Questions & Replies No 176 to 200

2010-03-11

Search this file by selecting Ctrl + F on your keyboard

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

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO:176 ( CW 213 E )

Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(1) Whether his department has taken any action subsequent to the death of a certain person on 20 March 2010 (name and details furnished); if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the further relevant details;

Minister of Labour replied:

(1) The Compensation Fund has no record of a claim in respect of a Mr Khumalo who is alleged to have died on the 20^th March 2010.

In following up with Eskom it was established that they also have no record of a Mr Khumalo who is alleged to have died on the said date.

The rest of the questions fall away.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO 177

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 MAY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11- 2010)

Date reply submitted: 14 July 2010

177. Mr D A Worth (DA-FS) to ask the Minister of Police:

How many (a) SA Police Service dockets were lost in the Free State in (i) 2008 and (ii) 2009 and (b) lost dockets have resulted in charges in respect of (i) defeating the ends of justice and (ii) negligence?

CW214E

REPLY:

(a) (a) (i) 2008 - 74

(ii) 2009 - 31

It should however be noted that 39 of these dockets were lost after the offices of the detectives were broken into and the dockets stolen. The organized crime unit subsequently successfully arrested the person responsible for the theft but the dockets had been destroyed.

In addition in all cases where the original dockets were lost (including the 39 stolen), duplicate dockets were opened and therefore the loss of the original dockets has not resulted in the cases not being fully investigated. This is because the CAS system has a content index of all information contained in the docket and this together with the investigators diary can then be used to reconstruct the dockets.

(b) (i) 1

(ii) 0

QUESTION 178

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 19 February 2010

Internal question paper no: 2

Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether her department has any policies and/or programmes in place to stop human trafficking; if not, why not; if so, (i) what policies and/or programmes, (ii) when were they implemented, (iii) what budget has been allocated and (iv) what successes have been achieved;

(2) Whether her department has taken any specific and additional steps to combat human trafficking during the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup tournament; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW128E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, the Department of Social Development's Victim Empowerment Programme manages all human trafficking under the auspices of the National Policy Guidelines for Victim Empowerment. The victims of human trafficking are regarded as one of the priority target groups for victim empowerment.

(i) DSD has prioritized issues of human trafficking by creating a sub- programme dealing with Transnational and Violent Crime services to victims which includes human trafficking. In preparation for the implementation of the Combating and Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Bill. DSD has developed guidelines for services to victims of trafficking in persons in South Africa through extensive provincial and national consultative process in 2008 and these were approved in 2009. The full implementation of the guidelines is subject to the promulgation of the Bill into an Act. Currently DSD is developing Rehabilitation Programmes for victims of Human Trafficking which will be finalized by June 2010. DSD in partnership with the provinces identified 12 shelters in the country to accommodate adult victims of human trafficking and their children.

(ii) No full implementation as yet, because DSD was involved in extensive training of service providers and provinces on implementation of the guidelines, and minimum norms and standards for service delivery in Victim Empowerment and Shelters.

(iii) No budget was allocated for victims of human trafficking within the Victim Empowerment Programme (nationally or provincially) in 2009/10, however provision has been made for budget allocation in the next financial year specifically to finalise the development of Human Trafficking rehabilitation programme and development for an accreditation system for programmes and service providers.

(iv) DSD has achieved the following in partnership with provinces and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

· DSD received in kind fundamental support from IOM to strengthen non-governmental organisations (NGO'S) who agreed to render services to victims of human trafficking in their existing structures. (shelters and centers) Provincial site visits took place during December 2009 and January 2010 to assess security measures and capacity of these organisations to provide services to victims of human trafficking. Based on the needs funds will be allocated to shelters/centers before end of March 2010.

· DSD engaged a service provider to develop an accredited rehabilitation programme for victims of human trafficking in shelters/centers. The piloting of the rehabilitation programme and training of service providers will be done during the financial year 2010/11 after finalization of the programme.

· DSD co-ordinated the provincial workshops capacity building training on Human Trafficking as conducted by International Organization for Migration (IOM) for social service providers. Two hundred and seventy (270) social service providers were targeted per the training during 2009. In addition eleven social workers were trained on the phenomenal of Human Trafficking as Trainers, Assessors and Moderators during 2009. This training will enable service providers to identify victims of Human Trafficking and to manage these cases.

Lastly, DSD participates in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Task Team on Human Trafficking Programme as sponsored by the European Union. The programme aims at strengthening intersectoral collaboration and services. The key result areas are as follows:

· Knowledge and understanding of trafficking deepened

· Enhanced co-ordinated cross-sector response

· Capacity building and development

· Public education and awareness

· Evaluation and audit

(2) Yes, DSD has developed a Strategy for FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010. The Department's main responsibility regarding victims of human trafficking is victim support and assistance. The following measures are in place:

· Twelve shelters in nine provinces to accommodate adult victims of human trafficking and their children. These twelve shelters are being strengthened by IOM to ensure readiness and safety of victims of human trafficking during 2010.

· A standard operating procedure has been developed for victims of human trafficking to be used during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Tournament by all Provinces.

CONCLUSION

The fundamental support in kind received from IOM to strengthen social service providers that has been identified to accommodate victims of human trafficking is highly appreciated.

NCOP

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO. 178

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 May 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11)

Mr D A Worth (DA-FS) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) (a) When will the construction of the new Provincial Hospital to replace the existing National Hospital in Bloemfontein, in the Free State (i) begin and (ii) be completed, (b) what amount has been budgeted for the (i) hospital building, (ii) equipment and (iii) contents and (c) what is the number of beds that will be provided for patients;

(2) whether the existing National Hospital building will be used for another purpose; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

CW215E

REPLY:

(1) (a) (i) In the 2011/12 Financial year;

(ii) During the period 2015/16 Financial Year

(b) Amounts budgeted for in respect of –

· Hospital building: Total project cost: R452,000.00m, planning for 2010/2011: R30,000,000.00;

· Equipment Costs including furniture: R90,400,000m;

· Contents:

- Facilities will include, Surgical, General, Medical, Paediatric, Psychiatric, Obstetrics, Step-down and TB wards;

- 24 Hour Casualties;

- Two theatres used for emergencies and general surgery;

- Clinical support services: Radiography, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Dietetics and Laboratory services

(2) The existing National Hospital will be converted to a Community Health Centre to serve the catchment population of Central Mangaung and level three services managed by Universitas Hospital will still be provided, such as Oncology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, Dermatology OPD and Specialist OPD.

QUESTION NO 179

Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(1). Whether he has considered expanding the number of distribution agencies; if not. why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether he has appointed members of the different distribution agencies; if not, (a) why not and (b) when he intends appointing such members; if so, what are the (i) names, (ii) reasons for appointment, (iii) qualifications and (iv) backgrounds of each member?NWl55E

REPLY:

The review of the Lotteries Act is underway and in this process the Minister intends to revisit the categories for distributing agencies to assess their effectiveness and align the categories to the development needs of the country.

(a), (b) (i)-(v) The Minister has appointed members to the Sport and Recreation Distributing Agency, the Arts, Culture and National Heritage Distributing Agency and the Charities Distributing Agency respectively The details of the members that were appointed are , summarized in the Tables Attached Hereto.

QUESTION 180

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

180. Mr P D Dexter (Cope) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) With reference to the Designated National Authority (DNA) created under the Clean Development Mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), how many baseline studies has the DNA published;

(2) Whether these baselines could adversely impact entities applying for credits under the materiality clause; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how;

(3) Whether she will make a statement on the matter?

NW174E

Reply

(1) Only one, which is the carbon emission factor for the South African Grid electricity which was based on the Eskom Annual report of 2007. Eskom has calculated the carbon emission factor to be 1.2 kg/kWh in accordance with the clean development mechanism approved consolidated methodology ACM0002.

It is the role of the Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board to approve new methodologies relating to, inter alia, baselines, monitoring plans and project boundaries therefore countries can only publish baselines in relation to what is approved by the Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board, provided that reliable data is available.

(2) At the present , unlike other schemes such as European Union emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS), the CDM does not define a level of materiality and , as a result, there is no defined requirements as to how far the Designated Operational Entity(DOE) has to go in finding data, or how deeply to analyse that data.

(3) The debates on the issue are still continuing, and SA will continue to encourage the Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board to provide clearer guidelines in terms of the Validation and Verification Manual that will result in greater consistency across Designated Operational entities in this area.

NCOP

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO. 180

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 May 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11)

Mrs E C van Lingen (DA-EC) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether he has been informed that employment contracts of community health care workers at primary health care facilities have been registered as volunteer employment contracts and as provincial employees on the persal system of the provincial Department of Health; if so, what steps will be taken to rectify the situation; if not,

(2) whether the matter will be investigated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether he has been informed that some of the community health care workers in Kouga (EC 108), in the Eastern Cape have not been paid since February 2010; if not,

(4) whether the matter will be investigated; if not, what steps will be taken to rectify the situation; if so, what are the relevant details?

CW217E

REPLY:

(1) The Minister was not informed about the decision to change the employment contract of the community health workers.

(2) On investigation of this matter, my Department found that indeed the contract for community health workers in the Eastern Cape have been converted into volunteer contracts. This led to them being paid through Persal with special provision for volunteers. This situation arose after the Province experienced problems with the NGOs that were contracted to pay community health workers. This decision was taken in September 2009, as a way to ensuring that the service does not collapse. One major problem is that this people cannot apply for social grants because they are on Persal, whereas they are not fully employed by the Department. Having noted that this matter is problematic, the Department decided that the arrangement be stopped at the end of March 2010.

(3) The Minister has not been informed about any community health workers in Kouga not having been paid since February 2010.

(4) After enquiry with the Province, my Department did not find anybody who has not been paid since February 2010. The only cases that were not paid for some time are community health workers who could not be captured on Persal because of age. These community health workers were however paid for the new months that they had worked and were released from the contract with the Department.

The Department will embark on the full work with the Provincial Department of Health in the Eastern Cape to investigate all these problems. Other provinces will also be asked to establish if no similar problems are experienced so that a similar situation does not recur.

QUESTION NUMBER 181

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 February 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 02)

181. Ms L D Mazibuko (DA) to ask the Minister of Mining:

(1) With reference to Notice 964 in the Government Gazette of 9 October 2009, why has she exempted King Sabata Dalinyebo Municipality from certain provisions of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002;

(2) (a) what process led to her making these exemptions and (b) how long is it expected that these exemptions will last;

(3) what is the name of each mining operation within this municipality that has been granted a licence? NW183E

Reply

1. Why the exemption - Section 106(1) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002) ("MPRDA") provides that the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, exempt any organ of State from the provisions of section 16, 20, 22 and 27 in respect of any activity to remove any mineral for road construction, building of dams or other purpose which may be identified in such notice.

On 8 June 2004 the then Minister granted a general exemption to identified organs of State which included National Roads Agency, all Provincial Governments, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, National Parks Board, National Ports Authority and Spoornet, which operate borrow pits for the construction and maintenance of roads, dams, harbours and railway lines. It was also decided that other deserving organs of State not identified for exemption at the time would be dealt with on an ad hoc basis, hence this individual application.

2(a) Process leading to exemption -on 4 May 2009, King Sabata Dalinyebo Municipality applied in terms of section 106 of the MPRDA for exemption from, inter alia, the provisions of sections 22 and 27 of the MPRDA for the sourcing of material for the maintenance of roads and infrastructure in their area of jurisdiction. The Minister, on 31 July 2009 granted exemption to King Sabata Dalinyebo Municipality in respect of any activity to remove any mineral within the area of jurisdiction of the Municipality for the construction and maintenance of roads and for purposes incidental thereto.

2(b) How long is the exemption – exemption is granted to an entity (e.g. Dept of Roads or a municipality) but each individual borrow pit might have an expiry date depending on the nature and requirements of individual Environmental Management Plans/Programmes as well as the project.

3. LIST OF MINING OPERATIONS IN KING SABATA DALINYEBO MUNICIPALITY.

Platinum Hardware (Pty) Ltd	Mining Permit	Sand General
Cannosia Trading 62	Mining Right	Stone Aggregate, Gravel
Sunshine Enterprises (Pty) Ltd	Mining Right	Stone Aggregate Gravel
O R Tambo District Municipality	Mining Permit	Gravel Borrow Pit
Department of Transport	Mining Right	Gravel Borrow pit
Department of Transport	Mining Right	Gravel Borrow Pit
Department of Transport	Mining Right	Stone, Aggregate, Gravel Borrow Pit

QUESTION NO: 182

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

QUESTION PAPER NO: 2

DATE OF REPLY: 25 FEBRUARY 2010

Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether a plan in respect of the broadcasting of the Fifa 2010 World Cup Soccer tournament has been drawn up; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will this plan be available; if so, what are the details of this plan;

(2) whether provision has been made for the broadcast of the tournament in all 11 languages; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether there are any implications for other programmes during the tournament; if not, why not; if so, what are these implications and what will be the revenue gain vs loss during the tournament?

NW187E

REPLY:

(1) Yes a plan has been drawn up for the build up as well as for the coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The details of this plan will be made available in the near future.

(2) Yes build up as well as coverage of games/matches will be in all official languages as well as in the Khwedam and Xintali languages.

(3) Careful consideration has been taken to ensure that the broadcast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup will not adversely impact on regulars programmes on radio and television. This would involve rescheduling where appropriate. The broadcast of the World Cup matches will generate revenue. The details regarding this will be available after the event.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 182

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 21 May 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2010

Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) (a) How many foreigners who are employed to work on the site of Eskom's Ngula Power Station in KwaZulu-Natal have (i) applied for and (ii) been granted work permits and (b) from which countries do they originate;

(2) whether all foreigners employed on the site have valid work permits; if not, (a) why not and (b) how many do not have such permits; if so,

(3) whether these permits were obtained prior to commencing work on the site; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what basis were the work permits issued to each foreigner, (b) for what period are these permits valid and (c) what are the further relevant details?

CW223E

REPLY

(1)(2)(3)The Eskom-Ingula Project site which is about 10 000 square meters and about 30 kilometres from Ladysmith was visited on 31^st May 2010.

The companies on site are CONCOR, WBHO (both forming a Bramhoek Joint Venture), CMC di Ravenna, Impregilo (both forming CMI Joint Venture) and BE Quanza, it is a total of five companies.

COMPANY BY NAME	CORPORATE PERMIT	GENERAL WORK PERMIT	INTRA-COMPANY PERMIT
CMC di Ravenna	340	19	19
Impregilo	5	0	9
B& E Quanza	0	2	0
WBHO	4	1	0
CONCOR	0	0	0
TOTAL	349	22	28

Grand total: 399 foreigners employed within the five companies – CMI has employed the

most foreigners.

CONCOR – no foreigner employed.

QUESTION NO 183

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2- 2010)

Date reply submitted : 24 March 2010

183. Mrs L S Chikunga (ANC) to ask the Minister of Police:

Why is the work of the Police Inspectorate not reported in the annual report of the SA Police Service?

NW188E

REPLY:

The purpose of the Annual Report is to provide feedback on policing priorities and measurable objectives as set out in the SAPS' Annual Performance Plan, and not on the functioning and performance of every Division within the SAPS national office. Although feedback on the functions of the National Inspectorate has not been included in the SAPS Annual Report 2008/2009, the outcome of inspections by this Division contribute towards the overall performance of the organisation as described in par. 3 above.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO.: 183

DATE OF QUESTION: 21 MAY 2010

183. Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:

Whether any progress has been made with case number 4202 / 2010 lodged at the Utrecht police station on 17 February 2010 by V Kubheka, the Emadlangeni Municipal Manager, regarding the alleged theft of R653 000 by an employee from the municipality, that was handed to the public protector on 11 March 2010; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

I would like to inform the Honourable Member that I have requested the information from the Public Protector. The Public Protector has advised that this information will be provided to Parliament in compliance with Section 181(2) of the Constitution.

QUESTION NO 184

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2- 2010)

Date reply submitted: 23 March 2010

184. Ms M A Molebatsi (ANC) to ask the Minister of Police:

(a) How many bomb experts are there in the SA Police Service (i) nationally and (ii) in each province and (b) what is the (i) qualification and (ii) experience of each of these experts?

NW189E

REPLY:

(a) (i) (ii)

There is currently 137 "Bomb experts" at the Explosives section.

PROVINCE	EXPERTS (FULLY TRAINED)	EXPERTS (UNDER TRAINING
Head Office	14	2
Eastern Cape	23	13
Gauteng	25	24
KwaZulu-Natal	20	13
Limpopo, Mpumalanga	16	13
North West, Free State	11	15
Western Cape, Northern Cape	28	6

(b) (i)

1 x Masters degree

55 x National Diploma

3 x Certificate – Explosives Technology

103 x Senior Certificate

1 x B Juris Degree

2 x Hon Degree BA

1 x EMPD

1 x B-tech degree Policing

5 x Higher Certificate

1 x NQF 5

2 x NQF 6

2 x Police Administration

1 x Btech Forensic Investigate

1 x Diploma in execu Pres assist

1 x N4 Qualification

1 x Diploma Explosive Management

1 x Diploma (Teaching)

(b) (ii)

2 x 30 Years Experience

2 x 29 Years Experience

3 x 28 Years Experience

5 x 27 Years Experience

1 x 26 Years Experience

3 x 25 Years Experience

1 x 24 Years Experience

3 x 23 Years Experience

2 x 22 Years Experience

2 x 21 Years Experience

7 x 20 Years Experience

4 x 19 Years Experience

4 x 18 Years Experience

2 x 17 Years Experience

3 x 16 Years Experience

2 x 15 Years Experience

6 x 14 Years Experience

8 x 13 Years Experience

7 x 11 Years Experience

8 x 10 Years Experience

13 x 9 Years Experience

6 x 8 Years Experience

1 x 7 Years Experience

7 x 6 Years Experience

4 x 5 Years Experience

11 x 4 Years Experience

14 x 3 Years Experience

6 x 2 Years Experience

86 x < 1 Year Experience

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 184

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 21 MAY 2010 [IQP No 12 -2010] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 184 for Written Reply, National Council of Provinces:

Mr. D A Worth (DA-FS) to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

1) Whether any investigations have taken place into allegations of research fraud at a certain company (name and details furnished) in Bethlehem; if not, why not; if so, (a) who undertook the investigations and (b) what were the outcomes of the investigations;

2) Whether any disciplinary actions have been undertaken in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CW226E

REPLY:

1) Yes. The Management at the ARC Small Grains Institute investigated allegations of research fraud immediately after being notified on 13 May 2010.

a) Dr. Cobus Le Roux, the General Manager for ARC Small Grains Institute, undertook the investigations.

b) The allegations appear to relate to the marker assisted project on Russian Wheat Aphid resistance, a collaborative project between the University of the Free State (UFS) and the ARC Small Grains Institute. There appears to have been a disagreement between two scientists, after which the project had to be terminated as the ARC Small Grains Institute was not able to produce double haploids of a Tugela DN progeny. The institute produced double haploids from a wrong population mainly due to the misunderstanding between the two scientists. The project had however been terminated to the satisfaction of the collaborators and funders. No incidence of fraud was uncovered.

2) No disciplinary action was taken because there was no incidence of fraud uncovered in this investigation.

QUESTION NO 185

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2- 2010)

Date reply submitted : 24 March 2010

185. Mrs P A Mocumi (ANC) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) What is the location of each forensic science laboratory of the SA Police Service;

(2) (a) what are the requirements for international accreditation of forensic science laboratories, (b) which of the laboratories are internationally accredited and (c) who is responsible for getting accreditation;

(3) whether all of these laboratories are internationally accredited; if not, (a) why not and (b) what will be done to ensure that they get the necessary accreditation; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW190E

REPLY:

(1)

FSL	UNIT	LOCATION
Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Silverton	Chemisty Unit Ballistics Unit Scientific Analysis Unit	270 Pretoria road Silverton
FSL Arcadia	Biology Unit	730 Pretorius Street, Arcadia
Genl Piet Joubert Building	Question Documents Unit	218 Visagie Street, Arcadia
FSL KwaZulu-Natal	Ballistics Unit Chemistry Unit	415 Kingsway Kings Crest Building, Amanzimtoti
FSL Eastern Cape	Ballistics Unit Chemistry Unit Biology Unit	Eben Donges building, Hancock Street North End
FSL Western Cape	Question Documents Unit	Building A 81 Sochem Reeb Road, Macassar
FSL Western Cape	Ballistics Unit	Building Q 14 Sochem Reeb Road, Macassar
FSL Western Cape	Chemistry Unit Liquor Unit	35 Squadron Erica Way, Belhar
FSL Western Cape	Chemistry Unit Biology Unit	Off Hindle Road, MRC Grounds, Delft

(2) (a) Compliance to ISO 17025 for testing and calibration laboratories.

(2) (b) None of the SA forensic science laboratories are internationally accredited.

(2) (c) The Head: FSL with the Section Heads of each section is responsible for getting accreditation.

(3) (a) FSL does not adhere to all the ISO 17025 requirements, at the moment we have a quality management system (which is prerequisite) in place. As part of the review being conducted by the Secretariat this matter is being looked into as is the question of laboratories being internationally accredited.

(3) (b) Gap analysis was performed and the barriers inter alia such as preventative maintenance programs which need to be implemented by Department of Public Works for the laboratory facilities need to be addressed. Subsequently an action plan has been compiled to improve the Quality Management System of the FSL to comply with all the specifications of the ISO 17025.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 185

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 21 May 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2010

Mrs R N Rasmeni (ANC-NW) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) What is the state of readiness of her Department in ensuring that soccer fans coming for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournament (a) enter and (b) leave South Africa at specified times;

(2) whether her Department has the necessary IT system in place in all major cities for this purpose; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

CW227E

REPLY

(1)(a) & (b) In terms of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Special Measures Act, 2006 (Act No 11 of 2006), with specific reference being made to section 4 of the said Act, the Department of Home Affairs is ready.

The following measures have been put in place to ensure effective and efficient processing of travellers:

(i) At Ports of Entry:

Temporary Joint Border Clearance:

We have improved the infrastructure, and human resources at the

busiest ports of entries.

Dedicated Lanes:

The concept was implemented to fast track the movement of all persons associated with the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Dedicated lanes are, already, in operation at Oliver Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and Cape Town International Airport. Travellers will be grouped as follows:

· A differentiation between ordinary / normal travellers, and FIFA spectators.

· FIFA Accredited Members.

· Event Visa Holders.

· FIFA Ticket Voucher Holders.

· Pre-Cleared Passengers.

· Advance Passenger Processing (APP) passengers.

(ii) In the nine (9) Provinces:

Immigration Response Units in each Province:

· To be responsible for any emergencies at any Port of Entry.

· To be utilised as additional resources at Ports of Entry.

· Assist the Tracing Unit, which is responsible for following up on addresses submitted by visitors (at SA Foreign Offices Embassies) whose temporary residence permits have expired.

· Perform Inspectorate duties (Inspection-in-loco) at all Ports of Entry.

(iii) An Operation Centre:

· Collect passenger statistics from various Ports of Entry and compile reports to the Department's Immigration Management on a daily basis.

· APP overrides (either, to allow or deny entry into the Republic of South Africa).

· Handle all inquiries from all Airlines.

(iv) A Volunteer Programme:

· Trained volunteers are deployed at the 34 priority Ports of Entry.

(v) The re-introducing of Arrival Forms (BI-55):

The Department is in the process of re-introducing Arrival Forms (BI-55). This form is completed before a foreign traveller enters the Republic of South Africa, and will include a contact person, address and telephone number of the traveller whilst he / she in the Republic of South Africa.

(2) Yes. The Department of Home Affairs has the necessary IT Systems in place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Event. In so doing, the Department has introduced the following new systems:

(i) Movement Control System (MCS):

· The Department has designed and rolled out a new Movement Control System. The new Movement Control System is based on new technology running in conjunction with external passport reading machines. The new system is integrated with other Ports of Entry to provide real-time verification, and authorisation, at any given time.

· The new MCS has been rolled out at all 34 priority Ports of Entry.

(ii) Advance Passenger Processing (APP) System:

· APP is a system whereby an Airline advises the South African Government of its passengers' intended travel to the Republic of South Africa. The Airline, then, receives a boarding directive from the South African Government confirming whether to board, or not to board a passenger. The checks take place in real time, whilst the passenger is going through the check in process at an Airport. This process happens, discreetly, in the background without any inconvenience to the passenger.

· The APP system processes all types of travel documents, including Refugee travel documents, United Nations travel documents, Seaman's Passports, Military identity documents, as well as, normal tourist, diplomatic, and official passports.

QUESTION NO 186

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2- 2010)

Date reply submitted : 24 March 2010

186. Ms M C Dube (ANC) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) (a) Who decides what technological equipment is required by the forensic science laboratories and (b) who is responsible for procuring this equipment;

(2) (a) who are the suppliers to whom contracts were awarded and (b) what was the value of each contract;

(3) who is responsible for the maintenance of the equipment;

(4) whether all the equipment is in working order; if not, (a) why not and (b) which equipment is not in working order; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW191E

REPLY:

In February 2010, I instructed a full investigation by the DPCI of allegations of criminal nature involving the Forensic laboratories. At the same time I instructed the Civilian Police Secretariat to conduct an assessment into problems that have been identified in the management and functioning of the Forensic Laboratories. The answer to the question fall within the scope of the investigation and assessment and therefore I will respond to the question once these processes have been completed

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 186

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 21 May 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2010

Mrs R N Rasmeni (ANC-NW) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) How far is her Department with the process of (a) upgrading and (b) updating the population register as a tool that can be used for planning purposes by the Government;

(2) whether the population register is up-to-date; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether this information can be used for planning purposes by the Government; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

CW228E

REPLY

(1)(a) & (b) The Department of Home Affairs is making steady progress. A full assessment of the National Population Register (NPR) has been conducted to identify the areas for improvement. There is a project to upgrade the NPR through a process called Data Quality Management (DQM). DQM's main objective, amongst others, is to clean up current data set, in order to improve the quality, thereof. The Department is, also, redesigning the Births, Marriages and Deaths forms and functions, utilised to register clients in the NPR. The information on the NPR can, thus, be utilised for planning purposes by Government as the DQM will ensure that the NPR contains quality data.

(2) No. The NPR is not up-to-date, yet, as there are, still, undocumented children who are not registered on the system. The same applies to those persons who died in deep rural areas where informants cannot access the services in respect of death registrations. The Department has introduced multiple channels for clients to access its services through the utilisation of Mobile Units, outreach programmes at schools and online birth registration at Health facilities. There is, currently, a National Population Register Campaign aimed at ensuring birth is the only entry point into the NPR. The campaign will, also, focus to ensure the elimination of Late Registration of Births, and to encourage clients who are 16 years, and above, to apply for Identity Documents.

(3) Yes. The information on the NPR can be used for planning purposes by Government, as the DQM will ensure that the NPR contains quality data. The information, or data on the NPR is, also, shared with other Government Departments, such as the Departments of Health, Education, Social Development and Stats SA.

QUESTION NO.: 187

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 February 2010

Ms C M P Kotsi (Cope) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

Whether Eskom appointed black foreigners to meet affirmative action targets because such skills were unavailable locally; if not, what steps has Eskom taken to train the required workers to meet its demands; if so, (a) how many foreigners out of a total number of black senior workers were employed and (b) from which countries were they recruited? NW192E

REPLY

Black foreign nationals do not form part of Eskom's affirmative action targets as per the Employment Equity Act. The national skills shortage necessitated Eskom to explore all options to acquire skills locally and internationally. The objective was to bring skilled South Africans working abroad back to South Africa ("Woza eKhaya – come back home). Where this was not possible, skilled labour from other countries were also contracted.

Training for all employees remains an integral part of continuous skills development. To meet the training demands faced by the organisation, Eskom has established an Academy of Learning with five faculties, namely: Engineering, Artisan/Technician, Project management, Commerce and Leadership. In addition Eskom encourages individual development for its employees, which is outlined in their Individual Development Plans. Eskom also offers schemes for further studies for employees and on-the-job training where necessary.

(a - b) Not applicable, as black foreign nationals were not recruited to meet affirmative action targets.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO 187

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 MAY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12- 2010)

Date reply submitted : 1 June 2010

187. Mr J J Gunda (ID-NC) to ask the Minister of Police:

Whether his department has prepared for the expected increase in human trafficking during the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CW246E

REPLY:

The SAPS has a comprehensive plan in place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and this involves all types of crimes including Human Trafficking.

Question 188

Ms CMP Kotsi (Cope) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

Whether the Government was being proactive to secure economic benefits for the local firms and enterprises from the approaching Fifa World Cup tournament; if so, how many local enterprises benefited; if not, (a) why not and (b) why was Zakumi, the official mascot of the World Cup, manufactured by a foreign company? NW 193E

Response:

the dti's role with regards to FIFA World Cup:

FIFA Guarantees: In order to host the FIFA 2010 World Cup the dti had to provide the following guarantees as part of the overall Government guarantees:

Intellectual property and event rights protection e.g. FIFA's ownership of media and marketing & broadcasting rights. the dti had to guarantee FIFA that intellectual property (lP) legislation dealing with ambush marketing will be in place. Minister has issued a Notice that designates 2010 FIFA World Cup as a protected event. The Minister has issued a Notice that deals with Prohibited Marks of FIFA - prohibiting the use of certain words, letters, emblems, devices and numerals as per the Government Gazette no. 30595.

Therefore in return for providing "protected event status", opportunities that flow from this status include:

a) 30% budget of the LOC for small businesses; and

b) BEE to be applied in the procurement of services of LOC

2) In an effort to promote the economic benefits of the World Cup to SMMEs and to enhance the communication channel with local businesses, the dti proactively responded in the following ways:

a. Workshops were held within Host Cities to introduce local business enterprises to the potential benefits from the World Cup. The dti also introduced its support measures and incentives that would allow SMMEs to participate in World Cup related contracts and tenders.

b. The dti was responsible for the development of Public Viewing Area's Guidelines that was written in such a way that SMMEs are able to participate in these events and derive economic benefits from such events. Another objective of the Guidelines is to ensure mass mobilisation and participation. which will also sustain the economic benefits derived from the Public Viewing Areas.

c. The dti created the Intellectual Property Right's brochure to enable local businesses to engage and to develop products and services that will be inline with current legislation.

3) The dti has been collating financial spend information related to World Cup 2010. In this regard the dti has been working closely with all the Host Cities, the Local Organising Committee, Provincial Governments and National Departments with 2010 dedicated budget allocations. At this point in time the following is the status:

The Local Organising Committee has from commencement up until 30 June 2009; spend 57% of its total budget on 261 B-BBEE companies;

City of Tshwane's cumulative value and percentage of 2010 related contracts awarded to SMMEs is R 304 286 726 (61 %). 37 SMME companies participate in these contracts.

City of Johannesburg's cumulative value and percentage of 2010 related contracts awarded to SMMEs amounts to R 430 371 506 or 15.7% of total budget.

Zakumi: as official mascot, Zakumi is the property of FIFA and therefore FIFA is solely responsible for the manufacturing and utilisation of Zakumi in a country of their choice.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 188
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 OF 21 May 2010
Mr R J Tau (ANC-NC) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether his department has made any commitments to relocate the Magareng Municipality sewage plant in the Northern Cape; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether his department will assist the municipality in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CW272E

Reply

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has made funds available through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant to assist the municipality to address challenges of infrastructure, including the matter in question.

QUESTION NO: 189

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 02 OF 19 February 2010

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether he will publish the findings of a forensic investigation into a certain contract (name furnished) in which the town council of Matlosana was involved; if not, why not; if so, when;

(2) Whether he will make a statement on the matter? NW195E

Reply

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has not ordered any forensic investigations into the affairs of Matlosana Local Municipality, and cannot therefore make any statement on the matter. However, the departmental teams working on the Local Government Turn Around Strategy for North-West municipalities will be great assisted if such information or such a forensic report can be availed. This report will enhance their ability to decisively address problems and allegations contained in the report. We therefore request the honourable member to cooperate and collaborate with the department in addressing any misdemeanours or allegations of wrongdoing reported in this municipality and other municipalities across the country.

QUESTION NO 190

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2- 2010)

Date reply submitted : 24 March 2010

190. Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) Whether he, as has been the case in the past, keeps separate statistics of (a) farm attacks and (b) farm murders; if not, why not; if so, from what date;

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

NW196E

REPLY:

The Crime Information Analysis Centre (CIAC) of the South African Police Service (SAPS) kept a stand-alone database on (a) "farm attacks" and (b) "farm murders" for the period 1998/1999 to 2006/2007. In 2006/2007 a decision was taken to in future obtain these two sets of statistics from the existing Crime Administration System (CAS) utilized for the registration of crime, as well as to use the daily Crime Intelligence reports and information supplied to the verification subcommittee of the Rural Safety Priority Committee which meets on a weekly basis to furnish operational data. These statistics also form the basis for presentations to the bi-monthly meetings of the Rural Safety Priority Committee to which inter alia the farming unions (NAFU, Agri South Africa and the TAUSA are invited).

SAPS information and intelligence policies, like those of most other police services and large corporations, are always in favour of the utilization of corporate information systems because on such corporate systems data are centralised, allowing for optimal data analysis. A number of checks and balances also exist on corporate systems, but are mainly absent from stand-alone databases.

Incidents related to serious violent crime against members of the farming community are discussed at weekly meetings held for this purpose where reports on these matters and information derived from the corporate systems are dealt with, as well as at the bi-monthly meeting of the Rural Safety Priority Committee involving the relevant other stakeholders. At such meetings information is presented on various aspects such as the flashpoints of this particular crime trend, modus operandi employed by the criminals involved and other matters related to rural safety and security.

Based on the above I will not be making a statement on the matter

QUESTION 191

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 19 February 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 of 2010

Mr J J McGluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether she has been informed of an allegation of bribery against officials in her department (details furnished); if so,

(2) whether she will investigate the alleged identity fraud; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she will investigate the alleged corrupt officials; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW197E

REPLY

(1) Yes. I am, on a continuous basis, informed of such cases by the Department's Chief Directorate: Integrity Management Unit.

(2) Yes. Cases involving officials who are linked to bribery and corruption are vigorously investigated. The particular case, in question, has, already, been referred to the South African Police Service for further investigation, and internal investigations are, also, continuing. The Department's Chief Directorate: Integrity Management Unit will continue to monitor the progress being made with the investigation.

(3) Yes. Alleged corrupt officials are being investigated by the Department, on a daily basis, in conjunction with the South African Police Service's Units for Crime Intelligence, Commercial Crime and Forensic Ballistic Investigation. The National Intelligence Agency are, also, utilised when required.

QUESTION NUMBER: 192

DATE FOR PUBLICATION: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 20 APRIL 2010

MR J J McGulwa (ID) to ask the Minister in the Presidency: Performance Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Administration:

Whether the presidential hotline recorded complaints about councillors; if so, about how many?

NW198E

REPLY:

Yes, the Hotline has received a number of queries about councillors. The criteria we use to log queries does not specifically categorise matters raised against councillors, therefore we cannot quantify the number of queries about councillors.

QUESTION NO: 193

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 01 OF 11 February 2010

Mr J J McGluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: (Interdepartmental transfer on 26 February 2010)

With reference to his reply to Question 2191 on 14 December 2009, (a) which municipalities are employing their own community development workers and (b) how many are there in each of these municipalities? NW199E

Reply

We are unable to respond to the Honourable Member's question as the question that the honourable Member is referring too was asked by the Honourable Member to the Minister for Public Service and Administration and not to the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

QUESTION NO 194

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2- 2010)

Date reply submitted : 19 April 2010

194. Mr M H Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister of Police:

(a) What is the total number of gatherings that took place in the (i) 2007-08 and (ii) 2008-09 financial years, (b) how many of these gatherings were (i) legal, (ii) illegal, (iii) peaceful and (iv) violent, (c) what is the breakdown of these gatherings in each province, (d) what is determined to be the most common reason for public gatherings and (e) what is the average number of participants in any (i) legal, (ii) illegal, (iii) peaceful and (iv) violent gathering?

NW200E

REPLY:

(a) (i) 2007/08 Crowd management (peaceful) 6431 and (unrest) 705 = 7136

(ii) 2008/09 Crowd management (peaceful) 6125 and (unrest) 718 = 6843

(b) Due to the fact that the right to protest is a Human Right, gatherings are not considered either legal or illegal. The Regulation of Gatherings Act 1993 (Act 205 of 1993) does however require notification be submitted by a convenor to conduct a gathering. Convenors may be charged for contravening the mentioned Act if no notice is given.

As a result the Incident Registration Information System (IRIS) classifies incidents either as crowd management (peaceful) where the incident is managed in cooperation with the convenor and the police only monitor the gathering or as crowd management (unrest) where the police need to intervene to make arrests or need to use force when there is a risk to safety or possible damage to property.

(c)

Province	Crowd Management (peaceful)		Crowd Management (unrest)
	2007/08	2008/09	2007/08	2008/09
Gauteng	1026	1656	191	247
Limpopo	604	537	38	28
North West	1332	1439	170	125
Mpumalanga	364	137	7	41
KwaZulu-Natal	1083	967	63	74
Eastern Cape	687	438	46	42
Free State	408	367	75	33
Western Cape	569	296	73	100
Northern Cape	358	288	42	28
TOTALS	6431	6125	705	718

(d) During 2007/08 and 2008/09, the most common reason for conducting crowd management (peaceful) gatherings was labour related demands for increases in salary/wages, and crowd management (unrest) was related to service delivery issues.

(e) The average number of participants per mentioned classifications over the two periods are;

Crowd Management ( Peaceful )		Crowd Management ( Unrest )
2007/08	2008/09	2007/08	2008/09
500	4000	3000	4000

QUESTION NO. 195

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 February 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2)

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

(1) What is the (a) total number of female condoms currently in stock in each province and (b) estimated monthly usage of such condoms in each province;

(2) whether the current stock levels are sufficient to meet the demand; if not,

(3) whether he is planning to adjust the stock; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW201E

REPLY:

The following information was obtained from our Provinces:

The following information obtained from our provinces reflects current status of female condoms. The distribution list of about 4.2 million female condoms was dispatched in early March 2010.

EASTERN CAPE

(1) (a) There are currently 176 000 female condoms available in the Province.

(b) the Eastern Cape distributes at least 120 000 female condoms per month.

(2) No, the current stock is not adequate to meet the demand.

(3) The stock ordered has been adjusted in order to meet the demand of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

FREE STATE

(1) (a) 256 600

(b) The total average distribution per month is 30 408 pieces

(2) No.

(2) Yes, there has been discussion with the National Government to increase the stock.

GAUTENG

(1) (a) 12 500 000

(b) Approximately 520 000 per month

(2) No

(3) Adjustment of stock will be made through proper sharing and distribution of female condoms to all health facilities, other public facilities and in the community until stock is received from the National Department of Health.

KWAZULU NATAL

(1) (a) 305 500

(b) Estimated monthly distribution 25 416

(2) No.

(3) Not applicable

MPUMALANGA

(1) (a) 20 000

(b) 55 000 monthly average

(2) Not sufficient, but 60 000 units are planned to be supplied for the Province by the National Department before the end of April 2010.

(3) The Province has put aside the budget of R1 750 000 as a back up or compliment to those condoms that are received from the national Department of Health.

NORTHERN CAPE

(1) (a) 61 500

(b) 5000-6000 per month, has increased drastically since 2008

(2) Yes, stock levels are sufficient and female condoms are received every two (2) to three (3) weeks;

(3) Yes, we are planning to increase the stock in the province as to meet the demand for the World Cup 2010. The uptake of female condoms will also increase as there was training on Barrier Methods in 2009. The goal is to increase the uptake of female condoms as it is still not as good as the uptake of male condoms.

NORTH WEST

(1) (a) 37 000

(b) 31 900 distributed

(2) The current stock levels are insufficient as the demand is increasing; however availability is a challenge because of low stock levels nationally.

(3) The Province is planning to adjust the stock to meet the demand; however, this is dependant on the supply from National.

WESTERN CAPE

(1) (a) 545 000

(b) estimated monthly usage equals 45 416

(2) At the moment the demand exceeds the supply, because for the first and second quarter of 2009/2010, the province has exceeded the amount projected for the year.

(3) The Western Cape Provincial Department of Health is looking at alternative ways of procuring additional condoms to complement the amount the NDOH is procuring, to be able to meet the supply-demand in the province.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES QUESTION 195

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 28 May 2010

Internal question paper no: 14

Mr D D Gamede (ANC-KZN) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether her department has any plans in place for the re-registration of grants for people with disabilities; if not, why not; if so, what plans? CO237E

REPLY

No. There are currently no plans to re-register grants for people with disabilities. The Grants Review process for permanently awarded Disability Grants, which includes Means Testing and Medical Review Assessments, offers SASSA the opportunity to determine whether Disability Grant beneficiaries still comply with legislated requirements for the grants they hold.

People with disabilities are, however, given opportunities to re-apply for the Disability Grant when their temporarily awarded Disability Grants have lapsed (expired).

QUESTION NO. 196

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 February 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2)

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

(1) Whether the tender for the supply of female condoms has been cancelled; if so, what are the reasons for the cancellation;

(2) whether a new tender for the supply of female condoms has been issued and finalised; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will it be issued and finalised; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(3) whether any plans are in place to ensure an uninterrupted supply of female condoms to the public; if not, why not; if so, what plans?

NW202E

REPLY:

(1) The tender for the supply of female condoms was cancelled because of an error in the pre-qualification test results done by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

(2) The new tender for the supply and delivery of female condoms (RT75- 2010ME) to the State was advertised on the 26 February 2010. The closing date and time, is the 26 March 2010. Following National Treasury (Contracts Management) processes, the new tender will be awarded before June 2010.

(3) In the absence of the National tender for the supply of female condoms, the National Department of Health has been granted approval by National Treasury to procure by means of competitive bidding. Partners were also contacted for support, and the following responded:

· USAID through Society for Family Health (SFH) donated 500 000 female condoms

· UNFPA donated 3.5 millions female condoms

· Global fund is also donating 2.5 millions female condoms

HOUSE: NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

TYPE: WRITTEN QUESTION

MINISTRY: SPORT AND RECREATION SA

QUESTION: NO 196

(Internal Question Paper No 14 – 2010)

Mr D D Gamede (ANC-KZN) to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation:

(1) Whether his department plans to take over sporting activities from municipalities to save them from utilising their grants in this matter? If not, why not? If so when?

(2) Whether his department will introduce other sporting codes such as cricket, rugby, swimming and boxing in the rural areas of Gingindlovu, Nkandla and Ndwendwe? If not, why not? If so when?

3) (a) How many people with disabilities have been unearthed from the rural areas and

(b) For which sporting codes are now taking part in competitive sports?

RESPONSE:

(1) No, the Department does not intend taking over any sporting programmes from Municipalities. The reason for this is that SRSA is not responsible for the implementation of sport programmes. This is the responsibility of the Municipalities in consultation with their provinces. SRSA has to support sport at all levels but NOT take over.

(2) The National Department of Sport does not prescribe to the provinces on which sporting codes to introduce in the provinces. This is the prerogative of communities and federations. Government assist via club development.

With regard to swimming, portable pools are being constructed in the rural areas of Nkandla and Umbumbulu. Rural "Splash" programmes are introduced in these and other rural areas where there are no pools. Rivers and dams are utilised to make children aware of water safety and to train children and adults the basics on how to help themselves in the water.

(3) (a) With regard to the number of people with disabilities who are participating in sport the figures below are not specific to rural areas but include all areas. Rurality is an evasive concept, mostly subjective.

The statistics of disability groups are as follows:

· South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (PDIs) = 11 824

· South African Sport Association for the Physically Disabled (PDIs) = 4 245

· South African Deaf Sport Federation (PDIs) = 8 017

GRAND TOTAL = 24 086

N.B. These numbers are inclusive of rural and urban members and are as per signed business plans from the National Federations of Disabled Groups

(b) While there are no specific figures for people from rural areas taking part in competitive sport codes, the following sport codes offer competitions: Archery; Athletics; Boccia; Bowls; Cycling; Disability Dance; Equestrian Dressage; Football 7 a side; Goal ball; Golf; Judo; Power Lifting; Rowing; Shooting; Swimming; Table Tennis; Wheelchair Basketball; Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Tennis.

In terms of the learners with a disability approximately 4000 learners participated in the School Sport Mass Participation Programme. The following sport codes were offered: Netball (Deaf), Football (Deaf and Intellectually Impaired), Basketball (wheelchair), Athletics (all disabilities), Cricket (intellectually Impaired and visually impaired)

The School Sport Mass Participation program is a program that introduces learners to the sport and once in the system offers a mass base participation. Then the National sport federations have a responsibility in terms of the National events which take place yearly throughout the country. Approximately 2000 participants participate at these national events across all disabilities.

QUESTION NO: 197

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 OF 19 FEBRUARY 2010

MS P DE LILLE (ID) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether she will retract her statements of 11 November 2009, during her visit to Sri Lanka and condemn the violence of its government, the displacement it brought upon its citizens and its disrespect for human rights;

(2) If not, why not;

(3) If so, when?

REPLY:

(1) No.

(2) Minister Nkoana-Mashabane's speech to which is referred was delivered on 11 November 2009, at an official dinner, hosted by the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr Rohitha Bogollogama in Colombo. The objective of the visit was to gain a better understanding of the political developments in Sri Lanka following the end of the conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in May 2009. Prior to the speech made by Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, a trip was arranged for the Minister, to visit the camps where the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),Tamils and Muslims, were then being housed. It should be noted that the one selective quotation of the abovementioned address by Ms de Lille distorted the emphasis of the Minister's words. Thus the full paragraph should read:

"As South Africa and as part of the African Continent, we also seek to be categorised as a functioning and vibrant democracy. We too wish to be compared with renowned democracies such as Sri Lanka and India. In this regard, as a country that has enjoyed democracy and universal suffrage since 1931, we wish to learn from the Sri Lankans but also to share our experiences of peaceful transition as we seek to support the Government of Sri Lanka in the peaceful resettlement of the IDPs."

In the same speech the Minister said:

"It is within such South-South formations where we are able to forge greater partnerships especially in the area of peace, security and development of the South."

The above reflects the framework within which South Africa's policy regarding Sri Lanka is formulated. South Africa promotes the need for a peaceful and sustainable political solution, which will be best achieved through broad consultation and dialogue amongst all the peoples of Sri Lanka. South Africa recognises the territorial sovereignty and integrity of Sri Lanka.

In May 2009, the South African Government condemned the Sri Lankan Government's actions during its conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Quote:

"The South African Government expresses grave regret at the manner in which the military offensive was conducted and urges the United Nations Human Rights Commission to urgently investigate possible violations of international human rights law and contraventions of the Geneva Convention."

Unquote

and

Quote

"The South African Government calls on the Sri Lankan government to urgently allow humanitarian aid into the affected areas as well as access to international media."

Unquote

Therefore the Minister need not retract her statement of 11 November 2009, and South Africa will continue to engage the Government of Sri Lanka and other interested parties to advance the ideal of a peaceful and harmonious Sri Lanka for its entire people

(3) N/A

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 197

Ms M W Makgate (ANC-NW) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

1. Which directorate of her department is responsible for the payments of service providers for learner transport? CO245E

REPLY:

1. There is no directorate in the Department of Basic Education that is responsible for payments of service providers as this is the competency of the Provincial Departments of Education.

QUESTION NO. 198

DATE PUBLISHED: 19 February 2010

DATE SUBMITTED: 5 March 2010

198. Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the President of the Republic:

1) (a) What is the total number and (b) what are the names of persons who have been pardoned since 10 May 1994;

2) How many (a) of these were pardons for persons whose actions were in accordance with a political objective and (b) were pardons for persons who had criminal convictions;

3) Whether there has been announcements on each pardon to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

4) Whether he intends establishing a more transparent process in the future on these pardons; if not, why not; what are the relevant? NW204E

REPLY:

1)(a) According to the statistics kept by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, 3045 pardons were granted between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 2009.

1)(b) It is recommended that the names not be made public as the overwhelming majority of applications were based on the fact that the disclosure of their previous convictions was embarrassing and to the detriment of the applicants. To disclose the names of successful applicants now will re-open healed wounds and be in direct conflict with the original reason for the pardon.

2)(a) This information is not easily obtainable as a "political objective" did not form part of the reasons for a pardon in about all the matters. In only 35 cases did applicants base their applications on the political objectives of their actions.

2)(b) All of the pardoned applicants for allegedly offences committed in pursuit of a political objective had criminal convictions.

3) No. It is not common practice to announce pardons except to inform the applicant or his/her legal representative as the case may be after the President has made a decision as contemplated in section 101, read with section 85 of the Constitution when he exercises his powers vested in him by virtue of Section 84(2)(j) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

4) The pardon process has always been transparent, taking into account that the President's powers derived from the Constitution which provides that he must act in accordance with the rule of law when he exercises an executive function (i.e. exercise of the power to grant pardon).

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER 198

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 MAY 2010

Mr T D Harris (DA-WC) to ask the Minister of Finance:

Whether he will introduce legislation that will prohibit municipal and other government officials from entering into contracts with municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

CW259E

REPLY:

The National Treasury has issued the Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations, enabled through the Municipal Finance Management Act (Act 56 of 2003), which prohibits municipalities from awarding contracts to persons who are in the service of the state. Regulation 44 provides that municipalities may not make any award to a person "who is in the service of the state, if that person is not a natural person, of which any director, manager, principle shareholder or stakeholder is a person in the service of the state or who is an advisor or consultant contracted with the municipality or municipal entity."

'In the service of the state' is defined in the Regulations as a member of any municipal council, provincial legislature or the National Assembly or National Council of Provinces; a member of the board of directors of any municipal entity; an official of any municipality or municipal entity; an employee of any national or provincial department, national or provincial public entity or constitutional institution within the meaning of the PFMA; a member of the accounting authority of any national or provincial public entity; or an employee of Parliament or a provincial legislature.

Based on the above legal framework, it is clear that municipal and other government officials are prohibited from doing business with municipalities; therefore, no further legislation is required.

QUESTION NO: 199

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 FEBRUARY 2010

QUESTION PAPER NO: 2

DATE OF REPLY: 25 FEBRUARY 2010

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

With reference to his statement on 12 November 2009 (details furnished), what date (a) in February 2010 will the reduction of cell phone rates take effect for Vodacom and Cell C and (b) will the reduction of rates for MNT take effect?

NW205E

REPLY:

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is dealing with this matter and has indicated that the Mobile Termination Rates will be reduced by Vodacom, Cell C and MTN as from 1 March 2010.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO. 199

DATE PUBLISHED: 28 May 2010

DATE SUBMITTED: 17 August 2010

199. Mr T D Harris (DA-WC) to ask the Deputy President:

Whether, in light of the request by Eskom that South Africans may have to be prepared to turn-off everything except "one TV and one light" during the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament, he will reconsider the commitment he made in the National Council of Provinces on 26 March 2010 that, "I think we can definitely give that guarantee that there will be no blackouts, unless, of course, a major national disaster happens", if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

CW260E

REPLY

Honourable Harris, I maintained that on the basis of information presented by the Energy Department, there would be no blackouts during the period of the World Cup unless a major national disaster happened. This did not preclude some interruptions due to regular maintenance or other repairs.

QUESTION NO 200

Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

( 1 ) (a) Why was the website of the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (Cipro) not available during the last weeks of 2009 and (b) what is the amount In penalties that could have been charged for the period 1 December 2009 up to 31 December 2009 In terms of their annual reports that were waived as a result of the website being off line:

2) whether any steps were taken to ensure that this situation does not repeat itself: if not, why not: if so, what steps?

NW206E

REPL Y:

(1) (a) According to Cipro they experienced a problem with the Cipro Web Server

(b) According to Cipro the amount of waived penalties that could have been charged for the period 1 December to 31 December 2009as a result of the website being offline, amounted to R1, 268,550.00

(2) According to Cipro, a number of steps were implemented to avoid a repeat of the website being offline in future. A process of virtualization is being followed after the successful testing of the web server; the legacy application are enhanced; the procurement of intrusion detention and prevention software will be finalized and the bandwidth shaping investigation will continue

2010-03-11

What's wrong with this page?