Questions and Replies

MPs to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

Source
Link

Reply:

QUESTION NUMBER 2055

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 26)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) How many (a) applications did her department receive for (i) prospecting rights, (ii) mining rights, (iii) mining permits and (iv) conversions of prospecting and mining rights in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, and (b) of these applications were still outstanding as at 1 October 2009;

(2) how many (a) appeals has she and her director-general received in terms of section 96 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, as a result of refusals between 1 May 2004 and 30 April 2009 and (b) of these appeals were still outstanding on 1 October 2009;

(3) how many applications for judicial review have been instituted against her or her department as a result of their refusal to grant (a) prospecting rights, (b) mining rights or (c) the conversion of prospecting and mining rights;

(4) (a) how many of these judicial review applications were granted, settled or refused by the High Court and (b) what was the value of the cost orders made by the court against either her or her department in respect of every judicial review? NW2709E

REPLY

(1) Since the promulgation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) on the 1st of May 2004, the Department has received over 20 000 applications for prospecting rights, mining rights and mining permits. In terms of the timeframes set out in the Act, applications for prospecting rights are processed within 6 months from the date of acceptance and mining rights within 12 months from the date of acceptance. There is no time frame within which the conversions of old order rights must be processed. Therefore, only those applications whose timeframe have not elapsed still stand to be finalized.

(2) The Department has since the promulgation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act received about approximately 780 appeals. This is in contrast to approximately 4500 prospecting rights and mining rights which have been refused.

(3) The Department has received approximately 180 applications for judicial review.

(4) Granted 21, settled 45 and refused 2.

QUESTION NO 529

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 10 JULY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether any function was organised to mark the occasion of the delivery of her budget vote in 2009; if so, (a) what total amount was spent on this function, (b) from which budget was the money allocated, (c) what amount was spent on (i) food and refreshments, (ii) venue, (iii) entertainment, (iv) staff and (v) transport and (d) how many persons were invited to attend this function?

REPLY

Yes

(a) The overall amount spent for the function was R412 077.72

(b) The budget was from DME and our partners

(ii) R25 252.27 (paid by DME)

(iii) R99 475.00 (paid by partners)

(iv) 13 DME staff

(v) R77 149.00

(d) 250 invited guests

QUESTION NUMBER 362

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources: [Written Question No 1335]

(1) How many applications for (a) prospecting, (b) mining and (c) other types of applications were lodged with her department in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, for each type of mineral;

(2) how many applications for (a) prospecting, (b) mining and (c) other types of applications that were lodged with her department in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, for each type of mineral since 1 September 2009 have not been processed;

(3) how many applications for (a) prospecting, (b) mining and (c) other types of applications that were lodged with her department before 1 September 2009 in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, have not been finalised yet in each regional office? NW1684E

REPLY

1) In respect of (1) and (2) above, all applications for prospecting rights or mining rights must in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) be processed. Therefore we do not understand the question in relation to applications not being processed

2) See 1 above

3) Only those application which are within the prescribed timeframe and the conversion applications which still have to comply with the prescribed requirements have not been finalised

QUESTION NUMBER 1126

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 4 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 14)

Mr P D Dexter (Cope) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether the computers purchased at the value of R50 million in the past four years by the previous joint Ministry of Minerals and Energy are to be inherited by her department; if not, (a) what computers are these, (b) how will it be apportioned and utilised and (c) what would happen to the R75 million that has been approved for further purchases of computers; if so, what will her department do with such an enormous computer capacity? NW1391E

REPLY

In actual fact, the Department of Minerals and Energy spending on computer equipment in the past four years was R 16,658,316.20 which comprises

 R4, 843,902.99 for 2008/09;

 R3, 527,433.27 for 2007/08;

 R4, 023,517.27 for 2006/07 and

 R4, 263,462.67 for 2005/06.

These amounts are also available in the audited Annual Financial Statements which are contained in the annual reports for the respective periods..

(a) The above amounts include the following major items

· Desktops and Laptops for use by departmental officials

· Servers and related infrastructure

· Printers and other computer equipment

(b) The Desktops and Laptops are allocated to positions which will continue to exist in the new Department of Mineral Resources and Department of Energy. This will therefore be apportioned and utilised in line with the new structures of the two departments. The existing servers will be allocated to either Mineral Resource or Energy based on the technical specifications and the requirements of each department

QUESTION NUMBER 2057

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 26)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) How many (a)(i) ownerless and (ii) abandoned mines have been found to exist as at 1 October 2009;

(2) whether her department has a plan to deal with these mines; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(3) whether her department has made this plan available for public comment; if not,

(4) whether this plan will be made public in the future; if not, why not; if so, when? NW2711E

REPLY

(1) (i) approximately 70 sites

(ii) Not applicable

(2) The Department is in the process of developing an inclusive strategy in addressing derelict and ownerless mine sites

(3) Refer to 2 above

(4) Not applicable for now.

QUESTION NUMBER 2056

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 26)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether the water ingress and regional mine closure strategy for the Witwatersrand and Klerksdorp-Orkney-Stilfontein-Hartebeestfontein (KOSH) area has been made available for public comment; if not, (a) when will such documents be made available and (b) why has there been a delay in publicising the relevant documents? NW2710E

REPLY

Yes. The draft Regional Mine Closure Strategy (RMCS) documents for both Klerksdorp-Orkney-Stilfontein Hartebeesfontein (KOSH) and Witwatersrand Basins (namely Western, Far Western Eastern and Central basin) were made available for public comments. The Council for Geosciences (CGS), which had been contracted by the Department of Mineral Resources to develop the RMCS, posted the Regional Mine Closure Strategy documents on its website for public comment from the 15th December 2008 to the 31stof January 2009. In addition, an invitation to all interested and affected parties was circulated on the 15th of December 2008, urging them to view and comment on the documents. The period for commenting on the documents was extended to the 28th of February 2009.

a) Falls off

b) Falls off

QUESTION NUMBER 2012

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 26)

Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) What total amount in respect of advertising has her department and all specified entities reporting to it (a) budgeted for and (b) spent (i) in the 2008-09 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) (a) what total number of advertisements for her department and each entity reporting to it (i) appeared in the print media and (ii) were broadcast on (aa) radio and (bb) television, (b) how much did each advertisement cost and (c) what was the purpose of each advertisement?

REPLY:

(1) (a) N/A

(b) (i) N/A.

(ii) For the period May until October 2009 an amount of R 535 542,18 on the advertisement posts

2(a) (i) 24 posts were advertised, in the department alone (not including public entities)

(ii) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(b) Each advertisement cost between R20 000 and R25 000 per advertisement

QUESTION NUMBER 1723

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 22)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) What amount was spent by her department on (a) hotel accommodation, (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs (i) in the 2008-09 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, for (aa) her, (bb) specified officials of her department and (cc) any other specified individuals;

(2) why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case? NW2215E

REPLY

1. (a) Hotel accommodation

(i) Not applicable, the Department of Mineral Resources only came into existence during the 2009/10 financial year

(ii) for 2009/10

(aa) R 42 278.45

(bb) R0

(cc) R0

(b) Restaurant expenses

(i) N/A see (a) (i)

(ii) 2009/10

(aa) R 20 720.26

(bb) R0

(cc) R0

(i) N/A see (a) (i)

(ii) for 2009/10

(aa) R213 327.51

(bb) R0

(cc) R 47 835.70

Each individual used the specified accommodation in each case for business purpose where they were required as part of their normal duties to be away from their normal place of work.

QUESTION NUMBER 2127

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 NOVEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)

Mr E J Marais(DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether mining licences are approved before inputs from other spheres of government have been received; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any mining licences have been issued before zoning and environmental impact assessments (EIA) have been completed; if so, (a) how many licences, (b) in how many cases did the applicants withdraw the zoning and the EIA applications after the licences were issued and (c) what steps is her department taking to ensure that zoning and EIA are done?

REPLY

(1) There is no provision in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) provides for the issuing of mining licenses. However, sections 17, 23 and 27 of the MPRDA empower the Minister to grant prospecting rights, mining rights and mining permits. Section 40(1) of the Act states that "When considering an environmental management plan or environmental management programme in terms of section 39, the Minister must consult with any State department which administers any law relating to matters affecting the environment."

(2) There is no provision in the MPRDA that calls upon the Minister to grant prospecting or mining rights subject to zoning requirements of a local government. As far as EIAs are concerned they are conducted during the EMP process.

QUESTION NO 504

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 10 JULY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6)

Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) With reference to her reply to question no 71 on 2 July 2009, what is a negative environmental impact;

(2) whether acid mine drainage is regarded as having a negative environmental impact, considering the effect it has on the environment; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, why can funds held by her department for the rehabilitation of mines not be used for dealing with acid mine drainage? NW567E

REPLY

(1) Negative environmental impact, implies an activity or action or event that adversely impacts and influences the environment.

(2) If not managed properly, acid mine drainage can have negative impact on the environment.

QUESTION NUMBER 2256

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 NOVEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 28)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether the Peak Quarry in Eersterivier have an Environmental Management Programme Report (EPMR); if not, why not; if so, (a) when was it approved, (b) when did the quarry first commence operations, (c) in what year is expected to stop operations, (d) how many times has inspectors from her department visited the mine since January 2008 and (e) what was the date of each visit;

(2) Whether any directives have been issued against the mine for non-compliance on any matters relating to the EMPR since it commenced operations; if so, what are relevant details?

(3) What are provisions in EMPR that relate to how the quarry operators need to manage (a) noise and (b) dust?

REPLY

1 (a) Yes, the mine has an approved Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPR), approved on 12 June 2000 in terms of the repealed Minerals Act, 1991 (Act 50 of 1991).

(b) A mining authorization was issued on 22 July 1994 in terms of the repealed Minerals Act, 1991, but the mine was in operation long before that time, in terms of legislation prior to the Minerals Act, 1991.

(d) Inspections are conducted in accordance with an inspection plan. As such a total of 6 mine health inspection have been conducted.

(e) Inspections were conducted as per the inspection plans.

(2) No.

(3) The information relating to noise and dust levels is contained in the approved Environmental Management Programme Report, as amended. The noise provision addresses noise within and outside the perimeter of the mine.

QUESTION NUMBER 270

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25)

Ms F C Bikani (ANC) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

(a) What progress has been made in establishing a state-owned mining company and (b) what would be its primary purpose? NO2595E

REPLY

The State Owned Mining Company was established prior to the democratic dispensation, with the aim of ensuring security of supply of strategic energy commodities for local consumption. At the time of its establishment, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act was not in existence, which means the company was operating under a different regulatory regime, which did not embrace the transformation agenda. The resuscitation of this company under the current regulatory environment is intended to continue ensuring security of strategic commodities, particularly energy commodities, while effecting the developmental agenda of Government.

The primary purpose of the company is to acquire and hold rights in respect of energy related and other strategic minerals on behalf of the State and develop these mineral commodities for national interest.

QUESTION NUMBER 261

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25)

Adv A de W Alberts (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether she intends proposing an amendment to the policy regarding the private ownership of mines; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the Government's proposals in this regard? NO2583E

REPLY

a) Falls off

b) Falls off

QUESTION NUMBER 269

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25)

Mr V V Magagula (ANC) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

What programmes of assistance and/or strategic plans are in place to encourage and develop small-scale miners in the country? NO2594E

REPLY

The department has identified small scale mining as a prospect of critical intervention to uplift rural communities. As a result the department is developing a small scale mining strategy, which will be implemented in the next financial year

QUESTION NUMBER 1248

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 16)

ADV H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) What (a) are the reasons for the Cabinet's decision to suspend the disposal of State-owned mining assets, (b) is the purpose of the suspension and (c) entities and/or departments are responsible for the audit of the mining assets;
(2) whether an investigation into the regulatory environment within the mining sector pertaining to the suspension of the disposal of mining assets has been mandated; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) what will be the duration of the suspension? NW1590E

REPLY

(1) (a) and (b) The Cabinet approved suspension of disposal of mining assets to allow the Minister of Mineral Resources adequate time to finalise an audit of mining interests held directly or indirectly by the State.
(c) DMR is Responsible

(2) Yes, through Cabinet's decision

(3) Cannot indicate the duration but intend to report to cabinet soon after finalisation of the audit

QUESTION NUMBER 1980

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 26)

Mr M Waters (DA to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether, with reference to a reply to Question 588 on 26 May 2008, any inspectors have visited the Witfontein R/33/151R mining site; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will this be done; if so, (i) when, (ii) who were the inspectors and (iii) what were their findings;

(2) whether any inspection has been conducted to determine whether regulation 17(6) of the Mine Health and Safety Act, Act 29 of 1996, is being adhered to; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will this be done; if so, when;

(3) whether there are any laws or regulations that stipulate the number of inspections that should be carried out by her department at mining sites per year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether such obligations have been met with regard to the abovementioned mining site; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2463E

REPLY

(1) Yes, Inspections were conducted on 20th and 31st October 2008 by Senior Inspector FJ Nkuna of the Gauteng Region Office as well as on 18th November 2008 by Senior Inspector F Barradas and Inspector J Kearney of the Directorate: Mine Surveying, Head Office, Pretoria.

During these inspections it was found that regulation 17(6) was not applicable as the mine was established in 1983 whilst the township, according to the deeds office, was only proclaimed in 2003. There was also no evidence found that the developer of the township of Glen Erasmia Extensions 4 & 5, which has been established within a horizontal distance of 100 metres from the boundary of the quarry, had submitted an application for comment to my Department, nor had the developer complied with Regulations 17(7)(b) or 17(8)(b) of the Mine Health and Safety Act, Act 29 of 1996, which stipulate that no structures may be erected within a horizontal distance of 100 metres from a mine without prior submission of a risk assessment to, and approval from, the Chief Inspector of Mines.

(2) Yes, the aforementioned inspections were carried out, inter-alia, to investigate compliance of regulation 17(6) as well as compliance with regulations 17(7)(b) and 17(8)(b).

(3) No, there are no laws or regulations that stipulate the number of inspections to be carried out per year. The Annual Business Plan of the Mine Safety Inspectorate, however, determines the risk value of underground and surface mining operations, which in turn, determines the frequency of visits to individual mining sites.

(4) Yes, the obligations were met on 31st October and 14th November 2008 which were routine inspections. All relevant details regarding the legal standing between the mine and the adjacent township have been addressed in my reply of question 1 above.

QUESTION NUMBER 1856

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 24)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether (a) she, (b) any specified officials and (c) any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card; if so, what are the relevant details for her and each holder of a credit card in respect of the (i) name, (ii) job title, (iii) credit limit, (iv) outstanding amount as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (v) monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit card, (vi) reason for such persons being issued with a credit card and (vii) uses that such a credit card is intended for;

(2) whether any such credit cards are over their credit limit; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit cards exceeding the limit;

(3) whether any action has been taken against such persons for exceeding their credit card limits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2416E

REPLY

(1) (a) No. The Minister has not been issued with a government or official credit card by 30 September 2009.

(b) Yes. Other specified official has been issued with an official credit card.

(a) (i) Not applicable

(b) (i) Advocate Sandile Nogxina

(ii) Director General

(iii) The limit is R10 000.00

(iv) R663.00 was outstanding as at 30 September 2009

(v) June 2008 – R143.39; July/August 2008 – R433.39; September 2008 – R1 169.70; October 2008 – R1 727.30; November 2008 – R5 546.42; December 2008 – R304.29; January/February 2009 – R2 065.50; March 2009 – R2 508.79; April 2009 – Nil; May 2009 – R663.00; June 2009 – Nil; July 2009 – Nil; August 2009 – R1 159.70; September 2009 – R663.00.

(vi) To ensure that the Director General is not financially prejudiced when executing official duties outside the normal work station.

(vii) To enable direct payment of other departmental activities such as refreshments/entertainment and other incidental expenses that takes place outside the normal work station.

(2) No. The card is not over the credit limit.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(3) Not applicable.

QUESTION NUMBER 1855

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 24)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) In respect of each version of the 2008-09 annual report of her department and the annual reports of each statutory and other entity reporting to her department, (a) what was the (i) budgeted cost, (ii) actual cost and (iii) breakdown of cost in respect of (aa) printing, (bb) graphic design, (cc) other costs and (dd) unit cost of each annual report and (b) how many copies of each were (i) produced and (ii) distributed;

(2) whether any version of the abovementioned reports was retracted or withdrawn; if so, (a) how many times were each annual report withdrawn or retracted, (b) what (i) were the reasons for each withdrawal or retraction and (ii) was the amount spent on each version and (c) how many copies were withdrawn in each case;

(3) how was the decision taken to award the contract to the (a) graphic design company and (b) printing company;

(4) whether (a) her department or (b) any of those public entities that fall under her department held a function on tabling their 2008-09 annual report; if so, in each case (i) what was the name of the public entity, (ii) how much did the function cost, (iii) what is the breakdown of that cost, (iv) where was the function held and (v) how many guests were invited? NW2415E

REPLY

(1)

(a) (i) R200,000.00

(ii) R 281,380.50

(iii) (aa) R 137,297.00

(bb) R 82,600.00

(cc) R 26 928.00

(dd) R137.30

(2) No

(a) N/A

(b) (i) (ii) N/A

(3) In terms of the PPPFA.

(4) (a) No

(b) No

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

(iv) N/A

(v) N/A

QUESTION NUMBER 1854

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 24)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether any mining company or entity that operated and mined resources which were granted mining rights before the commencement of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, who have failed to submit their applications for mining rights on 2 May 2009 and on 15 October 2009, are still continuing to operate and mine resources; if so, what are their names? NW2414E

REPLY

It is not clear what honourable member Adv H C Schmidt is referring to by "mined resources". No mining company was granted mining rights prior to 01 May 2004.

QUESTION NUMBER 1159

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether her department uses temporary employment services and/or labour brokers; if so, (a) why, (b) how many positions have been filled by temporary employment services in the (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08 and (iii) 2008-09 financial years, (c) what percentage of the total staff complement did temporary employment services contribute in each of these years and (d) how much money has been spent on temporary employment services in each year?

REPLY

QUESTION NO 471

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03 JULY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) With reference to her reply to question no 112 on 2 July 2009, what were the reported causes of (a) deaths of legal mine workers and (b) accidents causing injuries to legal mine workers during the period 1 June 2008 to 1 June 2009;

(2) whether her department (a) has taken any steps in addition to implementing the Mine Health and Safety Act, Act 29 of 1996 and (b) will introduce any additional measures to stop or reduce the (i) illegal mining activities and (ii) fatal mining incidents whilst on duty; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW532E

1(a) and (b) The reported causes of both injuries and deaths of legal miners are ranked as follows:

1. Falls of ground (caused by gravity 60% and 40% seismicity).

2. Trackless Mobile Machinery (Truck accidents).

3. Railbound Transport (Underground train derailments).

4. Falling from Heights.

5. Electricity.

6. Explosives.

2(a) The Department conducted countrywide Presidential Mine health Safety Audits to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Mine Health and Safety Act and to eliminate or reduce mine employee fatal accidents. A report depicting the overall performance by the mining industry was compiled which included recommendations for enhancing mine health and safety.

A Mine Health and Safety Tripartite Summit, lead by the former Minister of the Department of Minerals and Energy, was also held to consider sustainable measures that would enhance health and safety at the mines. All the respective principals of the State, Labour and Employer stakeholders together agreed on the action steps which would be adopted for eliminating or reducing cases of ill health, fatalities and injuries in the industry.

In addition, meetings are held with the CEOs of the respective mining companies to ensure that effective health and safety management systems are implemented to prevent harm. Critical measures, including mine stoppages, are also taken where necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act.

2(b)(i) Illegal mining is not regulated

(b)(ii) The Mine Health and Safety Act was amended to strengthen the enforcement provisions and the Department's capacity for ensuring effective coverage of the mines.

QUESTION NUMBER 2193

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 NOVEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)

Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether commercial companies that mine sand must comply with the conditions of the Land Use Planning Ordinance Amendment Act, Act 64 of 1992; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2901E

REPLY

The Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) is the statutory instrument passed by Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces) to regulate the minerals and mining sector in South Africa. There is no provision in the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 which stipulates that decision taken in terms of this Act are subject to provisions of a local government.

QUESTION NUMBER 2186

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 NOVEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA)to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether, any state-owned mining company/entity has been awarded prospecting and/or mining rights or permits in the 2008-09 financial year; if so, (a) for which minerals in each case and (b) what is the name of the mining company/entity in each case? NW2894E

REPLY

All applicants for prospecting rights, mining rights or mining permits are treated equally in terms of the provisions of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 and other legislation. Therefore, it is not proper nor correct for private information of any applicant to be divulged to the public.

The existing direct and indirect t state-owned prospecting and mining companies are Alexkor (Ptd) Ltd, Foskor (Pty) Ltd and African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (Pty) Ltd.

QUESTION NUMBER 2185

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 NOVEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA)to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether any mineral has been declared a strategic mineral in terms of the applicable legislation in the 2008-09 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what minerals, (b) on what date in each case and (c) for what reason in each case? NW2893E

REPLY

(a) Falls off

(b) Falls off

Background Information

The interpretation of the question is that it flows from the previous oral response in respect of State Owned Mining Company, in which the department indicated that the company will focus on strategic minerals. There are currently no provisions in legislation for declaration of any mineral as strategic, other than the inference on uranium as a strategic mineral in the Nuclear Policy of June 2008 as well as Minister Sonjica's and Alec Erwin statements in parliament at the time.

In light of challenges of energy deficit, priority of classification of minerals as strategic is currently on energy commodities, viz. coal, uranium, fluorspar, thorium, zirconium and platinum. To this extent, the department has drafted strategies on both uranium and coal and is prioritising finalisation of these strategies, which will be translated into the minerals being declared strategic.

It is the intention of the department to declare all minerals of the people of the Republic of South Africa strategic to support government programmes such as Beneficiation, Infrastructure Development and National Industrial Policy Framework.

QUESTION NUMBER 2193

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 NOVEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)

Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER 2186

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 NOVEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA)to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

REPLY

The existing direct and indirect t state-owned prospecting and mining companies are Alexkor (Ptd) Ltd, Foskor (Pty) Ltd and African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (Pty) Ltd.

QUESTION NUMBER 2185

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 NOVEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA)to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

REPLY

(a) Falls off

(b) Falls off

Background Information

QUESTION NUMBER 97

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 15)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) What steps have been taken to develop institutional mechanisms and structures in order to give support to historically disadvantaged persons in respect of transforming the mining industry;

(2) whether her department and/or any other department or institution will be responsible for the implementation of these steps; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the further relevant details? NO1428E

REPLY

1 My department developed the first mechanism of implementing the transformation agenda with the precursor charter, the mining charter, which Charter sets out specific targets for transformation of the industry, with particular emphasis on extending the benefits to the historically disadvantaged South Africans, including, albeit not limited to community benefits, ownership and management participation. The vesting of custodianship of mineral rights to State has enabled my department to attach conditions to the issuing of mining rights, which seek to effectively drive the transformation agenda. This meant that as companies apply for mining rights (including conversions of old order rights), their commitment in relation to the transformation pillars of the Charter are scrutinised and for the basis of the conditions of their license.

2 My Department is implementing this legislation

a. Already in progress, having started from the 2004 May 1st.

b. Not applicable

QUESTION NUMBER 2349

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 NOVEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 29)

Mr E J Marais(DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether, with reference to her reply to written Question 415 on 17 July 2009, she has purchased a new vehicle; if not, (a) when will she purchase a new vehicle and (b) what is the value of the vehicle she is currently using; if so, (i) why, (ii) what make and model is the vehicle, (iii) what did the vehicle cost and (iv) what (aa) accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (bb) was the cost of such accessories? NW3062E

REPLY

I have not purchased a new vehicle.

(a) I have not made a decision to buy a new vehicle yet..

(b) I am currently using a leased vehicle and therefore value cannot be put on such vehicle.

(i) Falls away

(ii) Falls away

(iii) Falls away

(iv) Falls away

(aa) Falls away

(bb) Falls away

QUESTION NO 415

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03 JULY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 5)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether she purchased a new vehicle on her appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether she inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle? NW476E

REPLY

(1) No, I have not yet purchased a vehicle since my appointment. I am currently making use of loan vehicles from BMW in terms of the arrangement between BMW and the Department of Transport.

(2) Falls away. Refer to the explanation above.

QUESTION NUMBER 1797

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 22)

Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) How many of her department's officials are dedicated to environmental protection and monitoring,(b) what are their respective designations, (c) how many vacancies currently exist for such officials and (d) for low long has each of these positions been vacant;

(2) what was the budget for environmental protection and monitoring for the 2008-09 financial year;

(3) (a) how many mines were found to be in transgression of their environmental management programmes in the 2008-09 financial year, (b) what was the nature of the transgression in each case and (c) what action did her department take in each case?

REPLY

(1) Seventy eight (78) of the Department's officials are dedicated to environmental protection and monitoring,

Thirteen (13) vacancies (of which 12 became vacant since June 2009) currently exist for such officials.

(2) What was the budget for environmental protection and monitoring for the 2008-09 financial year?

Each regional office of the Department of Mineral Resources has a global integrated budget from which funds are sourced by interalia the officials referred to in question 1 above.

(3) (a) Two hundred and fifteen (215) cases of transgression of environmental management requirements were found in the 2008-09 financial year,

(b) Transgressions cover a wide spectrum varying from minor issues to more significant issues.

(c) Actions undertaken by the department are as follows:

Action was taken by the Department in accordance with the provisions of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002(Act 28 0f 2002).

QUESTION NUMBER 1063

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 4 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 14)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether approval has been granted to any mining company or other applicant during the period 1 July 2008 to the present for the construction of new mine tailings storage facilities; if so, (a) where will it be located, (b) the date on which date was approval granted, (c) for which time period is such storage facility to be constructed, (d) when will it become operational and (e) what is the extent of the land surface it is to occupy;

(2) whether agricultural land will be the site on which the storage facilities will be built; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the name of the successful applicant and/or mining company?

REPLY

(1) No approval has been granted to any mining company for the construction of new mine tailing storage facilities by the Department of Mineral Resources and no application for the said facility was submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources.

(a) NA

(b) NA

(d) NA

(e) NA

2. NA

QUESTION NUMBER 1062

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 4 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 14)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether approval has been granted to a certain mining company (name furnished) for the construction of a storage facility (details furnished); if so, (a) where will it be located, (b) the date on which approval was granted, (c) the time period during which such storage facility is to be constructed, (d) when will it become operational and (e) the extent of the land surface it is to occupy;

(2) whether agricultural land will be the site on which the storage facility will be built; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1323E

REPLY

Please refer to the response to question 1063.

QUESTION NUMBER 1189

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 16)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

In light of the appointment of a certain company (name furnished) to conduct an assessment of compliance in respect of the Mining Charter, (a) what is its mandate, (b) what is the date on which it must present its report to the department, (c) who are the (i) directors and (ii) members of this company and (d) what is the cost of commissioning the report?

REPLY

(a) The mandate of the company is to undertake an independent assessment of the cumulative progress (by the mining industry) against the targets of the Mining Charter, as agreed upon by all stakeholders prior to implementation of this Charter.

(b) End of September, 2009.

(ii) Not applicable

(d) The report is commissioned at a total cost of R 3,659,172.00.

QUESTION NUMBER 1608

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 20)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (1)Whether her department developed and adopted a policy providing guidelines for the appointment of persons with a criminal record; if so, (a) when was the policy (i) developed and (ii) adopted and (b) where can a copy of the policy be obtained; if not,

(2) Whether her department has any plans in place to develop and adopt such a policy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether her department does any pre-employment screening of potential employees for criminal records; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) Whether any employees with criminal records are currently employed by her department; if so, (a) how many and (b) what is their (i) job level and (ii) occupational category? NW2014E

REPLY

(1) Yes,

(a) (i) in 2002 under DME

(ii) in 2004

(b) The Policy and the DME Vetting Strategy is available on request.

(2) Not applicable

(3) Yes, all potential employees are sent for pre-employment screening before the approval is granted for the appointment. The pre-employment screening of the Department covers the following: Criminal record checks, citizenship status, credit worthiness, previous employment and qualification verification.

(4) No

(a) Not applicable

(b) (i) Not applicable

(ii) Not applicable

QUESTION NUMBER 1678

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 22)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether, since her appointment in May 2009 any renovations or alterations were done at state owned and private residences of her or any other specified official of her department; if so, (a) where she and the occupants of each such residence were accommodated during the renovations and (b) at what cost to his department in each case? NW2134E

REPLY

No.

(a) Falls away

(b) Falls away

QUESTION NO 552

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 10 JULY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether her department makes use of private security firms; if so, how much money was spent on such firms in 2008;

(2) whether these firms are used on a contractual basis; if so, (a) how many contracts did her department take out in this regard in 2008, (b) with which firms were these contracts taken out, (c) for what specific purpose was each contract taken out and (d) what was the value of the contract in each case;

(3) why is there a need for her department to use a private security firm as opposed to state security?

REPLY

(1) Yes, the Department makes use private security firms. The money spent the security firms in 2008 is R186 435.60.

(2) Yes the firms are used on contractual basis.

(a) Two firms were contracted in 2008

(b) Siyashesha Security Services and Enforce Armed Response System

(c) Siyashesha Security Services for Physical security at Olifantsfontein training centre and Enforce Security Services for Armed Response System at Durban regional office

(d) The department paid R186 435.60 per annum for Siyashesha Security Services and paid R4 035 to Enforce Security Services

(3) It is government policy.

QUESTION NO 569

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 10 JULY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6)

Mr AM Figlan (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) How many sand mining operations have been authorised by her department (i) in or (ii) adjacent to the Umgeni River system and (b) what is the name of the entity that has been awarded approval to mine in each case;

(2) whether the sand mining operation run by an entity called Crossmore near the Anthurium Place access road in eThekwini has been authorised by her department; if not, what action will be taken against this operation; if so, when was the application granted;

(3) whether steps are being taken to ensure that the operation complies with the Environmental Management Plan; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether any directives have been issued against the operation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW633E

REPLY

1. The following mining permits have been issued on the Umgeni river:

(a) (i) 12

(b) (ii) 4

1. X Moor Transport cc 379MP

2. X Moor Transport cc 74MP

3. BHD Zuma 218MP

4. M A Hall 246MP

5. C N Shabalala 216MP

6. Ziyasha Logistics (Pty) Ltd 204MP

7. A B Sibisi 260MP

8. Very Nice Trading (Pty) Ltd 168MP

9. P T Dube 254MP

10. Little Rock Trading 45cc 147MP

11. Quebeka Euzils Building Material Suppliers cc 355MP

12. Uzuzinikela Trading 9 cc 233MP

13. Versatex 486 (Pty) Ltd 58MP

14. Invincible Panther Co-operative Limited 141MP

15. Tack it Trading cc 370MP

16. Gamelihle Sand and Pebble Suppliers cc 169MP

(ii) The following rights/permits have been issued adjacent to the Umgeni River

system:

1. K Lutchman (Tributary adjacent to Umgeni River) 232MR

2. V Govender 45MP

3. Kovacs Investments (Pty) Ltd (Qala Quarry – adjacent to Umgeni River System) -

102MR

4. Invincible Panther Co-operative Limited (Granite Quarry adjacent to Umgeni river) -

146MR

2. From the Department's records there is no company by the name of Crossmore which is a holder of any permit or rights

3. Question not applicable, see Question 2 reply.

4. Question not applicable, see Question 2 reply.

24 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 151 to 175

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 1726 to 1750

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 126 to 150

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 1701 to 1725

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 101 to 125

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 51 to 75

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 76 to 100

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 26 to 50

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 1 to 25

31 December 2008 - Questions: Minister of Mineral and Energy

MPs to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy

Source
Link

Reply:

Question no. 376

QUESTION PAPER DATE: FRIDAY, 07 March 2008

376: Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

(1) Between 1 May 2004 and 29 February 2008 the Department received 8196 prospecting rights (ii) mining rights-1359,(iii) mining permits-4244, (iv) (aa) the period for conversion of prospecting rights expired in April 2006, a total of 378 conversions were received.(bb) mining rights conversions -549

(1) (b) (i) and (ii) A total of 504 appeals were received during the aforementioned period. What is however important to note at this stage, is that the majority of so-called appeals received by the Department, has been processed in terms of section103(4)(b) of the MPRDA, as it relates to Ministerial decisions taken under delegated authority, which as a result rendered an appeal in terms of section 96 of the Act, incompetent.

The remainder of the appeals were either withdrawn (38), suspended pending litigation (32) or negotiations (48) or still pending (315).

2. (i) The department has not identified quality of decisions as a cause for settlement with parties, settlement is as per agreement between the Applicants and the Department, thus meaning that the matters were in effect settled between the parties.

(ii) As referred in 2(i) majority of matters not opposed is because of the agreements between the parties.

Question no. 1219

QUESTION PAPER DATE: FRIDAY, 01 August 2008

1219: Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

With reference to her reply to Question 653 on 17 July 2008, how many applications for (a) prospecting rights, (b) mining (i) rights and (ii) permits and (c) conversions of (i) prospecting and (ii) mining rights did her department return to the applicants after acceptance of the application for purposes of further details and/or information and/or completion submitted in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002?

The Department does not return applications to applicants after acceptance, applications are only returned to applicants if they were rejected. After acceptance the department as stipulated in the Act, have to inform the applicant of such acceptance and request the applicant to consult with interested and affected parties and submit the results of such consultation and to submit an Environmental Management Plan/Programme within the specified time frames. Therefore the Department request information on all the accepted applications.

Question no. 1220

QUESTION PAPER DATE: FRIDAY, 01 August 2008

1220Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

With reference to her reply to Question 653 on 17 July 2008, and the fact that no mining right conversions were refused, on what grounds were the judicial reviews instituted against her department based on applications for mining rights submitted in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002?

The grounds on which the judicial reviews were instituted in respect of conversion applications referred to in the reply to question 653 did not concern the merits of the applications per se. In two of the judicial review proceedings, the parties held different views on the interpretation of the time period for the lodgement of conversion of prospecting right application as per the transitional provisions of the MPRDA. The Court ruled in favour of the interpretation of the applicant. The third review which is still pending, essentially relates to a dispute between two parties, which arose subsequent to the granting of a conversion application to the Respondent in this matter. The Department has no material interest in the outcome of the review proceedings.

Question no.551

QUESTION PAPER DATE: FRIDAY, 28March 2008

551: Mr. W D Spies (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

Whether an increase in electricity tariffs will also come into force on 1 April 2008 for neighboring countries to which South Africa supplies electricity; if not, why not; if so, what is the (a) current tariff and (b) percentage increase for (i) Namibia, (ii) Botswana, (iii) Mozambique, (iv) Lesotho, (v) Swaziland

RESPONSE:

The electricity tariffs to neighbouring utilities escalate at the agreed rates in their supply agreements. In most cases this escalation is equal to or higher than the NERSA approved escalation and comes into effect from 1 April each year. In some instances however agreements allow escalation linked to other indices such as PPI and escalation dates of 1 January each year.

The specific detail requested per country is confidential information and therefore cannot be disclosed publicly. Should the Honourable Member require further clarity in this regard, he is welcome to contact the Honourable Minister of Minerals and Energy.

Question no.588

QUESTION PAPER DATE: FRIDAY, 28 March 2008

588: Mr. M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

(1) What are the co-ordinates with regard to the mining rights on a certain farm in the Kempton Park area (Witfontein )R/33/151R

whether there are any restrictions which prohibit any mining from taking place near residential dwellings; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) up to what distance from residential dwellings can mining take place?

REPLY:

Co ordinates on the remainder of the farm Witfontein No 15IR, wherein a mining permit has been issued.

DATUM: WGS 84

LO-Y	LO-X
70766.789	2883463.934
70676.433	2883953.612
70691.011	2884122.129
70780.737	2884125.445
70766.789	2883963.934

2(a) Yes, Section 48(1) of the MPRDA, restricts mining or prospecting in respect of land comprising a residential area, however Section 48(2) provides powers to the Minister to issue a right in respect of land mentioned above, if the Minister is satisfied that-

Having regard to the sustainable development of the mineral resources involved and national interest, it is desirable to issue it.

The right/permit will take place within the framework of national environmental management policies, norms and standards.

(b) Regulation 17(6)of Mine Health and Safety Act, provides that no mining operations are carried out under or within a horizontal distances of 100 metres from buildings, roads, railways, reserves, mine boundaries, any structure whatsoever.

Question no.551

QUESTION PAPER DATE: FRIDAY, 28March 2008

551: Mr. W D Spies (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

RESPONSE:

QUESTION NUMBER 1189

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 16)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

REPLY

(b) End of September, 2009.

(ii) Not applicable

(d) The report is commissioned at a total cost of R 3,659,172.00.

Question No. 1515

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER

QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Response by Hon. Buyelwa Sonjica. Minister of Minerals and Energy. To Adv HC Schmidt's

Parliamentarv Question No. 1515

A. Question:

Following recent allegations that PetroSA signed oil deals with associates of Mugabe,(sic) whether the Minister can indicate (a) when was the deal between Middle East South Africa Energy (MESA) and PetroSA entered into; (b) what the specific terms 0 the deal were; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (c) whether PetroSA was aware of the UN Final Report by the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploration of Natural Resources and other forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; if not, why not?

B. Response:

a) The agreement was signed by both parties on 17 June 2004 – effective for two years, commencing on 1 August 2004.

b) The agreement stipulates that MESA will supply condensate as a feedstock for the Mossel Bay Refinery at price that are dependent on the grade of condensate that would have been supplied to PetroSA.

BACKGROUND

After the aforesaid condensate deal, MESA subsequently successfully bid for other spot deals for Reformate, amongst others, all of which had nothing to do with DRC.

Recent News

On 24th August 2008 the Sunday Times newspaper published a story in its business section that insinuates that PetroSA knowingly "dished out oil deals" to a consortium partly owned by foreign businessmen accused of being fronts for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.

PetroSA then placed it on record that in 2004 they concluded a tender wherein MESA Energy, a majority-owned South African company, was contracted to supply them with gas condensate. At the time three separate South African companies owned 51% of MESA. A Mauritian-registered company Pegasus Energy (Ltd) owned the remaining 49%.

A forensic audit to verify the legal and BEE status of MESA was conducted in accordance with PetroSA's policies. The decision to award MESA Energy this highly competitive tender, was based on PetroSA's stringent selection criteria, which considered factors such as pricing, BEE participation levels, and the ability to introduce various condensate grades.

It is also true that in January 2008, PetroSA purchased a spot cargo of Reformate from MESA.

Throughout these transactions PetroSA has conducted itself with professional integrity, putting at the forefront the best interests of South Africa. At no time before or after the two deals, was PetroSA ever informed of any allegations of impropriety concerning MESA or any of its partners.

It is therefore mischievous of the Sunday Times to insinuate that PetroSA knowingly conducted business in defiance of United Nations resolutions or sanctions. A fact is that PetroSA, in good faith, concluded two deals with .

Mesa Energy. Both deals were conducted in full compliance with PetroSA's internal processes which are aligned with PFMA Act.

Possible link between the "UN Final Report by the Panel of Experts on the illegal Exploration of Natural Resources and other forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo" and MESA http://www .natural-resources.ora/minerals/law/docs/pdf/ N0262179.pd

Among the Government departments interviewed by the Panel of Experts was the Department of Minerals and Energy of South Africa (p.54 of the UN Final Report). However, no names of officials interviewed were provided.

The central focus of the Panel's work was gathering information about politically and economically powerful groups involved in the exploitation activities / illegal exploration of natural resources and other forms of wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which are often highly criminalized. The UN Report's main focus is on the micro conflicts that have been provoked by the DRC civil war that have resulted in some groups, politically connected persons and high-ranking government officials from states involved in the conflict criminally exploiting the situation for self enrichment.

The report then goes further to explain the modus operandi of the said groups but has no specific mention of MESA Energy.

The person posing the questions seems to be of the opinion that there is a link between MESA (shareholders or individuals within MESA) and the entities alleged to be involved in the illegal dealings in DRC (from a Zimbabwe front) as shown in the extracts of the Report below. Unfortunately, a detailed investigation could not be conducted to prove beyond reasonable doubt that there is no such link.

Extracts from the Report that could be relevant to the questions posed are as follows:

"12. The regional conflict that drew the armies of seven African States into the Democratic Republic of the Congo has diminished in intensity, but the overlapping micro conflicts that it provoked continue. These conflicts are fought over minerals, farm produce, land and even tax revenues. Criminal groups linked to the armies of Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have benefited from the micro conflicts. Those groups will not disband voluntarily even as the foreign military forces continue their withdrawals. They have built up a self-financing war economy centred on mineral exploitation.

13. Facilitated by South Africa and Angola, the Pretoria and Luanda Agreements have prompted the recent troop withdrawals from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Welcome as they may be, these withdrawals are unlikely to alter the determination of Rwanda and Zimbabwe, and Ugandan individuals, to exercise economic control over portions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The departure of their forces will do little to reduce economic control, or the means of achieving it, since the use of national armies is only one among many means for exercising it. All three countries have anticipated the day when pressure from the international community would make it impossible to maintain large forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Governments of Rwanda and Zimbabwe, as well as powerful individuals in Uganda, have adopted other strategies for maintaining the mechanisms for revenue generation, many of which involve criminal activities, once their troops have departed.

17. Although troops of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have been a major guarantor of the security of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo against regional rivals, its senior officers have enriched themselves from the country's mineral assets under the pretext of arrangements set up to repay Zimbabwe for military services. Now ZDF is establishing new companies and contractual arrangements to defend its economic interests in the longer term should there be a complete withdrawal of ZDF troops. New trade and service agreements were signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe just prior to the announced withdrawal of ZDF troops from the diamond centre of Mbuji Mayi late in August 2002.

18. Towards the end of its mandate, the Panel received a copy of a memorandum dated August 2002 from the Defence Minister, Sidney Sekeramayi, to President Robert Mugabe, proposing that a joint Zimbabwe-Democratic Republic of the Congo company be set up in Mauritius to disguise the continuing economic interests of ZDF in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The memorandum states: "Your Excellency would be aware of the wave of negative publicity and criticism that the DRC-Zimbabwe joint ventures have attracted, which tends to inform the current United Nations Panel investigations into our commercial activities." It also refers to plans to set up a private Zimbabwean military company to guard Zimbabwe's economic investments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after the planned withdrawal of ZDF troops. It states that this company was formed to operate alongside a new military company owned by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

19. At the same time, local militias and local politicians have supplemented the role that State armies previously played in ensuring access to and control of valuable resources and diverting State revenue. The 'looting that was previously conducted by the armies themselves has been replaced with organized systems of embezzlement, tax fraud, extortion, the use of stock options as kickbacks and diversion of State funds conducted by groups that closely resemble criminal organizations.

20. Such activities have become increasingly prominent in the techniques of exploitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Panel has identified three distinct groups engaged in activities in three different areas and refers to them as elite networks. These elite networks have control over a range of commercial activities involving the exploitation of natural resources, diversion of taxes and other revenue generation activities in the three separate areas controlled by the Government of the' Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, respectively."

22. The elite network of Congolese and Zimbabwean political, military and commercial interests seeks to maintain its grip on the main mineral resources - diamonds, cobalt, copper, germanium - of the Government-controlled area. This network has transferred ownership of at least US$ 5 billion of assets from the State mining sector to private companies under its control in the past three years with no compensation or benefit for the State treasury of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

23. This network benefits from instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its representatives in the Kinshasa Government and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have fuelled instability by supporting armed groups opposing Rwanda and Burundi.

24. Even if present moves towards peace lead to a complete withdrawal of Zimbabwean forces, the network's grip on the richest mineral assets of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and related businesses will remain.

Zimbabwe's political-military elite signed six major trade and service agreements in August 2002 with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Reliable sources have told the Panel about plans to set up new holding companies to disguise the continuing ZDF commercial operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a ZDF-controlled private military company to be deployed in the country to guard those assets

27. The key strategist for the Zimbabwean branch of the elite network is the Speaker of the Parliament and former National Security Minister, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. Mr. Mnangagwa has won strong support from senior military and intelligence officers for an aggressive policy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His key ally is a Commander of ZDF and Executive Chairman of COSLEG, General Vitalis Musunga Gava Zvinavashe. The General and his family have been involved in diamond trading and supply contracts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A long-time ally of President Mugabe, Air Marshal Perence Shiri, has been involved in military procurement and organizing air support for the pro- Kinshasa armed groups fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is also part of the inner circle of ZDF diamond traders who have turned Harare into a significant illicit diamond-trading centre.

28. Other prominent Zimbabwean members of the network include Brigadier General Sibusiso Busi Moyo, who is Director General of COSLEG. Brigadier Moyo advised both Tremalt and Oryx Natural Resources, which represented covert Zimbabwean military financial interests in negotiations with State mining companies of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Air Commodore Mike Tichafa Karakadzai is Deputy Secretary of COSLEG, directing policy and procurement. He played a key role in arranging the Tremalt cobalt and copper deal. Colonel Simpson Sikhulile Nyathi is Director of defence policy for COSLEG. The Minister of Defence and former Security Minister, Sidney Sekeramayi, coordinates with the military leadership and is a shareholder in COSLEG. The Panel has a copy of a letter from Mr. Sekeramayi thanking the Chief Executive of Oryx Natural Resources, Thamer Bin Said Ahmed AIShanfari, for his material and moral support during the parliamentary elections of 2000. Such contributions violate Zimbabwean law.

29. In June 2002, the Panel learned of a secret new ZDF diamond mining operation in Kalobo in Kasai Occidental run by Dube Associates. This company is linked, according to banking documents, through Colonel Tshinga Dube of Zimbabwe Defence Industries to the Ukrainian diamond and arms dealer Leonid Minim, who currently faces smuggling charges in Italy. The diamond mining operations have been conducted in great secrecy.

31. The techniques used by Mr. Forrest have since been replicated by Zimbabwean-backed entrepreneurs John Arnold Bredenkamp and Mr. AIShanfari. Mr. Bredenkamp, who has an estimated personal net worth of over $500 million, is experienced in setting up clandestine companies and sanctions-busting operations. Mr. AI-Shanfari has gained privileged access to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its diamond concessions in exchange for raising capital from some powerful entrepreneurs in the Gulf such as Issa a/-Kawari who manages the fortune of the deposed Amir of Qatar. Also working with ZDF is a convicted criminal based in South Africa, Nico Shefer, who has arranged for Zimbabwean officers to be trained in diamond valuation in Johannesburg. Mr. Shefer's company, Tandan Holdings, has a 50 per cent stake in Thorntree Industries, a joint venture diamond-trading company with ZDF.

32. Zimbabwean Billy Rautenbach headed a joint venture cobalt-mining company and was Chief Executive of Gecamines from November 1998 to March 2000. Although stripped of his cobalt concessions in Katanga, Mr. Rautenbach told the Panel that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had offered his company, Ridgepointe International, mining rights to Gecamines concessions at Shinkolobwe, which include substantial deposits of uranium, copper and cobalt. Mr. Rautenbach's representatives said that any new agreement would be subject to the new mining code of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and any uranium mining operations would be open to inspections by the International Atomic Energy

QUESTION NO: 1539

NATIONAL ASSEMBLYINTERNAL QUESTION PAPER

QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1539. Mr LW (I D) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

(1) Whether public participation processeswere conducted regarding the Government's decision to build new nuclear power plant stations; if not, why not if so, how many submissions were received from public;

(2) Whether her department has considered the submissions; if not, whynot; if so, what are relevant details?

RESPONSES:

(1) No, this is OPE and DEAT's responsibility.

QUESTION 1544

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER

QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1544. Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

(1) Whether her department is currently running a wind source atlas programme if so (a) when did the programme start and (b) when will a comprehensive wind atlas be available to the public'

(2) Whether there have been any delays in the programme; if so what were the reasons for the delays?

Response:

1 (a) Yes, the programme started in May 2008

(b) The 1stiteration of the wind atlas, covering coastal areas of the Northern Western and Eastern provinces is planned for November 2009. The final comprehensive version (reports, facts sheets, web site, and database) of the atlas is planned for the 3rdquarter of 2012.

2. No delays

26 December 2008 - Question:Minister of Cooperative Governance

MPs to ask the Minister of Provincial and Local Government

Source
Link

Reply:

QUESTION NO. 1433

(Internal Question Paper No 24 – 2008)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

With regard to each municipality, (a) what was the (i) total number of staff, (ii) total number of days taken for (aa) sick leave and (bb) annual leave and (iii) rate of absenteeism, (b) (i) what total amount was spent on consultants and (ii) what was the (aa) nature of the work done by the consultants, (bb) duration of their contracts or work done and (cc) hourly rates charged by these consultants during the 2007-08 financial year and (c) what total amount was spent by each of these municipalities on (i) parties and (ii) any other social events in each of the past three financial years up to and including 15 August 2008?

ANSWER

This question requires that information covering all the two hundred and eighty-three municipalities, be made available. The information sought also covers a wide range of issues.

The National Assembly Guide to Procedure, 2004 provides that members of the National Assembly "may not raise questions which would require an impractically extensive answer". This question falls within this category. Consequently, it is not possible to respond to the question.

QUESTION NO. 1436

(Internal Question Paper No 24 - 2008)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government

What is the breakdown of the (a) actual number of engineer posts and (b) the number of these posts that are vacant in each municipality as at 1 August 2008?

ANSWER

The Honourable Member will note that information has been obtained from Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces. The outstanding information from Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Free State, Kwa Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West province will be made available to the Honourable Member as soon as it has been received.

See the tables here: http://www.pmg.org.za/docs/2008/questions/Q1436tables.pdf

QUESTION NO. 1519

(Internal Question Paper No 25 - 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government

(1) (a) How many posts on senior management level are currently vacant in each of the 283 municipalities and (b) how long have each of these posts been vacant

(2) whether each of these vacancies have been budgeted for; if not; why not; if so, (a) how much will be spent in filling these vacancies and (b) when will they be filled?

ANSWER

The Honourable Member will note that information has been obtained from Free State, Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces. The outstanding information from Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Kwa Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West province will be made available to the Honourable Member as soon as it has been received.

See tables here: http://www.pmg.org.za/docs/2008/questions/Q1519tables.pdf

QUESTION NO. 1543

(Internal Question Paper No 27 - 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government

(1) What (a) were the reasons for the abolishment of the Regional Services Council (RSC) levies and (b) was the total amount owed to municipalities when the RSC levies were abolished;

(2) whether municipalities were given a date by which to collect the moneys owed to them; if not. what is the position in this regard; if so, what was the deadline;

(3) whether municipalities have been successful in recovering those moneys; if not, what are the challenges they are facing; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether his department has any plans to help those municipalities that could not recover the moneys owed to them at the time when RSC levies were abolished; if not, why not; if so, what plans;

(5) whether he has been informed of any legal action by a municipality or an individual representing a municipality against (a) organisations, (b) government departments. (c) private enterprises and (d) individuals over moneys owed to Regional Services Councils; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

ANSWER

The RSC levies were administered by the Minister of Finance and their abolishment were also done by the Minister of Finance, and the related matters of collections also have interface with the South African Revenue Services (SARS) which also report to the Minster of Finance. Accordingly, this Parliamentary Question should be directed to the Minister of Finance not the Minister for Provincial and Local Government

QUESTION NO. 802

(Internal Question Paper No 14 – 2008)

Moulana M R Sayedali-Shah (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(a) What procedures are followed when meetings of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) and Directorate Conventional Arms Control (DCAC) are not held in terms of the approval process for urgent applications and (b) who from the NCACC attended the meetings of the Scrutiny Committee in terms of the regulations?

ANSWER

(a) As a general rule, meetings of the NCACC are scheduled to take place on a monthly basis throughout the year. At its meetings, it considers a number of matters placed before it. When taking decisions, the NCACC takes into account the recommendations placed before it by the Scrutiny Committee. The Scrutiny Committee is a committee comprising all representatives of review departments. This committee has a duty to undertake general spade work for the NCACC. After considering the Scrutiny Committee's recommendations, the NCACC may decide to accept or reject the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee.

In the event that the NCACC cannot convene, the Chairperson of the NCACC and the Minister of Defence consider and decide on matters that are urgent. In considering and deciding on urgent matters, the NCACC takes into account the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee. The decisions taken by the Chairperson and the Minister of Defence under these circumstances are, as a matter of principle, ratified by the next ensuing meeting of the NCACC.

The Directorate: Conventional Arms Control does not hold meetings to decide on urgent applications. What the Directorate does is to facilitate the holding of meetings by the Scrutiny Committee and the NCACC. The Directorate also executes and implements the decisions that have been taken by the NCACC.

Since the Scrutiny Committee was established and functioned as a subcommittee of the NCACC, no member of the NCACC has ever attended its meetings. This failure to have a member of the NCACC attending the Scrutiny Committee meetings is due to practical reasons only. It is because of these practical challenges that the NCACC has proposed an amendment to the Act relating to the establishment and functioning of the Scrutiny Committee.

QUESTION NO. 803

(Internal Question Paper No 14 – 2008)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

Whether there are National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC)-approved processes for the Directorate Conventional Arms Control (DCAC) to follow when scrutinising and assessing applications for the issuing of a permit, besides the Chairperson delegating for the signing of permits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

ANSWER

The Directorate uses clearly defined procedures when handling conventional arms permit

applications. The procedures deal with the following aspects:

(a) reflection on the international arms control regimes that have a bearing on the South African arms control system;

(b) structures established in terms of the law to implement conventional arms control in South Africa;

(d) procedures to be followed when handling different kinds of permit applications. These include registration permits, marketing permits, contracting permits, export permits, import permits, transit permits and end-user certificates.

In conducting all its work, the Directorate follows, and is guided by, these procedures.

QUESTION NO. 804

(Internal Question Paper No 14 – 2008)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) Whether the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) delegated the decision to issue permits; if so,

(2) whether minutes are kept of such decisions to delegate in respect of (a) who made the decision in each case to delegate, (b) when such decisions were made and (c) the basis on which each decision was made in the past 24 months; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

ANSWER

(1) As a general rule, the transfer of conventional arms takes place on a daily basis. For such transfers to take place, the transfers have to be authorised by the NCACC. In order to facilitate this authorisation, the NCACC has delegated authority to the Directorate: Conventional Arms to handle these transactions. The delegated authority of the Directorate is not exercised in a vacuum, but within the context of NCACC guidelines. Further, the delegated authority of the Directorate has to be exercised after taking into account inputs by the various review departments. The delegated authority of the Directorate is exercised in respect of all kinds of permits, save for the contracting permits that are only authorised by the NCACC. Within the Directorate, the permit signing powers are carried out by the Director of the Directorate and the Deputy Director.

(2) The authority delegated to the Directorate was assigned in writing in respect of all permits, except contracting permits. All permits issued by the Directorate are recorded and are presented to the NCACC on a monthly basis for ratification. The basis for the issuing of permits are the provisions of the relevant Act, guidelines of the NCACC and inputs of various departments. All records of issued permits and the associated details are kept by the Directorate.

QUESTION NO. 805

(Internal Question Paper No 14 – 2008)

Moulana M R Sayedali-Shah (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) Whether the Government received a diplomatic note from the Chinese and/or Zimbabwean government as part of the application for a conveyance permit with regard to the weapons for Zimbabwe carried by the Chinese ship that docked in the Durban harbour in April 2008; if so, (a) who authorised the permit and (b) who signed off the granting of the permit;

(2) whether he consulted the President in this process; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether a quorum was obtained when the decision was taken to issue the conveyance permit for the shipment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) what are the relevant details regarding the minutes kept of all meetings pertaining to the issuing of a conveyance permit to the Chinese shipment carrying weapons for Zimbabwe in respect of (a)(i) dates and (ii) times, (b) venues, (c) attendees and (d) decisions taken;

(5) whether the SA National Defence Force assisted with the refueling of the Chinese ship; if so, (a) how and (b) under whose order?

ANSWER

(1) As part of the transit permit application documentation, the NCACC (National Conventional Arms Control Committee) Directorate received a Diplomatic Note from the Zimbabwean Government, a copy of the Zimbabwean End User Certificate in respect of the consignment and a copy of a document from the Chinese Port Authority in respect of the consignment. After considering the documents, the Directorate consulted the various review departments, after which the matter was referred to the Chairperson of the NCACC for consideration and decision by the members of the NCACC. After due consideration, the NCACC authorised the Directorate to issue the permit. Subsequent to this authorisation, the Directorate issued the permit. The permit was signed by the delegated Deputy Director in the Directorate. It is worth mentioning though that the said Deputy Director signed the permit on specific instructions from the Director of the Directorate, who in turn was giving effect to the decision of the NCACC.

(2) The NCACC is an organ of state and has a full mandate in terms of the National Conventional Arms Control Act (Act 41 of 2002), to regulate the transfer of conventional arms in South Africa. The NCACC considers and decides on all matters before it on the basis of this mandate. This approach was the followed without exception when the Zimbabwean transit permit application was dealt with.

(3) As a matter of practice, all transit permits are dealt with by the Directorate on the basis of the delegated powers, the guidelines of the NCACC and the inputs of review departments. Where the Directorate is not certain, the Directorate seeks, as a general rule, the advice of the NCACC through the office of the Chairperson. This was the case in respect of the transit permit under focus. After the transit permit application had been brought to the attention of the Chairperson of the NCACC, the Chairperson consulted members of the NCACC. After this consultation, a decision was taken to authorise the permit.

(4) As indicated in response to question (3) above, no specific meeting was held by the NCACC to consider this matter. Normal consultation was conducted by the Chairperson after which a decision was made to issue the permit.

(5) This question should be directed to the Department of Defence as the SANDF falls under that Department.

QUESTION NO. 823

(Internal Question Paper No 14 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) Whether his department will cease making allocations to the SA Local Government Association (Salga) since it has received three qualified reports from the Auditor-General in the past three financial years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether his department has any plans in place to help Salga resolve its financial problems; if not, why not; if so, (a) what plans; (b) when will they be implemented, (c) how long will it take to implement them and (d) how much will it cost to implement them;

(3) what (a) were the total amounts of State allocations to Salga and (b) was Salga's actual expenditure in each of the past five financial years;

(4) whether Salga overspent its budget in each of the past five financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by how much in each case;

(5) whether the overexpenditure was accounted for in each of the past five financial years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

ANSWER

(1) No. SALGA is mandated by the 1996 Constitution, and by the Municipal Systems Act (2000) and the Organised Local Government Act (1997), to assist with the transformation of local government in South Africa in line with the values and vision upheld by the government. The allocations to SALGA are appropriated through the annual Appropriation Act which is voted for in Parliament.

(2) Yes. The department has plans in place (a) to review SALGA's funding model, together with the National Treasury and SALGA, (b) over the duration of the 2009 MTEC process, (c) will depend on the recommendations of the MTEC, (d) there will be no cost implications as the work is being done by the dplg, SALGA and the National Treasury.

(3) The information relating to allocations is available from the 2008 (Vote 29) Estimates of National Expenditure document, and the information relating to actual expenditure is available from the Annual Report of SALGA. These documents have been tabled in Parliament.

(4) No. SALGA has not overspent on its budget over the last five financial years. The table appearing below presents the net cash flow for the last five financial years. The position over the last five years is as follows:

	June 2003	June 2004	June 2005	June 2006	June 2007
Actual Net Operating Result	R 4 911.500	(R 2 549 043)	(R 10 930 150)	(R 63 120 913)	R 1 899 245
Add: Non-cash Flow items
Depreciation	R 257 186	R 266 047	R 1 341 644	R 1 914 068	R 2 144 462
Provision for impairment of trade receivables	-	R 5 295 625	R 62 984 226	R 43 499 461	(R 18 372 282)
Fair value adjustment	-	-	-	R 19 082 415	R 17 103 772
Actual adjustment Net Operating Results	R 5 168 668	R 3 012 629	R 53 395 720	R 1 375 031	R 2 775 197

Budgeted Net Operating Results	0	0	0	0	0

Variance	+R 5 168 668	+R 3 012 629	+R 53 395 720	+ R 1 375 031	+R 2 775 197.

(5) Falls away.

QUESTION NO. 832

(Internal Question Paper No 15 – 2008)

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) Whether he will ensure that his department (a) monitors and (b) reduces its carbon footprint with immediate effect; if so, how will this be done;

(2) whether this will include the phasing out of glossy publications from all agencies or councils reporting to him; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) (a) what is the estimated cost of all such (i) reports and (ii) publications per annum in the case of these agencies and all other working documents of his department and (b) what kinds of (i) energy are being used in the offices of his department and (ii) energy saving measures are being implemented in these offices?

ANSWER

(1) (a) and (b) The Department of Public Works is leading the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Strategy in respect of all government buildings.

(2) The agencies or councils referred to report to Parliament, and not to the Minister.

(3) (a) (i) & (ii) Fall away. However, an amount of R 4,468,710 has been spent on all publications for the 2007/2008 financial year by the dplg.

(b) (i) Electricity.

(ii) Energy saving measures being implemented are the following:

1.1

· All lights in the dplg buildings, including parking areas, are to be switched off between 19h00 and 05h00. Lights in passages, lift lobbies and some lights at the foyer will not be switched off for security reasons. Timer switches will be installed on each floor to regulate electricity.

· All geysers will be switched off between 19h00 and 05h00.

· Air-conditioning systems in our buildings have been programmed to automatically switch off at 18h00 and switch on at 06h00.

· Staff members are to switch off all electrical appliances and equipment when not in use.

· Disciplinary steps will be taken against all staff members who fail to comply with the energy saving measures.

QUESTION NO. 850

(Internal Question Paper No 15 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(a) How many (i) professionals and (ii) managers have been deployed under Project Consolidate in (aa) 2005, (bb) 2006 and (cc) 2007, (b) to how many of the 136 municipalities have they been deployed, (c) for how long have they been deployed, (d) what are their fields of expertise and (e) from where were they sourced?

ANSWER

(a) (i) and (ii) (aa), (bb) and (cc), and (b):

Project Consolidate Deployments

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

Number of professionals and managers deployed

210 deployments

359 deployments

1 134 deployments

Number of Project Consolidate (PC), municipalities

69 municipalities

105 municipalities

268 municipalities

(including all 139 PC municipalities).

(c)The duration of deployment differs from one deploying agent to the next. Generally, deployments have ranged from one year to three years.

(d) Deployments have focused on the following skills areas:

engineering;
finance;
town-planning;
project management; and
human resource development.

(e) Support for Project Consolidate has been mobilised from a range of stakeholders and partners, including business and professional organizations, state owned enterprises, non-governmental organizations, and development and donor agencies. Some of these stakeholders include the First National Bank, the Business Trust, AHI, IDT, INCA Capacity Building Fund, GTZ, KFW, DFID (UK), USAID, the South African Planning Institution (SAPI) and the Old Mutual Group.

All firearm licence applications received for the period 20042007 have been fully processed on the Enhanced Firearms Register System. Contributory factors such as outstanding documentation from applicants, safe inspections, availability of applicants for safe inspections result in a situation where a final decision could not be made on the outstanding applications during that specific year. As the outstanding information is received, the applications are considered and finalized.

QUESTION NO. 1159

(Internal Question Paper No 20 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

Whether his department has an anti-corruption unit to assist municipalities in the fight against corruption; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many people are involved in this unit, (b) what strategy to fight corruption has been developed by this unit, (c) what assistance have they had from municipalities and (d) what successes have they had in municipalities?

ANSWER

Yes, the Department has established a Chief Directorate which focuses on the implementation of anti-corruption measures within local government.

(a) Three Managers are driving the programme within the Chief Directorate.

(b) The Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy was developed by the Chief Directorate in the year 2006 to fight corruption within municipalities.

(c) Municipalities are cooperating, and have been assisted with the development of systems, policies and procedures to prevent corruption. It should also be noted that both the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID), have provided support to the Department from 2004 and 2006, respectively, with the roll-out of a local government anti-corruption programme.

(d) The impact of the strategy has not been assessed as the strategy is still being rolled out within municipalities. However, regarding the raising of awareness within municipalities, the strategy has had an impact, as local communities are now exposing and reporting corruption, where it occurs.

QUESTION NO. 1161

(Internal Question Paper No 20 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

Whether his department has introduced any measures to assist municipalities in (a) collecting revenue and (b) spending their capital budgets; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

ANSWER

(a) The dplg is working with the National Treasury, SALGA, Provincial Departments of Local Government and Provincial Treasuries to provide financial management support, which includes tools and systems for revenue collection. Apart from the legislative measures embodied in the Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, the dplg has provided some municipalities with grant funding to address billing systems, data cleansing, development and the implementation of credit control policies. The dplg has also developed a model credit control policy and by-laws, in conjunction with SALGA. These are aimed at assisting municipalities with revenue management and collection.

With a view to supporting municipal revenue management, section 64(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003), requires an accounting officer of a municipality to immediately inform the National Treasury of any payments for municipal tax or municipal services by government departments that are regularly in arrears for periods of more than 30 days. This provision assists in ensuring that such government departments are pressurised, through Provincial Treasuries and local government, to settle their outstanding accounts with municipalities.

(b) Regarding spending of the capital budgets, the dplg, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, has deployed technical and financial experts within municipalities. The experts include engineers deployed to support municipalities with project management and the implementation of capital projects. This facilitates the spending of capital budgets.

QUESTION NO. 1167

(Internal Question Paper No 20 - 2008)

Mr. M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) (a) What was the total rand value of (i) hotel accommodation procured for his departmental officials and (ii) conferencing facilities hired by his department during period 1 October 2007 to 31 March 2008 and (b) in each case, what percentage was spent at establishments graded by the Tourism Grading Council:

(2) whether there are any barriers to making use of graded establishments; if not, why is the use of graded facilities not higher; if so, what are the relevant details?

ANSWER

The total Rand value of hotel accommodation procured and conferencing facilities hired, for the period 1 October 2007 to 31 March 2008, amounted to:

(1) (a) (i) Hotel accommodation: R 6.027 million

(ii) Conferencing facilities: R 2.250 million

The percentage spent at establishments graded by the Tourism Grading Council Is as follows:

(b) 1 % on 2 star hotels;

27% on 3 star hotels;

66% on 4 star hotels;

3% on 5 star hotels; and

3% on lodges, guest houses and tour operators.

(2) There were no barriers when making use of the graded establishments as 97% of expenditure is spent on graded hotels as indicated in (b) above.

QUESTION NO. 1205

(Internal Question Paper No 21 – 2008)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(a) What amount was owed to each local and district municipality, (b) how many debtors were (i) residential properties, (ii) commercial enterprises, (iii) government departments and (iv) other entities in respect of each of the local and district municipality, (c) what amounts have been outstanding for more than (i) 6, (ii) 12, and (iii) 24 months in each case as at 1 July 2008 and (d) what amount was owed to each local and district municipality for (i) rates, (ii) water, (iii) electricity, (iv) sewerage and (v) refuse during this period?

ANSWER

(a) The total amount owed to local and district municipalities as at the end of June 2008 stood at R18, 407,490 billion.

(b) According to the 2008 Local Government Budgets and Expenditure Review, 2003/04 – 2009/10, residential properties owe approximately 60% (R10,8 billion), government departments owe approximately 20% (R3,6 billion) and commercial enterprises and other entities owe approximately 20% (R3,6 billion).

(c) Of the total debt, R15 billion has been outstanding for over 90 days. Further details appear in the Table and in the Appendix hereto. Information per municipality is available on the National Treasury website – www.treasury.gov.za/legislation/mfma/media releases/section71 4th 0708

TABLE

Provincial Debt Aggregate: 2007/08

DEBTOR AGE ANALYSIS FOR ALL PROVINCES AS AT JUNE 2008

Province	30 Days	60 Days	90 Days	Over 90 Days	TOTAL
Eastern Cape	427,313	133,947	78,376	2,472,393	3,112,029
Free State	357,844	192,110	117,460	3,202,105	3,869,519
Gauteng	3,003,286	1,014,796	690,043	17,085,904	21,794,029
KwaZulu-Natal	1,111,143	297,242	209,099	3,988,935	5,606,419
Limpopo	28,898	14,939	41,389	720,405	805,631
Mpumalanga	179,964	65,753	60,891	1,642,721	1,949,329
Northern Cape	100,270	25,869	21,982	627,849	775,970
North West	189,515	89,105	79,603	1,999,469	2,357,692
Western Cape	956,464	181,306	183,092	3,470,189	4,791,051
TOTAL (including Metros)	R6,354,697	R2,015,067	R1,481,935	R35,209,970	R45,061,669
Debt owed to Metros	R4,426,440	R1,279,187	R855,337	R20,093,213	R26,654,179
TOTAL (District & Local Munics)	R1,928,257	R735,880	R626,598	R15,116,757	R18,407,490

Source: The National Treasury database: 2007/08

APPENDIX

Debtor Age Analysis of municipalities in all 9 provinces

(1) Eastern Cape

(2) Free State

(3) Gauteng

(4) KwaZulu-Natal

(5) Limpopo

(6) Mpumalanga

(7) Northern Cape

(8) North West

(9) Western Cape

QUESTION NO. 1233

(Internal Question Paper No 21 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

With regard to the White Paper on the System of Provincial and Local Government, (a) what amount has been (i) budgeted and (ii) spent on research papers or projects commissioned or to be commissioned, (b) what topics have been covered by these research papers and (c) when will these research papers be made available to the public?

ANSWER

(a)(i) The Department of Provincial and Local Government (dplg), has budgeted the following amounts for this process:

· 2007/8: R1,5 million;

· 2008/9: R1,5 million; and

· 2009/10: R2 million.

(ii) R6,023,787.74 (the full amount has been funded by donors).

(b) The following research papers appearing in tables 1 and 2 were commissioned by the dplg. They focuson the assessment of the state of local government, provincial government and cooperative governance, and also on specific sectors. There is also an overview paper summarising all the sector issues. A cross-cutting paper was also commissioned on capacity building.

QUESTION NO. 1234

(Internal Question Paper No 21 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(a) What amount has been (i) budgeted and (ii) spent to assist the local government in the Democratic Republic of Congo and (b) on what were these funds spent?

ANSWER

(a) and (b) Since the 2005/06 financial year, the dplg has budgeted an amount of R280, 000, 00 to support the Democratic Republic of Congo with the process of decentralization. The amount spent during this period is R278, 931, 00. The specific items on which the money was spent are as follows:

Items	Amount

Flights	R100,415.00
Accommodation	R 90,374.00
Ground Transport	R 17,015.00
Foreign Daily Allowance	R 71,127.00

Total Expenditure	R 278,931.00.

The dplg also received an amount of R2, 000,000.00 in the 2005/06 financial year from the African Renaissance Fund (ARF) managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, to support the implementation of the Agreement on Decentralization signed on 16 March 2006 between the Department of Provincial and Local Government and the Ministry of Interior, Decentralization and Security in the DRC. This amount was spent as follows:

Items	Amount
Professional and Special Services	R 978,262.00
Translation and Transcription	R 328,475.00
Transport and Subsistence	R 557,635.00
Venues and Facilities	R 117,731.00
Other expenditure	R 17,897.00
Total Expenditure	R 2,000,000.00.

QUESTION NO. 1235

(Internal Question Paper No 21 - 2008)

Mr. W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

Whether his department has developed or intends developing a policy for free basic services of (a) sanitation and (b) refuse removal: if not, why not; If so, what are the relevant details?

ANSWER

(a) and (b) The Department has not developed, and has no intention of developing, a policy on free basic sanitation and free basic refuse removal.

The responsibility for the development of policies relating to free basic services lies with the respective sector departments. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is in the process of developing the Free Basic Sanitation Policy and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is in the process of developing the Free Basic Refuse Removal Policy. The role of the Department of Provincial and Local Government is to advise the respective sector departments on policy issues, and to coordinate and oversee the Implementation of free basic services.

QUESTION NO. 1897

(Internal Question Paper No 33- 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(a) Which municipalities in each province had a municipal manager under suspension as at 31 October 2008, (b) for how long and (c) what was the main reason in each case?

ANSWER

The Information as requested is not readily available within the dplg. Provinces and Municipalities have been requested to provide this information. The Honourable member will be provided with a response as soon as the information is received

ANSWER

According to the 2003/04 Auditor General Report, only 95 of the 283 audits had been finalised by 30 April 2005. Of the 95 audited twenty seven were unqualified (39%). forty five were qualified (47%), three were disclaimers (3%), and ten had an adverse audit opinion (11 %).

The department has detailed information for the past three financial years (ie. 2004/06; 2005/06 & 2006/07). Details are attached as Annexure A.

(2) Detailed information on the nature of audit opinions is contained in the attached as Annexure B.

(3) Details on the audit analysis are attached as Annexure C. The interpretations is as follows:

(i) There has been a 1 % increase in the unqualified audit outcomes, comparing 2005/06 & 2006/07 audit periods.

(ii) Comparing the 2005/06 & 2006/07 audit period, the number of municipalities with qualified audit outcomes increased by 3%.

(iii)The number of municipalities with disclaimers reduced by 6% during the same period 2005/06 & 2006/07.

(iv) There has been a 1% decrease In the adverse audit opinion during the periods under review.

QUESTION NO. 1276

(Internal Question Paper No 22 – 2008)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

With regard to each of the municipal managers suspended from office in each of the past three years up to 1 July 2008, (a) what are their names, (b) in which municipality do/did they serve, (c) why are they suspended, (d) how long have they been suspended and (e) what (i) is their salary and (ii) remuneration have they received during their suspension?

ANSWER

The Department of Provincial and Local Government, in collaboration with the provinces, is gathering the required information. The detailed answer to this question will be provided to the Honourable Member as soon as the required information has been collated.

QUESTION NO. 1277

(Internal Question Paper No 22 - 2008)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial, Local Government:

What are the (a) educational qualifications. (b) number of years spent in local government. (c) number of months spent in the current position, by each (i) municipal manager, (ii) chief financial officer currently employed in each municipality?

ANSWER

The Honourable Member will note that information has been obtained from Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Limpopo and Western Cape provinces. The outstanding Information from Kwa Zulu Natal and North West province will be made available to the Honourable Member as soon as it has been received.

See the tables here:
http://www.pmg.org.za/docs/2008/questions/Q1277tables.pdf

http://www.pmg.org.za/docs/2008/questions/Q1277tables2.pdf

QUESTION NO. 907

(Internal Question Paper No 16 – 2008)

Mr I E Jenner (ID) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) Whether his department is taking any steps to increase the delivering capacity of local authorities in respect of services and the provision of housing; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps;

(2) (a) which local authorities are receiving assistance to increase its delivering capacity and (b) with what result?

ANSWER

(1) Yes, the dplg has taken steps to increase the delivery capacity of municipalities in respect of infrastructure and service provisioning. Since the inception of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Programme, municipalities have been allowed to top-slice their MIG allocation (0,5% - 5%, but not exceeding R3,5 million), so that they may be able to establish Project Management Units (PMUs). As at the end of the previous national financial year (2007/08), 190 PMUs had been established.

In addition, in 2006 Government commenced with the deployment of technical, project management, financial and planning experts within municipalities through the Project Consolidate initiative. As at the end of the March 2008, support had been provided to 110 municipalities.

(2) (a) The municipalities receiving assistance to increase their delivery capacity are:

Province	Municipality	Expertise
Eastern Cape	Nelson Mandela Metro	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Eastern Cape	King Sabata Dalindyebo LM	Project Manager (2)/ Technical Expert
Eastern Cape	King Sabata Dalindyebo LM	Financial Expert
Eastern Cape	OR Tambo DM	Project Manager (3) /Technical Expert (3)
Eastern Cape	OR Tambo DM	Financial Expert
Eastern Cape	Koukamma LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Eastern Cape	Blue Crane & Ndlambe LMs	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Province	Municipality	Expertise
Eastern Cape	Cacadu DM	Project Manager (2) /Technical Expert (2)
Eastern Cape	Sakhisizwe LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Eastern Cape	Mamusa & Naledi LMs	Financial Expert
Eastern Cape	Great Kei LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Eastern Cape	Great Kei LM	Financial Expert
Eastern Cape	Mbashe LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Eastern Cape	Mnquma LM	Project Manager
Eastern Cape	Mbashe LM	Financial Expert
Eastern Cape	Matatiele LM	Planner
Eastern Cape	Matatiele LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Eastern Cape	Sakhisizwe LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Eastern Cape	Sakhisizwe LM	Financial Expert
Free State	Tokologo LM	Financial Expert
Free State	Mathjabeng LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Free State	Masilonyana LM	Project Manager (2)/ Technical Expert (2)
Free State	Ngwathe LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Free State	Xhariep DM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Free State	Mohokare LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Free State	Kopanong LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Free State	Kopanong LM	Planner
Free State	Phumelela LM	Project Manager (2) / Technical Expert (2)
Free State	Setsoto LM	Project Manager (2) /Technical Expert (2)
Free State	Phumelela LM	Financial Expert
KwaZulu-Natal	Umgungudlovu LM	Project Manager (2) / Technical Expert (2)
KwaZulu-Natal	Sisonke DM	Project Manager (2) / Technical Expert (2)
KwaZulu-Natal	Hlabisa, Indaka & Jozini LMs	Financial Expert (2 per municipality)
KwaZulu-Natal	Hlabisa, Jozini & Umhlabuyalingana LMs	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Province	Municipality	Expertise
KwaZulu-Natal	Ilembe LMs	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
KwaZulu-Natal	Nqutu & Umsinga LMs	Project Manager/Technical Expert
KwaZulu-Natal	Indaka & Okhahlamba LMs	Project Manager / Technical Expert
KwaZulu-Natal	Ugu DM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
KwaZulu-Natal	Ingwe, Kwasani, Ntabanana & Emadlangeni LMs	Planner
KwaZulu-Natal	Emadlangeni LM	Financial Expert
KwaZulu-Natal	Uphongolo LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
KwaZulu-Natal	Uphongolo LM	Planner
Limpopo	Lephalale LM	Project Manager / Technical Expert
Limpopo	Greater Marble Hall & Lepelle- Nkumpi LMs	Financial Expert
Limpopo	Mopane DM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Limpopo	Maruleng LMs	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Limpopo	Greater Tubatse LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Limpopo	Lepelle Nkumpi LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Limpopo	Mutale LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Limpopo	Sekhukhune DM	Project Manager (2) / Technical Expert (2)
Limpopo	Sekhukhune DM	Financial Expert
Limpopo	Aganang	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Limpopo	Fetakgomo & Blouberg LMs	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Limpopo	Greater Giyani	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Limpopo	Ba-Phalaborwa LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Limpopo	Greater Marble Hall	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Limpopo	Lephalale & Thabazimbi LMs	Financial Expert
Limpopo	Mopane DM	Financial Expert
Mpumalanga	Bushbuckridge LM	Project Manager
Mpumalanga	Bushbuckridge LM	Planner
Mpumalanga	Bushbuckridge LM	Project Manage (2) /Technical Expert (2)
Mpumalanga	Nkomazi LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Mpumalanga	Mkhondo LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Mpumalanga	Mkhondo LM	Financial Expert
Mpumalanga	Albert Luthuli LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Province	Municipality	Expertise
Mpumalanga	Albert Luthuli & Govan Mbeki LMs	Financial Expert
Mpumalanga	Lekwa LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Mpumalanga	Lekwa LM	Planner
Northern Cape	Moshaweng LM	Financial Expert
Northern Cape	Pokwane LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Northern Cape	Dikgatlong LM	Project Manager (2) / Technical Expert (2)
Northern Cape	Siyancuma LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Northern Cape	Siyanda DM	Financial Expert (2)
Northern Cape	Siyanda DM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Northern Cape	Karoo Hoogland	Financial Expert
North West	Kgetleng Rivier LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
North West	Moretele LM	Financial Expert
North West	Moses Kotane LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
North West	Merafong LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
North West	Tswaing LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
North West	Ventersdorp LM	Financial Expert
North West	Naledi LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
North West	Naledi & Mamusa LM	Financial Expert
North West	Taung LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Western Cape	Cederberg LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Western Cape	Cederberg LM	Financial Expert
Western Cape	Kannaland LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Western Cape	Hessequa LM	Project Manager/Technical Expert
Western Cape	Oudtshoorn LM	Financial Expert
Western Cape	Eden DM	Financial Expert
Western Cape	Eden DM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Western Cape	Oudtshoorn LM	Financial Expert
Western Cape	Kannaland LM	Financial Expert
Province	Municipality	Expertise
Western Cape	Hessequa LM	Financial Expert
Western Cape	Breedevalley & Witzenberg LMs	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Western Cape	Theewaterskloof LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Western Cape	Grabouw LM	Project Manager/ Technical Expert
Western Cape	Overberg DM	Project Manager / Technical Expert

(b) Since the 2006/07 financial year, municipalities have demonstrated improved capacity to spend MIG funds due to the increased interventions such as the establishment of PMUs and their deployment in municipalities.

The Eastern Cape Province managed to increase its spending from R954 million in the 2006/07 financial year to R1,371 billion in the 2007/08 financial year. In the Free State expenditure improved by R467 million in the 2007/08 financial year. In the Gauteng Province expenditure improved from R782 million in the 2006/07 to R863 million in the 2007/08 financial year. Expenditure in KwaZulu-Natal improved from R1, 153 billion to R1, 358 billion. In Limpopo the expenditure increased from R699 million in the 2006/07 financial year to R901 million in the 2007/08 financial year. The Mpumalanga Province improved its expenditure by R176 million in the 2007/08 financial year. The Northern Cape managed to increase its expenditure from R98 million in the 2006/07 financial year to R138 million in the 2007/08 financial year. The expenditure in North West improved from R440 million to R596 million. However the expenditure in the Western Cape Province decreased by R9 million in the 2007/08 financial year.

QUESTION NO. 356

(Internal Question Paper No 8 – 2008)

Mr L Zita (ANC) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(a) What is the total monetary value of procurements secured by all municipalities in each of the past five financial years and (b) who are the beneficiaries of government procurement of goods and services in terms of (i) racial groups, (ii) income categories and (iii) (aa) large and (bb) small business enterprises?

ANSWER

(a) The Department of Provincial and Local Government does not monitor municipal procurement as this is the responsibility of the National Treasury.

(b) Falls away.

QUESTION NO. 366

(Internal Question Paper No 8 – 2008)

Mr E W Trent (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) Whether it is policy, in the interest of sound financial management, that all spheres of government must settle their debts within a specified time, e.g. 30 days, 60 days or 90 days; if not, why not; if so, what is time period for (a) national and (b) provincial government departments;

(2) whether any (a) national and (b) provincial government departments are in arrears of the specified time in respect of amounts owed to municipalities; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what amounts are overdue for the specified period for (i) national and (ii) provincial government department;

(3) whether government departments are required to pay interest on overdue accounts; if so, what steps should be taken to ensure that they do so;

(4) whether the failure of national and provincial government departments to settle the amounts due to municipalities timeously have a negative effect on their ability to manage their financial affairs effectively; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what action (a) has he taken or (b) will he take to correct this unacceptable state of affairs;

(5) whether the failure of the national and provincial government departments to settle their debts to municipalities timeously could lead to unnecessary increases in rates and other service charges; if not, why not; if so, what action (a) will he take or (b) has he taken to prevent such increases?

ANSWER

(1) Yes.

(a) and (b): Section 38(1)(f) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999), provides that the accounting officer of a national or provincial government department must settle all contractual obligations and pay all money owing, including intergovernmental claims, within the prescribed or agreed period.

Further, item 8.2.3 of National Treasury Regulations that were issued in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999), provides that all payments due to creditors must be settled within 30 days from the receipt of an invoice.

(2) Yes.

(i) and (ii): The National Treasury has been requested to provide the Department of Provincial and Local Government with this information, and it will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is received.

(3) In terms of section 64(2)(g) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003), the accounting officer of a municipality is responsible for the management of the revenue of the municipality, and must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the municipality charges interest on arrears, except where the council has granted exemptions in accordance with its budget-related policies, and within a prescribed framework.

In terms of these provisions, government departments are required to pay interest on overdue accounts, unless otherwise exempted in terms of the provisions quoted above.

(4) Yes.

(a) and (b): As indicated above, the payment of debt owed to municipalities by national and provincial government departments is provided for in the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999). Also, section 64(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003), requires the accounting officer of a municipality to immediately inform the National Treasury of any payments for municipal tax or municipal services by government departments that are regularly in arrears for periods of more than 30 days.

As the National Treasury is the custodian of the above pieces of legislation, the Department of Provincial and Local Government is in the process of ascertaining the following from the National Treasury:

§ compliance regarding the reporting of debt that is owed to municipalities by government departments, trading entities and constitutional institutions, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999); and

§ compliance by the accounting officer of a municipality regarding the reporting to the National Treasury of any outstanding payments by any organ of state that is regularly in arrears for periods of more than 30 days, in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003).

The Department of Provincial and Local Government intends making use of the responses from the National Treasury to develop a targeted approach to assist municipalities in recovering such outstanding debt.

(5) A general response in this regard cannot be provided as this will be informed by the magnitude of the debt that each municipality is owed by national and provincial government departments.

QUESTION NO. 1638

(Internal Question Paper No 29 - 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government

(a) What amounts were made available to the Bushbuckridge Local Government municipality under the Municipal Infrastructure Grant programme In the (I) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08 financial years and (Hi) during the period 1 April 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available. (b) what amounts were actually spent and (c) which projects was the grant spent in respect of each of these financial years?

ANSWER

a) The amounts made available to the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality under Municipal Infrastructure Grant in 2006/07, 2007/08 and 2008/09 (up to end of June 2008) are R91, 212 000, R98, 167 000 and R152, 700 000 respectively.

b) The amounts actually spent are R 91,212 000, R98. 167 000 and R16. 751 000 respectively.

c) The grant was spent on the following projects as shown In table 1, 2 and 3 below:

See the table here: http://www.pmg.org.za/docs/2008/questions/Q1638tables.pdf

QUESTION NO. 1641

(Internal Question Paper No 29 - 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

Whether the current service delivery backlogs is the planning base for delivery of basic services; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many people have (i) a flush toilet, (ii) non-ventilated pit toilets, (iii) ventilated pit toilets, (iv) a bucket latrine, (v) chemical toilets, (vi) no sanitation, (vii) piped water, (aa) in their dwelling, (bb) in their yard, (cc) more than 200m away and (dd) less than 200m away, (viii) a borehole, (ix) no water, (x) prepaid electricity meters and (xi) metered electricity and (b) what percentage of the population is constituted by these figures in each case?

ANSWER:

Yes. The backlog as published by Statistics South Africa is used to inform resource allocation at a macro-scale. Further to this, each individual municipality defines its backlogs more specifically through the Integrated Development Planning (lOP) and infrastructure planning process. This is conducted in alignment with the relevant line department information and plans.

(a)

Category	Households
	Number	%
(i) ) a flush toilet	7,221,325	57.2%
(ii) non-ventilated pit toilets	2,587,202	20.5%
(iii) ventilated pit toilets	823,633	6.5%
(iv) a bucket latrine	244,282	1.9%
(v) chemical toilets	43,883	0.3%
(vi) no sanitation	3,360,108	26.6%
(vii) piped water	8,679,800	68.8%
(viii) less than 200m from
dwelling	954,877	7.6%
(ix)more than 200m from
dwelling	467,451	3.7%
(x) a borehole	335,984	2.7%
(xi) no water	1,621,620	12.9%
(xii) prepaid electricity meters	1,343,085	10.6%
(xiii) metered electricity	N/A	N/A

Source: STATSSA (Census 2001 & CS 2007) and DWAF

(b) According to the table above, about 57.2% households nationally have access to flush toilets. About 20.5% of the households nationally have access to non-ventilated pit toilets, 6.5% have access to ventilated pit toilets, 0.3% have access to chemical toilets and 1.9% have access to the bucket sanitation system. Nationally, a total number of 3,311,952 (26%) households are still without sanitation.

About 68.8% of the households nationally have access to piped water. A total number of 1,337,069 (11%) households are still without water. About 7.6% households travel less than 200 meters and 3.7% travel more than 200 meters from their dwelling to access water. A total number of 1,343,085 (10.6%) households have access to prepaid electricity meters.

QUESTION NO. 1642

(Internal Question Paper No 29 - 2008)

Mr. M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

What was the staff shortage in the fire brigade services in the dplg province in the past three years up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

ANSWER

The Information requested is not readily available within: the dplg. Provinces and municipalities have been asked to provide Information related to them. As soon as the required Information has been received, the Honourable Member will be provided with a response.

QUESTION NO. 989

(Internal Question Paper No 18 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) (a) Which municipalities currently have financial managers' positions vacant, (b) how long has the posts been vacant in each municipality and (c) how many of these positions have (i) existed and (ii) been vacant in each of the past three years for which information is available;

(2) whether these vacancies have been budgeted for; if not, why not; if so, when will they be filled;

(3) whether there has been any increase in the number of these positions in the past three years; if so, (a) what are the reasons for this increase and (b) what are the further relevant details?

ANSWER

(1) (a) According to information collected by the dplg through the Provincial Departments of Local Government, thirty-four (34) municipalities are currently without CFOs. Some of the vacancies could not be filled due to ongoing legal processes, such as misconduct hearings and investigations. The information relating to each of the affected municipalities appears below:

Province	Municipality	Period of Vacancy
Eastern Cape	O.R. Tambo District Municipality	16 months
	Gariep Local Municipality	2 years
	Mhlontlo Local Municipality	5 months
	Sakhisizwe Local Municipality	2 months
	Camdeboo Local Municipality	2 years
	Mbizana Local Municipality	8 months

Free State	Naledi Local Municipality	2 years
	Mohokare Local Municipality	7 months
	Motheo District Municipality	3 months
	Setsoto Local Municipality	1 month


KwaZulu-Natal	Ulundi Local Municipality	10 months
	Umuziwabantu Local Municipality	8 months
	Nquthu Local Municipality	4 months
	Umtshezi Local Municipality	12 Months
	Maphumulo Local Municipality	2 years

Limpopo	Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality	2 months
	Polokwane Local Municipality	2 years
	Mutale Local Municipality	3 months
	Molemole Local Municipality	7 months

North West	Maquassi Hills Local Municipality	5 months
	Mamusa Local Municipality	2 years, 6 months
	Ditsobotla Local Municipality	2 months
	Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality	4 years
	Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality	5 months

Northern Cape	Siyanda Local Municipality	1 month
	Siyancuma Local Municipality	9 months
	Tsantsabane Local Municipality	16 months
	Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality	5 months
	Ubuntu Local Municipality	11 months
	Nama-Koi Local Municipality	4 years
	Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality	5 months

Western Cape	Cape Agulhas Local Municipality	7 months
	Eden District Municipality	3 months
	Breede Valley Local Municipality	12 months
	Oudtshoorn Local Municipality	16 months

(b) In some municipalities the positions have been vacant for more than two years, while in other municipalities the positions have been vacant for a period which is between 1 and 16 months.

(c) (i) & (ii) The department has requested the Provincial Departments of Local Government to provide the required information.

(2) The analysis of the 2007/08 budgets indicates that CFO positions existed and have been budgeted for. The engagement process with the provinces will result in the production of the CFOs vacancy report for the quarter ending September 2008, which will include target dates for the filling of the vacancies per municipality.

(3) (a) & (b) The dplg has requested the provinces to provide information in this regard. The information available in the dplg relates to the latest four quarters of the municipal financial year and reflects that the vacancy rate is as follows:

During July-Sept 2007, the vacancy rate was 17%, Oct-Dec 2007, was 19%, Jan-March 2008, was 18%, and April-June 2008, was 12%. On average there has been a 6% decrease in the vacancy rate in CFO positions in municipalities.

QUESTION NO. 1659

(Internal Question Paper No 29 - 2008)

Mr. M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

Whether any of the municipal authorities in each province spent its full budget in the (a) 2005-06; (b) 2006-07 and (c) 2007-08 financial years, if not (i) which municipal did no spent its full budget (ii) what amount was not spent in each case and (iii) what were the reasons for failing to spend the full budget in each case; if so, what are therelevant details?

ANSWER

(a) (b) (c)

... z

'1J ~

BUDGET SUMMARY FOR PROVINCES 2005106 - 2007/08 FINANCIAL YEARS	-
	2005 - 06	2006 - 07
Province	Spent Amount	%of Spent Amt	Unspent Amount	%of unspent Amt	Spent Amount	%of Spent Amt	Unspent Amount	%of unspent Amt
Eastern Cape	9 605 821	96.3%	387619	3.7%	13084602	104.7%	-589,746	-4.7%
Free State	4 91 878	95.7%	221862	4.7%	5 391 345	86.5%	844,601	13.5%
Gauteng	3 7 527 959	97.7%	892265	2.3%	43091 570	99.6%	173,687	0.4%
KwaZuIu -Natal	1 9 905 237	98.7%	264,964	1.3%	2 1 722 379	96.3%	825,709	3.7%
Limpopo	4 238 002	93.6%	287 388	6.4%	3831711	73.1%	1,407,378	26.9%
Mpumalanga	4 699 626	103.1%	-143,425	-3.1%	5215329	89.7%	598,133	10.3%
Northern Cape	1 996 826	92.1%	170,569	7.9%	2 205 782	92.5%	178,604	7.5%
North West	5 446 098	92.7%	431,903	7.3%	4 300 843	61.3%	2,716,151	38.7%
Western Cape	1 6 695 272	92.6%	1,342,879	7.4%	1 8 148 002	88.5%	2,357,450	11.5%
Grand Total	R 105,046,719	96.5%	R 3.836,024	3.5%	R116,991.563	93.2%	R8,511,967	6.8%

(a)(b)(c)......... continued

BUDGET SUMMARY FOR PROVINCES 2005/06 – 2007/08 FINACIAL YEARS
2007-08
Province	Spent Amount	%of Spent Amt	Unspent Amount	%of unspent Amt
Eastern Cape	12 584 648	75.8%	4,011,554	24.2%
Free State	6 371 755	84.8%	1,139,523	15.2%
Gauteng	47 901 775	92.4%	3,942,732	7.6%
KwaZuIu -Natal	24 182 478	96.4%	915,450	3.6%
Limpopo	6 230 966	79.3%	1,622,444	20.7%
Mpumalanga	5 525 860	68.3%	2,566,653	31.7%
Northern Cape	2 419 884	91.3%	231,824	8.7%
North West	5 202 659	79.3%	1,359,733	20.7%
Western Cape	20 418 844	86.5%	3,174,727	13.5%
Grand Total	R130,838,869	87.3%	R3,174,727	12.7%

(i) & (ii) All municipalities that have not spent their full budget and those that spent fully are reflected in the Annexure labelled Operating Expenditure and Capital Expenditure.

(iii) In the case where full budget was not spent, common reasons applicable to all municipalities relates to:

- Lack of capacity and skills to implement and manage capital projects

- Delays due to Technical reports and Environmental Impact Assessment affecting capital expenditure

- Fluctuating levels of vacancies impacting on the salaries and wages expenditure budget

QUESTION NO. 1323

(Internal Question Paper No 22 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) Whether his department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,

(2) whether his department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?

ANSWER

(1) Yes.

(a) and (b) Fall away.

(2) Yes.

(a) Recommendation 18, relating to the use of central bodies for the provision of services in municipalities with a low capacity.

(b) The timeframe extends over the period 2006 to 2011, in line with the 5 Year Local Government Strategic Agenda.

QUESTION NO. 213

(Internal Question Paper No 4 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

Whether any municipalities are currently under investigation by his department or the provincial governments; if so, (a) how many, (b) which municipalities, (c) why are they being investigated in each case and (d) how many of these municipalities have had forensic audits conducted?

ANSWER

According to the information provided by the following three provinces the situation regarding investigations which have been conducted, is as follows:

(a) (b) (c)

Province	Number of Municipalities	Names of Municipalities	Reasons for Investigations
Eastern Cape	7	Kouga	Land Sales and procedures applied
		Nkonkobe	Procurement, asset management and MIG Projects
		Ukhahlamba	Causes of the bankrupt state of the municipality
		Camdeboo	Councillor remuneration
		Sundays River Valley	Councillor remuneration
		Ingquza Hill	Nepotism in the appointment of staff and procurement
		Alfred Nzo	Irregular tender procedures

Western Cape	1	George Municipality	Over a period of time complaints have been received from various sources regarding the conduct and the decisions of the George Municipality. The Provincial Minister of Local Government and Housing requested information on all issues from the municipal manager in terms of section 106 (1) (a) of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000). These issues have since been responded to by the municipality and some of them are currently being dealt with.

Kwazulu- Natal	35	Matatiele	Matter finalised. The former Mayor repaid monies owing and the criminal/civil claim matters have been resolved out of court.
		Uthukela	Department received an inadequate response and verification of implementation of recommendations in the forensic report indicated that no action had been taken by the Municipality.
		Imbabazane	Council has partially implemented recommendations in forensic report.
		Nongoma	Council has partially implemented recommendations in forensic report.
		Ubuhlebezwe	Council has partially implemented recommendations in forensic report.
		Hibiscus Coast	Matter finalised. All issues to be addressed through the internal audit function of the municipality.
		uMvoti	Matter finalised. Disciplinary action instituted by council but official resigned prior to disciplinary hearing. Criminal case lodged. Civil recovery matter being pursued by individual whose house was sold.
		Impendle	Council has partially implemented recommendations in the forensic report. Outstanding matters to be addressed through the intervention in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution already instituted by Cabinet as a result of non-performance by the municipality.
		Ulundi 1	Council has not addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and matters remain outstanding.
		Ezinqoleni 1	Council has partially addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding.
		Mtubatuba	Matter finalised. Council has implemented recommendations in the forensic report.
		Umzinyathi	The municipality has partially addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding.
		Newcastle 1	Matter finalised. Specific disciplinary action taken against officials and councillors.
		Umgungundlovu 1	The municipality has not addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding.
		Uthungulu (Ntambanana)	Matter finalised. The Councillor was removed from office and a criminal case lodged.
		Umtshezi	Matter finalised. Council has implemented recommendations in forensic report.
		Richmond	Matter finalised. The Municipality has implemented recommendations in forensic report.
		Ilembe 1	Submission of the report was pending as a result of a court case and the report required amendment. Report is to be referred to council.
		Umuziwabantu	The municipality has partially addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding.
		Newcastle 2	The municipality has not addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding.
		Ezinqoleni 2	Investigation underway.
		Ulundi 2	Investigation underway.
		Ilembe 2	No formal response has been received from the municipality.
		Umkhanyakude	The municipality has partially addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report.
		Mkhambathini	Investigation report referred to the Municipality.
		Msunduzi	The municipality has not addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding.
		Dannhauser	Final investigation report to be forwarded to municipality within the next two weeks.
		Utrecht	Section 139 intervention instituted and administrator and special panel appointed by MEC have assumed responsibility to implement the recommendations contained in report. Final reports from intervention teams expected within two weeks.
		Umlalazi	Field work finalised. Final investigation report expected in two weeks.
		Umgungundlovu Review of PWC Report	The municipality has not addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding.
		Umgeni	Field work finalised. Final investigation report expected in two weeks.
		Amajuba & Umzinyathi District and Newcastle Municipalities (Uthukela Water)	Matters being addressed through a Section 139 intervention already initiated at the parent municipalities of Amajuba, Umzinyathi and Newcastle Municipalities. There was also a report to the Portfolio Committee.
		Edumbe	Field work finalised. Final investigation report expected in two weeks.
		Zululand District	New investigation. Field work commenced and investigation underway.
		Various Municipalities: Free Basic Electricity	Field work finalised. Final investigation report expected in two weeks.

(d) The Province of the Eastern Cape has indicated that there are 3 municipalities that in which forensic audits were conducted, and the Province of KwaZulu-Natal has indicated that all the investigations which had been conducted were forensic in nature. No forensic audits were conducted in the Western Cape.

The member will be provided with the outstanding information once it is received from the other six provinces.

Questions and Replies

30 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Questions & Replies No 1076 to 1100

30 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 1101 to 1125

30 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Questions & Replies No 1051 to 1075

21 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies 976 to 1000

16 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 951 to 975

09 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Questions & Replies No 1001 to 1025

08 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 801 to 825

08 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 926 to 950

08 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 876 to 900

08 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 701 to 725

08 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 1026 to 1050

04 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 851 to 875

02 September 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 826 to 850

31 August 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 726 to 750

31 August 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 751 to 775

28 August 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 901 to 925

24 August 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 776 to 800

19 August 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 651 to 675

19 August 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 676 to 700

19 August 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 601 to 625

19 August 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 626 to 650

05 August 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 576 to 600

31 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 451 to 475

30 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 426 to 450

23 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies no 551 to 575

23 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 301 to 325

23 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 526 to 550

23 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 476 to 500

20 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 401 to 425

17 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 276 to 300

17 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 251 to 275

17 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 351 to 375

17 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 501 to 525

17 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 326 to 350

17 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 376 to 400

17 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 226 to 250

17 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 201 to 225

14 July 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 176 to 200

01 July 2009 - Questions: Minister of Mineral Resources

MPs to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

Reply:

24 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 151 to 175

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 1726 to 1750

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 126 to 150

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 1701 to 1725

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 101 to 125

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 51 to 75

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 76 to 100

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 26 to 50

23 March 2009 - Questions asked to Minister of Question & Replies No 1 to 25

31 December 2008 - Questions: Minister of Mineral and Energy

MPs to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy

Reply:

26 December 2008 - Question:Minister of Cooperative Governance

MPs to ask the Minister of Provincial and Local Government

Reply:

What's wrong with this page?