Questions & Replies No 51 to 75

2010-02-24

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

QUESTION NUMBER: 51

DATE FOR PUBLICATION: 11 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE QUESTION SUBMITTED: 9 MARCH 2010

Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Women, Children and People with

Disabilities:

1) Whether her department will establish structures in the provincial and local spheres of government to give effect to the programmes and priorities as determined within her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW54E

REPLY

1) The Department of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities has a provincial and local government responsibility. In absorbing the Office on the Status of Women (OSW), The office on the Status of Persons with Disabilities (OSDP) and the Office on the Rights of the Child (ORC), the department is also absorbing the provincial offices. The Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities will be consulting with the Premiers to discuss the modalities of transferring these functions to the department. For now the department will execute its provincial and local government coordination responsibilities through the OSW, OSDP and ORC structures located in the Premiers' offices.

END

QUESTION NO. 52

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 February 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1)

Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(a) Whether his department has implemented any plans since 1 April 2009 to increase the number of (a) doctors who qualify annually and (b) foreign-qualified doctors who come to work in the public sector every year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) what are the relevant details and (ii) what has been the increase resulting from these plans in each case?

NW55E

REPLY:

(a) Yes. We responded to a similar question last year on this matter (question 2245 asked by Honorable More, also from the DA). The response is attached for the convenience of the Honorable Member. It is the intention of the Department to increase the number of health professionals.

(b) The issue of recruiting foreign-qualified doctors to South Africa is not a uniquely South Africa's problem. It is world-wide problem which of course is more complex in the African Continent. It was discussed by all health ministers in the Africa Region of the World Health Organisation (WHO-Africa Region), at their annual Conference in August 2009 in Kigali, Rwanda.

Africa Region ministers blame South Africa for accepting doctors from their countries and in the process crippling their health systems. This discussion is going to be on the agenda of the forthcoming World Health Assembly in Geneva in May this year, under the topic: Ethical recruitment of health professionals.

A SADC protocol also forbids SADC members from recruiting from each other. However, in terms of Government-to-Government Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), sharing of doctors between countries is often catered for, for example South Africa-Tunisia MOU; South Africa-Iran MOU; South Africa-UK MOU.

In our last National Health Council meeting held early in February 2010 in Mpumalanga, we and the MECs took a decision to employ doctors who are from other countries as long as they are already in South Africa on their own for whatever reason, provided they have permission from the Department of Home Affairs to be here and also obtain a work permit.

QUESTION NO. 53

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 February 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1)

Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether any vaccinations for (a) TB, (b) HIV and (c) any other specified condition are currently undergoing clinical trials; if not, why not; if so, (i) how many in each case, (ii) at what stage are they and (iii) when is it envisaged that these trials will be completed;

(2) whether any of these clinical trials are being fast-tracked; if not, why not; if so, (a) which ones and (b) how are they being fast-tracked?

NW56E

REPLY:

The following tables reflect the details in this regard

HIV VACCINE TRIALS

No.	Trial product	Approval date	Trial status	Expected date of completion
1.	HIV vaccine	30 June 2003	Ongoing. Last participants enrolled in 2005. Currently safety follow-up of participants	June 2010
2.	HIV vaccine	Stopped/discontinued in October 2007	Safety follow up of participants for 5 years after discontinuation	2012
3.	HIV vaccine	13 June 2006	Ongoing. Currently safety follow-up of participants	2011
4.	HIV vaccine	8 August 2008	Ongoing- Last patient visit is on 22 December 2009. Database lock May 2010	June 2010
5.	HIV vaccine	28 Nov 2008	Ongoing- Last participant vaccination January 2010	Safety follow ups for 5 years - 2015

TB VACCINE TRIALS

No.	Trial product	Approval date	Trial status	Expected date of completion
1.	TB vaccine	26 June 2009	Recruitment ongoing – New study in screening /enrolment phase: 21 patients screened	December 2010
2.	TB vaccine	11 Feb 2009	No vaccinations as yet. Planned to enrol 1200	Dec 2011
3.	TB vaccine	15 December 2008	1^st vaccination was on 15 July 2009. 353 participants are enrolled	Oct 2011
4.	TB vaccine	10 Dec 2008	1^st vaccination was on 23 April 2009.So far 93 participants are enrolled.	30 April 2010 but new group planned in Amendment 5
5.	TB vaccine	26 August 2008	40 participants are enrolled	Dec 2009
6.	TB vaccine	10 July 2008	Ongoing -72 participants enrolled	Dec 2010
7.	TB vaccine	17 May 2007	Commenced 3 July 2007. 45 participants are enrolled so far	Dec 2011

OTHER VACCINE TRIALS

No.	Trial product	Approval date	Trial status	Expected date of completion
1.	Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine	16 Nov 2009	Recruitment and enrolment ongoing	2011
2.	Measles vaccine	3 February 2009	Ongoing – 87 participants enrolled	August 2010
3.	Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine	26 Sept 2008	Recruitment and enrolment ongoing. To date 213 out of 500 participants have been recruited	August 2010
4.	Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine	19 Feb 2009	Ongoing - Recruitment	2011
5.	EPI vaccines	3 Jan 2008	Ongoing	2010
6.	Hepatitis B vaccine	25 Nov 2005	Ongoing -1st participant enrolled 1 July 2007. Currently busy with database lock	March 2010
7.	Melanoma vaccine	15 Sept 2005	Commenced 6 Oct 2005	Dec 2010
8.	Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine	16 Feb 2005	Commenced 31 may 2005	Dec 2009
9.	Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine	12 Jan 2005	Commenced 20 April 2005	2010

QUESTION NO 55

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 1 – 2010)

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

(1) Whether each public entity reporting to his department has staff grievance procedures and processes in place; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether staff members of these entities receive (a) an electronic or (b) a hard copy version of their salary advice every month; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW58E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

Yes, each public entity reporting to the Department of Transport has staff grievance procedures and processes in place. The details of these procedures, as well as the information on salary advices referred to in part (2) of the Question, are as follows:

The Airports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA)

(1) ACSA has a staff grievance policy and procedure in place. The grievance policy and procedure is contained in the employee manual and is accessible to all employees. An electronic version of the employee manual is available to employees on the ACSA intranet. The policy and step-by-step procedures are published together with the relevant documentation to be completed during such grievance processes.

(2) (a) ACSA does issue a hard copy version of the salary advice to staff members on a monthly basis. The detail included on the salary advice is dictated by the requirements of Section 33 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act 75 of 1997).

(b) Not applicable.

The Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company Limited (ATNS)

(1) ATNS does have a grievance procedure which is documented in the Company's Disciplinary Code and Procedures (ATNS Management Directive 2/1996, as amended on 5 February 2009). The grievance procedure is explained to all new employees during their induction programme. The grievance procedure is electronically accessible to employees on ATNS's intranet.

The procedure aims at enhancing harmonised relationships by setting a fair and just method to resolve and prevent grievances and conflict.

(2) (a) All permanent staff members receive hard copies of their salary advice every month. The electronic salary advice can also be viewed on and printed from the Human Resources information management system.

The salary advice contains the following information:-

Ø department and job title, tax reference number, employee number and other biographical information of the employee;

Ø descriptions of earnings and deductions (voluntary and statutory);

Ø total earnings, total deductions and net pay; and

Ø banking details in which the salary is deposited.

(b) Not applicable.

Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA)

(1) The C-BRTA does have a staff grievance procedures and processes in place as part of its collective Human Resources policies. The policy was formulated with specific reference to The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, (Act No 108 of 1996), the labour Relations Act, 1995, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act 75 of 1997), the Employment Equity Act, 1998, the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, and the Cross-Border Road Transport Act, 1998 (Act No 4 of 1998). All Human Resources policies, after formulation, were discussed and adopted by organised labour.

The details of the Grievance Procedure policy are available to all the C-BRTA employees.

(2) (a) The Agency issues a hard copy version of the salary advice every month to employees. The payslips contain the following details:-

· Cost to Employee.

· Earnings - Cash Component detailing all allowances, e.g. cellphone allowance, travel allowance, shift and danger allowances.

· Deductions such as Medical Aid, Provident Fund, PAYE, UIF and Funeral Cover.

(b) Not applicable.

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)

(1) PRASA has a comprehensive grievance procedure in place, which is managed by the Human Resources Department. The details of the Grievance policy and Procedure are available to all PRASA's employees.

(2) (a) and (b)

Employees of PRASA receive hard copies of their salary advices every month. PRASA is implementing a company-wide Enterprise Resource Project, which, amongst others, will make salary advices available online and allow employees to receive electronic versions of their salary advices. At this stage employees only receive hard copy versions of their salary advices.

The Ports Regulator of South Africa

(1) The Ports Regulator of South Africa follows the staff grievance procedures and processes of the Department of Transport.

(2) (a) Staff did not previously receive hard copies of salary advices every month. However, the Ports Regulator has now acquired a payroll system, which has corrected the system.

(b) Not applicable.

Railway Safety Regulator (RSR)

(1) The Railway Safety Regulator does have grievance procedures and processes in place.

The RSR Grievance Procedure forms part of the Labour Relations Policy, which was approved by the RSR Board on 22 May 2008, replacing an earlier grievance procedure, which had been in place since 2005. The Grievance Policy and Procedure is available to all employees.

The RSR's Grievance Procedure can briefly be summarized as follows:

§ The grievance procedure provides a formal process whereby employees can raise work related grievances with management and whereby management is able to resolve grievances quickly, fairly and as near to the point of origin as possible while protecting the interests of both the RSR and the employee.

§ It is in the best interest of both the RSR and its employees that grievances are addressed quickly, fairly and as near to the point of origin as possible. The RSR subscribes to the values of fair labour practice which require that an employee be accorded the right to lodge a grievance without any prejudice or fear of victimisation.

(2) (a) and (b)

Staff members of the Regulator receive a hard copy version of their salary advice monthly. Where staff members for whatever reason request a copy of their salary advice, they are provided with an electronic copy of their payslip. The payslip contains the following details:-

Employee Name

ID Number

Appointment Date

Pay Period

Employee Number

Paypoint (Department)

Post Level

Annual Package

Bonus Provision

Banking details

Total Deductions i.e. Tax, UIF, Medical Aid, Pension, etc

Nett Salary

Year to Date Earnings

Year to Date Tax

Travel Allowance (where applicable)

Basic Salary

Annual Leave Balance

Sick Leave Balance

Garnishee Deduction (where applicable).

The Road Accident Fund (RAF)

(1) The RAF has a staff Grievance Policy and Procedure that is updated on a regular basis. The policy and procedure details the objectives of the policy and steps that need to be followed to resolve each grievance. The details of the RAF's Grievance Policy and Procedure are available to all the employees of the Fund.

(2) (a) and (b)

The RAF makes available to its staff members electronic and hard copy versions (sealed and marked "Confidential") of their salary advice each month. The electronic salary advice is accessible by staff at anytime through the secure Employee Self Service module of SAP.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)

(1) The Board of the RTMC approved the utilisation of the Department of Transport policies until the finalisation of the RTMC policies.

RTMC policies are currently at the draft stage and will be submitted to the Board for approval.

Details of current policy are:-

1.1. An employee who is aggrieved will inform his supervisor about the grievance. The supervisor will then investigate the grievance and give the employee feedback on the grievance within 5 working days.

1.2. If the employee remains aggrieved, he/she can then lodge a formal grievance with the Labour Relations Unit by filling in a grievance form. The Labour Relations Unit will then liaise with the relevant Head of a branch with a view of resolving the grievance. The Head of the branch is required to give feedback to the aggrieved employee within 10 (ten) working days.

1.3. If the employee remains aggrieved or the feedback takes longer than the stipulated timeframe, the employee has the right to escalate the grievance to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Corporation. The CEO will then take a decision taking into account what was presented by the relevant Head of the branch and the aggrieved employee and after consultation with the Labour Relations Unit. The decision of the CEO is final for internal process and if an employee is still aggrieved or he/she is not satisfied with the outcome, he/she can lodge a formal dispute with the CCMA in terms of sections 135 and 138 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995.

1.4. Heads of branches may lodge their grievances directly with the Labour Relations Unit. The Labour Relations Unit will liaise with the CEO with a view of arriving at an informed and appropriate decision.

1.5. The decision of the CEO is final and if the Head of the branch is not satisfied with the decision, he/she has the right to lodge a formal dispute with the CCMA in terms of sections 135 and 138 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995.

1.6. If the grievance is resolved, the terms and/or conditions will be reduced in writing (this will be indicated in the applicable level of the grievance in the grievance forms).

1.7. The grievance must be finalised within 30 working days.

(2) (a) Employees of the RTMC receive a hard copy version of their salary advice every month. The details contained in the advice are as follows:-

Employee Number

Surname and Initials

Pay-point

Organisation/ Department

ID Number

Job Title

Pension Number

Notch/ salary scale

Appointment date

Pay-date

Deposit Institution

Account Number

Branch Code

Gross Salary Deductions

Leave Credits

IRP5 Particulars

Net Salary

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

(1) The SACAA has a grievance procedure and process in place. The newly revised grievance procedure has a four step process, whereby aggrieved employees should report their concerns to their immediate superior (informal process). If an employee elects to proceed with the grievance, he or she is required to complete a grievance form within 5 days of the non-resolution of the grievance under step one. The aggrieved employee is able to escalate his/her grievance to the Chief Executive Officer level if required. Should the employee still be dissatisfied with the outcome, he or she may declare a dispute in terms of the provisions of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No 66 of 1995), to the CCMA.

(2) (a) and (b)

All employees of the SACAA can view and print their own copies of their salary slip electronically, through the SACAA's Employee Self Service System. The salary slip contains relevant details, including all deductions and final payment.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)

(1)SAMSA has a staff grievance procedures and processes in place. The details of the form for stating the grievance are the name of the employee, job title, direct manager and date. It also has a section for stating the particulars of the grievance, proposed settlement of the grievance, settlement of the grievance and acceptance of the grievance. It concludes with a section for signatures and date of signatures of the Employer, Employee and Manager on acceptance of the settlement of the grievance.

(2) (a) SAMSA staff members receive a hard copy version of their salary advice every month, and the relevant details shown on the advice are the name of the employee, employee code, job title, date of engagement, ID number, pay-point, total earnings, cost to the Company, deductions and net pay.

(b) Not applicable.

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)

(1) SANRAL has since its inception with effect from 01 April 1998, made provision for a Grievance Procedure in its Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual. In terms of the said document proper provision has been made to deal with workplace grievances in a structured manner. The grievance procedure consists of a three stage model for the purpose of considering and resolving any dissatisfaction or feeling of injustice in connection with an employee's work or employment situation.

Stage one requires that the grievance in writing shall be referred to the employee's immediate authority, unless the grievance concerns or relates to the employee's manager in which case the grievance may be referred to the second stage. If not resolved at this level within three working days the employee concerned may in writing referred the grievance to his or her Executive Manager being the second stage.

If the grievance is not resolved on this level within three working days the employee may in writing refer the matter to the Chief Executive Officer who must resolve the grievance within three working days.

If the grievance thereafter remains unresolved the employee concerned may take any appropriate action he may be entitled to.

The Human Resources Professional is available to assist any employee with grievances.

(2) (a) and (b)

SANRAL manages an electronic payroll system. Employees can excess their salary advice and also download a copy thereof at any time. This system was introduced in 2000 and has been in existence without any problems since and to the satisfaction of all employees concerned.

QUESTION NO 56

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 3 MARCH 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 1 – 2010)

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

(1) Whether audits have been carried out in each of the entities reporting to him to ensure that there are no double appointments in positions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether there are legal processes with regard to secondment and acting positions; if not, why not; if so, what processes?

NW59E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

A detailed response on the Honourable Member's question is as follows:

Airports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA)

(1) Airports Company South Africa annually approves a budget, including positions, against which recruitment and appointments are done. Prior to embarking on recruitment for a position, the filling of the position is approved against the annual budget. This approval is done in line with the relevant Delegated Levels of Authority, including a review of the position content and profile prior to sign off.

Upon concluding the recruitment process, an offer of employment is made and signed off in line with the Delegated Levels of Authority, considering the relevant documentation which forms part of the process and is listed below:

· Request to fill a position – signed off against the approved budget;

· Job profile and content consolidated in an advertisement;

· Records of the recruitment process. This entails, amongst other, the signed request form, the advertisement, the interview summary record, the standard prescribed references and checks for the position, the offer of employment.

An annual audit plan exists within Airports Company South Africa which ensures structured internal and external audits.

(2) The Airports Company South Africa does follow a structured process to ensure a secondment is captured and contracted.

· Individuals seconded to another position or location, receive a letter documenting the nature and principles of the secondment. This letter is a further extension of the contract of employment, signed off accordingly.

The Airports Company South Africa does follow a structured process related to acting in positions on a higher level, which is captured in the HR policy.

· Communication is sent out to confirm the acting details; which includes the name of the employee, the position acted in; and the acting period.

Air Traffic and navigation Services Company Limited (ATNS)

(1) Audits are carried out on all aspects of Human Resource Administration, which include verification of integrity of personnel information by Internal Audit and the Auditor-General annually. No double appointments in positions exist in ATNS. ATNS has put in place a Quality Management System, which ensures that two internal ISO audits and one external ISO audit are conducted annually.

(2) ATNS has no legal processes arising out of secondment and acting positions.

Cross-Border Road Transport Agency

(1) (a) C-BRTA's HR department gets two types of audits in a year. They are an external audit by the Auditor General and an internal audit which is conducted by a service provider whose services are determined through an open tender process. The internal audit services are contracted for a period of three years.

(b) The recruitment process on vacancies filled during a period after the previous audit always forms part of the audit running.

(2) (a) The only transfer or secondment experienced by C-BRTA was at the time of the establishment of the Agency in April 1998 and the employees who were transferred were not exposed to any legal processes.

Ports Regulator of South Africa

(2) The Conditions of Service of the Ports Regulator deal with employees in an acting position. Currently there are no employees acting in an acting position.

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)

(1) Audits are carried out on all aspects of Human Resource Administration, which include verification of integrity of personnel information by Internal Audit and the Auditor-General annually.

(2) PRASA has policies on both secondment and acting. These govern and give guidelines as to how secondment and acting issues must be dealt with.

Railway Safety Regulator (RSR)

(1) Audits are carried out on all aspects of Human Resource Administration, which include verification of integrity of personnel information by Internal Audit and the Auditor-General annually. Similarly, very strict guidelines are followed in relation to appointments and creation of employees on the payroll system to guard against any possibility of either double appointments or ghost employees.

(2) Yes, legal processes are in place to regulate acting positions. The RSR's Acting Policy regulates acting in any position. Legal processes are not in place to regulate secondment. This is being considered as part of the process of finalising a 'Revolving Door Policy', which is modeled on the Government policy of the same name.

Road Accident Fund (RAF)

(1) Yes, audits are conducted regularly by the Internal Audit department of the RAF, the Auditor-General and the RAF's Human Resource department.

(2) Processes relating to secondments and acting positions are governed by the internal policies and procedures of the RAF, which are in line with legislation and regulations applicable to the RAF.

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)

(1) Audits are carried out on all aspects of Human Resource Administration, which include verification of integrity of personnel information by Internal Audit and the Auditor-General annually. The RTMC's Human Resources have been audited, but there were no specific audits conducted for double appointments in positions.

(2) The RTMC would use the guidelines as outlined by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) with regard to the secondment and acting of staff.

South African Civil Aviation Authority

(1) SACAA has audits conducted on it bi-annually by our outsourced internal auditors and annually by external auditors as required by the PFMA. Additionally, SACAA is ISO 9001 certified and bi-annual audits by ISO auditors are carried out to ensure compliance with all procedures and policies.

A major control in place is that before any position is advertised, the relevant General Manager of the division recommends filling of the position to the Human Resources Department, which confirms that the position exists in the approved organigram and approved staff complement. HR in turn recommends it to Finance to confirm that the position has been budgeted for; and finally the CEO approves the position.

(2) The SACAA has an "Acting Policy" in place approved by the Board that deals with all matters pertaining to employees acting in vacant positions. Secondment is rare, but if it occurs it is dealt with in a case by case basis, and is done on a cost recovery basis.

South African Maritime Safety Authority

(1) The Auditor-General conducts an annual audit on SAMSA affairs which includes human resources. None of the audits have revealed any double appointment. This can be verified from SAMSA's Annual Reports. Regular audits are also undertaken by Internal Auditors and none of their audits have revealed such anomaly. It also has stringent management processes in place to manage is Human Resources systems.

(2) SAMSA has processes and conditions relating to secondments and acting appointment and these are governed by the SAMSA human resources policies and procedures manual.

South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)

(1) The human resource records are audited by external auditors twice a year. It is not possible to have a double appointment to a position as an electronic system is used to record the details of an employee who is allocated a unique number and specific position. Thereafter the employee's salary account is activated by the Payroll Administrator on the system. Any duplication will not be processed by the system. Further, the payroll is also manually checked and signed off monthly.

(2) SANRAL does not have any staff member on secondment.

QUESTION NO 57

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 3 MARCH 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 1 – 2010)

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

(1) Whether all staff members employed in his department have employment contracts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether all members have signed these contracts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) how are transfers (a) within and (b) between entities handled;

(4) whether any labour-related cases are currently undergoing a legal process; if so, (a) how many and (b) where in the legal process are each of these cases?

NW60E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) All staff members employed in the Department of Transport have employment contracts/ appointment letters, which set out the period of employment in cases of fixed term contracts and the terms and conditions on which they are employed. The different categories of employment contracts are the following:

(a) Temporary employees – employees appointed on contract for a specified fixed period or specific project;

(b) Permanent employees.

(2) All employees have signed either employment contracts in cases of those appointed on fixed term contracts and members of the Senior Management Service or appointment letters in respect of other permanent employees.

(3) Lateral transfers are initiated by either the employee or the employer in the interest of good management in terms of both the entity's operational effectiveness and an employee's development with retention of salary position and seniority date.

There are cases where employees are promoted to posts in other Branches within the Department of Transport in terms of the normal recruitment process and such movements are regarded as internal transfers.

Below is a breakdown of how transfers are handled by the various entities:

Airports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA)

(a) ACSA follows the recruitment process if vacancies exist. If the successful applicant is an internal candidate, an appointment letter, stating the conditions of the appointment, is provided to the employee to sign as acceptance. Upon signature the appointment is then confirmed. When the transfer is between cities, the standard conditions of employment apply.

(b) ACSA does not transfer people to other entities. An appointment of a staff member at another entity requires of the member to resign from ACSA.

Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company Limited (ATNS)

(a) & (b)

ATNS has a transfer and relocation policy. The policy stipulates the terms

conditions and remuneration associated with internal transfers. A transfer is a

relocation due to operational requirements, promotion and/or own request where

an employee is expected to physically move family and household contents from

one geographically area to another. Geographical area refers to a distance

outside a radius of 100kms from an employee's current work station. Should

the employee request a transfer, and the Company can accommodate such a

transfer, the transfer will be at the employees own cost. Should the employer

however request the employee to transfer, based on operational requirements,

the employer will pay transfer and relocation costs as defined in the policy.

Air Service Licensing Council (ASLC)

(a) & (b)

The members of this entity hold office for a period not exceeding three years, but are eligible for re-appointment at the expiry of their term of office. The current members were all appointed by the Minister on 26 April 2008.

Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA)

(a) & (b)

Appointments-on-transfer are regulated by internal human resources prescripts. Suitable candidates are sourced within the entity. If no suitable candidate is found, the vacancy is advertised externally.

International Air Services Council (IASC)

(b) & (b)

The members of this entity hold office for a period not exceeding three years. The current members were all appointed by the Minister on 26 April 2008.

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)

(a) & (b)

PRASA advertises vacant posts internally first (within the PRASA Group) – if no suitable candidates are found, the posts are advertised externally.

The Ports Regulator of South Africa

(a) It will be a negotiation between management and the relevant staff member, affected by a contract, i.e., a new contract will be concluded between the entity and the employee and the old contract cancelled. In the event of a temporary transfer, the employee will still work under the existing contract, with a new reporting environment for the period of transfer.

(b) It will be treated in the same way as hiring of new employees. As such, after all compliance elements are completed, the person will be appointed on a new contract with the organisation.

Railway Safety Regulator (RSR)

(a) & (b)

Appointments-on-transfer are regulated by internal human resources prescripts which provide guidelines for transferring employees from one cost centre to another.

The Road Accident Fund (RAF)

(a) A transfer within the RAF is affected in terms of the RAF's Transfer Policy, which policy has been approved by the Board of the RAF.

(b) Transfers between the RAF and other entities are not applied at the RAF. Employees from other entities are required to follow the normal recruitment process of the RAF.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)

(a) Transfers within the Corporation are handled through the motivated submission for the approval of the Chief Executive Officer.

(b) Secondment of staff from other entities is dealt with through an agreement between the entities.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

(a) & (b)

The SACAA has no service level agreement with other entities that

deals with transfers, as none have taken place. With regard to internal transfers within the organisation, these are regulated in accordance to the entity's Recruitment Policy.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)

(a) SAMSA has a transfer and relocation policy. The policy stipulates the terms and conditions associated with internal transfers. A transfer is a relocation due to operational requirements, promotion and/or own request where an employee is expected to physically move family and household contents from one geographically area to another. Geographical area refers to a distance outside a radius of 100kms from an employee's current work station. SAMSA has 7 port offices in each of the port cities in South Africa. Should the employee request a transfer, and the Company can accommodate such a transfer, the transfer will be at the employees own cost. Should the employer however request the employee to transfer, based on operational requirements, the employer will pay transfer and relocation costs as defined in the policy.

(b)The transfers that were done were between the Department of Transport, Maritime Section and SAMSA was at the time of the establishment of SAMSA in April of 1998. Those employees were transferred through negotiated contracts as a pre-condition to establishing SAMSA but since then no transfers were done.

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)

(a) & (b)

SANRAL follows guidelines as stated in its human resources prescripts. It has one staff member seconded to the Local Organising Committee (LOC). This secondment is managed by an agreement between the parties.

(4) (a) There are no labour-related cases currently undergoing a legal process,

(b) falls away.

QUESTION NO 58

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 – 2010)

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

(1) How many flights or flight tickets are allocated annually to (a) him, (b) his Deputy Minister, (c) the Director General, (d) the Deputy Director General and (e) other senior officials of his department;

(2) what is (a) the annual budget and (b) the actual expenditure for flights for (i) the Minister, (ii) the Deputy Minister, (iii) the Director General, (iv) the Deputy Director General and (v) other specified senior officials of his department in the (aa) 2006-07, (bb) 2007-08 and (cc) 2008-09 financial years?

NW62E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

Travel is arranged as and when required. The department does not allocate air tickets in advance.

1. Number of flights allocated annually are:

a) Minister: 120

b) Deputy Minister: 60

c) Director General: 72

d) Deputy Director Generals: 36

e) Other Senior Managers: 24

2. Annual budget & actual expenditure per rank for 2006/7, 2007/8 and 2008/9 financial years

RANK	ANNUAL BUDGET			ACTUAL EXPENDITURE
	2006/7	2007/8	2008/9	2006/7	2007/8	2008/9
Minister	2,100,000.00	1,725,000.00	1,850,000.00	2,788,914.28	1,733,634.58	2,110,140.67
Deputy Minister	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
DG	500,000.00	745,000.00	810,000.00	989,129.13	754,138.57	748,915.59
Deputy DDG	300,000.00	200,000.00	350,000.00	544,743.00	197,010.00	712,432.60
Other Snr Managers	71,000.00	125,000.00	59,000.00	66,933.00	152,846.50	57,548.55

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO.58(C070E)

Mr R J TAU. (ANC-NC) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether Government had any engagement with the banking and

housing sector to define

(a) Stakeholder involvement and

(b) the role in the disbursement of the proposed guarantee fund of R1 billion to

incentivize the private banking and housing sector to develop new products to meet

the housing demand; if not what is the position in this regard ;if so

(i) How will such an incentive be implemented and

(ii) To what extend is it in line with the banking charter on proving access to credit?

REPLY

(a) Government is in the process of engaging the banking

(including Departmental DFI's) and housing sectors to finalize

their role in the proposed R1 billion guarantee.

(b) There will be no flow of funds into the Department of Human

Settlement's coffers however, in case of defaults government

(National Treasury) will be expected to honor its commitments in

terms of the guarantee.

(c)The proposed R1 billion will be used as a risk sharing

mechanism in the Human Settlements development and as an

incentive for the housing and the banking sectors to be

innovative in the development of new products that will address

housing needs of the gap market.

The gap market is currently defined as those individuals who do

not qualify for government housing subsidy because their

income is nore than R3 501.00, but on the other hand do not

qualify for mortgage bonds in the market because their income

is not sufficient.

The housing sector is expected to address the shortages of

affordable housing in the market as currently there is no stock

available for the gap market.

(i)The Department of Human Settlements together with

National Treasury is looking at effective ways of

implementing the incentive that will have the desired

impact in the housing sector.

(ii)The proposed incentive is in line with the Financial Sector

Charter (FSC) but only in terms of addressing the needs of

the gap market . You will recall that the FSC was a voluntary

agreement between Government and the big 4 banks

(Absa, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank). There was no

financial incentive provided under the FSC

The proposed R1 billion incentives will include all the

financial institutions.

QUESTION NO 59

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 – 2010)

Mr A C Steyn (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) How many registered and accredited traffic officers are currently employed by each province as at the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether the number of traffic officers will be increased for the 2010 World Cup tournament; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many in each province and (b) when ?

NW63E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) furnished the following information in respect of the current number of traffic officers in each Province:-

NO	PROVINCE	TOTAL
1	Limpopo	975
2	Gauteng	526
3	Mpumalanga	876
4	North West	406
5	Free State	514
6	KwaZulu-Natal	993
7	Northern Cape	170
8	Western Cape	460
9	Eastern Cape	663

(2) (a) and (b) The following information indicates the proposed increase in the number of traffic officers that will be recruited for the 2010 World Cup:-

NO	PROVINCE	TOTAL	DATE
1	Limpopo	0	Authorities indicated that recruitment will be finalized by soon in order to have them graduated through college by June 2010.
2	Gauteng	100
3	Mpumalanga	93
4	North West	100
5	Free State	0
6	KwaZulu-Natal	0
7	Northern Cape	0
8	Western Cape	0
9	Eastern Cape	50

Authorities that will not be increasing their numbers indicated that they had increased their intakes in this current year in preparation for the 2010 World Cup.

QUESTION NO 60

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 – 2010)

Mr W Rabotapi (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(a) How will the public know what is happening on our roads and strategise accordingly now that the Arrive Alive website is no longer recording the current road statistics and (b)(i) who will re-establish this site and (ii) when will it be done?

NW64E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(a) The public will be able to obtain updated road traffic statistics from the Road Traffic Management Corporation's (RTMC) internet website (www.rtmc.co.za), which was launched in April 2009. From January 2010, road traffic statistics will also be available on this website.

(b) (i) The Arrive Alive website is a privately owned site which mainly promotes road traffic safety and also assisted over the past few years in the provision of road traffic information and statistics until the RTMC's internet website was established.

(ii) The Arrive Alive website has not been closed down, therefore there is no need to re-

establish it.

QUESTION NO 61

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 – 2010)

Mr M W Rabotapi (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether he will institute a forensic audit of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) in light of its poor financial status to determine a funding model that will it's to ensure its future sustainability; if not, what steps will he take to ensure that the backlogs in claims are met; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether he will hold the RAF board accountable for the poor state of affairs regarding the fund; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW65E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) No. A thorough inquiry into a reasonable, equitable, affordable and sustainable system for the payment of compensation and/or benefits to the victims of road traffic accidents has already been undertaken by the Road Accident Fund Commission (the Satchwell Commission), which was established by Government through legislation and appointed on 01 June 1999.

The Satchwell Commission determined that a fault based compensatory system is, inter alia, unsustainable and recommended that a road accident benefits scheme should be conceived that is independent of common law delictual principles and liability insurance practice and is a social security scheme established for the protection of the victims of road accidents and their dependants (see the Report of the Road Accident Fund Commission; Volume 1; page XXXIV; paragraph 8).

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) and the Department of Transport (DoT) have developed a revenue requirement model that has been presented to Treasury and which was partially utilised by Treasury in determining the RAF fuel levy increase for the 2009/10 financial year. Utilisation of the revenue requirement model will ensure that the RAF is able to meet its outstanding liability both in respect of reported and unreported claims.

No. The Satchwell Commission, which has been referred to above, analysed the causes of the state of affairs of the RAF. The recommendations of this Commission are currently being implemented.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FOR ORAL REPLY

QUESTION 61

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 05/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 4 OF 2010

Mr R Tua (ANC-NC) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:

Whether the Government is considering the construction of a university in the North Cape; if not; why not; if so; (a) how far are such plans and (b) what are the timeframes for the completion of such university? CW86E

REPLY:

(a)The establishment of fully fledged universities in the said province remains a priority for this government. In this regard, we have consulted and continue to consult with the National Institute for Higher Education, provincial governments and stakeholders involved in the provincial delivery of higher education programmes in the relevant provinces. Work towards the establishment of universities in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape will continue this financial year.

(b) I will be appointing two task teams to explore suitable university models for the needs of these provinces and come up with costed proposals and timelines. Professor Cheryl de la Rey and Professor Thandwa Mthembu will Chair these teams and will work together on key issues that will be common to both processes. It is envisaged that the time-frames for completion of the work of the task team will be by the end of 2010.

QUESTION NO 62

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 1 – 2010)

Mr D C Ross (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) What contraventions with regard to the Cross-border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) have taken place at the various border posts in the past three years and (b) how were these contraventions handled at each border post;

(2) whether statistics are maintained in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the statistics with regard to every border post in the past three years?

NW66E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) The following contraventions with regard to the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) took place at the various border posts in the past three years:-

ü Operating contrary to the conditions of the permits;

ü illegal operations without cross-border road transport permits; and

ü overloading of vehicles.

(b) Written notices in terms of section 56 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No 51 of 1977), were issued.

(2) Yes, the statistics are reflected in the table below:-

	Prosecutions	Cabotage Fines	Overloading Fines
2006/07	5 727	95	77
2007/08	7 227	113	93
2008/09	11 095	166	184
Total	24 049	374	354

QUESTION NO: 62 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

62. Mr D B Feldman (COPE-Gauteng) to ask the Deputy President:

(1) Whether Cabinet has taken any decision to encourage Members of the Executive to attend committee meetings to answer questions as required by the Constitution; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether Members of the Executive will be encouraged to honour commitments they make in committee meetings; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CW87E

REPLY

Honourable Member, I believe that the Constitution, other relevant legislation and the Rules of both the National Council of Provinces and the National Assembly makes the position clear regarding the relationship between the Members of the Executive and Parliament.

I also covered this matter broadly during the Presidency Budget Vote in the National Assembly. For ease of reference, I wish to restate what I said then and continue to emphasise to both Parliament and my colleagues within the Executive.

In the budget vote I said:

The position of Leader of Government Business is provided for in the Constitution and in the rules of Parliament. Effectively, our purpose is co-ordination and harmonisation of the interaction between the Executive and the Legislature. There is, unfortunately, a tendency to use this office largely as a channel for complaints. I have also received numerous requests for government business opportunities. Many out there believe I am in charge of government business. This is a genuine misunderstanding and I have had to explain very courteously that I am not in charge of any business.

I wish to reiterate that Parliamentary oversight as provided for in the Constitution is crucial and should be rigorously observed. I am aware that as there are new Members of Parliament and new Ministers, challenges have arisen that are perceived to be affecting the relationship between Parliament and the Executive. Let me reiterate that these two arms of the state are enjoined by the Constitution to work co-operatively although they have different mandates. This Assembly is obligated to oversee implementation by the Executive, which is responsible for implementing government programmes and therefore should be accorded time and space to do so. For that reason, there should be no uncertainty regarding these distinct yet complementary functions.

One instrument that the Assembly uses to hold the Executive accountable is Parliamentary Questions. Regrettably, a large number of questions were unanswered at the end of last year, thus pitting some Ministers against Parliament. All Ministers who had outstanding questions were asked to provide written explanations as to why they had failed to reply as provided for in the Rules of this House. Having considered their explanations and also engaging Ministers directly, I wish to reassure this House that this challenge is being overcome.

Measures being implemented include allocating more resources to ensure that questions are not only answered on time but that they provide the necessary detail as well. In some instances, capacity in Ministries is being enhanced. Henceforth, Directors-General will play a more active role in this process. We will closely monitor progress in this regard".

QUESTION NO 63

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 1 – 2010)

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

Whether his department has investigated each of the alleged irregular unapproved purchases and payments by the chief executive officer of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what were the results of the investigations?

NW67E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

Over the past year, I have received complaints relating to allegations of mismanagement at the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). These allegations were brought to the attention of the RTMC Board and I subsequently ordered an investigation into these allegations.

On 5 February 2010, I further announced the appointment of an independent Task Team to work with the RTMC Board and its management in the investigation into allegations of mismanagement, as well as issues relating to leadership, governance, business and finance at the RTMC.

The task team's mandate is, among other things:

Ø To investigate allegations of mismanagement at the RTMC; and

Ø To advice me, as the Minister of Transport and my Department on strategies required to ensure that the RTMC delivers fully on its legislative mandate.

As of 10 February 2010, the CEO of the RTMC, Mr. Ranthoko Rakgoale, voluntarily requested to be placed on special leave, pending the finalisation of the investigation.

The investigation is still continuing and the Task Team is expected to report back periodically and submit a final report in a month's time. Once the Team's findings and recommendations have been studied, I will make further pronouncements on this matter, with a view to effecting changes where necessary and feasible in the shortest possible time frame.

QUESTION NO 64

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 – 2010)

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

Whether the current admitted overrun of R1.778 billion for the La Mercy Airport will be financed from (a) the balance sheet of the Airports Company of South Africa or (b) outside financial sources; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how will (i) this overrun and (ii) ACSA's capital expansion debt of R11.5 billion be accounted for in terms of recovery?

NW68E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(a), (b) (i) & (ii)

The overrun as a result of external delays experienced on the La Mercy development and the resultant interventions to complete by April 2010 is R1.014 billion and not R1.778 billion. The Airports Company South Africa balance sheet enabled borrowings from different debt funding institutions to fund the development. The Regulatory Framework allows for the remuneration of developments by way of airport charges when the development is brought into use.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

QUESTION 64 WRITTEN REPLY 05 March 2010

64. Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister of Public Works:

(a) How many jobs were created in the Extended Public Works Programme for the period 1 January to 31 December 2009, (b) what was the average duration of these employment opportunities, (c) what was the average amount of take home pay which was earned by each employee employed under this programme during the specified period? CW90E

Reply:

(a) 482,742 work opportunities were reported for the period 1 April 2009 – 31 December 2009.

(b) Average duration for the above work opportunities was 46 days

QUESTION NO 65

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 1 – 2010)

Mr D C Ross (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(a) What is the current breakdown of passenger and airports taxes or fees and (b) (i) how and (ii) to whom are these taxes and fees distributed?

NW69E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(a)

The requirement for the issuance of air transport tickets is prescribed by the Carriage by Air Act, 1946 (as amended in 2006), and the Domestic Air Services Regulations, 1991, in respect of international and domestic air services respectively. The format of such prescribed tickets is defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure uniformity of tickets and to enable IATA to fulfil its role of dispersing funds collected by airlines worldwide, including government taxes and industry related charges.

The electronic ticket has been derived from the traditional "paper ticket" which contained a 'box' known as the Tax/Fee/Charge (TFCs) Box. There are currently three "boxes" (indicated under "Fare Calculation" in the case of electronic tickets) and if there are more than three TFCs to apply to a ticket, the third box will represent a combined value of remaining TFCs identified with the code "XT". These XT-TFCs are then broken down into individual amounts in either the fare calculation or the endorsement area. The following explanation refers to a typical international airline ticket:

· Breakdown of Taxes and Charges:

o Government taxes: These are fixed charges, details as follows:

§ Value Added Tax (VAT) amount will be shown in the ZV "box". This is, however, only applicable to domestic air tickets, and is therefore not reflected on the abovementioned sample ticket; and

§ The Air Passenger Tax (APT) (also referred to as "Tourism Tax") is levied on all international air tickets. This is shown in the WC "box" as follows:

· R80.00 per passenger per departure for destinations within the Southern African Customs Union Member States; and

· R150.00 per departure per passenger for all other international destinations.

o Charges: The rest of the items in the "boxes" are charges, which are split into several categories.

§ The first category of charge is included in what is referred to as the ZA "box". This includes the following items which make up the total charge depending on the travel itinerary of the passenger:

· Airports Company of South Africa Passenger Service Charge:

This is a charge regulated by the Regulating Committee for the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) in terms of the Airports Company Act of 1993.

These charges relate to the costs incurred by ACSA with respect to passenger terminal services as follows:

· Domestic charge of R49.00 per passenger;

· Regional charge of R102.00 per passenger; and

· International charge of R135.00 per passenger.

· Aviation Coordination Service Charge:

The second item in the ZA "box" is a charge raised by Aviation Coordination Services, a non-profit company owned by the scheduled airlines through the Airline Association of Southern Africa (AASA) and Board of Airline Representative of South Africa (BARSA) with the mandate to provide certain services to airlines such as:

o 100% Hold Baggage Screening: R11.00 per passenger;

o Baggage Reconciliation: R3.00 per passenger; and

o The Common Use Services (self check-in facilities) at certain ACSA Airports: R7.00 per passenger.

§ The second category is the EV "box" which contains the Passenger Safety Charge for the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

This is a charge of R11.00 per passenger levied on every passenger departing from a South African airport on a scheduled airline flight. This is one of the sources of revenue for the SACAA to meet its national and international obligations in respect of aviation safety and security oversight in terms of current legislation and the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The SACAA consults with industry in determining this charge, which is gazetted under the authority of the Minister of Transport.

§ The third category includes additional charges included in the YQ/YR "box".

YQ/YR are designated as "AIRLINE OWN USE ONLY" and can be used by an airline for its own purposes. They are not TFC's as referred to above and are in fact air carrier surcharges.

Airlines include such charges of their own accord subject to each airline's own commercial criteria. These are generally extraordinary charges which the airline at its discretion believes that it cannot include in the airline fare quoted and which will be added together with the airline fare, the taxes and other charges to determine the final amount payable by the passenger. Airlines may not discuss nor agree on these charges as such activities would contravene competition legislation. Currently charges in this category include:

· Extraordinary insurance charges due to high premiums charged to airlines to account for aviation security measures;

· Fuel levy charges to take account of the volatile fuel price; and

· The legacy of several futures contracts which some airlines have to honour.

The structure of the IATA airline ticket is designed for flexibility to take account of the various elements that make up the total airline fare and enable revenue to be collected and disbursed in an efficient manner to the various parties. It is, however, imperative when advertising fares that passengers are made aware of the total fare payable (i.e. including all taxes, service charges and airline surcharges). Airlines, agents and all other parties are required to ensure that measures are in place for all promotional and general information on flights as well as the total fare payable. Failure to comply with this requirement could be addressed by the Office of Consumer Protection, in terms of the Consumer Affairs (Unfair Business Practises) Act 1988.

(b)

(i)&(ii) The taxes and fees are added to every airline ticket sold. The taxes are collected by the airlines on behalf of the regulated entities, i.e. Airports Company South Africa, South Africa Civil Aviation Authority and National Treasury in addition to their own charges and those of ACSA.

QUESTION NO 66

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 1 – 2010)

Mr D C Ross (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) What impact will the need to run in some 25 fuel tankers into La Mercy per day to meet the demand for fuel have on (a) the road infrastructure and (b) the delivery cost of the fuel;

(2) whether any analysis has been done with regard to accidents and spillage and the effects thereof on the environment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details ?

NW70E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) & (b) As part of the Environmental Impact Assessment we have been granted a record of decision and no significant concerns regarding the transport of fuel were noted. However, as part of the city's by laws an analysis is being conducted on the impact on the road infrastructure and cost of fuel and the results thereof will be available very soon.

(2) As part of the processes of licensing the fuel installation a major hazardous installation study has been completed and the recommendations thereof will determine the control measures to be put in place.

QUESTION NO 67

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 1 – 2010)

Mr T D Lee (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) When was the Computerised Learner's Licence Test implemented in (a) KwaZulu-Natal and (b) Gauteng;

(2) whether any special legislation of amendments were published that allowed for testing of learner's driving licences by computer; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) under which legislation;

(3) how much money has been expended up to the latest specified date for which information is available on the computerised learner's licence testing facilities (a) nationwide and (b) at each specified site;

(4) whether tenders were published in accordance with national prescribed guidelines; if not, why not; if so, (a) in which publications, (b) for which sites, (c) to whom were the tenders awarded for each site, (d) how was the decision reached and (e) what is the value of each tender?

NW71E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

The respective offices of the Provincial MECs for Transport in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have furnished the following information in respect of the Honourable member's Question - the Question relates to individual projects in the mentioned Provinces and not to a national project initiated by the Department of Transport:-

(1) (a) The pilot project in KwaZulu-Natal was launched on 01 November 2005.

(b) The Gauteng Department of Transport launched their project on 19 December 2006.

(2) Yes. Regulation 104 (3) of the National Road Traffic Act and Regulations was amended to make provision for an electronic test.

(a) 27 May 2009.

(b) The 15^th Amendment to the National Road Traffic Regulations.

(3) (a) As indicated herein, the computerised learners licence tests that are currently implemented are not part of a national objective. These are provincial initiatives implemented by the Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng Provinces, respectively. The following information was received from the respective provinces:

(b)In KwaZulu-Natal, an amount of R131 429 831, 00 has been expended on 24 Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) and two mobile learners licence vehicles which take service delivery to the people in remote areas. Costs per site vary according to the size and the number of terminals required.

The expenditure at Langlaagte, Gauteng – R23,885,387, 52.

(4) In KwaZulu-Natal tenders were not published as the matter was dealt with on the basis of an unsolicited bid as the service provider at that time, and to date, is a sole specialist provider with no alternative available in South Africa.

In the case of Gauteng, no tenders were published. The Departmental Acquisition Council gave approval for the deviation from tender procedure following a successful pilot project in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.

(a), (b), and (c) Fall away.

(d) and (e). In respect of the reply to parts (d) and (e) of the question, I have requested the two Provinces to provide me with additional information. As soon as the required details are received, it will be submitted as a supplementary reply to your question.

QUESTION 68

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 02/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 5 OF 2010

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

(1) Whether the provision of bursaries to students is based on the criteria of (a) race, (b) gender and (c) disability; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether access to funds of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is equally managed and promoted in (a) rural and (b) urban areas; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(3) Whether the pay-outs from the NSFAS cover all necessary fees, including boarding, lodging and books; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NO594E

REPLY:

1a) No. NSFAS primarily allocates bursaries to students based on priority skills areas, financial need and academic potential.

1b) No. See point 1a)

1c) Yes. NSFAS administers bursaries for people with disabilities on behalf of the DHET and DoL.

2 NSFAS is equally managed and promoted in both rural and urban environments. NSFAS has in the recent past tried to focus much more on rural communities. This has taken a number of forms - use of SABC Radio vernacular language stations to allow them to reach communities all over South Africa; visits to schools in rural areas; attending career exhibitions in rural areas; a presence on some rural-based university campuses during the university registration period; industrial theatre (in some rural towns); etc. In addition there is a partnership with the Rural Education Access Programme and other NGOs to ensure that access is not urban based purely.

3 No. Allocation to universities falls into mainly two categories. Some universities grant full loans to needy students and others like UCT and Stellenbosch, have adequate funding to grant full loans to needy students. Historically disadvantaged institutions (HDI) like the University of Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu University, which have a larger number of financially needy students, usually adjust loans to needy students, reducing them to spread the funds to more needy students. This is the conundrum of the allocation formula to both institutions and individuals. If the demand is greater and the allocation cannot accommodate full loans, financially needy students obtain partial loans which do not necessarily cover all necessary fees, including boarding, lodging and books. Under current arrangements, NSFAS bursaries are also provided to students registered at FET Colleges.

4 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

I assume that the honourable member is addressing the issue of NSFAS-administered bursaries and not bursaries in general. NSFAS administers the following bursary schemes:

a. On behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET):

· Bursaries for Further Education and Training students

· Funza Lushaka bursary scheme for teacher education in priority areas. The School of Education at Higher Education Institutions and the DHET identifies successful candidates based on the following criteria: academic ability, eligibility for one of the academic programmes for which the bursary is granted and candidates whose financial position would otherwise exclude them from enrolment for a teaching qualification.

· Bursaries for disabled students

b. On behalf of other government departments:

· Bursaries for training social workers to address its skills shortages via the Department of Social Development. The allocation to the student starts as a loan but is converted to a bonded bursary upon graduation, where the graduate takes up a post in the public sector for a specified period. No specific criteria is attached as the objective is to alleviate the shortage of qualified social workers by offering bursaries to students willing to study social work.

· Bursaries for scarce skills studies are identified by the Department of Agriculture using selection criteria based on academic potential and financial need. The Department of Agriculture selects its bursaries through its National Bursary Committee and require graduates to work for the same number of years that they received the bursary.

· Bursaries from the Department of Labour targets scarce skills areas including bursaries for people with disabilities. The NSFAS selects suitable bursary recipients based on the Department's National Master Scarce Skills List.

· Bursaries of R50 000 are provided to top achievers through the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.

c. NSFAS also administers private sector funded bursaries. NSFAS is not responsible for identifying suitable candidates for the bursaries, but enters into contracts with each private sector partner. Academic admission criteria and conditions applicable on graduation are determined by the donors/sponsors.

QUESTION 68

R. Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Veterans:

1. Whether her department organised or hosted (a) an Imbizo, (b) a seminar, (c) conference and (d) any other function during the period 1 January 2006 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, if so, (i) on what date, (ii) what was the total amount spent on each, (iii) what is the breakdown of the cost in each case and (iv) how many guests in each case,

2. Whether there were any related costs for travel and accommodation of guests for each of the events, if so, in each case (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs;

3. Whether any member of the Cabinet was present at any of these events, is so, (a) who, (b) in what capacity and (c) why?NW72

REPLY

QUESTION 1 (a)

(a) Yes. The Minister of Defence hosted Six (6) Imbizo.

S/No	Imbizo	Province	Date	Amount spent	No of guests
1	Focus week	Free State	12 April 2007	Nil	150
2	Focus week	Limpopo	7 April 2008	R 57 900	400
3	Focus week	Mpumalanga	11 April 2008	Nil	1 500
4	Departmental	North West	28 August 2008	R 11 400	400
5	Focus week	Eastern Cape	10 November 2008	Nil	250
6	Departmental	Gauteng	24 July 2009	R 28 500	190

(iii) What is the breakdown of the cost in each case?

S/No	Province	Amount spent	Breakdown
1	Limpopo	R 57 900	Hiring of tent R 10 000 Breakfast R 3 250 Lunch R 26 250 Drinks R 1 400
2	North West	R 11 400	Finger Lunch
3	Gauteng	R 28 500	Food/Refreshments

QUESTION 1 (b)

(b). Yes. The Minister of Defence hosted ten (10) seminars/symposia

S/No	Seminars/Symposia	Province	Date	Amount Spent	Breakdown	No of guests
1	Defence Intelligence	North West	2006	R 140 000	R 50 000 (S & T) R 90 000 (Accommodation)
2	Defence Intelligence	North West	2007	R 152 000	R 56 000 (S & T) R 96 000 (Accommodation)
3	Defence Intelligence	North West	21 Jul – 01 Aug 2008	R 159 250	R 63 000 (S & T) R 95 500 (Accommodation)
4	Defence Intelligence	North West	19 – 21 Aug 2009	R 188 792	R 71 392 (S & T) R 115 400 (Accommodation) R 100 000 (ACC for 2x guests)
5	Training Workgroup	Gauteng	24 – 26 Aug 2009	R 36 000	R 36 000 for refreshments	400
6	Management Seminar	Gauteng	2007	R 30 000	Catering	26
7	Management Seminar	Gauteng	2008	R 25 000	Catering	15
8	Balanced Scorecard Planning	Gauteng	2009	R 25 000	Catering	15
9	SA Joint Air Defence Symposia	Gauteng	30 – 31 May 2007	R 50 000	Catering	200
10	SA Joint Air Defence Symposia	Gauteng	13 – 14 Oct 2009	R 50 000	Catering	200

QUESTION 1 (c)

c. Whether her department organised or hosted a conference from 1 January 2006?

S/No	Conference	Province	Date	Amount spent	Breakdown	No of guests
1	Infantry Command Cadre (ICCC)	Free State	12 –15 June 2006	R 360 000	R 60 000 (Daily All) R 300 000 (Accommodation and meals)	120
2	ICCC	Western Cape	23 – 28 October 2006	R 120 000	R 120 000 (Accommodation and Meals)	80
3	ICCC	Western Cape	21 – 27 May 2007	R 120 000	R 120 000 (Accommodation and Meals)	80
4	ICCC	Western Cape	22 – 27 October 2007	R 120 000	R 120 000 (Accommodation and Meals)	80
5	ICCC	Western Cape	25 – 31 May 2008	R 120 000	R 120 000 (Accommodation and Meals)	80
6	ICCC	Western Cape	26 Oct – 01 Nov 2008	R 120 000	R 120 000 (Accommodation and Meals)	80
7	ICCC	Western Cape	25 – 30 May 2009	R 120 000	R 120 000 (Accommodation and Meals)	80

QUESTION 1 (d)

(d) Whether any functions were hosted during the period 1 January 2006 up to the latest specified date?

S/No	Function	Province	Date	Amount	Breakdown	No of guests
1	Navy Gala Dinner	Gauteng	October 2006	R 100 000	Catering	1 000
2	Prestige evening	Gauteng	2006	R 108 000	Catering	600
3	Navy Gala Dinner	Gauteng	2006	R 100 000	Catering	1 000
4	AAD Gala Dinner	Gauteng	September 2006	R 37 500	Catering	250
5	Navy Gala Dinner	Gauteng	October 2007	R 100 000	Catering	1 000
6	AAD Gala Dinner	Gauteng	September 2008	R 37 500	Catering	250

QUESTION 2

QUESTION 3

QUESTION No. 69

Mr J.R.B. Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1). What amount was spent by her department on (a) hotel accommodation, (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs (i) in the 2008-09 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, for (aa) her, (bb) her deputy Minister, (cc) specified officials of her department and (dd) any other specified individuals;

(2). Why did each individual use the specified accommodation in each case? NW73E

REPLY

The amount spent by the Department of Defence and which is reflected in the Annual Report for the 2008/09 financial year is RM644,6. The aforementioned figure includes all expenses related to Subsistence and Travel (S&T) costs as well as all transport related costs.

The Department of Defence has approximately 75 000 members and it is not possible to provide the requested breakdown.

QUESTION 69

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 02/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 5 OF 2010

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

(1) Whether there is a correlation between (a) the funds allocated by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to students and (b) the number of learners matriculating annually; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO595E

REPLY:

1a) NSFAS has developed an allocations formula to determine how its funds are distributed to universities. NSFAS funds are divided between 23 public higher education institutions on the basis of the following formula:

· The disadvantaged student index (DSI), which is calculated for each institution using full-time equivalent (FTE) enrolled undergraduate students, actual student numbers from 2009, weighted by race, namely, African = 3, coloured = 2, Indian = 1 provided by the DHET through HEMIS. Although not weighted, white students are eligible for NSFAS funds.

· The full cost of study (FCS), which is calculated for each institution based on the costs required to cover tuition, registration fees and residence fees including meals per institution.

· The FCS and DSI are multiplied to determine the Disadvantage Students' Cost Index (DSCI).

· The allocation to HEIs in Rands is the Apportionment Factor (AF) percentage for that institution of the total sum available. The AF is expressed as a percentage for each institution as follows: DSCI of HEI/sum of all DCSI x 100.

1b) The allocation of funds to the HEIs is based on the number of disadvantaged students and the FCS at each institution and not the number of learners matriculating in a particular year. Aspiring students who wish to enroll at HEIs must apply for registration at the institution of the student's choice. They would be advised to apply for financial aid if it is required and will be requested to submit to NSFAS the necessary application forms. The HEIs recommend the amount of the aid to be given to students from the allocation of funds (the Apportionment Factor) allocated to the HEI through NSFAS. The HEIs allocates an estimated three quarters of NSFAS funding to existing students and a quarter is reserved for first year students.

QUESTION 70

70. Mr J R B Lorimer to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(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? NW74E

REPLY

1. Yes. Official credit cards are issued to the Minister, Deputy Minister and senior officials in terms of the Department's policy on official credit cards. The official credit cards are used as a method of payment for official expenses.

2. No

3. Not applicable

QUESTION NO: 71

PUBISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 01 OF 11 February 2010

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional

Affairs:

(1) Whether there were any further investigations into the allegations that approximately R20 million has been misappropriated by the Mkhondo Municipality; if so, when was the investigation conducted;

(2) Whether any persons were identified to have been involved; if so, who are the persons;

(3) Whether any steps have been taken against them; if not, why not; if so, what steps;

(4) (a) what has been the effect of the alleged misappropriation of funds on service delivery in the Mkhondo Municipality and (b) what plans are in place to (i) rectify the current situation and (ii) prevent a similar situation occurring in the future?

Reply

(1) No allegation was received with regard to misappropriation of R20 million at

Mkhondo Municipality and therefore no investigation was conducted. (2) N/A

(3) N/A

(4) NI A

QUESTION NO: 72

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 01 OF 11 February 2010

Mr WP Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Which of the approximately 31 municipalities experienced service delivery protests as referred to in his reply to oral question 57 on 10 September 2009? NW76E

Reply

Municipalities affected by Service Delivery Protest by August 2009

Msunduzi KZ225

Great Kei EC 123

Greater Tzaneen NP333 Ekurhuleni Metropolitan EKU Rustenburg NW373

City of Tshwane Metropolitan TSH Kopanong FS162

Nala FS185

Mkhondo MP303

Ramotshere Moiloa NW385 Thaba Chweu MP321

Emalahleni MP312

Greater Taung NW394

Midvaal GT 422

Greater Sekhukhune District DC47 Sunday's River Valley EC 1 06 Dikgatlong NC092

Dipaleseng MP306 Knysna WC048 Maquassi Hills NW404

Breede River/Winelands WC026 Mbombela MP322

Buffalo City EC125

Kheis NC084

Bitou WC047

Qaukeni EC153

Maluti a Phofung FS194 Thulamela NP343

City of Cape Town Metropolitan CPT Westonaria GT 483

Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan NMA Maquassi Hills NW404

City of Johannesburg Metropolitan JHB Mpofana KZ223

QUESTION NO. 74 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 NW78E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 February 2010

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

(1) Whether trawlers are permitted to fish within the marine reserve between Arniston and Cape Infanta; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether trawlers have restrictions with regard to the (a) depth to which they can fish and (b) distance off the coast at which they can fish; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether all trawlers have surveillance equipment to allow their movements to be tracked; if not, how will the situation be rectified; if so, how often is each vessel checked to ensure that the equipment is in working order;

(4) whether efforts are made to (a) monitor the by-catch of trawlers and (b) ensure that the by-catch is kept to a minimum; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) since 1 January 2008, (a) how many trawlers fishing between Arniston and Cape Infanta have had directives issued against them for any transgressions and (b) what was the nature of the transgression in each case?

MR G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

74. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) No. It is assumed that the Honourable Member is referring to the De Hoop Marina Protected Area, which is a no-take MPA and in which no fishing activity is allowed.

(2)(a) Yes.

(2)(b) Inshore trawl vessels may fish both in the inshore zone (from the coast to 20 nautical miles from the coast whichever is the greater distance) and the offshore zone while offshore trawl vessels may only fish in water depths of more than 110 metres or 20 nautical miles from the coast, whichever is the greater distance from the coast.

(3) Yes, all vessels in the trawl fisheries are required to have functional vessel monitoring systems ("VMS"). In terms of the permit conditions, Permit Holders are required to contact the Department's Operations Room to ensure that the VMS is fully functional and report to the Department's Operations Room prior to the vessels being allowed to sail.

(4)(a) Permit Holders in the hake trawl fisheries are required to inform the Fishery Control Officers (FCOs") 24 hours prior to the estimated time of arrival of the vessel. All the fish including by-catch must be discharged in accordance with the reasonable instructions of a FCO. The Department has appointed catch data monitors to monitor landings of vessels in the trawl fisheries.

(4)(b) In terms of the permit conditions for the trawl fisheries, Permit Holders are limited to the amount of by-catch allowed to be harvested. Kingklip and monkfish are limited with reference to the Permit Holders average during 1998 to 2002. That the by-catch may not exceed more than 50% of the total landing and in the case of snoek it may not exceed 20% of the landed weight.

(5) None.

QUESTION NO 74

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 05 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.4)

Mr H B Groenewald (DA-NW) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether any action is being taken with regard to the (a) sewage flowing into the dam and (b) high levels of E-Coli in the water supply in the Madibeng Municipality in the North West; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

CW1QOE

---00000---

REPLY:

(a) My Department has continuously engaged the Madibeng Municipality with regards to raw

sewage spillages as well as other forms of water pollution within their area. Recent site visits indicated that the sanitation infrastructure within the municipality is failing; with a number of pump stations in the area failing and blockages are resulting in overflowing manholes. In April 2009, My Department offered financial support to the Madibeng Municipality to de-silt the old Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) which could have increased the capacity of the works and improved the quality of the effluent. The municipality was supposed to write to My Department indicating how the funds were to be utilised, but this unfortunately never happened. My Department however continued to work with the municipality in providing input into the drafting of an Action Plan to address the WWTW problems. The Action Plan was however not followed through due to financial

constraints.

My Department issued a pre-directive instructing the municipality to correct the situation at the Brits WINTW; but this action also failed to elicit a positive response. This was followed by a directive on 1 July 2009 instructing the municipality to comply with the regulation standards for WWTW in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998). The municipality's continued failure to comply with the directive compelled My Department to lay criminal charges against the Municipal Manager on 7 January 2010. The pump station failures that occurred around the Hartbeespoort Dam in February 2010 necessitated my Department to assist the municipality by availing technicians. As a result, the pump stations are currently not overflowing, although the WWTW still require further attention. My Department will also assist the municipality in conducting a comprehensive assessment of the W\NTW and in the revision of the Action Plan.

(b) Investigations by My Department revealed that the pollution of potable water within

Madibeng Municipality is the resultant of the failure of the water purification works to meet the growing demand for water. This led to the drastic decrease of water stored in the reservoirs and caused the settled sediments to be drawn into the drinking water reticulation system, resulting in aesthetic problems.

On 17 February 2010, My Department instructed the Madibeng Municipality to issue notices regarding the state of their drinking water to the affected areas and to clean the affected reservoirs, such a notice has been issued by the Mayor of the municipality and actions to clean up the reservoir have commenced. My Department took water samples at the Hartbeespoort Water Purification Works for laboratory analysis of chemical and microbiological parameters on 24 February 2010.

The results of the analysis indicated that both the total Coli forms and E-coli were within acceptable limits, which means the water from the works is safe to drink although reservoirs still need to be cleaned and disinfected.

2010-02-24

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