Questions & Replies: Question & Repiles No 1801 to 1825
2009-11-05
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[PMG note: Replies are inserted as soon as they are provided by the Minister]
QUESTION NO: 1801
DATE SUBMITTED:
MR PJ GROENEWALD (FF PLUS) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
(1) How many vehicles of her department were involved in accidents (a) in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (b) during the period 1 January 2009 until the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2) what did the damages in each of these years amount to;
(3) whether the vehicles were insured in each of these years; if not, why not; if so, at what amount per year; and
(4) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
NW 2302E
REPLY
(1) (a) (i) 2006 : 1 280
(ii) 2007 : 1 497
(iii) 2008 : 1 526
(a) 1 January 2009 until date : 1 420
(2) 2006 : R 3 841 682.84
2007 : R 6 362 003.37
2008 : R 6 789 869.24
1 January 2009 until date : R 7 190 280.77
(3) Departmental vehicles are not insured. The State bears its own accident risk and accepts responsibility for any third-party claims or damages to departmental vehicles and which are normally paid by an insurer.
(4) No
QUESTION NO 1802
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2009
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 – 2009)
Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) What progress has been made with the introduction of a separate toll-fee category for motor cycles, which has been under consideration in respect of the Open Road Tolling (ORT) system and to which he referred in his answer to question 150 on 25 February 2009;
(2) when is this separate category anticipated to come into force?
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(1) No separate category for motorcycles is in use at this point in time. The separate toll-fee category for motor cycles, which has been under consideration in respect of the Open Road Tolling (ORT) system, is anticipated to come into operation in April 2011. Therefore, the classification system in use for determining the vehicle categories for toll fees, as contained in the Schedule published in Government Gazette No 31882 of 13 February 2009, remains the same. Vehicles are divided into the following classes:-
Class 1: Light Vehicles
Light vehicles are motor vehicles, other than heavy vehicles as defined in the Schedule, with or without a trailer, and include motorcycles, motor tricycles and motor cars.
Class 2: Medium Heavy Vehicles
Medium heavy vehicles are heavy vehicles, as defined in the Schedule, with two axles.
Class 3: Large Heavy Vehicles
Large heavy vehicles are heavy vehicles, as defined in the Schedule, with three or four axles.
Class 4: Extra Large Heavy Vehicles
Extra large heavy vehicles are heavy vehicles, as defined in the Schedule, with five or more axles.
Motorcycles are not a category on their own, they are classified under Light Vehicles for toll tariff purposes.
(2) As mentioned under part (1) of the reply above, the separate category is expected to come into operation in April 2011.
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO.1803
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER ( INTERNAL
QUESTION PAPER NO1445
Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(1) Whether the lay-off training programme will be implemented soon in order to prevent job losses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether he will transfer the allocated funds to other training and placement programmes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether he will make a statement on the matter? NW1803E
MINISTER OF LABOUR REPLIED:
(1) The processing of Training Lay-off applications from companies in distress commenced on the 21st September 2009 in terms of Section 189A of the Labour Relations Act under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. The CCMA is charged with a responsibility to assess company distress status and to recommend qualifying companies to both the Department and SETAs. The latter two will in conclude matters relating to the types of training required, duration, additional funding required from the NSF/UIF Jobs Fund in addition to what employers and the SETA are to contribute.
(2) The Director General will transfer the allocated amount to the SETA concerned after concluding an
(3) agreement with a SETA. The SETA will in turn assume the responsibility of disbursing funds to employers for payment of training lay-off allowances and to training providers.
(4) I will not be making a statement in parliament as I have already released a media statement on the Training Lay-off scheme. My Department is also distributing posters and leaflets through our Provincial offices and the 125 Labour Centres, CCMA and SETA Offices. These leaflets clearly explain the process to be followed by companies and their Trade Unions if they want to access the R2,4 billion
QUESTION 1804
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 16 October 2009
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 OF 2009
Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:†
(1) How many applications for work permits from people with critical skills have been received (a) in total and (b) from each country until the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2) how many (a) work permits have been issued (i) in total and (ii) per category in terms of the schedule of critical skills since publication of the schedule on 15 April 2008, (b) countries do the persons who have received work permits in terms of the critical skills work permit system hail from and (c) persons who have obtained such work permits hail from each of these countries; and
(3) how many of the work permits for persons with scarce skills have already been renewed since they were issued for the first time?
NW2305E
REPLY
(1)(a) Since the publication of the first Work Permit Quota List on
1 April 2006 (which made provision for the different types of categories) up to 31 August 2009, the Department of Home Affairs has received a total of 9 123 applications for quota work permits.
(1)(b) Statistics are not kept in respect of the number of work permits received, or issued per nationality.
(2)(a)(i) A total of 2 874 quota work permits have been issued, since
15 April 2008.
(2)(a)(ii) During the 2008/09 financial year, 1 380 quota permits were issued. Annexure A contains the breakdown. Since 1 April 2009, until 20 October 2009, 1 494 quota permits were issued. Annexure B provides a breakdown for this period.
(2)(b) & (c) The Department of Home Affairs does not keep statistics in respect of the number of work permits received, or issued per nationality, or country.
(3) The Department of Home Affairs does not keep statistics in respect of the type of category of work permits, which have been renewed.
Pease see the Annexure as attached.
QUESTION 1805
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 16 October 2009
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 OF 2009
Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(a) How many economic migrants are currently in South Africa and (b) what is their average period of stay in South Africa, (c) in which sectors of the economy are they employed and (d) what is their annual financial contribution to the economy? NW2306E
REPLY
We do not know. The Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002), does not make provision for economic migrants. The said Act does not cater for a specific permit to be issued to such migrants, which implies that such migrants do not qualify to apply for work permits.
That is why we have asked the Cabinet to allow us to consult, first.
QUESTION NO: 1806
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 October 2009
QUESTION PAPER NO: 22
DATE OF REPLY: 27 October 2009
Ms J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to Question 926 on 8 September 2009, he will provide itemised details on cost of preparatory work; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether the balance in the budget was returned to the Treasury; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether the expenditure on the project has been found to be fruitless expenditure that has been written off; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2307E
REPLY:
I was informed by Sentech as follows:
(1) The itemized details on the cost of the Dinaledi preparatory work is as follows:
· Wimax tender publication: R19,484.00
· External Auditors services for the Wimax tender adjudication: R216,416.00
· Planning work that was done in the Northern Cape as part of the preparation following the late Minister's request to have this province covered first. The Northern Cape was going to be used as part of the proof of the concept as well. The expenses were all subsistence & travel for 2 Engineering staff: R15,000.00
The above excludes the man hours that Sentech staff spent in meetings and discussions with the Department of Communications on the list of schools and planning the work by the e-cadres.
(2) The Sentech allocation for the National Wireless Broadband Network (NWBN) has not been returned to National Treasury as National Treasury and DoC have not approved the business and funding model. Discussions have been ongoing in finding an appropriate business and funding model.
(3) The expenditure has not been found fruitless nor has it been written off as we consider the project still open for implementation upon finalisation of the business and funding model.
QUESTION NO.: 1808
DATE OF PUBLICATION: October 2009
1808. Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
Whether certain airline companies (names furnished) have contributed towards affordable domestic routes to popular rural destinations in an effort to contribute to the economic growth of these rural areas; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2310E
REPLY
South African Express Airways (SAX) provides regional air services on lower density routes. By operating smaller aircraft SAX also serves as a feeder airline to the mainline airline South African Airways (SAA) within the Southern African region. The second referred to company is in the private sector and does not report to the Department of Public Enterprises.
SAX connects primary airports (such as O R Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and Durban International Airport) with secondary airports (such as Kimberley, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Bloemfontein, George, East London as well as Lubumbashi and Walvisbay) located within rural areas outside South Africa's main urban centres.
SAX contributes towards economic growth of outlying rural areas by providing regular (often daily) air services. As the majority of SAX's passengers travel to these smaller towns and cities for business purposes, SAX contributes directly to the growth of these businesses in such rural areas.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 1809
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 OF 16 OCTOBER 2009
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (COPE) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
Whether she is planning to close down foreign offices in the next two years; if so (a) which offices, (b) where and (c) when?
REPLY
In respect of part (a)
The Department does not intend closing any missions in the next two years.
In respect of part (b) and (c)
The Department does not intend closing any missions in the next two years.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLYQUESTION NO 1811
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: MONDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2009
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 – 2009)
Mr D A Kganare (Cope) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) How many executives of Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA) and its predecessors were dismissed since 1 January 2006;
(2) whether any of them received a settlement amount; if so, what amount in each case and what were the reasons for paying settlement amounts in each case of dismissal;
(3) whether the board of PRASA or its predecessors approved such payments; if not, who approved the payments?
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(1) According to the information that I have received from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), two Executives were dismissed from the Entity since January 2006. One was dismissed in August 2008 and the other in July 2009.
(2) The case of the one Executive who was dismissed in August 2008 was recently settled at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) with payment of six months' salary, amounting to R900 000 before taxes and other deductions, with the net payment amounting to R500 000.
The case of the other Executive dismissed in July 2009 is currently at the CCMA and will be finalized in January 2010.
(3) Any settlement with an employee below R1 million does not require Board approval, as per the resolution of the Board.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLYQUESTION NO 1812
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 08 DECEMBER 2009
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 – 2009)
Mr D A Kganare (Cope) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) How (a) many consultants were appointed annually by the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA) and its predecessors since 1 January 2006, (b) much was each paid, (c) which projects was each consultant involved in and (d) much did their appointment contribute to the profitability of the company in each case;
(2) whether the board approved their appointment; if not, (a) why not and (b) who approved their appointment in each case;
(3) whether procurement procedures were followed; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
NW2315E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(1) (a), (b), (c) and (d)
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) – as was the case with PRASA's predecessor, the South African Rail Commuter Corporation Limited (SARCC) - is a technical and capital intensive business that requires appropriate professional services in the fields of network planning, all types of engineering services, quantity surveying, et cetera, as it modernizes its business. 128 professional services were acquired since January 2006, with a total value of R118,483,028.00. The appointment of these professional services did add value to the business, and they were appointed for the expertise they possess within their fields.
(2) (a) and (b)
The appointment of professional services is governed by PRASA's Supply Chain Management Policy and Delegation of Authority, both of which are approved by the PRASA Board. Only appointments beyond the delegations of authority as approved by the Board have to go to the Board for approval.
(3) Yes, the Supply Chain Management Policy is/was followed with the appointment of professional services.
QUESTION NO 1813
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 OCTOBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22)
1813. Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether the Government has developed any policies which are now ready for implementation regarding the (a) handling, (b) treatment and (c) recycling of waste water generated by (i) mines, (ii) industries and (iii) households; if not, why not; if so, what is the policy regarding the (aa) dumping of waste water by different users, (bb) use of black water, (c) treatment of waste water and (d) the recycling of waste water?
REPLY:
( a) Yes. The National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) and the White Paper on National Water Policy have been developed and are progressively implemented by My Department to ensure proper handling, treatment and recycling of waste water generated by mines, industries and households.
(i) (a) (b) (c) My Department has developed regulations (i.e. Government Notice No. 704, gazetted 4 June 1999) guiding the handling, treatment and recycling of waste water from the mines.
(ii) (a) (b) (c) For industries and households, the handling, treatment and recycling of waste water is guided by Government Notice 1191, gazetted 8 October 1999.
(iii) (a) (b) (c) Refer to (ii) (a) (b) (c)
(aa) Refer to (i) and (ii) above.
(bb) Refer to (i) and (ii) above.
(d) Refer to (i) and (ii) above.
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 1814
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 OCTOBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22)
1814. Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether, in light of the fact that South Africa will face a water deficit of 1.7% by 2025, the Government has taken any steps to entrench a culture that will ensure that there was no waste of water and that all used water was recycled to the optimal level that was possible; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2317E
---00O00---
REPLY:
Yes. My Department is taking steps to entrench a culture of water conservation and re-use through various mechanisms. One such mechanism is awareness campaigns that are used to spread the water conservation message to the youth and the public (e.g. the Blue Ribbon and SA Youth Water Prize).
As water related issues are generally not sufficiently addressed in development plans, water conservation is one of My key messages in the Provincial Water Indabas. Therefore I have requested Provinces to incorporate water scarcity, water conservation and public awareness on the protection of our precious resource into the Provincial Water Plans. In addition, My Department has partnered with the City of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela, eThekwini and City of Johannesburg Metros on water conservation water demand management programmes.
My Department has conducted a number of reconciliation strategies that assess current availability of water, use and future requirements. From these, recycling of water is encouraged as potential source to augment existing supplies.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
(For written reply)
QUESTION NO. 1815
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2009
DATE OF PUBLICATiON: 16 October 2009
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(i) Whether the Government will make it mandatory for all suppliers of all products to eco-Iabel all items sold in South Africa in order to help consumers better understand the environmental impact of each product; if not, why not; jf so, what are the relevant details? NW2318E
1815. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(i) Eco-Iabelling is a viable tool in ensuring environmental awareness and sustainable consumption processes; however it should be noted that South Africa does not have legislation that could make it mandatory for all suppliers to eco-Iable. It should also be noted that the eco-Iabelling functions lie with the Department of Trade and Industry due to the fact that this issue borders around industry development and competitiveness.
To this effect the Department of Environmental Affairs has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to develop and implement such a programme (on a pilot basis) through the National Cleaner Production Center (a DTI agency) and Indalo Yethu (a DEA agency).
II is envisaged that this process will provide clear lessons that would lead to a broader roll out to all products. a multi-stakeholder process will need to be undertaken in determining whether the issue should be legislated and regulated as a mandatory practice.
QUESTION NO: 1816
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 October 2009
QUESTION PAPER NO: 22
DATE OF REPLY: 2 November 2009
Ms J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether all senior management positions in his department are filled; if not, when will vacancies be filled;
(2) (a) which positions have been filled recently, (b) by whom in each case, (c) what are the full details of their qualifications in each case and (d) what are the details of the processes that were followed in filling these positions;
(3) (a) which persons in senior management have been suspended, (b) what are the reasons of their suspension and (c) what are the details of each of these interventions;
(4) whether he and his department recognise the right of public servants to freedom of political association; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2320E
REPLY:
(1) Not all senior management positions have been filled. Based on the budget allocation received for personnel expenses in the 2009/10 year, the Department prioritised positions to be filled. All prioritized senior management positions will be filled before the end of the financial year.
(2) (a), (b) and (c): The following positions were filled recently:
| POSITIONS FILLED | INCUMBENT | QUALIFICATIONS |
| Chief Director: Internal Audit | Mr Michael Ntshingila | · Matric · Bcom Accounting · Honours in Accounting · Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting |
| Ministerial Liaison Officer | Mr Tiyani Rikhotso | · Matric · National Diploma in Journalism |
| Chief of Staff | Mr Alfred Mashishi | · Matric · Bachelor of Military Science · Master of Arts in International Security and Civil Military Relations. |
(d) These positions were advertised in national news papers and the applicants shortlisted. The interviews of the shortlisted candidates were undertaken by appointed panels. A process of reference checking and verification of qualifications is conducted following the interviews and the identification of the preferred candidates.
(3) (a) The Chief Director: Human Resource Management has been suspended.
(b) The suspension followed allegations of irregularities in the Human Resource Management Chief Directorate.
(c) A service provider was appointed to investigate the allegations after which a report will be provided. The outcome of the investigation will inform what action will be taken by the Director-General.
(4) In line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the Department and I recognise that everyone has the right to freedom of association and that every citizen is free to make political choices.
NSF/UIF Jobs Fund that we have established
QUESTION NO: 1822
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 October 2009
QUESTION PAPER NO: 24
DATE OF REPLY: 6 November 2009
Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether (a) Vodacom, (b) Cell C and (c) MTN have complied with their 3G licensing conditions; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, what outstanding issues do they still need to comply with in each case;
(2) whether there is a penalty clause in their contracts if they fail to comply with these licensing conditions; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) corrective measures and (b) further relevant details?
NW2344E
REPLY:
I was informed by ICASA as follows:
(1) (a), (b) and (c) Vodacom, Cell C and MTN have not complied fully with the licensing conditions. The outstanding issues for the three operators are as follows:
· Of the 716 schools allocated, Vodacom has rolled out connectivity to 715 schools in accordance with the approved implementation plan. However, there has been no roll-out of internet connectivity to Institutions of People with Disabilities (IPWDs) and of Terminal equipment to associated IPWDs.
· Of the 719 schools, MTN has rolled out connectivity to 486 schools in accordance with the approved implementation plan. However, there has been no roll-out of internet connectivity to Institutions of People with Disabilities (IPWDs) and of Terminal equipment to associated IPWDs.
· Of the 230 schools allocated, Cell C has rolled out connectivity to 2 schools in accordance with the approved implementation plan. However, there has been no roll-out of internet connectivity to Institutions of People with Disabilities (IPWDs) and of Terminal equipment to associated IPWDs.
(2) (a) and (b) It should be noted that the manner in which the obligations were crafted made it very difficult for the Authority to implement the obligations beyond what the licensees undertook in terms of their implementation plans.
It should further be noted that although it was not an obligation as per the licences, all the licensees have already provided some refurbished equipment to the schools that did not have the necessary funds to exploit the connectivity due to the unavailability of the requisite equipment.
The Authority has already identified the inefficiency with the current regulatory framework and has commenced the process of reviewing the applicable regulatory framework. To that end, a service provider has been appointed and is commencing with the relevant work. It is envisaged that a revised approach will be formulated within the next four (4) months and a public process should commence within two (2) months after completion of the work to be done by the service provider.
In instances where there is non-compliance with the obligations, the Authority may refer the matter to the Complaints Compliance Committee in accordance with section 17D of the ICASA Act, as amended. The Authority may take action against the licensee in accordance with the prescripts of section 17E of the ICASA Act.
QUESTION NO: 1823
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 October 2009
QUESTION PAPER NO: 24
DATE OF REPLY: 6 November 2009
Ms J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether any individual contracts in excess of R500 000 was awarded by (a) his department or (b) parastatals under its control to a certain company and/or its international affiliates in the (i) 2004-05, (ii) 2005-06 and (iii) 2007-08 financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case (aa) what department or entity awarded the contract, (bb) on what date was the contract awarded and (cc) what is the nature of the goods and/or services involved;
(2) whether all contracts have been completed; if not, (a) which contracts have not been completed and (b) what are the relevant details in each case?
NW2347E
REPLY:
(1) (a) My Department did not award any contracts to a certain company and/or its international affiliates in the 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2007/08 financial years.
(b) Only the South African Post Office (SAPO) and the SABC awarded individual contracts in excess of R500 000 to a certain company.
(i) Only SAPO awarded a contract in the 2004/05 financial year.
(ii) Only the SABC awarded a contract in the 2005/06 financial year.
(iii) Only the SABC awarded a contract in the 2007/08 financial year.
Financial year | (aa) Name of the SOE | (bb) Date when contract was awared | (cc) Nature of the goods and/or services |
| 2004/05 | SAPO | 29 July 2004 | Supply of coding and sorting machines as per RFP 2002/12/Postal Automation/MM |
| 29 July 2004 | Installing and commissioning of machines as per above contract. | ||
| December 2004 | Upgrade of three Sorting Machines at Witspos | ||
| 2005/06 | SABC | 12 October 2005 | Access Control System development. |
| 25 January 2006 | News intervention to resolve the issues preventing TV News using the new system. | ||
| 2006/07 | SABC | 02 May 2006 | Phase 1: Prepare a CAPEX review; compile Technology Roadmap, Project plan for roll out. |
| 01 September 2006 | Phase 2: Establish a Programme Management Office (PMO) to oversee all capital projects - ensure detailed measurements are implemented and do the pre-implementation of all capital projects | ||
| 2007/08 | SABC | 14 December 2007 | Revised Siemens contract for Phase 2 services to ramp up PMO services and fast track digitization of the SABC |
(2) The work on on all the contracts of SAPO and the SABC has been completed.
QUESTION NO 1820
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22)
1820. Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department laid any criminal charges against any individuals or companies with regard to the pollution of any of the perennial river catchment areas running into the Kruger National Park during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any irregularities were reported to the Green Scorpions on the same issue in 2009; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2313E
REPLY:
(1) No, My Department has not laid any criminal charges against any individuals or companies with regard to the pollution of any of the perennial river catchment areas running into the Kruger National Park to date. My Department has identified alleged polluters and notices/directives have been issued as reflected in Table 1 below:
Table 1: Non-Compliant Cases
| Name of alleged polluter | Non-compliance letter or Notice issued | Directive issued | Affected Perennial River |
| Palabora Mining Company | Section 19(3) and 53(1) for failing to take reasonable measures to prevent pollution and undertaking water use(s) activities without authorization. | No | Selati |
| Sasol Nitro | Section 19(3) and 53(1) for failing to take reasonable measures to prevent pollution and undertaking water use(s) activities without authorization. | No | Selati |
| Foskor | Section 19(3) and 53(1) for failing to take reasonable measures to prevent pollution and undertaking water use(s) activities without authorization. | No | Selati |
| Blue Ridge Platinum mine | Section 19(3) with regard to addressing a non-reported pollution incident | No | Olifants |
| Citrifruit Products (Pty) Ltd | Section 53(1) with regard to pollution related water uses (i.e. 21 e, f, g and h) | No | Crocodile |
| Drumrock Estate | Section 19(3) with regard to alleged sewage pollution | No | Crocodile |
| Eastside Colliery | Section 53(1) with regard to pollution related water uses (i.e. 21 g and j) | No | Upper Komati |
| Grootpan Colliery | Section 53(1) with regard to pollution related water uses (i.e. 21 g and j) | No | Upper Komati |
| Leeuwpan Coal | Section 53(1) with regard to pollution related water uses (i.e. 21 g and j) | No | Olifants |
| Limpopo Parks and Tourism | Section 19(3) for potential pollution from ablution facilities | No | Olifants |
| Name of alleged polluter | Non-compliance letter or Notice issued | Directive issued | Affected Perennial River |
| Mr T. Lourens | Section 19(3) and 53(1) for engaging in unlawful pollution related water uses. | No | Olifants |
| Northern Coal | Section 53(1) with regard to pollution related water uses (i.e. 21 g and j) | No | Upper Komati |
| Tselentis Colliery | Section 53(1) with regard to pollution related water uses (i.e. 21 g and j) | No | Upper Komati |
| Vuna Mining Enterprise | Section 53(1) with regard to pollution related water uses (i.e. 21 g and j) | No | Olifants |
| Onverdacht Colliery | Section 53(1) with regard to pollution related water uses (i.e. 21 g and j). There is a criminal case opened by EEPOG against this mine relating to water uses. | No | Upper Komati |
| MPC Chicks | Section 53(1) for pollution related water uses (21 e & g). A criminal case has been opened with the Delmas SAPS. | Yes | Olifants |
| Nkomazi Local Municipality | Section 19(3) for the overflow of raw sewage from the Komati Pump Station. | Yes | Crocodile |
| Delmas Local Municipality | Sections 19(3) and 53(1) for discharge poor quality effluent into Bronkhorstspruit River and operating with expired license. | No | Olifants |
| Emakhazeni Local Municipality | Section 19(3) for the overflow of raw sewage into Eefues River from the Machadodorp Pump Station. | No | Elands is the tributary of the Crocodile |
| Emalahleni Local Municipality | Section 19(3) Directive for the overflowing of Bankenveld Pump station. | Yes | Olifants |
| Bushbuckridge Local Municipality | Section 19(3) and 53(1) for discharging effluent of poor quality into the river and operating sewage works without a license. | No | Sabie |
| Thabachweu Local Municipality | Section 53(1) for failure to comply with license conditions for Lydenburg STW. | No | Sabie |
| Mbombela Local Municipality | Section 19(3) and 53(1) for discharging effluent of poor quality into the river from White River STW and non compliant to wastewater general standards. | No | Crocodile |
| Govan Mbeki Local Municipality | Section 19(3) and 53(1) for the discharge of poor quality effluent into the River and operating sewage works without license. | No | Olifants |
| Kungwini Local Municipality | Section 19(3) for the alleged sewage pollution at the Bronkhorstspruit River. | No | Olifants |
| Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality | Section 53(1) for operating the Groblersdal sewage treatment works without a valid license. | No | Olifants |
| Capricorn District Municipality | Section 53(1) for non-compliance to license conditions | No | Olifants |
(2) Falls away