941
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER. NO 32 OF 22 October 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to the service delivery demonstrations in
Itsoneng on 5 October 2010, any research has been conducted into the causes of the demonstrations; if not, why not; if so, what causes have been identified;
(2) (a) what basic services are residents of itsoneng receiving, (b) what sanitation is provided for Itsoneng, (c) how many flush toilets are in operation, (d) how many people are still without access to flush toilets, (e) what plans are in place to increase the provision of flush toilets for Itsoneng, (f) what is the sanitation budget for Itsoneng, (g) how much of itsoneng's 2009-10 budget was a1located for delivering basic services and (h) what portion of the budget for service delivery was spent in the 2009-10 financial year? NW3637E
Reply
1) In a preliminary investigation conducted by the Local Authority (the City of Johannesburg), it was reported that a conflict resulted when the security to control access to the informal settlement prevented building materials to be taken into the informal settlement in an attempt to contain the growth of the settlement. This resulted in a violent demonstration to which a person was killed, a Johannesburg Metro Police Department vehicle was set alight and other individuals were injured. This matter is now being investigated by South African Police Services.
2) In responding to this question, it must be clarified that this is an informal settlement and that the following rudimentary services are being provided. The Province and the City has initiated a project to formialise this settlement into a development that is commonly referred to as Malibongwe Ridge. The legal processes, (environmental authorization and township establishment) is far advanced. The inclusion of the land on which the settlement is situated into the project is also far advanced but not concluded as yet. Once all approvals are obtained and the land acquisition process concluded, the project will be in a position to proceed on the same basis as Cosmo City, but subject to budget approvals.
- The residents have access to basic sanitation and basic water.
Access to water is obtained through stationary water tanks and 36 (6 tap) communal standpipes.
- Most stands are serviced with Ventilated Improved Pit latrines (VIP's). The settiement also has some chemical toilets.
- No households are serviced with flush toilets.
- All households are without access to flush toilets.
- Currently no households are serviced with flush toilets. The Provincial Department of Housing and Local Government plans to formalize the township in order to provide permanent water and sanitation and provision of housing.
- There is no budget allocated for 2009/10 financial year.
- There is no budget provision as the basic service have been provided.
- Not applicable as it relates to the above response on (G).
QUESTION NO: 2946
PUBUSHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32 OF 22 October 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether the bucket system of sewage collection is still being used in Gauteng; if so, (a) in which (i) communities and (ii) municipalities is the system being utilised, (b) what steps have been taken to replace this system and (c) by what date is the project to replace the bucket system expected to be completed? NW3636E
Reply
Merafong City Local Municipality
The bucket system of sewage collection is still being used in the Merafong City Local Municipality in the following communities:
(a) (i) Khutsong - Number of buckets in use: 80
(ii) Kokosi - Number of buckets in use: 145
(b) All bucket systems were initially eradicated but were partly reinstated due to community demand emanating from the fact that families had to share VIP toilets installed as part of the eradication programme.
(c) The bucket system will again be eradicated after completion of the Informal Sanitation project scheduled for implementation during this financial year. Priority will be given within this project to first start with the eradication of the remaining bucket systems as reflected above.
Merafong City Local Municipality is presently in process of drafting tender documents with the project due to be advertised in November. Project implementation is scheduled for January 2011 taking into account the annual closure of construction over the December festive period. Complete eradication of the present bucket is anticipated to be completed by April 2011 latest.
Lesedi Local Municipality
(a)
I. There are some buckets being used in Ratanda community. A site visit was conducted and about 52 buckets were identified to our knowledge.
II. It is in Lesedi Local Municipality.
(b) Lesedi Local Municipality is currently servicing these buckets with their own funds. There is a plan in process to relocate the people to the formalized settlement of Albert Nkosi. This is a housing problem due to land invasions. Currently, sewer systems have been completed and water systems are being put in place. It is hoped by end of the financial year the problem will be resolved.
(c) Everything is expected to be completed by March 2011. However, some who have been rejected due to lack of IDdocuments, there is an interim place to provide them with VIP toilets.
QUESTION NO: 2684
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 29 OF 17 September 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether all service charges at stadiums incurred by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Fifa have been paid; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3349E
Reply
No.
Only the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality has been fully settled by the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (LOC) for the utilisation and consumption of municipal services during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
For the remaining eight Host Cities, the LOC has indicated that they are awaiting more detailed information and other supporting documentation to be provided by the relevant Stadium Authority / Host City before they could finalise payment for the utilisation and consumption of municipal services during the 2010 FIFA World Cup,
The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the relevant municipalities provide the outstanding information to the LOC, and that the LOC settles all claims in this regard.
QUESTION NO: 2682
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 29 OF 17 September 2010
Mr D CRoss (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether all municipalities have reported and provided information to his department in terms of section 27 of the Electricity Regulation Act, Act 4 of 2006, regarding debts owed to Eskom; if not, (a) why not and (b) what action has he taken to ensure compliance; if so, (i) what amount is owed to Eskom by each municipality and (ii) what steps will he take to ensure that municipalities pay their debts?
Reply
Please see attached for reply
QUESTION NO: 2542
P BLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 28 OF 13 September 2010
Mr. P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) is functioning as envisaged by its founding statute; if not, (a) why not and (b) what steps has he taken to ensure that the commission fulfils its mandate; if so, how has this conclusion been reached? NW3164E
Reply
(a) Yes1 the CRL Commission is executing legislated mandate within the available capacity and resources approved by Parliament and as reported annually through its Annual Report to Parliament.
(b) The Ministry for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs provides financial resources to the Commission on annual basis. Nothwithstanding the above, the Ministry has since initiated a Strategic Planning workshop where the Business Plan of the Commission was discussed, and the Commission will report progress on a quarterly basis with effect from April 2011.
QUESTION NO: 2514
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 26 OF 03 September 2010
Mr J J Mc Gluwa (ID) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether he has launched an investigation into allegations that rural villagers in Limpopo have still not received proper access to boreholes because of problems with tenders (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the further relevant details;
(2) Whether he will take any steps in cases where tender problems or any other problems have prevented the proper installation of boreholes; if not, why not; jf so, what are the relevant details? NW3090E
Reply
(1)The Minister has not received any complaint in this regard, but invite anyone with information on such allegations to come forward for his consideration.
(2)Yes, if any information relating to tender irregularities comes to his attention, he will take the necessary action.
QUESTION NO: 2451
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 26 OF 03 September 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether his department will take steps to clarify the uncertainty surrounding the (a) future and (b) administration of the Municipal Councillors Pension Fund; if not, why not; if so, what steps;
(2) whether his department will release an audited statement for the fund in light of the fact that none had been released in the past four years; if not, why not; if so, when;
(3) Whether any action will be taken against administrators of the fund if the audit reveals mismanagement; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3019E
Reply
(1)Anational task team has been established and provincial meeting have been held to address issues surrounding the Municipal Councillors Pension Fund.
(2)The task team is working directly with the Registrar of Pension Funds on these matters, from ourside; we will be guided by their report while dealing with the matter.
(3)The Registrar is now in the final phase of concluding his investigation into the affairs of the Fund and a further meeting with the national task team is to be held to consider possible steps to be taken against those found to have acted irregularly.
QUESTION NO: 2450
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 26 OF 03 September 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether any action will be taken against parties responsible for sending out a memorandum contrary to the Government's official position on the purchasing of 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament tickets by municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what action? NW3018E
Reply
Prior to the commencement of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the National Treasury issued a circular to municipalities indicating that the spending of municipal funds on the purchase of tickets for the event will constitute irregular, wasteful and fruitless expenditure in terms of the relevant provisions contained in the Municipal Finance Management Act, No. 56 of 2003.
Any party who has issued a memorandum that is contrary to the above will be subject to any sanction that is provided for in the Public Finance Management Act, Act No. 1 of 1999, the Municipal Finance Management Act, No. 56 of 2003, as well as the views expressed by the Auditor-General.
As both these pieces of legislation are primarily administered by the National Treasury, the Honourable Member is referred to that Ministry for further information relating to this matter.
QUESTION NO: 2395
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 OF 30 August 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether (a) his department or (b) any of its entities has signed any contractual agreements with a certain company (name furnished) or any of its affiliates (i) in the (aa) 2006-07, (bb) 2007-08, (cc) 2008-09 and (dd) 2009-10 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (aaa) what is the nature of each contract, (bbb) what is the monetary value of each contract, (ccc) what is the (aaaa) start and (bbbb) end date of each contract, (ddd) what are the details of the process that was followed for the signing of each contract, (eee) who else tendered for each contract that was awarded and (fff) what amount did each tenderer quote in each case? NW2964E
Reply
No, from our records, this Department does not have any contractual agreements with General Nyanda Security Advisory for the financial years in question.
QUESTION NO: 2358
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 OF 30 August 2010
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether the Senqu Municipality has adhered to the Auditor-General's recent recommendation to cease the illegal payment of rent to the executive mayor for his own house which has been treated as a mayoral house; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any monies have been recovered in terms of section 167(2) of the Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2927E
Reply
We were not aware of the said payments taking place at the municipality, We appreciate the fact the Honourable Member has raised this matter with us, We will launch a formal investigation on the matter.
QUESTION NO: 2357
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 OF 30 August 2010
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether his department will continue with the urban renewal programme in the current financial year; if not, when was it terminated; if so, (a) what is the total amount budgeted for this project, (b) how much of the budget has been spent since the inception of the programme, (c) what total amount of the budget for this programme is left for its implementation for the rest of this financial year and (d) what is the total number of personnel committed to it;
(2) Whether a report will be released on what this project has achieved; if not, why not; if so, when? NW2926E
Reply
1. Yes, the department will continue with the Urban Renewal Programme.
(a) The total amount budgeted for the programme over the years since the implementation of the Urban Renewal Programme under the former Department of Provincial and Local Government from 2001/2 until March 2010 was R30, 992,000.
(b) Since its inception a total amount of R20, 959,000 was spent on the programme.
(c) An amount of R4 856,000 is available for the implementation of the programme for the current financial year.
(d)Thetotal number of personnel committed to the programme is 4
(1 X Chief Director, 1 X Director and 2 X Administration Assistants).
(2) Yes, a progress report is available.
QUESTION NO: 2356
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 OF 30 August 2010
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
What was the vacancy rate for municipal managers and managers directly accountable to municipal managers in terms of section 57 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, (a) in each province and (b) countrywide at the latest specified date for which information is available? NW2925E
Reply
FILLED AND VACANT MUNICIPAL MANAGER POSTS PER PROVINCE
A total of 247 out of 283 municipal manager posts have been filled as at March 2010 representing 87% filled posts nationally.
Province |
Total MM posts |
Total filled MM posts |
Number of vacant MM posts |
Vacancy rate |
March 2010 |
March 2010 |
March 2010 |
||
Eastern Cape |
45 |
40 |
5 |
11% |
Gauteng |
15 |
11 |
4 |
26% |
Free State |
25 |
22 |
3 |
12% |
Kwazulu Natal |
61 |
61 |
0 |
0% |
Limpopo |
30 |
24 |
6 |
20% |
Mpumalanga |
21 |
15 |
6 |
29% |
Northern Cape |
32 |
26 |
6 |
19% |
North West |
24 |
20 |
4 |
17% |
Western Cape |
30 |
28 |
2 |
7% |
TOTAL |
283 |
247 |
36 |
13% |
FILLED AND VACANT SECTION 57 MANAGER POSTS
A total of 1207 (86%) out of 1411 section 57 manager posts have been filled nationally as at March 2010.
Province |
Total s57 Manager posts March 2010 |
Total filled s57 Manager posts |
Number of vacant s57 Manager posts |
Vacancy rate |
March 2010 |
March 2010 |
March 2010 |
||
Eastern Cape |
236 |
209 |
27 |
11% |
Gauteng |
136 |
120 |
16 |
12% |
Free State |
100 |
90 |
10 |
10% |
Kwazulu Natal |
277 |
245 |
32 |
12% |
Limpopo |
156 |
132 |
24 |
15% |
Mpumalanga |
101 |
98 |
3 |
3% |
Northern Cape |
115 |
89 |
26 |
23% |
North West |
131 |
97 |
34 |
26% |
Western Cape |
159 |
127 |
32 |
20% |
TOTAL |
1411 |
1207 |
204 |
14% |
QUESTION NO: 2319
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 OF 30 August 2010
Mr M Johnson (ANC) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether there are still ocean areas designated for whites only; if so, (a) which areas and (b) what is the Government's policy in this regard?
NW2854E
Reply
No. All previous legislation which permitted certain restrictions based on race or membership of a specific population group on the acquisition and utilization of rights to land were abolished in terms of Abolition of Racially Based Land Measures Act, 1991 (Act No. 27 of 1991 ),
(a)Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
QUESTION NO: 2312
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 OF 30 August 2010
Ms D Carter (Cope) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether he has put stricter measures in place to hold local government officials accountable for abusing public funds; if not, why not; if so, (a) how are these measures implemented, (b) who oversees its implementation and (c) what are the penalties for this type of transgression? NW2809E
Reply
Yes, the department has hitherto assisted 277 municipalities with the development of anti-corruption and fraud prevention plans and is in the process of revising the Supply Chain Management Regulations of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 to ensure that municipalities do not abuse the processes of awarding of tenders and other corruption related malfeasances. The Department is also currently involved with assisting municipalities with the Municipal Turn Around
QUESTION NO: 2301
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 OF 20 August 2010
Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether he has taken any steps with regard to the repeated failure of the SA Local Government Association (Salga) to secure clean audits owing to problems centered on the status of the KwaZulu-Natal Local Government Association (Kwanaloga); if not, why not; if so, what is the (a) nature and (b) outcome of the steps? NW2859E
Reply
SALGA has obtained an unqualified audit opinion for the 2009/2010 financial year.
(a) The organisation has separated the legal issues from the accounting treatment and has thus de-recognised the assets for which it has lost control. In this instance the organisation has applied the applicable accounting standards viz, GRAP 1 which define an asset as follows:
"Assets are resources controlled by an entity as a result of past events and from which future economic benefits or service potential are expected to flow to the entity. 1!
For accounting purposes, the organisation has to recognise the fact that it has lost control of the KZN operation. Consequently, the organisation could not use GRAP 17 in accounting for the assets located in KwaZulu-Natal province since it has lost control. Furthermore, the accounting standard on revenue recognition requires that SALGA fair value its revenue on initial recognition. SALGA has fair valued revenue collectable from the KwaZulu-Natal municipalities to nil for 2009/2010 as a result of the outstanding impasse between SALGA and its KZN office (Kwanaloga).
You will recall that the PFMA in section 55(1)(b) prescribes framework for accounting treatment.
The accounting treatment adopted recognises the substance of the transactions and circumstances rather than the legal form. Furthermore, the above mentioned approach allows SALGA to account for its resources in terms of the prescribed framework without mixing-up the legal matters with accounting. The approach also allows for the political engagement that is unfolding between SALGA's political leadership and Kwanaloga's political leadership to continue.
Kwanaloga is to account as a provincial public entity for all resources employed under the contror of the KwaZulu-Natal political leadership. The Auditor-General has been granted access to audit the financial records of Kwanaloga.
(b) The outcome of the steps have led to SALGA securing an unqualified audit opinion for the 2009/2010 financial year.
QUESTION NO: 1741
PUBlISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15 OF 28 May 2010
Mr. W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Government & Traditional Affairs:
What were the start and end dates of tenure In office of every (a) permanent and (b) acting (i) Director-General and (ii) chief financial officer during the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 20097 NW2007E
Director-General:
(a) (i) Permanent: 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2001
1 August 2002 to 30 June 2009
(b)(i) Acting: 14 January 2002 to 31 July 2002
1 July 2009 to 31 March 2010
Chief Financial Officer:
(a)(ii) Permanen: 1 January 2000 to 31 March 2006
(b)(ii) Acting: 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2008
1 April 2008 to 3 December 2009
4 December 2009 to date
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
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QUESTION NO: 2288
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 OF 20 August 2010
Mr M A Nhanha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether he has been informed of the shortage of water that has been plaguing Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape; if so, (a) what steps has he taken to ensure that (i) the township outside Grahamstown, (ii) the army base and (iii) the prison will have access to water and (b) who will be held accountable for this problem? NW2800E
Reply
No, the Minister had not been informed of water shortages in Grahamstown and hence there had been no initiative from DCOG to deal with the water crisis in the area.
However, the municipality has since reported that the water shortage is as a result of the drought situation that is being experienced by the Eastern Cape province generally and the town
In particular which has caused the water reserves to dry out, hence there are water challenges at the army base, prison and the township. To deal with this situation the municipality is engaging with the Department of Public Works who pledged to buy 10 000 L tanks for the prison and the army base. The municipality has also pledged to cart water to the affected areas using the fire fighting trucks which are not adequate for the extended responsibility. The Eastern Cape Province has received R86.8 million for drought relief of which a sum of R9.72 million will be going to Cacadu District Municipality as a short term intervention.
The Municipal Manager for Makana Local Municipality is responsible for ensuring that all areas under the jurisdiction of the Makana Local Municipality as a Water Services Authority has access to water by ensuring that there are skilled personnel and sufficient resources to ensure that potable water is being provided to the communities at all times.
QUESTION NO: 2253
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTiON PAPER NO 23 OF 20 August 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether his department and/or any of its entities has purchased any 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament (a) clothing or (b) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, in each case, (i) what are (aa) the details and (bb) the total cost of the items purchased, (ii)(aa) how many items have been purchased and (bb) why, (iii)(aa) to whom has each of these items been allocated and (bb) why have these items been allocated to these persons and (iv)(aa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each of these items and (bb) on whose authority was the decision taken to make these purchases? NW2761 E
Reply
(a) No
b) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what has been the position in each case; if so, in each case,
(i) what are ,
(aa) the details and Flags, vuvuzela's
(bb) the total cost of the items purchased, R4230.95
(ii) (aa) how many items have been purchased and
(bb) why, Display purposes in the foyer of the Department and Ministerial offices
(iii) (aa) to whom has each of these items been allocated and (bb) why have these items been allocated to these persons, Personel with in department to celebrate opening of the World cup in the Department.
(iv) (aa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each of these items and (bb) on whose authority was the decision taken to make these purchases? Relevant Programme Managers (DG and Acting CFO)
QUESTION NO: 2221
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 OF 20 August 2010
2221. Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether his department or any of its entities has (a) purchased
or (b) leased any buildings for administration (i) in the (aa) 2008-09 and (bb) 2009-10 and (ii) for the 2010-11 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (aaa) what is the cost of the building, (bbb) what is the size of the building, (eec) why was it bought or leased, (ddd) what will be its use, (eee) who will occupy it and (fff) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building;
(2) whether his department and any of its entities intends purchasing or leasing any buildings for administration for the (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (i) what is the cost of each building, (il) what is the size of each building, (iii) why will it be bought or leased, (iv) for what will it be used, (v) who will occupy it and
(vi) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building? NW2729E
Reply
1 (a) No
(b) The Department is leasing three buildings.
(i)
(aa) 2008-09: The Department was accommodated in three buildings.
(bb) 2009-10: The Department was accommodated in three buildings.
(ii) 2010-11: The Department is currently accommodated in three buildings on 24 months lease rentals.
(aaa) Not applicable
(bbb) The square meters comprises of:
87 Hamilton Street Building: 8933m2
NOSA Building: 3770m2
Pencardia Building: 9000m2
(ccc) The building is leased to accommodate all staff members in accordance with an approved establishment.
(ddd) Office accommodation
(eee) Office accommodation for all personnel of the Department. .
(fff) 87 Hamilton Street Building: 283 staff members
Pencardia Building: 301
NOSA Building: 100
2) (a) 2011-12: The Department is currently accommodated in three buildings on 24 months lease rentals
(b) 2012-13: The Department provided DPW with new accommodation requirements and requested DPW to acquire consolidated accommodation in accordance with integrated needs assessments. The Department is waiting for the outcome of the costing of the construction of a new building to consolidate the need for three buildings as a permanent solution beyond the lease period.
(c) 2013-14: The Department will have no other option but to continue renting beyond the existing lease period, should the DPW fall to acquire consolidated accommodation beyond 2012-13.
(i) Waiting for the outcome from DPW on the costing.
(ii) 15044m2
(iii ) The Department is opting for the construction of a new building as an alternative to consolidate the need for the
three buildings as a permanent solution. Acquisition of consolidated office accommodation is a necessity and
very critical for enhancement of service delivery in the
entire department. DCoG is experiencing numerous
logistical problems as a result of being accommodated in
different buildings.
(iv) Office accommodation
(v) Officials for the Department of Cooperative Governance
and Traditional Affairs.
(vi) According to the establishment for the 2012-13 financial
year eight-hundred and twenty-five (825) will have to be
accommodated in the new building.
QUESTION 2202
23 OF 2010 August
Mr D C Ross (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether, in light of the recent problems experienced by Eskom in the Free State in recovering monies owed for services rendered to 54 municipalities, his department has formulated a policy to achieve sustainable solutions for these municipalities which will negate the necessity to terminate the supply of electricity to defaulting consumers and safeguard the interests of paying consumers; if not, why not; if so, what (a) measures have been included in the policy to compel consumers to pay for the electricity supplied by Eskom and (b) are the relevant details;
Whether this policy includes a provision which obliges Eskom to mitigate its losses when faced with the situation experienced in the Free State; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2709E
Reply
Two of the major reasons behind the inability of many municipalities in the Free State to meet their obligations towards, among other service providers, ESKOM, have to do with (i) their inability to accurately project their cash flows and (ii) the challenges associated with collecting all billed operating revenue due to them. The Free State Provincial Treasury, the National Treasury and other major stakeholders are currently working to find a sustainable solution to these factors. It is also hoped that the various training interventions in financial management being currently offered by the National Treasury will, in the near future, begin to make a significant impact in as far as building financial management capacity in these municipalities.
In addition, municipalities in arrears have been encouraged to engage with Eskom to make arrears payment arrangement and to honour current account. Currently ESKOM is satisfied that the arrears will be paid from the equitable share allocations in November 2010. However a concern still exists with ESKOM on the ability of municipalities to settle it's monthly accounts. In the interim it was agreed that although ESKOM will not stop their disconnection process, the dates of cut-off notices will be postponed to allow municipalities the opportunity to settle arrear accounts from Equitable share allocations.
In the meantime, municipalities are encouraged to vigorously implement their respective credit control policies as a way of compelling consumers to pay for the electricity supplied to them by ESKOM. ESKOM too is encouraged to apply its own credit control policy to customers it directly supplies and to municipalities,
QUESTION NO: 2186
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 OF 20 August 2010
Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether all provinces have established disaster management centres in terms of section 29 of the Disaster Management Act, Act 57 of 2002; if not, (a) which provinces have not established such centres and (b) what action is being taken to ensure the establishment of such centres;
(2) whether all provinces have submitted disaster management plans to the National Centre in terms of section 38 of the Act; If not, (a) which provinces have not submitted plans in terms of the legislation and (b) what action is being taken to ensure that acceptable and appropriate disaster management plans are in place;
(3) whether all municipalities have established disaster management centres in terms of section 43 of the Act; if not, (a) which municipalities have not established such centres and (b) what action is being taken to ensure the establishment of such centres;
(4) whether all municipalities have submitted complete disaster management plans to the National Centre in terms of section 53 of the Act; if not, (a) which municipalities have not submitted complete disaster management plans and (b) what action is being taken to ensure that complete disaster management plans are in place;
(5) whether all provinces and municipalities have submitted annual reports to the National Centre in terms of section 36 and section 50 of the Act; if not, (a) which provinces and municipalities have not submitted annual reports and (b) what action has been taken to remedy the situation? NW2692E
Reply
(1) Not all provinces have established disaster management centres in accordance with section 29 of the Disaster Management Act, Act 57 of 2002.
(a) The Northern Cape is the only province that has not yet established a disaster management centre. The reason being financial and capacity constraints. Mpumalanga Province currently operates from the disaster management centre in Nelspruit The permanent centre is complete and should be furnished and- operational by the end of September 2010.
(b) The relevant details of the Provincial Disaster Management Centres that have been established are attached as follows:
(2) In terms .of section 43 of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 only Metropolitan and District Municipalities must establish a disaster management centre.
(a) The following municipalities have not yet established a disaster management centre:
Xhariep District Municipality, Free State
Sedibeng District Municipality, Gauteng
Metsweding District Municipality, Gauteng
Uthukela District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal (Procurement process in progress).
Amajuba District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal (Procurement process in progress).
Umkhanyakude District Municipality. KwaZulu-Natal (Procurement process in progress).
Sisonke District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal (Procurement process in progress).
Vhembe District Municipality. Limpopo
Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo
Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality, Limpopo
Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga
Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga
John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape
Namakwa District Municipality, Northern Cape
Naka Modiri Molema District Municipality
Cape Winelands District Municipality, Western Cape
Mothea District Municipality, Free State (Building has been identified)
Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Free State (Construction has commenced)
Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality, Free State
Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Free State (Construction is complete - require assistance with regard to the development of aninformation management system)
No information is available with regard to the following municipalities:
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng
Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga
Capricorn District Municipality. Limpopo Province
Frances Baard District Municipality, Northern Cape
Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality, Northern Cape
(3) The Gauteng. Western Cape and Limpopo Provinces have submitted their disaster management plans to the national centre in accordance with section 38 of the Act.
(a) The following provinces have not yet submitted plans:
Province |
Reasons |
|
Eastern Cape |
Still finalising the development of the Provincial Disaster Management Policy Framework. |
|
Free State |
Draft Plan is complete and has been submitted to ExCo for adoption. |
|
Kwa Zulu-Natal |
Framework is being finalised for publication. Plan still to be completed |
|
Mpumalanga |
, |
A draft disaster management plan is available. |
North West |
Plan still to be completed. |
|
Northern Cape |
In process of appointing a Service Provider to assist the PDMC to develop a plan. |
(4) The following metropolitan and district municipalities have not submitted acceptable and appropriate disaster management plans to the national centre in accordance with section 53 of the Act:
Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (The plan has been completed).
Cacadu District Municipality (The first draft plan has been developed).
Amathole District Municipality (The draft plan is in place).
Chris Hani District Municipality (The draft plan is in place).
Joe Gqabi District Municipality (Process has been started but short of funds).
OR Tambo District Municipality (In progress starting with risk assessment process).
Alfred Nzo District Municipality (A service provider has been appointed).
Xhariep District Municipality (Plan is still to be reviewed)
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
Sedibeng District Municipality
Metsweding District Municipality
Ethekwini Metropolity Municipality (Being finalised)
Ugu District Municipality (Available plan to be submitted to the NDMC)
Umgungundlovu District Municipality
Uthukela District Municipality
Umzinyathi Dj"strict Municipality
Amajuba District Municipality (New plan being prepared - previous draft has expired)
Zululand District Municipality' (Available plan to be submitted to the NDMC)
Umkhanyakude District Municipality (Available plan to be submitted to the NDMC)
Uthungulu District Municipality (Available plan to be submitted to the NDMC)
lIembe District Municipality (Available plan to be submitted to the NDMC)
Sisonke Distrlct Municipality (Available plan to be submitted to the NDMC)
Vhembe District Municipality (Available plan to be submitted to the NDMC)
Capricorn District Municipality
Waterbeg District Municipality (The reviewed Plan and Framework was submitted to the PDMC on 25 March 2010)
Greater Sekhukhune Municipality
Gert Sibande District Municipality
Nkangala District Municipality
Ehlanzeni District Municipality
John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality
Frances Baard District Municipality
Namakwa District Municipality
Pixley Ka Same District Municipality
Siyanda District Municipality
Bojanala Platinum District Municipality (The municipality does have a plan)
Naka Modiri Molema District Municipality (Leve/1 plan completed)
Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (Leve/2 plan is complete) City of Cape Town (Plan completed - submitted to the Province)
West Coast District Municipality (Plan completed - submitted to the Province)
Cape Winelands District Municipality (PDMC supporting and guiding
QUESTION NO: 2185
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 OF 20 August 2010
Mr M H Steele (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) (a) How many municipal public accounts committees (MPACs) have been established to date, (b) in which municipalities and (c) what training has been provided for members of MPACs by his department or any other agencies;
(2) whether his department will monitor the effectiveness of these committees; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether he will make a statement on this matter? NW2691 E
Reply
The establishment of MPAC's varies from province to province; training is being provided by the provinces that have established MPAC's and the other provinces will provide training as MPAC's are established,
The following is the status quo of MPAC's per province:
1. Gauteng Province
In Gauteng all municipalities currently have MPAC's, 13 MPACs have been established. The Metsweding district are utilizing the shared services model for the MPAC, hence 13 and not 15.
2. North West Province
No Municipal Public Accounts Committee were established in any of the municipalities in the province, the province is planning to assist with the establishment of MPAC's and the rolling-out of training programmes, this process will be completed by the end of the current financial year.
3. Limpopo Province
In the Limpopo Province the MPAC's system is being piloted only in the Sekhukhune District municipality and the other municipalities will follow during the financial year.
4. Nothern Cape
No MPAC's have been established in the province, there are Oversight Committees functioning in all municipalities with regards to annual reports.
Due to the demographics of the Province it will not be effective to have MPAC's at individual municipalities as the average number of councilor in a municipality is six.
The Province has decided to apply the shared services approach to the MPAC and therefore five MPAC committees will be formed in the five District Municipalities.
5, Eastern Cape Province
No municipality has established MPACs as yet however all the municipalities have oversight committees to deal with the annual reports.
6. Kwa-Zulu Natal Province
24 MPACs have been established in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province in the
following municipalities:
Ethekwini
Ugu (DC 21)
Vulamehlo (KZ211)
Umdoni (KZ212)
Umzumbe (KZ213)
Richmond (KZ227)
uMtshezi (KZ234)
Endumeni (KZ241)
Nquthu (KZ242)
uMvoti (KZ245)
Newcastle (KZ252)
Emadlangeni (KZ253)
Jozini (KZ272)
The Big Five False Bay (KZ273)
uThungulu (DC28)
Mfolozi (Mbonambi) (KZ281)
uMhlathuze (KZ282)
uMlalazi (KZ284)
Ilembe (DC29)
Mandeni (KZ291)
KwaDukuza (KZ292)
Sisonke (DC43)
Kwa Sani (KZ5a2)
uBuhlebezwe (KZ5a5)
The remaining municipalities are being assisted to establish MPAC's, it is envisaged that this process will be completed by 31 March 2011.
7.Mpumalanga Province
The following 7 municipalities have established MPAC's in the province:
Nkomazi Municipality
Bushbuckridge Municipality
Victor khanye Municipality
Govan Mbeki Municipality
Albert Luthuli Municipality
Emalahleni Municipality
Gert Sibande District Municipality
The province is assisting the balance of municipalities to also establish MPAC's.
8. Western Cape Province
The following three municipalities have established MPAC's In the Western Cape province:
City of Cape Town;
Central Karoo OM; and
Swellendam LM
9. Free State Province
No MPAC's have been established in the Free State Province as yet, the Province has conducted a workshop whereby 24 of the 25 municipalities have signed a declaration to establish the MPAC's.
The provincial Public Account Committee is currently assisting municipalities in the establishment of MPAC's.
Yes the department is monitoring both the establishment and functionality of MPACS through the Operation Clean Audit Programme.
The provinces are required to include the MPAC's in their provincial Operation Clean Audit Action Plans which are monitored on a quarterly basis for progress. Within these plans Provinces are required to demonstrate details of the support being provided to municipalities in both establishment and training and timeframes.
A training programme is also being planned in partnership with SALGA to include MPAC training as part of the new Councillors induction process after the Local government elections in 2011.
QUESTION NO: 2183
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 OF 20 August 2010
Mr T 0 Lee (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether any funds have been allocated to a certain trust (Bethelsdorp Development Trust) since 1 January 2000; if so, (a) what amount in each year and (b) for what reasons in each case?
NW2689E
Reply
This department does not have any funds allocated to any Trust Account
FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 2175
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 OF 20 August 2010
Mr. N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) (a) How many municipalities are without permanent (a) municipal
managers and (b) financial officers and (b) what are the reasons for these municipalities not having permanent senior staff;
(2) whether he will take any steps to ensure that every municipality has qualified, permanent senior managers; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW2681 E
Reply
(1)(a)Attached is a list of municipalities are without permanent (a) municipal managers and (b) financial officers
1 (b) Section 57(6)(a) of the Municipal Systems Act,2000 stipulates
that the employment contract for a municipal manager must be for a fixed term of contract not exceeding a period ending one year after the election of the next council of the municipality.
Section 57(7) stipulates that a municipality may extend the application of subsection (6) to any manager directly accountable to the municipal manager. Therefore, there are no senior staffs appointed on a permanent basis.
The Honourable Member will note that information from Free State, Mpumalanga and Kwa Zulu Natal province is incomplete. The outstanding information will be made available to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available.
2 The Ministry for Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs has tabled the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Bill to Parliament.
The Act currently does not prescribe minimum requirements for the appointment of municipal managers and senior managers. The insertion of section 54A and the amendment of section 56 oblige municipalities to only appoint people with appropriate "skills, expertise, competencies and qualifications" as municipal managers or acting municipal managers. The employment contracts of managers who do not meet these requirements, shall be null and void and the MEC is obliged to take appropriate steps to enforce compliance with these requirements if a person has been appointed in contravention of the new legislation. Any councilor voting in favour of the appointment of a municipal manager, knowing that he or she does not meet the requirements of the legislation, may be held personally liable for any fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 2158
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21 OF 13 August 2010
Mr N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether any plans are in place to finance the maintenance of the new stadia where municipalities are unable to bear the costs; if not, why not; if so, what plans? NW2607E
Reply
No. There are no plans by national government to finance the maintenance of the new stadia where municipalities are unable to bear such costs.
In August 2006, the Host Cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup developed business plans with financial forecasts to ensure financial sustainability of the venues once the competition was over. The national government set up a conditional grant to assist the
municipalities with capital finance for the construction of the new stadiums.
It should be also noted that six of the ten stadia that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup are owned by municipalities, and as such, it is the responsibility of these municipalities to budget for the long term maintenance of their respective stadiums and to implement a business model to ensure the financial sustainability of those venues. As part of their plans, the municipalities have decided to appoint independent authorities to ensure the commercial viability of these stadia.
The Royal Bafokeng Stadium (in the Rustenburg Local Municipality), the Ellis Park Stadium (in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality), the Free State Stadium (in the Mangaung Local Municipality), and the Loftus Versfeld Stadium (in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality) are privately owned.
The other six stadia are owned by the following municipalities:
NAME OF STADIUM |
NAME OF MUNICIPALITY |
FNB Stadium (known as Soccer City during the 2010 FIFA World Cup) |
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality |
Moses Mabhida Stadium |
Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality |
Cape Town Stadium |
City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality |
Mbombela Stadium |
Mbombela Local Municipality |
Peter Mokaba Stadium |
Polokwane Local Municipality |
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium |
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality |
QUESTION NO: 2118
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21 OF 13 August 2010
Mrs A T Lovermore (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether, with regard to interaction between his department's advocate (name furnished) and the Ndlambe community, hehas taken any steps to improve service delivery by the Ndlambe municipality; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will steps be taken; if so, (i) what steps and (ii) what are the relevant details?NW2558E
Reply
NDLAMBE MUNICIPALITY
PORT ALFRED
Phone: (046) 624 1140
Causeway
PO Box 13
Port Alfred
6170
Fax: (046) 6242669
http://www.ndlambe.co.za
Please address all correspondence to The Municipal Manager.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Ref: - 8469 17 August 2010
Your Ref: Adv Gaum
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enquiries: Mr R Dumezweni
DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS
Private Bag X 804
PRETORIA
000
FOR ATTENTION: ADV GAUM
Dear Sir,
PROGRESS REPORT AND SUPPORT PROVIDED BY BOTH PROVINCE AND NATIONAL
The MEC- Local government and Traditional Affairs - Eastern Cape was one of the instrumental people who assisted in securing the R 31 million grant for Water supply in Ndlambe Municipality. He arranged the meeting with DWAF-DG in Port Elizabeth and immediately three weeks later the grant was accessed. Again DWAF is giving the Municipality R 9 million for water harvesting.
The National and Provincial Treasury arranged a meeting with NAG, NRF and the Municipality to discuss the budget issues after they received a complaint/petition from NAG. Minutes of the meeting are appended.
The progress in general so far as other matter raised by NAG are addressed. Ms Mali issue on Johannesburg trip has been resolved. The Internal Auditor investigated the matter and the travel agency admitted that it was at fault and it has paid the money. Ms Mali is innocent in this regard.
The PWC report was submitted to council on 7 July 2010 and an ad hoc committee consisting of three (3) ANC councillors and one DA councillor have submitted their final report to council on 28 July 2010. This matter is also resolved or completed.
Your department is now facilitating a meeting with NAG to unlock the negotiations in the week of 23-27 August 2010 and the council is willing to faithfully participate in the session. Mr Christo Nel has arranged with the Mayor already to facilitate a workshop to unlock the negotiations between two parties.
The Municipal Manager and his management are going to submit a turnaround service delivery plan to council 011 the 31 August 2010 where it is changing the strategic and operational way of doing things especially on those matters that NAG and Imbizo's have raised, This is going to involve everybody in the staff component or hierarchy.
A proper declaration of interest form has been formulated and endorsed by council for both officials and councillors. This has been given to all councillors to fill in. This seeks to respond to the concern of NAG on officials/ councillors having businesses with the municipality.
The Chief Directorate: Rural Disaster Mitigation Services within the Department of Rural development and Land Reform is busy facilitating a meeting with the office of the Municipal Manager in response to the letter that was written to the Minister to Declare Ndlambe as Disaster area. This meeting should take place on the 9 September 2010.
Any further enquiries could be forwarded to my office.
Yours faithfully
R DUMEZWENI
MUNICI AL MANAGER
FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 2126
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21 OF 13 August 2010
Mr P J C Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether he intends introducing changes to the current system of local government particularly with regard to district municipalities; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, what are the relevant details? NW2566E
Reply
The Department is in the process of a Policy Review on Provincial and Local Government. As yet, the government has not taken any decision on any changes of the current system of local government, including the status of the district municipalities.
FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 2177
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 OF 20 August 2010
Mr R N Cebekhulu (IFP) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
What steps will he take or measures will he put in place to ensure that future appointees to the post of municipal manager meet the prescribed requirements of the job? NW2683E
Reply
The Ministry for Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs has tabled the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Bill to Parliament.
The Act currently does not prescribe minimum requirements for the appointment of municipal managers and senior managers. The insertion of section 54A and the amendment of section 56 oblige municipalities to only appoint people with appropriate "skills, expertise, competencies and qualifications" as municipal managers or acting municipal managers. The employment contracts of managers who do not meet these requirements, shall be null and void and the MEC is obliged to take appropriate steps to enforce compliance with these requirements if a person has been appointed in contravention of the new legislation, Any councilor voting in favour of the appointment of a municipal manager, knowing that he or she does not meet the requirements of the legislation, may be held personally liable for any fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
QUESTION NO: 2113
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21 OF 13 August 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether, with reference to the disclaimer in the Auditor-General's report of 19 March 2010 that R300 million has not been accounted for in the Kungwini municipality, an investigation has been conducted to establish why the amount was unaccounted for; if not, why not; if so, (a) for what purpose was this money utilised, (b) when will the report be made available to the pubJic and (c) what are the further relevant details of the report? NW2552E
Reply
The finding on the Auditor General's report pertained to Non disclosure of contingent liability of R300 000 000 in the 2008/09 AFS (Annual Financial Statements). The item was omitted in error and will be disclosed in 2009/10 AFS as a correction of error in previous financial year.
FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 2093
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 OF 06 Aug 2010
Mr J J Mc Gluwa (ID) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to a certain court case (details furnished), any action has been taken against the municipal manager and the council that approved the sale of the 27 erven; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) (a) what (i) was the total legal cost of the said court case and (Ii) attempts have been made to recover the legal costs from a certain company (name furnished) since the judgement has been granted and (b) who are the current owners of the 27 erven?
NW2497E
Reply
(1) The case was only concluded in May 2010, thereafter Council went on recess. In essence the matter has not been submitted to Council as yet.
(2)(a) (i) R 381 845.00 (ii) The decision wif1 be a prerogative of the Council once a full report has been tabled. (b) The total number of the plots advertised was 36 (thirty six). Of the 36 only 5 (five) has been sold. Erf 2565:ABA Group Contract Management CC
Erf 5817: Tshongwana Yoliswa Edith
Erf 5818: Tshongwana Yoliswa Edith
Erf 5819: Tshongwana Yoliswa Edith
Erf 5826: Tshongwana Yoliswa Edith
FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 2032
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 17 OF 06 Aug 2010
Ms D Carter (Cope) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether all municipalities have implemented Schedule 1 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, Act 117 of 1998, to allow for municipal demarcation boards to delimit wards for all qualifying municipalities in preparation for the 2011 local government elections; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2371 E
Reply
The Municipal Demarcation Board ("the Board") is the only authority responsible to implement Schedule 1 of the Local Government Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act No. 117 of 1998) to delimit wards after consultation with the Independent Electoral Commission (lEG), not municipalities.
However, the Board works with all the municipalities, South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Provinces and IEC and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs as primary stakeholders, and communities to delimit wards.
Currently the process is at an advanced stage and the Board intends to hand over final delimited wards to the IEC by 1 September 2010.
QUESTION NO: 1996
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 OF 30 July 2010
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) In each province, (a) how many community development workers have been appointed by 30 March 2010 and (b) who (i) was responsible for their appointment, (ii) is responsible for their remuneration and (iii) do they report to;
(2) Whether these workers form part of the civil service; if not, why not; [f so, what are the relevant details? NW2393E
Reply
1 (a) Number of CDWs
CDWs Per Province
598
There are currently 3327 CDWs deployed. To date, Eastern Cape has the highest number of CDWs employed per province while Western Cape has the lowest number of CDWs enrolled in the Programme. Initially 400 learners were trained on the learnership in Western Cape, but only 200 CDWs were recruited and l or employed due to budget constraints.
Appointment of CDWs
To begin to qualify for recruitment and selection, candidates should:
- Live in the community in which they wish to serve
- Be acceptable to and trusted by members of the community
- Show potential to be excellent communicators
- Be knowledgeable about the community
- Be known to be reliable and responsible, having voluntary or other community-
based experience in that community
- Be respectful of the community
- Have the best interests of the people in that community at heart
- Be able to work effectively with the local political structures
- Have a minimum of NQF level 4 or grade 11 (standard nine) or equivalent to access the learnership. (Provinces are reviewing additional educational requirements.)
Prospective CDW candidates are selected after being interviewed by their ward committees. As the selection panelists, ward committees are required to identify equal numbers of men and
women and are encouraged to include people with disabilities.
1 (b) (i and ii) The provincial governments (Department of Cooperative governance and traditional affairs). (iii) They report to coordinators employed at regional and district level.
2. CDWs are public servants and they are governed by the Public Service Act. A CDW regulations been developed and will be tabled in November 2010.
QUESTION NO: 1995
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 OF 30 July 2010
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether his department's clean audit campaign has made provision to assist the municipalities who failed to submit their accounts in the 2008-09 financial year, to submit their accounts timeously for the 2009-10 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2392E
Reply
Yes, through the Operation Clean Audit programme all the municipalities who did
not submit including those who received disclaimers and adverse opinion are
receiving support in order to submit credible annual financial statements (AFS) on the 31st August 2010.
The approach differs per province and per the requirements of the individual
municipality; in most cases it includes the following:
- Where the root cause for late submission was a lack of adequate skills and knowledge the municipality is assisted to appoint key financial management personnel including the CFO.
- In some instances where adequate skills and knowledge are an issue but there are no resources, a person is either seconded from the province or an external resource is appointed.
- The partnership between CoGTA and DBSA on Operation Clean Audit has been used to co-ordinate the resources from the DBSA's Siyenza Manje project to be directly linked to those municipalities identified as requiring maximum support for credible AFS submission and improved audit opinions.
- The Operation Clean Audit Provincial Co-ordinating Committee is a forum in each province where all role players, ie Provincial Treasury, Provincial CoGTA, SALGA, DBSA, Office of the Premier and Office of the Auditor General (as support but maintaining their independence) get together and strategise on the municipalities that require support and the approach required for each considering the individual circumstances and an action plan is agreed to.
- This approach makes it possible for the resources to be combined and focused on areas of critical need and thus maximise impact whilst eliminating the risk of duplication.
- Operation Clean Audit nationally monitors the functionality of these forums, the performance on the action plans and the partnerships; whenever necessary they intervene.
- The individual municipalities as role players are also invited to some of these forums to give progress reports and report on any challenges experienced.
QUESTION NO: 1930
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 17 OF 26 July 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether Members of the Executive Council of each province have complied with section 47 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, in the (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03, (c) 2003-04, (d) 2004-05, (e) 2005-06, (f) 2006-07, (g) 2007 -08, (h) 2008-09 and (i) 2009-10 financial years; if not, (i) why not, (ii) which provinces have failed to comply in each of the respective financial years and (iii) what action has been taken in this regard? NW2318E
Reply
(a-d) There were no Section 47 reports submitted to the former Department of Provincial and Local Government during this period. The Department took a step to strengthen the implementation of Performance Management Systems through provision of technical support.
(e) In the 2005/06 financial year, all provinces submitted their consolidated Section 47 reports. However, only seven (7) were tabled at the provincial legislatures. The provinces that did not table their report at the legislature were Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape.
(f) The Department of Cooperative Governance (previously the dplg), in 2007/08 financial year provided technical support with regards to Performance Management Systems implementation (PMS) to Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape with the intention of improving the submission and quality of the Section 46 municipal reports thereby improving the quality of the Section 47 reports and consequently the Minister's Section 48 report.
(g) In 2006/07 seven (7) provinces submitted and tabled their reports to their provincial legislatures. Eastern Cape and Free State only submitted their reports to the Minister for Cooperative Governance and have not tabled their reports to their provincial legislature.
(h) In 2007/08, only seven (7) provinces submitted and tabled their reports to provincial legislatures. Free State province has only submitted their report to the Minister for Cooperative Governance without tabling at the legislature.
(i) Mpumalanga is the only province that has not submitted their 2007/08 report and they have stated capacity constraints as the reason for noncompliance.
- In the 2005/06 financial year details of the submission to provincial legislature and gazzetting were not provided.
- In the 2006/07 financial year, Northern Cape was the only province to submit their report to the NCOP and gazette it. North West also submitted their report to the NCOP. In the 2007/08 financial year, only three (3) provinces - Eastern Cape, North West and Western Cape submitted their reports to their NCOP and gazetted. Reasons for non-compliance by other provinces were not provided.
FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 1867
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 04 OF 04 June 2010
Dr L L Bosman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether he will introduce amendments to the Disaster Management Act, Act 57 of 2002, to include measures to counteract financial losses suffered as a result of the recent disastrous Transnet strike; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2160E
Reply
No, Section 2(1)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No, 57 of 2002), clearly states that the Act does not apply to an occurrence falling within the definition of "disaster" in Section 1 of the said Act - "to the extent that that occurrence can be dealt with effectively in terms of other national legislation", such as labour law legislation-
"(i) aimed at reducing the risk, and addressing the consequences, of occurrences of that nature".
It would therefore not be appropriate to amend the Disaster Management Act for this purpose.
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
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QUESTION NO: 251
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 02 OF 19 February 2010
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether, since his appointment, he appointed a ministerial task team to investigate (a) municipalities in the North West and/or (b) the Province itself; if not, on what grounds was intervention done in several municipalities; if so, (i) who served in the task team and (ii) what was the brief given to the task team;
(2) Whether he intends briefing the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on the report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW266E
Reply
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has since initiated a comprehensive assessment of state of local government in South Africa, The assessments were triggered by the resolve to ascertain the state of Local Government in 2009 and to establish what can be done to improve performance of Local Government going forward. The departmental officials working with provincial counterparts interacted with all 283 municipalities, including interviews and engagement with key stakeholders in municipalities such as business stakeholders, ward committees, traditional leaders, unions, and other organisations.
The members of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs attended the Launch of the "State of Local Government Report and Municipal Turn Around Strategy". Furthermore, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs officials have interacted and presented the Local Government Turn Around Strategy to the Portfolio Committee.
QUESTION NO: 259
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 02 OF 19 February 2010
Mrs M Wenger (OA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
With reference to the key findings in the Auditor-General's report in the 2008-09 financial year that 62% of the provincial departments do not comply with regulatory requirements, (a) which provincial departments are responsible and (b) for what percentage of the noncompliance; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW274E
Reply
Province |
Department |
Area of Non-Compliance |
|
Gauteng |
Education |
Investment in infrastructure |
|
Health |
Investment in infrastructure |
||
Transversal |
Entities that are connected with government employees I |
||
doing business with departments . |
|||
KwaZulu-Natal |
Education |
Investment in infrastructure I |
|
Health and Social |
Welfare Investment in infrastructure |
||
Mpumalanga |
Education |
Investment in infrastructure |
|
Health |
Investment in infrastructure |
||
Transversal |
Entities that are connected with government |
||
employees doing business with departments |
|||
Limpopo |
Education |
Investment in infrastructure |
|
Health and Social |
Investment in infrastructure |
||
Welfare |
|||
Housing |
Allocation of housing subsidies to municipal employees |
||
I |
and the administration of low-cost housing projects by |
||
the department |
|||
Transversal |
i Entities that are connected with Government |
Province |
Department |
Area of Non-Compliance |
||
employees doing business with departments |
-- |
|||
North West |
Agriculture, |
Procurement of agricultural equipment |
||
Conservation and |
||||
Environment |
||||
Education |
Investment in infrastructure |
|||
Health |
Investment in Infrastructure |
|||
I Transversal |
Entities that are connected with government |
|||
employees and doing business with departments |
||||
Free State |
Education |
Investment in infrastructure |
||
Health |
Investment in infrastructure |
|||
I Housing |
Allocation of housing subsidies to municipal employees |
|||
I |
and the administration of low-cost housing projects by |
|||
the department |
||||
Transversal |
Entities that are connected with government employees |
|||
and doing business with the departments |
||||
Northern Cape |
Housing |
Administration of low-cost housing projects by the |
||
department |
||||
Transversal |
Entities that are connected with government employees |
|||
and dOing business with deoartments |
||||
Eastern Cape |
Education |
Investment in infrastructure |
||
Health |
Investment in infrastructure |
|||
Transversal |
Entities that are connected with government employees |
|||
and doing business with the department |
||||
Western Cape |
Education |
Investment in infrastructure |
||
Health |
Investment in infrastructure |
|||
Local Government |
Allocation of housing subsidies to municipal employees |
|||
and |
and the administration of low-cost housing projects by |
|||
Housing |
the department |
|||
Environmental Affairs |
Handling of confiscated abalone |
|||
I |
and Tourism |
|||
) |
Transversal |
Entities that are connected with government employees |
||
I |
doing business with the department |
(b) The Auditor-General has a specific formula which is using to quantify the level in percentages of non-compliance on the areas as reflected in the last column of the table above. We are still waiting submission from the Auditor-General on these figures.
QUESTION NO: 260
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 02 OF 19 February 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional
Affairs:
What are the (a) names and (b) details of the 42% municipalities that did not report on their performance as indicated in the findings of the Auditor General's report for the 2008-09 financial years? NW275E
Reply
This report has just been recently tabled to provinces; the Department is currently in the process of collating all relevant information required. A complete reply will be forwarded to you, once information is obtained.
QUESTION NUMBER 260
(Internal Question Paper NW275E - 2009)
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
1. What are the (a) names and (b) details of the 42% municipalities that did not report on their performance as indicated in the findings of the Auditor General's report for the 2008-09 financial years? NW275Em
REPL.Y
According to the information received from the Auditor-General. 110 municipalities out of 283 did not report on their performance. The following are the names of the municipalities that did not report on their performance:
NO |
Province |
Municipal /Entity |
Expected / actual date of tabling of the annual report |
1 |
EC |
Alfred Nzo District |
29-Mar-10 |
2 |
EC |
Amahlathl |
31-Mar-10 |
3 |
EC |
Amathole District |
31-Mar-10 |
4 |
EC |
Arna/hole Economic Development |
31-Mar-10 |
Aaencv |
|||
5 |
EC |
Baviaans |
31-Mar-10 |
6 |
EC |
Buffalo City |
31-Mar-10 |
7 |
EC |
Buffalo City Development Agency |
31-Mar-10 |
8 |
EC |
Camdeboo |
31-Mar-10 |
9 |
EC |
Centenary Hall |
31-Mar-10 |
10 |
EC |
Chris Han; District |
Not yet scheduled |
11 |
EC |
Emalahleni |
31-Mar-10 |
12 |
EC |
Engcobo |
30-Apr-10 |
13 |
EC |
Feather Market |
31-Mar-10 |
14 |
EC |
Ikwezi |
31-Mar-10 |
15 |
EC |
Ingquza Hilt |
29-Mar-10 |
16 |
EC |
Inkwanca |
31-Mar-10 |
17 |
EC |
Intsika |
16-Mar-10 |
18 |
EC |
Inxuba Yethemba |
04-Feb-10 |
19 |
EC |
Kouga |
H-Mar-10 |
20 |
EC |
Mandela Bay Development Agency |
31-Mar-10 |
21 |
EC |
Mbhashe |
17":Mar-10 |
22 |
EC |
Mnquma |
31-Mar-10 |
23 |
EC |
Nelson Mandala Metro |
31-Mar-10 |
24 |
EC |
Ngqushwa |
Not yet scheduled |
25 |
EC |
Nkonkobe |
02-Mar-10 |
26 |
EC |
Ntinga OR Tambo Development |
31-Mar..10 |
Agency |
|||
27 |
EC |
Nxuba |
15-Feb-10 |
28 |
EC |
Nyandeni |
31-Mar10 |
29 |
EC |
OR Tambo District |
31-Mar-10 |
30 |
EC |
Port St Johns |
Not yet scheduled |
31 |
EC |
Sakhisizwe |
31-Mar-10 |
32 |
EC |
Senqu |
31-Mar-10 |
33 |
EC |
Sundays River Valley |
Not yet scheduled |
34 |
EC |
Ukhahlamba District |
09-Apr-10 |
35 |
EC |
Umzimvumbu |
31-Mar-10 |
36 |
FS |
Centlec (pty) LId |
31 March 2010* |
37 |
FS |
Letsemeng |
23-Feb-10 |
38 |
FS |
Mafube |
09-Feb-10 |
39 |
FS |
Malutl-A-Phofung |
31 March 2010. |
40 |
FS |
Mantsopa |
31 March 2010. |
41 |
FS |
Masilonyana |
01-Feb-10 |
42 |
FS |
Matjhabeng |
10 March 2010. |
43 |
FS |
Nala |
31 March 2010* |
44 |
FS |
Naledi |
22-Feb-10 |
45 |
FS |
Ngwathe |
24-Feb-10 |
46 |
FS |
Nketoana |
12-Mar-10 |
47 |
FS |
Phumelela |
31 March 2010. |
48 |
FS |
Setsoto |
31 March 2010" |
49 |
FS |
Tswelopele |
31 March 2010* |
50 |
GP |
Lesedi local Municipality |
23-Feb-10 |
51 |
GP |
Metsweding District Municipality |
21..Feb-10 |
52 |
GP |
Nokeng Tsa Taemane |
Awaiting confirmation |
53 |
GP |
Randfonteln Local Municipality |
03.Feb.10 |
54 |
GP |
Sedlbeng District Municipality |
Expected in Mar-10 |
55 |
GP |
Westonaria Local Municipality |
02-Feb-10 |
56 |
KZN |
eMadlangeni |
No - date not available |
57 |
KZN |
Indaka |
01-Feb-10 |
58 |
KZN |
Mbonambl |
18-Feb-10 |
59 |
KZN |
Mkhambathini |
No - date not available |
60 |
KZN |
Umgungundlovu District |
04-Feb-10 |
61 |
LP |
B10uberg |
*30 March 2010 |
62 |
LP |
Elias Motsoaledi |
*Before 31 March 2010 |
63 |
LP |
Greater Letaba |
26-Feb-10 |
64 |
LP |
Greater Tubatse |
.11 March 2010 |
65 |
LP |
Greater Tzaneen |
23-Feb-10 |
66 |
LP |
Lephalale |
No date available |
67 |
LP |
Makhudutamaga |
No date available |
68 |
LP |
MogalakwenEi |
24-Feb-10 |
69 |
LP |
Mookgophong |
No date available |
70 |
LP |
Mutale |
No date available |
71 |
LP |
ThuJamefa |
No date available |
72 |
LP |
Vhembe District |
No date available |
73 |
LP |
Waterberg District |
No date available |
74 |
MP |
Dipaflseng |
30-Apr-10 |
75 |
MP |
Dr JS Moroka |
#REF! |
76 |
MP |
Emalahleni |
04-Mar-10 |
77 |
MP |
Mkhondo |
Audit not completed |
78 |
MP |
Msukaligwa |
Audit not completed |
79 |
MP |
Pixley Ka Seme (Volksrust) |
#REFI |
80 |
MP |
Thaba Chweu |
#REF! |
81 |
NC |
Dikgatlong |
11-Feb-10 |
82 |
NC |
Ga-Seoonvane |
22-Feb-10 |
83 |
NC |
KailGarib |
16-Feb-10 |
84 |
NC |
Kamiesbem |
03-Feb-10 |
85 |
NC |
Kareeberg |
16-Feb-10 |
86 |
NC |
Karoo Hoogland |
16-Feb-10 |
87 |
NC |
Khat-Me |
04-Mar-10 |
88 |
NC |
Maaareng |
Report not tabled yet. expected tabling 31-Mar- |
2010 |
|||
89 |
NC |
Mier |
23-Feb-10 |
90 |
NC |
Moshaweng Local |
24-Feb-10 |
91 |
NC |
Rlchtersveld |
03-Feb-10 |
92 |
NC |
Sivancuma |
23-Feb-10 |
93 |
NC |
Sol Plaatje |
03-Feb-10 |
94 |
NC |
Ubuntu |
11.Feb-10 |
95 |
NW |
Sojanala Platinum District |
25-Mar-10 |
96 |
NW |
Dr Kenneth Kaunda District |
no date available |
97 |
NW |
Lekwa-Teemane |
31-Mar-10 |
98 |
NW |
Mafikeng |
01-Feb-10 |
99 |
NW |
Naledi |
no date available |
100 |
NW |
Ramotshere Moiloa |
no date available |
101 |
NW |
Rustenburg |
3Q-Mar-10 |
102 |
NW |
Rustenburg Water Services Trust |
30-Mar-10 |
103 |
NW |
Tlokwe |
09-Feb-10 |
104 |
WC |
Beaufort West |
28-Feb-10 |
105 |
WC |
Cape Agulhas |
24-Feb-10 |
106 |
WC |
Central Karoo District |
28-Feb-10 |
107 |
WC |
laingsburg |
31-Mar-10 |
108 |
we |
Prins Albert |
31-Mar-10 |
109 |
WC |
Saldanha Bay |
22-Feb-10 |
110 |
WC |
Swellendam |
31-Mar-10 |
QUESTION NO: 209
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 02 OF 19 February 2010
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
What (a) amount was owed to each municipality on 30 September 2009 for (i) water, (it) electricity, and (iii) rates and services and (b) is the breakdown in respect of (i) 0-30 days, (Ii) 31-60 days, (iii) 91-120 days (iv) 151-180 days and (v) more than 180 days? NW218E
Reply
The report is being disaggregated and thereafter it will be submitted to cabinet before it can be given to yourself.
QUESTION NO: 1231
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 OF 19 April 2010
Mr. T. Botha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether government had given serious consideration to the viability of municipal structures, with very large and costly councils, after the transfer of revenue generating water, electricity and solid waste services to regional government; if not, why not, if so, how were failing municipalities expected to manage escalating costs with diminishing revenues?
Reply
This department has given serious consideration to the viability of the municipal structures in that the turnaround strategy which has been approved by Cabinet is at phase 2 of developmental stage at municipal level. The viability of municipalities and revenue generation are critical priorities which are going to be addressed by the turnaround strategy during phase 3 of the turnaround strategy implementation stage.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTISN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 166
Mrs E C van Lingen (DA-EC) to ask Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether he will provide a detailed progress report regarding an local municipalities which have been placed under administration since 1 March 2009; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) Whether he will provide details. regarding the main chs1lenges his department will overcome in respect of each of the abovementioned municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether his department has formulated a plan or policy to solve the challenges encountered within each of these municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of each of these policies;
(4) Whether any dates have been determined by which each municipality will be able to operate without any form of assistance from his department; if not. what is the postion in this regard; if so, what date is it anticipated that each municipality will commence its operations independently of his department? CW197E
Reply
(1) Yes, the report will firstly be presented to Cabinet, then to yourselves.
(2) Yes, the challenges facing all municipalities are known to ourselves and to everyone. They are contained in the State of Local Government report presented to major stakeholders who attended the Local Government Indaba that was held in October 2009. We have developed the Local Government Turn-Around Strategy which is based on the report that covered broadly all challenges facing municipalities.
(3} Yes, the Local Government Turnaround Strategy is currently being implemented in all municipalities.
(4) The Department is anticipating that by 2014 the Local Government Turnaround Strategy will be fully Implemented and challenges: facing municipalities would be substantially addressed.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 171
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 OF 07 May 2010
Mr M W Makhubela (COPE-Limpopo) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether a certain person (name and details furnished) will be designated as a Headman (Gota); if not, why not; if so, when will this happen? CW202E
Reply
The appointment of headmans is a function of the province. The province makes a decision on the appointment while guided by the history of the royal family. The national government get involved in a situation where there are disputes and reported to us. Or in other instances where appointments are long overdue and the province has not acted upon it. In this case, nothing has been reported to us. We will investigate and revert to you.
QUESTION NO: 1568
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 OF 21 May 2010
Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether any staff member of the Bitou Municipality was redeployed and/or transferred to any other municipality in the past three years; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many, (b) what are their names, (c)(i) what was each person's position and (ii) to what position was each person transferred, (d)(i) on what basis were they transferred and (ii) who approved the transfer and (e) in each case, what (i) procedure was followed and (ii) were the cost implications? NW1827E
Reply
(a) One (1)
(b) Mr. MK Leluma
(c) (i) Political Advisor to the Executive Mayor
(ii) Acting Municipal Manager in Vetersdorp Local Municipality
(d) (i) to assist Ventersdorp
(ii) Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager
(e) (i) Request from Ministry
(ii) Period May 2009 to May 2010
Total Gross Salary R608 281.46
Total Cellphone and 3G Card Exp R34 655,22
Total Accommodation R123 555.00
Total cost of flights R 10 745.00
Total costs of car hire R297 275.71
Total R1 074512.39
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
FIND THE REPLY YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BY SELECTING CTRL + F ON YOUR KEYBOARD
QUESTION NO: 1376
PUBUSHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO '12 OF Q1 May 2010
Mr. M Waters (DA.) to) ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance & Tradition Affairs:
(1) What is the (a) actual and (b) optimal number of (i) personnel and (ii) emergerny vehicles for Emergency Medical Services with regard to (aa) rescue services, (bb) emergency services, (cc) planned patient transport, (dd) inter-hospital services and(ee) other specified services for each local authority in each province;
(2) By what date will the lack of (a) personnel and (b) emergency vehicles be rectified in each province?
NW1613E
Reply
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs would like to apologise to the Honourable that the information requested is not in our possession. The Department does not have jurisdiction on emergency medical services. This question will be best responded to by the department of Health. We would like to advise the Hounarable Member to kindly direct this question to the Department of Health for an appropriate response.
FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 1377
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUEST/ON PAPSR NO 12 OF 07 May 2010
Mr. MWaters (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether there are any minimum standards for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with regard to the number of (i) emergency vehicles and (ii) personnel, including advanced life support personnel for (a) rescue services, (b) emergency services, (c) planned patient transport and (d) inter-hospital services; if not, why not; if so, what are the minimum standards in each case
(2) Whether minimum standards differ between local, district and metropolitan local authorities; if so, what are the relevant details?
(3) Whether the Government is obliged to meat any minimum international standards with regard to EMS; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1614E
'
Response:
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs would like to apologise to the Honourable that the information requested is not in our possession. The Department does not have jurisdiction on emergency medical services. This question will be best responded to by the department of Health. We would like to advise the Hounarable Member to kindly direct this question to the Department of Health for an appropriate response.
QUESTION NO: 645
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 07 OF 15 March 2010
Mr S N Swart (ACDP) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(a) What role does the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) play in determining municipal guideline increases in electricity tariffs and (b) what steps will he take to resolve the impasse between the Government and Nersa on this matter?NW771E
Reply
(a) In terms of section 4 (ii) of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act no 4 of 2006) the National Energy Regulator must regulate prices and tariffs, Therefore NERSA on an annual basis determines and communicates municipal guidelines increases to promote co-operative governance between all spheres of government and public entities.
(b) This guideline increase is then sent through to municipal distributors as a guide to them in determining their annual electricity tariffs. Further to that, to provide timely information to enable municipalities to plan properly and to prepare their budget in accordance with the process set out in Chapter 4 of the PFMA. Please see the Table Here
QUESTION NO: 1221
PUBLISHED IN INTERNALQUESTION PAPER NO 10 OF 19 April 2010
Ms. Patricia De Lille to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) In reference to the attached (Mr. Foster Moagi, email) is the Sekgopo Community-ward 10, Greater Letaba Municipality, Mopani District, limpopo Integrated Development Planning (lOP) for 2007/08 going to be put into place; if so, (a) what has been the delay and (b) when will it commence; if not, why not;
(2) Mr. Moagi has suggestions of other development that will help develop the community and grievances with the council, can the Minister indicate who he should be in correspondence with regarding these developments and grievances;
(3) As stated in the attached Mr. Moagi, has been to different spheres to government with his grievances, but has yet to have any assistance, (a) can the Minister indicate why this has happened and (b) is there going to be more accountability of government officials in the future; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details.
Reply
(1) The Municipality conducts lOP public participation processes during each and every financial year and with projected income and due to insufficient funding some projects may not be implemented entirely. Projects which cannot be implemented in the same year, are then shifted to the next financial year during budget adjustment and councillors later communicate changes during community meetings. As a result all communities at Sekgopo are aware of the changes made in all financial years.
(2) Members of the public are encouraged to communicate with Ward Committees and then the Mayor's Office on development matters and grievances. Mr. Moagi is not able to attend to all these meeting because he is working in Johannesburg fulltime. It must be further clarified that Mr. Moagi is not complaining for Ward 10 as a whole which has nine villages but he is complaining for his home village being Ramoadil Matlou or Bloc C, resulting in him playing village politics.
(3) It must be clarified that all matters raised by Mr. Moagi were long responded to, after he was not satisfied, he arranged for a meeting with the Mayor on the 15 October 2009 and his concerns were discussed between him and the Mayor. After that meeting, the Mayor attended a community meeting at Ga- Sekgopo which Mr. Moagi also attended on the 28 December 2009, All parties that attended the meeting including the traditional leader were satisfied with the discussions. The last meeting which was held at Ga-Sekgopo was on the 04 April 2010 and Mr. Moagi did also attend the meeting while the issues he is raising were not discussed because they have long been resolved, The Premier's Office and Public Protector visited the municipality and responses were given to them.
PROJECTS
1 km pavement 2008/09
This project is being implemented and about to be completed in this financial year. It is expected to be completed and handed over to the municipality before the end of this financial year by June 2010.
FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 1222
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 OF 19 April 2010
Ms. Patricia de Lile to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
In reference to the attached question (Question 728, Internal Question Paper No 7 _ 2009) whether tile Minister has required information been obtained, if so, can the Minister provide it; if not, (a) what is the delay and (b) when will it be provided?
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 728
(Internal Question Paper No 7 - 2(09)
Mrs P de Lille (I D) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) (a) What are the salaries paid to the (i) mayor, (ii) speaker (Hi) municipal manager, (iv) general manager for infrastructure and economic development, (v) manager: customer relations, water services, and (vi) manager for special programmes in the Ugu municipality and (b) how were these salaries decided;
(2) whether these salaries match the job descriptions; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether these salaries correspond with similar salaried positions in other municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW853E
Reply
1 (a)
Designation |
Salaries paid |
(i) Mayor |
R 646 835 |
(II) Speaker |
R 520 664 |
(iii) Municipal Manager |
R 825 198 |
(iv) General Manager Infrastructure and Economic Development |
R 682 325 |
(v) Manager: Water Services |
R 621 098 |
(vi) Manager for Special Services |
R 505 638 |
(b) The salaries in respect of (i) Mayor and (ii) Speaker are upper limits for a grade 5 municipality in terms of Government Gazette Notice No. 1319 dated 8 December 2008.
The salaries in respect of (iii) Municipal Manager, (iv) General Manager Infrastructure and Economic Development and (v) Manager for Water Services were determined by resolution of the Council, taking into consideration comparable jobs with similar responsibilities from equally graded municipalities.
The salary in respect of (vi) Manager for Special Services (being a full-time appointment) was decided by a Bargaining Councii agreement dated 31 July 2009 designated for municipalities.
In respect of the Mayor and the Speaker their roles are indicated in the legislation.
The relevant Municipal Council is of the opinion that the salaries are commensurate with the job description of the posts concerned. It has been verified that there are job descriptions for each of the posts concerned.
The salaries of the Mayor and Speaker correspond with the mayors and speakers in other grade 5 municipalities who are in full-time positions, as determined by the MEC responsible for local government.
The salaries of the municipal officials from the Ugu District Municipality are marginally lower as compared to similar positions in other district municipalities within KwaZulu-Natal. The levels of payment are currently not legislated and the Municipality is consequently not bound by prescriptive levels of payment, be it maximum or minimum. A comparison shows the following details:
Designation |
Ugu Municipality (grade 5) |
Municipality A (grade 4) |
Municipality B ](grade 4) |
Municipal Manager |
R 825 198 |
R 866 491 |
R 1 053 896 |
Manager: Infrastructure and Economic Development |
R 682 325 |
R 733 507 |
R 733 159 |
Manager: Water Services |
R621 098 |
R 729 128 |
R 699 321 |
Manager: Special Programmes |
R505 638 |
No such position |
R 539 493 |
Kindly note that Ugu is the only grade 5 District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal in terms of the grading formula as determined by Government Gazette Notice No, 1319 dated 8 December 2008 which relates to the grading of municipalities in respect of councillors salaries and allowances payments, Other district municipalities are graded 3 and 4,
QUESTION NO: 193
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 01 OF 11 February 2010
Mr J J McGluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: (Interdepartmental transfer on 26 February 2010)
With reference to his reply to Question 2191 on 14 December 2009, (a) which municipalities are employing their own community development workers and (b) how many are there in each of these municipalities? NW199E
Reply
We are unable to respond to the Honourable Member's question as the question that the honourable Member is referring too was asked by the Honourable Member to the Minister for Public Service and Administration and not to the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
QUESTION NO: 817
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 08 OF 23 March 2010
Mrs D van der Walt (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether legislation makes provision for the appointment of more than one municipal manager at a municipality; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether the former municipal manager of the Mookgopong Municipality in Limpopo is still in the employ of the municipality; if so, (a) in what position and (b) since when;
(3) whether a new municipal manager has also been employed at Mookgopong Municipality in Limpopo; if so, (a) who is this person and (b) when was this person appointed;
(4) whether the Mookgopong Municipality in Limpopo is in a position to have two municipal managers appointed at the same time; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW950E
Reply
(1) Section 82 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998) makes provision for an appointment of a Municipal Manager who is the head of Administration and the Accounting Officer of the Municipality. The Act further makes provision for an appointment of an Acting Municipality Manager when necessary.
(2) The former Municipal Manager (Peter Modiba) of the Municipality is no longer in the employment of the Municipality. His contract expired in 2007 and he has since been released off his duties as a municipal manager.
(3) Mr. Mokgadi Kgatla was appointed as a Municipal Manager of the Municipality in 2007.
(4) Please refer to reply in (1).
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 188
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 OF 21 May 2010
Mr R J Tau (ANC-NC) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether his department has made any commitments to relocate the Magareng Municipality sewage plant in the Northern Cape; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) Whether his department will assist the municipality in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CW272E
Reply
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has made funds available through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant to assist the municipality to address challenges of infrastructure, including the matter in question.
QUESTION NO: 396
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 04 OF 26 February 2010
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether he has promulgated the recommendation by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers that an amount to which section 8 (1 )(d) of the Income Tax Act, Act 58 of 1962, applies form part of the basic component in the recent salary negotiations; if not, why not; if so, when will he do so? NW469E
Reply
No. The Recommendations of the Commission relating to the Allowance contemplated in section 8(1)(d) of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, could not be implemented, This is due to the fact that section 6(4) of the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 20 of 1998, provides that section 8 (1 )(d) of the Income Tax Act shall apply to the remuneration of a Premier, Member of Executive Council, Member of Provincial Legislature concerned. Therefore section 8(1)(d) strictly relates to members mentioned above and not to the councillors and traditional leaders,
It is therefore significant to note that no such authority has been provided for in respect of determination of the remuneration packages of councillors and members of traditional leaders. Consequently recommendation of the Commission could not be implemented as the principal law, in this case the Remuneration Act, could not be amended by way of proclamation, Therefore provisions of section 8(1)(d) may only be extended to councillors if an appropriate amendment is effected to the Remuneration Act.
Shortly the bill to propose the amendment to the Remuneration Act will be introduced to the cabinet to extend this allowance to councillors.
QUESTION NO: 1008 FOR WRITTEN REPLY
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 09 OF 30 March 2010
Mr M Mnqascla (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether there are any vacancies for councilors at any municipalities; if not,
what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which vacancies exist in which municipalities and (b) how many disputes on such vacancies by political parties and/or municipal managers have been brought to his department's attention;
(2) whether he intends taking any action in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1153E
Reply
The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Department of Cooperative Governance currently do not have this information at our disposal. The matter has been referred to the Independent Electoral Commission for verification and reporting. The information will be provided to yourselves once it has been obtained from the lEC.
QUESTION NO: 1533
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPE.R NO 14 OF 21 May 2010
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
Whether his department and/or any of its entities have purchased any tickets for (a) the 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournament, (b) the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and (c) any other entertainment event in the (i) 2009-10 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what has been the position in each case; if so, in each case, (aa) what is or has been the date of the event, (bb)(i) how many tickets have been purchased and (ii) why, (cc) what has been the total cost of the tickets and (dd)(i) to whom has each of these tickets been allocated and (ii) on what was the decision for the allocation of these tickets based? NW1789E
Reply
(a) The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and neither its entities have purchased any tickets for the upcoming world soccer spectacular,
(b) The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and its entities have not purchased tickets for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in April 2009 and April 2010.
(c) The Department has not purchased any tickets for any entertainment events in the previous and current financial year.
28 December 2010 - Question:Minister of Higher Education
MPs to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
Reply:
QUESTION 1503
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21/05/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 14 OF 2010)
Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
1. Whether the forensic investigation into the Public Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) has been completed; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was it completed and (b) when was the report delivered to him;
2. Whether he has taken any action subsequent to receiving the report; if not, why not; if so, (a) when will this report be tabled in Parliament and (b) what are the further relevant details?
NW1759E
REPLY:
It must be noted that the questions refer to a period of time that predates the date on which I, as the Minister of Higher Education and Training, was assigned the responsibility for the administration of the Skills Development Act by the President. This proclamation took effect on 1st November 2009. Since assuming responsibility, I have taken the following actions:
· The Skills Development Act permits the Minister, after consultation with the National Skills Authority and the SETA in question, to direct the Director-General to appoint an administrator to take over the administration of a SETA or to perform the functions of a SETA if, inter alia, the SETA fails to perform its functions. I have invoked section 15 (1) of the Act to address non-compliance of the Public Services Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA). I have directed a letter to the PSETA requesting them to comment on my intentions to invoke section 15 (1) of the Act. I have received their reply and have indicated that I have instructed my DG to proceed with the appointment of an administrator.
· I have proposed to my Colleague Minister Baloyi, the Minister of the Public Service and Administration, that we establish a joint committee reporting to both Minister Baloyi and myself to review the role of the Public Services Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA). This Committee is in the process of being established
1 (a) The forensic investigation has not been completed. However, two forensic investigations were conducted into the PSETA's finances, namely, a joint effort between SAPS and the Special Investigations Unit and another one by Price Waterhouse Coopers which must still be concluded.
1 (b) I was informed that a report dated 3 March 2009 was submitted to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) by the SIU. The PWC investigation is currently under way and great strides have been made in finalising the investigation. According to the last meeting that was held between PSETA and PWC on 30 April 2010, all the information that was outstanding was made available except for the following:
(i) On 31 March 2010, the PSETA Board requested the ADG: DPSA to provide banking details of all employees that were employed by the PSETA during the period when the incident occurred so that the said information can be forwarded to the PWC forensic investigators.
(ii) Computers and/or Laptops that were used by the former CFO Mr. Munyayi and Managers at PSETA that were involved in the administration of the NSF project and especially the management of the finances could not be traced and: a request was made to the DPSA – Asset Management Unit to provide relevant information. However, according to the DPSA it was not possible to trace the computers/laptops that were used at the time.
The meeting also resolved that the forensic investigators will prepare a list of suspected fraudulent accounts and assistance of the SIU will verify whether the suspected accounts are fraudulent or not.
Due to the fact that the outstanding information as indicated was not provided by the DPSA, it will therefore be difficult to determine by when the report will be finalised.
1 (b) Based on the above, it was not possible for the investigators to report to the Department of Higher Education and Training. However, it is important to note that the matter was discussed by the PSETA Board with the DDG: ESDS and HRD at the Department of Labour during August 2008.
2 As already indicated to the report is not finalised and therefore not submitted to me to take the necessary action.
The PSETA has reported that subsequent to the discovery of the fraud and the outcome of the Special Investigations Unit's (SIU) report, the following actions were taken:
(i) PSETA's banking account with ABSA was placed on hold to prevent any further fraudulent transactions and was only opened after new personnel and controls were put in place.
(ii) PSETA sent out letter to the banking institutions where the fraudulent accounts were held requesting the respectively banks to place the affected accounts on hold.
(iii) Disciplinary proceedings were instituted against the former Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Maxwell Munyai, who was identified to have been responsible for the fraud and/or theft.
(iv) Legal proceedings were instituted against Mr. Munyai for the fraud and/or theft of the NSF funds. He was subsequently convicted on 39 counts of the initial 44 counts of fraud and/or theft and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, of which 3 years were set aside for time spend whilst awaiting trial.
(v) VIP Softline was engaged to manage and administer the Larnership payroll for the rest of the learnership programme.
(vi) SAB & T Chartered Accountants were engaged to provide the back office accounting services and Kwinana and Associates was also engaged in 2009 to carry out the financial records reconstruction exercise for the PSETA since inception.
(vii) Mr. Kenny Govender, the Acting Chief Executive Officer during the period in which the fraud occurred was given a written warning for negligence in the management of the NSF account.
(viii) Ms. Mamello Mahommed's, the Learnership Manager, probation was not confirmed due to unsatisfactory performance in the discharge of the NSF obligations.
(ix) Mr. Hannes Roets was appointed as the Finance Manager in January 2007 and unfortunately passed away in March 2007 and in 2009 Kwinana and Associates was appointed to provide the CFO function/services.
(x) Mr. Clive Mtshisa was seconded as the interim Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Sipho Majombozi was subsequently appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer from February 2008 on the understanding that he will relinquish the position upon the recruitment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer.
(xi) A substantive Chief Financial Officer has been identified and is expected to assume office with effect from 1 June 2010 and the selection process for a substantive Chief Executive Officer is currently under way with interviews having been conducted on the 17th of May 2010 and the final appointed will done on 8 June 2010.
In view of the fact that the report is not finalised as already indicated and it is therefore not possible to confirm by when the report will be tabled in Parliament. The Department will require the administrator of the PSETA to ensure that the report will be finalised and submitted as soon as possible.
2(a) Once the final report has been submitted to my Department, I will ensure that it will be managed in terms of the relevant legislation.
2 (b) Further details pertaining to the issue under discussion could be made available once the final report has been submitted to my Department.
QUESTION 1791
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04/06/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 16 OF 2010)
Mr N M Kganyago (UDM) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) What are the minimum compulsory qualifications for a person to take up a lecturing position at a further education and training (FET) college?
(2) Whether all current FET lecturers meet the minimum compulsory qualifications; if not, (a) how many lecturers are not properly qualified and (b) what steps does his department intend taking in this regard?
NW2059E
REPLY:
(1) There has been no specific policy for FET college lecturers in the past and they were generally appointed in terms of the Employment of Educators' Act, at REQV 10 to 13. This was however applied very unevenly across the colleges nationally. It must be noted that the requirements of FET Colleges differ significantly from schools. Accordingly the South African Council of Educators (SACE) granted special dispensation for qualified artisans (with N certificates / Technical Diplomas) but lacking professional Teaching qualifications to register as teachers.
(2) In August 2009 the Department published a gazette for public comment that sets out the framework for lecturer qualifications and development in the FET college sector. Although the framework has not been finalised, it serves as the benchmark for the employment of lecturers going forward. . Once the framework is finalised the Department will develop a plan for relevant lecturers to upgrade and up-skill to meet these requirements. An analysis of 4788 lecturers reveals the following:
Relative Education Qualification Values |
Number of Lecturers |
% |
REQV 10 |
99 |
2.07% |
REQV 11 |
11 |
0.23% |
REQV 12 |
57 |
1.19% |
REQV 13 |
1721 |
35.94% |
REQV 14 |
2900 |
60.57% |
There are currently just over 5000 lecturers employed in public FET Colleges.
QUESTION 1792
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04/06/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 16 OF 2010)
Mr N M Kganyago (UDM) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) How many lecture periods per week do further education and training (FET) colleges devote to practical training of learners in (a) carpentry, (b) bricklaying and plastering, (c) plumbing, (d) motor mechanics and (e)(i) heavy and (ii) light current electrical work;
(2) Whether he has found that learners in the above trades acquire suitable saleable skills for entry into the labour market; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? W2060E
REPLY:
(1) In the NC (V) qualification students spend 2 - 3 hours per week in practical training. The curriculum prescribes that neither the theory nor practical learning must be more than 60%, or less than 40%. Given this limited flexibility, the firm requirement however is that all the outcomes as listed in the subject guidelines must be met.
(2) The subjects mentioned are the occupational component of a much bigger vocational (career-orientated) qualification requiring students to spend the greater portion of the college day in other forms of learning. The occupational subjects mentioned are not intended to qualify the students in these respective occupations. It is intended rather to give the students an opportunity to acquire important knowledge and skills to enable further learning and qualification along a career pathway, or to specialise further in a given occupation/job. Practical application in the subjects mentioned are supported by practical work done in the other three vocational subjects in the vocational programme, and is therefore sufficient for the intended purpose.
QUESTION 1793
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04/06/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 16 OF 2010)
Mr N M Kganyago (UDM) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(a)(i) How many first-year students were registered for degrees in engineering at each university and (ii) how many of them qualified to commence their second year in (aa) 2007, (bb) 2008 and (cc) 2009 and (b) what was the demographic breakdown of these students according to race?
NW2061E
REPLY
(a)(i) The attached table gives an indication of how many first-year students were registered for degrees in engineering at each university, including the demographic breakdown as requested in part (a)(ii) of the question.
(ii) The information on how many have qualified to commence their second year and the demographics for the second year is not available as institutions have different definitions for years of study. For example some institutions may require a student to repeat the first year if they fail subjects, whereas another institution will regard a student in a similar position as a 2nd year student. The total number of students (second year and onwards, excluding first time entering students) enrolled for engineering are as follows:
2006: 34066
2007: 35959
2008: 37035
QUESTION 687
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 7 OF 2010
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether any universities took up the offer to register students without having to pay registration fees upfront; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many and (b) which universities;
(2) Whether any eligible students were overlooked by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme of South Africa (NSFAS) offer; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW813E
REPLY:
(1.a) As of Thursday, 17 March 2010, eighteen institutions had taken up the offer for the 2010 academic year, to the value of R331 million as indicated in table below. The total upfront payment claimed from HEIs for donor category DE-General amounts to R317 million. Central University of Technology and the University of South Africa indicated that they did not need the upfront payment. The Cape Peninsula University of Technology will send additional claims during March 2010.
The University of Pretoria, Rhodes University, and Vaal University of Technology are still busy with the processing of claims and will submit their claim for upfront payment during March 2010.
The total amount claimed for DE-Teacher (ringfenced) amounts to R9, 835 million. Three universities submitted claims: UKZN, NWU and TUT. Only three universities (UKZN, UNIZULU and TUT) submitted claims in the Category DE-Disability to the amount of R2, 343 million.
Other claims submitted by Stellenbosch University of R1 million was for the payment of agricultural bursaries and the University of the Witwatersrand for the bursaries provided by Rural Education Access Programme (R66 000).
(b) UPFRONT PAYMENTS CLAIMED BY UNIVERSITIES AS AT 18 MARCH 2010
18 Universities took up the offer to register students without having to pay registration fees upfront:
Institution |
DE-General |
DE-Teaching (Ringfenced) |
DE - Disability |
Other |
R'000 |
R'000 |
R'000 |
R'000 |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
5 391 |
|||
University of Cape Town |
21 816 |
|||
Durban Institute of Technology |
35 680 |
|||
University of Fort Hare |
5 205 |
|||
University of the Free State |
19 584 |
|||
University of Johannesburg |
54 124 |
|||
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
23 205 |
2 990 |
614 |
|
University of Limpopo |
1 331 |
|||
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
22 852 |
|||
North West University |
19 580 |
2 091 |
||
University of Stellenbosch |
1 000 |
|||
Tshwane University of Technology |
34 620 |
1 442 |
1 633 |
|
University of Venda |
1 699 |
|||
Walter Sisulu University |
23 445 |
|||
University of Western Cape |
23 491 |
|||
University of Witwatersrand |
29 882 |
66 |
||
University of Zululand |
12 828 |
3 312 |
96 |
|
Mangosuthu University of Technology |
5 500 |
|||
TOTAL |
316 765 |
9 835 |
2 343 |
1 666 |
TOTAL UPFRONT PAYMENT CLAIMED FOR ALL CATEGORIES |
R330 009 087 million |
It is assumed that universities that did not apply for funds used their own funds in anticipation of receipt of the NSFAS transfer.
(2) In 2008, 11 120 and in 2009, 16 172 students applied for, were eligible for but did not have an NSFAS award. Reasons are not provided as to why these students do not have an award, but it could be that they received bursaries elsewhere such as from private companies. The 2009 figure provided by public institutions is provisional as this data from the public institutions is not audited. The public institutions will submit their audited 2009 data to the Department in July 2010. Provisional 2010 data will be available from institutions at the end of October 2010 as they have a 2nd semester registration in July 2010.
QUESTION 881
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 8 OF 2010
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) What is the (a) breakdown and (b) total budget of the stakeholder summit on higher education transformation scheduled for 22 to 23 April 2010, including the preparations towards it? NW1018E
REPLY:
1a) Breakdown of budget (in Rands)[1]
Programme development |
46 850 |
Development of summit concept papers (including honoraria for plenary and commission presenters) |
325 400 |
Logistics, Planning and Project Management (including management of summit webpage) |
138 000 |
Scribing (including synthesis report of pre-summit submission, recording of summit proceedings) |
118 400 |
Development of proceedings report and summit report using blogs/submissions |
125 400 |
Travel costs |
46 204 |
Printing for conference report |
102 400 |
Consumables |
30 050 |
Contingency |
67 596 |
Management fee |
124 727 |
Catering costs |
219 161 |
VAT |
155 806 |
TOTAL |
1 500 000[2] |
1b) It must be highlighted that the budget for the Summit does not utilise voted funds but donor funding. The total budget of the stakeholder summit amounts to R1.5 million. A Summit Steering Committee (SSC) was appointed by the Minister who oversees the planning of the summit, the development of the programme, the management of the event and, the production of the report. The SSC is stakeholder driven with representation from HESA, the CHE, SAUS and organised labour. A service provider was appointed to undertake all the organisational work and to manage the summit. The committee has met several times and will meet again on 15 April to finalise the preparations. An advertisement, calling for submissions from higher education stakeholders was placed in the Mail & Guardian, The Sunday Times and the City Press.
[1] Total number of delegates expected is 400.
[2] The budget is donor funding, not voted funds.
QUESTION 2211
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20/08/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 23 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(a) How many lecturers currently employed at the 53 further education and training colleges (i) have (aa) doctoral, (bb) masters, (cc) honours and (dd) bachelors degrees and (ii) do not have a university degree and (b) what are the relevant details regarding the rationale to employ lecturers who do not have a university degree?
NW2718E
REPLY:
a) The information contained below is for lecturers employed in the 50 further education and training colleges and not 53 FET Colleges as requested. This data is collated from the summary of REQVs.
(i) (aa)Doctors degree : 38;
(bb)Masters degree: 200;
(cc) Honours degree: 720;
(dd)Bachelors degree :2647and
(ii) number of lecturers who do not have university degree is 4062, of which 3569 have diploma qualifications
b) There are two types of lecturers that are under-qualified in FET Colleges, but they offer effective teaching and learning. The following are the categories:
· Lecturers with National N Diploma (Trade Test and N6 Diploma)
These lecturers have acquired the relevant qualification in different field of trades. They have knowledge required to teach trade subjects, but have no professional training as lectures and teachers
· Lecturers with ordinary Teachers Diploma
These lecturers have had professional being as teachers /educators but do not have disciplinary knowledge to teach trade related subjects.
In August 2009, the Department published a gazette for public comment that sets out the policy framework for lecturer training and development in the college sub-sector. Although the framework is not yet finalised, the department intends to build on this framework to set the minimum qualifications requirements for employment as a lecturer in the FET sub-system. The issue of lecturer training, development and support is part of the FET summit process, because the department had already identified it as of the challenges in this sector.
QUESTION 2117
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13/08/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 21 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
1. Why has only one university made it onto the Times Higher Education World University Ranking;
2. whether he has any plans in place to ensure that South African universities appear in the top 100 rankings; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2557E
REPLY:
1. Comparative practices related to league tables like the Times Higher Education World University Ranking is limited in its biased use of a range of indicators in an attempt to measure and compare universities. There are many differences between universities and the context in which universities are developed; continue to develop and function - including the financial, historical, social, political and cultural changes - makes information obtained in this way controversial. South Africa is on a specific development trajectory and imperatives considered as being key to South African universities might be excluded from the list of criteria against which institutions are judged.
A snapshot evaluation of these rankings shows a bias towards universities which are larger and well-resourced, where English is the language of the academy and modelled along Westernised notions of what a university is or ought to be. Strikingly, there is little or no recognition for the humanities and creative arts.
2. As the South African Government, our objective is to ensure that the quality of our universities is constantly and consistently measured against our own set of criteria (including international best practices). We have in place the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC), which is the permanent committee of the Council for Higher Education mandated to ensure a robust quality system for the university sector. The HEQC executes this mandate through a vigorous process of academic programme accreditation as well as institutional audits. The process is aimed at continuously improving and strengthening our university sector.
QUESTION 1969
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/07/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 18 OF 2010)
Mrs G M Borman (ANC) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
Whether all the Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges have received their final examination results for 2009; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2205E
REPLY:
Yes. All FET Colleges have received their final examination results for 2009.
The Department of Higher Education and Training uses two key policies when resulting candidates for the National Certificate (Vocational), namely the National Policy on the Conduct, Administration and Management of the Assessment of the National Certificates (Vocational) gazetted in September 2007 and the Policy for the National Certificates (Vocational): Qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) gazetted in March 2006.
In terms of national policy, an NC (V) candidate must complete all the required assessment components for each National Certificate (Vocational) subject to ensure a complete result in each subject. In instances where an examination centre has marked a candidate absent on the mark sheet for the Internal Continuous Assessment (ICASS) and/or the Integrated Summative Assessment Task (ISAT), the policy states that the absence of a mark in either of these components will result in the student registered for the particular subject receiving an "incomplete" result. A high number of NC (V) candidates were marked absent on official mark sheets for either or both the ICASS and ISAT components. Such candidates are therefore deemed by the Department of Higher Education and Training to have been officially resulted.
The Department of Higher Education and Training will be visiting all 9 provinces during September 2010 to provide guidance and support in the resulting process to facilitate an improved understanding of the process and how to interpret the results generated.
QUESTION 1948
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/07/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 17 OF 2010)
Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether his department has measures in place to identify all (a) unregistered and (b) illegally operating colleges; if not, why not; if so, (aa) how many (i) unregistered and (ii) illegal colleges have been identified, (bb) where were they located;
(2) whether the department has taken any action against these unregistered and illegal colleges; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (i) what action has been taken, (ii) what criminal charges have been brought and (iii) how many cases of false registration of students were identified at each college?
NW2336E
REPLY:
1. (a) No, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) does not have such measures in place. DHET reacts to complaints, reports, allegations from students, parents and the general public with regard to unregistered Private FET Colleges. This is the same process by which law enforcement agencies obtain information about criminal acts.
(aa) (i) and (ii) Investigations sparked by complaints have exposed sixty two (62) private institutions that are not registered as FET colleges and as such are operating illegally.
(bb) The colleges found operating illegally were located in the following provinces: Gauteng (39), Western Cape (6), Eastern Cape (6), Limpopo (4), KwaZulu-Natal (4) North West (2) and Mpumalanga (1).
2. (i) The DHET issued defaulting private education institutions with letters warning that they were not registered and were therefore acting in contravention of the FETC Act (2006). The DHET works closely with the South African Police Service and other law-enforcement agencies, in responding to reports of private education institutions that are alleged operating illegally.
(ii) and (iii) Police recently arrested owners and management of eight (8) private colleges and charges of fraud were brought against them. The cases are being finalised by the courts and this process could reveal the numbers of students who were illegally enrolled. DHET advises identified students to institute lawsuits for refund against institutions that have been found to be operating illegally.
QUESTION 1946
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/07/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 17 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) How many student protests were held at each tertiary institution campus (a) in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006, (iii) 2007 and (iv) 2009 and (b) during the period 1 January 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2) (a) which student organisation led the protest in each case, (b) what were the reasons for the protest action in each case and (c) how long did the protest action last in each case;
(3) whether teaching and academic work was affected by any protest action; if so, (a) how and (b) what are the further relevant details in each case;
(4) what (a) damage to property or (b) violence was reported in each case? NW2334E
REPLY:
1. My Department has always monitored student protests, but not kept records or data on what transpires on individual university campuses. Since the beginning of 2010, my Department established an internal registration monitoring process to ensure that the DHET is informed about unrest at institutions. I have consulted with the university leadership (administrators as well as students) as to the causes of student protest and how these can be addressed by individual institutions taking into account their contexts.
2. Anecdotal evidence suggest that the genesis of student protests does not necessarily reside in any one organisation. Instead, students express their dissatisfaction through the voice of its leaders in Student Representative Councils (SRC). The SRC is enshrined in legislation, through the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997), section 26 (2) (e), as an integral organ to the institutional governance landscape. The main causes of student protests relate to exclusions, whether academically or financially. How students articulate this (and other causes) differs across institutions (and even across campuses within one institution) as the institutional context will determine the degree of dissatisfaction amongst the student body.
3. Universities have, as part of their rules and regulations as stipulated through Institutional Statutes, formal procedures for managing protest action, and these are implemented where necessary. Institutions manage student protests when they arise to specifically prevent the disruption of academic work and examinations. My Department, where necessary, works with the institutions to ensure that disruptions are kept to a minimum, and to prevent further disruptions. Institutions have the responsibility for dealing with time lost during protest action.
4. Reports about damage to property are sometimes received from institutions, or reported in the media. In this case, individual institutions would have to supply reports about specific incidents on their campuses.
QUESTION 1944
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/07/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 17 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
With reference to his reply to question 881 on 17 May 2010, (a) what are the names of the donors of the R1,5 million that was spent on the Stakeholder Summit on Higher Education Transformation of 22-23 April 2010, (b) what amount did each donor contribute and (c) on what date was each donation made?
NW2332E
REPLY:
a) The Summit was jointly funded in kind by the Centre for Education Policy Development (CEPD) and the Joint Education Trust (JET)
b) The total cost of the summit amounted to R1 700 933.17. Funds were provided as follows:
CEPD: R1 201 026.07
JET: R499 907.10
c) As it was a contribution in kind, no actual monies were transferred to the department. Donors managed the payments to service providers over a period of time.
QUESTION 61
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 05/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 4 OF 2010
Mr R Tua (ANC-NC) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
Whether the Government is considering the construction of a university in the North Cape; if not; why not; if so; (a) how far are such plans and (b) what are the timeframes for the completion of such university? CW86E
REPLY:
(a)The establishment of fully fledged universities in the said province remains a priority for this government. In this regard, we have consulted and continue to consult with the National Institute for Higher Education, provincial governments and stakeholders involved in the provincial delivery of higher education programmes in the relevant provinces. Work towards the establishment of universities in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape will continue this financial year.
(b) I will be appointing two task teams to explore suitable university models for the needs of these provinces and come up with costed proposals and timelines. Professor Cheryl de la Rey and Professor Thandwa Mthembu will Chair these teams and will work together on key issues that will be common to both processes. It is envisaged that the time-frames for completion of the work of the task team will be by the end of 2010.
QUESTION 68
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 02/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 5 OF 2010
Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether the provision of bursaries to students is based on the criteria of (a) race, (b) gender and (c) disability; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) Whether access to funds of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is equally managed and promoted in (a) rural and (b) urban areas; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;
(3) Whether the pay-outs from the NSFAS cover all necessary fees, including boarding, lodging and books; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NO594E
REPLY:
1a) No. NSFAS primarily allocates bursaries to students based on priority skills areas, financial need and academic potential.
1b) No. See point 1a)
1c) Yes. NSFAS administers bursaries for people with disabilities on behalf of the DHET and DoL.
2 NSFAS is equally managed and promoted in both rural and urban environments. NSFAS has in the recent past tried to focus much more on rural communities. This has taken a number of forms - use of SABC Radio vernacular language stations to allow them to reach communities all over South Africa; visits to schools in rural areas; attending career exhibitions in rural areas; a presence on some rural-based university campuses during the university registration period; industrial theatre (in some rural towns); etc. In addition there is a partnership with the Rural Education Access Programme and other NGOs to ensure that access is not urban based purely.
3 No. Allocation to universities falls into mainly two categories. Some universities grant full loans to needy students and others like UCT and Stellenbosch, have adequate funding to grant full loans to needy students. Historically disadvantaged institutions (HDI) like the University of Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu University, which have a larger number of financially needy students, usually adjust loans to needy students, reducing them to spread the funds to more needy students. This is the conundrum of the allocation formula to both institutions and individuals. If the demand is greater and the allocation cannot accommodate full loans, financially needy students obtain partial loans which do not necessarily cover all necessary fees, including boarding, lodging and books. Under current arrangements, NSFAS bursaries are also provided to students registered at FET Colleges.
4 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
I assume that the honourable member is addressing the issue of NSFAS-administered bursaries and not bursaries in general. NSFAS administers the following bursary schemes:
a. On behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET):
· Bursaries for Further Education and Training students
· Funza Lushaka bursary scheme for teacher education in priority areas. The School of Education at Higher Education Institutions and the DHET identifies successful candidates based on the following criteria: academic ability, eligibility for one of the academic programmes for which the bursary is granted and candidates whose financial position would otherwise exclude them from enrolment for a teaching qualification.
· Bursaries for disabled students
b. On behalf of other government departments:
· Bursaries for training social workers to address its skills shortages via the Department of Social Development. The allocation to the student starts as a loan but is converted to a bonded bursary upon graduation, where the graduate takes up a post in the public sector for a specified period. No specific criteria is attached as the objective is to alleviate the shortage of qualified social workers by offering bursaries to students willing to study social work.
· Bursaries for scarce skills studies are identified by the Department of Agriculture using selection criteria based on academic potential and financial need. The Department of Agriculture selects its bursaries through its National Bursary Committee and require graduates to work for the same number of years that they received the bursary.
· Bursaries from the Department of Labour targets scarce skills areas including bursaries for people with disabilities. The NSFAS selects suitable bursary recipients based on the Department's National Master Scarce Skills List.
· Bursaries of R50 000 are provided to top achievers through the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.
c. NSFAS also administers private sector funded bursaries. NSFAS is not responsible for identifying suitable candidates for the bursaries, but enters into contracts with each private sector partner. Academic admission criteria and conditions applicable on graduation are determined by the donors/sponsors.
QUESTION 69
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 02/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 5 OF 2010
Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether there is a correlation between (a) the funds allocated by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to students and (b) the number of learners matriculating annually; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO595E
REPLY:
1a) NSFAS has developed an allocations formula to determine how its funds are distributed to universities. NSFAS funds are divided between 23 public higher education institutions on the basis of the following formula:
· The disadvantaged student index (DSI), which is calculated for each institution using full-time equivalent (FTE) enrolled undergraduate students, actual student numbers from 2009, weighted by race, namely, African = 3, coloured = 2, Indian = 1 provided by the DHET through HEMIS. Although not weighted, white students are eligible for NSFAS funds.
· The full cost of study (FCS), which is calculated for each institution based on the costs required to cover tuition, registration fees and residence fees including meals per institution.
· The FCS and DSI are multiplied to determine the Disadvantage Students' Cost Index (DSCI).
· The allocation to HEIs in Rands is the Apportionment Factor (AF) percentage for that institution of the total sum available. The AF is expressed as a percentage for each institution as follows: DSCI of HEI/sum of all DCSI x 100.
1b) The allocation of funds to the HEIs is based on the number of disadvantaged students and the FCS at each institution and not the number of learners matriculating in a particular year. Aspiring students who wish to enroll at HEIs must apply for registration at the institution of the student's choice. They would be advised to apply for financial aid if it is required and will be requested to submit to NSFAS the necessary application forms. The HEIs recommend the amount of the aid to be given to students from the allocation of funds (the Apportionment Factor) allocated to the HEI through NSFAS. The HEIs allocates an estimated three quarters of NSFAS funding to existing students and a quarter is reserved for first year students.
QUESTION 1748
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28/05/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 15 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) What were the start and end date of tenure in office of every (a) permanent and (b) acting (i) Director-General and (ii) chief financial officer during the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2009?
NW2014E
REPLY:
The member is reminded that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) did not exist between 1 January 2000 and 7 July 2009. The question can only be answered from the time that DHET was established. In addition, a budget for DHET was only established in April 2010, and a Chief Financial Officer was only appointed then.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS |
NAME OF OFFICIAL |
START DATE |
END DATE |
(a) (i) Permanent Directors-General |
Ms. M Metcalfe |
1st September 2009 |
To- date |
( a) (ii) Permanent Chief Financial Officers |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
(b) (i) Acting Directors-General |
Dr M Qhobela |
21 July 2009 |
31st August 2009 |
(ii) Acting Chief Financial Officers |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
QUESTION 270
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19/02/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 2 OF 2010
Ms P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) How many medical graduates graduated from each medical school in each of the five most recent specified years for which information is available;
(2) whether his department has any plans in place to increase the number of medical graduates; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what plans, (b) how many additional medical graduates will result from the implementation of these plans and (c) at what stage of development are these plans? NW286E
REPLY:
(1) Number of medical graduates from 2004 to 2008
Institution |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
University of Cape Town |
159 |
150 |
185 |
160 |
164 |
University of Limpopo |
238 |
294 |
239 |
200 |
150 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
178 |
298 |
201 |
189 |
224 |
University of the Free State |
167 |
106 |
105 |
129 |
109 |
University of Pretoria |
180 |
197 |
207 |
198 |
200 |
University of Stellenbosch |
148 |
150 |
170 |
149 |
167 |
University of Witwatersrand |
205 |
247 |
170 |
175 |
189 |
Walter Sisulu University |
119 |
69 |
89 |
97 |
103 |
TOTAL |
1394 |
1511 |
1366 |
1297 |
1306 |
(2) (a) The preparing of growth projections in the health sciences is part of the brief of the Health Sciences Review Committee. This is a joint committee of the Departments of Finance, Heath and Higher Education and Training. It is administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training, and includes as members representatives from HESA and the HPCSA.
The Review Committee has concentrated its work on enrolment and graduation models for those undergraduate health sciences programmes which require access, for clinical training purposes, to provincial hospital services. These programmes include the MBChB.
The Health Sciences Review Committee's enrolment and graduation models for the MBChB have allowed it to construct three scenarios for the period 2008 to 2020 for the eight universities which offer MBChB degrees.
Scenario 1
(b) The Department of Higher Education and Training has allocated infrastructure and clinical training funding to five universities which had indicated that they could increase their new intakes of MBChB students by 3% per annum. On this low growth scenario, the number of clinical students requiring access to provincial hospital services would, by 2020, be 665 (or 16%) higher than the total for 2008. The total of MBChB graduates would increase by only 175 (or 14%) in 2020 compared to 2008.
Scenario 2
This is a medium growth scenario. It assumes that all eight universities will increase their new undergraduate intakes by 3 percentage points above scenario 1. So the first five universities would be given 6% new intake growth targets, and the remaining three 3% growth rate targets. On this growth scenario, the number of students in the clinical years would, by 2020, be 1843 (or 43%) higher than the total for 2008. The total of MBChB graduates would increase by 504 (or 40%) in 2020 compared to 2008.
Scenario 3
This is a high growth scenario. It assumes that all eight universities will increase their new undergraduate intakes by a further 3 percentage points above scenario 2. On this scenario, the number of students in the clinical years would, by 2020, be 3059 (or 72%) higher than the total for 2008. The total of MBChB graduates would, on the scenario, increase by 800 (or 63%) in 2020 compared to 2008.
The Health Sciences Review Committee has begun to determine what the costs would be of these and other enrolment and graduate growth scenarios in health sciences programmes. It has noted that the initial cost demands of growth in the MBChB will be high, even in the years before increased totals of graduates begin to emerge from the system. Costs will have to be incurred in employing additional academic staff as enrolments in the preclinical years begin to grow. Provision will have to be made for additional academic teaching space, particularly class rooms, class laboratories and staff offices.
A major bottle neck in the system will be the demands which increases in clinical training will place on provincial hospital services. As enrolments grow in the clinical years (which would be three years after intakes increase), provision would have to be made for rapid increases in new training beds in provincial hospitals services. Provision would also have to be made for additional clinical supervisors and for additional service staff and running costs in those hospitals which are involved in the training of students.
(c) The Health Sciences Review Committee will complete its work on these enrolment and cost models during the 2010/11 financial year. Its report will be submitted in the first instance to the Minister of Higher Education and Training.
QUESTION 1067
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)
Mr D C Ross (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
With reference to his reply to question 270 on 16 March 2010, what amount of funding has been given to each medical school for the (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10 and (d) 2010-11 financial years? NW1216E
REPLY:
(1) Earmarked (or designated) funds have been allocated from two sources to universities which have either a medical faculty or dental faculty or both. These are (a) infrastructure funds covering the cycles 2007/08 to 2009/10 and 2010/11 to 2011/12, and (b) clinical training grants covering the cycles 2008/09 to 2009/10 and 2010/11 to 2011/12.
(2) The infrastructure funds made available for 2007/08 to 2009/10 were allocated on the basis of applications received from universities. They had been asked to indicate what funds they would need to implement student enrolment growth plans in the period from 2005 to the 2010. No specific provision was made for the health sciences in this first cycle, but universities could have submitted requests for funds under this category. Applications for funding tended to focus on engineering and technology, the applied sciences, and the basic life and physical sciences. The second cycle of 2010/11 to 2011/12 made specific provision for the health sciences. Universities were asked to submit applications for infrastructure developments which would enable them to increase their outputs of health sciences graduates. Table 1 below sums up the health sciences infrastructure amounts allocated to universities over the 5-year period 2007/08 to 2011/12.
Table 1
Health sciences infrastructure allocations to universities with medical and/or dental faculties (Rands millions) |
|||
2007/08 to 2009/10 |
2010/11 to 2011/12 |
TOTAL |
|
University of Cape Town |
0 |
0 |
0 |
University of the Free State |
0 |
17.1 |
17.1 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
0 |
62.0 |
62.0 |
University of Limpopo |
81.0 |
84.7 |
165.7 |
University of Pretoria |
0 |
32.6 |
32.6 |
Stellenbosch University |
0 |
20.2 |
20.2 |
Walter Sisulu University |
0 |
25.5 |
25.5 |
University of the Western Cape |
0 |
46.4 |
46.4 |
University of the Witwatersrand |
0 |
70.3 |
70.3 |
TOTAL |
81.0 |
358.8 |
439.8 |
(3) Clinical training grants are allocated to universities on the basis of the numbers of students they have in clinical training programmes. These are programmes which require health sciences students to have access to the staff, patients and facilities of provincial health services. Programmes which are eligible for clinical training grants include medicine and dentistry, the professions allied to medicine, pharmacy, nursing, emergency medical care, and clinical and biomedical technology. These clinical training grants are used by universities to appoint additional clinical training staff, purchase clinical training equipment, and to provide new clinical training facilities. Most of these new clinical training facilities will be in small towns and rural areas some distance from the main teaching hospitals. The new facilities will give the medical and dental faculties access to new groups of patients, and will enable them to expand the numbers of students in the clinical training years of their academic programmes.
(4) Table 2 below sums up the clinical training grants allocated to the universities with medical and dental faculties over the 4-year period 2008/09 to 2011/12.
Table 2
Clinical training grant allocations to universities with medical and/or dental faculties (Rands millions) |
|||
2008/09 to 2009/10 |
2010/11 to 2011/12 |
TOTAL |
|
University of Cape Town |
59.0 |
66.2 |
125.2 |
University of the Free State |
39.3 |
47.3 |
86.6 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
75.3 |
106.3 |
181.6 |
University of Limpopo |
61.3 |
70.4 |
131.7 |
University of Pretoria |
73.9 |
73.0 |
146.9 |
Stellenbosch University |
56.7 |
60.8 |
117.5 |
Walter Sisulu University |
20.5 |
27.5 |
48.0 |
University of the Western Cape |
25.0 |
49.8 |
74.8 |
University of the Witwatersrand |
86.0 |
96.3 |
182.3 |
TOTAL |
497.0 |
597.6 |
1094.6 |
(5) The totals in Tables 1 and 2 do not include the undesignated block grants which universities receive on the basis of their student enrolments, their graduate totals and their research outputs. These block grant funds amount totalled R13 300 million in 2009/10, and will be R15 000 million in 2010/11.
(6) Block grants are undesignated in the sense that they are spent at the discretion of each Council to support all teaching and research activities of its university. It is not therefore not possible to indicate exactly how much of the 2010/11 block grant total will be spent on teaching and research in medical and dental faculties. The most that can be said is that approximately 12% (or R1 800 million) of the 2010/11 block grant will have been be generated by the enrolments, graduates and research outputs of these faculties.
QUESTION 1072
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)
Mrs D Robinson (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(a) How many librarians have graduated in each year since 2000, (b) from which institutions did they graduate and (c) what steps have been taken to increase the number of graduate librarians? NW1221E
REPLY:
(a) and (b)
A total number of students at the different universities who have majored in the field of study: Library and Information Science (LIS) and have graduated is as follows:
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
TOTAL |
747 |
716 |
478 |
508 |
460 |
435 |
376 |
411 |
486 |
The table below provides further detail of the 18 universities where students have graduated over the years 2000 to 2008.
Graduates in Library and Information Science by institution
(b) It is acknowledged that South Africa is experiencing an increasing shortage of young people in the LIS profession. Attracting young people to this profession is difficult due to past librarian stereotypes. Moreover, the trend is for businesses to appoint non-LIS professionals to manage their information. Therefore the education of future leaders of the LIS profession rests firmly on the shoulders of the 12 universities that currently offer formal education in mainly Information Science.
QUESTION 1075
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether any amount was (a) budgeted for and (b) spent (i) in the (aa) 2007-08 and (bb) 2008-09 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available on his department's mini drug master plan; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) What amount has been allocated to his department's mini drug master plan for the 2010-11 financial year? NW1224E
REPLY:
(1)(a) (i)(aa) No, since the Department did not exist at that time.
(bb) No, since the Department did not exist at that time.
(ii) No, since the Department did not exist at that time.
(2) The Department did not budget for the mini drug master plan for the 2010/11 financial year.
QUESTION 929
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 8 OF 2010
Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether he has received and studied the review report of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS); if not, why not; if so,
(2) Whether he will make it mandatory for prospective recipients of NSFAS not to pay an upfront registration fee; if not, why not; if so, when;
(3) Whether a student failing in one academic year will still receive funding for another year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1074E
REPLY:
1 Yes, I received the report and studied it.
2 A period of consultation has commenced which will end on the 30th April 2010. I will present a report with final recommendations to Cabinet in August 2010. It must be noted that both NSFAS and I have written to institutions informing them of the upfront payment facility available from NSFAS and have urged them to utilise this facility.
3 The NSFAS Manual indicates that academic performance determines continued funding by NSFAS. However, a student is allowed to appeal the decision supported by evidence such as death in the family, sick note/certificate and/or, any other circumstances beyond his/her control. The financial aid committee of an institution will have to look at the student's academic history to satisfy itself before a decision to consider the appeal is made, subject to the availability of funds.
QUESTION 1289
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/04/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 11 OF 2010)
Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether he has received the report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the assessment of the Public Sector Education and training authority's PSETA) contribution towards the development of skills and careers progression prospects in the public section; if so , what are the relevant details ; if not ,
(2) Whether he accepts the recommendations based on the findings of the PSC with regard to the functioning of the PSETA; if not, why not if so, what are the details of the (a) dates and (b) timelines for the implementation of the report recommendations?
N1449E
REPLY:
- The Department has received the report of the PSC on the assessment of its contribution towards the development of skills and careers progression prospects in the public sector and the report is relevant in its entirety given that in the Department's assessment of the PSETA, it has been operating in a unstable environment which resulted in it being a poorly performing SETA.
- The Department accepts the recommendations of the PSC report. The Department has further commenced on a process to address the poor performance of the PSETA in terms of the relevant legislative requirements as well as approved policies and processes.
QUESTION 155
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11/02/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 1 OF 2010
Mr A Louw (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) (a) What was the cost of the advertisement that appeared in a certain newspaper (name furnished) on 21 January 2010 congratulating the Services Seta Learnership graduates and (b) from which budget was the advertisement funded;
(2) whether any other similar advertisement was taken out in any other (a) radio, (b) television or (c) print media; if not, why was it only printed in the said newspaper; if so, (i) which media, (ii) on what dates and (iii) at what cost? NW164E
REPLY:
The SETA Funding Regulations provide for administration costs to a maximum of 12.5% of the total levy income of a SETA, which includes advertising costs. The management of the SETA funds is verified/audited on a regular basis by the Department and the Auditor-General to ensure compliance with legislation/policies.The SETA confirmed that the costs under discussion were from the 12.5% administration budget and not from any training budget.
1 (a) The SETA indicated that the advertisements appeared in the following newspapers at the costs as reflected in the third column of the under mentioned table:
Newspaper name |
Date of advertisement |
Cost |
Sowetan |
31 January 2010 |
R51 217.92 Excluding VAT |
City Press |
31 January 2010 |
R139 618.08 Excluding VAT |
Business Report |
01 February 2010 |
R185 259.90 Excluding VAT |
1(b). The said costs were funded from the Public Relations budget (Administration budget).
2. It was also confirmed by the SETA that similar advertisements occurred as indicated below:
(a) Radio - Durban Local Radio Station: No cost (free)
(b)Television - E TV and SABC: No cost (free)
(c) Print Media - See paragraph 1(a)
QUESTION 162
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14/05/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 10 OF 2010)
Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether any classes and teaching took place at Dr C N Phatudi Campus of the Sekhukhune Further Education and Training College during the week of 22 to 26 March 2010; if not, (a) why not, (b) what action has been taken for students in order to catch up on the time lost and (c) what were the financial implications for the (i) students and (ii) campus for this period; if so, what are the relevant details?
CW193E
REPLY:
1. Yes, classes took place at Dr C N Phatudi Campus of the Sekhukhune Further Education and Training College during the week of 22 to 26 March 2010. However, it was only the classes for students who were preparing exams for the 1st trimester which was due to commence on 24 March 2010.The students enrolled on the NC (V) programmes were on recess from 19 March to 6 April 2010.
a) Falls away in the light of the above response.
b) No action has been taken because there was no teaching time lost; hence there was no need to catch up.
c) (i) There were no financial implications for the students.
(ii) There were no financial implications for the campus
QUESTION 1715
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28/05/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 15 OF 2010)
Dr J C Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
Whether her (a) department or (b) any of its entities has signed any contractual agreements with certain companies (names furnished) or any of their affiliates (i) in the (aa) 2008-09 and (bb) 2009-10 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (aaa) what is the nature of each contract, (bbb) what is the (aaaa) start and (bbbb) end date of each contract, (ccc) what is the monetary value of each contract, (ddd) what are the details of the process that was undertaken for the signing of each contract, (eee) who else tendered for each contract that was awarded and (fff) what amount did each tenderer quote in each case?
NW1972E
REPLY
(a) None of the following companies are/were on contract with the Department of Higher Education and training:
· 101 Junjus Trading CC
· Blue Nightingale Trading 61
· Ever Roaring Investment, and
· SGL Engineering Projects
(b) Provincial departments and the Department's public entities have their own regulatory Framework regarding this matter. They do not require the Minister's permission to enter into business contracts with companies.
QUESTION 1140
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19/04/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 10 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
Whether his department has established (a) on what the universities spend the funds they receive from the government for their research performance and (b) how much goes back to the researcher and their research account; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1297E
REPLY:
Funding for research outputs is calculated based on research output units, measured on an annual basis, and is included in the block grant allocated to each university. The block grants are utilised at the discretion of the University when the budget of the university is finalised and approved by Council. The total funding for research outputs increased from R1,522 billion in 2008/09 to R2,003 billion in 2010/11.
In addition to the funding of research outputs, research developments grants (earmarked allocation) totalling R129 million have been allocated to 12 universities. For these research development grants, the department requires each institution to submit a proposal on how they will use the grant to improve and strengthen an institutions research capacity. Once the plans have been approved by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, the funds are released. At the end of the year each institution will submit a progress report on how the funds have been spent and the department ensures that the funds spent are in line with what the Minister approved in order to increase its research capacity.
QUESTION 1159
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19/04/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 10 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether the hosting of the Stakeholder Summit on Higher Education Transformation scheduled for 22 and 23 April 2010 at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology will be funded by his department; if not, why not; if so,
(2) whether such funding has been pursued through a tender process; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1317E
REPLY:
1. The costs of hosting the Summit at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology were met by donor funds and not voted funds.
2. Not applicable. See above response.
QUESTION 827
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 8 OF 2010
Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) With which programme within his department is the responsibility of the compilation of the skills shortage audit vested;
(2) whether this programme works in collaboration with (a) training centres specific to certain industries, (b) technikons and (c) universities of technology in order to ensure that each of the individuals who graduate from these institutions are properly trained and equipped with relevant and marketable skills to secure employment within the fields in which they are trained; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW960E
REPLY:
(1) Historically this work was done by the Employment and Skills Development Services (ESDS) Branch (under the Department of Labour) but will now be located in the Skills Branch of the Department of Higher Education and Training.
(2) The compilation of the national scarce and critical skills list is based on Sector Skills Plans submitted annually by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). For the past 5 years, the preliminary draft of the National Scarce and Critical Skills List has been checked with the Skills Committee of government's economic cluster before being published. The Skills Development branch within the Department of Higher Education and Training will be responsible for evaluating SETA sector skills plans and compiling for draft list which will then be submitted to the Human Resources Development, Planning and Monitoring Coordination Branch for verification and publication.
The Council for Higher Education has the task of supporting Institutions of Higher Education to ensure that their qualifications are fit for purpose. The Qualifications Council for Trade and occupations will perform this role for trades and occupations. Until this is fully operational, the SETAs will continue to perform the Quality Assurance function.
QUESTION 306
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19/02/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 2 OF 2010
Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(a) How many students attended first year studies at public universities in the past five years, (b) how many repeated their first year, (c) how many passed their first year, (d) what is the percentage of students that finish their degrees in under five years and (e) how much on average does it cost the Government for each student in each year in subsidies and student loans? NW323E
REPLY:
(a) Number of first time entering undergraduate students, from 2004 to 2008:
Year |
Number of Students |
2004 |
145 238 |
2005 |
135 293 |
2006 |
140 008 |
2007 |
152 125 |
2008 |
151 952 |
(b) This information is not available as institutions have different definitions for years of study. For example some institutions may require a student to repeat the first year if they fail subjects, where as another institution will regard a student in a similar position as a 2nd year student.
(c) Success rates of first time entering undergraduate students, from 2004 to 2008:
Year |
Percentage Success Rate |
2008 |
69.2 |
2007 |
69.1 |
2006 |
68.4 |
2005 |
69.7 |
2004 |
67.3 |
Note: This includes contact and distance students. The success rate is calculated by taking the number of courses passed by students at all the public higher education institutions and dividing by the number of courses for which they are enrolled.
(d) Based on a cohort study analysis for 2000 and 2001 first time entering undergraduate students in contact institutions, 40.8% and 40.7% students graduate within five years of study, respectively. Students registered for professional first bachelors' degrees are included in this study, however, the minimum duration of their qualifications may be longer than 4 years, e.g. the MBChB.
Note: The cohort study tracks the first time entering undergraduate students for a particular year in order to determine the percentage of students who drop out and who graduate within the minimum time plus 2 years. For contact institutions a minimum of 5 years data is required for tracking General 1st Bachelor's degrees and for the 4 or more years Professional Bachelor's degrees the study requires at least 8 years of data.
e) The average cost per student is presented in the table below.
Year |
Head count enrolled students (A) (thousands) |
Total State budget for universities 1) (B) (R billions) |
Average State Budget per student (B/A) (R thousands) |
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 |
685 744 735 741 761 |
10.8 11.8 13.1 14.8 17.1 |
15.8 15.9 17.8 20.0 22.5 |
1) Students of year n determine the State funding of year n+2
The average cost per student has been calculated by taking the total state budget for Universities and dividing by the number of headcount students enrolled in the system. A headcount student is an unduplicated count of all students in the University system. This represents only the cost of the State through the subsidy and does not include private contributions or NSFAS where applicable. It does not include any analysis of the differentiated costs by discipline or institution within the system.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCE
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 307
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27/08/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 23 OF 2010)
Mr D B Feldman (COPE-Gauteng) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) What strategies did his department use to increase the number of (a) young people and (b) adults who are accessing education at (i) technical and (ii) vocational centres during the period 1 July 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
CW403E
REPLY:
a) Strategies adopted by the Department to increase the number of young people who are accessing education at:
i. Technical Centres
In 2009, the department extended the phasing out of selected programmes of the National N Certificates: N4-6 and N Diploma qualifications offered at Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges. The extension came as the result of the need for Grade 12 learners to access further learning. The last date for examination of these programmes is November 2012 for N Certificates and December 2014 for N Diplomas.
Furthermore, the department has approved the extension of the phasing out of the National N Certificates: N1-N3 Engineering Studies. The extension period of the engineering studies ends when the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) offers occupational qualifications registered on the National Qualification Framework. Students enrolled on the N1-N3 programmes must be indentured by industry prior to enrolment. This allows industry to continue with their apprenticeship programmes until such time that these are replaced by the QCTO registered occupational qualifications.
ii. Vocational Centres
The department introduced a bursary scheme (NSFAS) for NCV programmes in order to increase the number of disadvantaged young people who are willing to access FET Colleges.
b) The Department has collaborated with provinces and stakeholders to advocate for access to adults accessing education at centres. Part of the advocacy has entailed community radio interviews with AET officials.
Interprovincial meetings have been held with AET officials on advocacy matters to develop contextual messages for adult learners.
When AET learners receive their GETC results, learners are also encouraged to look to Colleges to further their learning.
QUESTION 1596
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21/05/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 14 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
1. Whether he will permit the establishment of private medical schools; if not, why not; if so, when will they be established;
2. Whether his department had any discussions with the Department of Health on the establishment of private medical schools; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1858E
REPLY:
1. In terms of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No 101 of 1997) (hereafter referred to as "the Act"), the Minister of Higher Education and Training has the authority to establish public higher education institutions including the establishment of medical schools. The Act however does not empower the Minister of Higher Education and Training to establish "private medical schools".
Section 51 of the Act states that no person other than a public higher education institution or an organ of state may provide higher education unless that person is, in the prescribed manner, registered or conditionally registered as a private higher education in terms of this Act.
Medical schools offer higher education programmes. If such a provider does not fit the definition of a public higher education institution or an organ of state, then that provider is required to establish a private higher education institution which operates as a "medical school" under the authority of the Registrar of Private Higher Education Institutions.
Since the Act permits the establishment of private medical schools if it meets the requirements for registration, the Minister may not prohibit the registration unless there are compelling reasons to do so.
2. No, there were no discussions with the Department of Health because the matter was never raise
QUESTION 1561
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21/05/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 14 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
1. Whether there are enough students in the education sector to meet the annual target of preparing the 15 000 to 18 000 teachers a year as estimated by his department for jobs in the school education sector; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1820E
REPLY:
No, there are currently no sufficient students in teacher education programmes to meet the projected needs of the system.
The number of new teachers required each year is not a simple calculation as there are a variety of labour market forces influencing the teacher supply needs of Basic Education, including internal mobility of qualified teachers in and out of the labour market and foreign educators entering the system. It is estimated that the Higher Education and Training system should prepare approximately 15 000 new teachers annually across specific subjects and phases.
The table below provides an indication of initial teacher education (ITE) graduate output in 2007, and 2008 from the 21 Higher Education Institutions which offer initial teacher education programmes. The information provided in the table was submitted by the Higher Education Management and Information System officer at each institution in 2009, and provides the most accurate picture available. At the time that the information was collected, audited data for 2009 was not yet available. Audited graduate figures for 2009 will be available in October 2010.
Table 1: Graduate output in initial teacher education programmes
Number of ITE graduates in 2007 |
Number of ITE graduates in 2008 |
|
Total graduates across all universities |
5528 |
6009 |
It should be noted that these figures do not include graduates who may take up teaching positions without completing a formal initial teacher education qualification. However, the information confirms that the teacher education system needs to expand to at least double its 2008 graduate output over the next few years in order to meet the projected need for new teachers.
It is expected that 2009 figures will show a significant increase in graduate production, as the impact of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme and the Teacher Recruitment Campaign become more evident. Since the introduction of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme there has been a significant increase in the enrolment of student teachers at Higher Education Institutions. The table below shows that the total Full-time equivalent (FTE) enrolment across all years in initial teacher education programmes increased by 25% from 2008 to 2009.
Table 2: Initial Teacher Education programmes: Growth in FTEs from 2008 to 2009
FTEs 2008 |
FTEs 2009 |
% growth |
|
Total FTEs in ITE across all institutions* |
27747 |
34675 |
25.0% |
*UNIVEN data not available |
When the first year enrolment alone is considered, there was an increase of 35% in 2009, as compared to first year enrolment in 2008.
The issue of teacher preparation and provisioning is receiving attention in the new, strengthened, integrated Plan for Teacher Education and Development, which is being developed as a result of collaborative work that was started through the Teacher Development Summit held last year. The Plan proposes that institutional arrangements for teacher education and development be strengthened. In particular, it proposes that institutional capacity be increased through increasing the capacity of existing institutions to provide initial teacher education, and developing additional institutions where appropriate/necessary.
QUESTION 1385
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 07/05/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12 OF 2010)
Dr H C van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
Whether the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) received 100% of its part of his department's budget allocated to Programme 2: Human Resource Management and Development in the 2008-09 financial year; if not, why not; if so, (a) what was the allocation for PSETA in Programme 2, (b) what percentage of this allocation was budgeted for (i) skills programmes, (ii) education and training quality assurance and (iii) learning programmes and (c) what percentage of the allocation was budgeted for salaries?
NW1622E
REPLY:
a. The PSETA receives budgetary support for its operations through the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) on an annual basis. The budget amount is determined by the DPSA and PSETA is then advised on the quantum of the budgetary support. The Seta does not take physical delivery of the money, but the money resides at the DPSA and is ring fenced for use by the PSETA. During the course of the year PSETA, through the Office of the Chief Executive Officer submits requests to the DPSA to procure goods and services and any expenditure incurred by the DPSA on behalf of the PSETA is set off against the ring fenced money on a draw-down facility. These expenses are recorded and accounted for as part of the DPSA expenditures in the relevant accounting period. In the 2008/09 financial year the PSETA was allocated a total of R20 575 000.00 to meet its operational expenses for the year. According to the expenditure report generated by the DPSA, PSETA used R14 748 883.00 of the allocated budget and the balance was retained by the DPSA.
The budget surplus that was recorded in 2008/09 (unused balance) was mainly due to the breakdown in relations between the PSETA and the DPSA which resulted in PSETA paying some of its operational expenses using the National Skills Fund (NSF) monies. The breakdown in relations resulted in the DPSA failing or refusing to honour some of the operational expenses that the PSETA had incurred and to avoid facing possible litigation by the service providers PSETA used the unused balance in the National Skills Fund account to meet these obligations on the understanding that the funds will be reimbursed from the DPSA managed and controlled Operational Fund when relations between the two entities healed. There are currently extensive discussions underway as part of the broader SETA Landscape discussions which are intended to heal the rifts and re-establish the PSETA on a widely accepted basis.
b. & c. The allocated funds were proportionately distributed amongst the major operational units as follows:
DESCRIPTION |
PERCENTAGE ALLOCATED |
Compensation to Employees |
30% |
Administration |
25% |
Education and Training Quality Assurance Unit |
15% |
Learnership Unit |
15% |
Skills Planning |
15% |
TOTAL |
100% |
QUESTION 998
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
Whether any arrests and/or prosecution of students for drug and alcohol-related offences committed on the campus of any of the 23 universities and 50 Further Education and Training (FET) colleges have occurred; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1143E
REPLY:
Honourable Member is requested to note that the information is not available at the moment. It will be requested from the 23 public higher education institutions and the Members of the Executive Councils in the nine Provinces who are responsible for Further Education and Training Colleges and will be submitted once all institutions have replied.
QUESTION 148
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11/02/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 1 OF 2010
Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) How many (a) first-time first year students have registered at each university for 2010, (b) of these students are on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, (c) are recipients of other bursaries and (d) first year students are registered to study (i) education, (ii) accounting, (iii) engineering, (iv) medicine, (v) social work and (vi) geology;
(2) whether his department has implemented any new measures to reduce the high drop-out rate amongst the first and second year students; if not, why not; if so, what measures;
(3) whether these measures have proven to be effective in other countries and/or institutions; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW157E
REPLY:
1(a) Provisional data for 2010 shows that there are 161 184 first time entering students however institutions are still registering students and their 2nd semester enrolments only take place from June 2010. Please note that final audited figures will only be available later in the year.
1(b) This information is not available at this stage due to the requirements for individual loan agreements between each student and NSFAS.
(c) This information varies from institutions to institutions. Institutions are responsible for the disbursement of bursaries.
1(d) Number of first time entering, undergraduate students, in education, engineering, medicine, social work and geology, by institution, in 2008
Institution |
Education |
Accounting |
Engineering |
Medicine |
Social Work |
Geology |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
745 |
784 |
1 390 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
University of Cape Town |
30 |
665 |
491 |
223 |
29 |
26 |
Central University of Technology, Free State |
219 |
184 |
439 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Durban Institute of Technology |
103 |
707 |
1 126 |
0 |
33 |
0 |
University of Fort Hare |
199 |
203 |
0 |
0 |
86 |
13 |
University of the Free State |
1 615 |
303 |
0 |
150 |
32 |
19 |
University of Johannesburg |
266 |
1 548 |
1 110 |
0 |
123 |
22 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
626 |
946 |
407 |
213 |
93 |
28 |
University of Limpopo |
1 642 |
72 |
0 |
208 |
51 |
6 |
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
188 |
497 |
453 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
North West University |
639 |
675 |
222 |
0 |
177 |
0 |
University of Pretoria |
566 |
793 |
983 |
217 |
71 |
13 |
Rhodes University |
0 |
208 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
University of South Africa |
4 075 |
6 387 |
1 538 |
0 |
1 306 |
2 |
University of Stellenbosch |
73 |
174 |
93 |
267 |
7 |
0 |
Tshwane University of Technology |
1 034 |
960 |
1 664 |
0 |
0 |
35 |
University of Venda |
269 |
225 |
58 |
0 |
109 |
24 |
Vaal University of Technology |
147 |
524 |
1 517 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Walter Sisulu University |
939 |
672 |
315 |
113 |
93 |
0 |
University of Western Cape |
77 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
University of Witwatersrand |
526 |
494 |
578 |
202 |
27 |
26 |
University of Zululand |
1 514 |
147 |
0 |
0 |
90 |
4 |
Mangosuthu University of Technology |
0 |
408 |
868 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
TOTAL |
15 490 |
17 585 |
13 252 |
1 593 |
2 327 |
256 |
Provisional data for 2010 can only be provided in October by institutions, as they are still registering students and their 2nd semester enrolments only take place from June 2010.
2. Institutions are being funded through the Foundation provisional grants to provide additional support and extended programmes to students that are underprepared. These Foundation provisional grants are a top up to address teaching and learning aspects such as staffing, equipment and facilities. Provision is also made in the infrastructure funding to address the improvement of efficiency in the teaching and learning experience. R430 million, R185 million and R1, 585 million have been allocated in the 2010/11 financial year for teaching development grants, foundation provision and infrastructure and efficiency funding respectively.
3. The effectiveness of these abovementioned strategies are monitored through progress reports submitted by each institution. There has been some improvement in the success rates; however it is still to early to determine the outcome of these.
QUESTION 472
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/02/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 4 OF 2010
Rev H M Dandala (Cope) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
Whether he developed any plans to establish universities in (a) Mpumalanga and (b) Northern provinces that will make tertiary education easily accessible to the people in these provinces; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW548E
REPLY:
The National Institutes of Higher Education in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape are mandated, through the Higher Education Act, to coordinate the provision of higher education in these provinces. This co-ordinating function is managed through partnership agreements with universities operating in these provinces, i.e. UNISA, Tshwane University of Technology, Vaal University of Technology and the University of Pretoria for the NIHE in Mpumalanga; and the University of the Free State, Central University of Technology and Vaal University of Technology for the NIHE in the Northern Cape.
The establishment of fully fledged universities in the said provinces remains a priority for this government. Part of this government's mandate is to ensure that universities are established in those provinces which do not have universities. In this regard, we have consulted and continue to consult with the NIHEs, provincial governments and stakeholders involved in the provincial delivery of higher education programmes in the relevant provinces. I will address this further in my budget speech.
Until the proposed model is approved, the National Institute of Higher Education in Mpumalanga and Northern Cape will remain the vehicle through which higher education is delivered in those provinces.
QUESTION 1028
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether he received the forensic audit report and other related documents in respect of the Tshwane South Further Education and Training College; if so,
(2) Whether he intends taking any action with regard to these documents; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1174E
REPLY:
(1) Member James is referred to the provisions of section 46 of the Further Education and Training Act (2006) and respectfully requested to note that the powers to investigate are with the MEC of Education.
The Gauteng Department of Education is keeping the Department of Higher Education and Training informed of the actions they are taking in terms of the FETC Act, 2006 (Act 16 of 2006). I have not received any forensic audit report in respect of the Colleges.
(2) In conjunction with the Member of the Executive Council responsible for the Gauteng Department of Education, I will take appropriate steps after all the reports have been considered.
QUESTION 1029
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)
Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
Whether he will close the sector education and training authorities and replace them with apprenticeships operating within well-established industries with recognised training centres; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1175E
REPLY:
I have no intention of closing the sector education and training authorities (SETAs). The member is respectfully requested to consider the functions of the SETA as outlined in the Skills Development Act (SDA). SETA's are advisory authorities which represent our social partners and which develop sectoral skills plans (SSPs) and administer the skills levy in that sector in alignment with the SSP and the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS). They have performed a quality assurance function, but this is to move to the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
I will not replace SETAs with apprenticeships as the the functions and purposes of these are not conceptually interchangeable. SETAs are advisory bodies. Apprenticeships are one of the routes to attaining artisan status. The member is respectfully referred to the Annual Reports and Strategic Plans of several SETA's, notably MERSETA, which explain the work done by SETA to support artisan training through both learnerships and apprenticeships systems.
The position in respect of SETA's is that we have now gazetted the proposed new SETA landscape for public comment. The position in respect of apprenticeships is that the DHET will through the QCTO establish the National Artisan Moderating Body (NAMB) as required in the SDA. As indicated in my budget speech, this is a priority
QUESTION 1030
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)
Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether any chief executive officers (CEOs) of the sector education and training authorities (Setas) (a) have been (i) handed over to the SA Police Service for investigation, (ii) arrested, (iii) prosecuted and (iv) convicted and (b) are serving prison sentences; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (aa) which Setas' CEOs and (bb) what are the relevant details in each case;
(2) Whether any money have been retrieved as a result of such investigations and prosecutions; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1176E
REPLY:
1) I have not been informed of any actions as indicated in paragraph (1) of your question against any SETA or senior officials managing the SETAs.
2) In terms of my response to (1), this falls away
QUESTION 1031
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)
Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(a) How many (i) black, (ii) Indian, (iii) coloured and (iv) white students have (aa) been trained, (bb) graduated and (cc) been placed in the (aaa) Auto, (bbb) plastic, (ccc) Metal and (ddd) New Tyre and Motor Chambers in terms of the Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MERSETA), (b) how many of each of these categories of Chambers have students with disabilities and (c) what are the costs for each trainee? NW1177E
REPLY:
(a) (i) –( iv) & (aa) - (bb) & (aaa) – (ddd).The following students as indicated in the table below have been trained in the different chambers for the 2009/10 period :
FIELD |
GROUP |
NUMBERS |
METAL |
AFRICANS |
54 |
METAL |
COLOUREDS |
10 |
METAL |
INDIANS |
3 |
METAL |
WHITES |
3 |
MOTOR |
AFRICANS |
23 |
MOTOR |
COLOUREDS |
2 |
MOTOR |
INDIANS |
1 |
MOTOR |
WHITES |
12 |
NEW TYRE |
AFRICANS |
2 |
PLASTIC |
AFRICANS |
2 |
PLASTIC |
COLOUREDS |
3 |
(cc) The MERSETA has indicated that their data not does not track placements, as it only focuses on training up until when a learner gets qualified. However, the SETA is in a process to implement a system that will track the learners' movements and placements.
(b) The following categories of chambers had learners with disabilities:
CHAMBER |
RACE |
DISABLED |
AUTO |
AFRICANS |
19 |
AUTO |
WHITES |
1 |
METAL |
AFRICANS |
18 |
METAL |
COLOUREDS |
7 |
METAL |
INDIANS |
3 |
METAL |
WHITES |
5 |
MOTOR |
AFRICANS |
12 |
MOTOR |
COLOUREDS |
2 |
MOTOR |
INDIANS |
1 |
MOTOR |
WHITES |
5 |
PLASTIC |
COLOUREDS |
1 |
(c) The costs of each learner in the different learning programmes are as reflected in the table below:
Learning Programme |
Cost per learner |
Skills Programme |
R190 per credit per learner |
Learnership 18.1 Leanership 18.2 |
Primary Focus Learnerships : R25000 per learner Non-primary focus Learnerships: R18 500 per learner Bonus grants for people with disability R 10 000 per learner Primary Focus Learnerships: R20 000 per learner Non-primary focus Learnerships: R16 500 per learner Bonus grants for people with disability R 10 000 per learner Learner allowance is paid in accordance with the regulations |
Apprenticeship |
R90 000 per apprentice Bonus grants for people with disability R 10 000 per learner |
New Venture Creation learnership Level 2 or Level 4: |
Basic Grant R19 000 per learner. Bonus for people with disability R 10 000 per learner |
Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) |
ABET Placement Assessment: R150 per learner Levels 1 & 2 = R1800 per learning area Levels 3 & 4 = R2 500 per learning area |
Training for sector specialists, assessors and moderators |
· Assessors R3000 · Moderators R2500 · Mentors R2500 · SDFs R5000 |
QUESTION 496
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 05/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 6 OF 2010
Mr M L Fransman (ANC) to ask the Minister of Higher Education:
What (a) is the total budget of the National Skills Fund (NSF), (b) amount has been spent until November 2009, (c) amount of the 2009-10 budget has not been spent as at 1 November 2009, (d) amount of the 2009-10 budget has not yet been committed to a project as at 1 November 2009 and (e) is the amount of the NSF unspent allocations broken down in each province? NW586E
REPLY:
(a) The total approved 2009/10-budget of the National Skills Fund as at 1 November 2009 was –
R 3,470,479,000.
One of the reasons for the quite high budget amount is because the budget makes provision for an amount of R1,2 billion to support the Training Lay-off scheme as a result of the international economic crisis.
(b) The total expenditure of the National Skills Fund as at 1 November 2009 was –
R 537,363,000.
(c) The unspent part of the 2009/10-budget of the National Skills Fund as at 1 November 2009 was therefore – R 2,933,116,000.
Kindly note that the contractual commitments as at 01 November 2009 amounted to –
R 1,059,426,000. Also note that certain of these commitments are multi-year commitments, for instance the Business Processing Outsourcing and Off-Shoring (BPO&O) training grants linked to the DTI investment incentive programme are spread over a 3 year period from as per the approved incentive period per case.
It should further also be noted that at this point none of the R1,2 billion earmarked for the support of the Training Lay-off scheme was committed or spent.
(d) The 2009/10-budget not yet committed to a project as at 01 November 2009 amounted to –
R 1,174,860,000-00
(e) The amount of the NSF unallocated funds broken down in each province?
Of the abovementioned amount of R1,174,860 uncommitted funds R508,560 have been directly earmarked per province for the training of unemployed people related to the Social Development Initiatives funding programme of the National Skills Fund . The break-down per province are as follows:
Province |
Budget 2009/10 (A) |
Training contracts awarded at 31 Oct 2009 (Dept of Labour Prov Offices) (B) |
Balance of previous years carried forward too 2009/10 (C) |
Total Commitments [ B + C = D ] (D) |
Total Expenditure (as at 1 November 2009) – payments of claims submitted by training providers (E) |
Unallocated Balance [A – D] |
Eastern Cape |
135,742,393 |
23,993,011 |
796,160 |
24,789,171 |
2,482,963 |
110,953,222 |
Free State |
37,339,028 |
3,380,040 |
1,410,263 |
4,790,303 |
797,415 |
32,548,725 |
Gauteng North |
42,559,136 |
5,010,380 |
1,027,057 |
6,037,437 |
74,084 |
36,521,699 |
Gauteng South |
102,279,675 |
55,391,395 |
349,269 |
55,740,664 |
2,922,358 |
46,539,011 |
KwaZulu Natal |
61,502,481 |
0 |
105,254 |
105,254 |
1,082,035 |
61,397,227 |
Limpopo |
26,622,028 |
5,901,751 |
11,389 |
5,913,140 |
221,334 |
20,708,888 |
Mpumalanga |
30,541,447 |
5,996,431 |
431,435 |
6,427,866 |
302,588 |
24,113,581 |
Northern Cape |
22,153,622 |
14,818,261 |
146,503 |
14,964,764 |
259,750 |
7,188,858 |
North West |
71,580,333 |
9,213,062 |
3,314,258 |
12,527,320 |
1,378,707 |
59,053,013 |
Western Cape |
74,330,120 |
0 |
153,146 |
153,146 |
153,146 |
74,176,974 |
BESD-Entrepreneur Development Programme * Gauteng North * Gauteng South * Northern Cape |
23,000,000 |
11,162,583 |
11,162,583 |
0 |
11,837,417 |
|
(3,814,805) |
||||||
(4,168,774) |
||||||
(3,179,004) |
||||||
Daily Learner Allowance |
24,521,120 |
999,056 |
999,056 |
999,055 |
23,522,064 |
|
Head Office |
624,248 |
624,248 |
624,248 |
624,248 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
652,795,631 |
136,490,218 |
7,744,734 |
144,234,952 |
R 11,297,683 |
R 508,560,679 |
The transfer of the skills development function from the Department of Labour (DoL) to the new Department of Higher Education and Training from 1 November 2009 resulted the uncertainty at the DoL Provincial Offices to continue awarding training contracts for the training of unemployed people. This has since been resolved and now receiving the necessary attention.
A further amount of R500 million and R50 million have been earmarked for the Requests for Proposals respectively for the NSF Strategic Project Programmes and Capacity Building for Community Based Organisations (CBOs) that have been advertised in the media during 2009, and these proposals received are under consideration through the normal procurement adjudication processes. A breakdown per province is only available once the adjudication process has been completed.
The remaining balance of unallocated funds are related to –
(1) R 80 million earmarked for ABET-programmes which has been held back to determine whether the NSF should still continue to fund ABET programmes in the future.
(2) R25, 3 million available for BPO&O training grants. These funds are dependant on applications that the Department of Trade and Industry receive from interested qualifying investors for BPO&O incentives and applications approved by the BPO&O Adjudication Committee. Training incentive grants has since been awarded to qualifying applicants during November 2009 to February 2010 and the current available balance as at end February 2010 is R8, 6 million.
(3) R10 million earmarked for the capacity building of members of the National Skills Authority constituency organisations. This programme is currently receiving attention.
QUESTION 1102
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19/04/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 10 OF 2010)
Mr R B Bhoola (MF) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether there are specific criteria for funding poor children to advance their tertiary education; if so, what are the relevant details?
(2) Whether there is a National student Financial Aid Scheme (NASFAS) office in Durban; if not, why not; if so what are relevant details?
NW1099E
REPLY:
1. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme(NSFAS) was established by Government as the primary instrument for providing financial support for poor students who wish to advance their tertiary education. The current distribution model is based on the historical equity profile of students at institutions and the means test to allocate funds to institutions and individuals. Based on an annual estimation of the number of students that are eligible for financial assistance and through the financial means test with joint family income of less than R122 000, allocations are made to each institution by the NSFAS.
Two criteria are important in determining allocation:
- NSFAS funding is dependent on the student being granted and retaining an academic place at a HEI;
- NSFAS funding is dependent on determining the degree of financial need of the family of the student who has been granted an academic place at a public HEI through the NSFAS means test.
2. NSFAS has a national head office in Cape Town but no provincial or regional offices. It must be noted that students apply for NSFAS through public higher education institutions and not through NSFAS directly.
QUESTION 399
DATE OF PUBLICATION IF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/02/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 4-2010)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(a) What (i) vehicles, (ii) aircraft and (iii) properties are currently owned by her department and (b) with regard to each item, (i) when was it purchased, (ii) how much did it cost and (iii) for what reason was it purchased? NW472E
REPLY:
(a) (i) Mercedes Benz ML320 CDI and BMW 750i.
(ii) The Department does not own any aircraft.
(iii) The Department does not own any property.
(b) (i) - Mercedes Benz ML 320 CDI – Purchased on 19 March 2008.
- BMW 750i - Purchased on 25 June 2009.
(ii) - Mercedes Benz ML 320 CDI – Purchase price – R576 379.98.
- BMW 750i - Purchase price – R1 110 750.01.
(iii) - Mercedes Benz ML 320 CDI – Purchased as official vehicle for the former
Minister of Education in Cape Town.
- BMW 750i - Purchased as official vehicle for the Minister of Higher Education and Training
It may be noted that following the re-organisation of government after the 2009 elections, the Department is in the process of transferring assets from the Department of Labour, which will be effective as from 1st April 2010.
26 December 2010 - Question:Minister of Home Affairs
MPs to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Reply:
QUESTION 277
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 19 February 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) How many arrests have been made by immigration officers at the (i) departure and
(ii) arrival halls of the Cape Town International Airport in (aa) 2007, (bb) 2008 and
(cc) 2009 and (b) what was the reason for each arrest?
NW293E
REPLY
(a) & (b) The information is specified in the table:click
QUESTION 278
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 19 February 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether the layout of the new Cape Town International Airport Building allows for immigration officers to do profiling of passengers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) which officials in her department were responsible for approving of and signing off the planning documents for those areas that her department would require;
(3) whether the problem that arose after the completion of the building was brought to her attention; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether any action will be taken to rectify the situation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether any additional security measures will be implemented at Cape Town International Airport until the section has been changed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW294E
REPLY
(1) No. The current layout is in a temporary structure.
(2) The Deputy Director-General: Immigration Services.
(3) No. The current layout is a temporary arrangement.
(4) Yes. The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has new development programmes for the Cape Town International Airport within the next three years. The final layout of the International Departures, and Arrival Terminals will be discussed with ACSA, during this period. As an interim measure, the following shortcomings were discussed with ACSA, and it is attending to the following requests:
· A dedicated lane for staff, and assisted passengers to avoid overcrowding in the clearance area.
· Access control to the entrance of the clearance area.
· Dedicated security cameras to monitor officials, as well as, passengers in the clearance area.
· The installation of one way glass in the cubicles to give immigration officers the assurance that persons moving around in their perimeters have been cleared by Immigration.
· The installation of self closing gates between cubicles to allow only passengers who have been cleared access to the transit area.
(5) Yes. The following measures are currently being addressed:
· The access control door in the staff passage will be replaced with a card retention system. This will ensure that only designated card holders have access to the clearance area. The door will close automatically once the card holder has entered, and the card holder will only receive his or her access card back after the door has closed.
· The cameras fitted in the departure area will be channelled to the observation room to allow for supervisors to monitor the entire clearance area, as well as, cubicles for possible corrupt activities.
· The cubicles will also be fitted with monitors to allow immigrations officers to view passengers waiting in the queue, and to do profiling.
QUESTION 279
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 19 February 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether an inspectorate is currently based at Cape Town International Airport; if not, (a) why not, (b) when will the posts be advertised and (c) how many posts will be advertised; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether the applicants will be undergoing any vetting process; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) by when will the inspectorate be appointed and fully functional at the airport; if so, (i) how many staff members are employed in the inspectorate, (ii) how many posts still need to be filled and (iii) when will these posts be advertised;
(3) whether the current incumbents and/or new applicants will undergo any vetting procedures; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW295E
REPLY
(1)(a) No. There is, currently, no office space available for the officials. A standby team is available around the clock to attend to incidents at the Cape Town International Airport.
(1)(b) It is intended that Inspectorate officials, from our existing Unit at Barrack Street office in Cape Town, will be deployed to the Cape Town International Airport, during April 2010, as the necessary office space has been acquired, and the plans to set up this Unit have been set in place.
(1)(c) A total of 10 posts will be advertised. That is, 2 Chief Control Immigration Officers, and 8 Immigration Officers. The posts for 1 Chief Control Immigration Officer, and 3 Immigration Officers have been prioritised, and will take up their positions in May 2010.
(2)(a) Yes. All candidates who are recommended for appointment to Immigration positions are subjected to criminal record checks, and security clearance before appointment. Further, all new officials undergo the vetting process as it is a Departmental policy to vet all recommended employees.
(2)(b) The posts will be advertised in the 2010/11 financial year.
(2)(b)(i) The total of staff members employed in the Inspectorate, nationally, is 638.
(2)(b)(ii)(iii) The approved structure which is intended to be over the period of three (3)
to four (4) years requires, approximately, another 548 positions.
(3) Yes. All candidates appointed in Immigration Services are subjected to vetting procedures in terms of criminal record checks, and security clearance.
QUESTION 299
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 19 February 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 of 2010
Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:†
(1) Whether her Department has paid any performance bonuses to the current Director-General during his contract period; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what did the various amounts run into, (b) when they were paid out and
(c) what criteria were applied in determining his performance;
(2) whether the Director-General has solved her Department's ongoing problems and improved the Department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,
(3) whether she will extend his contract for another period; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW316E
REPLY
(1)(a) No. The Director-General has completed two performance cycles since his appointment in May 2007. The outcome of his performance assessment for the 2007/08 cycle is, currently, under review, while his performance assessment for the 2008/09 performance cycle is, still, in process.
(1)(b) The performance incentives (if any) will be effected upon moderation by the Moderating Committee.
(1)(c) The granting of Performance Incentives (if any) will be determined by the Director-General's achievements of the deliverables as indicated in the Strategic Plan for each performance cycle.
(2) Work is ongoing to address the many challenges facing the Department of Home Affairs. The turnaround times for key products as specified in the Strategic Plan were, largely, achieved, and maintained. Reports from the Government Communication Information System (GCIS), based on their tracker research, indicate that this is noticed, and appreciated, particularly, by rural and poor communities. The majority of callers to talk shows, also, register their satisfaction with the services of the Department. Among the more important achievements, are the following:
§ On average, it, now, takes 43 days to issue an Identity Document, versus the target of 60 days.
§ Live capture for passports is implemented at 40 offices.
§ At the end of January 2010, it took 27 days from the capturing of a passport application to the issuance of the passport, versus the average of 56 days it took in April 2009.
§ The Department moved from a disclaimer in the 2007/08 financial year to a qualified audit in the 2008/09 financial year.
Corruption, most, unfortunately, continues to blemish the efforts of many who work tirelessly to provide a service that is efficient, accessible, and corruption free to the citizens, and other important customers. However, the Department has implemented a counter corruption strategy that is beginning to show positive results.
(3) No. The Director-General is leaving on retirement, and will, therefore, not ask for the renewal of his contract.
QUESTION 300
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 19 February 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 of 2010
Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether her department has made use of consultants in the (a) 2004-05, (b) 2005-06, (c) 2006-07, (d) 2007-08, (e) 2008-09 financial years and (f) during the period
1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i)(aa) how many and (bb) which consultants and consultancies were used in each of these financial years, (ii) what amounts were paid to each consultant or consultancy in each of these financial years and (iii) who are the directors of each of the consultancies that her department used in each of these financial years;
(2) whether any of the directors and shareholders of the consultancies have any links with the ruling party; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are these links;
(3) whether any persons who are currently consultants or owners of consultancies were formerly in the employ of her department; if so, (a) who are they, (b) why did they leave the employ of her department, and (c) what is the total financial value that has been paid out to each one of these consultants?
NW317E
REPLY
(1)(2)(3) This Question's required response, will take a long time, because the research
that is required to be undertaken, has to cover a period of, just, over six (6)
years. For this reason, the Honourable Member is, kindly, advised to source out
the required information from the previous Department's Annual Reports of the
years under question.
QUESTION 1776
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 May 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15 of 2010
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
When will the visa requirements for South Africans visiting the United Kingdom be lifted?
NW2042E
REPLY
No. I have not asked for the Visa requirements to be lifted. There were objective, and subjective reasons that led to the Visa requirements. For this reason, it will serve no useful purpose to request for the lifting of the requirement, at this stage.
QUESTION 1798
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 04 June 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16 of 2010
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) What (i) was the outcome of the review and (ii) are the relevant details of the dispensation that allows undocumented Zimbabwean migrants to live and work in South Africa and (b) when will the special dispensation be implemented?
NW2070E
REPLY
(a)(i) The review of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002), is, still, in progress. The Department of Home Affairs is, currently, in the consultation phase.
(ii) None.
(b) It was implemented, last year, 2009.
QUESTION 1749
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 May 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
What were the start and end dates of tenure in office of every (a) permanent and (b) acting (i) Director-General and (ii) Chief Financial Officer during the period 1 January 2000 to
31 December 2009?
NW2015E
REPLY
The Honourable Member is, kindly, advised to source out the required information from the Department's Annual Reports of the years, under question.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 213
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 May 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 of 2010
Mr D A Worth (DA-FS) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether her Department still intends to introduce a new identity card for all South Africans; if not, why not; if so, (a) when will this process take place, (b) what will be the cost implications of this process to the (i) Government and (ii) citizens, (c) what is the envisaged timeline of this process and (d) what are the further relevant details;
(2) whether this new identity card will incorporate the drivers licence details; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
CW286E
REPLY
(1)(a) Yes, the Department still intends to introduce a new identity card for all South Africans. The Department is, currently, preparing its front office, and back office processes to ensure the state of readiness of these offices. The outcome of these preparations will enable the Department to determine how best to introduce the identity card. Once the state of readiness is determined, the time frames for the introduction of the identity card will be announced.
(1)(b)(i) & (ii) The costs have not, yet, been determined, and are dependent on the outcome of preparations, as indicated in (1)(a) above.
(1)(c) It is envisaged that preparations of back offices, and front offices will be finalised by the end of this financial year (2010/11).
(1)(d) None, at this stage.
(2) Other relevant Departments will be consulted for purposes of additional smartcard capabilities, and utilisation.
UESTION 935
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 23 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 of 2010
Ms H N Makhuba (IFP) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) How much of the R104,4 million allocated to the smart ID card project in the Adjusted Appropriation Budget of October 2009 was spent in the last six months of the financial year;
(2) whether all such expenditure relates to the smart ID card project; if not, on what was the money spent;
(3) how has the expenditure from the above allocation moved the smart ID card project forward to date?
NW1080E
REPLY
(1) The total amount of R104,4 million was spent.
(2) No. The National Treasury has approved that this fund could be utilised for the shortfall on the printing costs of new passports, which was payable to the Government Printing Works.
(3) Not applicable, as the funds were not spent on the Smart ID Card Project.
QUESTION 330
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 26 February 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 of 2010
Mr J J Mc Gluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) (a) What is the cost to produce 524 618 identity documents (IDs), (b) how many working hours were involved in making those IDs, (c) how will such IDs be destroyed, (d) how much will it cost to destroy them and (e) how many IDs have been destroyed in the past five years;
(2) whether her department will send text messages to persons to notify them of the readiness of their (a) IDs for collection and (b) smart cards for collection once the systems are in place; if not, (i) why not in each case and (ii) what are the new methods her Department is looking at to resolve this matter; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
NW385E
REPLY
(1) We have not calculated all these costs, nor, have we destroyed any ID's in the past five
(5) years. What is important, is that we, as the public representatives, must assist the
Department by making sure that the population understands:
(i) the value of the ID beyond the cost, in rands, and cents.
(ii) that they have to look after their ID's.
(iii) that they do not apply for a re-issue of the ID, unless they have ascertained
that their ID is lost.
(iv) that they fetch their ID, once they receive a sms informing them that their
ID has arrived.
(2)(a) Yes. With the implementation of the Track and Trace system, in 2007, short text messages (sms) are, automatically, sent to applicants informing them that their identity documents are ready for collection at the office of application. Two subsequent sms messages are, also, sent after 60 days, and 110 days, respectively, to inform applicants that their identity documents are ready for collection.
(2)(b) There are no Smart Cards, yet.
QUESTION 1716
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 May 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether her (a) Department or (b) any of its entities has signed any contractual agreements with certain companies (names furnished) or any of their affiliates; if so,
(i) what is the nature of each contract, (ii) what is the (aa) start and (bb) end date of each contract, (iii) what is the monetary value of each contract, (iv) what are the details of the process that was undertaken for the signing of each contract, (v) who else tendered for each contract that was awarded to these companies and (vi) what amount did each tenderer quote in each case?
NW1982E
REPLY
(a)(i) to (vi) THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS:
No. The Department of Home Affairs has not signed any contractual agreements with the mentioned companies.
(b)(i) to (vi) THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING WORKS:
No. The Government Printing Works has not signed any contractual agreements with the mentioned companies.
(b)(i) to (vi) INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION (IEC):
No. The IEC has not signed any contractual agreements with the mentioned companies.
(b)(i) to (vi) FILM AND PUBLICATION BOARD (FPB):
No. The FPB has not signed any contractual agreements with the mentioned companies.
QUESTION 1402
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 07 May 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2010
Mr S B Farrow (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether she and / or her Department has been informed of the problems experienced by the Glenmore community in the Eastern Cape to register the death of their relatives who died in the tornado and flood that devastated the area in 1979; if so, what are the relevant details; if not,
(2) whether she will investigate the matter and provide assistance to the community; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1641E
REPLY
(1) No. Neither I, nor the Department of Home Affairs was informed.
(2) Yes. The Department of Home Affairs will investigate the matter after consultation with the relevant Provincial Government Entities to collect, as much as possible, information pertaining to the incident mentioned. A comprehensive report will, then, be compiled which will, then, indicate what action, or steps will be taken to assist the Glenmore community to address the registration process for the deaths. It would be appreciated, if the Honourable Member could, kindly, avail any additional information, or contact persons, in order to assist in addressing, and finalising the matter, as soon as possible.
QUESTION 1404
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 07 May 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2010
Mr J J Mc Gluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether fingerprints taken by her Department are made available to the SA Police Service; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1643E
REPLY
No. Fingerprints taken by the Department of Home Affairs are not made available to the SA Police Service. The Department does, however, receive requests from SA Police Service to assist it with the identification of certain individuals, by sending a full set of fingerprints to the Department.
Question & Reply: Home Affairs
2010-10-19
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
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QUESTION 2403
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 27 July 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether (a) her Department or (b) any of its entities has signed any contractual agreements with a certain company (name furnished) or any of its affiliates (i) in the
(aa) 2006-07, (bb) 2007-08, (cc) 2008-09 and (dd) 2009-10 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (aaa) what is the nature of each contract, (bbb) what is the monetary value of each contract, (ccc) what is the (aaaa) start and (bbbb) end date of each contract, (ddd) what are the details of the process that was followed for the signing of each contract, (eee) who else tendered for each contract that was awarded and (fff) what amount did each tenderer quote in each case?
NW2972E
REPLY:
(a) & (b) No. Neither the Department of Home Affairs, or any of its entities had signed any contractual agreements with the mentioned company, in any of the 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10 or 2010/11 financial years.
QUESTION 2361
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 30 August 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2010
Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether her Department's Regional Office in George has a Mobile Unit; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the areas in which the Unit operates and (b) is the total number of applications for identity documents which (i) the Unit has processed since its launch and (ii) this Unit has processed since its launch at no charge to the applicant?
NW2930E
REPLY
(a) Yes. The Department's Regional Office in George has one Mobile Truck which has been in operation, since September 2009, and visits the following areas, once, or twice a month:
· Stil Bay
· Waboomskraal
· Thembalethu
· Hornlee
· Mossel Bay
· Riversdale
· Sedgefield
· Knysna
· Heidelberg
· Rheenendal
· Plettenberg Bay
· Kranshoek
· Damesbos
· Asla Park
· Slang River
· Albertinia
(b)(i) The total number of identity documents processed is, as follows:
First identity document Issues : 1334
Re-issues of identity documents : 1 924
Identity documents distributed : 2 253
(b)(ii) The Mobile Unit was able to provide the following documents at no cost to the applicants during an outreach programme partnered with the Bitou Municipality who paid for the photos (First Issues), as well as, for the photos, and the application fee (Re-Issues):
First Identity document issues : 274
Re-issues of Identity Documents : 807
QUESTION 2350
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 27 August 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2010
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether she will consider amending official documentation completed by members of the public to reflect the category intersex in addition to the categories male and female; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details regarding the time frame for the proposed amendment of these documents?
NW2919E
REPLY:
The Department of Home Affairs does not make provision for an intersex category on official documentation, but has procedures in place, with regard to changing of sex. An Amendment application form is used for this purpose, and will indicate the sex that is preferred. Expert medical opinion must, then, be provided as stipulated in the Alteration of Sex Description, and Sex Status Act, 2003, before a determination can be made. These procedures have proved to be sufficient, in terms of the practical application of the Act.
QUESTION 2318
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 30 August 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2010
Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
What is the breakdown for the officials at post levels 8 to 12 in her Department in terms of (a) sex, (b) race and (c) age?
NW2852E
REPLY:
The information is provided in the tables, attached:
QUESTION 2261
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 20 August 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether her Department and / or any of its entities has purchased any 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournament (a) clothing or (b) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, in each case,
(i) what are (aa) the details and (bb) the total cost of the items purchased, (ii)(aa) how many items have been purchased and (bb) why, (iii)(aa) to whom has each of these items been allocated and (bb) why have these items been allocated to these persons and (iv)(aa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each of these items and (bb) on whose authority was the decision taken to make these purchases?
NW2769E
REPLY:
The information for the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), the Government Printing Works (GPW), the Film and Publication Board (FPB) and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is specified in the table, attached:
QUESTION 2112
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 13 August 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21 of 2010
Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether her Department has a language policy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2551E
REPLY:
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs has a language policy. It is in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa with specific reference to section 9(3).
QUESTION 2097 / NW2507E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 6 July 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 of 2010
Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether a certain official of her Department (name furnished) is investigating allegations regarding a certain person (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, (a) when is the investigation anticipated to be completed and (b) when will the details and outcomes of the investigation be available?
NW2507E
REPLY:
(a) & (b) Yes. The official concerned has finished the investigation regarding the allegations levelled against a certain person. The details and outcomes of the investigation are available.
QUESTION 1981
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 30 July 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 of 2010
The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) What is the estimated number of Zimbabwean refugees currently living in South Africa;
(2) whether she has any strategies in place to encourage the repatriation of Zimbabwean refugees; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2376E
REPLY:
(1) In the period 1 January 2000 to 31 May 2010, a total of 5 822 Zimbabwean nationals were granted refugee status (refugee permits), in terms of section 24 of the Refugee Act, 1998 (Act No 130 of 1998).
(2) All the efforts to get Zimbabwe back to normal by the South African government are relevant to the repatriation of Zimbabweans. As the economic, and the political situation improves in Zimbabwe, a lot of Zimbabweans will voluntarily go back home.
QUESTION 1918
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 26 July 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 17 of 2010
The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) How many (a) Zimbabwean citizens have been granted asylum since 1 January 2002 and (b) applications for asylum by Zimbabwean citizens have yet to be processed;
(2) whether, with reference to the report by the United Nations Refugee Agency in June 2010 (details furnished), (a) there are any reasons for the backlog of asylum applications and (b) she has taken any steps to expedite the processing of these applications; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2306E
REPLY:
(1) A total of 5 815 Zimbabwean citizens have been granted asylum in the period
1 January 2002 up to, and including, 31 May 2010.
(2) The moratorium and the Special Dispensation is coming to an end. The ongoing operation of documenting all Zimbabweans, in the country, is towards resolving the problem. There is, also, an amendment Bill that, if passed into law, will assist in speeding up the refugee application process, generally.
QUESTION 78
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 5 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 of 2010
Mr M J R de Villiers (DA-WC) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether any of the offices of her department is being rented; if so, (a) which offices in each (i) town and (ii) province and (b) what is the monthly rental for each of the buildings;
(2) whether there are any arrears of rent for any of the buildings; if so, (a) which buildings and (b) when will the arrears be addressed;
(3) (a) who are the owners of each of the buildings and (b) what is the term of the rental agreement for each of the buildings?
CW104E
REPLY
(1) to (3) It is suggested that the Honourable Member directs this Question to the Minister of Public Works. The Department of Home Affairs does not own immovable property. It leases its office accommodation through the Department of Public Works (DPW), who is responsible for the administration of the leased properties.
QUESTION 93
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 12 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 5 of 2010
Mr M J R de Villiers (DA-WC) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) (a) How many identity documents (IDs) are not collected at each of the Home Affairs offices and (b) what is the main reason for these documents not being collected;
(2) whether her Department has taken any steps to ensure that persons are properly informed to collect their IDs; if not, why not; if so, (a) what steps and (b) what are the further relevant details?
CW120E
REPLY
(1)(a) The information as at 28 February 2010 per Province – is specified in the tables, below:
Province |
less than 3 months |
3 - 6 months |
6 - 9 months |
9 - 12 months |
More than 12 months |
Total |
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
47,945 |
20,727 |
18,707 |
12,869 |
35,546 |
135,794 |
Limpopo |
24,617 |
12,033 |
14,994 |
9,519 |
21,054 |
82,217 |
Gauteng |
37,317 |
15,214 |
16,986 |
12,811 |
25,238 |
107,566 |
Free State |
12,997 |
8,298 |
6,820 |
7,361 |
10,799 |
46,275 |
Mpumalanga |
16,014 |
7,702 |
7,929 |
4,947 |
12,022 |
48,614 |
North West |
12,464 |
6,045 |
5,251 |
2,545 |
4,879 |
31,184 |
Northern Cape |
4,247 |
2,428 |
2,130 |
1,086 |
1,764 |
11,655 |
Western Cape |
23,220 |
9,556 |
5,206 |
5,851 |
11,421 |
55,254 |
Eastern Cape |
27,409 |
14,336 |
19,934 |
15,366 |
22,765 |
99,810 |
Total |
206,230 |
96,339 |
97,957 |
72,355 |
145,488 |
618,369 |
Lists of uncollected identity documents, per Province, per office, for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010, are attached herewith, as Annexures A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H to I.
(1)(b) The main reasons for applicants not collecting their new identity documents are, as follows:
· Applicants are applying for identity documents when under the impression that they have lost their identity documents, only to find it at a later stage. Many applicants, therefore, never collect their newly issued identity documents. The identity document with the latest date of issue is the only valid identity document, which replaces all previous identity documents issued.
· Applicants also re-locate, and never collect their newly issued identity documents, at the office of application.
(2)(a) The following steps have been taken:
· Since the implementation of the ID Track and Trace system in 2007, short messages ("sms") are automatically triggered to the cell phones of applicants to inform them of the arrival of their identity documents, at the office of application. Two subsequent SMS's are sent to applicants (one after 60 days, and the other after 110 days), as reminders before returning the identity documents to Head Office, as uncollected.
· It should be noted that the turnaround time for the issuing of identity documents has been drastically reduced, and applicants, who are not in possession of cell phones may enquire at the department's Client Service Centre (toll free number 0800 60 11 90), after a month from the date of application. Clients can, also, use the enquiry SMS no (32551) to check, and get feedback on the status of their ID applications.
(2)(b) The Department, also, interacts with various community forums, and other stakeholders to encourage applicants to collect their identity documents. The department, also, engages with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), through the Provincial Liaison Committees to encourage Political Office Bearers to request communities to collect their identity documents.
QUESTION 1135
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 19 April 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 of 2010
1135. Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether any South African citizens have fallen victim to being falsely married to unknown people and are recorded as being married without their knowledge in the past ten years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many and (b) how many cases (i) have been reported to her department and (ii) are being investigated by (aa) her department and (bb) the SA Police Service;
(2) whether there are any children currently sharing the same birth certificate with other children; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many and (b) how many cases (i) have been reported to her department and (ii) are being investigated by (aa) her department and (bb) the SA Police Service;
(3) whether any persons have (a) overstayed or (b) contravened their visas between 1 January 2004 and 31 March 2010; if so, (i) how many in each year and (ii) what action has been taken in each case;
(4) (a) how many foreigners are currently in South Africa on (i) work and (ii) study permits and (b) in which provinces are they? NW1292E
REPLY
(1) Background
The problem of fraudulent marriages was discovered in early 2000's, wherein South Africans found themselves married to strangers. As the situation in South Africa stabilises, and its economy grows, the country will continue to become the favourite destination for many people across the globe who seek greener pastures, and safe places of abode. Evidently, this migration to the South will bring attendant problems, such as violation of our citizenship acquisition processes. This problem is, further, compounded by our present situation of unemployment, and rampant poverty.
The common causes of fraudulent marriages are:
Marriage of convenience
The victim would agree to enter into holy matrimony with a foreigner, seeking South African citizenship, in exchange for monetary compensation. In cases, where the foreigner does not honour his/her part of the bargain the victim would, then, claim that the marriage took place without his/her knowledge. In cases, where the transaction is honoured the victim will approach the offices of Home Affairs, ostensibly to apply for a new Identity Document, claiming that his/her ID is lost. When records are retrieved, and show that the applicant is married, he/she will, then, claim that the marriage took place without his/her consent, and, then, seek annulment (marriage expunged). Often, when this scam happens, the foreigner has by, then, already, obtained citizenship and/or permanent residence in the country.
Employment agencies
Victims, often, claim that bogus employment agencies request that they submit copies of their Identity Documents, ostensibly to process job placements for them. The victim will, then, later discover by "accident" when he/she processes some transaction, either, in the public service, or the private sector, that he/she is married.
Crime Syndicates
These are well-organised syndicates that are assisted by corrupt officials; corrupt religious leaders, and unscrupulous Marriage Officers. They take full advantage of poor controls, and the lack of basic amenities, and office equipment to fraudulently process details of South Africans, and marry them to foreigners without their knowledge.
(a) 6 769 cases were reported, as from 2007 to April 2010.
Year |
Cases reported |
2007 |
2,114 |
2008 |
2,185 |
2009 |
1,916 |
2010 (April ) |
554 |
Grand total |
6,769 |
(b)(i) 6 769 cases were reported. Of these cases, 5 205 cases were finalised.
Year |
Expunged |
Referred to court |
Total finalized per year |
2007 |
1,671 |
349 |
2,020 |
2008 |
960 |
257 |
1,218 |
2009 |
1,118 |
426 |
1,548 |
2010 (April ) |
234 |
185 |
419 |
Grand Total |
3,983 |
1,217 |
5,205 |
(b)(ii) (aa) 1 564 cases are under investigation within the Department .
Year |
Under Investigation |
2007 |
94 |
2008 |
967 |
2009 |
368 |
2010 (April ) |
135 |
Grand total |
1,564 |
(b)(ii) (bb) The Department does not refer cases to SAPS. However, the Department has its own Internal Counter Corruption Unit, which investigates these cases.
(2) No. None have been brought to the attention of the Department. All children are registered through the National Population Register system, and are allocated with an ID Number. The system (NPR) is designed in a way that does not allow the sharing of birth certificates. The Department has, also, embarked on the process of redesigning its processes, in order to close any loopholes in the birth registration process. These include the upgrading of the security features on the National Population Register system, and the certificate.
2 aa Not applicable
2 bb Not applicable
(3) Yes.
(3)(a) & (b) The information is provided in the table, below:
Year |
Overstayed / contravened |
Action taken |
2004 |
1 165 |
1 165 deported |
2005 |
1 112 |
1 112 deported |
2006 |
1 093 |
1 093 deported |
2007 |
2 180 |
1 310 deported, and 807 fined |
2008 |
2 115 |
1 175 deported, and 940 fined |
2009 |
4 007 |
3 076 deported, and 931 fined |
2010 up to & including |
1 202 |
915 deported, and 287 fined |
Total |
12 874 |
(4) The Department's Movement Control System is unable to generate reports on the number of work permit and study permit holders who are currently in South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs is able to provide statistics on the number of work permits and study permits applied for and issued for a specific period.
QUESTION 841
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 23 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether she has been informed that her Department owes the Government Printing Works an estimated R126 million; if so, (a) why is this amount (i) owed and (ii) not yet paid, (b) what steps will be taken to pay this and (c) when will this amount be paid;
(2) whether she will (a) investigate the matter and (b) take corrective steps in this regard; if not, why not in each case, if so, what are the relevant details in each case;
(3) whether she will take steps to ensure that this and similar problems do not recur; if not, why not; if so, what steps?
NW977E
REPLY
(1)(2)(3) Yes. The amount was settled before the end of the last financial year.
QUESTION 842
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 23 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 of 2010
842. Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether the signage and directions at the Swaziland-South Africa border post and within the facility comply with her department's guidelines; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether there are any plans for the facility to be upgraded and refurbished; if not, why not; if so, (a) when will this take place, (b) what are the details;
(3) whether all officials are (a) in possession of and (b) wearing name tags; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether any audit and/or investigation has been conducted to ensure officials are conducting business in a professional and friendly manner; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) (a) how many officials are currently employed, (b) how many vacancies exist currently at the border post and (c) when will the vacancies be filled? NW978E
REPLY
(1) All signage and directions at the Swaziland – South Africa border post and within the facilities comply with the Department's guidelines, except that of Golela, due to the construction of the new building, whose signage was temporarily removed in order to erect new ones and build roads.
(2) As no specific border post was indicated, herewith, a breakdown of all Ports of Entry at the Swaziland border:
BORDER POST |
FACILITY UPGRADE AND REFURBISHMENT |
Bothashoop |
(a) No need to upgrade and refurbish the building. |
Emahlathini |
(a)No need to upgrade and refurbish. |
Golela |
(a) Phase one of the new Border post is complete, and relocation to the new building was on the 29th April 2010 |
Jeppe's Reef |
(a) The Border post has been, recently, upgraded (RAMP Contract: 2009/10). Department of Public Works are in the process of placing proper signage, not only for the Department of Home Affairs, but for all Government Departments. |
Josefsdal |
(a) There are no plans for upgrading the facility. (b) The office was only budgeted for repairs, and maintenance by Department of Public Works. |
Mahamba |
(a) There are plans to upgrade the current building. (b) Public Works is, still, designing the new plan of border. |
Mananga |
(a)There are plans to upgrade the current building. New plans will be submitted by September 2010 to renovate, and modify the current direction boards. |
Nerston |
(a)No need to upgrade, and refurbish. . |
Onverwacht |
(a)No need to upgrade, and refurbish. |
Oshoek |
(a) There are plans to upgrade the current building. (b) Public Works is, still, designing the new border post. |
Waverley |
(a) No need to upgrade, and refurbish. |
(3) All officials, at the eight border posts, except newly appointed officials, wear name tags, at all times, while performing their duties. Name tags have been ordered for the newly appointed officials.
(4) There was no formal audit conducted.
(5) As no specific border post was indicated, herewith, a breakdown of the Ports of Entry at the Swaziland border:
BORDER POST |
(A)CURRENTLY EMPLOYED |
(B) FUNDED VACANT POSTS |
Bothashoop |
2 Filled Posts |
3 Vacant |
Emahlathini |
6 Filled Posts |
9 Vacant |
Golela |
12 Filled Posts |
10 Vacant |
Jeppe's Reef |
17 Filled Posts |
14 Vacant |
Josefsdal |
7 Filled Posts |
4 Vacant |
Mahamba |
17 Filled Posts |
6 Vacant |
Mananga |
12 Filled Posts |
5 Vacant |
Nerston |
12 Filled Posts |
6 Vacant |
Onverwacht |
1 Filled Post |
8 Vacant |
Oshoek |
42 Filled Posts |
13 Vacant |
Warverley |
5 Filled Posts |
2 Vacant |
TOTAL: |
133 |
80 |
(c) to the moratorium in filling such posts, as a result of absorption of contract workers, Some of the posts were advertised in February 2010, and they could not be filled, due with more than 12 months employed by the Department, which is underway.
QUESTION 843
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 23 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether her department has taken any steps to prevent human trafficking through any of the border posts; if not, why not; if so, what steps;
(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
NW979E
REPLY
(1) Yes. In this regard, the Honourable Member is respectfully referred to my responses submitted in respect of three previous Parliamentary Questions, which, also, dealt with Human Trafficking. The issue regarding the Department of Home Affairs' readiness to combat Human Trafficking has been, duly, addressed in these responses. The responses are in respect of Question 8 (Oral Reply – 2010) – attached herewith, as Annexure A, Question 2059 (2009) – attached herewith, as Annexure B, and Question 1788 (2009) – attached herewith, as Annexure C. Kindly, be informed that training of ten (10) moderators was conducted from
9 to 11 November 2009.
QUESTION 1077
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 30 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9 of 2010
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether any amount was (a) budgeted for and (b) spent (i) in the (aa) 2007-08 and (bb) 2008-09 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available on her Department's mini drug master plan; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) what amount has been allocated to her Department's mini drug master plan for the 2010/11 financial year?
NW1226E
REPLY
(1) The Department of Home Affairs does not, at this stage, have a mini drug master plan.
(2) Not applicable.
QUESTION 1093
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 30 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9 of 2010
Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:†
(1) How many 90-day visas have been issued to Zimbabwean citizens since the introduction of this type of visa;
(2) whether there has been an increase in the number of Zimbabweans applying for this visa; if so, what is the increase (a) in actual numbers and (b) as a percentage;
(3) whether any Zimbabwean citizens who have exceeded their 90-day visas have been taken into custody or deported; if so, (a) how many were (i) arrested and
(ii) deported and (b) what were the deportation costs;
(4) whether her Department keeps a record of the reasons for the applications by Zimbabwean citizens for 90-day visas; if so, (a) how many visas were issued in terms of the various reasons or categories furnished by the individual applicants and (b) what were the reasons for the applications?
NW1247E
REPLY
(1) A total of 2,307,965 visitor's permits were issued to Zimbabwean passport holders up to, and including, 4 April 2010. According to the Departments Movement Control System a total of 1,631,718 departures for Zimbabwean nationals were recorded for the financial year 2009/2010.
(2) Yes, there has been an increase.
(2)(a) In the 2008/09 financial year, a total of 332,466 Zimbabwean passport holders obtained visitor's visas from the South African Embassy in Harare. In the 2009/10 financial year, a total of 2,307,965 visitor's permits were issued to Zimbabwean passport holders on arrival. This represents a difference of 1,975,499. According to the Departments Movement Control System a total of 1,631,718 departures for Zimbabwean nationals were recorded for the financial year 2009/2010.
(2)(b) The increase in percentage equals 594%.
(3)(a) & (b) No Zimbabwean passport holder, who has exceeded his or her 90 days visitor's permit, has been arrested for the purpose of deportation during the 2009/10 financial year.
(4)(a) & (b) The 90 days visa exemption which was granted to Zimbabwean passport holders only applies to holiday, and business visits to the RSA. Any Zimbabwean passport holder who wishes to enter the RSA for another purpose is required to apply for an appropriate temporary residence permit prior to proceeding to the RSA. Statistics provided by the South African Embassy in Harare indicates that the following temporary residence permits were also issued:
· Study Permits: 61
· Relative's Permits: 1
· Quota Work Permits: 49
· General Work Permits: 15
· Intra-company Transfer Work Permits: 6
QUESTION 593
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 5 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6 of 2010 Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether any office of her Department had their electricity cut owing to non-payment or late payment of accounts (a) in (i) 2008 and (ii) 2009 and (b) during 1 January 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) which offices, (ii) on what dates and (iii) what (aa) was the duration of the electricity cut, (bb) was the amount owing in each case, (cc) action has been taken to improve the situation and (dd) is the estimated loss in revenue for her Department owing to the cut in electricity?
NW709E
REPLY
Abbreviation: DPW: Department of Public Works
Yes. The information is specified in the table below:
(a)(i) & (ii) & (b) Year |
(b)(i) Offices |
(b)(ii) On what date |
(aa) Duration |
(bb) Amount owed |
(dd) Estimated loss of income |
2008 |
Brakpan District Office |
21 July |
4 days |
Amount owed not known as DPW is responsible for payment |
R35,000.00 |
2009 |
Elim District Office |
20 October |
4 days |
Amount owed not known as DPW is responsible for payment |
R30,000.00 |
2010 |
Eldorado Thusong Centre |
8 February |
19 days |
Amount owed not known as DPW is responsible for payment |
R1,000.00 |
(dd) The electricity was cut in the above-mentioned cases due to the late payment of the electricity accounts of the offices mentioned by DPW, who is the Department responsible for the payment of such accounts. A meeting was held with the said Department to avoid future occurrences.
QUESTION 595
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 5 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether there are any backlogs in the processing of applications for permanent residency for each of the months from 1 June 2009 to 28 February 2010; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what was the extent of the backlogs in each case and (b) how many applications were received from foreign spouses of South African citizens?
NW711E
REPLY
(a) Yes. There is a backlog of applications for permanent residence for the period
1 October 2009 to 28 February 2010, only.
(a)(i) The backlog comprises 1 743 applications.
(a)(ii) A total of 696 of such applications have been received.
QUESTION 308
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 27 August 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 of 2010
Mr D B Feldman (COPE-Gauteng) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether her Department has developed a (a) policy and / or (b) process for security, personality and integrity checks on all officials employed in her Department to ensure
(i) clean image and (ii) placing of people with integrity in positions of trust; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
CW404E
REPLY
(a) Yes. A Vetting Policy has been introduced in the Department, in terms of which all employees are subjected to the vetting process. The requirements of a particular post determine the level of security clearance the incumbent, thereof, must possess. The decision to grant a security clearance rests with the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Feedback from the NIA is taken into account when a determination is made, regarding the suitability of an applicant for a particular post.
(b)(i) & (ii) Yes. In addition, as a standard part of the Department's Recruitment process, the following pre-employment checks are conducted on all nominated candidates, in accordance with Cabinet's decision on the compulsory undertaking of Personnel Suitability Checks (PSC), linked to the National Security Vetting Strategy:
· Criminal record check
· Credit record check
· Citizenship check
· Qualification verification
· Reference checks
QUESTION 997
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 30 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether her Department and / or Departmental officials held any functions in Pretoria at the (a) Kievits Kroon Country Estate and (b) Protea Hotel in Van Der Walt Street during the period 1 January 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, (i) what was the reason for each of these functions, (ii) how many officials were involved in each case, (iii) what was the total cost of each function and (iv) what was the total cost paid on behalf of officials attending each function in respect of (aa) travel costs,
(bb) accommodation costs and (cc) subsistence allowances;
(2) whether any gifts were presented to any official/s; if so, what (a) are the details and (b) is the total cost of these gifts?
NW1142E
REPLY
(1)(a) No functions were held by the Department at the Kievits Kroon Country Estate for the period 01 January 2010 up to and including 31 March 2010.
(1)(b) No functions were held by the Department at the Protea Hotel in Van Der Walt Street for the period 01 January 2010 up to and including 31 March 2010.
(2)(a) & (b) No gifts were presented to officials in the 2009/10 financial year.
QUESTION 1617
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 21 May 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 of 2010
1617. Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether any forensic audits have been instituted by her department into its administration or the administration of its entities (a) in the (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) 2009-10 financial years and (b) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (aa) what was the subject of the audit, (bb) what was the finding of the audit, (cc) which entity or company or person was used to conduct the audit and (dd) what was the cost of the audit;
(2) whether the results of the audits have been made public; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the further relevant details;
(3) whether any criminal or disciplinary proceedings have been instituted as a result of the audits; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1880E
REPLY
THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS:
Forensic audits instituted by the former Minister of Home Affairs (2008):
THE "WHO AM I ONLINE" PROJECT:
(1) to (3) A forensic audit was commissioned, and two (2) draft reports were prepared. Comments were sent back to the investigators, and a final report is still outstanding. The conclusion, and publishing of the report has, also, been affected by the litigation challenge registered by GijimaAst. As it stands, the matter is sub judice, and no further information can be provided, until all legal processes have been concluded.
Forensic audits instituted by the Branch: Finance and Supply Chain Management:
(1)(a)(i) to (iii) Yes. An analytical investigation was instituted in July 2009 into the Department's Basic Accounting System (BAS). The scope of the investigation included the 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 financial years (up to and including 30 September 2009).
(aa) Alleged irregular / fraudulent payments made in respect of Goods and Services not provided / delivered.
(bb) The findings are listed below:
· Twenty six (26) suspicious service providers were identified.
· Twenty four (24) original payment files and / or supporting documentation were untraceable.
· Two (2) fraudulent requests for the amendment of banking details of service providers were found.
(cc) Ernest & Young Advisory Services Ltd.
(dd) R542,047.77.
(2)(a) & (b) The results of the audit have not yet been made public, as the investigators indicated that the outcome of the audit should not be distributed, or made public, yet, as legal advice must still be obtained, regarding the way forward.
(3) No, not as yet. Once the proceedings in (2)(a) & (b) above have been finalised, criminal and , or disciplinary proceedings will be instituted against officials indicated in the audit.
Forensic audits instituted by the Chief Directorate: Audit Services:
(1)(a)(i) 2007/08 financial year:
(aa) An investigation into allegations of financial irregularities, following a case of burglary, and theft at the Department's Regional Office: Rustenburg. The alleged incident took place between 7 and 10 April 2007.
(bb) Based on the limited information, and records available in the office at the time, Internal Audit procedures followed initially indicated that R26879.00 was stolen / could not be accounted for. The financial losses the Department has suffered could be more as the audit rolls for 4 April 2007 was missing and could therefore not be used to determine the actual amount stolen.
(cc) The Department's Chief Directorate: Audit Services.
(dd) There were no additional costs involved as the audit was done by the Department of Home Affairs.
(2) & (3) No, as the results of the investigation proved to be inconclusive, a determination could not be made without a doubt whether or not Departmental officials were involved in the burglary and the theft of State money.
(1)(a)(ii) The 2008/09 financial year:
The South African Foreign Office in Uganda:
(aa) Allegations relating to fees collected for the processing of Visa applications. The allegations involved personnel recruited locally who were working in the Consular Section at the time.
(bb) No conclusion on the actual financial loss suffered by the Department could be determined and no official/s responsible for the reported irregularities could be identified.
(cc) The Department's Chief Directorate: Audit Services.
(dd) There were no additional costs involved as the audit was done by the Department of Home Affairs.
(2) & (3) No, as the results of the investigation proved to be inconclusive, a determination could not be made on the actual financial loss suffered by the Department as well as the fact that no official/s responsible could be identified for the reported irregularities.
The South African Foreign Office in Lesotho:
(aa) A special investigation regarding allegations of fraud / theft / financial irregularities committed in the Consular Section.
(bb) It was established that the actual financial loss suffered by the Department was R1,700.00.
(cc) The Department's Chief Directorate: Audit Services in co-ordination with the Internal Audit Business Unit of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation as well as Integrity Management Unit of Department of Home Affairs.
(dd) There were no additional costs involved as the audit was done by the Department of Home Affairs.
(2) & (3) No, as it was recommended that appropriate disciplinary steps be instituted against the officials who neglected to perform their duties.
(1)(a)(iii) The 2009/10 financial year:
(aa) A special investigation was conducted into the installation of security equipment in 28 of the Department of Home Affairs' offices as serious concerns of possible discrepancies, fraud and corruption in relation to the roll out of the tender were raised.
(bb) During a physical verification of security equipment installed in the 28 offices, it was discovered that there were discrepancies with billing the Department regarding quantities in terms of the contractual agreement, the invoices paid and the physical security equipment installed in the 28 offices. This resulted in the Department to suffer financial losses amounting to R6,027,940.64.
(cc) The Department's Chief Directorate: Audit Services.
(dd) There were no additional costs involved as the audit was done by the Department of Home Affairs.
(2) & (3) No, as disciplinary steps have been instituted against six officials of the Department.
THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING WORKS (GPW):
(1)(a)(i) The 2007/08 financial year:
No forensic audits were conducted.
(1)(a)(ii) The 2008/09 financial year:
(aa) An investigation was lodged into allegations of possible misappropriation of assets by employees at one of its Regional Offices.
(bb) The forensic audit could not produce evidence to institute disciplinary charges, or to institute criminal proceedings.
(cc) Ernest & Young Advisory Services Ltd.
(dd) R260,960.00 – exclusive of VAT.
(2) & (3) No. The forensic audit did not produce any evidence of wrongdoing which would warrant disciplinary action, or criminal proceedings.
(1)(a)(iii) The 2009/10 financial year:
No forensic audits were conducted.
THE FILM AND PUBLICATION BOARD (FPB):
(1) to (3) No forensic audits were conducted in the 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 financial years. No forensic audits were conducted in the current (2010/11) financial year up to and including 30 June 2010.
THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION (IEC):
(1) to (3) No forensic audits were conducted in the 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 financial years. No forensic audits were conducted in the current (2010/11) financial year up to and including 30 June 2010.
QUESTION 641
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 15 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 7 of 2010
Mr J J Mc Gluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether she will take any steps to redesign identity documents in light of the reported comments of her Deputy Minister (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what steps?
NW766E
REPLY
Yes. The Department is in the process to improve the security features of the current identity document, including the possibility of digitising the photograph into the identity document, as well as the upgrading of security features. Photo digitisation will ensure that the photograph of the rightful owner cannot be replaced.
QUESTION 640
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 15 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 7 of 2010
Mr J J Mc Gluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) (a) How much money was spent by her department on the smart card identity document system and (b) what tender irregularities were identified;
(2) whether she has received a report of the forensic audit of the tender process; if not, why not; if so,
(3) whether she will table the report in Parliament; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, when;
(4) whether she identified any problems with regard to the State Information Technology Agency's (Sita) involvement in the smart card identity document tender process; if so, what problems;
(5) how much (a) money was received from Treasury for the smart card system and
(b) unspent money was returned to Treasury owing to the tender being stopped?
NW765E
REPLY
(1)(a) No money was spent on the Smart ID Card document system.
(b) to (4) The Department of Home Affairs was advised by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), in April 2009, that a forensic audit of the tender process was being carried out (at its request) to investigate possible irregularities. It is suggested that the hon member directs his request for the information to the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, as SITA resorts under his jurisdiction.
(5)(a) A total of R104.4 million.
(b) No unspent money was returned to the National Treasury, as it was approved that this money could be utilised for the shortfall on the printing costs of new passports which was payable to the Government Printing Works.
QUESTION 435
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 26 February 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 of 2010
Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) What (i) vehicles, (ii) aircraft and (iii) properties are currently owned by her department and (b) with regard to each item, (i) when was it purchased, (ii) how much did it cost and (iii) for what reason was it purchased?
NW509E
REPLY
(a) The information is specified in the table below:
(i) Vehicles |
(ii) Aircraft |
(iii) Property |
215 Sedans 236 Light Delivery Vehicles 128 Heavy commercial Units (4 to 7 ton trucks) |
None |
None – the Department of Home Affairs utilises property from the Department of Public Works and the Private Sector |
(b)(i) The current fleet were purchased between 1997 and 2010.
(b)(ii) The cost varies per vehicle. It is purchased according to the pricing on the schedule of the RT57 State Tender.
(b)(iii) The vehicles are utilised for the following:
· To transport officials below the level of Senior Management Service (SMS) to official meetings and official appointments.
· To enable officials to conduct official duties which form part of and in support of the Department's Core Service Delivery activities.
· Specialised Units, such as the Mobile Trucks, are utilised as mobile offices in rural areas, for special projects and campaigns to deliver services to the people of the RSA.
· Other trucks owned by the Department are utilised to transport deportees.
QUESTION 461
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 26 February 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 of 2010
Ms H N Makhuba (IFP) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether she has been informed of officials at offices of her Department that are allegedly negative and uncaring towards applicants for identity documents, resulting in applicants being uncertain of what documents to bring to the offices when applying for and finalising applications for ID documents; if not, why not; if so,
(2) whether she intends taking any steps in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what steps;
(3) whether she intends introducing a system whereby applicants for ID documents are assisted properly, especially in the rural areas; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW536E
REPLY
(1) Yes. Clients have reported uncaring behaviour from officials. Feedback from clients is, mostly, received through correspondence, as well as, via my Complaints and Compliments Unit. During my office visits, and my interaction with members of the public, concerns with regard to poor service delivery by our officials, are also, brought to my attention.
(2) Steps already taken include, the compulsory wearing of name tags for easy identification of officials to ensure that members of the public can identify the official(s) that served them poorly. Disciplinary action is undertaken against the officials who do not comply with service delivery standards. Before the introduction of the compulsory wearing of name tags it was difficult to take action against officials for poor service delivery. I also conduct unannounced office visits to identify offices which have service delivery challenges.
(3) Some of the initiatives already implemented by the Department are:
· Pamphlets and posters on photograph requirements for identity documents, and passports were distributed to front offices for the public's attention.
· We have deployed floor walkers at our offices to assist clients with the completion of forms, and to inform clients of the requirements for the respective applications.
· Offices have been instructed to establish information desks, where clients are informed on the requirements for all applications.
· 63 offices have been refurbished, and have clear and proper visible signage.
· One hundred and seventeen (117) fully computerised mobile units, as well as twenty five (25) 4X4 vehicles, are deployed, especially in rural areas.
· A National Campaign was started last year, and launched on 23 March 2010, and this campaign focuses, among other things, on the collection of ID applications in rural areas, as well as the registration of births of unregistered children.
QUESTION 1039
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 30 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9 of 2010
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether certain persons (details furnished) declared their business interests to her Department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether the said persons directly or indirectly benefit from state or Departmental
(a) tenders, (b) procurement, (c) services or (d) contracts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
NW1185E
REPLY
(1) The Acting Chief Director: Refugee Affairs, the Financial Officer and the Director: Asset Management have declared their business interests. However, the Deputy Director: Procurement has not declared business interests to the Department because Chapter 3 C 1 of the Public Service Regulations stipulates that only members of SMS are required to declare such interests.
(2) The Financial Officer and the Deputy Director: Procurement are members of the Bid Adjudication Committee.
QUESTION 1318
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 26 April 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11 of 2010
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether she has made any progress to get the visa requirements lifted for South Africans who want to visit the United Kingdom; if not, why not; if so, (a) what progress and (b) when does she expect the lifting?
NW1548E
REPLY
No. I have not asked for the Visa requirements to be lifted. There were objective, and subjective reasons that led to the Visa requirements. For this reason, it will serve no useful purpose to request for the lifting of the requirement, at this stage.
QUESTION 1844
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 04 June 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16 of 2010
Dr H C van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether all offices of her Department are equipped to issue (a) ID documents, (b) birth certificates and (c) other documents and certificates; if not, (i) why not, (ii) which offices are not equipped for these functions and (iii) when will these offices be equipped to perform these functions; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2126E
REPLY
(a)(i) to (iii) Yes. All offices are equipped to issue identity documents. However, it must be noted that the actual production of identity documents is a centralised function undertaken at the Department's Head Office. The completed identity documents are, then, distributed to the respective offices of application for collection by the applicants.
(b)(i) to (iii) Yes. All offices of the Department are equipped to issue birth certificates. Birth registrations are, also, processed at identified Health facilities in the Republic of South Africa (RSA).
(c)(i) to (iii) Yes. All offices of the Department are equipped to issue marriage certificates, death certificates and temporary identity certificates. Furthermore, all offices are, also, able to issue temporary travel documents (temporary passports and emergency travel certificates). Other travel documents (tourist passports, child passports, maxi passports and official passports) are, also, centrally processed, and produced at the Department's Head Office in the same way as identity documents. Once issued, the documents are distributed to the respective offices of application for collection by the applicants.
QUESTION 1224
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 19 April 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 of 2010
Mr J J McGluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 191 on 13 March 2010, she will provide the case number for the case that has been referred to the SA Police Service for further investigation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1383E
REPLY
Yes. The matter was reported to the SA Police Service in Garsfontein, and the case number is MAS 85/06/2003.
QUESTION 182
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 21 May 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2010
Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) (a) How many foreigners who are employed to work on the site of Eskom's Ngula Power Station in KwaZulu-Natal have (i) applied for and (ii) been granted work permits and (b) from which countries do they originate;
(2) whether all foreigners employed on the site have valid work permits; if not, (a) why not and (b) how many do not have such permits; if so,
(3) whether these permits were obtained prior to commencing work on the site; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what basis were the work permits issued to each foreigner, (b) for what period are these permits valid and (c) what are the further relevant details?
CW223E
REPLY
(1)(2)(3)The Eskom-Ingula Project site which is about 10 000 square meters and about 30 kilometres from Ladysmith was visited on 31st May 2010.
The companies on site are CONCOR, WBHO (both forming a Bramhoek Joint Venture), CMC di Ravenna, Impregilo (both forming CMI Joint Venture) and BE Quanza, it is a total of five companies.
COMPANY BY NAME |
CORPORATE PERMIT |
GENERAL WORK PERMIT |
INTRA-COMPANY PERMIT |
CMC di Ravenna |
340 |
19 |
19 |
Impregilo |
5 |
0 |
9 |
B& E Quanza |
0 |
2 |
0 |
WBHO |
4 |
1 |
0 |
CONCOR |
0 |
0 |
0 |
TOTAL |
349 |
22 |
28 |
Grand total: 399 foreigners employed within the five companies – CMI has employed the
most foreigners.
CONCOR – no foreigner employed.
QUESTION 185
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 21 May 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2010
Mrs R N Rasmeni (ANC-NW) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) What is the state of readiness of her Department in ensuring that soccer fans coming for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournament (a) enter and (b) leave South Africa at specified times;
(2) whether her Department has the necessary IT system in place in all major cities for this purpose; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
CW227E
REPLY
(1)(a) & (b) In terms of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Special Measures Act, 2006 (Act No 11 of 2006), with specific reference being made to section 4 of the said Act, the Department of Home Affairs is ready.
The following measures have been put in place to ensure effective and efficient processing of travellers:
(i) At Ports of Entry:
Temporary Joint Border Clearance:
We have improved the infrastructure, and human resources at the
busiest ports of entries.
Dedicated Lanes:
The concept was implemented to fast track the movement of all persons associated with the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Dedicated lanes are, already, in operation at Oliver Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and Cape Town International Airport. Travellers will be grouped as follows:
· A differentiation between ordinary / normal travellers, and FIFA spectators.
· FIFA Accredited Members.
· Event Visa Holders.
· FIFA Ticket Voucher Holders.
· Pre-Cleared Passengers.
· Advance Passenger Processing (APP) passengers.
(ii) In the nine (9) Provinces:
Immigration Response Units in each Province:
· To be responsible for any emergencies at any Port of Entry.
· To be utilised as additional resources at Ports of Entry.
· Assist the Tracing Unit, which is responsible for following up on addresses submitted by visitors (at SA Foreign Offices Embassies) whose temporary residence permits have expired.
· Perform Inspectorate duties (Inspection-in-loco) at all Ports of Entry.
(iii) An Operation Centre:
· Collect passenger statistics from various Ports of Entry and compile reports to the Department's Immigration Management on a daily basis.
· APP overrides (either, to allow or deny entry into the Republic of South Africa).
· Handle all inquiries from all Airlines.
(iv) A Volunteer Programme:
· Trained volunteers are deployed at the 34 priority Ports of Entry.
(v) The re-introducing of Arrival Forms (BI-55):
The Department is in the process of re-introducing Arrival Forms (BI-55). This form is completed before a foreign traveller enters the Republic of South Africa, and will include a contact person, address and telephone number of the traveller whilst he / she in the Republic of South Africa.
(2) Yes. The Department of Home Affairs has the necessary IT Systems in place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Event. In so doing, the Department has introduced the following new systems:
(i) Movement Control System (MCS):
· The Department has designed and rolled out a new Movement Control System. The new Movement Control System is based on new technology running in conjunction with external passport reading machines. The new system is integrated with other Ports of Entry to provide real-time verification, and authorisation, at any given time.
· The new MCS has been rolled out at all 34 priority Ports of Entry.
(ii) Advance Passenger Processing (APP) System:
· APP is a system whereby an Airline advises the South African Government of its passengers' intended travel to the Republic of South Africa. The Airline, then, receives a boarding directive from the South African Government confirming whether to board, or not to board a passenger. The checks take place in real time, whilst the passenger is going through the check in process at an Airport. This process happens, discreetly, in the background without any inconvenience to the passenger.
· The APP system processes all types of travel documents, including Refugee travel documents, United Nations travel documents, Seaman's Passports, Military identity documents, as well as, normal tourist, diplomatic, and official passports.
QUESTION 186
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 21 May 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2010
Mrs R N Rasmeni (ANC-NW) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) How far is her Department with the process of (a) upgrading and (b) updating the population register as a tool that can be used for planning purposes by the Government;
(2) whether the population register is up-to-date; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether this information can be used for planning purposes by the Government; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
CW228E
REPLY
(1)(a) & (b) The Department of Home Affairs is making steady progress. A full assessment of the National Population Register (NPR) has been conducted to identify the areas for improvement. There is a project to upgrade the NPR through a process called Data Quality Management (DQM). DQM's main objective, amongst others, is to clean up current data set, in order to improve the quality, thereof. The Department is, also, redesigning the Births, Marriages and Deaths forms and functions, utilised to register clients in the NPR. The information on the NPR can, thus, be utilised for planning purposes by Government as the DQM will ensure that the NPR contains quality data.
(2) No. The NPR is not up-to-date, yet, as there are, still, undocumented children who are not registered on the system. The same applies to those persons who died in deep rural areas where informants cannot access the services in respect of death registrations. The Department has introduced multiple channels for clients to access its services through the utilisation of Mobile Units, outreach programmes at schools and online birth registration at Health facilities. There is, currently, a National Population Register Campaign aimed at ensuring birth is the only entry point into the NPR. The campaign will, also, focus to ensure the elimination of Late Registration of Births, and to encourage clients who are 16 years, and above, to apply for Identity Documents.
(3) Yes. The information on the NPR can be used for planning purposes by Government, as the DQM will ensure that the NPR contains quality data. The information, or data on the NPR is, also, shared with other Government Departments, such as the Departments of Health, Education, Social Development and Stats SA.
QUESTION 191
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 19 February 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 of 2010
Mr J J McGluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether she has been informed of an allegation of bribery against officials in her department (details furnished); if so,
(2) whether she will investigate the alleged identity fraud; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether she will investigate the alleged corrupt officials; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW197E
REPLY
(1) Yes. I am, on a continuous basis, informed of such cases by the Department's Chief Directorate: Integrity Management Unit.
(2) Yes. Cases involving officials who are linked to bribery and corruption are vigorously investigated. The particular case, in question, has, already, been referred to the South African Police Service for further investigation, and internal investigations are, also, continuing. The Department's Chief Directorate: Integrity Management Unit will continue to monitor the progress being made with the investigation.
(3) Yes. Alleged corrupt officials are being investigated by the Department, on a daily basis, in conjunction with the South African Police Service's Units for Crime Intelligence, Commercial Crime and Forensic Ballistic Investigation. The National Intelligence Agency are, also, utilised when required.
QUESTION 1125
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 19 April 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 of 2010
Mr R B Bhoola (MF) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether she has been informed of the level of the alleged corruption with regard to the issuing of identity documents through her Department's pilot project aimed at enhancing service delivery to rural areas (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether she intends taking any steps to deal with corruption in her Department and at border posts; if not, why not; if so, what steps?
NW1279E
REPLY
(1) No. All I get are numerous reports of numerous foiled attempts. Such foiled attempts are made possible by the presence of Home Affairs Stakeholder Forum members, who assist the suspecting, and vigilant Home Affairs officials, manning the Screening Committees, of dubious advances made by unscrupulous individuals, some of whom end up on the wrong side of the law. Such arrests are made possible by the presence of the South African Police, in the conducted service delivery venues, as SAPS remain one of the Home Affairs Stakeholder Forum members.
(2) Yes. I have embarked on an intensified campaign to ensure that the Counter Corruption Unit (CCU) in the Department adopts a zero-tolerance policy with regard to corruption. To this end I have demonstrated this in more than one way, such as:
(i) Ensuring that the capacity of the CCU receives priority attention within the constraints of the current Medium Term Expenditure Budget.
(ii) An Intelligence-driven approach and posture which have resulted in the establishment of an Analysis sub-unit. This Unit has already, successfully, analysed current and past trends of corruption within the Department, which lead to successful prosecutions after comprehensive investigations were conducted. More than fifty cases were exposed from one analysis exercise, and it has resulted in the need to conduct formal investigations. With the strengthened structure in place, the Department is able to analyse trends, identify risk areas and ensure prosecution of culprits, within and outside the Department, who are involved in corrupt activities.
(iii) The strengthening of relations with other law enforcement agencies has led to an increased co-operation with the agencies.
(iv) Results obtained from the Analysis Units on processes (within the Civic Services and Immigration Services Branches) have enabled the Department to identify and strengthen loopholes which were exploited in the past.
(v) The Department has already re-engineered births, marriages and deaths processes to include working with other stakeholders, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Basic Education as well as the Department of Health.
(vi) In terms of the Late Registrations of Birth (LRB), Screening Committees have been established to curb fraudulent Late Registrations of Birth. The purpose of these committees are to:
· Oversee "on the spot" adjudication.
· "Track and Trace" to track the processing of LRB applications.
· Online fingerprint verification of informants.
· A full search of each LRB applicant's fingerprints is undertaken against records of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to determine if the applicant was previously in possession of an enabling document.
· Suspicious and doubtful LRB applications are referred to the Inspectorate of the Immigration Services Branch for further investigation.
QUESTION 543
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 5 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6 of 2010
Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether any of her department's offices had their telephone lines cut as a result of non-payment and/or late payment of telephone accounts (a) in 2008, (b) in 2009 and (c) during the period 1 January 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) which offices were affected, (ii) how many lines were cut, (iii) how many were supposed to be in operation in each case, (iv) for how long were each of the lines cut and (v) what was the amount owing in each case;
(2) Whether any action has been taken to (a) resolve and (b) avoid this situation in the future; if not, why not; if so, what action?
NW657E
REPLY
(1)(a) Yes. For 2008, telephones lines were cut, due to the late payments, caused by cash flow problems in the affected offices. However, only out-going calls were off.
i) 57 Offices were affected.
ii) In all the 57 Offices, the main lines were affected.
iii) All lines were supposed to be operational.
iv) Lines were cut for 4 days.
v) The total amount owed, was R1,291,812.03.
1(b) Yes. For 2009, telephone lines were cut, due to late payments, caused by cash flow problems in the affected offices.
I. 57 offices were affected.
II. All lines were supposed to be operational.
III. Lines were cut for 3 days.
IV. The total amount owed, was R309,216.45.
1(c) Yes. For 2010, telephone lines were cut, due to late payments, caused by cash flow problems in the affected offices. 10 Offices were affected.
I. In all the 10 Offices, the main lines were affected.
II. All lines were supposed to be operational.
III. Lines were cut for 1 day.
IV. The total amount owed was R27, 807.52
V.
(2)(a)(b) Each Province was requested to submit a BI requisition form, at the beginning of the Financial year, in order to generate an order to Telkom, and upon receipt of the invoice, the payment will be paid. Furthermore, the Department appointed Provincial Heads, at each Province, and, also, appointed Managers as Responsibility Managers, to ensure compliance, and accountability. In addition, the Department re-implemented Logis, to monitor all orders placed, to ensure that invoices are paid within 30 days.
QUESTION 544
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 5 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6 of 2010
Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether any portable bar scanning units (PBSUs) could not be accounted for (a) during and (b) after the registration for the April 2009 elections; if so, in each case (i) how many could not be accounted for, (ii) at which registration points, (iii) on what date and (iv) who was responsible for each unaccounted unit at the time it got lost.
(2) whether any of these PBSUs have been recovered; if not, why not; if so, in each case (a) which ones were recovered, (b) on what date and (c) where?
NW658E
REPLY
(1)(a) Yes.
(1)(b) No.
(1)(b)(i)(ii) One (1) could not be counted for at Bongolethu Junior Secondary School at Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
(1)(b)(iii) On 07 November 2008, a day before the registration weekend of 08 and 09 November 2008.
(1)(b)(iv) The PBSU was stored in the Principal's office and was part of the material stored there that was stolen during a burglary. The burglary was reported to the South African Police.
2. No. The PBSU has not been recovered, as yet. The criminal investigation by the SAPS is ongoing. On receiving the report of the burglary, the particular PBSU was blacklisted on the Commission's Voter Registration System to prevent any data from that PBSU from being uploaded into the system.
QUESTION 925
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 23 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 of 2010
Mrs Z B Balindlela (Cope) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether her Department has achieved a turnaround in the quality of service it renders in respect of identification documentation and the availability of staff to process all applications; if not, why not; if so, (a) what structures were put in place to ensure good service delivery, (b) what were the achievements through the structures that were put into place and (c) what measures were put in place to afford clients the opportunity to hold her Department accountable for the services they provide?
NW1070E
REPLY
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs has made significant progress in improving the quality of the services it renders in respect of identification documents. More work, still, needs to be done, as errors do occur, from time to time. The necessary officials are, also, available to process all applications.
(a) The following structures were put in place to ensure good service delivery:
· The identity workflow processes have been re-designed to remove all non-value added functions. This reduced all unnecessary handovers, resulting in the turnaround times for the issuing of identity books being reduced from 120 days to less than 60 days. Processes have, also, been streamlined, and new technology has, also, been introduced, such as Online Verification, and the Track and Trace System, has been optimized.
· Additional quality assurance measures have been implemented in the identity document processing facility to ensure that the photo, and demographics on the BI-9 application form correspond with the identity book to minimize the possibility of errors in the processing of enabling documents, with specific emphasis on areas where manual functions are involved.
· To assist clients, an information booklet of "Frequently Asked Questions" has been distributed to offices. This booklet incorporates requirements for applications, documentation to be submitted, and procedures to be followed.
· Online Verification enables instantaneous fingerprint verification to be conducted to safeguard the integrity of identity document applications. This speeds up the processing of identity documents compared to the previous manual system.
· The electronic Track and Trace System, enables identity document applications to be traced, and monitored, at all stages, of the issuing process. Operating in conjunction with this, is an SMS message system by means of which clients utilising their cellular telephones, are informed by text messaging, when their applications have been received, as well as, when their identity documents are ready for collection at offices.
· A dedicated Client Service Centre, with a toll-free number (0800 60 1190) has been established to assist clients with their queries.
· Dedicated secure courier services are being utilised. Furthermore, the security of identity documents is enhanced by scanning the documents into the Track and Trace System, until the point of collection by the applicant.
(b) The following, are achievements due to the necessary structures which were put in place:
· A reduction in the turnaround time to less than sixty (60) days in the cases of re-issuing of identity documents, as well as, first issuing of identity documents, where the birth is, already, registered.
· A reduction in identity document errors, and missing applications.
· Clients can monitor the progress of their applications by means of a SMS functionality, or the Department's Client Service Centre.
(c) The following, include measures put in place to afford clients the opportunity to hold the Department accountable for services provided:
· The Client Service Centre, and the Compliments and Complaints Unit (Minister's office) provide reference numbers to clients for each case for easy tracking on the progress made. Poor service delivery (the office name, and name of official concerned) can be reported to the Client Service Centre, and the Compliments and Complaints Unit. Officials are required to wear name tags for easy identification by the public.
· The Track and Trace System, also, creates an audit trail which enhances accountability by pin-pointing bottlenecks in the system, and the status of the identity application, at any given time.
· Upon application, all applicants are issued with an acknowledgement of receipt with a bar-coded (necessary for the Track and Trace system) number, as well as, the date of application.
· The outreach programmes implemented at Provincial level, and stakeholder forums are, also, effective communication methods in providing the public the opportunity to voice their service delivery concerns.
QUESTION 1007
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 30 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9 of 2010
Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) Whether her Department has hired any private companies to do filing in any Refugee Reception Centres; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the details of the companies that were hired, (b) who are the (i) owners and (ii) directors of the companies, (c) what are the details of the contractual agreements, (d) what is the
(i) start and (ii) end date of each of the contracts and (e) at how many centres are each of these companies operating;
(2) whether the contracted companies are limited to Refugee Reception Centres; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the relevant details and (b) is the value of each contract;
(3) whether this appointment indicated a capacity void in her Department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) for how long has this been a problem in her Department and (b) what are the further relevant details?
NW1152E
REPLY
(1) Yes. The Department of Home Affairs has advertised a tender through the normal tender procedures inviting service providers to implement a filing solution at Refugee Reception Centres, and the Chief Directorate: Permitting.
(1)(a) The preferred service provider is DOCUFILE JHB (Pty) Ltd. The Department is finalising the process for the signing of the contract with the service provider which will provide filing services to its Refugee Reception Centres, as well as, its Chief Directorate: Permitting.
(1)(b) (i) Messrs Gavin McElroy (Director), Clint Strydom, David Hughes, Mahendra Madilall and Trevor Harris-Dewey.
(ii) Mr Gavin McElroy.
(1)(c) The details are as follows:
· Electronic Filing System for the Immigration Services Branch.
· Scanning of documents.
· Imaging.
· Bar-coded record management systems.
· Training of staff.
(1)(d)(i) & (ii) The contract is for six months, and will commence, as soon as, the contract has been signed.
(1)(e) The service provider will operate at the Department's six Refugee Reception Centres, and the Chief Directorate: Permitting.
(2) No. The contract is not limited to Refugee Reception Centres.
(2)(a) The service will also extend to the Chief Directorate: Permitting.
(2)(b) The contract is valued at R4,441,585.10
(3)(a) & (b) No. The purpose of the appointment is to introduce an electronic filing system, as records are, currently, stored, manually.
11 December 2010 - NW2409
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether, given that in recent weeks videos and images have been shared on social media of learners engaging in acts of bullying and intimidation and the fact that learner-on-learner bullying has physical and psychological elements that affect the victim and the perpetrator, and given that her department has encouraged schools to adopt codes of conduct that emphasise preventive disciplining when it concerns bullying and intimidation, her department had devised protocols to investigate incidents of bullying as cases of learner-on-learner bullying become increasingly widespread; if not, why not; if so, has she found that the specified protocols involve offering psychological support to (a) victims and (b) perpetrators; (2) whether her department has undertaken investigations into learner-on-learner bullying; if not, why not; if so, what total number of the specified cases have resulted in learners being (a) suspended and/or (b) expelled from schools?
Reply:
There are endemic risks to using technology; and e-safety education is pivotal in ensuring that learners, teachers and also parent / care-givers are fully equipped to anticipate potential harmful practices and to mitigate the same. The Department of Basic Education has developed Guidelines on e-Safety in Schools to educate learners towards responsible, accountable and ethical use of ICT in education. The Guidelines on e-Safety in Schools provided have been distributed to all the Districts and Schools in support of SGBs and School Safety Committees to address incidents of ICT misuse, including prevention of bullying, and cyberbullying in particular.
The Department of Basic Education also rolled-out bullying prevention campaigns in support of districts to manage school violence including bullying and cyberbullying. The Safety Coordinators in Districts are responsible for supporting School Governing Bodies and their Disciplinary Committees regarding daily occurrences of violence in schools.
District Psycho-Social Support Teams are responsible for the training and supporting the School-based Support Teams (SBSTs) to provide psycho-social support to learners experiencing physical and psychological effects arising from intimidation and bullying perpetrated by other learners,.