Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 1876 to 1900

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2009-11-25

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

QUESTION NO 1900

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22)

1900. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether the Swartspruit in the Kempton Park area has been tested for pollution; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will it be done; if so, (i) when was the last test conducted and (ii) what were the findings;

(2) Whether any action has been taken against the (a) local authority and (b) local business for polluting the Swartspruit; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2462E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, there is a monitoring programme that has been implemented since 1980 for the Swartspruit/ Rietvlei River (a tributary of the Hennops River). One monitoring point is located upstream of the Hartebeesfontein Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) along the Bapsfontein Road and the other is downstream of the WWTW along the Witkoppies dirt road. The water samples thereof are collected monthly and are analysed by an accredited laboratory for physical, chemical and microbiological constituents.

(1)(i) The latest set of samples was taken on 08 October 2009.

(1)(ii) The results are still pending however from the previous samples; My Department has identified worrying outbursts of pollution upstream of our Hartebeesfontein WWTW monitoring point. The water quality of the Swartspruit indicated an increase in sewage related pollutants (i.e. Total Suspended Solids, Total Dissolved Solids, Nitrates, Sulphates, E-coli and Faecal coliforms). The main source of the pollutants is sewage spills and malfunctioning of oil traps from industries in the Swartspruit Catchment.

(2)(a) Yes, a contravention notice was issued to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality on 14 October 2009 to cease, modify or control any act or process causing pollution to the Swartspruit. The municipality replied on 23 October 2009 indicating the exposed sewer pipe. The pollution has been contained however; the impact thereof had not been remedied.

The Municipality has since applied for a water use authorisation to rehabilitate and stabilise the banks of the upper Swartspruit. This would include protecting the river banks, installing storm water management structures (attenuation dams) to protect the infrastructure and cleaning the affected portion of the river. The pollution problems will be addressed during the rehabilitation process.

(2)(b) According to the by-laws it is the municipality's responsibility to ensure that the industrial pollution as well as storm water is properly managed. Officials from Ekurhuleni Municipality regularly visit the industries along the upper Swartspruit to monitor compliance thereof. My Department as the custodian of Water Resource has engaged with municipalities, including Ekurhuleni, through the Hennops River Forum to identify the sources of pollution and urge their prompt response where incidents occur.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO. 1899

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24)

Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether applications for the (a) expanding and (b) building of new hospitals are assessed by a committee; if not, (i) why not and (ii) who conducts the assessments; if so, (aa) which committee, (bb) who serves in the committee and (cc) how are they chosen;

(2) whether there is a set of standardised criteria which is used to approve or reject an application; if not, (a) why not, (b) how are applications currently assessed and (c) when will a set of standardised criteria be developed; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2461E

REPLY:

The following information was obtained from the Provinces

EASTERN CAPE

(1) (a) Yes

(b) Yes

(i) Not applicable

(ii) The committee conducts the assessments.

(aa) An Advisory Committee on Licensing of Private Health Facilities which was established in October 2007. Its brief is to adjudicate / assess all applications for private health facilities and make recommendations to the Superintendent General.

(bb) Superintendent General and Senior Managers from the following sectors, Medical, Legal and Health Facilities Planning serve on the committee. No proxy is allowed in these meetings. Membership is as follows:

The Chairperson: Chief Director: Hospital Services Management

Chief Director: Quality Health Care Asssurance Systems

Senior Manager: Legal Services

Senior Manager: Contracts Management

Senior Manager: Health Facilities Planning

Senior Manager: Specialised Services

Senior Manager: District Hospitals

Senior Manager: Hospital Services Management

(cc) They were appointed by the former Superintendent General and letters of appointment to this committee were given to each member (signed by the SG)

(2) (a) Yes. There is a set of standardized criteria, in this case national and provincial bed norms. The national bed norms for public – private beds is 80: 20. The Eastern Cape provincial bed norms for public – private beds is 70:30. There is also a set of provincial norms used to approve or reject an application.

(b) The Advisory committee adjudicates / assesses all applications and then make recommendations to the Superintendent General. These recommendations are based on the norms and legislative framework, i.e. Regulation R158 of the Health Act No.63 of 1977 Governing Private Hospitals and Unattached Operating Theatres.

(c) The Province was in the final stages of drafting new regulations based on the New Health Act No. 61 of 2003. The process was halted by National on the basis that new draft regulations would circulate for comment by June, 2009. Until the new regulations are finalized, legally Regulation158 is still in force.

FREE STATE

(1) (a) & (b) Applications for the expanding and building of new hospitals are assessed by Provincial Private Facility Advisory Committee as guided by the Regulations (R158).

(aa) Provincial Private Facility Advisory Committee

(bb) Members of Provincial Private Facility Advisory Committee consists of:

· Executive Manager Strategic Health programs and Medical Support

· General Manager Provincial Hospital Services

· General Manager District Health Services

· Senior Manager Clinical Quality and Compliance

· Manager Legal Services

· Manager Standard Compliance sub -directorate

· Assistant Manager Private Facilities

· Representative from the Infra structure sub directorate

· Scribe

(cc) they are appointed by the Head of Department Health on the basis of their competencies and areas of responsibilities

(2) Yes there is a set of standardised criteria which the Department uses to approve or reject an application.

(a) Falls away

(b) Applications are assessed using the Regulation Governing Private Hospitals and Unattached Operating Theatre Units. Government Notice No. R.158 of 1980.

(c) The following are the relevant details of the standardized criteria:

· Community Socio Economic Status

· Population Data

· Community Disease Profile

· Availability of staff for the planned establishment

· Applicant Financial Resources and Economic viability

· Rural health development Promotion of Access to Health for the underserved areas

· Insured/Uninsured population in the targeted area

· Utilization rate of current Private beds in the area

· Length of stay

LIMPOPO

(1) In Limpopo applications are evaluated twice a year.

(ii) Two different committees evaluate the applications independently.

(aa) Technical committee and Adjudication committee.

(bb) Both committees are appointed by the Head of the Department.

(2) The criteria is as stipulated in Regulation 158.

(b) The Government Strategic Position Statement (SPS) is a further adjunct to the evaluation process.

(c) Not applicable

MPUMALANGA

(1) Yes, applications are assessed by the committee.

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) Interim Provincial Facility Accreditation Committee.

(aa) Interim Provincial Facility Accreditation Committee.

(bb) Chief Director Hospital Services, Chief Director Primary Health Care, District Directors from Ehlanzeni, Nkangala and Gert Sibande, Director Infrastructure, Director Legal Service and Quality Assurance who save as a secretariat.

(2) Yes, there is a set of standardised criteria.

NORTHERN CAPE

(1) No

(i) There is no committee that has been appointed for this purpose.

(ii) There is an inspectorate responsible to assess the applications for expanding and building of new hospitals. The inspectorate comprises of officials with the expertise from the provincial Quality Assurance unit and the Legal Services and they are chosen based on their knowledge of law and clinical experience. The team submits recommendations on an application to the MEC for approval

(2) All applications are assessed in accordance with the provisions of regulation R158 of 01 February 1980. These regulations provide, amongst others, for registration of hospitals in regulation 2 to 6, establishment of private hospitals and unattached theatre in regulation 7 to 11, cancellation of certificate of registration in regulation 18 to 20 and building requirements for unattached operating theatre units in regulation 21.

NORTH WEST

(1) (a) and (b) Yes. All applications for expanding and building of new hospitals are assessed by Private Facilities Adjudication Committee.

(i) Not applicable

(ii) (aa) Private Facilities Adjudication Committee

(bb) the Committee is comprised of:

· Chief Director District Health Services (DHS)

· Director Primary Health Care

· District Pharmacist

· Revitalisation Manager

· Hospital CEO's

· Sub District Managers

(cc) Appointed by the Head of Department.

(2) Yes.

(a) Not applicable

(b) All applications are assessed in accordance with the Act, Regulations, the Provincial

private Facility Adjudication Policy and guidelines:

· National Health Act;

· Regulation 158

· National norms and standards

WESTERN CAPE

(1) Yes applications for the expanding (a) and (b) building of new hospitals are assessed by a committee.

(i) Not applicable

(ii) The adjudication of applications to build new hospitals and expand existing facilities are conducted by a Committee.

(aa) The Private Health Establishment Advisory Committee (PHEAC);

(bb) The Committee is comprised of three members of the Department not lower than the rank of Director; and two persons selected from nominations by the head of a department in the national government, the provincial government of Western Cape and local government in the Province respectively; and two persons with expertise in the field of private health establishments.

(cc) The PHEAC is appointed in terms of the Regulations Governing Private Health Establishments in the Western Cape (P.N. 187 of June 2001 as amended), to advise the Head of Department on all matters concerning the registration of private health establishments.

(2) Yes there is a set standard prescribed in P.N. 187. These standards are prescribed in the form of criteria against which an application is considered.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) When considering an application, the committee must consider all comments and responses received in respect of the application in order to determine whether there is a need for the proposed private health establishment and may take into account the following criteria:

(c) A set of criteria has been developed which includes:

· The need to ensure consistency of health service development in terms of national, provincial and municipal planning;

· The need to promote equitable distribution and rationalization of health services with a view to correcting inequities based on racial, gender economic and geographic factors;

· The need to promote an appropriate mix of public and private health care services with a view to the demographic and epidemiological characteristics of the populations to be served, the total and target population in the area, their ages and gender composition, their morbidity and mortality profiles;

· The need to promote the optimal use of spare capacity in provincial health establishments;

· The need to promote the optimal mix of levels 1, 2 and 3 beds;

· The bed-to-population ratios and public-to-private bed ratios in the establishment's feeder areas and in the surrounding health district, region and province;

· The availability of alternative sources of health care;

· The need to promote high-quality services which are accessible, affordable, cost-effective and safe;

· The potential advantages and disadvantages of the application for existing public and private health services and for any affected communities;

· The need to promote or advance persons or categories of persons designated in terms of the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act 55 of 1998) and the emerging small, medium and micro enterprise sector;

· The potential benefits of training, research and development with a view to the improvement of service delivery;

· The need to ensure that ownership of facilities does not create perverse incentives for health service providers to over service patients or refer them inappropriately;

· Where applicable, the quality of health services rendered by the applicant in the past; and

· Whether the private health establishment has or proposed to have a proven complaints mechanism in place which is made available to all users of the establishment.

QUESTION NO. 1898

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO

DATE OF PUBLICATION:

Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Tourism:

(1) In respect of each version of the 2008-09 annual reports 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 (aaa) produced and (bbb) 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? NW2460E


THE MINISTER OF TOURISM ANSWERS:

(1) Tabulated below is the cost of the annual reports for 2008/09 for the Department of Tourism as well as the entity that is under the jurisdiction of the department.

(a)(i)

(a)(ii)

(a)(iii)(aa)

(a)(iii)(bb)

(a)(iii)(cc)

(a)(iii)(dd)

(b)(aaa)

(b)(bbb)

Name of Entity

Budgeted

Cost

Actual

Cost

Printing

Graphic Design

Other costs

Unit Cost

Produced

Distributed to date

DEAT

R200 000

R137 747

R100 967

R 36 780

0

R 91.83

1 500

1 000

SAT

R600 000

R556 341

R235 980

R276 583

R 43 778

R505 76

1 100

978

(2) No

(a) Not applicable

(b) (i) Not applicable

(ii) Not applicable

(c) Not applicable

(3)

(a) Graphic design

(b) Printing

DEAT

Eyen C was used for Graphic Design

Three companies, obtained from departments (DEAT) rotational database of suppliers, quotations obtained and the cheapest was requested to do the job.

Eyen C was used for Printing

Three companies, obtained from departments (DEAT) rotational database of suppliers, quotations obtained and the cheapest was requested to do the job.

South African Tourism

Grid Worldwide Branding & Design (Pty) Ltd was awarded the contract.

The company was awarded the contract after going through the tender process.

Grid Worldwide Branding & Design (Pty) Ltd was awarded the contract.

The company was awarded the contract after going through the tender process.

(4) (a) No

(b) No

(i) Not applicable

(ii) Not applicable

(iii) Not applicable

(iv) Not applicable

(v) Not applicable

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 1896

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 23 October 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24 OF 2009

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

(1) Whether (a) she, (b) her 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 her, her 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?

NW2458E

REPLY

(1)(a) & (b) The information is provided in the table below:


(i)

Person issued to

(ii)

Job title

(iii)

Credit limit

(iv)

Outstanding amount

(v)

Monthly expenses

(vi)

Reasons for issue

(vii)

Uses intended for

Dr N C Dlamini-Zuma

Minister

R20,000.00

R0

To date there is no expenditure charged to the credit card account

As per a Cabinet decision dated
4 November 1998 – to defray subsistence and travel expenses

For purposes of official transport, accommodation and subsistence

Mr M K N Gigaba

Deputy Minister

R20,000.00

R0

Monthly expenses range from R1674,00 to R5606.00

As per a Cabinet decision dated
4 November 1998 – to defray subsistence and travel expenses

For purposes of official transport, accommodation and subsistence


(1)(c) & (d) No other officials have been issued with such cards.

(2)(a) & (b) None of the two credit cards are over the limit.

(3) No action necessary as no credit cards are over the limit.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NUMBER: 1893
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 OCTOBER 2009


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


(1) In respect of each version of the 2008-09 annual report of the National Treasury and the
annual reports of each statutory and other entity reporting to the National Treasury, (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) the National Treasury or (b) any of those public entities that fall under the
National Treasury 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 is available Here

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO 1892
(Internal Question Paper No 29 - 2009)

Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

1. Whether he will take any steps with regard to the Sedibeng Local municipality's inability to prevent spillages from the regional sewerage works due to a lack of funds; if not, (a) why not and (b) who will be held responsible; if so, what steps;

2. whether he and or his department intends giving assistance to the communities of Emfuleni and Midvaal if the target is not met and spillages occur; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

3. Where and (b) when will the funding for the project be sourced from? NW2454E

Answer

1. (a) The Minister of cooperative government and traditional Affairs has conducted a Water and Sanitation Audit, to establish the state of infrastructure in the country. In terms of the National Water Act and Water Services Act, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs has already taken legal action against both Emfuleni Local Municipality and Midvaal Local Municipalities to enforce legislative compliance at affected Waste Water treatment Works in the region.

2. (b)This process is running parallel to the support programme to these municipalities to ensure that sustainable compliance is attained to protect the natural water resource (Vaal River and Vaal Barrage) in this area.2.1 The Gauteng Department and the Department of Water Affairs in collaboration with the CoGT A have provided technical experts to support the municipality to:

  • Conduct root cause analysis at all regional water care works and to identify priority short term measures to arrest non compliance in terms of effluent, plant status and staff compliance.
  • Implement all priority measures as a matter of emergency procurement, where necessary
  • Assist Emfuleni Local Municipality to procure the services of Rand Water to take over the operations and management of all non compliant waste water treatment plants to compliment the human capacity of Emfuleni as well as providing expertise to implement interim priority measures required

  • 3. (a) and (b) The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs Department has provided funding to both Emfuleni and Midvaal in the amount of R17m to implement priority measures necessary in the short term to arrest the situation, with necessary support from Rand Water and experts referred to above.

    The Gauteng Provincial Governmental provided an amount of R50m in last financial year to assist the Municipalities to procure expertise to implement a long term solution in accordance with applicable legislation (MFMA, MSA, Water Services Act, etc.). This process is currently in progress with the following being the key deliverables:



    NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

    WRITTEN REPLY

    QUESTION NO 1891

    (Internal Question Paper No 29 - 2009)

    Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional

    Affairs:

    1. Whether, with reference to his reply to Question 1323 on 14 October 2009, he has been informed of the report on the visit of the Minister of Human Settlements to Thokoza on the East Rand; if so, what (a) action will be taken and (b) are the further relevant details;

    2. whether he has been informed of the conditions under which these individuals are living; if so,

    3. whether any action will be taken to address the situation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2453E

    Answer

    1. The Minister is aware of the report on the visit of the Minister of Human Settlements in Thokoza and it is the jurisdiction of the Minister of Human Settlement to implement the recommendations of the report and actions.
    2. The report entails the state of affairs in as far as hostel settlement is concerned;

    3. The Minister of Human Settlement is well positioned to address the situation and such details reside with the Ministry.


    NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

    WRITTEN REPLY

    QUESTION NO 1890

    (Internal Question Paper No 29 - 2009)

    Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional

    Affairs:

    1. (a) Who were the members of the task team that was sent to Sakhile township in Mpumalanga after the violent demonstrations in September and October 2009 and (b) on what basis was every individual included in the task team;

    2. (a) what did the task team investigate, (b) who did the task team report back to, (c)

    when did they report back and (d) what were their findings;

    3. whether any of the rioters have been identified; if not, why not; if so,

    4. whether any action will be taken against them; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

    5. whether he has visited the area and addressed the community; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2452E

    Answer

    1. (a) The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional, following the unrest in Sakhile township of Lekwa Municipality, comprised a team of experts comprising of senior officials in the national and provincial government to support the municipality to Acting Municipal Manager and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Department further appointed a Financial Task Team which was led by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to do a financial analysis of the municipality. (b) The members of the task team were chosen based on their expertise dictated by the situation in the Municipality.

    2. (a) Investigate and resolve the challenges arising from the reported highly misstated consumer accounts. (b) The task team reported to the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. (c) The ask Team reported during the Month of October.

    3. The SAPS is investigating the riots and they are currently dealing with the rioters in terms of the law.

    4. The response on question 3 addresses the concern on question 4.

    5. No visit was undertaken specifically by the Minister to address the community but this was done by the Premier and the ruling party with the support of the Minister.

    NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

    QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

    QUESTION NUMBER 1889

    DATE OF PUBLICATION: 03 NOVEMBER 2009

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

    How many municipalities use and apply the funds transferred to them by national and provincial government for the intended purpose and not for day-to-day operations of the municipality? NW2451E

    REPLY:

    When considering the above question, it is important to distinguish between two different categories of funds that are transferred to municipalities by National Government and Provinces:

    1. Local Government Equitable Share Funds

    In terms of sections 214 and 227 of the Constitution, nationally collected revenues must be divided between national, provincial and local government according to the criteria set out in section 214(b) of the Constitution. Local government is entitled to its 'equitable share' on the basis that the funds are transferred to it for the provision of basic services and the performance of allocated functions. This implies that municipalities may use their equitable share funds to perform any of their constitutional functions, including day-to-day operations.

    2. Conditional Grant Funds

    In terms of section 214(1)(c) of the Constitution, National Government may allocate funds from the national share of revenue to local government for specified purposes. These conditional grant allocations are reflected in the annual Division of Revenue Act (DORA).

    Detailed conditional grant frameworks which set out the purposes for these funds are published in the Government Gazette.

    Certain conditional grants are specifically designed and intended to fund a specific component of the operational expenditure in a Municipality. For example, the Municipal Financial Management Grant is designed to fund the salaries of interns in the Budget and Treasury Offices of municipalities. In other instances, the conditional grants provide for a percentage (usually 5 per cent) administrative charge that the municipality may use to fund operational expenditures related to its own management of the conditional grant.

    Certain provinces also make transfers to municipalities, for instance to fund basic health services or community library services. Both these types of transfers generally fund the operational expenditures related to these functions.

    Accordingly, the real issue that needs to be addressed is that of funds used by municipalities for purposes other than those set out in the conditional grant frameworks published in terms of DORA. The National Treasury is aware of some instances of the incorrect use of conditional grants for operational purposes. However, in terms of DORA it is the responsibility of the national department that manages the particular conditional grant to monitor the use of those funds by municipalities and ensure that expenditures are in line with the purposes of the grant.

    NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY

    QUESTION NO 1887

    MATTERS RELATING TO THE COSTS AND PRODUCTION OF THE ANNUAL REPORTS (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 22-2009)

    "1887. Ms MR Shinn to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

    (1) In respect of each version of the 2008/09 annual report of her department and the annual reports of each statutory and other entity reporting to her department, (a) what was the (i) budgeted cost, (ii) actual costs and (iii) breakdown of cost In respect of (aa) printing, (bb) graphic design, (cc) other costs and (dd) unit cost 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 to award the contract to the (a) graphic design company and (b) printing company made;

    (4) whether (a) her department or (b) any of those public entities that fall under her 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, (iv) where was the function held, and (v) how many guests were Invited?" NW2449E

    REPLY: Available Here

    NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY

    QUESTION NO 1885

    DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 08 DECEMBER 2009

    DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24 – 2009)

    Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

    (1) Whether Metrorail awarded contracts to certain companies (names furnished); if not, why not; if so, (a) why, (b) when was the contracts awarded, (c) what process was used in awarding these contracts and (d) what are the value of the contracts awarded;

    (2) whether any of the directors of the said companies are current or former employees of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) or Metrorail; if so,

    (3) whether this is in line with policies and procedures of his department, Metrorail and/or Prasa; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

    (4) whether he took any steps to ensure that there was no conflict or interest; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

    REPLY:

    The Minister of Transport:

    (1) (a), (b), (c) and (d)

    The former South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) awarded a contract seven years ago to Quemic Africa to provide cable theft patrols for Metrorail in Cape Town and Gauteng.

    The Western Cape Region of Metrorail awarded a further contract to Quemic in August 2007 to draft a security plan in line with the original decision in the Cape High Court in the matter between the Rail Commuter Action Group and the SARCC. The value of this contract was R278 000,00.

    According to information provided by Cape Metrorail, the applicable procurement policy processes were adhered to in the awarding of these contracts.

    (2) The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is not aware that any current employees are directors of Quemic Africa. However, as part of drafting the security plan, a former Regional Manager of Cape Metrorail, Mr André Harrison assisted Quemic Africa in a consultancy capacity.

    Two current employees of PRASA are directors of Africa Rising Leadership and Management Practitioners. The records to date do not show any contract having been awarded to Africa Rising Leadership and Management Practitioners by PRASA.

    (3) PRASA's Supply Chain Management Policy requires that in a case where an employee, their spouse or family have an interest in a contract, the employee must disclose this to the Company and the Group Chief Executive Officer, and the employee must withdraw from participating in any manner whatsoever in the process relating to the contract and its awarding.

    (4) The Board of Control of PRASA is charged with the responsibility of ensuring strict adherence to the Supply Chain Management Policy of PRASA, which, amongst others, is aimed at preventing conflicts of interests in the management of the business by all stakeholders.

    NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY

    QUESTION NO 1884

    DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 08 DECEMBER 2009

    DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24 – 2009)

    Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

    (1) Whether any Memorandums of Understanding or similar documents (a) will be or (b) have been signed between Metrorail and/or the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and the SA Police Service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) when and (ii) what are the further relevant details;

    (2) (a) what is the current status of upgrades and construction of railway police facilities, (b) at what stage is each of these upgrades in each province and (c) what are the envisaged dates of completion for each?

    REPLY:

    The Minister of Transport:

    (1) (a) (i) A draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is ready and will be finalised by the end of November 2009.

    (ii) The signing of the MOU was delayed by the incorporation of new Divisions and Subsidiaries into PRASA earlier in 2009, which required new threat and risk assessments for PRASA based on the expanded mandate and new security needs. The draft is already available and is being reviewed for finalization by end November 2009. Despite the absence of the signed Memorandum of Understanding, PRASA Security and the SAPS have forged an excellent working relationship.

    (b) (i) and (ii) Fall away.

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

    A total of 27 Railway Police facilities were planned, 22 have been completed and are in use by the Railway Police, 4 are nearing completion (98% complete) and work on one commenced recently (20% complete) – please refer to the attached list of stations.

    NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY

    QUESTION NO 1883

    DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 08 DECEMBER 2009

    DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24 – 2009)

    Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

    (1) Whether any contracts have been awarded to any current or former (a) employees or (b) their spouses and/or (c) families of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries in the past three years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

    (2) (a) what process was followed in awarding each contract, (b) when was each contract awarded and (c) what are the amounts involved for each contract;

    (3) whether Prasa's policies allow for (a) employees, (b) their spouses and (c) families to be awarded contracts; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

    REPLY:

    The Minister of Transport:

    (1) (a), (b) and (c)

    Following the train burnings in Tshwane on the 18th January 2008, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) appointed Carundell Rail to conduct an audit of Contingency Plans in all the Regions of Metrorail and to develop a Business Continuity Management Strategy for PRASA. Carundell Rail was appointed following discussions between PRASA and the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR).

    Carundell Rail, which is owned by Dr Friedel Mulke, sub-contracted two other companies to assist them with the assignment and these companies are:-

    DocD Engineering Services (Owner: Dr Chris Dutton); and

    Lekga Investment Holdings (Owner: Mr Eddie Lekota, a former employee of the then South African Rail Commuter Corporation Limited (SARCC)).

    The cost of the project was R6 942 755. The mandate given to the consultant Carundell Rail was as follows:-

    To conduct an audit to determine the compliance, effectiveness, adequacy and relevance of the Contingency Plans within the business environment, i.e.:-

    • Identification of shortcomings.

    • Correlating proposed mitigating actions initiated by the Head Office, the Regions and the Audit Team as determined from separate risk assessments.

    • Recommending corrective actions.

    • Proposing mitigating plans/models for effective management of the risk profile.

    • Obtaining alignment throughout PRASA with respect to business recovery.

    (2) (a)

    The appointment was in accordance with PRASA's Supply Chain Management Policy.

    (b) and (c)

    See the reply to (1) above.

    (3) (a), (b) and (c)

    PRASA's Supply Chain Management Policy requires that in a case where an employee and an employee's spouse or family have an interest in a contract, the employee must disclose this to the Company and the Group Chief Executive Officer. It is required from the employee to withdraw from participating in any manner whatsoever in the process relating to a contract and its awarding.

    NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

    QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

    QUESTION NO.: 1882

    DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 October 2009

    1882. Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

    (1) Whether (a) she, (b) her 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 her, her 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? NW2444E

    REPLY

    (1-2) and (3) The current Minister and Deputy Minister have requested that they be not issued with government credit cards. An account of the monthly expenses related to the credit cards of the former Ministers, Director-General and chief of staff is attached.(Annexure A)

    The initial collective limit on these credit cards was R75 000-00 and was subsequently increased to R200 000-00 on the 25th March 2009. The holders of these credit cards did not exceed the limit at any time.

    There is no outstanding amount on the credit cards as the full amount gets paid every month in the specific period. The cards were used by the Minister, Director-General and Chief of Staff when travelling, and for unexpected costs incurred.

    NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

    QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

    QUESTION NO: 1880

    DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 October 2009

    1880. Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

    (1) Whether any SA Airways (SAA) flights were delayed as a result of (a) cleaners,(b) staff, (c) crew members, (d) contractors for refreshments, (e) capacity problems at check-in counters and (f) technical problems with (i) computerized equipment and (ii) aircrafts during the period 1 January 2008 to 30 September 2009; if not, what caused each delay; if so, (aa) how many delays and (bb) what was the reason for each delay;

    (2) whether SAA has put any measures in place to ensure that (a) passengers board planes on time and (b) planes (i) depart and (ii) arrive on time; if not, why not; if so, what measures? NW2442E

    Reply:

    (1) (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) (i & ii) Yes, some of SAA flights were delayed for the period 1 January 2008 to 30 September 2009.

    (1)(aa) Number of delays are reflected graphically hereunder:

    Description

    Flights

    Percentages

    On time Flights

    80060

    78.1

    a) Cleaners

    630

    0.6

    b) Staff

    2706

    2.6

    c) Crew

    1759

    1.7

    d) Food

    1000

    1.0

    e) Check in Counters

    317

    0.3

    f.i) Technical - IT

    376

    0.4

    f.ii) Technical - A/C

    2317

    2.3

    Other: Miscellaneous

    4901

    4.8

    Other: Offloading of Bags

    1592

    1.6

    Other: Ground handling

    2092

    2.0

    Other: Air Traffic Control

    2333

    2.3

    Other: Weather

    820

    0.8

    Other: Airport infrastructure

    1657

    1.5

    Total flights

    102562

    100

    (1) (bb) The reasons for delays can be attributed to multiple factors as reflected above; in addition some delays include: a change of Ground Handling companies, as well as 1.55% of flights being delayed by passengers who check-in their baggage and then arrive too late (or not at all) at the boarding gates. The implication will be to offload those passengers' bags for safety reasons.

    (2) Yes, SAA has put several measures in place to ensure (a) passengers board planes on time and (b) planes (i) depart and (ii) arrive on time. These measures include:

    · Daily delay meetings

    · Internal Distribution of On Time Performance Statistics to all staff

    · Monitoring the 12 worst performing Flights to determine the root-cause of the delays and implementing interventions that will eradicate the challenges associated with each specific flight.

    · Alert Reporting

    · Industry standardization

    · Service level agreements enforcement with handlers

    · Customer education

    · Strict enforcement of flight closure times


    QUESTION 1879

    INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [No 24-2009]

    DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 October 2009

    1879. Dr LL Bosman (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

    What does he envisage will take the place of the principle of willing buyer and willing seller to achieve the target for land reform? NW2441E

    THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

    The Department is currently undertaking research into the further development of practical strategies to acquire land for land reform more quickly and inexpensively. Some of the methodologies being used to arrive at these strategies are:

    - case studies of successful experiences locally and internationally;

    - survey of high-delivery areas in the country;

    - interviews with key informants in the property industry; and

    - reviewing local and international jurisprudence on compensation paid in state land acquisition cases.

    All of the above will be taken into account in the development of a more pragmatic formula for land reform, one that will address the issue as part of our country's ongoing efforts at national reconciliation.

    QUESTION NO 1876

    DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009

    (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22)

    1876. Ms L D Mazibuko (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

    (1) In respect of each version of the 2008-09 annual report of her department and the annual reports of each statutory and other entity reporting to her 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) her department or (b) any of those public entities that fall under her 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? NW2438E

    REPLY:

    (1)(a) Below is a table in respect of the 2008/09 Annual Report of My Department and the annual reports of each Statutory and other entities reporting to My Department with an exceptions from Water Boards as due dates for Reports are only at the end of November.

    -2-

    No.

    Department of Water Affairs

    Water Boards

    CMA's

    WRC & TCTA

    (1)(a)(i)

    Budgeted cost was R 240 00.00

    Not yet available

    Budgeted cost at R 95 00.00

    WRC was at R 280 000.00

    and

    TCTA was at R 550 00.00

    (1)(a)(ii)

    Actual cost was R 23 518.15

    Not yet available

    Actual cost at R 81 591.00

    WRC was at 211 436.00

    and

    TCTA was at 428 821.00

    (1)(a)(iii)(aa)

    • Breakdown of cost for Printing was R 224 921.15 incurred for producing 1000 books
    • Breakdown of cost for Printing was R 12 597.00 incurred for producing 500 CD's

    Not yet available

    Breakdown of cost for printing was R 75 782.00

    WRC cost for printing was R 74 519.00

    and

    TCTA cost for printing was R 112 951.00

    (1)(a)(iii)(bb)

    The Graphic Design was done in house with no cost to My Department

    Not yet available

    Cost for Graphic design was R 2 052.00

    WRC cost was R 139 916.00

    and

    TCTA cost was R 313 300.00

    (1)(a)(iii)(cc)

    No charges for courier were incurred

    Not yet available

    Cost for courier was R 3 757.00

    WRC no charges

    And

    TCTA cost at R 2 570.00

    (1))(a)(iii)(dd)

    • R 224.90 per book
    • R 25 19 per disc

    Not yet available

    Cost of book was R 80.31

    WRC cost was R 121.63 per book and R 6.04 per disc

    And

    TCTA cost was R 446.69 per book

    (1)(b) Below the table highlights:

    No.

    Department of Water Affairs

    Water Boards

    CMA's

    WRC & TCTA

    (1)(b)(i)

    Copies produced were 1000 Books and 500 discs printed

    Not yet available

    Copies printed were 1016

    WRC produced 1500 books and 500 discs

    And

    TCTA produced 960 books

    (1)(b)(ii)

    970 books and 300 discs were distributed to:

    • Parliament
    • Auditor-General
    • National Treasury
    • Libraries
    • Stakeholders, and
    • Internal Staff

    Not yet available

    820 books distributed

    WRC distributed 654 books and no discs

    And

    TCTA distributed 860 Copies

    (2) No.

    (3) The contract was awarded using the transversal contract through Government Printing Works.

    (4) Below the table highlights:

    No.

    Department of Water Affairs

    Water Boards

    CMA's

    WRC & TCTA

    (4)(a)

    No

    Not yet available

    Yes

    No function was held for WRC

    And

    TCTA held a function

    (4)(b)(i)

    Falls away

    Not yet available

    CMA

    TCTA

    (4)(b)(ii)

    Falls away

    Not yet available

    Meetings are held with stakeholders where the annual report is then presented – no function/function cost

    TCTA function cost R 167 404.00

    (4)(b)(iii)

    Falls away

    Not yet available

    Falls away

    Breakdown of cost for TCTA:

    • Catering at R 70 767.54
    • Function & Venue at R 15 000.00
    • Marketing material at R 6 323.00
    • Executive function (Gabi-Gabi) at R 11 100.00

    (4)(b)(iv)

    Falls away

    Not yet available

    ICMA Boardroom

    Venue for the TCTA function was at the Centurion Golf Estate

    (4)(b)(v)

    Falls away

    Not yet available

    25 invitees

    Stakeholder invited were 100 and 120 staff

    QUESTION NUMBER: 1897

    DATE FOR PUBLICATION: 23 OCTOBER 2009

    DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 20 NOVEMBER 2009

    MR M J ELLIS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY: PEFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION AND ADMINISTRATION:

    (1) Whether (a) he, (b) Minister for Planning (c) the President, (d) the Deputy President, (e) any specified official and (f) any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card; if so, what are the relevant details for each holder of a credit card in the Presidency 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 limit; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit card exceeding the limit;

    (3) Whether any action has been taken against such person for exceeding their credit card limits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

    NW2459E

    REPLY:

    (1) (a) The President does not have a diner credit card; (b) Hon Minister Trevor Manuel does not have a diner credit card; (c) The Deputy President does not have a diner credit card. (I, ii, iii) Hon Minister Collins Chabane has been issued with a Diners credit card with the limit of R15 000.00 a month. (iv)There are no outstanding amounts as per our records. (v) The credit card was used as follows in August 2009 R108.00, September 2009 R20 361.40 and October an amount of R2 304.65 (vi) as per ministerial handbook annexure G (vii) The card is issued for use by the Minister to allow flexibility for the Minister to pay for expenses related to his official responsibilities.

    (2) The credit card was over limit in September (a) Minister Chabane card was over limit with R5361.40 in September 2009 (b)The card was over the limit due to extra payments made in his personal capacity of which arrangements have been made for repayment.

    (3) As indicated above in (2), arrangements have been made for repayment.

    NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

    (For written reply)

    QUESTION NO.1877 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24 of 2009

    DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 October 2009

    Ms L D Mazibuko (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

    (1) Whether (a) she, (b) her 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 her, her 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? NW2439E

    1877 THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

    (1) (a) The Minister has not been issued with a government or official credit card by the Department of Environmental Affairs.

    (b) The Deputy Minister has not been issued with a government or official credit card by the Department of Environmental Affairs.

    (c) No specified officials have been issued with a government or official credit card.

    (d) No any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card.

    (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.