Questions & Replies: Questions & Replies No 155 to 200

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2010-01-27

[PMG note: Any gaps in numbering are due to replies not yet received]

QUESTION NO: 160

DATE SUBMITTED:

MR AT FRITZ (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

(1) Whether the Correctional Services Head Office was vacated for the purposes of fumigation of the building (details furnished); if so, (a) why was it done during office hours and (b) what was the estimated cost in loss of production;

(2) whether, in light of the shortage of staff experienced by her department, scheduling the fumigation during business hours can be justified; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NO1872E

REPLY

(1) The building was vacated for the purposes of fumigation. The fumigation took place on 18 September 2009 from 11h 00, starting from the highest to the lowest floor. Officials were only allowed to leave after their offices were fumigated and therefore not everybody vacated the building at 11h00.The last group left the building at 16h00.

(a) For the proper management of State assets, fumigation should be done in the presence of the incumbent of the office.

(b) No systems were put in place to determine estimated cost in loss of production.

(2) Scheduling of fumigation during business hours is justified. The structure of the building is not open plan and would therefore need more people (who should be paid overtime) to be at work if fumigation has to take place out side business hours, considering reasons provided in question 1 (a) above.


QUESTION NO: 155

DATE SUBMITTED:

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

(1) Whether disciplinary charges have been brought by her department against Mr. Justin Setshedi, the chairperson of the Zonderwater Correctional Supervision and Parole Board; if so, (a) by whom, (b) when, (c) for what reason?

(2) Whether bringing disciplinary charges against the chairperson of a parole board undermines the independence of such boards; if not, what way does it not undermine their independence? NO1866E

REPLY

(1) Yes. Mr. Justin Setshedi was charged.

(a) Mr. Setshedi was charged by the Area Commissioner of Zonderwater Management area as he is the supervisor.

(b) Mr. Setshedi was charged on the 23rd September 2009.

(c) Mr. J. Setshedi was charged for failing to inform the Area Commissioner of Zonderwater Management area , about the release of the offender as it is expected in terms of the parole procedures.

(2) Bringing disciplinary charges against the chairperson of a parole board does not undermine the independence of such boards. Although the chairpersons of the parole boards have the responsibility and authority to take independent decisions, however they still have to inform the area commissioner of their decisions taken, because the department is still accountable in different forums, for example DCS Portfolio Committee Meeting. Therefore the Area Commissioner represents the department at the management area level. According to their contract of employment signed by them, they will be subjected under the Department of Correctional Services Disciplinary Code and Procedure Resolution 1 of 2006.