Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 1701 to 1725

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2009-11-02

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[PMG note: Replies are inserted as soon as they are provided by the Minister]

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO.:1725

DATE OF PUBLICATION: October 2009

1725. Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

(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) her deputy minister, (cc) specified officials of her department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

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

NW2217E25

REPLY:

(1) The information given below is for 2008/09 financial year and the period as of 1st April 2009 to September 2009.(Information for October and November 2009, is not readily available)

(i) 2008/09

(a) Hotel accommodation

(aa) Min Erwin R 2 495

Min Mabandla R 24 565

(bb) N/A

(cc) & (dd) Other departmental officials and other specified individuals R 1 761 479

(b) Restaurant expenses

(aa) Ministry in total R 65 487

(bb) N/A

(cc) Other departmental officials(entertainment management including DG and DDG's) R 153 343

(dd) Other specified individuals R None

(c) Travel costs

(aa) Min Erwin R 321 099

Min Mabandla R 467 054

(bb) N/A

(cc) & (dd) Other departmental officials and other specified individuals (including contractors, Ministry protectors. Consultants and recruits attending interviews) R 3 563 231

(ii) 2009/10: 1 April – 30 September 2009 (Information for October and November 2009, is not readily available)

(aa) Minister Mabandla

Hotel accommodation R 6 234

Restaurant expenses R 4 964

Travel costs (inclusive of flights and car hire) R 64 015

(aa) Minister Hogan

Hotel accommodation R 30 799

Restaurant expenses* R 137 567

Travel costs (inclusive of flights and car hire) R 301 964

* This figure is for both Minister and Deputy Minister as all expenses were allocated to Ministry prior to separation of these two units which was implemented when the Standard Chart Of Accounts (SCOA) classification was received and the Adjustment Estimates were done subsequent to 30 September 2009.

(bb) Deputy Minister Godongwana

Hotel accommodation R 148 362

Restaurant expenses* See above explanation R -

Travel costs (inclusive of flights and car hire) R 523 849

(cc) Other departmental officials

Hotel accommodation R 1 350 670

Restaurants (entertainment management including DG and DDG's) R 30 382

Travel costs (flights and car hire) R 3 411 377

(dd) Other specified individuals

Contractors, consultants, Ministry protectors and recruits attending interviews (also included is the hotel accommodation for the Autumn school R132 081)

Hotel accommodation R 252 475

Restaurants R None

Travel costs R 500 003

(2) (aa) The Minister utilised accommodation for an international trip as well as overnight local meetings.

(cc) Otherofficials of the department attended parliamentary sessions, meetings out of town and international trips.

(dd) Other specified individuals, contractors and consultants required to attend meetings and present to parliament from time to time.

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

(c) Travel Costs

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

(ii) for 2009/10

(aa) R213 327.51

(bb) R0

(cc) R 47 835.70

  1. 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 NO 1722 /NW2214E

THURSDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2009

Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(1) What amount was spent by his 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) him, (bb) specified officials of his department and (cc) any other specified individuals;

(2) Why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case? NW2214E

THE MINISTER OF LABOUR REPLY:

1. The Department's total travel and subsistence expenditure for 2008/09 financial year and the period 01 April to 30 June 2009 (2009/10) were as follows:

Response to i (a), i (b) and i (c):

Domestic Travel – 2008/2009 Financial Year

Item

Expenditure

Accommodation

R 15,679,381.26

Food & Beverage

R 53,144,762.77

Car rental

R 12,511,994.35

KM All (Own Transport)

R 8,260,314.07

KM All (SMS)

R 568,150.51

Road Transport

R 26,067.98

Other Transport

R 16,466,158.27

Air Transport

R 1,686,771.35

TOTAL

R 108,343, 600.56

Foreign Travel – 2008/2009 Financial Year

Item

Expenditure

Accommodation

R 4,091,542.93

Food & Beverage

R 202,831.64

Car Rental

R 268,173.48

Other Transport

R 33,856.71

Air Transport

R 3,958,527.63

Road Transport

R 7,199.96

TOTAL

R 8,562,132.35

Response to ii (a), ii (b) and ii (c):

Domestic Travel – 2009/2010 Financial Year (01 April to 30 June 2009)

Item

Expenditure

Accommodation

R 9,931,638.00

Food & Beverage

R 577,836.01

Car rental

R 12,511,944.35

KM All (Own Transport)

R 3,081,326.09

KM All (SMS)

R 357,553.65

Road Transport

R 581,293.21

Other Transport

R 64,276.00

Air Transport

R 6,989,011.00

TOTAL

R 34,094,878.31

Foreign Travel – 2009/2010 Financial Year (01 April to 30 June 2009)

Item

Expenditure

Accommodation

R 1,284,917.58

Food & Beverage

R 436.42

Other Transport

R 66,948.44

Road Transport

R 4,591.76

Air Transport

R 1,424,613.00

TOTAL

R 2,781,507.20

Response to i (aa), i (bb) i (cc):

2008/09 Financial Year

Category

Ministry

Staff

Food & Beverage (Domestic)

R 7,752.44

R 12,180.97

Air Transport (Domestic)

R 1,453,861.55

R 908,721.32

Accommodation (Domestic)

R 68,536.73

R 285,528.91

Air Transport (Foreign)

R 462,035.00

R 442,230.00

Accommodation (Foreign)

-

-

Total

R 1,992,185.72

R 1,648,661.20

Response to ii (aa), ii (bb) ii (cc):

2009/10 Financial Year (01 April to 30 June 2009)

Category

Ministry

Staff

Food & Beverage (Domestic)

R 469.00

R 11,171.45

Air Transport (Domestic)

R 99,858.90

R 668,882.55

Accommodation (Domestic)

R 30,912.84

R 203,135.13

Air Transport (Foreign)

R 189,652.04

R 80,490.04

Accommodation (Foreign)

R 795,054.82

R 84,122.17

Total

R 1,115,947.60

R 1,047,801.34

QUESTION NO.: 1721 (2213)

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 OCTOBER 2009

Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) What amount was spent by his 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) him, (bb) his deputy minister, (cc) specified officials of his department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

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

NW2213E

REPLY

(1) The information requested by the Honourable Member (i.e. amounts on travel, accommodation and restaurant) cannot be separated into expenditure incurred by the Minister, Deputy Minister and the support staff in their offices respectively as it is accounted for under one (1) responsibility account code on the BAS financial system.

To obtain this information, one would have to scrutinize all relevant travel and payment documentation (which are not all available centrally), which would be a time-consuming process requiring additional resources.

The Chief Financial Officer can provide the following information:-

Costs incurred by all staff in the Office of the Minister:-

2009/10 2008/09

Accommodation* R 740 026.17 R1 282 298.54

Travel Costs R1 651 704.00 R3 041 243.56

(Car rental & Air Transport)

* Accommodation expenses include expenditure relating to breakfast and dinner

Costs incurred by all staff in the Office of the Deputy Minister:-

2009/10 2008/09

Accommodation* R274 598.86 R 129 024.85

Travel Costs R727 098.30 R1 194 285.55

(Car rental & Air Transport)

* Accommodation expenses include expenditure relating to breakfast and dinner

Costs incurred by the Director General:-

2009/10 2008/09

Accommodation* R24 922.80 R 95 723.30

Travel Costs R54 460.88 R246 647.15

(Car rental plus Air Transport)

* Accommodation expenses include expenditure relating to breakfast and dinner

Costs incurred by Judges:-

2009/10 2008/09

Accommodation* R1 533 925.03 R2 580 465.46

Travel Costs R1 623 218.00 R2 059 161.91

(Car rental plus Air Transport)

* Accommodation expenses include expenditure relating to breakfast and dinner

Costs incurred by all other staff:-

2009/10 2008/09

Accommodation* R66 997 949.09 R123 070 091.05

Travel Costs R29 585 067.29 R55 360 085.71

(Car rental plus Air Transport)

* Accommodation expenses include expenditure relating to breakfast and dinner

(2) Staff members used specified accommodation as prescribed by the Departmental Financial Instructions to perform their duties when away from their work stations.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO 719

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 07 AUGUST 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 7 – 2009)

Mr P D Poho (Cope) asked the Minister of Transport:

Whether his department has made any progress in respect of (a) improving access to affordable public transport, (b) streamlining the freight logistics network along key corridors, (c) improving operational efficiency and (d) developing a regulatory system and capacity to ensure that operators in the transport sector met the required safety and security standards; if not, why not; if so, (i) what are the achievements to date in respect of each of the above and (ii) to what extent has his department succeeded in ensuring a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint of the transport sector?

NW816E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(a) , (b), (c) and (d) (i) and (ii)

Progress in respect of Improving Access to Affordable Public Transport

The Public Transport Strategy of 2007 calls for Phase 1 Integrated Public Transport Networks in up to 12 cities and six districts by 2014. These networks form the first phase of a 20 year implementation plan that aims to place 85% of a municipality's residents within 1 kilometre of a Public Transport Network trunk or feeder service.

The period from 2007 to 2010 is characterised as implementing Catalytic Projects to start the process. In this regard, the Rea Vaya BRT Starter Service is the first major initiative to be operating and is currently carrying 16 000 passengers a day at an affordable price of R5-00 for a trip from Soweto to the Central Business District. By January 2010, this system should expand to be carrying around 70 000 passengers a day and by 2011/2012, it should be carrying 400 000 passengers a day.

Cape Town is likely to follow in 2011, carrying around 100 000 passengers a day, Tshwane in 2012, carrying 100 000 passengers a day and Nelson Mandela Bay by 2014, should be carrying over 200 000 passengers a day.

The Department of Transport is currently working with the other cities to complete detailed Network Operational Plans that will form the basis for further projects.

Progress in respect of Streamlining the Freight Logistics Network Along Key Corridors

Context

When the National Freight Logistics Strategy was approved in 2005, it paved the way for the following:-

· Reduction in the cost of doing business in South Africa;

· integrated planning between the three spheres of government and all the relevant stakeholders (including private sector);

· identification and mapping of corridors, as outlined in the Strategy itself; and

· development and implementation of sub-sectoral strategies, etc.

Progress to date

The following are some of the corridors that have been identified and mapped:-

· Gauteng - Durban Corridor

· Cape Town - Beitbridge Corridor

· Maputo Corridor

· Transkalahari Corridor

· Gauteng - East London

· Gauteng - Port Elizabeth

· Ermelo - Richards Bay

The identification and mapping of these corridors led to the establishment of Freight and Logistics Forums, which created platforms of Government engagement with private sector, including engagement with every South African neighbouring country. There are currently nine of these Forums in each of the provinces. Out of these Forums, projects were identified for implementation, e.g. the N4 Truck Stop for the Maputo Corridor, the Harrismith Freight Logistics Hub for the Durban-Gauteng Corridor, etc.

Through the nine Provincial Freight Databanks, which were first of their kind in South Africa, the Department of Transport (DoT) managed to determine the market share between road and rail in all the above-listed corridors, including a determination on infrastructure planning and investments on all the modes in relation to freight.

Subsequent to the identification and mapping of these corridors, the DoT started a process of developing the following sub-sectoral strategies:-

· Road Freight Strategy

· Rail Branch Line Strategy

· Airfreight Strategy

· Port Reform Strategy

Road Freight Strategy

The Strategy seeks to achieve the following:-

· Optimum split of cargo between road and rail;

· reviewal of the axle mass limits;

· overload control; and

· improving the weighbridge network.

Rail Branch Line Strategy

It seeks to achieve the following:-

· Serves as mitigating factor on the deterioration of the secondary road network;

· enhance seamless movement of cargo between the rural and urban economy; and

· promotes private operators onto the secondary rail network, which will further feed onto the primary network that is aligned to these corridors.

The Strategy is at its final draft process for approval. This process is jointly driven by the Departments of Transport and of Public Enterprises and Transnet Limited.

Airfreight Strategy

It seeks to achieve the following:-

· Promotes the movement of dedicated airfreight;

· streamlines airfreight movement through a corridor approach;

· revives all airports that have potential to move airfreight, with the possibility of decongesting the three primary international airports, i.e. O R Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and Durban International Airport); and

· seamless/integrated movement of airfreight with other modes of transport, etc.

The Strategy is at its initial drafting process.

Port Reform Strategy

The process of developing the Strategy is at its initial stage.

Freight Logistics Projects to date

The following are projects that have been identified:-

ü National Freight Databank Update - intends to update the currently outdated freight information.

ü National Freight Information System - intends to achieve the development of a centralized and computerized database, accessed by all relevant stakeholders. Systems requirements in this regard have been completed.

ü Railway Branch Line Strategy - as stated above.

ü Airfreight Strategy - as stated above.

ü Cross-Border Optimisation Plans - intends to improve trade facilitation at land border posts.

ü National Freight Master Plan - intends to enhance an integrated freight specific plan as a Blue Print for freight in South Africa going forward.

ü National Freight Logistics Forums - intends to create a collaborative platform between Government and the private sector.

ü Port Reform Strategy - intends to create opportunities for more private sector participation and competitiveness.

ü Road Freight Strategy - as stated above.

ü National Freight Monitoring Framework - intends to monitor freight movement on a real-time basis.

The Department of Transport acknowledges that the implementation of the National Freight Logistics Strategy would not be a smooth-sailing process, but would particularly need political and financial support. It is, however, against this backdrop that the Strategies and Projects identified above are reported as work-in progress.

Safety and Security Standards

The current National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No 93 of 1996), provides for the regulatory system that regulates the operation of operators. In terms of legislation the operator is required to be registered as an operator of the category of motor vehicle requiring an operator card. In this regard the operator is bestowed with certain duties that ensure that the operations of such an operator are conducted in terms of the provisions of the National Road Traffic Act. This provision relates to the safe operations, driver and motor vehicle compliance and requirements of any other law.

Reduction in the Carbon Footprint of the Transport Sector

As an implementation of the National Climate Change Response Policy that is being developed by the Department of Environmental Affairs, the Department of Transport (DoT) is developing a Climate Change Response Strategy for the transport sector in its drive towards a low carbon economy. As a starting point the DoT is developing a

Greenhouse Gas Inventory for all modes of transport as a stock-taking exercise of the carbon footprint. This will direct all future interventions in the substantial reduction of the carbon footprint. The Climate Change Response Strategy embraces the following:-

v The development of an energy efficiency framework for the sector, which will include policy on the control of emissions from road going vehicles among a range of options. This is being done in collaboration with relevant stakeholders that include National Treasury, the Department of Energy and the Department of Trade and Industry.

v The non-motorized transport policy currently being finalized will promote less carbon intensive transport modes such as walking, cycling, animal-drawn vehicles, etc.

vWith regard to the carbon footprint in the DoT's Forum Building, Pretoria, my Department conducted an energy audit last year to determine the use of energy, since energy usage is linked to the carbon footprint. Following the audit the DoT has put plans in place to reduce energy consumption and consequently the carbon footprint. The plans include the following:-

§ Replacement of florescent tubing with energy efficient tubes.

§ Fitting of motion sensors in boardroom areas to control light usage.

§ Fitting of Energy Saving Extension Plug sets.

§ Fitting of Solar Powered Perimeter lighting.

§ Conducting Energy Saving Awareness Sessions for all staff members.

§ The introduction of energy saving processes such as the implementation of both "no cost" activities as well as "low-cost" activities. The "no-cost" activities can be the "switch-off" campaign, to have correct meter readings and to balance voltage properly. The "low-cost" activities can be the optimization of lights, reduction of standby power, regulating of office temperature and the optimization of operational hours.

§ The Department has also started with the process of educating its employees with regard to material energy reduction and the replacement of the florescent tubing, as well as replacing the old energy inefficient tubes with tubes that are more energy efficient.

§ The Department has installed new water canisters which dispenses hot and cold water. This will eliminate the usage of water kettles in our offices and thereby decreasing electricity consumption in the Department.

§ Through the Department of Public Works, further training is going to be rolled out to all staff at the DoT's Forum Building. The purpose is to vigorously raise awareness and change mindsets.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 1718

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 16 October 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 OF 2009

Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(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) her deputy minister, (cc) specified officials of her department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

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

NW2210E

REPLY

The costs were according to the rules, and the Ministerial Handbook.

QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY

FRIDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2009

1717. Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:

(1) What amount was spent by his 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) him, (bb) specified officials of his department and (cc) any other specified individuals;

(2) why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case? NW2209E

REPLY:

(1) (i) (a) (b) (c) (aa) (bb) (cc) Not applicable for the 2008/09 financial year. The establishment of the Department of Higher Education and Training and the subsequent appointment of the Minister of Higher Education and Training occurred during May 2009.

(ii) During the period 1 April 2009 up to 30 September 2009

(a) Hotel accommodation for his department:

Officials: R 416 470.71

Conferences: R 616 867.43

(b) Restaurant (meal) expenses for his department:

Officials: R 43 810.84

Conferences: R 1 638.18

(c) Travel costs for his department:

Officials R1 418 732.49

Conferences R 37 638.62

(ii) The breakdown of restaurant expenses for him and officials in the offices of the minister are not readily available and is included in the expenditure on accommodation.

(aa) minister:

(a) & (b) Hotel accommodation & Restaurant (meal) expenses from 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009:

· R212 735.64

(c) Travel costs from 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009

· R397 582.58

(bb) officials in the offices of the minister:

(a) & (b) Hotel accommodation & Restaurant (meal) expenses from 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009:

· R172 332.77

(c) Travel costs from 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009:

· R773 645.77

(cc) Not applicable

(2) It was the most cost effective and appropriate accommodation available when the bookings were made.


NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER: 1715

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 OCTOBER 2009

Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) What amount was spent by National Treasury 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) him, (bb) his deputy minister, (cc) specified officials of his department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

(2) why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case? NW2207E

REPLY:
Please Click here for Reply




QUESTION 1712

1712. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(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) her

deputy minister, (cc) specified officials of her department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

(2) why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case? NW2204E

REPLY

We have requested the necessary information as soon as that has been received a substantive follow up response will be forwarded.

QUESTION NO: 1711

DATE SUBMITTED:

MR MM SWATHE(DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

(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) her deputy minister, (cc) specified officials of her department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

(2) why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case? NW2203E

RESPONSE

(1) Amounts spent by Minister and Deputy Minister of this department according to information available from the Basic Accounting System are as follows:-

(a) Hotel accommodation: (please note that the Basic Accounting System does not have separate items for different types of accommodation but includes all types of accommodation such as hotels, bed & breakfast lodges and so on under a single item).

(i) R792 046 .97 is final amount for 2008/09 financial year for both foreign and domestic costs.

(ii) R1 258 625 .36 for 2009/2010 financial year from 01/04/2009 to 30/11/2009 for both foreign and domestic costs.

(b) Restaurant Expenses: (please note that the Basic Accounting System does not have an item specifically for Restaurants but includes all re-imbursements of expenses incurred by the officials for refreshments while they are out or away from their offices for extended period of time. The item food and beverages is normally used in this regard.

(i) R7227.60 is final amount for 2008/09 financial year for both foreign and domestic costs.

(ii) R14 926 .95 for 09/10 financial year from 01/04/2009 to 30/11/2009 for both foreign and domestic costs.

(c) Travel costs: (This include GG transport; travel by road, air, railway, car rentals and

Re-imbursement for the use of own vehicle)

(i) R 4 696 530.40 is final amount for 2008/09 financial year for both foreign and domestic costs.

(ii) R5 124 763 .46 for 09/10 financial year from 01/04/2009 to 30/11/2009 for both foreign and domestic costs.

The information that was indicated by the report could not indicate the expenditure for the Minister, Deputy Minister, specified officials of her department and any other specified individuals.

QUESTION NO: 1709

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 October 2009

QUESTION PAPER NO: 22

DATE OF REPLY: 27 October 2009

Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) What amount was spent by his 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) him, (bb) his deputy minister, (cc) specified officials of his department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

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

NW2201E

REPLY:

The information regarding this question is available in the 2008/09 Annual Report and will also be indicated in the 2009/10 Annual Report to be published in 2010.

It should be noted that the report of the Auditor-General is also published in Annual Reports, indicating whether departmental expenses were done in accordance with relevant legislation.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 1708

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16/10/2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 22-2009)

Ms G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(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) her deputy minister, (cc) specified officials of her department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

(2) Why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case? NW2200E

REPLY:

(1) (i) (a) (b) (c) (aa) (bb) (cc) (dd) Not applicable for the 2008/09 financial year. The establishment of the Department of Basic Education and the subsequent appointment of the Minister of Basic Education occurred during May 2009.

(ii) During the period 1 April 2009 up to 30 September 2009

The breakdown of restaurant expenses for her, her Deputy Minister, and Officials in the offices of the Minister are included in the expenditure on accommodation.

Period 1 April 2009 up to 30 September 2009

(aa) Minister:

(a) & (b) Hotel accommodation & Restaurant (meal) expenses from 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009: R 58 266.23

(c) Travel costs from 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009: R116 620.08

(bb) Deputy Minister:

(a) & (b) Hotel accommodation & Restaurant (meal) expenses from 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009: R 34 236.11

(c) Travel costs from 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009: R111 761.07

(cc) Not applicable

(dd) Not applicable

(3) Accommodation includes hotel accommodation while an official residence was not yet ready for occupation. In each case it was the most cost effective and appropriate accommodation available when the bookings were made. Travel costs of the Minister include travel to Kenya (twice) and Tunisia as Chair of the Council of Ministers of Education in Africa (COMEDAF).

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER: 1705

DATE FOR PUBLICATION: 16 OCTOBER 2009

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 27 NOVEMBER 2009

MR M H STEEL (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY: PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION

What amount was spent by the Presidency on (a) hotel accommodation, (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs (i) in the 2008-2009 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, for (aa) him, (bb) the Minister in the Presidency; National Planning Commission, (cc) the President, (dd) the Deputy President, (ee) specified officials of the Presidency and (ff) any other specified individuals;

Why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case? NW2197E

REPLY:

Honourable Member, The Presidency, like all other government departments, produces an annual report with Programme Performance and Audited Financial Statement chapters. It is in these chapters that information on programmes of the department and money spent in their pursuit is recorded.

For the financial year 2008/2009, the Honourable Member is encouraged to peruse through the annual report copies of which we sent to Parliament as per standard procedure.

For the financial year ending March 2010, travel, accommodation and all other operational costs are being recorded on monthly and quarterly basis in line with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act. Accordingly, this information will be audited and made available through the annual report which the Honourable Member will have access to.


NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO 1703

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 OCTOBER 2009 (INTERNAL QU'STION PAPER NO 21)

1703. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether, since her appointment in May 2009 any renovations or alterations were done at (a) state owned and (b) private residences of her, her deputy minister or any other specified official of her department; if so, (i) where she and the occupants of each such residence were accommodated during the renovations (ii) at what cost in each case? NW2195E


REPLY:

(a) No

(b)(i)Falls away

(b)(ii) Falls away

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO. 1702

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 22)

Mrs D Robinson (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

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

NW2194E

REPLY:

This question can best be answered by the Department of Public Works, and the Honourable Member is therefore requested to refer it to the said Department for a response.