Question & Repiles No 1601 to 1625

2009-11-05

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

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO.: 1624

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 OCTOBER 2009

Mr S J F Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(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 his department; if so, (a) how many and (b) what is their (i) job level and (ii) occupational category? NW2030E

REPLY

The Economic Development Department is a newly-created department and is in the process of developing staff guidelines. To date the Economic Development Department (EDD) has not developed nor adopted a written policy providing guidelines for the appointment of persons with a criminal record.

EDD has no plans at this stage to develop and adopt such a policy. Once it is more fully established, the development and adoption of such a policy will be considered.

At present, the dti assists EDD with the appointment of staff. The dti's human resources department verifies candidate's highest qualifications, confirms their South African citizenships, and checks that their criminal and credit records are clear.

In terms of the verification reports received to date, no employees have criminal records.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO.: 1623

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 OCTOBER 2009

Mr S J F Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

(1). Whether all (a)(i) offices and (ii) sites of his department and (b) entities reporting to him adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not, (aa) why not, (bb) which facilities fail to adhere to the Act, (cc) where are they situated and (dd) what (aaa) aspects of the Act does each such facility not comply with and (bbb) action has been taken in each case; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2). (a) how often should each facility be inspected and (b) when last was each facility inspected? NW2029E

REPLY

The Economic Development Department is currently accommodated within the office complex of the dti in Pretoria and in the facilities of the dti in Cape Town. The dti takes responsibility for all regulatory compliance issues. The honourable member is referred to the dti's response to question 1606 regarding the above matter.

MINISTER

QUESTION NO. 1620 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

A draft reply to Mr G R Krumbock (DA) to the above-mentioned question is enclosed for your

consideration.

Dirk van Schalkwyk

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (Acting)

DATE:

DRAFT REPLY APPROVED/AMENDED

MINISTER

DATE:

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

(For written reply)

QUESTION NO. 1620 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 20

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 October 2009

Mr G R Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister of Tourism:

(1) Whether his department organised or hosted (a) an imbizo, (b) a seminar, (c) conference and (d) any other function during the period 1 January 2006 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) on what date, (ii) what was the total amount spent on each, (iii) what is the breakdown of the cost in each case and (iv) how many guests attended in each case;

(2) whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests for each of the events; if so, in each case, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs;

(3) whether any member of the Cabinet was present at any of these events; if so, (a) who, (b) in what capacity and (c) why? NW2026E

MR G R KRUMBOCK (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS
1620. THE MINISTER OF TOURISM ANSWERS:

(1) (a) Yes,

(b) No

(d) Yes

Event organized by department				2. related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests for each of the events		3. Attendance By Cabinet Members
(i) Date	(ii) Cost	(iii) Cost Breakdown	(iv) Number of guests	2(a)	2(b)
Ministerial Consultation on the Tourism Sector Plan: Southern Sun Hotel next to OR Tambo Airport (hosted Gauteng, North West and Free State): 23 July 2009	R 24 064 (Shared with MINMEC Meeting)	· Venue & facilities · Catering	150 guests	None	N/A	Mr. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk in his capacity as Minister of Tourism, Ms Thokozile Xasa in her capacity as the Deputy Minister for Tourism, attended.
Ministerial Consultation on the Tourism Sector Plan: Cape Town Lodge (hosted Western Cape and Northern Cape): 28 July 2009	R45 736.00	· Venue & facilities · Catering	75 guests	None	N/A	Mr. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk in his capacity as Minister of Tourism,
Ministerial Consultation on the Tourism Sector Plan: Kelway Hotel in Port Elizabeth for the Eastern Cape: 30 July 2009	R21 125	· Venue & facilities · Catering	65 guests	None	N/A	Mr. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk in his capacity as Minister of Tourism, Ms Thokozile Xasa in her capacity as the Deputy Minister for Tourism
Ministerial Consultation on the Tourism Sector Plan: The Royal Hotel in Durban for Kwa Zulu Natal: 04 August 2009	R47 475.00	· Venue & facilities · Catering	75 guests	None	N/A	Mr. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk in his capacity as Minister of Tourism
Ministerial Consultation on the Tourism Sector Plan: Greenway Lodge in Nelspruit (hosted Mpumalanga and Limpopo: 11 August 2009	R21 200.00	· Venue & facilities · Catering	85 guests	None	N/A	Mr. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk in his capacity as Minister of Tourism, Ms Thokozile Xasa in her capacity as the Deputy Minister for Tourism
National Tourism Careers Expo 2009 Durban Exhibition Centre from 17-19 September 2009	R2m.	· Venue Hire & facilities for 3 days · Marketing and communication for the event · Professional fees for Service provider	17 000 Learners and educators	R300 000.00	R33 300.00 catered for the learner`s Transport and accommodation from each of the nine Provinces	Yes. Ms Thokozile Xasa in her capacity as the Deputy Minister for Tourism to open the event and as co-host.
Tourism Month and World Tourism Day Celebrations August to September 2009	R2 399,999.70	Services rendered include: AV, Sound and Lighting: Catering, Content and Design: AV Production and Screens: Décor, Styling and Staging: Entertainment: Photography and Video: Venue	2420	None, guests made travel and accommodation arrangements at their own cost.	Not Applicable	Minister hosted the Launch of the tourism month at Newtown in Johannesburg and the Deputy Minister officiated the World Tourism Day Celebration in Kimberley.
NDT Staff Imbizo South African Reserve Bank Conference Centre on 15 October 2009	R 75 091.80	Half day Conference Package Recording Tapes.	235	No	Not applicable.	Minister for Tourism to address the staff.
8^th Annual National Tourism Conference 30 October 2009	R2,006,254.40	Services rendered include: Venue, Technical Equipment Conference Décor Branding/Conference Materials Marketing Cocktail Function Tourism Ambassadors	714	Yes, travel costs for one international speaker	Return Air Ticket(Business Class) from new York: R67,157.00	Minister for Tourism was the host.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

(For written reply)

QUESTION NO. 1619

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 20

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 October 2009

Mr G R Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister of Tourism:

(1) Whether all (a)(i) offices and (ii) sites of his department and (b) entities reporting to him adhere to

the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not, (aa) why not, (bb) which facilities fail to adhere to the Act, (cc) where are they situated, (dd) what (aaa) aspects of the Act does each such facility not comply with and (bbb) action has been taken in each case; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) (a) how often should each facility be inspected and (b) when last was each facility inspected? NW2025

1619. THE MINISTER OF TOURISM ANSWERS:

1 (a)(i) Yes

(ii) No

(b) Yes

(aa) The leased buildings complied with most of the aspects of the act except for the accessibility to physically challenged persons. We have requested Department of Public Works to address the issue of accessibility.

(bb) Nelspruit and Upington Regional Offices

(cc) Nelspruit in 17 Streak Street and Upington in 60 Mark Street.

(dd)(aaa) Accessibility to physically challenged persons

(bbb) Accessibility requirements are being addressed by Department of Public Works in all buildings occupied by government.

2. (a) Twice a year.

(b) Nelspruit inspected on 20 October 2009 and Upington on 28 October 2009. All other offices were inspected in July 2009.

QUESTION 1617

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 9 October 2009

Internal question paper no:

Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

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

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

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

(4) whether any employees with criminal records are currently employed by her department; if so, (a) how many and (b) what is their (i) job level and (ii) occupational category? NW2023E

REPLY:

(1) No. The Department has not yet developed and adopted a policy providing guidelines for the appointment of persons with a criminal record. However, the Department of Public Service and Administration has issued a directive in respect of the verification of an applicant's criminal record, citizenship, financial/asset record checks, qualification and previous employment that has been implemented in my Department.

(2) Yes. The Recruitment and Selection Policy is currently under review in order to set out the guidelines on circumstances under which appointments will be prohibited. The latest Public Service Commission's report will also be used to inform the review of the Policy.

(3) Yes. The personal details of potential employees are referred to the National Intelligence Agency who assists to conduct criminal record checks.

(4) The Department is not aware of any criminal records for employees prior to implementation of the DPSA Directive that took effect on 1 January 2008.

QUESTION 1616

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 9 October 2009

Internal question paper no:

Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether her department organised or hosted (a) an imbizo, (b) a seminar, (c) conference and (d) any other function during the period 1 January 2006 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) on what date, (ii) what was the total amount spent on each, (iii) what is the breakdown of the cost in each case and (iv) how many guests attended in each case;

(2) whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests for each of the events; if so, in each case, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs;

(3) whether any member of the Cabinet was present at any of these events; if so, (a) who, (b) in what capacity and (c) why? NW2022E

REPLY:

(1)(a)(b)(c)(d) Yes, the department hosted imbizos, seminars, conferences and other functions to create awareness of the key social development policies, legislation, programmes and projects in line with its mandate and strategic objectives since 2006.

(1)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv) The detailed information on the specific dates, total amounts spent on each event, the breakdown of costs of each case and the number of guests attended in each case are not available to us because no register was kept in this regard. Departmental events and its related expenses are done in line with the relevant financial management legislative requirements, departmental policy and procedures, as well as the approved budgets for each Programme.

(2)(a)(b) Yes, but the detailed information on the cost for the travel and accommodation of guests for each of the events and the breakdown of such costs are not available due to the fact that no register of events was kept that can be linked to costs. Travel and accommodation expenses of the guests for each event are done in line with the relevant financial management legislative requirements, departmental policy and procedures, as well as the approved budgets for each Programme.

(3)(a)(b)(c) Yes, members of Cabinet were present at some of the events, but the detail on the specific members, their capacity, and the reason for attendance of such events are not available as there was no such record kept.

INTERNAL QUESTION

QUESTIONS 1614

Friday, 9 October 2009

1614. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Service and Administration:

(1) Whether all (a)(i) offices and (ii) sites of his department and (b) entities reporting to him adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not, (aa) why not, (bb) which facilities fail to adhere to the Act, (cc) where are they situated and (dd) what (aaa) aspects of the Act does each such facility not comply with and (bbb) action has been taken in each case; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) (a) how often should each facility be inspected and (b) when last was each facility inspected? NW2020E

Reply

1. (a)(i) Yes, the offices of the Department of Public Service and Administration do adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993.

(ii) This question is not applicable in the DPSA environment as the Department has no sites establishment.

(b) All entity offices are in compliant, i.e PALAMA, GEMS and CPSI.

2. (a)The Department's premises are inspected on quarterly basis on DPSA's request by the Department of Public Works and the Landlord.

(b) The Department of Public Works inspected the building in August 2009.

INTERNAL QUESTION

QUESTIONS 1613

Friday, 9 October 2009

1613. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

(2) whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests for each of the events; if so, in each case, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs;

(3) whether any member of the Cabinet was present at any of these events; if so, (a) who, (b) in what capacity and (c) why? NW2019E

REPLY

(1)(a)(b) The Minister for Public Service and Administration has hosted imbizos in the Limpopo and the Eastern Cape Province during the 2008/09 financial year. An amount of R86 653.57 was spent in Limpopo to distribute pamphlets to create awareness regarding the community stakeholder engagement meeting with the Minister. No expenditure was spent within the Eastern Cape Province.

The department did not host or organize seminars since 2006 up to the time of this response.

(1)(c) The department has hosted several conferences which have been funded by the department and partially sponsored by certain organisations. The following conferences during the period 1 January 2006 to 30 September 2009 were held by the department:

(1)(c) Conference	(1)(i) Date of conference	(1)(ii) Amount spent	(1)(iii) Breakdown of cost	(1)(iv) No of guests
Anti-Corruption Learning Network	31 July 2008	R78 000, 00	Conference Venue: R49k Printing: R29k	150
Anti-Corruption Learning Network	30-31 July 2009	R92 000, 00	Printing: R6k Conference materials: R40k Travelling & accommodation: R45k Conference venue and cocktail function were paid by sponsors.	150

5^th Senior Management Services	20-21 September 2006	R43 000, 00	Conference material and books: R43k The conference venue, gala dinner and travelling costs were paid by sponsors.	500
6^th Senior Management Services	12-14 September 2007	R276 000, 00	Conference material and books: R200k Security: R76k The conference venue, gala dinner and travelling costs were paid by sponsors.	600
7^th Senior Management Services	8-9 September 2008	R200 000, 00	Conference material and books: R200k The conference venue and gala dinner were paid by sponsors.	350
8^th Senior Management Services	10-11 September 2009	R161 000, 00	Conference material and books: R161k The conference venue and gala dinner costs were paid by sponsors.	300

1^st Health and Wellness	8-11 October 2006	R2.271 mil	Conference venue: R1.1million Conference recording and report writing: R170 000, 00 Network session:R175 000, 00 Promotional items: R431 000, 00 Event coordinator: R137 000, 00 Communication and branding: R155 000, 00 Interpreters: R51 000, 00 Braille material: R16 000, 00 Security services: R4 000, 00 Entertainment: R18 000, 00 Mobile toilets: R5 000, 00 Courier services: R9 000, 00	360
2^nd Health and Wellness	21-23 October 2007	R876 000, 00	Conference venue: R604 000, 00k Speakers: R100 000, 00 Promotional items: R67 000, 00 Branding: R50 000, 00 Security services: R10 000, 00 CDs on strategic framework: R45 000, 00	540
3^rd Health and Wellness	16-18 November 2008	R374 000, 00	Books: R116 000, 00 Speakers: R160 000, 00 CDs on strategic framework: R98 000, 00 Expenditure regarding conference venue, gala dinner and promotional items were paid by sponsors.	539

1^st National Conference of Community Development Workers	11-12 June 2007	R456 000, 00	Air and ground transport:R127 Conference venues: R329 000, 00	500

Community Development Worker Indaba	14-15 March 2008	R4.1m	Transport and Accommodation: R4.1m Conference venue expenditure was paid by sponsors.	3 000

Global Forum V Fighting Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity	2-5 April 2007	R23.9 million	Event coordinator: R2.8mil Interpretations: R3.7mil Translations: R752 000, 00 IT requirements: R432 000, 00 Conference venues: R1,8mil Audio materials: R268 000, 00 Cocktail and gala function and entertainment: R2mil Temp staff: R82k Transport and Accommodation: R3.4mil Flights: R8.7mil	850

6^th Pan Africa Conference	13-15 October 2008	R13.765mil	Event promoters: R2.7mil Accommodation: R4.5mil Audiovisual services: R441 000, 00 Translators: R1.4mil Contractors: R381 000, 00 Security services:R349k Health services: R82 000, 00 Leasing office equipment and computers: R256 000, 00 Inventory: R247 000, 00 Catering: R383 000, 00 Communication: R710 000, 00 Flights: R416 000, 00 Conference venues: R1.9k Sponsors also contributed towards the marketing and venue expenditure	500

5^th Annual Service Delivery Learning Academy	12-14 July 2006	R1m	Conference venues: R866k Printing: R70k Consultants: R32k Promotional gifts: R33k	500
6th Annual Service Delivery Learning Academy	9-11 October 2007	R553k	Conference venues: R532k Promotional gifts: R21k	500
7th Annual Service Delivery Learning Academy	November 2008	R841k	Conference venues: R785k Promotional gifts: R56k	790

Public Service Gender Indaba	18 – 19 of August 2008	R681k	Conference venues: R422k Promotional materials: R64k Printing: R22k Entertainment: R47k Interpreters: R5k Transport: R2k Trophies: R1k Travel/Accommodation VIP: R101k Travel/Accommodation employees: R17k Venue expenditure was partially sponsored as well as the gala dinner	300
Public Service Gender Indaba	20 – 21 of August 2009	R630k	Conference venues: R344k Promotional materials: R196k Printing: R11k Interpreters: R19k Trophies: R2k Travel/Accommodation VIP: R5k Travel/Accommodation employees: R38k Entertainment: R15k	180

CPSI – 2006 Annual Public Sector Innovation Awards	2 November 2006	R1.1mil	Advertising and venue costs: R951k Consultants: R60k Printing: R117k
CPSI – 2007 Annual Public Sector Innovation Awards	20 November2007	R375k	Conference venue: R302k Conference review: R37k Promotional gifts: R36k Advertising and entertainment costs were paid by sponsors.	157
CPSI – 2008 Annual Public Sector Innovation Awards	27-28 November 2008	R801k	Conference venue: R710k Promotional gifts: R94k Advertising and entertainment costs were paid by sponsors.	403
CPSI – 2009 Annual Public Sector Innovation Awards	25-28 August 2009	R1.300mil	Conference venue: R1.072mil Promotional gifts: R108k Entertainment: R23k Audio visual equipment: R97k The advertising and additional entertainment costs were paid by sponsors.	476

(1)(d) The Department organizes on an annual basis the Public Service week for the entire Public Service and has annual year-end functions. The expenditure relating to this function is as follows:

Function	Date	Total amount spent	Breakdown of costs	No of guests
Public Service Week	23 June 2006	R2.898mil	Satellite Connectivity: R2.7mil Promotional gifts: R16K Entertainment: R97k Printing: R85k
Public Service Week	22 July 2007	R164k	Promotional gifts: R73k Posters: R52k Venues: R39k
Public Service Week	17-20 June 2008	R185k	Promotional gifts: R185k
Public Service Week	23 June 2009	R393k	Promotional gifts: R393k
Annual year-end function	November 2007	R208k	Restaurant and food costs	250
Annual year-end function	November 2008	R174k	Restaurant and food costs	300

2. The Department only paid for the travel and accommodation costs for guests during the following events.

(2)(c) Conference	(2)(a) Amount spent on travel and accommodation for guests	(2)(b) Breakdown of cost

1^st Health and Wellness	R239k	Accommodation: R15k Flights: R224
2^nd Health and Wellness	R90k	Accommodation: R16k Flights: R74
3^rd Health and Wellness	R180k	Accommodation: R35k Flights: R145k

Community Development Workers Indaba	R4.1mil	Transport and Accommodation: R4.1mil

Global Forum V Fighting Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity	R12.1mil	Transport and Accommodation: R3.4mil Air transport: R8.7mil
6^th Pan Africa Conference	R4.9mil	Flights: R419k Accommodation: R4.5mil

Public Service Gender Indaba	R100k	Flights: R91k Accommodation: R9k
Public Service Gender Indaba	R5k	Flights: R3k Accommodation: R2k

No travel and accommodation for guests were paid for the following events: Anti-Corruption Learning Network, Senior Management Services, Service Delivery Learning Academy and the Annual Public Sector Innovation Awards.

(3) Cabinet members attending the events are as follows:

1^st Anti-Corruption Learning Network

(3)(a) The conference was attended by Ms Fraser- Moleketi.

(3)(b) Ms Fraser-Moleketi attended the conference in her capacity as the Minister for Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The former Minister gave the Keynote Address.

2^nd Anti-Corruption Learning Network

(3)(a) The conference was attended by Mr R Padayachie.

(3)(b) Mr R Padayachie attended the conference in his capacity as the Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The Deputy Minister gave the Keynote Address.

5^th SMS Conference

(3)(a) During the 2006 financial year Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka and Ms GJ Fraser- Moleketi attended the conference.

(3)(b) Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka attended the conference in her capacity as the Deputy President and Ms Fraser-Moleketi as the Minister for Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The former Deputy President gave the Keynote Address at the SMS gala dinner; the former Minister gave the Keynote Address at the conference.

6^th SMS Conference

(3)(a) During the 2007 financial year, Ms Fraser- Moleketi was the only Cabinet member who attended the conference.

(3)(b) Ms Fraser-Moleketi was in her capacity as the Minister for Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The former Minister gave the Keynote Address at the conference.

7^th SMS Conference

(3)(a) During the 2008 financial year Ms GJ Fraser- Moleketi attended the conference.

(3)(b) Ms GJ Fraser-Moleketi was in her capacity as the Minister for Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The former Minister gave the Keynote Address at the conference.

8^th SMS Conference

(3)(a) During the 2009 financial year, the following Cabinet members attended the conference: Mr R Baloyi and Mr R Padayachie.

(3)(b) Mr Baloyi attended the conference in his capacity as the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Mr R Padayachie as the Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The Minister gave the Keynote Address at the conference and the Deputy Minister delivered a speech at the gala dinner function.

1^st Health and Wellness Conference

(3)(a) During the 2006 financial year Ms GJ Fraser-Moleketi attended the conference as a cabinet member.

(3)(b) Ms GJ Fraser-Moleketi attended the conference in the capacity as the Minster of Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) Ms Fraser-Moleketi gave the Keynote Address and launched the draft Job Access Strategy as a consultation document at the conference.

2^nd Health and Wellness Conference

(3)(a) During the 2007 financial year, Ms GJ Fraser-Moleketi attended the conference as a cabinet member.

(3)(b) Ms Fraser-Moleketi attended the conference in her capacity as the Minister for the Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) Ms Fraser-Moleketi gave the Keynote Address and launched the draft Employee Health and Wellness Strategic Framework as a consultation document.

3^rd Health and Wellness Conference

(3)(a) During the 2008 financial year, Dr Molefu Sefularo attended the conference as a cabinet member.

(3)(b) Dr Molefu Sefularo attended the conference in his capacity as the Deputy Minister of Health.

(3)(c) The cabinet member gave the Keynote Address and launched the final Employee Health and Wellness Strategic Framework.

6^th Pan Africa Conference

(3)(a) Ms GJ Fraser-Moleketi attended the conference.

(3)(b) The former Minister attended the conference in her capacity as the Minister for Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The former Minister gave the Keynote Address at the conference.

1^st Public Service Gender Indaba:

(3)(a) During the 2008 financial year, the former Minister for Public Service and Administration, Ms. GJ Fraser Moleketi and Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka attended the Indaba.

(3)(b) The Minister and the Deputy President attended the Indaba in their capacities as Minister for Public Service and Administration and Deputy President of the Republic.

(3)(c) Both the former Minister and Deputy President were invited to the Indaba to do presentations. The former Minister gave an opening address, and presented the awards for the winners of the Outstanding Women in the Public Service. The former Deputy President presented a Keynote Address.

2^nd Public Service Gender Indaba

(3)(a): During the 2009 financial year Minister RM Baloyi and Deputy Minister R Padayachie attended the conference

(3)(b) The Minister for Public Service and Administration attended as the political head of the department. The Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration attended as the Deputy Minister of the Department

(3)(c) The Minister delivered the Keynote Address during the gala dinner and the Deputy Minister delivered the Keynote Address at the Indaba.

1^st National Conference of Community Development Workers

(3)(a) The conference was attended by Ms Fraser-Moleketi.

(3)(b) The Minister attended in her capacity as the Minister for Public Services and Administration.

(3)(c) Ms Fraser-Moleketi attended the conference as she was the Keynote Speaker at the conference.

Community Development Workers Indaba

(3)(a) The Indaba was attended by Mr Bheki and Ms Fraser-Moleketi.

(3)(b) The former President as Head of the State spearheaded the creation of the programme. The former Minister of Public services and Administration was responsible for the programme at the time and the other members were playing a role in the community development workers in their relevant departments

(3)(c) The members of cabinet attended the conference as they were guest speakers.

Global Forum V

(3)(a) The international conference was attended by Mr T Bheki and Ms Fraser-Moleketi.

(3)(b) Mr Bheki attended the conference as the former President of the Republic and Ms Fraser-Moleketi as the former Minister of Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The former President opened the conference and the former Minister also gave a Keynote Address.

2006 CPSI Innovation awards

(3)(a) The conference was attended by Ms GJ Fraser-Moleketi.

(3)(b) Ms Fraser-Moleketi attended the conference as the former Minister of Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The former Minister also gave a Keynote Address at the conference.

2007 CPSI Innovation awards

No Cabinet member attended this conference.

2008 CPSI Innovation awards

(3)(a) The conference was attended by Ms GJ Fraser-Moleketi.

(3)(b) Ms Fraser-Moleketi attended the conference as the former Minister of Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The former Minister also gave a Keynote Address at the conference.

2009 CPSI Innovation awards

(3)(a) The conference was attended by Minister RM Baloyi and the Deputy Minister R Padayachie.

(3)(b) Minister Baloyi attended the conference as the Minister of Public Service and Administration and Mr Padayachie as the Deputy Minister Public Service and Administration.

(3)(c) The Minister also gave a Keynote Address at the conference.

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO.: 1612

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 October 2009

1612. Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

(1)Whether all (a)(i) offices and (ii) sites of her department and (b) entities reporting to her adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not, (aa) why not, (bb) which facilities fail to adhere to the Act, (cc) where are they situated and (dd) what (aaa) aspects of the Act does each such facility not comply with and (bbb) action has been taken in each case; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2)(a) how often should each facility be inspected and (b) when last was each facility inspected? NW2018E

REPLY

Alexkor:

(1)(b)(aa-dd)(aaa-bbb) Alexkor is regulated by the Mine Health and Safety Act No 29 of 1996. In addition to the Mine Health and Safety Act, Alexkor complies with the statutory requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act). A Health and Safety Committee and various subcommittees on health and safety have been constituted to monitor and ensure compliance with the OHS Act and meets on a monthly basis to discuss health and safety matters.

(2)(a-b) Alexkor inspects its facilities on a monthly basis. An inspection of the facilities was conducted in November 2009.

Broadband Infraco:

(1)(b)(aa-dd)(aaa-bbb) Broadband Infraco complies with the statutory requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act). A Health and Safety Committee and various subcommittees on health and safety have been constituted to monitor and ensure compliance with the OHS Act and meets on a monthly basis to discuss health and safety matters.

(2)(a-b) Broadband Infraco inspects its facilities on a monthly basis. An inspection of the facilities was conducted in November 2009.

DENEL:

(b)(aa-dd)(aaa-bbb) Denel complies with the statutory requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act). A Health and Safety Committee and various subcommittees on health and safety have been constituted to monitor and ensure compliance with the OHS Act and meets on a monthly basis to discuss health and safety matters.

(2)(a-b) Denel inspects its facilities on a monthly basis. An inspection of the facilities was conducted in November 2009.

Department of Public enterprises (DPE):

(1)(a)(i-ii) The Department of Public Enterprises complies with the statutory requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act). A Health and Safety Committee has been constituted to monitor and ensure compliance with the OHS Act and meets on a quarterly basis to discuss health and safety matters.

(2) (a-b) (a) A full inspection is done once a year and OHS compliance checks are conducted on a monthly basis. An inspection of the facility was conducted in November 2009.

Eskom:

(b)(aa-dd)(aaa-bbb) Eskom complies with the statutory requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act). A Health and Safety Committee and various subcommittees on health and safety have been constituted to monitor and ensure compliance with the OHS Act and meets on a monthly basis to discuss health and safety matters.

(2)(a) Eskom inspects its facilities on a monthly basis. An inspection of the facilities was conducted in November 2009.

PBMR:

(b)(aa-dd)(aaa-bbb) Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (Pty) Ltd (PBMR) complies with the statutory requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act). A Health and Safety Committee and various subcommittees on health and safety have been constituted to monitor and ensure compliance with the OHS Act and meets on a monthly basis to discuss health and safety matters.

(2)(a-b) PBMR conducts its inspection on a monthly basis. An inspection of the facilities was conducted in November 2009.

SAA:

(1) (b)(aa-dd)(aaa-bbb) South African Airways (SAA) complies with the statutory requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act). A Health and Safety Committee and various subcommittees on health and safety have been constituted to monitor and ensure compliance with the OHS Act and meets on a monthly basis to discuss health and safety matters. In addition to the OHS Act, SAA complies with the requirements of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

(2)(a-b) SAA conducts its inspection on a monthly basis. An inspection of the facilities was conducted in November 2009.

SAFCOL:

(1)(b)(aa-dd)(aaa-bbb) SAFCOL complies with the statutory requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act). A Health and Safety Committee and various subcommittees on health and safety have been constituted to monitor and ensure compliance with the OHS Act and meets on a monthly basis to discuss health and safety matters.

(2)(a-b) SAFCOL conducts its inspection on a monthly basis. An inspection of the facilities was conducted in November 2009.

SAX:

(1)(b)(aa-dd)(aaa-bbb) South African Express Airways (SAX) complies with the statutory requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act). A Health and Safety Committee and various subcommittees on health and safety have been constituted to monitor and ensure compliance with the OHS Act and meets on a monthly basis to discuss health and safety matters. In addition to the OHS Act, SAX complies with the requirements of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

(2)(a-b) SAX inspects its facilities on a monthly basis. An inspection of the facilities was conducted in November 2009.

Transnet:

(1)(b)(aa-dd)(aaa-bbb) Transnet complies with the statutory requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHS Act). A Health and Safety Committee and various subcommittees on health and safety have been constituted to ensure compliance with the OHS Act and meets on a monthly basis to discuss safety and health related matters.

(2)(a-b) Transnet inspects its facilities on a monthly basis. An inspection of the facilities was conducted in November 2009. In addition, NOSA conducts annual safety inspections in each of the operating divisions of Transnet. The last NOSA audits were conducted in February 2009.

QUESTION NO.: 1611

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 October 2009

1611. Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

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

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

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

(4)whether any employees with criminal records are currently employed by her department; if so, (a) how many and (b) what is their (i) job level and (ii) occupational category? NW2017E

REPLY:

(1)(a) There is currently no Departmental policy that deals specifically with the appointment of persons with criminal records. However, the Department does have a Recruitment policy in place and is also guided by the provisions in the in the Public Service Act and the Public Service Regulations when making appointments. In addition, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) conducts reference and criminal checks for all new employees' prior appointment.

(2) Yes, the Department intends to update its existing Recruitment policy to include a chapter that addresses appointment of persons with a criminal record.

(3) Yes, the Department does screen potential employees for criminal records by utilising the services of NIA.

(4)(a)(b)(iii) Yes, an employee with a minor criminal record is currently employed in the Department as a Director. Details of the criminal record were brought to the attention of the Department via the NIA vetting process.

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO.: 1610

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 October 2009

1610. Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

(1)Whether her department organised or hosted (a) an imbizo, (b) a seminar, (c) conference and (d) any other function during the period 1 January 2006 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) on what date, (ii) what was the total amount spent on each, (iii) what is the breakdown of the cost in each case and (iv) how many guests attended in each case;

(2)whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests for each of the events; if so, in each case, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs;

(3) whether any member of the Cabinet was present at any of these events; if so,

(a) who, (b) in what capacity and (c) why? NW2016E

REPLY

Yes, the Department organised functions from 01 January 2006 to date. Information is attached - (Annexure A).

Annexure A:

Functions organised by the Department of Public Enterprises from 01 January 2006 to 2009 – the amount spent and guests invited. Please note that Izimbizo are open to the public and the exact number of guests cannot be determined.


Year:	Function:	Guests invited	Total amount spent and break down of the cost	Cabinet Member	Reasons for the function
2007 ((12-13/04/07)	Imbizo	The Premier, MEC, Eskom CEO, Mining Directors, Local Business People and the Community	Total amount spent R 18,837.50	Other than the Minister of Public Enterprises, no other Cabinet Ministers attended. The following political dignitaries were invited: Premier and MEC	To meet and discuss issues raised by local communities
			Break down: Transport for the community – R18,837.50
Year:	Function:	Guests invited	Total amount spent and break down of the cost	Cabinet Member	Reasons for the function
2008 (09-10/04/08)	Imbizo	Acting MEC for Economic Development, Two Municipal Mayors, Senior Managers from Local Municipalities, Representatives from Eskom, NUM and Solidarity	Total amount spent R109,081.50	Other than the Minister of Public Enterprises, no other Cabinet Ministers attended. The Acting MEC Economic development and two Mayors were invited.	To meet and discuss issues raised by local communities
			Event arrangements and venue costs R 98,881.80 Catering R 10, 200.00
Year:	Function:	Guests invited	Total amount spent and break down of the cost	Cabinet Member	Reasons for the function
2009 (15/01/09)	Imbizo	Municipality Mayor, Council, Two Representatives from the Provincial Office: Economics, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Eskom CEO, Local Business People and Energy Unions' Representatives	The Department of Public Enterprises did not incur travel and accommodation costs for the invited guests.	Other than the Minister of Public Enterprises, no other Cabinet Ministers attended. The Municipality Mayor was invited.	To meet and discuss issues raised by local communities

Year:	Function:	Guests invited	Total amount spent and break down of the cost	Cabinet Member	Reasons for the function
2007 (08/11/07)	Urban Renewal Programme	About 200	Total amount spent R39,500.00	The Minister of Public Enterprises and the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs attended. The following political dignitaries were invited: District Mayors and MECs.	To meet and discuss issues raised by local communities
			Hiring marquees and chairs for R30,000 and Lunch R 9,500
01/12/2007	Richtersveld Handover Ceremony	Approximately 4000 – 6000 people attended this event including all of the Richtersveld communities – Kuboes, Esksteenfontein, Sandrift and Lekkersing. Dignitaries included: the President, Ministers of Agriculture and Land Affairs, Minerals and Energy, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Provincial and Local Government and Transport were invited. In addition the Mining Industry community was invited, the CEOs of De Beers, strategic partners Development Bank SA, SOE Chairpersons and CEOs, as well as members of the Portfolio and Select Committees and the Premier of Northern Cape, Mayors, MECs, Local and District Municipality were invited, as well as government officials from the departments of Justice, Agriculture, National Treasury and Public Enterprises were also invited.	Approximately R3,000,000 including: Memorial wall and park catering, travel & accommodation, staging and equipment entertainment advertising and communications branding materials	Ministers of Land Affairs, Minerals and Energy and Public Enterprises attended.	To hand over the Richtersveld land back to the people of the Richtersveld, who won a landmark court settlement agreement in October 2008.
Year:	Function:	Guests invited	Total amount spent and break down of the cost	Cabinet Member	Reasons for the function
Year:2007 (06-11 May 2007)	Winter/Autumn School	An average of 35 attendees over 5 days	Total amount spent R350,500.00	Minister of Public Enterprises	For the department and both PC and SC to discussion strategic issues in relation to its mandate

			For catering and accommodation R150,000.00 Event arrangement and facilitator R200,500.00
Year:	Function:	Guests invited	Total amount spent and break down of the cost	Cabinet Member	Reasons for the function
Year:2008	Winter/Autumn School	An average of 31 attendees over 4 days	Total amount spent R 654,854.25	Minister of Public Enterprises	For the department and both PC and SC to discussion strategic issues in relation to its mandate
			Event arrangement and facilitator R 313, 325.75 Hire of venue and accommodation costs R 341,528.50
Year:	Function:	Guests invited	Total amount spent and break down of the cost	Cabinet Member	Reasons for the function
Year:2009 (11-13/08/09)	Winter/Autumn School	An average of 24 attendees over 3 days	Total amount spent R 626,685.33	Minister of Public Enterprises	For the department and both PC and SC to discussion strategic issues in relation to its mandate
			Event arrangement and facilitator R 435,668.54 Hire of venue and catering R 58,935.55 Accommodation R 132,081.24

QUESTION NUMBER 1608

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 20)

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

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

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

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

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

REPLY

(1) Yes,

(a) (i) in 2002 under DME

(ii) in 2004

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

(2) Not applicable

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

(4) No

(a) Not applicable

(b) (i) Not applicable

(ii) Not applicable

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Question 1606

Mr A Louw (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry;

(1) Whether all (a)(i) offices and (ii) sites of his department and (b) entities reporting to him adhere to the Occupational Health and. Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not, (aa) why not, (bb) which facilities fail to adhere to the Act, (cc) where are they situated and (dd) what (aaa) aspects of the Act does each such facility not comply with and (bbb) action has been taken in each case; if so, What are the relevant details;

(2) (a) how often should each facility be inspected and (b) when last was each facility inspected? NW2011E

Response:

(1 )(a) Not all the sites of the department adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Two safety audits were conducted and a rectification plan is in place to address this.

(b) Entities reporting to the dti are responsible for their own compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

(aa) The non-compliance is due to old furniture that has been replaced in regional offices, as well as the appointment and training of representatives in terms of the Act Trained representatives are required to assist in the evacuation processes.

(bbb) the dti offices in Gape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. Key issues identified in the audits include evacuations, furniture and training of Safety Representatives. An action plan is being implemented to deal with this. Training is scheduled from 23 to 29 October 2009.

(2)(a) In terms of the occupational Health and Safety Act, each facility needs to be inspected at least every quarter.

(b) The regional facilities In Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth were inspected during the week of 27-28/07/2009 by the responsible directorate. The regional office in Pretoria is done on a monthly basis.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Question no 1604 /NW2010E

Mr A Louw (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

1. Whether the department organized/hosted any (a) imbizo. (b) seminar/conference, (c) function at any time from 1 January 2006 up to the latest date for which information is available: is so; (i) on what date, (ii) what was the total amount spent on each, (iii) what is the breakdown of the cost for each, (iv) how many guests attended each?

2. Whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests for each (a) imbizo, (b) seminar/conference, (c) function at any time from 1 January 2006 up to the latest date for which information is available; is so: (i) what were the cost and what was the breakdown of these costs?

Whether any member of the cabinet was present at any of these events; if so, (a) who, (b) in what capacity, and (c) and what were the reasons for each of their attendance?

THE MINISTER OF LABOUR REPLY:

Yes the Department did host various types of stakeholders and staff meetings, Imbizos and conferences between the 1^st January 2006 until the end of September 2009. Detailed information on every little event or venue that we across all our offices is not readily available as the Department's Standard Chart of Accounts on the Basic Accounting System does not make it possible for us to provide a detailed breakdown of information on items such as Imbizos and Conference expenditure.

What we have in the system is expenditure relating to Venues and Facilities that we booked for conferences, Transport, etc.

The attendance at these events differed and was depended on the nature of meetings. Travelling and associated costs depended on where the meetings were held, and the costs had different components as well e.g. local people my drive, whilst people from other provinces would fly in and also used hired cars.

The expenditure on all these activities were audited annually by the Auditor General and the audited financial statements of the Department were tabled annually to parliament.

QUESTION NO.: 1603

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 OCTOBER 2009

Mrs N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) Whether all (a)(i) offices and (ii) sites of his department and (b) entities reporting to him adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not, (aa) why not, (bb) which facilities fail to adhere to the Act, (cc) where are they situated, (dd) what (aaa) aspects of the Act does each such facility not comply with and (bbb) action has been taken in each case; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) (a) how often should each facility be inspected and (b) when last was each facility inspected?

REPLY:

(1)(a)(b) I would like to inform the Honourable Member that all offices, buildings and/or sites of my Department does comply with the minimum requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993. Through regular inspections undertaken, certain buildings were identified in which minor shortfalls were identified and remedial actions were put in place to rectify these issues.

(2) (a) Each facility should be inspected at least once a year.

(b) It should be noted that the inspection of the facilities resides with the Department of Public Works, as this Department is the custodian of all state-owned immovable assets. It is therefore requested that the Honourable Member approach the Department of Public Works for further information in this regard. Furthermore, no major building works by my Department may be performed without the consent and involvement of the Department of Public Works.

However as an added intervention, the Department has a dedicated unit that is responsible for ensuring and monitoring the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act. No 85 of 193. In relation to Health and Safety, my Department is also working closely with Department of Labour for ad-hoc inspections and advice.

2009-11-05

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