Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 651 to 700

• Changes in boundaries between the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces; and
• 1 483km of road was transferred to SANRAL.

Mpumalanga

The provincial road network has not increased over the past ten years. The provincial network has decreased from 15 885 km in 2000, to 14 045 km in 2008, due to the following reasons:-

• Changes in provincial boundaries resulted in a net loss of 372km; and
• transfer of roads to SANRAL.

North West

The provincial road network has not increased over the past ten years. The provincial network has decreased from 4 895,79 km in 1998, to 4 717,59 km in 2008, due to the following reasons:-

• Changes in provincial boundaries; and
• transfer of roads to SANRAL.

Gauteng

The provincial road network has not increased over the past ten years. The provincial network has decreased from 23 729 km in 2001, to 21 451 km in 2007, due to the following reasons:-

• Roads transferred to SANRAL;
• roads transferred to municipalities; and
• roads transferred to other Provinces and roads transferred to other Provinces during process of eliminating cross border municipalities.

Eastern Cape

The provincial road network has increased from 43 465 km to 47 816 km due to the following reasons:-

• Lack of accuracy in the information that was skimmed out of the documents of the former Ciskei and Transkei administrations. A process to verify the numbers concluded that access roads were excluded.

Free State

The provincial road network has not increased over the past ten years. The provincial network has decreased from 50 394,76 km to 49 493 km due to the following reasons:-

• The road network declined by 901 km when the N5, N6, N8, R30 and R34 were transferred to SANRAL.

Northern Cape

The provincial road network has not increased over the past ten years. The provincial network has decreased from 27 159 km to 25 935 km due to the following reasons:-

· During 2005, the Provincial Executive Council ceded 2 500 km to SANRAL. These routes are the N12, N7, N10, N14, N8, R27 and the one (1 km) to all the border posts; and

· after the finalisation of the Kgalagadi Cross-Border, the Province inherited 122 km of paved roads and 1 154 km of gravel roads from the North West Province.

KwaZulu-Natal

The provincial road network has increased from 22 863 km to 42 025 km due to the following reasons:-

• Ex-KwaZulu-Natal Government roads were added to the provincial network in 2003;
• the KZN Department of Transport (DoT)reviewed the road system in 2004 and established that the network was actually much greater than previously recorded;
• the Department of Agriculture transferred over 5 500 km of roads to the KZN DoT; and
• due to border demarcations, the roads in the Umzimkhulu area were transferred to the KZN DoT.

QUESTION NUMBER 659

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 MAY 2008

Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) In respect of the Office of the Pensions Funds Adjudicator, (a) how many complaints were outstanding for adjudication as at 31 December 2006, (b) how many complaints were received between January 2007 and March 2008, (c) how many complaints were outstanding for adjudication as at 31 March 2008 and (d) how many complaints have been outstanding for more than, (i) one month, (ii) three months, (iii) six months and (iv) 12 months;

(2) In respect of the closure of the Cape Town office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator, (a) what was the reason for the office closure, (b) what is the date of closure and (c) (i) what is the current number of adjudicators in Cape Town and (ii) what number of adjudicators will re-locate to the Johannesburg office? N1350E

REPLY:

(1)(a) According to information submitted by the Pensions Funds Adjudicator, 4 153complaints were outstanding for adjudication as at 31 December 2006.

(b) The total number of complaints received from 1 January 2007 to 31 March 2008 were 11 475 according to the Pensions Fund Adjudicator. The number of matters finalised for that period are 5 026.

(c) As at 31 March 2008, there were 10 602complaints outstanding according to the Pensions Funds Adjudicator.

(d) (i) to (iv)

It is not possible, without conducting an extensive manual exercise, to provide a classification of complaints in this manner as the Pension Funds Adjudicator' s electronic systems are not geared to provide the required information. System improvements are currently being designed by the office of the Adjudicator that can enable a more comprehensive tracking of complaints in the future.

It should also be noted that many complaints are referred back to complainants since the Adjudicator may require additional information or documentation. Such complaints may be considered as "outstanding", but are in fact not in the control of the Adjudicator's office.

(2)(a) The decision to close the Cape Town office and have one centralised office in Johannesburg was taken four years ago in consultation with the Pensions Funds Adjudicator sub-committee of the Financial Services Board. The decision was primarily based on two reasons: (1) Gauteng was the province from where the majority of pension related complaints emanated; and (2) duplicating the Adjudicator's office in two centres increased cost unnecessarily as the functions of the Adjudicator could be performed by a centralised office.

(b) A public announcement will be made when the Cape Town office is due to close.

(c) (i) In terms of the Pensions Funds Act, No 24 of 1956 there is only one Adjudicator of Pension Funds. The Adjudicator is assisted by seven senior case managers and twelve assistant case managers. In total, Adjudicator is assisted by nineteen professional staff members, seven of whom are based in Cape Town.

(ii) The Adjudicator of the Cape Town has advised that the number of staff that will relocate to the Johannesburg office is not known at this stage. Relocation of members based in the Cape Town office will be negotiated with affected parties when the need arises. However, it is important to emphasise that all members of staff in the Cape Town office are to be offered employment on the same terms and conditions in the Johannesburg office.

QUESTION NO 660 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY:

MR J P I BLANCHE (DA): DEVELOPMENT OF A CASH-IN-TRANSIT SECURITY VEHICLE BY THE COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH (CSIR)

660." Mr J P I Blanche to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

Whether with any regard to the development of a cash-in-transit security vehicle by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), any orders have been placed for this vehicle; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many and (b) at what cost?

NW1351E

REPLY:

(1) Two types of vehicles are being manufactured by two different companies. Vehicles are produced on the basis of a purchase order from security companies.

(2) The first vehicle has been in production for more than three years, and 148 units have been produced and sold. The exact selling price and costs are company confidential.

(3) The second vehicle has been in production for two-and-a-half years and more than 190 units have been produced and sold. The estimated selling price is around R700 000 per vehicle.

QUESTION NO. 661

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 MAY 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 12)

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

What are the (a) names and (b) qualifications of the CEO of each specified hospital in the Free State?

NW1352E

REPLY:

QUESTION 663

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

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12-2008)

Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Education:

(1) Whether any teacher or facilitator has been (a) charged with and/or (b) convicted of any crimes against any learner in (i) 2005, (ii) in 2006, (iii) in 2007 and (iv) during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (aa) how many in each case, (bb) who were they and (cc) at which school did each such teacher or facilitator work;

(2) Whether any such teachers or facilitators (a) are still employed or (b) have been re-employed by her department since their conviction; if so, (i) who are they, (ii) at which schools do they currently teach and (iii) what were they convicted of?

NW1354E

REPLY:

SUMMARY

(1 and 2) The South African Council for Educators (SACE) reports that for the period 2005 to 2007 there were twenty cases involving unprofessional conduct towards learners. Sixteen cases related to unprofessional sexual conduct towards learners, and all were found guilty and dismissed. In four cases the educators were found guilty of assault, and two were dismissed while the other two were fined and continue to be in the employ of their respective provincial education department. SACE is still consolidating statistics for the first quarter of 2008. The names of educators cannot be disclosed, as decisions on some of these cases are challenged through judicial processes.

2005

2006

2007

QUESTION NO: 664

DATE SUBMITTED:

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

Whether she will accept the recommendations of the Parole Board and the National Council for Correctional Services to release Butana Almond Nofemela on parole; if not, why; if so, what are the relevant details? NW750E

REPLY

The Minister approved the placement on parole of Mr Butana Almond Nofomela on the 28^th of August 2009, subject to such conditions as recommended by the National Council for Correctional Services and the conditions relating to community corrections as determined by the relevant Correctional Supervision and Parole Board in terms of section 52(1) of the Correctional Services Act, 1998. Mr Nofomela was placed on parole on the 11^th of September 2009.

QUESTION NO. 666

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 MAY 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 12)

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

REPLY:

(a) Yes. No exact number has been established though, since the investigation may include additional cases as more information becomes available.

(b) Most submitted documentation that they are married to SA citizens or have a spousal relationship with a SA citizen and job offers were subsequently issued to them.

(c) The investigation has not yet been finalized to determine the extent of possible fraudulent activities.

(d) See (c) above.

Question no. 669

QUESTION PAPER DATE: FRlDAY, 09 April 2008

669. Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

(I) Whether she attended the meeting of21 April 2008 in London that was convened between seven countries and the world's largest banks regarding the construction of the INGA hydroelectric scheme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; if not why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether representatives of Eskom attended this meeting: if so what are the relevant details;

(3) what measures has her department introduced since 1 January 2008 so as to (a) help relieve the energy crisis and (b) promote the (i) production of coal. (ii) licensing of mineral and mining rights and (iii) alternative sources of energy?

REPLY

I. Minister did not attend.

2 Yes. Dr Pat Naidoo, Senior General Manager (Eskom Enterprises) and Chief Executive of Western Power Corridor (Pty) Ltd (Westcor) an AU Nepad Joint Venture Project formed by SAPP and SADe, was part of delegation that attended the workshop in London.

3 (a) in line with Cabinet decision, the Department is leading the process of Power Conservation Programme in which a number of interventions, both of an immediate, medium and long term nature have been initiated.

In addition to the Cabinet decision. the Department has also established a National Electricity Response Team (NERT) which deals with the facilitation and implementation issues of the Power Conservation Programme at stakeholder level.

We have embarked on a number of load amelioration projects at different levels of development and implementation.

A number of enabling regulations and policies have been initiated and are at different stages of development, for example

· Regulations on Prohibitions of inefficient practices;

· Regulation of Quality of Supply;

· Electricity Pricing Policy;

· Economic Impact assessment of the proposed consumption cut;

· Demand Side Management and Energy Efficiency practices, including Solar Water Heaters, Compact Fluorescent Lights; and human behavioural change campaigns;

(3) (b)(ii)TheDepartment of Minerals and Energy handles

applications for prospecting rights ,mining rights etc.

in accordance with laid down timeframes contained in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act ,2002 (28 of 2002).

Applications as referred to are processed in the different regional offices and head office of the Department and it has to be ensured that such processing is done within the applicable legislative framework

3 (b) (iii) Alternative Sources of Energy: The Department of Minerals and Energy through its Renewable Energy White Paper is considering a number of renewable energy sources for support increase RE uptake in the country. There is the Renewable Energy Subsidy Office (REFSO) that has disbursed a number of subsidies for renewable energy projects. REFSO is currently revising its subsidy to ensure that solar water heating systems are eligible for funding, as originally these projects were not identified for funding.

Question 670

Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1)(a) How many cases of copper theft from Eskom's network have occurred and (b) what is the rand value of the copper that has been stolen since 1 January 2008 until the latest specified date for which information is available

(2) whether his department will propose legislation to provide for (a) monitoring of dealers and (b) heavy sentences applicable to dealers who acquire second hand or processed copper without a licence; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether in terms of legislation his department will only identify and license certain buyers of second-hand copper to control the trade in and combat the theft of copper; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW 1361E

Reply:

(1) (a-b) Eskom experienced a total of 525 theft incidents on its electricity network between 1 January 2008 and 31 March 2008 and the total costs to repair the above amounted to R 2,676,928.

(2) Currently, the scrap market is regulated by the Second Hand Goods Act, Act no 23 of 1955. As a result of this legislation being outdated, new legislation has been drafted and is currently before parliament for consideration. The purpose of the legislation is "to regulate the business of dealers in second hand goods and pawnbrokers, in order to limit trade in stolen goods; to promote ethical standards in the second-hand goods trade; and to provide for matters connected therewith". The new legislation will address these concerns.

A dealer applies for a license to trade in scrap metal. The old as well as the new act requires that a competency certificate be issued by the SAPS, which is issued on a yearly basis. Only after the SAPS have found that the person is competent (of good character etc), a license to trade is issued. Eskom has a national contract with only one scrap dealer to receive and recycle all Eskom's non-ferrous metal scrap material.

Question 671

Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) Whether his department will reconsider Eskom's monopoly on the supply of electricity, if not why not; if so,

(2) whether his department will propose a policy statement which may even entail a legislative amendment, so that other, private power producers can produce, buy and sell energy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether his department will adapt legislation and policy to such an extent that the state will no longer be the sole shareholder in Eskom; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) what is his department's policy with regard to IPPs, or independent power producers, in the electricity industry? NW1362E

Reply:

(1) There are already plans in place to procure up to 3 500MW of co-generation (request for proposals issued) and more than 2 000MW of baseload Independent Power Producer generation (request for expression of interest issued) into the country's electricity supply mix.

(2) Government's stated policy is that 30% of all new power generation should be provided by the private sector. Therefore there is no need for a new policy statement or legislative amendment.

(3) There are currently no plans for the dilution of the state's shareholding in Eskom. Given the current need for a massive infrastructure investment programme to cater for the country's growing electricity consumption and demand, associated with the need to keep electricity prices as affordable as possible, it would not be in the national interest to dilute the state's shareholding in Eskom.

(4) The department supports government policy that 30% of all new power generation be supplied by the private sector (IPPs).

QUESTION 672

672. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(1) With reference to his replies to Question 304 on 12 March 2008 and Question 536 on 21 April 2008, why has the number of inspections carried out by his department's inspectors declined between the (a) 2005-06 and (b) 2006-07 financial years despite a decline in his department's vacancy rate for inspectors;

(2) With reference to his reply to Question 536 regarding the expertise and capacity in Occupational Health and Safety at the Pietermaritzburg labour centre, what are the details regarding (a) expertise and (b) capacity in occupational health and safety of all labour centres in the country? NW1363E

THE MINISTER OF LABOUR REPLIED

(1)(a) and (b)The number of workplaces inspected declined between 2005/6 and 2006/7 from 188 631 to 180 767 respectively. Due to the fact that the focus in 2006/7 was more on follow up inspections which is a requirement in terms of the legislation and these are not counted as additional workplaces inspected. This follow up process then decreased the number of workplaces inspected and increased the compliance level from 72% in 2005/6 to 76% in 2006/7 despite a decline in the vacancy rate of inspectors in my department.

(2)(a) In the Pietermaritzburg Labour Centre I have four (4) inspectors who are in possession of a National Diploma in Environmental Health with varying experience of 1 to 3years within the Inspection and Enforcement Services Unit.

(b) I have 125 Labour Centres across the country and out of the total number of 890 filled posts ofinspectors as of March 2008 there are 116 inspectors in possession of either a National Diploma; BTech and/or a Bachelor degree relevant to the area of Occupational Health and Safety; namely in Mechanical, Electrical, Metallurgical and Civil Engineering with a few having qualifications of a BSc and Honours Degree in Environmental Health, Biochemistry and Aquaculture. Their experience within Inspection and Enforcement Services vary from a few months up to 17 years. This expertise and capacity is spread across all 125 labour Centres of my department in the country.

QUESTION 673

673. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

Whether the daily wages of taxi drivers, which is a take of total fares collected on a given day, qualify as a minimum wage; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

TheMinister of Labour replies:

The sectoral determination for the taxi sector, sectoral determination number 11, clearly stipulates what the minimum wages are in the taxi sector. Clause two of the determination stipulates that the wages should be calculated on an hourly basis and thus sets a threshold with respect to the hours a taxi driver could work taking into consideration the safety of the driver and his/her passengers as well as the need for sufficient rest periods.

Although the sectoral determination recognizes that there may be different remuneration regimes in the sector, it also recognizes that in certain instances the driver as a worker may not be remunerated for the time spent at work. Wages are therefore calculated with respect to the number of hours worked

The sectoral determination therefore is very clear that wages are calculated in relation to the number of hours and not in terms of a share of the takings of the day.

Question 674

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) Whether Eskom has taken any steps for post-2014 to address ageing power plants; if not, why not; if so, what steps,

(2) whether Eskom has taken any steps up to now to replace ageing power stations; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW1365E

Reply:

(1) Yes steps have been taken.

(2) Eskom's Integrated Strategic Energy Planning Process (ISEP) includes in its analysis of additional generation requirements, the replacement of ageing plant due for retirement/decommissioning with new plant. The existing fleet is maintained on a planned maintenance programme as per the equipment manufacturer specifications to ensure that the fleet continues to perform as expected. Currently the existing power plants are operating at very high load factors yet still performing within
the international best quartiles; however this performance is not sufficient to meet our present capacity requirements. Eskom is also performing additional maintenance on its units utilising capacity created by pre-emptive load shedding and savings from customers. Upon completion, Medupi and Project Bravo will release some of the strain on the ageing plants.

Question 675

Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) Whether any bonuses were paid out to SA Airways (SAA) executives in the 2007-08 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any retention payouts were paid to such executives in the 2007-08 financial year; if so, (a) on what basis, (b) when was the decision of the payouts made, (c) how much has been allocated for the payouts and (d) how much of this allocation has already been paid out? NW1366E

Reply:

(1) Bonuses were not paid to SA Airways (SAA) executives in the 2007-08 financial year due to current restructuring processes.

(2) Yes, retention payouts were made to executives in 2007/08 financial year.

(a) Retention premiums are payable over a 3 year period to identified managers only. The retention premiums are applicable to all levels of management. For the purpose of eligibility to this scheme, the following profiles of employees are identified as potential candidates: -

· Top performers / High Flyers (Consistent superior performers)

· Unique expertise/experience, for example, operational experience valuable for SAA

· Staff with critical skills, for example, Airline industry experience

· Staff with scarce skills, for example, Engineer managers

(b) November / December 2007

(c) The provision will vary depending on the performance of the relevant managers. It should be noted that if a manager resigns from SAA all monies already paid will be paid back to SAA. An estimate provision of R24m per annum will be provided for.

(d) R6, 6m for the 2007/08 financial year.

QUESTION 679

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 09 MAY 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 12-2008

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

(a) With regard to the sub-contracts for the arms deal, what has been the total rand value of benefits to South Africa, (b) how was this amount established or verified, (c) what are the (i) timeframes and (ii) other relevant details for the delivery or realization of these off-sets, (d) what are the targets for off-sets for the different sub-contracts and (e) what are the penalties in the event that off-set targets are not met;

Whether any penalties have been invoked to date; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

-------ooo0ooo------- NW1370E

REPLY

The total value of DIP credits awarded as at 31 March 2008 amounts to R12 506 billion against a target of R11 814 billion.

The Auditor General does verification of this amount during the annual audit of Armscor, DIP Division's records as required by the Public Finance Management Act.

(i) Performance of the Obligors is measured in six-monthly milestones.

(ii) DIP activities directly related to the programmes had to be delivered prior to the final delivery of the Systems, which has been done, while activities not directly related to the programme has to be fulfilled between 9 to 12 years after the signing of the contracts in 2000.

BAE Systems (Hawk/ Gripen) – R9 302 billion;

AgustaWestland (LUH) – R1 194 billion;

GSC (Submarine) – R1 121 billion;

GCS (Corvette) – R5 881 billion;

AgustaWestland (Maritime Helicopter) – R552 846 million

e) In terms of the contracts signed, a penalty of 5% (five percent) of the DIP value of the contract can be levied in the case of non-performance.

No penalties have been levied to date due to the fact that:

To date all the obligors have gone out of their way to complete their obligations within the contracted time scales, this is especially true with regard to the direct involvement in the SDP-programmes.

Regarding the indirect portion of the obligations, the obligors have timeously requested extension to milestones, which have been granted due to the low risk involved.

The levying of a 5% penalty on the non-performed portio n of the DIP obligation would mean that the full potential of the DIP programme cannot be utilised to the benefit of the economy as intended by Government. As a last resort, should it prove that there are no remedies for non-performance; the 5% penalty as provided for in the contracts will be levied.

QUESTION 680

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 MAY 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 12-2008

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

Whether the role of a certain person (name furnished) during the acquisition of the Strategic Defence Procurement Packages or Arms Deal has been investigated fully; if not, (a) why not and (b) what relevant steps does he intend taking; if so, what are the relevant steps;

whether there are any further criminal investigations pending or currently under way with regard to paragraph C3 of the 15^th report of the Committee on Public Accounts dated 11 December 2001 (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) who are the suspects, (b) what are the alleged offences and (c) what progress has been made with the investigations;

whether there are any further criminal investigations in relation to the Strategic Defence Procurement Packages or Arms Deal that are either pending or currently under way; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) who are the suspects, (b) what are the alleged offences and (c) what progress has been made with the investigations?

-------ooo0ooo------- NW1371E

REPLY

(1). The former Chief of Acquisition was investigated. The investigation was conducted by the Auditor-General and the Public Protector which entities made exhaustive recommendations. The Department implemented the recommendations.

(2). The Department is not aware of any further criminal investigations pending or currently underway with regard to paragraph C3 of the 15^th report of the Committee on Public Accounts.

(3). The Department is not aware of any further criminal investigations either pending or currently underway in relation to the Arms Deal.

QUESTION 681

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

1. Whether, in light of the second incident at Lohatla Combat Training Centre (LCTC), his department is concerned about the quality and duration of (a) combat training, in particular with ammunition and (b) recruits undergoing combat training; if not, why not, if so,

2. whether there will be an inquiry or review of (a) combat training, (b) quality of recruitment and (c) the serviceability of weapons and ammunitions used by the SA National Defence Force in training and during deployment; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

-------ooo0oo------- NW1374E

REPLY

(1) (a) No. The Department is not concerned with the quality and duration of combat training at the Lohatla Combat Training Centre. The formal training of candidates last for a duration of seven weeks and the flow of training covers weapon training and practical shooting. When the training is completed assessments on every weapon is conducted to ensure that the candidate is competent in the handling of the weapon and the ammunition. The candidate in question in actual fact qualified and according to results she was one of the best gunners on course. The candidates will not qualify to fire a weapon or handle ammunition if the candidates do not complete the scheduled course. The investigation clearly states that the candidate that fired the weapon used the wrong tool kit and did not follow the correct safety drills. This has been addressed and rectified.

(b) No. The Department is not concerned with the quality of recruits under-going combat training. Refer to an answer to 2(b), below, for details.

(2) (a) No. not within the near future. The combat training and flow of training presently is designed to qualify all gunners to be able to operate whilst firing from a static position and then advance to electronically and manual shooting. During this stage of weapon training the candidate fires at least 800 rounds before the candidate advances to firing at targets whilst mobile which is firing on the short halt. Directly after the completion of firing on the short halt the candidates undergo team training combined with section drills which results in platoon and company drills which culminates into a SA Army yearly conventional type of exercise at the Combat Training Centre Lohatla. The same force also conducts exercises for course support to exercise leader groups with a combat team. This accident, in question, happened during a course support training exercise whilst rendering support to a leader group course.

(b) The recruitment and selection of Military Skills and Development System (MSDS) candidates for the South African corps specific is done in accordance with requirements registered by the different South African Army Formations.

The marketing, advertisements and selection for a South African Army MSDS intake, in terms of a specific year, is done one year prior to the intake. Directorate Human Resources Acquisition (D HR Acq) is responsible for the provisioning of human resources to the Department of Defence.

The South African Army has embarked on a supportive process with regards to focussing on recruitment of candidates who fit the profile of the South African Army unique corps requirements. The selection process that is under command of D HR Acq is supported by the South African Army by means of force preparation representatives from each South African Army Corps who participate during the selection board interviews of candidates to ensure that the candidates comply with requirements of specific corps, for example maths and science et cetera.

All candidates are subjected to a military psychological evaluation to determine whether the candidates first comply with the generic soldier profile.

There after all candidates are then subjected to a selection board interview by the force preparation representatives representing the South African Army during D HR Acq Selection Boards. During this process the force preparation representatives have the necessary personal information and qualifications of the member and can interview the member to determine if the member fits the profile of a specific corps. The representatives indicate during the interview on the member's information and interview sheet the necessary recommendation in terms of appointment into a specific South African Army corps.

In pursuit of proper meaningful career management the South African Human Resources developed an assessment model, which is intended to assist in the selection of members for a prescribed utilisation as well as to identify areas where members need development for a prescribed utilisation.

Since the existing profiles in the South African Army are at post level, competency profiles at a more "generic" level encompassing aspects of various posts within the specific corps are now developed. These Corps Competency Profiles is used during the recruitment and selection of MSDS recruits for a specific corps within the South African Army.

The Corps Competency Profile was compiled by a workgroup of Corps Doctrine subject matter experts and facilitated by an Industrial Psychologist or similarly knowledgeable persons, deemed sufficiently qualified by the South African Medical and Health Services (SAMHS) (Directorate Psychology). This ensures that any competencies and pre-requisites and subsequent selection/recruiting assessments are valid and justified.

(c) All weapons undergo a technical inspection and this inspection was conducted at the Combat Training Centre prior the preparation for a live firing attack. The Battalion Cmdr certifies that his weapons did pass a technical inspection and that all weapons were safe for the exercise. The ammunition depots issues only serviceable ammunition to forces conducting live firing exercises and should there in an event be defective ammunition then the case of ammunition is reclassified for disposal.

QUESTION NO: 682

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 May 2008

QUESTION PAPER NO: 15

DATE OF REPLY: 5 June 2008

Mr. CM Lowe( DA ) to ask the Minister of Communications:

What have been the total costs of copper theft per annum experienced by Telkom in respect of :

loss ,replacement and increased security measures for each of the last five years for which information is available?

NW 1375E

ANSWERS:

Cable theft has a significant impact on the Company's performance. Cable theft losses are calculated based on the estimated outbound revenue losses, the cost to replace stolen cable, the cost of cable theft security (armed response and transport), the cost for cable alarms connected to the network (monitoring, maintenance, etc.) and the cost of Network Protection Services (theft investigations).

The estimated cable theft losses for the financial years ended 31 March 2007 and 2008 are as follows:

^{Note 1}Telkom has initiated a monitoring system in an attempt to calculate the revenue losses on outgoing calls due to the cable theft incidents. This indication for estimated losses on outgoing calls has to date not been verified for accuracy and Telkom wishes to caution that due to the possible inaccuracies revenue loss resulting from cable theft specifically on outgoing calls is therefore not for public disclosure. Telkom is not in a position to calculate the revenue losses due to cable theft on incoming calls.

QUESTION NO 683

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: THURSDAY, 05 JUNE 2008

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

Mr S J Loe (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

What is the estimated cost per annum of copper cable theft to the SA Railway Commuter Association in respect of (a) loss, (b) replacement costs and (c) increased security measures for each of the past five years for which information is available?

NW1376E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(a), (b) and (c)

Below are the costs per annum since the 2003/04 financial year of copper cable theft and vandalism that the South African Rail Commuter Corporation Limited (SARCC) has suffered. The figures represent both loss and actual replacement costs and insurance claims, i.e. incidents reported and settled.

The SARCC has increased its security over the past five years significantly, resulting in increasing security costs, for private security contracting companies, as reflected in the table below. Furthermore, the SARCC has a strategic partnership with the South African Police Service that has tremendously improved the safety and security of passengers, assets and infrastructure. This partnership will result in 5 000 police officers being deployed in the rail environment by 2010, as well as the construction of 29 police stations at a total cost of R290 Million.

QUESTION NO 684

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9 MAY 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12/2008)

Date reply submitted: 12 June 2008

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

In each of the past eight years up to and including 2007 for which information is available, how many SA Police Service members have been killed on duty annually in respect of (a) shootings, (b) vehicle accidents, (c) assault inflicting grievous bodily harm and (d) other incidents?

NW1377E

REPLY:

(a) Shooting incidents where members of the South African Police Service are killed are recorded as common law crime(s) as murder and not shootings. Information on shootings is therefore not on record. The following statistics are for murder, including incidents where members have been killed on duty in respect of shootings:

ÿ 2002/2003 = 49

ÿ 2003/2004 = 60

ÿ 2004/2005 = 41

ÿ 2005/2006 = 34

ÿ 2006/2007 = 52

(b) The following are statistics for members killed on duty in motor vehicle accidents:

ÿ 2002/2003 = 37

ÿ 2003/2004 = 48

ÿ 2004/2005 = 57

ÿ 2005/2006 = 54

ÿ 2006/2007 = 63

(c) Information is not available on how many members have been killed on duty annually in respect of assault inflicting grievous bodily harm. Such incidents are read into the statistics provided in paragraph (a) above.

(d) Statistics on how many SAPS members have been killed annually in respect of other incidents are as follows:

ÿ 2002/2003 = 13

ÿ 2003/2004 = 28

ÿ 2004/2005 = 21

ÿ 2005/2006 = 8

ÿ 2006/2007 = 5

NB: An example of other incidents referred to in paragraph (d) is a case where a member collapses and dies while on duty. Another example is where a member accidently shoots him/herself while on duty. Such an incident cannot be registered as murder. The reality is that he/she died while on duty.

Dr J T Delport (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) What is the current number of staff vacancies per (a) occupational and (b) salary level at the office of the Master of the High Court;

(2) whether there have been complaints from members of the public regarding poor service delivery over the past 24 months; if so, (a) how many, (b) what were the specific complaints and (c) what was the final outcome with regard to the complaints;

(3) what (a) has been the budgeted allocation to the Master's Office and (b) was the actual expenditure for the past five years for which information is available?

NW1378E

REPLY

(1) There are currently 195 vacancies in the office of the Master of the High Court. Details of these vacancies are indicated in the table below:-

(2) Yes, there have been complaints received from members of the public regarding poor service delivery over the past two years. Statistics on the complaints registered in 2006 and 2007 are:-

During the past 24 months, the office of the Chief Master received 537 complaints from members of the public. To date, 346 complaints have already been resolved. These complaints range from members of the public complaining about delays in the finalizing of estates, appointment of executors and processing of Guardians Fund applications; Masters not responding to correspondence; copies not being supplied; files not found; bad customer service and telephones not being answered.

The complaints are handled by a dedicated "Customer Care Desk", established to deal with these issues. The Customer Care Desk has become an essential part of the Chief Master's Office in enhancing service delivery in this office. Dedicated email accounts have also been created for all offices, enabling customers to send queries and complaints to a central address. These complaints/queries are then attended to by an official in the various offices Master's offices around the country.

(3) The budgeted allocation to the Master's Office and actual expenditure is detailed below:

QUESTION NO 686

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9 MAY 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12/2008)

Date reply submitted: 18 June 2008

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

Whether, in light of the discontinuation of the commandos, any commando members have been recruited to the SA Police Reservists as envisaged; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many and (b) at which police stations have they been recruited?

NW1379E

REPLY:

Yes,

(a) Approximately 1 433 former Commando members were recruited as reservists. However, it needs to be mentioned that all former Commando members were given the following three options by the South African National Defence Force after closure of the Commando Units, namely:

• to join the Area Territorial Reserve (ATR) of the SANDF;

• to resign; or

• to join the South African Reserve Police Service

Further to the above, joining the South African Reserve Police Service was voluntary and did not entail an integration process.

All former Commando members that were interested in joining the South African Reserve Police Service had to comply with all the selection and recruitment requirements as determined in the Regulations for the South African Reserve Police Service.

(a) Records are attached as Annexure "A".

ANNEXURE "A"

RETURN: ENLISTMENT OF FORMER COMMANDO MEMBER UNITS THAT JOINED THE SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE POLICE SERVICE

PROVINCE: FREE STATE

PROVINCE: KWAZULU NATAL

PROVINCE: LIMPOPO

PROVINCE: NORTH WEST

PROVINCE: WESTERN CAPE

PROVINCE: MPUMALANGA

PROVINCE: EASTERN CAPE

PROVINCE: GAUTENG

PROVINCE: NORTHERN

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

(1) What is the status of the mutual legal assistance (MLA) agreement between South Africa and Germany in respect of the investigation into bribery and corruption relating to the four corvettes purchased as part of the arms deal;

(2) whether South Africa has provided any support, co-operation and/or assistance to Germany to date in respect of their investigations into the Arms deal; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what support, co-operation and /or assistance (a) has been provided and (b) is still outstanding, from South Africa?

NW1382E

REPLY

(1) Germany has closed its investigation into alleged corruption relating to the Strategic Arms Procurement processes. Written confirmation in this regard has been forwarded to our Government from the German Government. In this regard, the matter is considered as closed.

(2) Yes, South Africa did provide support to Germany, from the date of receipt of the MLA request through diplomatic channels from our Department of Foreign Affairs. The first communication from the latter Department is dated 28 September 2007 and was received by my Department on 01 October 2007. As soon as the MLA documents were received, they were attended to by the relevant officials in my Department.

On 25 October 2007, the Director General of my Department, in his capacity as the Central Authority for South Africa in respect of MLA requests, sent a letter to the Prosecutor in Dusseldorf, requesting further particulars to the MLA request. The purpose of the request for further particulars was to obtain additional information in order to enable a proper assessment of the request for purposes of satisfying the provisions of section 7 of the International Co-operation in Criminal Matters Act, 1996.

On 7 November 2007, the Prosecutor in Dusseldorf responded to the letter by the Central Authority in which he provided clarity on certain parts of the MLA requests. Further, his response stated,

"Furthermore, please be assured that we will contact you as soon as possible with regard to your queries and additional documents you are asking for in your letter of 25.10.2007. In this context, please allow me to enquire about your e-mail address."

On 12 December 2007, the Director General wrote to the Prosecutor in Dusseldorf providing his email address as requested. He further indicated that he awaits further communication from Germany regarding the request for further particulars.

On 17 March 2008 the Director General wrote another letter to the Prosecutor in Dusseldorf requesting an indication from the Prosecutor when he should expect a response to the request for further particulars.

On 17 March 2008 the Prosecutor in Dusseldorf responded by email communication to the Director General advising that the documents were in the process of being prepared and would be forwarded as soon as possible. In addition he advised that the German Authorities distance themselves from any anonymous media reports that a response to the MLA request is awaited from the South African Authorities.

In light of the above, I wish to assure the Honourable member that at all material times the Central Authority in South Africa and the Prosecutor in Dusseldorf have been in constant contact on the matter. Co-operation and support was always provided to the German Authorities. Any contrary allegation therefore is unfounded and baseless and should not receive the further attention of the Honourable member.

QUESTION NO:690

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

(1) How many (a) (i) housing and (ii) single quarter units are available to house staff members at Voorberg Correctional Centre and (b) persons (i) are such units designed to accommodate and (ii) are currently being accommodated in such units;

(2) whether his department intends to build additional units to accommodate staff; if not, (a) why not and (b) what other steps will his department take to accommodate staff at the centre; if so, (i) when and how many?

NW1384E

REPLY

(1) (a) The following is the breakdown of housing units at Voorberg:

(i) Housing units 192

(ii) Single quarters units

§ 2 room single quarters 29

§ 1 room single quarters 127

(b) (i) The units were designed to accommodate:

§ Housing 2-6 people

§ 2 room single quarters 2 people

§ 1 room single quarters 1 person

(ii) Currently being accommodated in such unit

§ Housing 241

§ 2 room single quarters 58

§ 1 room single quarters 127

(2) (a) The Department does not intend to build additional units to accommodate staff, as per a decision taken by the Minister in February 2007.

(b) The DCS will appoint officials from the local community to curb the need to provide housing

(i) Not applicable

691. Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(1) Whether his department allocated any funding to (a) the Bethelsdorp Development Trust and (b) the Bethelsdorp Hand Weavers in each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, (i) how much, (ii) when and (iii) on what was it spent;

(2) whether any such funding will be supplied to these institutions in the future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1385E

Minister of Labour replied:

(1) My Department has only had two contracts with Kraal Gallery Training Centre in the last five years to train Bethelsdorp Hand Weavers as part of the broader Bethelsdorp Development Trust initiatives.

(i) The first contract awarded on the 13^th June 2006 was for the training of 250 unemployed people in hand weaving and amounted to R4 837 500. Only R3 771 186 was paid to the training provider as they did not fully comply with the requirements of the contract.

(ii) The second contract awarded on 28 September 2007 was for training 50 unemployed people in hand weaving and amounted to R1 171 350. The project has not yet commenced due to outstanding additional operational funding that the provider is still waiting for from the National Empowerment Fund.

2. All institutions and training providers are free to apply for the National Skills Fund allocations annually and should they meet the set criteria that are available from all our offices and relevant National Treasury prescripts, they will be awarded contracts.

QUESTION NO 692

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12-2008 IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF 09 MAY 2008 FOR A WRITTEN REPLY

"692. Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture:

(1) Whether his department has supplied any funds to the Bethelsdorp Development Trust in each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not (a) how much (b) when and (c) on what was it spent;

(2) Whether any such funding will be supplied to this institution in the future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

(NW1386E)

REPLY:

(1) Bethelsdorp Development Trust was funded by the Department through the Poverty Alleviation programme during the 2004/2005 financial year. The project manager thereof was Mr. Ronald Henry Niegaard, ID No. 641108-5078-080.

a. the funding amount was R 1 million;

b. the amount was transferred in two (2) transactions of 80% (i.e. R 800 000.00) and 20% (i.e. R 200 000.00) in November 2004 and August 2005 respectively;

c. the business plan indicates the expenditure of the amount in establishing a weaving factory with forty (40) women weavers that will be trained in NQF level 2 weaving elective; establishing and setting up a silk screening workshop in which five (5) people will be trained in silk screening; conducting heritage outreach programmes by integrating technology, heritage, environment, mathematics, educator training and skills building and science; procurement of the following resources:

· 40 looms for weaving and ancillary tools and equipment

· 1 personal computer for publishing

· 1 silk screen unit, pans and developing basins

· 6 tables (4x8metres), brushes, cleaning agents

· 1 paint mixer, infer-red lamp and battery

(2) Historically the Poverty Alleviation Programme was conceptualized as part of the South African government's efforts in addressing poverty within the country's disadvantaged communities; this was seen as a short term to medium term strategic intervention. Initially most government departments were allocated funds from the Treasury Department to formulate run and support community initiatives that are linked to the particular department's mandate. The Department of Arts & Culture received the first funding in the 2001 the following couple of years the allocations had to be motivated for as these did not form part of MTEF Budget Cycle of government.

Allocations for the poverty alleviation programme were as follows

When the programme was first implemented, there were two officials who managed the budget under the Chief Directorate of Cultural Industries. The project focused its efforts on the Poverty Nodes that were announced by the President in the state of the nation address in 2001. The format for funding was that applications were received from Municipalities, Provincial Offices, Provincial Arts and Culture Councils, Non Governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations, State Owned Organizations (CSIR), Individuals and those people who had access to information.

For the first few years (2001 – 2004) the programme was characterized by lack of capacity, Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and an arms length approach in managing and supporting the funded projects. The knowledge generated was kept by one official, this had a negative effort on sharing of knowledge, understanding what the shortfalls on the service the Department was offering to the communities and the general buildup and proper knowledge management regarding the programme.

One of the major challenges in empowering the communities, funds were transferred to Arts and Culture Councils, municipalities ,institutions and the communities that were targeted never got to manage funds. This was disempowering as these communities were not given the opportunity to gain the necessary experience in a controlled environment in managing large sums of money, which was expected of them if they are to participate fully in the economy as SMME's

In 2003/04, a review of the programme was undertaken, both by the Department and the Treasury. It became clear that for the programme to have a significant impact, it needed to be re-engineered. At the time only one official was left to manage the programme. A process of re-engineering the programme was introduced, where the entire focus of the programme was changed. At the time the country was in its tenth year of democracy and all government programmes that have been introduced during the previous decade were being reviewed.

As part of government's review process, the Poverty Alleviation Programme was re-looked at. In its internal review, issues that were cross-cutting and were for the benefit of the poorest communities were to be integrated into the programme.

These were:

· Lack of skills

· Exclusion from the country's economy

· Lack of assets

· Lack of markets for cultural products

The name 'Investing in Culture' (IIC) was adopted in 2005 as the programme was more than poverty alleviation but also included skills development and economic participation of beneficiaries. The IIC programme provides empowerment opportunities for unemployed people from the second economy through training & job creation in arts, culture and heritage. The priorities thereof are to support the previously disadvantaged groups of which 60% ought to be women, 30% youth and 2% people with disabilities. Of the total financial support it provides, 40% thereof would be invested in the ISRDP & URP nodes.

As part of the re-engineering, issues relating to capacity were addressed. The sub-directorate became a Chief-directorate with supporting staff, the funding from Treasury was allocated for the MTEF period, which made it easier for the programme to plan activities and support to the projects.

The medium term expenditure framework is tabulated below:

The DAC through its Investing in Culture programme is aligned to other government programmes like the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Integrated Sustainable Rural Development and the Urban Renewal Programmes (ISRDP & URP) that target the previously disadvantaged groups and the poverty nodes respectively. Furthermore, it pledges support to other government programmes like Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative South Africa (ASGI-SA), Provincial Growth Development Strategies (PGDS) and municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDP). Hence, projects that contribute to these programmes would be prioritized when assessments are undertaken.

The basic principles that inform the funding of projects are as follows: