Question & Replies No 601 to 650

2008-11-27

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[PMG note: Any gaps in the numbering are due to the reply not being provided by the Minister]

QUESTION NO. 601

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MARCH 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11)

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether parallel importation of medicines is currently legal; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any medicines have entered South Africa since this practice became legal; if so, (a) in what quantities and (b) what is the origin of these medicines?

NW1289E

REPLY:

Yes. Section 15C of the Medicines and Related Substances Act states "The Minister may prescribe conditions for the supply of more affordable medicines in certain circumstances so as to protect the health of the public, and in particular may –

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Patents Act, 1978 (Act No. 57 of 1978), determine that the rights with regard to any medicine under a patent granted in the Republic shall not extend to acts in respect of such medicine which has been put onto the market by the owner of the medicine, or with his or her consent;

Prescribe the conditions on which any medicine which is identical in composition, meets the same quality standard and is intended to have the same proprietary name as that of another medicine already registered in the Republic, but which is imported by a person other than the person who is the holder of the registration certificate of the medicine already registered and which originates from any site of manufacture of the original manufacturer as approved by the council in the prescribed manner, may be imported."

(2) No.

Not applicable.

QUESTION NO. 602

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MARCH 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11)

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether there are currently any restrictions on the number and/or proportion of medical practitioners with foreign medical qualifications working in the public sector; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) what is the justification for these restrictions;

(2) whether she plans introducing changes to the requirements that foreign qualified medical practitioners must meet; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the relevant details, (b) what process will be followed in introducing these changes and (c) what timetable will apply?

NW1290E

REPLY:

No. There are various initiatives to recruit medical practitioners with foreign qualifications within a framework of government-to-government agreements. There are also a significant number of medical practitioners with foreign qualifications who are bona fide residents in South Africa, including spouses of SA citizen and permanent residents a well as refugees employed in the public health sector.

No. Medical practitioners with foreign qualifications and who are not SA citizens, are only allowed limited professional registration to work in the public health sector.

QUESTION NO. 603

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MARCH 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11)

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether the Northern Cape health department is still under administration, having been placed under administration in June 2007; if not, (a) on what basis was it decided to remove the department from administration, (b) when did this decision become effective and (c) what steps are being taken to monitor the department's performance on an on-going basis; if so, (i) which officials are currently responsible for administering the department, (ii) what steps have been taken to improve the financial and administrative management of the department and (iii) what is the timetable for restoring this department to proper functioning;

(2) whether consideration has been given to placing any other departments under administration; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1291E

REPLY:

(1) Yes.

A turnaround strategy was developed and tabled in the Northern Cape Provincial legislature. Northern Cape Provincial Treasury then appointed a Project Manager to drive this strategy to ensure its implementation. The Project Manager reports on a regular basis to the Accounting Officers of both the Department of Health and Provincial Treasury. Responsible managers within the Department of Health were further identified to drive particular deliverables in the turnaround strategy.

Activities undertaken to improve financial and administrative management within the Department are the following:-

Developing an organogram that responds to the needs of the organization;

Prioritising the filling of critical administrative posts;

Establishing a policy committee to fast track approval of policies;

Delegating both Human Resources and Financial responsibilities.

(iii) The Department is functioning normally as the new HOD is in the process of improving management in a number of areas. This is done in close collaboration with the Provincial treasury.

QUESTION NO 604

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MARCH 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11/2008)

Date reply submitted: 25 April 2008

Ms D Kohler‑Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister for Safety and Security:

(1) Whether any disciplinary action has been taken against any of the officers involved in the delayed investigation into the death of a certain person (details furnished) in March 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what action and (b) against which officers;

(2) whether any compensation has been offered to the parents of the child; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether a national protocol exists for procedures to be followed in the event of a child going missing; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of this protocol?

NW1292E

REPLY:

(1)(a) Yes, an investigation into possible disciplinary action against members of the service is in the final stage. A decision with regard to disciplinary action will be made as soon as the investigation is completed.

(b) The outcome of the investigation will determine against which officers disciplinary action will be taken.

(2) It is not the protocol of the SAPS to offer any compensation.

(3) A national protocol does exist in the event of a child going missing, and is attached.

QUESTION 606

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 28 MARCH 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 11-2008

MR W E TRENT (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE

Whether there has been any investigation into the conduct of the relevant individuals referred to in paragraph 14.1.17 of the Joint Investigation Report into the Strategic Defence Packages; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

-------ooo0ooo------- NW1294

REPLY

There was thorough investigation with regard to the conduct of the former Chief of Acquisition on the issue mentioned in the report. The Auditor-General and the Public Protector conducted the investigation. They made extensive recommendations and the DoD implemented these recommendations.

QUESTION 607

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OFPUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 28 MARCH 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 11-2008

MOULANA M R SAYEDALI SHAH (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE

Whether his department has taken necessary steps to develop the rules and guidelines referred to in paragraph 14.2.12 of the Joint Investigation Report into the Strategic Defence Packages to address the issues brought about by conflict of interest; if not, why not; if so, (a) what steps and (b) what are the relevant details?

-------ooo0ooo------- NW1295E

REPLY

The Armscor Practice on the Selection of Contractual Sources (A-Prac-1034) prescribes the contractor selection process to be followed and provides guidelines for all members (both Armscor and DoD) of panels or committees involved with the contractor selection process for the procurement of armaments. This practice mandates that all members of panels or committees involved with the contractor selection processes shall sign a formal declaration of inter alia:

Confidentiality and non-disclosure;

No vested interest in the outcome of the process and;

No engagement in discussions of future employment or business opportunities directly or indirectly related to the offers.

QUESTION NO.: 608 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 March 2008

Mr E W Trent (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) Whether, with reference to the criminal investigations that were undertaken into the Strategic Defence Procurement Packages or arms deal, any further investigations will be made into the role of a certain person (name furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether, with reference to paragraph C 3 of the 15^th Report of the Committee on Public Accounts on the Joint Investigation Report into the Strategic Defence Procurement Packages, dated 11 December 2001, there are any further criminal investigations into the arms deal pending or currently underway; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the (a) suspects, (b) alleged offences and (c) progress of the investigations?

NW1297E

Name of person referred to : Mr Chippy Shaik

REPLY

(1) The DSO preparatory investigation and the investigations concerning aspects of the arms deal and authorized in terms of section 28 of the NPA Act remain ongoing. It is not the policy of the DSO to comment on ongoing investigations or the suspects involved.

(2) See (1) above.

QUESTION NO 609

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MARCH 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11/2008)

Date reply submitted: 25 April 2008

Ms D Kohler‑Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) In respect of each of the past five years, (a) what are the relevant details of the amounts paid to claimants regarding civil liability cases against the SA Police Service and (b) what is the number of civil claims paid in respect of (i) shooting accidents, (ii) vehicle accidents, (iii) common assaults, (iv) assaults with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and (v) damage to private properties;

(2) whether the SAPS undertakes any analysis or research into the underlying trends and causes of civil claims; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1298E

REPLY:

(1)(a) Payments regarding total contingent liabilities of each year.

FINANCIAL YEAR	AMOUNTS PAID
2003/2004	R 59 150 000,00
2004/2005	R 63 338 000,00
2005/2006	R 38 546 000,00
2006/2007	R 37 207 000,00
2007/2008	R 38 207 000,00

*Note: In general, claims for compensation were paid owing to alleged damage to property, unlawful arrests and detentions, shooting incidents, motor vehicle collisions, assaults, etc.

Shooting incidents / Vehicle accidents / Assaults Categories
QUESTION	FINANCIAL YEAR
	2003/2004	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	2007/2008
(1)((b)(i)	62	64	36	23	17
(1)(b)(ii)	637	668	409	413	425
*(1)(b)(iii) and (iv)	85	50	34	17	24
(1)(b)(v)	73	61	45	31	20

*Note: When particulars of claims for compensation purposes are captured on the loss control system, no distinction is made between claims relating to common assaults or assaults with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The combined category of assaults is thus reflected.

(2) Yes. Analysis is continuously conducted. The generic and specific causes and trends of certain claims against the state have been identified and communicated to officials. Approximately 34 awareness campaigns have been conducted over the past two years, involving all the provinces, in order to sensitize officials at station level about such causes and trends. More than 300 station commissioners who attended courses have been addressed as well. Other communication mediums such as POLTV, posters, pamphlets and information sessions, were also utilized.

QUESTION NO: 611

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 March 2008

QUESTION PAPER NO: 11

DATE OF REPLY: 27 May 2008

Ms M Smuts (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether any tender were invited in 2008 for security services to guard Telkom's infrastructure, including copper cable; if so, (a) which companies in each province submitted tenders, (b) in what respect were their tenders superior compared to others and (c) why have Telkom's security personnel who previously investigated copper theft been withdrawn and limited to safeguard fibre optic infrastructure;

(2) Whether any companies who were awarded tenders have had contracts with Telkom before; if so,

(3) Whether their performance was evaluated against any increase in copper theft; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1300E

REPLY:

(1) No tenders were invited in 2008. The last tender that was invited by Telkom for services relating to cable protection was in 2006. These tenders were awarded for a period of 3 (three) years and will expire in August 2009.

(2) Yes.

(3) Performances of service providers are evaluated against specific decreases in theft related incidents. The initial contracts did not include a specific performance measurement to reduce cable theft incidents. The contracts' performance requirements were subsequently revised to include a performance measurement to reduce cable theft incidents.

QUESTION 617

WRITTEN REPLY 28 MARCH 2008

Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Public Works:

(1) (a) On (i) how many occasions and (ii) what dates has the Engineering Council of South Africa formally requested to meet with her to discuss issues and functions relating to the council and the professions governed by it, (b) what was her reply in each case and (c) (i) when last did she have a meeting with the council and (ii) what issues were discussed;

(2) whether any requests for meetings were refused; if so, why, in each case? NW1307E

REPLY

At the request of ECSA, I have attended a meeting whereby ECSA presented its annual report to me on the 20^th November 2006. ECSA made subsequent request for meetings with me this year.

The basis of the request for this year in particular was to discuss, among others, proposed amendments of the statutory regulatory framework of the built environment professions.

I had a meeting with the President of ECSA, Mr. T Goba on the 4^th April 2008 wherein the concerns of ECSA were discussed. One of the issues for instance was the request for additional time to make inputs which was given.

Secondly, ECSA through its President was advised to make inputs to the Departmental workshop as well as the team dealing with the proposed Bill.

My department held consultation workshop on the policy with all the Professional Councils including ECSA on the 18^th March 2008. The stakeholders were asked to submit written comments to the Department on the Policy document by 28 March 2008 wherein ECSA requested an extention. The extended period was from 28 March 2008 to 11 April 2008.

In addition, the Department has regular meetings with the Council for Built Environment (CBE) to evaluate the performance of their organisation and that of the six (6) professional councils including ECSA.

Question 620

Mr W D Spies (FF Plus) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

Whether his department has as yet launched an investigation to establish the impact of illegal electrical connections on the total national electricity consumption; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the impact and (b) what steps does he envisage in order to limit losses in this regard? NW1202E

Reply:

Yes, Eskom has launched an investigation to establish the impact of illegal connections on national consumption. This is being carried out by Eskom's Revenue Loss Unit and Energy Losses Programme.

The current Eskom Distribution losses are estimated at 6% which includes technical and non-technical losses. The split between technical and non-technical losses is approximately 50%. Illegal connections fall within non-technical losses domain. In terms of international benchmark this figure is relatively low in comparison. With the current focus on energy loss reduction the figures indicate that the total loss trend is being stabilized and not on the increase.

QUESTION 621

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9/05/2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12-2008)

MrW D Spies (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Education:†

What is the (a) demographic composition in (i) percentages and (ii) numbers of the (aa) University of the Free State, (bb) University of Pretoria, (cc) University of Stellenbosch, (dd) University of Johannesburg, (ee) North West University, (ff) Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, (gg) Tshwane University of Technology (Pretoria West campus) and (hh) Tshwane University of Technology (excluding Pretoria West campus) and (ii) University of South Africa and (b) what is the language preference at each of these universities?

NW1205E

REPLY:

(a) The Department of Education captures statistical data about the higher education system at the institutional level in the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS). Below is the latest audited data for the institutions for which information is requested.

Table 1: Headcount enrolments by Race and Gender in 2006

Total – male and female headcount	African		Coloured		Indian		White		Total
Institution	Nr	%	Nr	%	Nr	%	Nr	%	Nr
University of the Free State	12 531	51.9	1 525	6.3	586	2.4	9 490	39.3	24 132
University of Pretoria	20 421	44.3	766	1.7	1 762	3.8	23 173	50.2	46 122
University of Stellenbosch	2 447	11.2	3 233	14.7	439	2.0	15 824	72.1	21 943
University of Johannesburg	27 738	64.7	1 199	2.8	2 179	5.1	11 767	27.4	42 883
North West University	22 412	57.9	1 220	3.2	616	1.6	14 288	36.9	38 536
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University	14 477	59.7	2 966	12.2	624	2.6	6 178	25.5	24 245
Tshwane University of Technology	43 947	85.4	617	1.2	427	0.8	6 455	12.5	51 446
University of South Africa	131 197	57.7	14 151	6.2	22 580	9.9	59 209	26.0	227 137

Female headcount	African		Coloured		Indian		White		Total
Institution	Nr	%	Nr	%	Nr	%	Nr	%	Nr
University of the Free State	7 309	54.2	1 019	7.6	245	1.8	4 918	36.5	13 491
University of Pretoria	12 190	47.0	434	1.7	907	3.5	12 399	47.8	25 930
University of Stellenbosch	1 154	10.2	1 839	16.3	224	2.0	8 081	71.5	11 298
University of Johannesburg	15 174	65.7	729	3.2	1 126	4.9	6 076	26.3	23 105
North West University	14 541	61.0	753	3.2	361	1.5	8 189	34.3	23 844
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University	8 366	63.3	1 669	12.6	320	2.4	2 861	21.6	13 216
Tshwane University of Technology	23 897	89.3	264	1.0	144	0.5	2 453	9.2	26 758
University of South Africa	72 998	56.8	8 200	6.4	13 603	10.6	33 789	26.3	128 590

Male headcount	African		Coloured		Indian		White		Total
Institution	Nr	%	Nr	%	Nr	%	Nr	%	Nr
University of the Free State	5 222	49.1	506	4.8	341	3.2	4 572	43.0	10 641
University of Pretoria	8 231	40.8	332	1.6	855	4.2	10 774	53.4	20 192
University of Stellenbosch	1 293	12.1	1 394	13.1	215	2.0	7 743	72.7	10 645
University of Johannesburg	12 564	63.5	470	2.4	1 053	5.3	5 691	28.8	19 778
North West University	7 871	53.6	467	3.2	255	1.7	6 099	41.5	14 692
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University	6 111	55.4	1 297	11.8	304	2.8	3 317	30.1	11 029
Tshwane University of Technology	20 050	81.2	353	1.4	283	1.1	4 002	16.2	24 688
University of South Africa	58 199	59.1	5 951	6.0	8 977	9.1	25 420	25.8	98 547

(b) The councils of public higher education institutions determine the language policies of individual institutions within the context of the official language-policy framework. While English and Afrikaans are currently the only mediums of instruction in higher education, the language-policy framework promotes multi-lingualism. Below are the official languages of teaching and learning at the undergraduate level at the universities for which information is requested.

Table 2. Languages of Learning and Teaching

Institution	Language of Teaching and Learning
University of the Free State	Afrikaans and English
University of Pretoria	Afrikaans and English
University of Stellenbosch	Afrikaans
University of Johannesburg	Afrikaans and English
North West University	Afrikaans and English
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University	Afrikaans and English
Tshwane University of Technology	English
University of South Africa	Afrikaans and English

QUESTION 622

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9 MAY 2008: INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12-2008

"622. Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture:

1. Whether he will ensure that his department (a) monitors and (b) reduces its Carbon Footprint with immediate effect; if so, how will this be done;

2. whether this will include the phasing out of glossy publications from agencies or councils reporting to him; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so , what are the relevant details;

3. (a) what is the estimated cost of all such (i) reports and (ii) publications per annum in the case of these agencies and all other working documents of his department and (b) what kind of (i) energy are being used in the offices of his department and (ii) energy saving measures are being implemented in these offices?"

NW1211E

REPLY:

1. The National Department of Public Works (NDPW) and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism are the main custodians of government policy with regards to monitoring and reduction of Carbon Footprint.

2. The kind of energy used in the department is mainly electrical energy as supplied by Eskom. We will implement the guideline provided by the National Department of Public Works (NDPW) "Energy Code and Conduct for all Buildings under its Custodianship". My Department encourages employees to switch off all computers and lights at the end of each working day and throughout weekends.

3. The government is collectively developing appropriate measures to these issues. The Department of Arts and Culture will follow such guidelines.

QUESTION NO 623

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: THURSDAY, 29 MAY 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 09 MAY 2008 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 – 2008)

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether he will ensure that his department (a) monitors and (b) reduces its carbon footprint with immediate effect; if so, how will this be done;

(2) whether this will include the phasing out of glossy publications from all agencies or councils reporting to him; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3)(a) what is the estimated cost of all such (i) reports and (ii) publications per annum in the case of these agencies and all other working documents of his department and (b) what kinds of (i) energy are being used in the offices of his department and (ii) energy saving measures are being implemented in these offices?

NW1212E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) and (b)

Yes, the Department of Transport will ensure that the carbon footprint is reduced and monitored periodically. However, in terms of the Kyoto Protocol, developing countries, such as South Africa, are not required to adopt emission reduction or limitation targets.

Funds have been made available to establish an inventory of all greenhouse gases and sources in the transport sector, and then monitor the emissions while having policies and strategies in place to reduce the carbon footprint. Such policies include public transport efficiency, cycling, walking policy and the recently tabled Rural Transport Strategy for South Africa.

(2) Phasing out of glossy publications from all agencies and public entities reporting to me is an option that is currently under consideration.

(3) (a) (i) and (ii)

The cost of all reports and publications of agencies, as well as all working documents in my Department is included in the overhead costs. In line with the Climate Change Response Strategy for Transport under development, the cost of the above reports, publications and working documents will have to be quantified, and relevant strategies to reduce the carbon footprint measures will have to be instituted for the development of appropriate monitoring mechanisms for public entities and within the Department of Transport to ensure that environmental friendly paper is utilized. The Department of Transport is committed to the reduction of the cost of doing business and mitigating the negative impacts of anthropogenic climate change.

(b) (i) Electricity remains the most utilized means of energy in all Government offices and (ii) energy saving measures advocated by the Department of Minerals and Energy are in place in my Department. Solar lighting is now utilized in most offices during the day and computers, other appliances and passage lights are switched off when officials leave the offices and/or buildings, to name a few of such options.

QUESTION NO: 624

DR R RABINOWITZ (IFP) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

(1) Whether he will ensure that his department (a) monitors and (b) reduces its carbon footprint with immediate effect; if so, how will this be done;

(2) whether this will include the phasing out of glossy publications from all agencies or councils reporting to him; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) (a) what is the estimated cost of all such (i) reports and (ii) publications per annum in the case of these agencies and all other working documents of his department and (b) what kinds of (i) energy are being used in the offices of his department and (ii) energy saving measures are being implemented in these offices?

REPLY

(1)(a- b) Yes, the Department of Correctional Services is aware and conscious of the effects and impact of carbon emissions to the environment. As such we are doing our part to minimize the distruction of trees and forests.

We have started initiatives to reduce the use the paper within the department. One such initiative is the system called EDRMS (Electronic Document Records Management System). This system seeks to reduce the usage of paper within DCS by replacing paper documents with electronic versions wherever possible. We have also introduced the fax-to-email facility where official receive faxes in an electronic format.

(2) There are no agencies or councils reporting to the Minister of Correctional services. However, even though there are no immediate plans for phasing out, it will be important to investigate the use of recycled paper and compatible hardware as part of the process of reducing paper reduction process.

(3) (a) The following are the costs of publication:

PUBLICATION	ESTIMATED COST
Strategic Plan	R70 000
Annual Report	R103 700
SA Corrections	R500 000
Other	R500 000

(b) (i) The Department is using electrical energy from the national grid

(ii) The Department is implementing energy saving measure as prescribed by the department of Minerals and Energy. In addition to that the department has started with the energy saving awareness campaign by communicating energy saving tips to all personnel frequently. This campaign was started at the beginning of 2008

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 625

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 07/08/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 07-2009)

Dr WG James to ask the Minister of basic Education:

What are the relevant details pertaining to the (a) budget allocated for and (b) actual expenditure with regard to (i) salaries, (ii) travel, (iii) accommodation, (iv) printing done and (v) other operations of the Ministerial Committee on Transformation and Social Cohesion and the Elimination of Discrimination in Public Higher Education Institutes? NW710E

REPLY:

The release of the report of the Ministerial Committee on Transformation and Social Cohesion and the Elimination of Discrimination in Public Higher Education Institutes has provided an opportunity for the country to evaluate the extent to which our higher education institutions have transformed. Not unexpectedly the report also raises a number of challenges that our government has to address.

(a) The operational budget of the Directorate Institutional Support and Sector Liaison was used to support the work of the committee.

(b) Members of the committee were not paid salaries, but were compensated for their time in line with Treasury Regulations. In this regard, an amount of R467, 324.00 was paid to members of the committee. In addition, all travel and accommodation costs were arrangements were made in terms of Departmental policy. On conclusion of the investigation, 300 copies of the report were printed and distributed to all institutions, higher education stakeholders and interested parties. The total cost of producing the report was R71, 527.52 which includes gazetting.

QUESTION 626

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 09 MAY 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 12-2008

MOULANA M R SAYEDALI SHAH (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE

Whether a thorough review of the arms procurement processes has be en done in view of the 14^th report by the Commission on Public Accounts (details furnished) of November 2000; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

whether this review is accessible to the public; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

-------ooo0ooo------- NW1296E

REPLY

The Fourteenth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts was issued on dated 30 October 2000 after consideration by the Committee of the Special Review of the Auditor-General of the Selection Process of Strategic Defence Packages for the Acquisition of Armaments at the Department of Defence. The report amongst others recommends, "There should be a thorough post mortem and review of the arms procurement process. It is recommended that the Auditor-General assist in the conduct of this further review." Subsequent to the above report, the Joint Forensic Investigation into the Strategic Defence Packages by the Auditor-General, the Public Prosecutor and the Public Protector was commissioned, culminating in the publishing of the Joint Investigative Report on 14 November 2001. During this investigation, the arms procurement process was thoroughly reviewed and the report concluded with 25 key findings and 15 recommendations.

The report on the Joint Forensic Investigation into the Strategic Defence Packages was made public on 14 November 2001

QUESTION NO. 627

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 12 of 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 May 2008

Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism:

In each of the latest two calendar years for which information is available, (i) what was the total number of foreign tourist arrivals in South Africa and (ii) what is the breakdown of this figure according to country of origin, (b) how are foreign tourist arrival figures determined and (c) what is the breakdown of the total number of foreign tourist arrivals according to those arriving in South Africa by (i) air, (ii) land and (iii) sea?

NW1304E

MR G R MORGAN (DA )

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:

(a) (i) 2006: 8,395,833 and 2007: 9,090,994 total number of foreign tourist arrivals in South Africa and (ii) Please see attached report "Table A – Dec 2007 Total Foreign Arrivals"

(b) Data represents actual movement of people into South Africa' s borders and is captured through Dept of Home Affairs Movement Control System. The flow of data is as follows

(c) The breakdown of arrivals by mode of travel is (i) 27% by air, (ii) 69% by road and 0.01 by rail and (iii) 4% by sea.

QUESTION 628

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9/05/2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12-2008)

Mrs C M Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Education:

(a) By what legal mechanism will the proposed National Schools Pledge be implemented and (b) what legal obligation will be placed on (i) principals, (ii) teachers and (iii) learners in this regard;

whether the pledge will affect private schools; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

whether she or her department will invite any public comment with regard to the pledge; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1310E

REPLY:

The question you raise has emerged from a number of submissions as part of the process of public comment. After considering all the public comments on the proposed Pledge, I will decide on the mechanism (legal or otherwise) to follow.

No decision has been taken in this regard.

The proposed National Schools Pledge was published for public comment on 22 February 2008 in Government Gazette No 278. The closing date of 20 March 2008 was subse quently extended to 15 May 2008 to provide sufficient time for all interested parties to comment.

QUESTION 629

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 09 MAY 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 12-2008

MR P J GROENEWALD (FF PLUS) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE

1. (a) How frequently are alcoholic beverages transported to members on peacekeeping missions in Africa, (b) to which countries are these alcoholic beverages transported and (c) what (i) type of beverages and (ii) quantities of each type of beverage are transported to each country;

2. whether he will make a statement on the matter?

------ooo0ooo------- NW1311E

REPLY

1. (a) The SANDF has a scheduled flight that supplies the externally deployed missions on a weekly basis with logistic supplies, these flights are utilised by South African Forces Institute (SAFI) which is the supplier of basic groceries and alcoholic beverages.

The average supply by the South African Military Institute (SAMI) for the period 01 January 2008 till 12 May 2008 was nine times.

(b). Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi

(c). i. Beer - All brands

ii. Ciders

iii. Pre- Mix (Brandy and Cola)

iv. Hard Tack - Brandy

- Whisky

- Rum

- White Spirits

v. Liqueur

vi. Wine

The statistics for January 2008 until May 2008 are as follows:

DEPLOYMENT PERIOD 01 JANUARY 2008 TILL 12 MAY 2008
Item	Burundi	DRC	Total Troops	Average per individual
Beer	2507	1628	2065	2
Ciders	275	95	2065	0.18
Pre-Mix	304	171	2065	0.23
Brandy	26	19	2065	0.02
Whiskey	35	22	2065	0.03
Rum	13	5	2065	0.01
White Spirits	5	30	2065	0.01
Liqueur*	22	9	2065	0.01
Wine**	119	17	2065	0.07

*Liqueur is also provided for the RSA embassies in these countries. (Utilised for functions)

**Wine was mostly provided to RSA embassies in these countries. (Utilised for functions)

2. No.

QUESTION 630

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12–2008]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 MAY 2008

630. Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs:

(1) How many (a) restitution claims have (i) been filed in each province and (ii) already been published in the Government Gazette and (b) land reform claims have (i) been submitted in each province and (ii) already been published in the Government Gazette until the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW1312E

THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS:

(1) (a) Please refer to the table below for details of restitution claims per province.

RESTITUTION CLAIMS PER PROVINCE	(i)	(ii)
Western Cape	17 000	15 500
KwaZulu-Natal	14 110	8 211
Gauteng	11 975	12 144
North-West	1 219	12 144
Limpopo	5 186	2 922
Northern Cape	2 873	2 522
Free State	3 082	2 896
Eastern Cape	17 814	7 836
Mpumalanga	6 437	5 524
Total	79 696	57 555

(b) It is assumed that the honourable Member is referring to the labour tenant claims in terms of the Land Reform Act, 1996 (Act No. 3 of 1996). The information to date is as follows:

LAND REFORM CLAIMS PER PROVINCE	(i)	(ii)
KwaZulu-Natal	11 407	3081
Gauteng	472	464
Mpumalanga	9618	244
Eastern Cape	0	0
Northern Cape	0	0
Western Cape	0	0
Free State	0	0
North West	0	0
Limpopo	0	0

(2) No

QUESTION 631

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9/05/2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12-2008)

Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Education:

(1) Whether she recently made a statement with regard to the re-opening of teacher training colleges; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) (a) where will these teacher training colleges be located, (b) what plans are in place with regard to (i) implementation, (ii) human resources and (iii) specialised skills that are needed to realise the project, (c) what timeframes are envisaged and (d) how can stakeholders and people with skills needed to accomplish this make an input?

NW1317E

REPLY:

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer I provided to Question 584, which dealt with this specific question. I also commented on teacher colleges in my Budget Vote speech on the 15 May 2008, and I attach what I said here for her convenience.

"Expanding teacher training

One of our emerging challenges is the need to respond to the decline in the number of qualified school teachers. Specific gaps exist in the foundation phase and in scarce skills subjects such as Maths, Sciences and Technology.

Our first response was the introduction of nationally funded bursaries for students in these fields. We expect graduation numbers to grow each year. However, we now believe that these efforts need to be supported by a significant growth in numbers and by an expansion in the capacity of university faculties responsible for teacher training. All but one of our universities offer initial and in-service teacher training in faculties, colleges and schools of education.

We are considering various options in order to expand the numbers.

There have been calls for the re-opening of teacher training colleges. Given that many college sites became our new very vital FET colleges we need to devise innovative strategies for responding to more and better teacher training. I hope to return to the house later this year to set out the department's proposal for expanded provision. We think it important to retain the higher education role in qualifying teachers. We also acknowledge the accuracy of the ANC's call for urgent and focused attention on strategies for admitting increased numbers and for supporting them to be quality teachers for our schools."

Question 632

Mr LW Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) Whether Eskom charges different tariffs to companies using large quantities of electricity daily than what it charges to ordinary households; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the differential between the lowest tariff charged and that charged to ordinary households;

(2) (a) how many companies or clients are charged the said lowest tariffs and (b) what amount of power is used by these companies, globularly expressed, per day? NW1318E

Reply:

(1) Eskom designs its tariffs to be cost reflective to ensure that the tariffs recover the cost of supply ing electricity to consumers whilst retaining the flexibility to provide cross subsidies between customer groups. As such, the amount of electricity consumed by a customer does not necessarily dictate the energy rate applicable. Furthermore, the main cause of cost differences amongst customers is related to the cost of providing the networks and energy and thus the customers' economic classification is not a factor.

Customer categories are determined by the size of supply (or capacity required), voltage level, location on the network (distance from source) and load profile. Costs are then allocated to each customer category based on 12-month consumption (forecasts of Eskom's annual costs). The cost allocation to the different customer categories is influenced by:

The densities of customers - the greater the density the lower the cost per connection.

The geographic position of a supply point - the further the point of supply is from the source of the electricity supply, the higher the electrical losses.

The voltage level of the supply – the lower the voltage of the supply, the more electrical losses there are and the more network assets are required to supply customers. Supplies at higher voltage levels therefore cost less to supply than supplies at lower voltage levels.

After the cost allocation by customer category, unit rates are calculated which are then applied to similar customer categories. The results of the cost allocation usually demonstrate that the cost to supply smaller sized and rural customers is higher than the tariff charged. The shortfall is what is referred to as the electrification and rural levy that is raised from larger, high voltage customers in urban areas. As such, larger customers generally subsidise smaller and rural customers – this is illustrated in the table below. Eskom's tariff for low consumption residential (Homelight) customers and the rural tariffs (Landlight, Ruraflex and Nightsave Rural) currently receive large-scale subsidies i.e. the tariff rates are lower than the cost to supply.

Table 1 below: Cost versus tariff in c/kWh in 2007/8 rand values

This table indicates the cost to supply versus the effective tariff based on the 2007/8 MYPD forecasts for the full Eskom financial year. Negative values in the "% Difference" column indicate where a subsidy is provided, whilst positive values indicate that these tariffs make a subsidy contribution i.e. to pay more than what it costs to supply these tariffs to customers.

Note: The values expressed in the above table are in 2007/8 rand values.

(2) (a) The response is provided on table 1 above.

(b) The following table is an approximation of average consumption per day by each of the customer groups.

QUESTION 633

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 9 May 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2008

Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether the spouses of foreign persons with critical skills recruited to come to work in the Republic of South Africa are themselves allowed to seek work in South Africa; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, under what conditions?

NW1319E

REPLY

Currently, the spouse of a recruited foreign person with critical skills does not automatically qualify for a work permit, but is allowed to seek work in the Republic of South Africa. However, as is the case with all other foreign nationals, an application for a work permit must be submitted at the nearest Regional office of the Department in the Republic of South africa (RSA) (or South African Embassy, or High Commission in their country of origin).

Having recognised that this has a potential to negatively affect the recruitment of much needed scarce skills, we intend to consider a review of this legal position as part of the immigration policy review process.

QUESTION 634

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9/05/2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12-2008)

Mr M H Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister of Education:

Whether the levels of literacy and numeracy attained by learners upon completion of their primary school education (grade 7) is satisfactory; if not, (a) why not and (b) what steps has her department taken to improve this situation?

NW1320E

REPLY:

National systemic evaluations, conducted by the Department in 2001 and 2004, revealed low levels of reading abilities across the country. The results of the Progress in International Reading and Literacy Study (PIRLS), released in November 2007, found that learners in our schools do not read at the appropriate level in relation to their grades and in terms of their age.

Various reasons were provided for this:

Lack of access to books in homes, at school and in community

Low levels of literacy among the parents

Ineffective teaching practices

I have responded to these findings through the following initiatives:

On the 18 March 2008 I launched the Foundation for Learning Campaign, a four-year programme to improve the reading, writing and numeracy skills and abilities of all South African children. The Campaign has provided teachers and schools with clear directives on expected levels of learner performance. The focus will be on primary schooling – starting with the Foundation and Intermediate Phases – so that learners acquire and sustain a solid foundation for learning. All primary schools will be expected to increase average learner performance in Literacy / Language and Numeracy / Mathematics to no less than 50% - indicating an improvement of between 15% - 20% - in the 4 years of the campaign.

The Department has also focused on providing resources to all schools. In the past three years we have provided over 11,000 primary schools with exciting story books, written in all official languages of South Africa towards establishing classroom libraries. Through the USAID-funded Ithuba Writing Project, we are distributing 2.3 million locally authored books in the different official languages to schools. All 2.3 million books should be in our schools by the end of the financial year.

Two years ago, I initiated a Drop All and Read Campaign, which welcomed Grade R and 1 learners into education with their own branded bags containing a selection of books that they can read for themselves or that parents and caregivers can read to them. At the heart of the campaign is that in our homes and in our schools children should be able to pick up books that they can read for enjoyment.

We continue to supply schools with reference materials, which have included bilingual dictionaries. We have also provided all schools with:

the National Reading Strategy document which outlines activities and approaches to promote and develop the reading skills of our learners; and

a Teacher's Handbook entitled Teaching Reading in the Early Grades to assist teachers on methods, approaches and activities to improve their teaching of reading.

A Toolkit for Teachers was developed containing both reading resources as well as guides for teachers; 1;000 of these have been sent to pilot schools countrywide to increase support for the teachers in their teaching of reading.

The Department has developed an Early-Grade Reading Assessment instrument, which is currently being used by teachers in selected districts to help us monitor progress in the different schools. The instrument is currently in use for Sepedi, Xitsonga,Tshivenda, IsiXhosa and English and during the course of this year the tool will be developed in the remaining five languages.

The implementation of the National Policy Framework for Teacher Education and Development will also address the issue of teacher development and ensure that through the IPET and CPTD programmes teachers are trained to teach effectively.

To monitor whether learners are improving competency, the Department is establishing baseline data on learners' achievement in literacy and numeracy in the early grades. As part of the Foundations for Learning, primary school learners will be assessed annually using standardized tests to monitor their progress against the established baseline.

QUESTION 635

Mr M H Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) How many claims for damage to, (b) pilfering from and (c) missing baggage were lodged with the SAAirways in each month in 2007 and in each of the first three months in 2008;

(2) (a) what is the globular amount claimed for (i) the 12 months in 2007 and (ii) the first three months in 2008 arising out of such losses, (b) what amounts have been paid out with regard to such claims and (c) what amounts claimed have not yet been settled? NW1321E

Reply:

(1) ACSA licenses ground handling agents at its airports to amongst other things, handle baggage. ACSA currently have two licensed ground handling agents, Menzies and Bidvest who commenced services in April 2008. Additionally ACSA has allowed Swissport to undertake ground handling services solely for SAA as an interim measure until a third ground handling license is awarded by ACSA that is expected to be announced in August 2008.

In the process of collection to final delivery, baggage comes under the control of various parties. On an outbound flight, SAA collects baggage at the check-in counter and loads it onto the belt at which point ACSA assumes responsibility for the baggage. Ground handlers collect baggage off the belt at the far end after baggage has moved through the various ACSA airport systems whereupon the ground handlers take over responsibility from ACSA to enable them to load the baggage onto the aircraft.

(a-c) As indicated above therefore, baggage handling does not fall within the core responsibilities of South African Airways. Nevertheless SAA works closely with Airport Company South Africa to reduce baggage damage and pilferage, which is currently just over one percent of all baggage handled.

(2)(a-c) SAA is still verifying claims and the process is in various stages.

QUESTION NO.: 636

Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Housing as follows:

(1) How many employees in her department are currently (i) under investigation for fraud related to housing subsidies and ancillary matters and (ii) being prosecuted for fraud (iii) have owned up to fraud and have been spared prosecution provided that money that has misappropriated, is paid back, (b) what steps have been taken to eliminate fraud con cerning housing subsidies and (c) with what success?

Reply:

None

I can imagine the glee with which the Honourable Member asked the question. Here are the facts:

No employees in my department are under investigation because no corruption or fraud has taken place IN the department, but unearthed when an audit was done and civil servants across government had made false submissions and thereby procured housing subsidies. NOT ONE of these civil servants was from the Department of Housing. NOT ONE.

In my Budget Vote on 28 May 2008, I reported back to Parliament on a matter referred to the department by the Auditor-General from his review of the period 1999 to 2004, where government employees from various levels of government, had fraudulently claimed subsidy housing. The Department of Housing monitors the subsidy scheme in the same way as National Treasury monitors the Persal salary payment system.

The National Department of Housing does not administer subsidies, it only monitors the system.

(b) This is what I delivered in my Budget Vote address on 28 May 2008:

"The SIU embarked on a massive forensic data analytical investigation and identified 31259 potentially irregular housing subsidy transactions awarded to government employees nationally. The SIU has begun the process of prosecuting and finalising criminal cases against the corrupt officials in different Provinces around the country. 29 cases have already been finalised with sentences including the payment of the value of the houses. The total amount of debt we expect to recover is R6 827,036.30. A cash amount of R1 103,772.00 has been paid back. The SIU will make recommendations to the Department in order to curb future systematic or opportunistic abuse of the Housing Subsidy System.

"It is envisaged that two hundred (200) cases will be placed on the court roll in the new financial year. The prosecution of fraudulent beneficiaries will have a significant impact in terms of deterrence and promoting a culture of legal obedience."

QUESTION 637

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12-2008]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 MAY 2008

637. Mr J H van der Merve (IFP) to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs:

(1) What is the total size of the Kruger National Park in hectares;

(2) whether any part of the Kruger National Park is subject to land claims; if so, (a) how many and (b) where are they situated;

(3) whether the (a) land will be returned to the claimants or (b) claimants will receive financial compensation, in the event of successful land claims in the Kruger National Park? NW1323E

THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS:

(1) It is estimated to be 2 million hectares.

(2) Yes.

(a) A total of 15, of which 3 is in the Limpopo portion and 12 in the Mpumalanga portion of the Park.

(b) Vhembe, Mopani, Skukuza, Pretoriuskop, Phabeni, Numbi and Lower Sabie.

(3)(a) Yes. In terms of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Departments of Land Affairs and of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, the land will be restored in title to the successful claimant communities, however the land will continue to be used for conservation purposes.

(b) No.

QUESTION NO. 638

DATE PUBLISHED: 09 May 2008

DATE SUBMITTED: 12 December 2008

The Leader of the Opposition to ask the President of the Republic:

(1) Whether he has taken note of the estimated 78 infant deaths in the Ukhahlamba District in the Eastern Cape in April 2008, reportedly due to diarrhoea that was contracted through impurities in the drinking water, which the local hospitals were unable to treat due to the unavailability of basic medication; if so;

(2) whether, in light of the Ukhahlamba District's status as a Presidential Node under the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme, the Presidency took any specific action to investigate or address the situation and to ensure that the relevant officials were held accountable; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1327E

REPLY:

The President received reports relating to the infant deaths in the Ukhahlamba District Municipality, containing, among others, the following information:

a) processes followed and interventions that have been made by

the District Municipality and the Departments of Water Affairs, and Health as a result of the two key issues triggered by reports in the media on the state of water and health care in the Ukhahlamba District area recently;

b) the state of service delivery, the challenges around

service delivery, the short term interventions as well as longer term interventions as proposed by the District Municipality and the Department of Health

c) an integrated intervention plan that is to be implemented by all

departments in the Social Needs Cluster including, the District Municipality, the Eastern Cape Youth Commission and the Eastern Cape Aids Council. A government integrated approach is emphasised as the issues that were reported in the media are not only health- or water-related, but pertain to the work of government as a whole as well as the contribution social partners can make.

With regard to the second part of the question, a lot of work has been done to ameliorate the situation. Among others:

A Joint Health Operations Team to investigate the deaths in prioritised health facilities was initiated under the project management of the District Quality Assurance Manager of the Department of Health. Fifteen teams of specialists were dispatched to the problematic hospital catchment areas to examine conditions at affected homes, including health and hygiene awareness. A system was implemented through which all health facilities report daily on the occurrence of diarrhoea.

Indeed we are hopeful that the interventions that have been implemented will ensure that the conditions that led to the unfortunate situation in the Ukhahlamba District Municipality will not be experienced again.

QUESTION NO. 639

(Internal Question Paper No 12 – 2008)

The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) What comparative benefits have each node enjoyed under the (a) Urban Renewal Programme and (b) Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme in terms of the (i) provision of water infrastructure, (ii) monitoring of drinking water quality, (iii) strengthening of local and district municipalities and (iv) provision of quality basic healthcare since their announcement in the President's state of the nation address in 2001;

(2) what are the relevant details regarding the death of 78 infants in the Ukhahlamba District in the Eastern Cape in April, reportedly as a result of diarrhoea that was contracted through impurities in the drinking water which the local hospitals were unable to treat because of the unavailability of basic medication;

(3) whether his department received any instructions or inquiries from the presidency regarding the death of those infants; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether his department took any specific actions to (a) investigate or address the situation in the Ukhahlamba district and (b) hold the relevant officials accountable; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

ANSWER

The question focuses primarily on functional areas which fall outside the constitutional responsibilities which have been assigned to the Minister for Provincial and Local Government, namely water and health. The issues raised in respect of the Urban Renewal Programme (URP), and the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme (ISRDP), and the strengthening of municipalities, are, therefore, purely consequential and subsidiary in nature.

In terms of Chapter 13 of the National Assembly Guide to Procedure, 2004, the issues relating to water and health should have been referred to the relevant Ministers. In fact, the Portfolio Committee for Health in the Eastern Cape has dealt with this matter.

The questions relating to the URP and the ISRDP and the strengthening of municipalities, fall within the Ministry's mandate. However, the response that may be given in respect of these areas would "require an impractically extensive answer", and such a response is not permissible in terms of the rules and conventions of Parliament.

These matters are dealt with in the dplg's Annual Reports, and in reports presented yearly to the relevant Portfolio and Select Committees of Parliament. Thus the question requires "information that is readily accessible", and is not allowed in terms of the rules and conventions referred to above.

QUESTION NO: 641

MR, J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES:

(1) Whether a certain person (Mr. Jean Claude LaCote) escaped in March or April 2008 from the Johannesburg Correctional Centre; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,(a) when, (b) from what section,(c) when was his escape discovered and (d) for what charges was he being detained;

(2) whether his department has investigated or is investigating the circumstances regarding this event; if not, why not; if so, (a) when did the investigation (i) commence and (ii) conclude and (b) which persons or institutions formed part of the investigation;

(3) whether any officials have been (a) suspended or (b) charged as a result of this matter; if so, how many in each case?

NW1330E

REPLY

1. (a) Yes, Inmate Jean Claude LaCote did manage to escape from out of Johannesburg Correctional Centre on 28 March 2008.

(b) He escaped at the Johannesburg Medium A Correctional Centre from the reception area.

(c) On 28^th March 2008 the SAPS allegedly requested the removal of inmate LaCote per SAP 127 for purposes of a further investigation.

The application was handed in at Johannesburg Medium A Correctional Centre, Reception Office for processing. (DCS policy allows for an inmate to be transferred to the SAPS on request of a SAP 127.

The official at the Admission Unit allegedly accepted the SAP 127 form together with the SAPS ID cards. He confirmed from the Admission and Release System that inmate LaCote was still in custody at the Correctional Centre and inmate LaCote was handed to the SAPS members.

Current investigations revealed that the escape was discovered on 16 April 2008 when the SAPS Investigation Officer responsible for the case, visited the Medium A Correctional Centre where he informed the Management of the Centre that he was not aware of any SAP 127 that was issued with regard to the removal of inmate LaCote.

Two cases were opened at Mondeor SAPS:

- Escape: Mondeor SAPS: CAS no. 382/04/2008,

- Theft and Corruption: Mondeor SAPS: CAS no 391/04/2008,

(d) Inmate Jean Claude LaCote was detained on alleged fraud charges.

2. (a) (i) The Departmental Investigation Team was established on 22 April 2008 and commenced with the internal departmental investigation.

(ii) The investigation is not yet concluded.

(b) The SAPS also established a Special Task team to investigate the matter.

(3)(a) and (b) The investigation is not yet finalised therefore no conclusion could be made at this stage.

QUESTION NO: 641

641.MR, J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES:

Whether a certain person (Mr. Jean Claude LaCote) escaped in March or April 2008 from the Johannesburg Correctional Centre; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,(a) when, (b) from what section,(c) when was his escape discovered and (d) for what charges was he being detained;

whether his department has investigated or is investigating the circumstances regarding this event; if not, why not; if so, (a) when did the investigation (i) commence and (ii) conclude and (b) which persons or institutions formed part of the investigation;

whether any officials have been (a) suspended or (b) charged as a result of this matter; if so, how many in each case?

REPLY

(a) Yes, Inmate Jean Claude LaCote did manage to escape from out of Johannesburg Correctional Centre on 28 March 2008.

He escaped at the Johannesburg Medium A Correctional Centre from the reception area.

On 28^th March 2008 the SAPS allegedly requested the removal of inmate LaCote per SAP 127 for

purposes of a further investigation.

The application was handed in at Johannesburg Medium A Correctional Centre, Reception Office for processing. (DCS policy allows for an inmate to be transferred to the SAPS on request of a SAP 127.

Two cases were opened at Mondeor SAPS:

Escape: Mondeor SAPS: CAS no. 382/04/2008,

Theft and Corruption: Mondeor SAPS: CAS no 391/04/2008,

(d) Inmate Jean Claude LaCote was detained on alleged fraud charges.

(a) (i) The Departmental Investigation Team was established on 22 April 2008 and commenced with the internal departmental investigation.

The investigation is not yet concluded.

The SAPS also established a Special Task team to investigate the matter.

(3)(a) and (b) The investigation is not yet finalised therefore no conclusion could be made at this stage.

QUESTION NO: 642

MR, J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES:

(1) Whether gang-related violence occurred on or around 7 April 2008 in Durban-Westville Correctional Centre; if so, (a) where did the violence occur and (b) how many (i) inmates and (ii) staff members were affected by it;

(2) what steps have been taken by his department to (a)(i) investigate and (ii) deal with the immediate causes of this violence and (b) deal with the underlying causes of gang-related violence in all correctional centres?

NW1331E

REPLY

(1) (a &b) No incident took place on 7 April, however on 6 April 2008 an incident occurred at Durban Medium A Correctional Centre's dining hall. Four (4) non gang members were assaulted and injured by an inmate belonging to the 26 gang with a sharpened object. No staff members were affected.

(2) (a) (i) Departmental and Criminal investigations were instituted in and are currently in progress.

(ii) The following measures were implemented to deal with the immediate causes of this violence:

Ø Departmental disciplinary steps were taken against the perpetrators in terms of degrading.

Ø The victims and the perpetrators were segregated.

Ø Sentenced perpetrators who continuously assaulted fellow inmates and proved to be hardened criminals have been transferred to Embongweni Closed Maximum Correctional Centre.

Ø Every effort is being made to identify high ranking gang members, ring leaders and gang members in order to diffuse the present situation.

Ø Privileges of perpetrators were revoked.

(2)(b) The Department has in place a security plan for the protection of officials, inmates and service providers which is continuously revised according to security trends and threats.

The security plans inter alia focus on the following areas:

Ø Effective supervision at Admission Sections to prevent vulnerable offenders being assaulted/victimized in admission cells especially at night

Ø Increased supervision by staff in dining areas, courtyards and housing units especially after hours

Ø Prevention of dangerous weapons/articles from entering Correctional facilities through increased access control measures

Ø Effectively dealing with complaints and requests of inmates

Ø Strict and consequent disciplinary/criminal actions against perpetrators for acts of victimization or violence against fellow inmates

Ø Ensuring adequate inmate/staff ratios in relation to the safety risks at all areas in- and outside Correctional Centres

The Department is also in the process of increasing its capacity to gather and analyze security information which includes information on gangs and gang activity to be able to deal more effectively with security threats, violence and gang activities in Correctional Centres.

QUESTION NO. 643

(Internal Question Paper No 12 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

What role does the Local Government Sectoral Education and Training Authority play in the training of municipal police or in quality insurance and the accreditation of trainers in this field?

ANSWER

According to information provided by the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority, their role relates more to fire and emergency service staff than the training of the municipal police service. Most of the quality assurance and accreditation functions relating to the municipal police are dealt withy SASSETA (Police, Private Security, Legal, Correctional Services and Justice Sector Education and Training Authority).

QUESTION NO. 644

(Internal Question Paper No 12 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(a) What amount in the form of bursaries has been allocated by the Local Government Sectoral Education and Training Authority to young learners to provide for scarce skills in local government as at 30 April 2008, (b) how many learners have benefited from these bursaries and (c) what requirements are set for learners to qualify for such bursaries?

ANSWER

According to information received from the LGSETA:

(a) the amounts appearing below have been set aside for bursaries:

(i) for property valuation, R4 500 000.00 has been allocated for the 2006/07 to 2009/10 financial year, of which R 555 833.33 has been disbursed;

(ii) for engineering, R1 561 334.00 has been allocated for the 2006/07 to 2008/09 financial year, of which R1 139 665.30 has been disbursed; and

(iii) for internal audit, R3 500 000.00 has been allocated for the 2007/08 to 2009/10 financial year, of which R 525 000.00 has been disbursed.

(b) the following number of learners have benefited:

(i) property valuation: 150;

(ii) engineering:36; and

(iii) internal audit: 100.

(i) for property valuation:

§ a candidate must be permanently employed by a local government entity in the finance, property valuation or built environment sectors;

§ a candidate must be a South African citizen; and

§ preference is given to the previously disadvantaged, women and disabled candidates. However no candidate is excluded;

(ii) for engineering:

§ a candidate must be permanently in the employ of a local government entity;

§ preference is given to the previously disadvantaged, women and disabled candidates. However no candidate is excluded; and

§ 5 years post diploma experience is required; and

(iii) for internal audit:

§ the candidate must be a South African citizen;

§ the candidate must be currently studying in the internal audit field within a recognised institution of higher learning;

§ the candidate should be studying on a full-time basis; and

§ preference is given to the previously disadvantaged, women and disabled candidates. However no candidate is excluded.

QUESTION 646

WRITTEN REPLY FRIDAY, 9 MAY 2008

Question 646 for written reply, National Assembly: Mr J P I Blancẻ (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:

(1)(a)(i) Which African countries are mentored by the SA Agreement Board, (ii) at what cost and (iii) for how long and (b) what are the reasons for the SA Agreement Board recruiting staff from Cuba;

(2)whether these jobs can be filled by South Africans; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the qualifications of the Cuban recruits meet the requirements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1335E

REPLY

(1)(a)(i) None, (ii) Not applicable (iii) Not applicable (b) This is incorrect;
(2) Currently yes they are.
(3)There are no Cuban recruits in Agrément South Africa.

BACKGROUND FOR MINISTER'S ATTENTION REGARDING THE QUESTION

The Agrément human resources strategy is aimed at developing technical competence and skill primarily within the Agency which benefits of the Republic of South Africa. Agrément is tasked with evaluating and certifying non-standard novel innovation building systems and products in terms of fit-for-purpose requirements. The core skill of staff within Agrément are therefore related to building sciences such as civil engineering, quantity surveying, materials physics and chemistry etc.

The HR strategy would therefore promote the upskilling of staff with regard to further technical training in the form of short courses and further degrees.

In terms of recruitment practices, all vacancies are substantially advertised in local media such as Sunday Times, City Press, Weekend Argus, Daily Dispatch, The Tribune, etc as well as internet media to enable candidates throughout South Africa who meet the requirements to apply. General Assessors within Agrément require National Diplomas / Bachelor of Technology (or equivalent) degrees, with further advanced science or technical degrees such as Honours or Masters levels being preferred. Agrément is also subject to competitive drives for these staff as there is a high demand for infrastructure related professionals.

Within Agrément, the recruitment drive and parameters is always to give preference to South African applicants especially those that meet equity requirements. There is no policy or recruitment drive in place which specifically targets any foreign country, including Cuba. In fact, Agrément has no staff which are Cuban, and has never targeted Cuba. However, should a Cuban national or any other foreign national apply and meet the requirements for positions within Agrément, they are subject to same screening and assessment criteria as a South African applicant. Agrément is only able to employ foreign nationals with the permission of the South African Department of Home Affairs who grant work permits to foreign national, subject to stringent criteria being met.

Statements in the previous minutes attributed to the HR Manager for Agrément - Ms Caron Petersen - are also incorrect and correction on this has been requested to the Secretary of the Parliament Portfolio Committee.

Question 647

Written Reply

Mr J P I Blanché (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:

(a) How many properties have been identified by the sale of unidentified public works properties not registered in the assets register and

(b) when will the updated immovable assets register be finalized.

NW1336E

Answer:

(1). (a). One cannot sell unidentified properties not registered in the asset register. In order to sell these properties, a process has to be followed whereby these assets have to be first surveyed and registered.

(b). Asset register is a live data information system therefore its update is continuous, however, data collected by the Asset Register Enhancement Project (AREP) has been captured on the system and furthermore the data on the asset register is currently being verified through the verification of the asset register project.

QUESTION NO 648

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: FRIDAY, 23 MAY 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 09 MAY 2008 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 – 2008)

Mr S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether any conditions have been included in the 11 toll route concessions for those companies to reinvest any portion of their revenue into (a) repairs, (b) maintenance or (c) recapitalisation of those sectors of road under their control; if so, what portion for each of the 11 concessionaries;

(2) whether the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) receives any portion of revenue from these concessionaires for use on other national road sectors requiring (a) repairs, (b) maintenance or (c) recapitalisation; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1337E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) At present there are three routes that are concessioned. The concessionaires are Trans Africa Concessionaires (TRAC ): N4 Maputo Development Corridor; Bakwena: N4 – West Platinum Highway; and N3 Toll Concessionaires (N3TC): N3 Durban to Johannesburg. The remainder of the toll roads is SANRAL roads.

(a), (b) and (c)

The concessioned roads are fully funded by the respective concessionaires. The concessionaires are responsible for the complete "well being" of the roads at no cost to SANRAL and, therefore, Government.

(2) (a), (b) and (c)

As the Honourable Member is aware, the two parts (toll and non-toll) of SANRAL's business are financially managed as two separate entities. The grant allocation from National Treasury is used exclusively for non-toll roads. SANRAL is not allowed to budget for a deficit for non-toll roads.

Similarly, the monies raised from the capital markets are used exclusively for toll roads.

QUESTION NO: 649

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 MAY 2008

QUESTION PAPER NO: 12

DATE OF REPLY: 5 June 2008

Ms M Smuts (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether a certain employee of SABC (name furnished) was found guilty of misconduct or any other charges, if so (i) what charges, (ii) by what body or institution (iii) whether action was taken against the employee or (iv) whether he was reinstated, if so, (i) why (ii) on whose instruction (iii) into which job.

NW1338E

REPLY:

(i) Mr. Motsoeneng was charged with misconduct

(ii) He was found guilty by the Arbitrator appointed in terms of S136 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995; as amended, at the pre-dismissal arbitration hearing.

(iii) The employee was then dismissed.

(iv) Mr. Motsoeneng lodged an appeal submission at the appeal hearing led by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Dali Mpofu.

(v) The employee won the appeal and he was re-employed with effect from 1 April 2008.

(vi) The decision to re-employ Mr. Motsoeneng was based on his application to the appeal panel, which he had won.

(vii) Mr. Motsoeneng was re-employed into a post of Producer: Radio Current Affairs at Lesedi Radio station.

Question 650

Written Reply

Mr. L K Joubert (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:

(1). How many public buildings, including homes, belonging to the State (a) are standing empty at present and (b) have been standing empty for more than six months;

(2). whether her department has taken any steps to protect these buildings (a) from deterioration and (b) against vandalism; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3). whether her department will take any steps to utilize these buildings optimally; if not; why not; if so; what are the relevant details.

NW1339E

Answer:

(1). The Department has appointed two parastatals, namely, Intersite and Servcon, to verify all the information in the Asset Register. This implies that the number of all those State-owned properties that (a) are currently standing empty and (b). have been standing empty for more than six months will be confirmed once the project is completed by the end of March 2009.

(2).(a).The Department has rolled out both the Rehabilitation Programme and National Infrastructure Maintenance Strategy (NIMS) to safeguard buildings from deterioration once identified, and (b). Security contracts are in place to ensure that the identified State properties are prevented from vandalism.

(3). Yes. The Department has developed a Turnaround Strategy that outlines steps to be taken to ensure optimal utilization of State buildings. Again, feasibility studies are conducted to determine the following:-

(i). the optimum use of the asset;

(ii). should NDPW hold or dispose of the asset;

(iii). are there structural problems with the asset;

(iv). what is the cost to reinstate the asset to its original condition;

(v). the current value of the asset in relation to its replacement value.

2008-11-27

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