Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 1826 to 1850
2009-11-24
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[PMG note: Replies are inserted as soon as they are provided by the Minister]
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. 1850
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24)
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether any HIV-positive persons are currently on a waiting list to access antiretroviral (ARV) treatment; if so, (a) how many HIV-positive persons are currently on a waiting list in each province, (b) what is the expected waiting period and (c) what plans are in place to address this issue;
(2) whether the economic recession has had any impact on HIV-positive persons accessing ARV treatment; if not, why not; if so what are the relevant details?
NW2410EREPLY:
The following information was obtained from the Provincial Departments of Health:
EASTERN CAPE
(1) There are no patients that are waiting for treatment in the health facilities in the Province. Patients who have successfully met all the criteria for access to treatment are initiated immediately rather than wait.
(2) The economic recession has not had an impact on HIV positive persons receiving ARV treatment in the Province. There have been no drugs out of stock and laboratory accounts have been settled because the Provincial Department of Health provided additional funds to complement the conditional grant when the HIV&AIDS Programme anticipated a shortfall in the financial year 2008/2009. In this current financial year 2009/2010, the Province is still operating within the budget limits. A total addition amount of R91,975m has been made available by the National Department of Health and these funds have been allocated for medicines and laboratory tests.
FREE STATE
(1) (a) The number reported on our records as at end of September 2009 is 980 clients.
(b) The average waiting period is 6-8 weeks. This period differ from site to site because of situations pertaining to a particular site. The waiting period covers initial assessment, Drug Readiness Training and Initiation of treatment.
(c) The issue of shortage of personnel is currently addressed through the following measures: Vacant posts for doctors and nurses as well as other team members have been advertised and the following districts have started with the short listing of suitable candidates as well as interviews (Motheo and Lejweleputswa). The other districts will be short listing soon. The plan is to have them in sites and functioning the latest by the beginning of February 2010.
The partners to the HIV and AIDS Directorate have assisted by employing some team members in other sites to assist with the preparation of patients during the Drug Readiness classes.
Volunteers who belong to NGO's which have been identified to assist with the Wellness programme. will assist counsellors in preparing clients during Drug Readiness Training.
The ARV district coordinators are submitting weekly reports regarding the ART programme, critical among issues to be reported is the issue of patient on the waiting list, this is done to have a closer examination to see whether the list is decreasing or not.
The ARV district coordinators will be relieved of other duties so that they can focus on the programme and to be able to support the ARV sites to ensure optimal functioning by the sites.
Down referral of stable patients to PHC facilities to off load the work load at the current ARV sites.
(2) The economic recession has not had any effect as far as initiating new patients on treatment because the drugs were available.
KWAZULU/NATAL
(1) Patients are initiated on therapy on a daily basis and the figure for the waiting list changes daily. During July to September KwaZulu natal managed to clear waiting list through scaling up on antiretroviral therapy in the facilities where there was a waiting list. Scaling up of access to antiretroviral therapy included using of roving teams to initiate at PHC facilities and down referral of stable patients to PHC facilities for ongoing care and monitoring. The province managed to clear the entire waiting list on record by mid September.
The situation is closely monitored to prevent any further development of long waiting list in any of the facilities in KZN. The province has developed a scale up plan which mainly focuses on decentralisation of the programme through use of roving teams, strengthening of down referral, strengthening integration of TB and HIV management. The plan will be implemented province wide.
(2) Though the department does not have data on how the recession has impacted on the HIV and AIDS patients, it is assumed that like all South African citizens they have been equally affected. It would be expected that some of the patients would have dropped out of the programme due to transport cost especially for patients who are unemployed. The department has programmes to assist needy patients irrespective of the HIV status who require assistance in social security through education on healthy lifestyle, e.g. "One Home, One Garden" which is targeting food insecurity, issuing of nutritional supplements macro and micro, application for grants where necessary. HIV and AIDS patients equally benefit from these services. The scale up plan will also address any challenges of access to treatment as it brings ART services closer to people at PHC level.
NORTHERN CAPE
(1) The following table reflects the situation in this regard.
| DISTRICT | NAME OF SITE | NUMBER OF PATIENTS ON WAITING LIST | HOW LONG ON WAITING LIST | REASONS |
| FRANCIS BAARD | Kimberley Hospital Complex | 0 | ||
| Galeshewe Day Hospital | 396 | This facility has been without a doctor for 3 months. In the meantime there are attempts to manage the waiting list by having the doctor from the TB facility-initiating patients on a weekly basis. The assistance of our PEPFAR partner, Right to Care has come in very handy as close to 100 patients in total could be initiated last week through the effort of the 2 assisting doctors. Although the vacant posts were advertised, no applicants were received. | ||
| Jan Kempdorp Hospital | 17 | 2 weeks | To be initiated at next visit. | |
| SIYANDA | Gordonia Hospital | 66 | 3 months | Gordonia Hospital does not have a Doctor at the site they make us of a sessional Doctor who only comes once in 2 weeks from John Taolo Gaetsewe. Although some of the patients have been on waiting list since July 2009, care is exercised to ensure fast tracking of patients according to the accelerated ART initiation criteria of the Department. |
| Postmasburg Hospital | 8 | ± 2 weeks | Preparation period | |
| Groblershoop CHC | 0 | The site was accredited but will only start next year with patients. | ||
| PIXLEY KA SEME | De Aar CHC | 0 | 0 | |
| Kuyasa Clinic | 0 | 0 | ||
| Griekwastad CHC | 0 | 0 | ||
| Ethembeni Clinic | 11 | 1 month | 4 on TB treatment need to complete continuity phase. 4 Booked for Doctor 3/11/2009. 3 still abuse alcohol and receive counselling. Doctors visit every second Tuesday. | |
| NAMAQUA | Springbok Hospital | 0 | 0 | |
| Calvinia Hospital | 0 | 0 | ||
| JOHN TAOLO GAETSEWE | Kuruman Clinic | 0 | 0 | |
| Tswaragano Hospital | 0 | 0 | ||
| UGM Wellness Clinic (Kathu) | 0 | 0 | ||
| Cassel CHC | 0 | 0 |
(2) The programme has seen the increase in defaulter rates and patients lost to follow-up:
TOTAL for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of this financial year = 683
NORTH WEST
(1) Currently the North West province does not have any patients on the waiting list. The number of patients that have been inducted into the program is 533, who could be technically considered "on the waiting list".
(2) The economic recession has had an impact on HIV- positive persons accessing ARV treatment due to the following reasons:
· Many ARV patients are unemployed and depend on social grants. They use the same grant to provide for their basic necessities such as food, thus leaving them without money for transport to the wellness centres for treatment and reviews.
· If patients do not attend the clinics due to transport problems they can be deregistered as a result of not attending clinics and reviews as required by the ARV programme.
· Deregistered ARV patients can be vulnerable to developing drug resistance on the first line treatment and may therefore require second line treatment which is more expensive and also requires a high level of adherence.
· The ARV patients who have developed resistance may spread the resistive HI virus and as a country can be faced with a resistant type of HI virus which may be difficult to treat.
WESTERN CAPE
(1) There is no waiting list for people to access ARV's in the Province
(a) None
(b) When people are tested and found to be positive they are then immediately put on treatment.
(c) Not applicable.
(2) The economic recession has not had an impact on HIV persons accessing ARV treatment. The Department has received an initial budget of R207 m for the 2009/2010 and then an additional R73m with the adjustment estimate from Treasury.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.: 1849
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 October 2009
1849. Mr S B Farrow (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
Whether the SA Airways (SAA) has complied with the directive by the US Federal Aviation Administration regarding the replacement of the Thales Avionics Pitot Tubes on the SAA A340 series aircraft; if not, why not; if so, (a) when were these Tubes replaced and (b) on how many SAA A340 aircraft? NW2409E
REPLY
South African Airways (SAA) did not receive an Airworthiness Directive (AD) from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
SAA's Airbus A340 fleet, comprising of 21 A340 aircraft of all types, has Goodrich Pitot Tubes installed in all positions, which meets the required industry standards in this regard. No inspections were carried out on the Goodrich (formally Rosemount) Pitot Tubes as the Airworthiness Directive of the FAA does not require the inspection or replacement of the Goodrich Pitot Tubes.
QUESTION NO. 1845
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO
DATE OF PUBLICATION:
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Tourism:
(1) Whether (a) he, (b) his deputy minister, (c) any specified officials and (d) any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card; if so, what are the relevant details for him, his deputy minister and each holder of a credit card in respect of the (i) name, (ii) job title, (iii) credit limit, (iv) outstanding amount as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (v) monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit card, (vi) reason for such persons being issued with a credit card and (vii) uses that such a credit card is intended for;
(2) whether any such credit cards are over their credit limit; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit cards exceeding the limit;
(3) whether any action has been taken against such persons for exceeding their credit card limits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2404E MR TW COETZEE (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS THE MINISTER OF TOURISM ANSWERS:1. (a) No
(b) No
(c) No
(d) No
(i) Not applicable
(ii) Not applicable
(iii) Not applicable
(iv) Not applicable
(v) Not applicable
(vi) Not applicable
(vii) Not applicable
2. Not applicable
3. Not applicable
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 1844
(Internal Question Paper No 29 - 2009)
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
1. Whether services of a certain person (details furnished) have been terminated; if not, why not; if so,
2. whether the said person received a severance package; if so, (a) what was the total amount, (b) on what date were the said person's services terminated, (c) what was the reason for terminating the services of the said person and (d) what period of time was left on the said person's contract at the date of termination; if not,
3. whether the said person was suspended; if so, (a) what was the reason for the suspension and (b) on what date was the said person suspended;
4. whether the said person was suspended with pay; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, for what period of time has the said person been on suspension up tothe latest specified date for which information is available? NW2403E
Answer
1. The re-determination of the former DG contract was done and a mutual termination agreement was reached.
2. A severance package amounting to about R2, 1 million was paid in terms of Section 3(5) read with section 12(4) of the Public Service Act. The contract terminated on the 30 June 2009 and the period that was remaining was 25 months as the contract was expiring on the 31 July 2009.
3. Not applicable
4. Not applicable
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 1843
(Internal Question Paper No 29 - 2009)
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
1. In respect of each version of the 2008-09 annual report of his department and the annual reports of each statutory and other entity reporting to his department,
2. what was the (i) budgeted cost, (ii) actual cost and (iii) breakdown of cost in respect of (aa) printing, (bb) graphic design, (cc) other costs and (dd) unit cost of each annual report and (b) how many copies of each were (i) produced and (ii) distributed;
3. whether any version of the abovementioned reports was retracted or withdrawn; if so, (a) how many times were each annual report withdrawn or retracted, (b) what (i) were the reasons for each withdrawal or retraction and (ii) was the amount spent on each version and (c) how many copies were withdrawn in each case;
4. how was the decision taken to award the contract to the (a) graphic design company and (b) printing company;
5. whether (a) his department or (b) any of those public entities that fail under his department held a function on tabling their 2008-09 annual report; if so, in each case (I) what was the name of the public entity, (Ii) how much did the function cost, (iii) what is the breakdown of that cost, (iv) where was the function held and (v) how many guests were invited? NW2402E
Answer
1. (1) (a) (i) Budgeted cost: R 500 000 (ii) Actual cost: R 497 275
(a a) Printing: R 381 635
(bb) Graphic Design: R100320 (cc) Other cost(courier): R 15320
(dd) Unit cost: R248.64
(b) (i) Copies produced: 2000
(ii) Copies distributed to date: 1410
2. No version of the dplg Annual report 2008-09 was retracted or withdrawn.
3. Formal quotations were invited dplg (FQ) 34/2009, for the dplg annual report printing requirement. The formal quotations were evaluated by a Bid Evaluation Committee, which recommended the selected service provider (performing both graphic design and printing) and the firm was subsequently approved by the branch head and the Acting Director-General.
4. The department did not hold a special function on tabling of the 2008-09 annual report.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 1842
(Internal Question Paper No 29 - 2009)
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and
Traditional Affairs:
1. Whether (a) he, (b) his deputy minister, (c) any specified officials and (d) any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card; if so, what are the relevant details for him, his deputy minister and each holder of a credit card in respect of the (i) name, (ii) job title, (iii) credit limit, (iv) outstanding amount as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (v) monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit card, (vi) reason for such persons being issued with a credit card and (vii) uses that such a credit card is intended for;
2. whether any such credit cards are over their credit limit; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit cards exceeding the limit;
3. whether any action has been taken against such persons for exceeding their credit card limits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2401E
Answer
1. Credit card has been issued to the Minister only.
(a) Minister: Yes
(i) Name: Mr Sicelo Shiceka
(ii) Job title: Minister
(iii) Credit limit: R50 000.00
(iv) Outstanding amount: R3977.00
(v ) Monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit
card: April R1 184.35
May R 1 489.00
June R2 282.65
July R2 075.05
August R2 465.65
September R1 036.00
October R1 926.10
(vi) Credit card issued as per the prescriptions in the directive by National Treasury (Ministerial Handbook, Annexure G). The Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) provide for the general requirements for monitoring and management of departmental resources.
(vii) Credit card intended to be utilized for official transport, accommodation and subsistence where the department's travel agency could not provide for these facilities on national and international trips.
(b) Deputy Minister: None
(c) Other officials: None
2. No Credit card is over the limit.
3. Action taken: N/A
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY
FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2009
[No 24 – 2009] First Session, Fourth Parliament
1841. Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
Whether there are any plans to re-open the Giyani College of Education in Limpopo; if not, why not; if so, what plans?
REPLY:
The facilities of the former Giyani College of Education are currently being used by the Limpopo Department of Education for purposes other than teacher education. The Department of Higher Education and Training and the Limpopo Department of Education have not discussed the future use of these facilities as a site for training teachers.
However, given the importance of increasing the number of quality teachers trained by universities, and colleges previously incorporated into universities, the Ministry of Higher Education and Training has approved a range of projects designed to increase the intake and output of teacher training graduates. In this regard, funding of R474 million has been allocated to 19 universities for the 2010/11 and 2011/12 financial years, while a further R139 million will be added by institutions, making the total available for this initiative R 613 million. The commitment made by universities is to increase, by 2012 compared to their 2007, their enrolments of new (or first time entering) Bachelor of Education enrolments by 1 000, and their new Postgraduate Certificate in Education enrolments by 700. This annual total of 1 700 additional new students would, over a 4 year period, raise the total of students in teacher training in universities by a total of over 4 000, compared to the 2007 enrolment total.
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY
FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2009
[No 24 – 2009] First Session, Fourth Parliament
1840. Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) In respect of each version of the 2008-09 annual report of his department and the annual reports of each statutory and other entity reporting to his department, (a) what was the (i) budgeted cost, (ii) actual cost and (iii) breakdown of cost in respect of (aa) printing, (bb) graphic design, (cc) other costs and (dd) unit cost of each annual report and (b) how many copies of each were (i) produced and (ii) distributed;
(2) whether any version of the abovementioned reports was retracted or withdrawn; if so, (a) how many times were each annual report withdrawn or retracted, (b) what (i) were the reasons for each withdrawal or retraction and (ii) was the amount spent on each version and (c) how many copies were withdrawn in each case;
(3) how was the decision taken to award the contract to the (a) graphic design company and (b) printing company;
(4) whether (a) his department or (b) any of those public entities that fall under his department held a function on tabling their 2008-09 annual report; if so, in each case (i) what was the name of the public entity, (ii) how much did the function cost, (iii) what is the breakdown of that cost, (iv) where was the function held and (v) how many guests were invited?
REPLY
(1) The Department of Higher Education and Training only came into effect in May 2009, therefore no Annual Report has been developed or tabled during the period mentioned. Therefore questions 2-4 are not applicable to DoHET
REPLY regarding entities that report to the Minister of Higher Education and Training.
| QUESTION (1a) | i) Public Entity Budgeted cost of the Annual Report | ii) Actual cost of the Annual Report | iii) Breakdown of cost in respect of | |||
| PUBLIC ENTITY | Printing | Graphic Design | Other costs | Unit cost of each Annual Report | ||
| Council on Higher Education (CHE) | 140 000 | 139 701 | 92 545 | 20 000 | 27 156 | 139,70 |
| National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) | 367 382 | 228 601 | 154 200 | 39 923 | 34 478 | 226,00 |
| South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) | 250 000 | 209 833 | 125 416 | 71 980 | 12 437 | 67,78 |
| Question (1b) | i) How many copies were produced? | ii) How many copies were distributed |
| Public Entity | 2008/09 | 2008/09 |
| CHE | 1 000 | 1 000 |
| NSFAS | 1 010 | 510 |
| SAQA | 3 000 | 2 505 |
| CHE | NSFAS | SAQA | |
| QUESTION 2 (b) | NO version retracted or withdrawn from Parliament | NO version retracted or withdrawn from Parliament | NO version retracted or withdrawn from Parliament |
| QUESTION 3 | Tender Evaluation Method: Price, HDI, WE, Disability, SMME, Skills Emp, HR, Community, Locality, Rural Area | For graphic design, a request for proposals were sent out to suppliers on the supplier database and for printing quotations were requested through design companies | One company was contracted to do design, layout, editing and printing. The contract was awarded after an open tender was advertised. 21 companies sent in bids and the contract was awarded to the company that scored the highest points in the tender evaluation process. |
| QUESTION 4 (b) | No function held. | No function held. | No function held. |
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 1839
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23/10/2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 22-2009)
Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) Whether (a) he, (b) any specified officials and (c) any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card; if so, what are the relevant details for him and each holder of a credit card in respect of the (i) name, (ii) job title, (iii) credit limit, (iv) outstanding amount as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (v) monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit card, (vi) reason for such persons being issued with a credit card and (vii) uses that such a credit card is intended for;
(2) whether any such credit cards are over their credit limit; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit cards exceeding the limit;
(3) whether any action has been taken against such persons for exceeding their credit card limits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2398E
REPLY:
(1) (a), (b) & (c): No
(1) (i) to (vii): Not applicable
(2) (a) and (b): Not applicable
(3) Not applicable.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Question 1838 (Written) 23 October 2009
1838. Mr M W Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:
Whether his department and/or the Independent Development Trust has taken or will take any steps to repair the schools which were damaged by the storm in the North West; if not, why not; if so, what steps;
Whether he will take any steps to ensure that the (a) roofing of schools is of good quality and (b) maintenance is done; if not, why not; if so, what steps?
Reply
The damaged schools were around Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.
However, this matter falls within the competency of Provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport and Provincial Department of Education to repair schools damaged by the storm.
In respect to the Independent Development Trust, the schools do not form part of the list of schools that the IDT is implementing on behalf of the North West Department of Education.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. 1837
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24)
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) What additional measures is the Government taking in its fight against tuberculosis, in light of the fact that it has fallen behind Mozambique in this regard;
(2) whether the Millennium Development Goal of halving death rates will be met; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2396EREPLY:
(1) The Department of Health invited the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other development partners to conduct a review of the national TB Control Programme during 2009. This review follows the review conducted by the WHO in 2005. The review found some improvements in the programme and continuing challenges.
With respect to strengths in the programme, the following were included in the review:
(a) improvements in treatment outcomes, including smear conversion and cure rates; and
(b) a decrease in treatment defaulters.
Continuing challenges included:
(a) inadequate infection control;
(b) inadequate staffing levels; and
(c) inadequate integration of TB and HIV services.
(2) We are working very hard and hoping to meet the Millennium Development Goals.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
(For written reply)
QUESTION NO. 1834 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24 of 2009DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 October 2009
Mr N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(i) Whether she has been informed of the findings of the Auditor-General with regard to abalone poaching and the recommendation that an interdepartmental task team be set up to deal with the (a) prevention of poaching and (b) prosecution of offenders; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS1834 THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1)(a) & (b) The Auditor-General's Report referred to by the Honourable Member deals with the finding of a performance audit of the handling of confiscated abalone by the Department, and the contents of this report are well-known to myself and the Department. The recommendation that an interdepartmental task team be set up to deal with the (a) prevention of poaching and (b) prosecution of offenders is not contained in the Auditor-General's report but rather emanates from a meeting of the Standing Committee of Public Accounts (SCOPA) held on 7 October 2009, at which various enforcement agencies (Environmental Affairs, SAPS, SARS, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the National Prosecuting Authority) were requested to provide information on their activities aimed at preventing abalone poaching.
Arising from the SCOPA meeting, the Department has embarked upon a series of operational and executive meetings with the other enforcement agencies which will be held during October and November 2009, the outcome of which will be the formulation of a joint Abalone Enforcement Strategy that will be tabled before Cabinet.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY / NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN /ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NO (1833)
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (11 SEPTEMBER 2009) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO -24-2009)
"MR. N SlNGH (IFP) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture:
(1) Whether the Government will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian people as indentured labourers on 16 November 1860; if not, why not, if so: what are the relevant details?"
REPLY:
(IT)h e Department of Arts and Culture has not, at this stage, started a project plan for the 150th commemoration in November 2010, of the landing of individuals of Indian descent who landed aboard the Turo in 1860.
(2) The Department has at this stage not budgeted for the commemoration
(3) The Department is, however, conscious of the importance of the arrival of the indentured slaves from India from the 1860's till 1911. The Department Is also conscious of the enormous hardships endured during the sea voyage undertaken in harsh and inhumane conditions, as well as the conditions of servitude, akin to slavery, which individuals were subjected to as labourers in KwaZulu-Natal.
Especially in the light of the fact that the British Empire had declared slavery illegal, and yet, because of the loss of cheap labour, used subterfuge to entice working class individuals to work in their colonies in southern Africa ( Mauritius and the Natal) and the Caribbean, namely, Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, and Suriname.
Friday, 23 October 2009
1831. Mr L Ramatlakane (Cope) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and
Administration:
Whether he intends introducing a Bill on an integrated public service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) who was consulted, (b) when were they consulted, (c) what is the extent of support for such a Bill, (d) when he intends the Bill to be in place and (e) what are the further relevant details?
NW2388E
REPLY
Yes, we intend introducing a Bill to talk about issues raised in the question i.e Integrated Public Service.
The tabling of the Bill will create space to finalize the debate under the topic of a Single Public Service.
(a) Consultation will take place early in 2010 and
(b) this will take place throughout the country as the Bill need inputs of all the spheres of government.
(c) After the consultation process, we will be in a position to reflect on the extent of support the Bill will enjoy.
(d) The Bill will be in place at the time the consultation process begins.
(e) Further relevant details will be provided as it becomes necessary to do so.
QUESTION NO. 1828
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24)
Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Health:
(a) Who was awarded a tender to supply the antiretrovirals to his department, (b) what was the tendered amount and (c) what volumes of each of the medicines listed in this antiretroviral tender have been purchased since 1 June 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
NW2354EREPLY:
(a) and (b) The following table reflects the information in this regard
| Company | Tendered price |
| Adcock Ingram Health Care (Pty) Ltd | R756,210,000.00 |
| Aurobindo Pharma (Pty) Ltd | R141,705,725.00 |
| Aspen Pharmacare | R2,052,613,903.68 |
| Abbott | R 636,751,230.00 |
| Bristol Meyers Squibb | R36,147,600.00 |
| GlaxoSmithKline | R249,469,800.00 |
| Medpro Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd | R68,170,500.00 |
| Sonke Pharmaceuticals | R161,103,278.00 |
| TOTAL TENDERED PRICE | R4,102,172,036.68 |
(c) The following reflects the information in this regard – of quantities/volumes purchased from June 2008 to August 2009
| NAME OF TENDERER | QUANTITY SUPPLIED |
| Adcock Ingram Health Care (Pty) Ltd | |
| Adco Efavirenz 600mg, 30 tablets | 3,909,831 |
| Aurobindo Pharma (Pty) Ltd | |
| Auro-Efavirenz 50mg, 30 capsules | 329,404 |
| Auro-Efavirenz 200mg, 90 capsules | 12,832 |
| Auro-Stavudine Powder for Oral Solution 1mg/ml, 200 ml bottle | 0 |
| Aspen Pharmacare | |
| Aspen Efavirenz 600mg, 30 tablets | 1,630,047 |
| Aspen Stavudine 15mg, 60 capsules | 129,571 |
| Aspen Stavudine 20mg, 60 capsules | 461,679 |
| Aspen Stavudine 30mg, 60 capsules | 5,590,509 |
| Aspen Zidovudine 300mg, 60 tablets | 1,232,127 |
| Aspen Zidovudine 50mg/5ml syrup, 200ml bottle | 166,237 |
| Aspen Zidovudine 50mg/5ml syrup, 20ml bottle | 95,381 |
| Aspen Zidovudine 100mg, 100 capsules | 27,715 |
| Aspen Lamivudine 10mg/ml oral solution, 240ml bottle | 660,929 |
| Aspen Lamivudine 150mg, 60 tablets | 7,298,474 |
| Aspen Nevirapine 200mg, 60 tablets | 1,987,252 |
| Aspen Nevirapine 50mg/5ml suspension, 240ml bottle | 24,638 |
| Aspen Lam 150mg Zid 300mg, 60 tablets | 249,389 |
| Viread - Tenofovir 300mg, 30 tablets | 126,829 |
| Abbott | |
| Aluvia- Lop 200mg Rit 50mg, 120 capsules | 218,021 |
| Kaletra Sol - Lop 80mg Rit 20mg, 60 ml bottle | 100,190 |
| Kaletra Caps - Lop 133.3 Rit 33.3mg, 90 capsules | 65,982 |
| Norvir Oral Sol- Rit 80mg/ml, 90 ml bottle | 12,418 |
| Norvir SGC - Rit 100mg, 84 capsules | 6,683 |
| Bristol Meyers Squibb | |
| Didanosine EC 250mg, 30 tablets | 2,262 |
| Didanosine EC 400mg, 30 capsules | 6,910 |
| GlaxoSmithKline | |
| Lamivudine 150mg tablet, 6 tablets PLUS Zidovudine 100mg tablet, 18 tablets | 6,481 |
| Abacavir 20mg/ml oral solution, 240ml bottle | 34,908 |
| 32,323 | |
| Medpro Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd | |
| Lamivudine 300 mg caps, 30 capsules | 98,490 |
| Neveripine 50mg/5ml suspension, 20 ml bottle | 27,300 |
| Sonke Pharmaceuticals | |
| Sonke Lamivudine 150 mg, 60 tablets | 1,668,464 |
| Sonke Stavudine 30 mg, 60 capsules | 1,582,901 |
| Sonke Didanosine 100 mg, 60 tablets | 139,797 |
| Sonke Didanosine 50 mg, 60 tablets | 19,625 |
| Sonke Didanosine 25 mg, 60 tablets | 7,220 |
QUESTION 1827
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 22 OCTOBER 2009 [IQP No 24 -2009]
FIRST SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT
Question 1827 for written reply, National Assembly, Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
(a) How many schemes does her department use to help potential farmers to purchase land?
(b) What type of aftercare does her department provide after the land has been acquired to ensure that the farms become productive and profitable?
(c) Which procedures should potential farmers follow in order to apply for her department's assistance to purchase a farm?
(d) What is her department's turn-around time once the offer to purchase has been signed, and;
(e) How many persons in each province have been assisted to purchase farms using her department's schemes? NW2353E
REPLY
(a)Financing for Land Acquisition is the mandate of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR)
(b) After Care Services in line with Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) include:
(i) Extension and advisory services
(ii) Training and Capacity building
(iii) Financial Services
(iv) Regulatory Services
(v) On and Off farm Infrastructure and the Services are offered by the nine Provincial Departments of Agriculture in Conjunction with all the relevant stakeholders, e.g state Owned entities, Development Finance Institutes, Organised Farmers Organisations etc.
(c) Approach the Provincial offices of the department of Rural Development and Land reform.
(d) See (a) above
(e) See (a) above
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 1826
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24 - 2009)
Date reply submitted : 15 December 2009
Mr L Ramatlakane (Cope) to ask the Minister of Police:
Whether his department has addressed the problem of under capacity in the SA Police Service; if not, (a) why not, (b) what are the reasons for the poor conviction rate and (c) how has the poor conviction rate been corrected; if so, (i) what was the total functional detective personnel complement in the 2007-08 financial year, (ii) how many additional detectives were recruited in the 2008-09 financial year, (iii) what special training was provided to the detectives, (iv)(aa) where and (bb) when was the training provided, (v) how many detectives (aa) passed and (bb) failed the training, (vi) how many are rewriting the course exams, (vii) how many have enrolled for the (aa) 2009- 10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years, (viii) how many new officers have been deployed at the forensic laboratories, (ix) how long does it take to get DNA results, (x) how many officers are being trained in this regard, (xi)(aa) where and (bb) when were they trained (xii) how many are to complete the course and (xiii) when will they assume their duties?
NW2351E
REPLY:
The South African Police Service (a) Not applicable.
(b) The South African Police Service measures convictions based on charges – the number of charges concluded by guilty verdict and other means (excluding charges where the accused are found not guilty or charges are withdrawn in court) are added and are then divided by the total number of charges referred to court plus the charges previously outstanding in court to provide a conviction rate. On the other hand the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development measures convictions based on the verdict of court cases – the number of cases where the accused was found guilty is divided by the total number of cases finalised in court.
The South African Police Service investigates and resolves charges. Only charges referred to court are used as a basis for determining the conviction rate of the South African Police Service, although charges may be successfully resolved by other means.
The diversion programme allows accused's who admit to the commission of a crime to be rehabilitated by for example attending a rehabilitation programme rather than serving a prison sentence, although this is a conviction it is not reflected as such in the conviction rate.
A large number of fully investigated cases are withdrawn by complainants in court also negatively impacting on the conviction rate.
A number of trial ready cases in which complainants or witnesses relocate and cannot be traced by the Police are withdrawn.
There are a large number of outstanding cases pending trial at court and under investigation which can only be included in the conviction rate upon finalization which will then ultimately increase the conviction rate.
The above are some of the contributing factors to the poor conviction rate.
(c) The South African Police Service is embarking on initiatives to place more members at the Detective Service in order to speed up investigations for cases to be trial ready which will increase cases to court, thus ultimately increasing the conviction rate. Training of Detectives is being prioritised to enhance skills and better equip more Detectives to investigate and successfully finalise cases which will also increase the conviction rate.
Par (i):
The
Par (ii):
Par (iii): what special training was provided to the detectives?
The SAPS Training Provisioning Plan for the 2009/2010, as previously reported, projects a total of 12 928 members to receive training on various detective related learning programmes from basic general investigation to specialized training as compared to the 8 231 members trained in the 2008/2009 financial year. The 2009/2010 plan is intended to address the development of the current detectives and the capacitation of the detective environment. To address new members allocated to the Detectives, the SAPS reviewed the current Introduction to Crime Investigation Learning Programme (renamed – Basic Crime Investigative Learning Programme) to ensure that all new members placed at the detectives are capacitated to investigate less serious/complex crimes.
Par (iv)(aa): Where?
The 2009/2010 training provisioning plan for detectives provides for the development of detectives at all levels. All advanced and specialized detective training is presented at a national level. The training of detectives in the Introduction to Crime Investigation Learning Programme is presented at provincial level in all nine (9) provinces.
Par (iv)(bb) When was the training provided?
The training of new members in the Introduction to Crime Investigation Learning Programme during the 2008/2009 financial year was planned for implementation in the last quarter of the 2008/2009 financial year and in the training provisioning plan for the 2009/2010 financial year.
Par (v) How many detectives (aa) passed and (bb) failed the training?
To date, according to official SAPS records as at 30 September 2009, the following statistics are availed in respect of the Introduction to Crime Investigation Learning Programme:
Training during last quarter of 2008/2009:
Total trained: 140
Total competent: 139
Total not yet competent: 1
Training in terms of the 2009/2010 financial year – Period: April to September 2009:
Total trained: 955
Total competent: 934
Total not yet competent: 21
Par (vi) How many are rewriting the course exams?
Reassessments are done whilst members are still in training. Members who are still found to be not yet competent (failed) are generally given an opportunity for reassessment during future courses in areas where they were found not yet competent.
Par (vii) how many have enrolled for the:
(aa) 2009-10 financial year,
The detective training provisioning plan for 2009/2010 is addressing the development of members on various detective related programmes and it is projected that a total of 12 928 detectives will be trained. It should be noted that a member might attend more than one intervention which in effect means that the total number of members trained (in terms of individual persal numbers) might be less than the 12 928.
Of this total it is envisaged that a total of 2 783 detectives will attend the Introduction to Crime Investigation Learning Programme to capacitate the new members allocated to the detectives.
(bb) & (cc) 2010-11 & 2011-12:
The Department's training planning process for the 2010/2011 & 2011/2012 financial years will support current and emerging detective priorities as reflected in the increased number of members to be trained in this financial year.
Please note that the planning process for the 2010-2011 financial year will only be finalized in the last quarter of this financial year and the actual figures are therefore not yet available.
Par (viii) How many new officers have been deployed at the forensic laboratories?
There was a total 123 Officers appointed during 2009/2010 financial year at the Forensic Science Laboratory.
Par (ix) How long does it take to get DNA results?
DNA Cases with suspects are finalized on average within 92 days after receiving the request from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Paragraphs (x) how many officers are being trained in this regard, (xi)(aa) where and (bb) when were they trained (xii) how many are to complete the course?
Forensic Science Laboratory: Pretoria
| COURSE | VENUE: CSIR | FROM | TO | CANDIDATES | OUTCOME |
| DNA Casework Overview | Room 320 (Classroom 3) | 4 May 2009 | 14 May 2009 | 4 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Pipetting Accuracy | Theory: Room 320 (Classroom 3) Prac: Arcadia | 18 May 2009 | 22 May 2009 | 5 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| QPCR (theory and prac) | Course not continue - EP Analyst | 18 May 2009 | 5 June 2009 | 3 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| DNA Isolation (theory and prac) | Theory: Room 320 (Classroom 3) Prac: Arcadia | Theory: 1 June 2009 Prac: 11 June 2009 | Theory: 10 June 2009 Prac 26 June 2009 | 5 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Introduction | Room 315 (Classroom 2) | 25 June 2009 | 26 June 2009 | 10 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Evidence Recovery | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 2) Prac: Room 307 | Theory: 1 June 2009 Prac: 20 June 2009 | Theory: 17 June 2009 Prac: 3 July 2009 | 8 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Electrophoresis | Theory: Room 317 (Classroom 1) | 1 June 2009 | 12 June 2009 | 2 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| DNA Casework Overview | Room 320 (Classroom 3) | 22 June 2009 | 3 July 2009 | 7 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Pipetting Accuracy | Theory: Room 320 (Classroom 3) Prac: Arcadia | Theory 6 July 2009 Prac: 9 July 2009 | Theory 8 July 2009 Prac 11 July 2009 | 6 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Evidence Processing | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 2) | Theory: 13 July 2009 | Theory 24 July 2009 | 8 candiates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Evidence Processing | Prac: Room 307 | 31 August 2009 | 16 Sept 2009 | 8 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Evidence Processing | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 2) Prac: Room 307 | Theory: 31 August 2009 Prac: 17 Sept 2009 | Theory: 11 Sept 2009 Prac: 6 Oct 2009 | 8 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Evidence Processing | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 2) Prac: Room 307 | Theory: 7 Oct 2009 Prac: 21 Oct 2009 | Theory 20 Oct 2009 Prac: 3 Nov 2009 | 8 candidates | currently undergoing |
| Evidence Recovery | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 2) Prac: Room 307 | Theory: 9 Nov 2009 Prac: 18 Nov 2009 | Theory 17 Nov 2009 Prac: 4 Dec 2009 | 8 candidates | scheduled |
| DNA Isolation (theory and prac) | Theory: Room 320 (Classroom 3) Prac: Arcadia | Theory: 20 July 2009 Prac 30 July 2009 | Theory 29 July 2009 Prac 14 Aug 2009 | 7 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| QPCR (theory and prac) | Theory: Room 317 (Classroom 1) Prac: Arcadia | Theory 27 July 2009 Prac: 6 Aug 2009 | theory 5 Aug 2009 Prac; 14 Aug 2009 | 8 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| DNA Casework Review | Room 317 (Classroom 1) | 7 Sept 2009 | Oct 2009 | 2 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| PCR (theory and prac) | Theory: Room 320 (Classroom 3) Prac: Arcadia | Theory: 7 Sept 2009 Prac 17 Sept 2009 | Theory 16 Sept 2009 Prac 24 Sept 2009 | 6 candidates | Completed and 5 candidates declared competent |
| PCR (theory) (SRO Group 1) | Room 320 (Classroom 3) | 7 Sept 2009 | 16 Sept 2009 | 12 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Electrophoresis (theory and prac) | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 3) Prac: Arcadia | Theory 19 Oct 2009 Prac 29 Oct 2009 | Theory 28 Oct 2009 Prac 13 Nov 2009 | 4 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Electrophoresis (theory only) (SRO group 1) | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 3) | 19 Oct 2009 | 28 Oct 2009 | 14 candidates | to be scheduled |
| STR Analysis (theory and prac) (SRO Group 1) | Room 320 (Classroom 3) | 1 Oct 2009 | 4 Dec 2009 | 14 candidates | to be scheduled |
| Evidence Recovery | Theory: Room 317 (Classroom 1) Prac: Room 307 | Theory 18 Jan 2010 Prac | Theory 15 Feb 2010 Prac | 4 candidates | to be scheduled |
| STR Interpretation (SRO Group 1) | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 2) | 18 Jan 2010 | 26 Feb 2010 | 13 candidates | to be scheduled |
| Statistical Interpretation of DNA results | Room 315 (Classroom 2) | 18 Jan 2010 | 29 Jan 2010 | 3 candidates 6 candidates | to be scheduled |
| Expert Witness | Room 315 (Classroom 2) | 1 Feb 2010 | 10 Feb 2010 | to be scheduled | |
| Evidence Recovery | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 2) Prac: Room 307 | Theory 22 Feb 2010 Prac 8 Mar 2010 | Theory 2 Mar 2010 Prac 19 Mar 2010 | 6 candidates | to be scheduled |
| Evidence Recovery | Theory: Room 317 (Classroom 1) Prac: Room 307 | Theory: 8 Mar 2010 Prac 23 Mar 2010 | Theory 19 Marc 2010 Prac 2 April 2010 | 6 candidates | to be scheduled |
| Evidence Recovery | Theory: Room 317 (Classroom 1) Prac: Room 307 | Theory 3 May 2010 Prac 17 May 2010 | Theory 14 May 2010 Prac 28 May 2010 | 6 candidates | to be scheduled |
| Evidence Recovery | Room 320 (Classroom 3) | Theory: 24 May 2010 Prac: 7 June 2010 | Theory: 3 June 2010 Prac 18 June 2010 | 6 candidates | to be scheduled |
| Evidence Recovery | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 2) Prac: Room 307 | Theory 7 June 2010 Prac 21 June 2010 | Theory 17 June 2010 Prac 2 July 2010 | 6 candidates | to be scheduled |
| STR Analysis (theory and prac) | Theory and prac: Room 320 (Classroom 3) | Theory and prac 8 March 2010 | theory and prac 1 April 2010 | 2 candidates | to be scheduled |
| PCR (theory) (SRO Group 2) | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 2) | 3 May 2010 | 12 May 2010 | 12 candidates | to be scheduled |
| Electrophoresis (theory only) (SRO group 2) | Theory: Room 315 (Classroom 2) | 13 May 2010 | 24 May 2010 | 12 candidates | to be scheduled |
| STR Analysis (theory and prac) (SRO Group 2) | Room 317 (Classroom 1) for Theory and prac | 25 May 2010 | 22 June 2010 | 12 candidates | to be scheduled |
| STR Interpretation (SRO Group 2) | Room 317 (Classroom 1) | 23 June 2010 | 31 July 2010 | 12 candidates | to be scheduled |
| STRgazer (theory and prac) | Theory: Room 317 (Classroom 1) Prac: Arcadia | Theory 12 April 2010 Prac 26 April 2010 | theory 23 April 2010 Prac 30 June 2010 | 4 candidates | to be scheduled |
| DIMS QC | Theory: Room 320 (Classroom 3) Prac: Arcadia | Theory 21 June 2010 Prac 5 July 2010 | Theory 2 July 2010 Prac 31 July 2010 | 4 candidates | to be scheduled |
| DNA database | Theory: Room 320 (Classroom 3) Prac: Arcadia | Theory 3 May 2010 Prac 17 May 2010 | Theory 14 May 2010 Prac 11 June 2010 | 4 candidates | to be scheduled |
Forensic Science Laboratory: Cape Town
| COURSE AT DELFT | FROM | TO | CANDIDATES | FACILITATOR |
| PCR Theory | May 2009 | May 2009 | 7 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| PCR Theory | 11 May 2009 | 15 May 2009 | 6 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| PCR Prac | 11 May 2009 | 15 May 2009 | 2 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| QPCR Theory | 18 May 2009 | 22 May 2009 | 7 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| QPCR Prac | 25 May 2009 | 29 May 2009 | 2 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Electrophoresis Group 1 (Theory) | 22 June 2009 | 26 June 2009 | 8 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Electrophoresis Group 2 (Theory) | 29 June 2009 | 3 July 2009 | 6 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| Electrophoresis Prac | 29 June 2009 | 3 July 2009 | 2 candidates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| STR Analysis | August 2009 | 4 Sept 2009 | 6 candiates | Completed and all candidates declared competent |
| STR Interpretation (RO) ROOM 315 (Classroom 2), CSIR, PRETORIA | 28 Sept 2009 | Oct 2009 | 7 West Cape nominees | in progress |
| Statistical Interpretation of DNA results (RO) ROOM 317 (Classroom 1), CSIR, PRETORIA | 1 Nov 2009 | 15 Nov 2009 | 7 West Cape nominees | to be scheduled |
| Expert Witness (RO) ROOM 317 (Classroom 1), CSIR | 16 Nov 2009 | 30 Nov 2009 | 7 West Cape nominees | to be scheduled |
Par (xiii) when will they assume their duties?
When they complete there training successfully, they will immediately start performing their duties.