Questions & Replies: Questions & Replies No 1476 to 1500
2009-10-21
Search this file by selecting Ctrl + F on your keyboard
[PMG note: Replies are inserted as soon as they are provided by the Minister]
NATIONAL ASSEMBLYQUESTION 1495
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: October 2009
Internal question paper no:
Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) (a) How many children's homes are there in the country, (b) in which provinces are they and (c) how many children are currently accommodated at each children's home;
(2) Whether all the children's homes are registered with her department; if not, (a) why not, (b) which centres are not registered with her department and (c) in which provinces are they situated; if so, how many are registered (i) permanently and (ii) temporarily;
(3) Whether all the children's homes have been inspected in order to ensure they meet minimum standards; if not, (a) why not, (b) which children's homes have not been inspected, (c) when will they be inspected and (d) for how long has each of them been operating without being inspected; if so, (i) when was each inspection conducted at each children's home, (ii) who conducted each of the inspections and (iii) what are the minimum standards that must be met by each children's home;
(4) Whether any children's homes have failed to meet the minimum standards; if so, (a) which children's homes and (b) what was the result of their failing to meet the minimum standards;
(5) (a) What amount was allocated for the funding of each children's home in each of the past three financial years and (b) what is the (i) actual and (ii) optimal number of (aa) doctors, (bb) nurses, (cc) social workers, (dd) forensic social workers and (ee) other specified staff at each children's home? NW1899E
REPLY:
The content of this reply was sourced from the respective provincial departments of Social Development, and is reflected as received.
(1) (a) There are 243 Children's Homes in the country.
(b) They are situated in all the nine Provinces.
(c) The total number of children currently accommodated at the Children's Home is 13885.
Tables for Number of Children's Homes and the number of children per province.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. 1488
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 09 OCTOBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 20)
Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether any province placed a moratorium on the provision of any health services (a) in the (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08 and (iii) 2008-09 financial years and (b) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (aa) which province, (bb) when was the moratorium put in place, (cc) who initiated the moratorium, (dd) which services were affected, (ee) how many people were affected and (ff) what were the reasons for the moratorium in each case;
(2) whether any of the above moratoriums gave rise to litigation; if so, what (a) action has been taken against those who initiated the moratorium and (b) are the further relevant details?
NW1891EREPLY:
The following information is as received from the Provinces:
EASTERN CAPE
(1) The Eastern Cape Department of Health had never placed moratorium on provision of health care services during the period in question.
(2) Falls away
FREE STATE
(1) In 2007/2008 stringent measures for Clinical Health Services were put in place, which were indicated in the Clinical Health Services Circular of 2007. They included -
1. inside province trips;
2. outside province trips;
3. international trips;
4. procurement of equipment; and
5. personnel appointments
In 2008/09 the Clinical Health Services Cost containment measures for 2008/2009 financial year included the following:
1. Postponement of all routine non-emergency surgical cases until the end of January 2009;
2. Discharge all patients that can be discharged, ensuring that only those patients needing high aquity case are kept;
3. Redirecting all of privately funded patients to private medical facilities, where the public;
4. sector would have incurred more costs;
5. Accept only emergency referrals from other institutions including other provinces;
6. Ensure that staff is given mandatory leave in line with reduced service levels;
7. Redeploy personnel within the institution to ensure that personnel availability is in line with service activities;
8. Cancel all non essential meetings;
9. Stop all non – critical appointments
(b) During 1 April 2009 up to date Free State Department of Health had no new cost containment measures in place. There was no moratorium put in place on services.
(2) Free State Department of Health had no litigations that were related to cost containment measures.
KWAZULU/NATAL
(1) No moratorium were placed on any health services in the Province during the period in question
(2) Not applicable.
LIMPOPO
(1) No moratorium was placed on any health services in the Province during the period in question.
(2) Not applicable
MPUMALANGA
(1) No moratorium was placed on any health services in the Province during the period in question.
(2) Not applicable
NORTHERN CAPE
(1) There has been no moratorium on the provision of any health services during the period in question in the Province
(2) Not applicable
NORTH WEST
(1) No moratorium were placed on any health services in the Province during the period in question.
(2) Not applicable.
WESTERN CAPE
(1) No moratorium were placed on any health services in the Province during the period in question.
(2) Not applicable.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 1487
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 09 OCTOBER 2009 [IQP No 20 -2009]
FIRST SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT
Question 1487 for Written Reply: National Assembly, Mr P J C Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
(1) Whether her department has a policy on accommodation for farm workers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) Whether her department has any plans to contribute financially towards providing accommodation for farm workers; if not, why not; if so,
(3) Whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW1890E
REPLY
1. No, the mandate is with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR), re Extension of Security of Tenure, and Labour Tenants Act.
2. No. This is not a mandate of the Department.
3. No.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLYQUESTION NO 1484
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 08 DECEMBER 2009
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 09 OCTOBER 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 20 – 2009)
Mr S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) What part of the approximately R105 million earmarked for Environmental Impact Assessment Record of Decision (EIA/ROD) costs at the La Mercy Airport has been allocated to (a) noise/air quality monitoring and (b) access road changes;
(2) whether any provision has been made for the relocation or insulation of the approximately 1330 households identified as possibly affected by high noise levels; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether any contracts have been finalised in terms of the Dube Trade Port portion of the project; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many and (b) to what value;
(4) whether any progress has been made with regard to the establishment of the proposed Agri-zone, if not, why not; if so, to what extent?
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(1) (a) Noise and air quality monitoring
This will initially involve setting up systems, equipment and forums to apply the
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) balanced approach to aircraft noise as required in the Record of Decision (ROD). R8.3 million has been provided for this purpose. R2.7 million has been provided for air quality measurement and monitoring systems.
(b) Access Road Changes
An amount of R6.3 million has been provided for the linking of the access road to
the R102, as required by the ROD.
(2) The ROD did not have any requirement for the relocation or insulation of 1,330 households and accordingly no provision has been made for this. The ROD referred to two specific communities for which this option may need to be considered, but only after the airport is operational and noise monitoring has been conducted to determine the actual noise impact. There are approximately 160 households in these communities.
However, it must be noted that there exists a joint responsibility by the various tiers of Government as well as the Aviation Industry as a whole for aircraft noise and mitigation measures. There are also various noise mitigation measures that will be considered and implemented as part of the Airport's Operational Environmental Management Plan. Local and Provincial Government will need to incorporate this into their zoning and land use planning.
The Airports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA) is engaging the Department of Environment Affairs and the various communities and stakeholders to ensure an acceptable solution is found for all parties.
(3) (a) and (b)
One contract has been signed between ACSA and the IIembe Consortium covering the construction requirements of both ACSA and Dube Trade Port. The construction value of the various components for Dube Trade Port is as follows:-
· Cargo Terminal – R233.2 million.
· Trade zone (bulk infrastructure and services) – R135.3 million.
· Agrizone (access road) – R19.5 million.
· Support zones (roads and bulk infrastructure) – R22.1 million.
Dube Trade Port and ACSA also signed an Agency Agreement that covers Dube Trade Port components of the construction works to the values indicated above.
Dube Trade Port has appointed a Cargo Terminal Operator and is in the process of securing leases with other operators.
(4) The following progress in respect of the Agri-zone has been made thus far:-
Ø The nursery has been constructed and is being used to fulfil some of the ROD obligations through the growing of some of the species required for habitat restoration. Thus far, 200 of the 600 species have been collected and are being grown at the nursery.
Ø Tenants/operators for the greenhouses, pack-houses and tissue culture lab have been sourced. Heads of Agreement have been signed with these tenants/operators, following negotiations.
Ø After extensive negotiations, agreements have been reached with contractors for building the greenhouses and Dube Trade Port is finalising the procurement process for the other components. However, construction cannot proceed until Environmental Approval is received. All the public consultation processes have been completed and specialist studies conducted as part of the Basic Environment Assessment process. The Basic Environmental Assessment report was submitted on the 25th of September 2009.
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.:1476
DATE OF PUBLICATION:09 October 2009
1476. Mr L Ramatlakane (Cope) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1)(a) How many tenders were awarded by a certain person (name furnished), (b) to whom were they awarded, (c) what was the tendered amount (d) for which alleged tender irregularities was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Transnet suspended, (e) what amounts were involved in each case and (f) how many service providers were paid above the original tender amounts;
(2)whether all service providers complied with company and taxation legislation and VAT; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3)whether any companies were paid from R1 million upwards; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) who signed off the said tender, (b) what is the limit amount to be signed off by the CEO, (c) how many times did the CEO sign tenders above the limited amount, (d) for what amount in each case and (e) for which service provider, (f) what was the name of the company and (g) what was the amount involved;
(4)whether anyone signed to condone the tender awards; if so, who (a) signed and (b) motivated it;
(5) whether she and the board have taken any steps with regard to these cases; if
not, why not; if so, what steps? NW1833E
REPLY
(1)(a) Current investigations and disciplinary proceedings relate to two separate procurement processes. The first one concerns a contract for the provision of specialised security services. The second concerns a contract for the acquisition of 50 locomotives.
(b) The contract for the provision of specialised security services was entered into between Transnet and General Nyanda Security Risk Advisory Services (Pty) Ltd. The contract for the acquisition of 50 locomotives was entered into between Transnet and the Electro-Motive Sibanye Joint Venture, an unincorporated joint venture between Electro-Motive Diesel and Locomotive Company (Pty) Ltd and Sibanye Trade & Services (Pty) Ltd.
(c) The initial value of the specialised security contract was R18, 933,120.00 per annum. The value of the locomotive contract was approximately R900 million.
(d) The details of the irregularities alleged are the subject of current disciplinary proceedings and it would not be appropriate to set these out in detail here. In summary, it is alleged that the Chief Executive of TFR exceeded his delegated authority for contracts concluded without a tender process when he authorised the conclusion of the specialised security contract. In relation to the locomotives contract it is alleged that the Chief Executive of TFR failed to give effect to a condition determined by the Transnet Board in concluding and implementing the contract. It is alleged that in each respect this constituted a failure to carry out duties in the manner expected and that it constituted misconduct contemplated in section 51(1)(e) of the Public Finance Management Act.
(e) General Nyanda Security Risk Advisory Services (Pty) Ltd has been paid approximately R55 million in a twenty (20) month period since conclusion of the contract in December 2007. The Electro-Motive Sibanye Joint Venture has been paid approximately R550 millionsince conclusion of the contract in May 2007.
(f) In respect of the matters which are the subject of disciplinary proceedings there are no further service providers involved.
(2) Service providers to Transnet are required to comply with such requirements in respect of taxation as are provided for in Transnet procurement policies. On the information available to Transnet there is, to the best knowledge and belief of Transnet, no indication that Transnet's procurement policies in respect of the tax status of the affected companies have been breached. It needs to be emphasised, however, that Transnet does not regulate the company and tax law compliance of service providers or potential service providers as such regulation is, in terms of applicable laws, a responsibility of governmental agencies mandated to perform such regulation.
(3) (a) As indicated in (1d) above, the referred to CEO allegedly exceeded his delegated authority.
(b) In the case of the security contract, the limit of the relevant executive's authority was R10 million.
(4) This issue does not arise in the two instances referred to above.
(5) Disciplinary steps have been instituted. Further steps will be taken if so advised on the basis of legal advice given.
QUESTION NO: 1477
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 October 2009
QUESTION PAPER NO: 20
DATE OF REPLY: 16 October 2009
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether a meeting of councillors of the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) was called to rescind its earlier decision not to get involved in the court action to stop the listing of a certain company (name furnished); if so, (a) when did the meeting take place, (b) which councillors (i) were present at that meeting and follow-up meetings and (ii) tabled the proposal to overturn the earlier decision and (c) what prompted the councillor(s) to arrange the emergency meeting of Icasa councillors in an attempt to stop the said listing;
(2) whether a legal cost order was made against Icasa; if so, for what amount;
(3) what was the amount of Icasa's legal costs in the matter;
(4) whether this expenditure would require virement in the budget allocation for the 2009-10 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1835E
REPLY:
I was informed by ICASA as follows:
(1) Two meeting of ICASA councillors were held to discuss the court action to stop the listing of a certain company (name furnished)
(a) The meetings took place on 14 and 15 May 2009.
(b) (i) The following councillors attended the meetings: Fungai Sibanda, Marcia Socikwa, Robert Nkuna, Brenda Ntombela, Mthobeli Zokwe, Thabo Makhakhe, Jakobus van Rooyen and Nomvuyiso Batyi.
(ii) The proposal by Cllr Zokwe that Council rescind the decision was unanimously not accepted at that meeting. This decision was withdrawn on 15 May 2009.
(c) The meeting was prompted by the Cosatu court action. More specifically, the intention was to explore the possibility of ICASA holding public hearings ahead of the listing in order to, among other things, clarify some of the issues raised by COSATU in its court papers.
(2) Yes, the legal cost was made against ICASA and Cosatu. To date ICASA has paid an amount of R363 209.58. This is however not the final amount as ICASA is still waiting for the Minister's bill.
(3) There were six respondents in the matter, namely:
(1) Telkom 2nd respondent, represented by its own legal team;
(2) Minister of Communications, 3rd respondent, represented by its own legal team;
(3) Vodacom Holdings SA (Pty) LTD 4th respondent and
(4) Vodafone Group PLC, 5th respondent, both represented by the same legal team.
(5) Vodacom Group (Pty) Ltd, 6th respondent, and
(6) Vodacom (Pty) Ltd, 7th respondent, both represented by the same legal team
Respondents 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 have taxed and submitted their bills to ICASA for payment. The taxed bills had to be equally shared by ICASA and COSATU. Accordingly ICASA had to pay 50% of the total bills in order to avoid further litigation by the respondents regarding their claim.
To date Icasa has paid an amount of R363 209.58. This is however not the final amount as ICASA is still waiting for the Minister's bill.
(4) No virement will be required needed in the budget allocation of the 2009/10 financial year because this expenditure is accommodated in the litigation budget. The Authority has a litigation budget due to the nature of its business.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 1480
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 20 OF 09 OCTOBER 2009
Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
(1) Whether the approval of a certain person (details furnished) was initially held back by her predecessor after he was proposed by his government as ambassador to South Africa; if not, why not; if so, what was the reason for the delay;
(2) whether her predecessor informed her about the reasons for the delay; if so,
(3) whether the reasons for the Government's delay in approving his appointment still remain; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why has her department now granted approval for his appointment to South Africa? NW1841E
REPLY:
(1) No.
Upon request for Agrément, the normal process of verification within the Department of International Relations and Cooperation was followed, in consultation with other relevant Departments. This process was finalised during July 2005.
No.
There was no undue delay
See Paragraph (1)
Agrément was granted on 4 September 2009 and the relevant Foreign Ministry was informed accordingly on 9 September 2009
QUESTION 1485
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 09 OCTOBER 2009 [IQP No 20 -2009]
FIRST SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT
Question 1485 for Written Reply, National Assembly: Mr. P J C Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
(1) Whether game farming is regarded as an agricultural activity; if not, why not;
(2) whether her department has a policy on game farming; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether she will make a statement on the issue of cattle farmers changing to game farming;
(4) whether prospective game farmers must meet any legal requirements to be allowed to change from cattle to game farming; if so, (a) why and (b) what requirements;
(5) whether she will make a statement on the issue of game farming being part of agriculture? NW1888E
REPLY:
(1) Yes,
Wildlife ranching (Game farming) was recognised as an agricultural activity by the former Department of Agricultural Development in 1987, and game is considered an agricultural product in terms of the Marketing of Agricultural Product Act 1996 (Act No 47 of 1996). Because this sector is subject to legislation administered by DAFF and Department of Water Affairs, it went through a period of uncertainty until quite recently.
Factors that contributed to a paradigm shift included the report on the Investigation to Identify Opportunities and Address Problems for Sustainable Growth and Development in the South African Wildlife Industry by the National Agricultural Marketing Council as well as the establishment of the Wildlife Ranching Association of South Africa (WRSA)
Game farming is therefore seen as an agricultural activity – particularly where certain wildlife species are used as viable alternatives to more conventional livestock species.
There are currently 9 600 wildlife ranches that employ 65 000 people. This excludes those employed in the tourism side of the industry and is three to four times more than the staff employed by livestock farmers
(2) Yes,
The Department has a policy on game farming. This has been through a process of public consultation and will be published shortly. The Department needs to consult with the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs to agree on measureable standards to differentiate between game farming (wildlife ranching) and conservation.
It is not only cattle farmers that are changing to game farming. Many small stock farmers are changing as well. Game farming is often a more viable alternative to livestock farming in areas where environmental conditions make it difficult to farm economically with more conventional livestock species and the impact of climate change on the production environment could well see more areas going over to game farming.
(3) No
(4)Farmers changing to game farming would need to take the different stocking rates of the species into consideration as these would not be the same as conventional livestock. In addition they would need to comply with the relevant environmental management legislation. Because this industry includes hunting as well as harvesting, certain permits are required in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) and the regulations on threatened or protected species (TOPS)
(5) No
QUESTION 1486
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 09 OCTOBER 2009 [IQP No 20 -2009]
FIRST SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT
Question 1486 for Written Reply, National Assembly: Mr. P J C Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
(1) What percentage of total land area of the former (a) Transkei and (b) Ciskei is (i) suitable for agricultural purposes and (ii) currently being used for agricultural purposes;
(2) what are the current (a) major agricultural activities and (b) production volumes in the areas;
(3) whether her department has any plans to increase agricultural activity in the areas; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1889E
REPLY:
(1) Percentage area suitable for agriculture
(i) (a) Transkei
• high to moderate – 21% (919 800 ha)
• moderate to low – 51% (2 244 600 ha)
• not suitable – 28% (1 233 700 ha)
(b) Ciskei
• high to moderate – 24% (189 000 ha)
• moderate to low – 61% (484 800 ha)
• not suitable – 15% (111 200 ha)
(ii) Percentage area currently being used for agriculture
(a) Transkei – 24%
(b) Ciskei – 9%
(2) Below are the major agricultural activities and production volumes:
| Agricultural Activity | Prevalence | Estimated production Volumes |
| Beef (including dual purpose for subsistence agriculture) | Current information supports that in the order of 2 million cattle run in the referred area and is the most prevalent agricultural enterprise. Statistics show that 23 % of the RSA herd occur in the eastern cape and 71 % of cattle in the eastern cape occur in the former Transkei/Ciskei areas | The off-take is estimated to be between 5% and 15 % of the herd per year. Based on a figure of 8% this computes to a productivity of 160 000 beef animals per year that means approximately 28 800 tons of meat from these cattle. The Ciskei area does include a significant number of commercial livestock operators some of which show productivity levels comparable with conventional commercial practice. |
| Beef (including dual purpose for subsistence agriculture) | Current information supports that in the order of 2 million cattle run in the referred area and is the most prevalent agricultural enterprise. Statistics show that 23 % of the RSA herd occur in the eastern cape and 71 % of cattle in the eastern cape occur in the former Transkei/Ciskei areas | The off-take is estimated to be between 5% and 15 % of the herd per year. Based on a figure of 8% this computes to a productivity of 160 000 beef animals per year that means approximately 28 800 tons of meat from these cattle. The Ciskei area does include a significant number of commercial livestock operators some of which show productivity levels comparable with conventional commercial practice. |
| Dairy | Commercial dairy operations are small and few with significant subsistence milking taking place. Large Development schemes supported by Government through joint venture partners are presently increasing - but these total approximately 2000 cows | Levels of productivity under subsistence conditions are widespread but low while the levels of production of commercial operations are comparable with that elsewhere in the country. |
| Sheep | Wool sheep (merino type) account for virtually all the estimated 3 .2 million sheep in the former Ciskei /Transkei areas. | The formal marketing of wool from these areas has increased significantly over the past 10 years and is currently at 2.8 million kg greasy wool per annum while the wool traded informally per annum is in the order of 1.4 million kg. The animal off-take from the flock is estimated to be 8% - in the order of 250 000 sheep per year. The majority of these animals are used in a subsistence manner or traded informally within the rural areas. However, the fact that the NWGA has over 3 500 members in these areas and these institutions are active shows that the level of commercial operations for sheep is significantly more advanced than for cattle or goats |
| Goats (meat) | The available livestock information indicates that in the order of 1.9 mil goats, run in the areas. Virtually all these are of a meat type. In the Ciskei there is a greater prevalence of the improved boer goat | The goat productivity for these areas is estimated to be in the order of an 8% off-take per year and the majority of these animals are marketed informally. |
| Goats (meat) | The available livestock information indicates that in the order of 1.9 mil goats, run in the areas. Virtually all these are of a meat type. In the Ciskei there is a greater prevalence of the improved boer goat | The goat productivity for these areas is estimated to be in the order of an 8% off-take per year and the majority of these animals are marketed informally. |
| Goats (Mohair) | Small numbers of Mohair type goats occur in the Ciskei areas | |
| Goats (cashmere) | Within a Government supported development programme in the order of 127 households/farmers are producing Cashmere from approximately 6-15 goats per farmer. | In the order of 120 kg of Cashmere is produced per year in this pilot development |
| Ostrich | In the former Ciskei area, Peddie , in the order of 7000 birds are in an Ostrich Production programme involving 71 Producers | 7 000 birds marketed per year. |
| Poultry | A large number of poultry production units ranging from small scale production to medium commercial operations are carried out | |
| Grain Crops (Maize, Sorghum, wheat, beans) | It is estimated that in the order of 40 000 ha are planted each year to grain crops, 98 % of which is maize and the other 2 % incorporating Sorghum, wheat . These areas do not include production that takes place within household plots of which there are a large number | At an average yield of 2 tons grain per ha it is estimated that 80 000 tons grain is produced in the referred area per year. The average yield is informed by the yields obtained form government supported programmes of Departments and Municipalities that range from 1-7 tons/ha and that realized from non-government supported programmes. |
| Oil seed crops (Sunflower, Soya, Canola) | Opportunistic and sporadic planting | |
| Vegetables | Vegetable production takes place in small irrigation developments done by municipalities and Departments and significant production takes place in household plots | |
| Vegetables: potatoes | Small amounts of commercial potato production take place but the area is unlikely to exceed 600 ha per year. Potato production on areas of approximately 100 m2 is estimated to be carried out by some 100 000 households in home gardens per year | Based on an average yield of 20 tons /ha in the order of 32 000 tons potatoes are produced in the referred area per year |
| Fruit: stone fruits (peaches, plums etc.) | Development projects in Chris Hani, Ukhahlamba and Alfred Nzo. – | |
| Fruit: Citrus | The former Ciskei areas in the order of 700 ha are currently incorporated in revitalization programmes at various stages of which 345 ha are in production. Household citrus production is prevalent on the Mbizana and Port St Johns area | The average level of production for the 345 ha is approximately 35 tons/ha per yr – totalling 12075 tons /yr. |
| Fruit: sub-tropical soft fruits ( Banana, papaya, guava) | Small scale and informal production | |
| Fruit: sub-tropical- pineapples | Approx 400 ha of pineapple production is operational in the former Ciskei | |
| Nuts: Macadamia | Commodity being initiated | |
| Tea | Magwa (1803 ha ) and Majola (400ha ) Tea estates in former Transkei - | Magwa average production is 2.5 million kg and that of Majola is approximately 500 000 kg compared to their respective potentials of 3.5 million kg and 1 million kg per year respectively. |
(3) Yes, the department plans to undertake the following projects under ASGISA:
· Agro-processing
· Forestry development and timber processing
· Water resource development
· Hydro and alternative energy
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 1487
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 09 OCTOBER 2009 [IQP No 20 -2009]
FIRST SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT
Question 1487 for Written Reply: National Assembly, Mr P J C Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
(1) Whether her department has a policy on accommodation for farm workers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) Whether her department has any plans to contribute financially towards providing accommodation for farm workers; if not, why not; if so,
(3) Whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW1890E
REPLY
1. No, the mandate is with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR), re Extension of Security of Tenure, and Labour Tenants Act.
2. No. This is not a mandate of the Department.
3. No.
QUESTION NO. 1493
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 09 OCTOBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 20)
Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether the SA Nursing Council has finalised regulations in terms of the Nursing Act, Act 33 of 2005, for the regulation of private nursing colleges; if not, why not; if so, when;
(2) whether his department is taking any action to resolve the problems caused by the long delay in (a) finalising these regulations and (b) the shortfall in the number of opportunities for training; if not, why not; if so, what action in each case?
NW1897EREPLY:
(1) The South African Nursing Council has developed an initial draft of the Regulations relating to the Accreditation of Institutions as Nursing Education Institutions. The draft Regulations were forwarded to the Department in June 2009 for further processing. The Department has since reviewed the draft Regulations and forwarded them during the course of September 2009 back to the South African Nursing Council to attend to the Department's comment therein. It is anticipated that the Regulations will be published for public comments in the course of November 2009. The Department will allow three months period for public comments. Depending on the nature of the comments received, the Regulations could be ready for final publication by early 2010.
(2) There have been no long delays in the process of finalizing the Regulations and as a result there are no problems experienced. There is no shortfall in the number of opportunities for training. The Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) ("the Act") has transitional provisions in terms of which any regulation made in terms of the repealed Nursing Act, 1978 (Act No. 50 of 1978), is, unless inconsistent with the Act, deemed to have been made in terms of the Act. In view of the above, the private nursing colleges that were approved by the South African Nursing Council under the 1969 Regulations for Colleges (Government Notice 3901, of 12 December 1969), remain approved and continue to train nurses. During the time when the new regulations are being developed, the Council can still use the existing regulations to approve private nursing colleges. Therefore there is no gap in law that prevents the Council from continuing with registration of private colleges.
QUESTION 1498 (WRITTEN REPLY) 14 OCTOBER 2009
1498. Mr S.J. Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:
(1) Whether his 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 his 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 his 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 this department; if so, (a) how many and (b) what is their (i) job level and (ii) occupational category?
REPLY
(1) No,
(2) Yes, It will be incorporated into the draft departmental Policy on Recruitment and Selection and in line with the recommendations of the Public Service Commission on the management of job applicants with criminal records in the Public Service.
(3) Yes. Since 2007 all DPW applicants have been screened and the process is still continues for all short-listed candidates. NIA guides the Department in terms of providing advice on applicants with criminal records, nature of criminal offence, sentence and whether such criminal offence will have a bearing on the security competency of such applicant.
(4) Yes,
(a) 2 Employees
(b) (i) Salary Level 14 and 15
(ii) Regional Manager and the Chief Operating Officer.
QUESTION 1499
FOR REPLY
1499. MR A C STEYN (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
Whether his department is taking any steps to offset its carbon footprint; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
1. The Department has complied with the requirements set out by the Department of Energy and has installed energy efficient lighting within the facilities. Furthermore the Department of Public Works has appointed a service provider that will ensure and maintain the lighting within government owned and leased buildings with a view to promoting savings towards carbon footprint.
QUESTION 1500
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
1500. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
- Whether there are any plans to introduce energy saving initiatives in the building of new subsidised homes: if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?
- Whether there are any plans to introduce policy or legislation to encourage future private homeowners and/or developers to make use of energy saving initiatives in the construction of their homes; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?
REPLY
1. Yes, the National Housing Code contains detailed guidelines to promote environmentally and energy efficient housing in the subsidy sector. The Department of Human Settlements has been working with the NHBRC to cost various measures to enhance the thermal performance of houses in the subsidy market. The most promising and cost effective of these is the installation of a ceiling and the provision of above ceiling insulation. Other measures include plastering of the external walls of the houses, under floor insulation and sealing of windows and doors. The cost implications of introducing energy efficient measures in the subsidy housing market will be considered, once the NHBRC have finalised their research report.
2. Yes, the Department of Energy has instructed the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to develop national standards for energy efficiency in naturally ventilated building. Theses standards will form part of the National Building Regulations and is referred to as the SANS 204 Standard. The Department of Human Settlements participated in the working group process and the draft standards have been published for comments. The standards are currently being refined in terms of the comments received and will then be presented for approval.