Questions & Replies: Questions & Replies No 301 to 325
2010-03-16
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
FIND THE REPLY YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BY SELECTING CTRL + F ON YOUR KEYBOARD
QUESTION NO 301
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 FEBRUARY 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2)
301. Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department is planning to build a dam in the Olifants River; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, when;
(2) whether a study has been undertaken to determine the effect on the perennial status of the Olifants River in the Kruger National Park; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW318E
---00O00---
REPLY:
(1) My Department is currently constructing the De Hoop Dam on the Steelpoort River, a tributary of the Olifants River. Furthermore, we are conducting a feasibility study for the construction of a dam at Nwamitwa on the Groot Letaba River, another tributary of the Olifants River.
(2) Yes, a reserve study was undertaken which included environmental requirements of the Olifants River in the Kruger National Park.
QUESTION NUMBER 302
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 FEBRUARY 2010Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Finance:
Whether the National Treasury has calculated the value of private shares of the SA Reserve Bank; if not, why not; if so, (a) what value have they determined and (b) how was it calculated?
NW319E
REPLY
Yes.
(a) Shares in the Bank have a nominal value of R1 per share with a dividend of 10c per share. Shares are also traded over-the-counter and the last traded value on 22 February 2010 was R12.50. The average price of shares traded in the past 6 months was R11.49.
(b) The value of shares is stipulated by the Reserve Bank Act and the secondary market value is determined by the price of over-the-counter trades.
QUESTION NO.: 303
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 February 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1)With reference to her reply to Question 1476 on 14 December 2009, (a) when will the disciplinary hearings be finalised, (b) which other staff members of Transnet Freight Rail are facing similar disciplinary charges, (c) how will she in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, and the Tender Regulations, ensure that penalties, including dismissal, will be instituted against any person found guilty of misconduct and (d) what steps will she take to ensure that all state-owned entities which report to her adhere to the provisions of the Act and Tender Regulations;
(2)whether the CEO has been suspended with full pay; if so, what are the relevant details of all payments made to him since his suspension;
(3)whether she has called on the Auditor-General to audit the alleged overpayment on tenders awarded to a certain company (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4)whether she will ensure that the Boards of the state-owned entities adhere to the legislative provisions for financial accountability of public funds; if not, why not; if so, how does she intend to ensure sound financial and administrative governance of the state-owned entities? NW320E
REPLY
1(a) The evidence and argument to be led in the disciplinary hearing of Mr Siyabonga Gama was concluded on Thursday 25 February 2010. The outcome of the hearing was announced on 5 June 2010.
1(b) Two other employees of Transnet Freight Rail were suspended subject to similar disciplinary charges. The disciplinary hearing in respect of these two employees was concluded on Wednesday 03 March 2010. The externally appointed Presiding Officer found both employees guilty of all the charges leveled against them and recommended a sanction of instant dismissal. These employees were accordingly dismissed with effect from 09 March 2010.
(c) Transnet will motivate for dismissal as the appropriate sanction, however that issue will be finally decided by the respective appointed presiding officers.
(d) Section 51 (a) (iii) of the PFMA provides that the Board of a public entity must ensure that the public entity has and maintains an appropriate procurement and provisioning system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective. Section 51 (h) of the PFMA provides that the Board of a public entity must comply and ensure compliance by the public entity with the provisions of the PFMA. Thus, it is the responsibility of the Boards of public entities to ensure that the public entities comply with the PFMA, which includes having an appropriate procurement system. SOE are required to report on legislative compliance in the quarterly reports and in their annual reports which must be signed off by their auditors. Section 86 (2) of the PFMA provides that if the Board willfully or in a grossly negligent way fails to comply with section 50, 51 or 55 of the PFMA, the Board is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment not exceeding five years. Thus, the PFMA provides sanctions if the Board does not comply with section 51 of the PFMA.
(2) Mr Siyabonga Gama was suspended on full pay pending the outcome of the disciplinary process, in accordance with the provisions of section 186(2)(b) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (as amended) and has accordingly received his guaranteed monthly remuneration. It is not permissible to suspend an employee without pay pending the outcome of a disciplinary process.
(3) If there is non-compliance with the procurement process the external auditors will report that in the Annual Report. The Department of Public Enterprises will then raise those concerns with the Board of the public entity.
(4) Section 50 (1) (b) of the PFMA provides that the Board must ensure that it acts with fidelity, honesty, integrity, and in the best interests of the public entity in managing the financial affairs of the public entity. It is the responsibility of the Boards of public entities to ensure that the public entities comply with the PFMA. Section 86 (2) of the PFMA provides that if the Board willfully or in a grossly negligent way fails to comply with section 50, 51 or 55 of the PFMA, the Board is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment not exceeding five years. Thus, the PFMA provides sanctions if the Board does not act in the best interest of the company when managing its financial affairs.
QUESTION NO.: 304
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 February 2010
Mr L Ramatlakane (Cope) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1) Whether each parastatal reporting to her has any comprehensive policy to (a) manage its workers and (b) regulate the company's relationship with its employees; if not, why not; if so, (i) what is the policy on the raising of grievances by workers and managers, (ii) what is the policy on settling disputes, (iii) what is the policy on the application of disciplinary procedures and (iv) what are the are further relevant details;
(2) whether all employees and managers are governed by the same policies; if not, what specific policies govern (a) workers, (b) managers, (c) executive managers and (d) the chief executive officer (CEO); if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether the manager falls outside the accepted non-corruption practice that governs junior workers; if so, (a) who approved these policies, (b) when were they approved, (c) how many workers were disciplined and subsequently fired in line with the policy, (d) how many appeals were presented and dealt with and (e) what action was taken by managers and the CEO therein;
(4) whether her department has a separate disciplinary code for members of the senior management service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether general workers support the two-tier policy system; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW321E
REPLY
All SOE that report to the Department of Public Enterprises have comprehensive policies that manage workers and regulate the relationship with their employees.
With reference to the Department, all policies and procedures are applicable to all officials.
ALEXKOR:
(1) Yes, Alexkor has a comprehensive policy to manage and regulate the company's relationship with its employees.
(i-iii) Alexkor has a policy on settling of disputes and application of disciplinary procedures.
(2)(a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(3)(a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) Alexkor has a uniform policy system applicable to all levels.
BROADBAND INFRACO:
(1)Yes, Broadband Infraco have comprehensive policies to manage and regulate the company's relationship with its employees.
(i-iii)Broadband Infraco has a policy on settling of disputes and application of disciplinary procedures.
(2) (a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(3) (a-d)Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) There is no two-tier policy system.
DENEL:
(1) Yes, DENEL has a comprehensive policy to manage and regulate the company's relationship with its employees.
(2) (a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(3)(a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) There is no two-tier policy system.
ESKOM:
(1) Yes, Eskom has a comprehensive policy to manage and regulate the company's relationship with its employees.
(2) (a-d) All employees and employers are governed by the same policies.
(3) (a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) There is no two-tier policy system.
PBMR:
(1) Yes, PBMR has a comprehensive policy to manage and regulate the company's relationship with its employees.
(2) (a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(3) (a-d)Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) There is no two-tier policy system.
SAA:
(1) Yes, SAA has a comprehensive policy to manage and regulate the company's relationship with its employees.
(2) (a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(3)(a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) There is no two-tier policy system.
SAX:
(1) Yes, SAX has a comprehensive policy to manage and regulate the company's relationship with its employees.
(2) (a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(3)(a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) There is no two-tier policy system.
SAFCOL:
(1) Yes, SAFCOL has a comprehensive policy to manage and regulate the company's relationship with its employees.
(2) (a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(3) (a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) There is no two-tier policy system.
TRANSNET:
(1) Yes, Transnet have comprehensive policies to manage and regulate the company's relationship with its employees.
(2) (a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(3) (a-d) Employees and managers are governed by the same policies.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) There is no two-tier policy system.
QUESTION NO 305
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 FEBRUARY 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2- 2010)
Date reply submitted: 23 March 2010
305. Mr L Ramatlakane (Cope) to ask the Minister of Police:
(a) Who heads the Criminal Justice Transformation Project in his department, (b) which provinces have already implemented the integrated investigation model, (c) what is the progress or success regarding the national Top 200 criminals investigation or High Flyer project, (d) how many criminals out of this top 200 were arrested, (e) for what type of crimes were they arrested, (f) how many have received (i) police and (ii) court bail, (g) how many are on trial in accordance with the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, Act 121 of 1998, (h) what is the value of assets that were confiscated as evidence, (i) what has been forfeited to the State and (j) what was the value of assets that were forfeited to the State?
NW322E
REPLY:
(a) The National Commissioner, as head of the department, has appointed senior officers at the level of Divisional Commissioner to address those focus areas in the Criminal Justice Transformation Project relevant to the South African Police Service.
(b) The term integrated investigation model needs to be clarified.
(c) - (e)
The investigation into the top 200 criminals was completed. The following numbers of arrests were affected:
| Crime: | Number arrested |
| Theft and possession of a stolen motor vehicle | 50 |
| Possession of and/or dealing in illicit narcotics | 225 |
| Housebreaking and theft | 2 |
| Illicit manufacturing of narcotics | 2 |
| Possession of and/or dealing in precious metals and diamonds | 60 |
| Armed robbery | 2 |
| Fraud | 90 |
| Corruption | 33 |
| Immigration Act | 7 |
| Intimidation | 1 |
| Theft and/or possession of wildlife products | 12 |
| Illegal possession of firearms | 5 |
| Possession of stolen property | 6 |
| Stock theft | 1 |
| Possession of illegal medicine | 1 |
| Illegal possession of liquor | 1 |
| Customs and Excise Act | 2 |
| Possession of illegal firearms | 5 |
| Hijacking of motor vehicle | 3 |
| Gambling Act | 3 |
| Theft | 16 |
| Total number of suspects arrested: | 527 |
(f) (i) None of the arrested accused were granted bail by the South African Police Service.
(ii) The South African Police Service does not have information on the number of accused granted bail by the courts as the release of accused on bail granted by the courts is managed by the courts and the Department of Correctional Services.
(g) None of the arrested accused were arrested on charges relating to the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 1998 (Act No 121 of 1998).
(h) - (j)
As the required information is not maintained by the South African Police Service, but the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Minister responsible for the NPA would be in a better position to provide the information.
QUESTION 306
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19/02/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 2 OF 2010
Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(a) How many students attended first year studies at public universities in the past five years, (b) how many repeated their first year, (c) how many passed their first year, (d) what is the percentage of students that finish their degrees in under five years and (e) how much on average does it cost the Government for each student in each year in subsidies and student loans? NW323E
REPLY:
(a) Number of first time entering undergraduate students, from 2004 to 2008:
| Year | Number of Students |
| 2004 | 145 238 |
| 2005 | 135 293 |
| 2006 | 140 008 |
| 2007 | 152 125 |
| 2008 | 151 952 |
(b) This information is not available as institutions have different definitions for years of study. For example some institutions may require a student to repeat the first year if they fail subjects, where as another institution will regard a student in a similar position as a 2nd year student.
(c) Success rates of first time entering undergraduate students, from 2004 to 2008:
| Year | Percentage Success Rate |
| 2008 | 69.2 |
| 2007 | 69.1 |
| 2006 | 68.4 |
| 2005 | 69.7 |
| 2004 | 67.3 |
Note: This includes contact and distance students. The success rate is calculated by taking the number of courses passed by students at all the public higher education institutions and dividing by the number of courses for which they are enrolled.
(d) Based on a cohort study analysis for 2000 and 2001 first time entering undergraduate students in contact institutions, 40.8% and 40.7% students graduate within five years of study, respectively. Students registered for professional first bachelors' degrees are included in this study, however, the minimum duration of their qualifications may be longer than 4 years, e.g. the MBChB.
Note: The cohort study tracks the first time entering undergraduate students for a particular year in order to determine the percentage of students who drop out and who graduate within the minimum time plus 2 years. For contact institutions a minimum of 5 years data is required for tracking General 1st Bachelor's degrees and for the 4 or more years Professional Bachelor's degrees the study requires at least 8 years of data.
e) The average cost per student is presented in the table below.
| Year | Head count enrolled students (A) (thousands) | Total State budget for universities 1) (B) (R billions) | Average State Budget per student (B/A) (R thousands) |
| 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 | 685 744 735 741 761 | 10.8 11.8 13.1 14.8 17.1 | 15.8 15.9 17.8 20.0 22.5 |
1) Students of year n determine the State funding of year n+2
The average cost per student has been calculated by taking the total state budget for Universities and dividing by the number of headcount students enrolled in the system. A headcount student is an unduplicated count of all students in the University system. This represents only the cost of the State through the subsidy and does not include private contributions or NSFAS where applicable. It does not include any analysis of the differentiated costs by discipline or institution within the system.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCE
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 307
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27/08/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 23 OF 2010)
Mr D B Feldman (COPE-Gauteng) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
(1) What strategies did his department use to increase the number of (a) young people and (b) adults who are accessing education at (i) technical and (ii) vocational centres during the period 1 July 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
CW403E
REPLY:
a) Strategies adopted by the Department to increase the number of young people who are accessing education at:
i. Technical Centres
In 2009, the department extended the phasing out of selected programmes of the National N Certificates: N4-6 and N Diploma qualifications offered at Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges. The extension came as the result of the need for Grade 12 learners to access further learning. The last date for examination of these programmes is November 2012 for N Certificates and December 2014 for N Diplomas.
Furthermore, the department has approved the extension of the phasing out of the National N Certificates: N1-N3 Engineering Studies. The extension period of the engineering studies ends when the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) offers occupational qualifications registered on the National Qualification Framework. Students enrolled on the N1-N3 programmes must be indentured by industry prior to enrolment. This allows industry to continue with their apprenticeship programmes until such time that these are replaced by the QCTO registered occupational qualifications.
ii. Vocational Centres
The department introduced a bursary scheme (NSFAS) for NCV programmes in order to increase the number of disadvantaged young people who are willing to access FET Colleges.
b) The Department has collaborated with provinces and stakeholders to advocate for access to adults accessing education at centres. Part of the advocacy has entailed community radio interviews with AET officials.
Interprovincial meetings have been held with AET officials on advocacy matters to develop contextual messages for adult learners.
When AET learners receive their GETC results, learners are also encouraged to look to Colleges to further their learning.
QUESTION NO. 308
DATE PUBLISHED: 19 February 2010
DATE SUBMITTED: 5 March 2010
308. Ms A Mda (Cope) to ask the President of the Republic:
1) Whether applications for presidential pardon that arrived at his office before that of a certain person's (name furnished) have been dealt with; if not, why is this person's application given priority; if, what are the details;
2) Whether the earlier applications will be made public; if not, why not; if so, when? NW326E
REPLY:
1) All applications for pardon received by the Presidency are sent to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for verification, assessment and evaluation. The applications together with all relevant information collected by the Department of Justice will then be brought before the President for consideration. In considering applications for pardon the President does not give preference to any particular application. All applications which are brought before the President are treated equally.
2) Applications for pardon are confidential in nature. As such the President is not at liberty to make public the names of the people who have applied for pardon, unless the applicant decides to make public that he or she has applied for a pardon.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 308DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 27 August 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 of 2010Mr D B Feldman (COPE-Gauteng) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether her Department has developed a (a) policy and / or (b) process for security, personality and integrity checks on all officials employed in her Department to ensure
(i) clean image and (ii) placing of people with integrity in positions of trust; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
CW404E
REPLY
(a) Yes. A Vetting Policy has been introduced in the Department, in terms of which all employees are subjected to the vetting process. The requirements of a particular post determine the level of security clearance the incumbent, thereof, must possess. The decision to grant a security clearance rests with the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Feedback from the NIA is taken into account when a determination is made, regarding the suitability of an applicant for a particular post.
(b)(i) & (ii) Yes. In addition, as a standard part of the Department's Recruitment process, the following pre-employment checks are conducted on all nominated candidates, in accordance with Cabinet's decision on the compulsory undertaking of Personnel Suitability Checks (PSC), linked to the National Security Vetting Strategy:
· Criminal record check
· Credit record check
· Citizenship check
· Qualification verification
· Reference checks
QUESTION NO. 309
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 February 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2)
Ms A Mda (Cope) to ask the Minister of Health:
(a) Why has there been no immunisation at the Gateway clinic in Lusikisiki since October 2009, (b) what steps has he taken to provide the clinic with immunisation and (c) when will they be effected?
NW327EREPLY:
According to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health,
(a) It is not true that there was no immunization at the Gateway Clinic in Lusikisiki. All immunizations were available in St Elizabeth Gateway clinic from October 2009 as follows:
· Rota virus, Pneumococal vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Measles vaccine, BCG, DTP, HIB and Polio drops;
From October 2009, all babies that were due for immunization were given accordingly as reflected on the table below:
Number of babies immunized (Raw figures)
| Indicators/Data Element | October | November | December | January | Grand Total |
| BCG under 1 yr | 10 | 63 | 48 | 29 | 150 |
| DTP Hib 1st dose | 97 | 89 | 76 | 91 | 353 |
| DTP Hib 3rd dose | 97 | 92 | 64 | 49 | 302 |
| Oral Polio Vaccine 1st dose | 97 | 129 | 116 | 82 | 424 |
| Oral Polio Vaccine 3rd dose | 69 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 288 |
| Hapatitis B 1st dose | 97 | 89 | 76 | 84 | 346 |
| Hepatitis 3rd dose | 82 | 106 | 96 | 102 | 386 |
| Measles 1st dose | 44 | 87 | 65 | 62 | 258 |
| Measles 2nd dose | 43 | 74 | 74 | 48 | 239 |
| Full immunized under 1 year | 39 | 83 | 76 | 42 | 240 |
(b)Not applicable
(c)Not applicable
NCOPFOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. 309
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 August 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)
Mr O de Beer (COPE-WC) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether any further investigations have been made with regard to the two tenders that were allegedly awarded to friends by a certain person (name furnished) of the Department of Health and Social Development in Limpopo; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any disciplinary steps have been taken against the said person; if not, why not; if so, what steps;
(3) (a) what measures have been put in place to ensure the halting of illegal tendering to close relatives and friends and (b) how effective have these measures been?
CW405EREPLY:
(1) The Limpopo Department of Health and Social Development is not aware of any tender or tenders that have been awarded to friends the person in question and as a result, no investigation has been made in this regard.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.
QUESTION NO: 310
Ms A Mda (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:
Whether she will investigate how knives, guns and drugs that were found in Wellington Correctional Centre in Mthatha found their way into the prison cells of inmates; if not, why not; if so, what steps will be taken against any persons found to be involved? NW328E
REPLY
The Minister is aware of the challenges facing a range of Correctional Centres – including the Wellington Correctional Centre. There were several cases of security breaches at the Wellington Correctional Centre throughout 2009 and the nature of breaches is varied. In the main though, the challenge is that of smuggling of contraband into the facilities. It is generally common cause that such smuggling happened when there is contact between inmates and the outside community in general. An area that continues to pose serious security risks is when there is contact between detainees and their friends and family on their way to and from court. Some of this contact happens between visits.
Of the six (6) reported breaches in Wellington, four involved awaiting trial detainees. The serious cases related to the smuggling of weapons (firearms without ammunition as well as self made knives). In one case officials were attached using these knives.
In all cases investigations were initiated and perpetrators charged where possible. The Head of the Centre has also put in place additional personnel as well as increased the number of random searches conducted. The incidents at Wellington are a few of the cases that highlight the nature and extent of risk faced by our officers on a daily basis. We depend on the strict adherence to security procedures as well as random searches aimed at eradicating all contraband in our facilities. I am pleased that in none of these investigations were officials implicated in some form of collusion and/or corruption.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 310
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/08/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23-2010)
Mr S H Plaatjie (COPE-NW) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether each educator has received a computer laptop as promised in terms of the e-Education initiative; if not, how far is the implementation in this regard; if so, how many of the 360 000 educators in the system have received computer laptops;
(2) whether all educators are being trained on how to integrate the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) into their curriculum; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CW406E
REPLY
(1) As part of the Teacher Laptop Initiative, educators who purchase an ICT
package in line with the specified requirements will have access to a
monthly allowance of R130.00. The allowance will contribute towards
payment for the ICT facility. At this stage none of the Provincial
Education Departments (PEDs) have implemented the allowance.
However, the reports received from the PEDs as at the middle of August
2010 were six of the nine provinces (Free State, KwaZulu-Natal,
Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape) indicated that
they would commence implementation within the 2010/11 financial year.
Potentially, based on the plans and existing funding, about 143 000
educators will be eligible to apply for and receive the allowance. It should,
however, be noted that the final figure will depend on the actual number
of educators who show interest and apply for the allowance.
.
(2) Self-training software and material is included in the minimum specifications of the package the teacher is required to purchase. This
includes basic skills training in using the computer technology in everyday
life and ICT skills for teachers which involves specific aspects of using
ICT for teaching and learning. These training materials could also be used
by schools, districts and PEDs for organized training for groups. PEDs and
teacher unions will organize training sessions as the uptake of the Laptops
allowances rises.
QUESTION NO 311
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (19 FEBRUARY 2010) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO -2-2010)
Mr. L Ramatlakane to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture
(1) Whether she has reviewed her department's performance with regard to the Public Services regulation that compels Senior Management Service (SMS) to declare all interests annually; if not; why not; if so, (a) how many did not declare their interests and (b) what are the (i) names and (ii) ranks of the noncompliant members of the SMS;
(2) Whether senior managers who failed to declare have been charges with misconduct; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether she has found that where senior managers failed to declare their interests it was as a result of hiding any conflicting business interests with any department; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) Whether any investigation will be undertaken in order to root out corruption in her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
(NW329E)
REPLY
(1) Yes
(a) All the SMS members in the Department as on 01 September 2009 declares their interests for the period 2008/2009
(b)(i) Not applicable
(c)(ii) Not applicable
(2) Yes. Two senior Chief Directors who failed to comply were charged and dismissed after they were found guilty in the disciplinary hearing. They are Mr. Tlale Motsepe and Mr. Mzukisi Madlavu
(3) Not applicable to the period
(4) Forensic audits have been completed and findings are examined decide on further action where necessary. Disciplinary processes regarding several employee of the Department are in different stages of completion.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 311
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24 OF 03 September 2010
Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [*68]
(1) (a) what is the total amount that was owed to municipalities for services they rendered to the public and (b) what amount has been (i) due and (ii) outstanding for 120 days or more;
(2) Whether his department has taken any steps to assist these municipalities to recover these outstanding monies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CW390E
Reply
As part of the implementation of the local Government Turn Around Strategy and our commitment to build strong, viable, effective and efficient municipalities we are finalising an initiative on National Municipal Revenue Enhancement. This initiative has various components including public mobilisation elements that will encourage communities to pay for services provided by municipalities.
Accurate figures with regard to the total amount owed to municipalities for services rendered to the public are currently being collated. A national Steering Committee meeting of the Municipal Revenue Enhancement Programme is planned for September 2010, whereafter we can provide an update with the latest outstanding debt owed to municipalities, after it has been presented to Cabinet.
QUESTION 312
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [No 2-2010]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 February 2010
312. Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform
Whether sufficient provision has been made for the sustainability of the Community Reconstruction and Development Programme (CRDP) pilot projects; if not, why not; if so, (a) what amount has been allocated to each of the pilot projects in each province, (b) what has been the total expenditure since the implementation of each project in each province, (c) how will the budget be monitored for each project in each province and (d) what are the further relevant details? NW333E
THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:
Yes
(a) An initial amount of R20 million has been made available to each of the nine provinces for each identified Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) pilot site. An additional amount of R10 million has been made available as part of the national fencing programme to promote food security.
(b) Please refer to the table below.
| PROVINCE | ACTUAL EXPENDITURE AS AT 28 FEBRUARY 2010 |
| Eastern Cape | R 13,771,781.00 |
| Free State | R 18,766,160.00 |
| Gauteng | 0 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | R 7,348,000.00 |
| Limpopo | R 12,128,459.59 |
| Mpumalanga | R 6,858,750.00 |
| Northern Cape | R 11,138,808.62 |
| North West | R 4,430,000.00 |
| Western Cape | 0 |
| TOTAL | R 74,441,959.21 |
(c) Monitoring is done through monthly reporting via the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform's Provincial Offices and the Council of Stakeholders established for each site in each province.
(d) The CRDP will be rolled out to 160 wards by 2014 and support approximately two million people.
QUESTION 313
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER)
Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
How many schools in each province still need (a) libraries, (b) laboratories and (c) toilets? NW337E
REPLY:
The total number of schools (primary and secondary ordinary) need:
(a) Libraries
| Province | Number of Schools without libraries |
| Eastern Cape | 5128 |
| Free State | 1194 |
| Gauteng | 846 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 4632 |
| Limpopo | 3642 |
| Mpumalanga | 1527 |
| North West | 1374 |
| Northern Cape | 432 |
| Western Cape | 690 |
| National | 19465 |
(b) laboratories
| Province | Number of Schools without laboratories |
| Eastern Cape | 5184 |
| Free State | 1279 |
| Gauteng | 1223 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 5128 |
| Limpopo | 3699 |
| Mpumalanga | 1636 |
| North West | 1428 |
| Northern Cape | 431 |
| Western Cape | 953 |
| National | 20961 |
(c) Toilets
| Province | Number of Schools |
| Eastern Cape | 524 |
| Free State | 80 |
| Gauteng | 4 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 135 |
| Limpopo | 44 |
| Mpumalanga | 17 |
| North West | 37 |
| Northern Cape | 3 |
| Western Cape | 2 |
| National | 846 |
Note: The above mentioned schools have no sanitation facilities.
NCOP
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NUMBER 313
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 3 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 24)
313. Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) Whether any security measures have been put in place at disused mines to prevent illegal miners from gaining access to these mines; if not, why not; if so, (a) what measures, (b) when were these measures put in place and (c) how were illegal miners able to access a certain mine (name furnished) in Springs;
(2) whether her department will hold owners of the said mine liable for the deaths of illegal miners who were shot and killed in August 2010; if not, why not; if so, what action will be taken against the said mine owners? CW408E
REPLY
(1) (a), (b) In terms of the legal provision, it is the responsibility of the mine owners to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent access to mine. However, the SAPS are engaged where there has been illegal access as this is being regarded as a criminal act.
(c) This is a criminal matter and the SAPS are currently conducting an investigation.
(2) This is a criminal matter and the SAPS are currently conducting an investigation.
QUESTION 314
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19/02/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 2/1020)
Mr A K Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether teenage pregnancies continue to be a problem in schools; if not, what is theposition in this regard; if so, what is the statistical exposition of the situation;
(2) whether her department has provided guidelines to help schools deal with teenage pregnancies; if not, why not; if so, how effective have these guidelines been in assisting schools to curb teenage pregnancies? NW338E
Draft response
Teenage pregnancy is amongst the major concerns facing young people in South Africa today. It is one that compromises their future, as well as their emotional and physical well being. Moreover, it is a phenomenon that goes against the kind of society we want to live in, and the kind of generation that we want to raise.
Since 2007, when the Department released the Measures for the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy (Annexure 1), the Department has focused on working with education stakeholders focusing on ways in which teachers, schools and school communities can prevent and manage teenage pregnancy when it occurs. These initiatives have included the first three editions of the Genderations series, support materials for teachers which appeared in the Teacher newspaper between September and November 2008.
In January and February 2009, the Department held District workshops in three provinces (Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Eastern Cape), focusing on teenage pregnancy, as well as sexual harassment and violence in schools. These workshops and other discussions on teenage pregnancy have shown that teachers and officials struggle to manage teenage pregnancy, in particular the policies that focus on keeping girls in school and ensuring that they return to education after giving birth. There is uneven implementation of the return to school policy, and reports have been received that some principals have used the Measures document, to prevent girls from returning to school after giving birth. All provinces are working hard to ensure that this does not happen.
In 2008, the Department commissioned research on teenage pregnancy with a focus on school-going learners. The study examined the prevalence, determinants, as well as effects of teen pregnancy in South Africa. The study came about through recognising the huge public concern about teenage pregnancy, in particular amongst schoolgirls.
In August 2009, the Department convened a national seminar to release the research report. The research report highlighted the following:
- That there is a decline in teenage fertility in South Africa;
- That remaining in the education system is a strong factor in preventing teenagers from falling pregnant;
- That learner pregnancies are concentrated in Kwazulu-Natal, Eastern Cape as well as Limpopo provinces (predominantly rural);
- That learner pregnancies are more concentrated in schools located in poor neighbourhoods, schools that are under-resourced; and schools with a significant age differential / age mixing between learners; and
- That older adolescents (17-19) account for > 90% of teen fertility, and that rates are higher among African (71/1000) & Coloured (60/1000) teens than among White (14/1000) & Indian (22/1000) teens.
Whilst the study's conclusion is that there is a decline in teenage fertility – the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in South Africa, specifically in public schools, is unacceptably high.
The report is available on the Department's website at www.education.gov.za and has been presented to a number of stakeholders, including the Portfolio committee on Basic Education, a joint sitting with the Portfolio Committee on Women, children and persons with disabilities.
Certain determinants of teenage pregnancy occur within the private domain. It is therefore mainly within families, churches and communities that some remedies must evolve and be implemented. A strong partnership is required between Government, civil society, faith based organizations, learners, school governing bodies, the unions, the media and other sectors of our society in order to address this issue successfully.
QUESTION NO 315
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 FEBRUARY 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3- 2010)
Date reply submitted : 24 March 2010
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) Whether he has been informed of the crime situation at the Krugersdorp Game Reserve on the West Rand, Gauteng, where it has been reported that poachers, with the aid of a helicopter, recently raided the game reserve and removed the horns of two rhinos using chainsaws; if so,
(2) whether he has been informed that this was the fourth incident of its kind in the past eight months; if so,
(3) whether he will investigate allegations that the SA Police Service (SAPS) is failing to aid game wardens who report rhino poaching and that no progress is made on investigations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) what is the SAPS policy in this regard?
NO330E
REPLY:
(1) No
Management of the South African Police Service was informed.
(2) No
Management of the South African Police Service was informed.
(3) Yes
The South African Police Service has reported that they assist in fighting this crime and do not refuse. In fact, all the reported cases are being attended to by the police. Should a formal complaint be lodged, it will be investigated.
(4) The South African Police Service has established an Endangered Species Desk within the Organised Crime component of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in order to monitor and coordinate endangered species related issues, including criminal investigations, training of law enforcement officials and liaison with national and international stake holders.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 315
Mr DA Worth (DA-FS) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether her department has fulfilled its obligations in terms of the agreement reached with the Free State Department of Agriculture and commenced to work on the repairs to the (a) border fence and (b) roads along the (i) Lesotho and (ii) Free State borders; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether members of the SA National Defence Force have been dispatched to patrol the (a) border fence and (b) roads in this region; if not, (i) why not and (ii) when will these patrols be dispatched; if so, what are the relevant details? CW410E
REPLY
1. The Department of Defence does not have any agreement with the Free State Department of Agriculture.
2. I, together with the Chief of the SANDF and the Secretary for Defence met with the President and senior members of AgriSA on 24 May 2010 at which I pledged my support to address the concerns raised about border security with due consideration of financial and other constraints. I also informed AgriSA of the SANDF's phased roll out plan for its return to the borders.
QUESTION NO 316
Was oral question number 18, now placed for written reply because in excess of quota, rule 108(8)
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 FEBRUARY 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3- 2010)
Date reply submitted : 24 March 2010
Mr H P Chauke (ANC) to ask the Minister of Police:
Whether his department has a policy for the disposal of confiscated goods such as precious metals, gold, diamonds, rhino horns and drugs; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how effective is the policy in ensuring that drugs and precious metals are not lost from the forensic science laboratory and/or police stations and (b) how does the SA Police Service ensure that persons suspected of theft from the laboratory are brought to book?
NO355E
REPLY:
Yes. The South African Police Service has a policy that regulates the confiscation, safekeeping and disposal of confiscated goods, including exhibits such as precious metals, gold, diamonds, rhino horns and drugs.
(a) The policy is aimed at addressing the roles and responsibilities of the respective role-players to ensure proper safekeeping.
(b) As soon as the theft of any exhibit is discovered, a case is registered, a case docket opened and the matter is investigated immediately. I have previously publically expressed my concern regarding the allegations that drugs and other high value exhibits have disappeared from the safes at the forensic science laboratories. As a result of this concern I instructed the DPCI (Hawks) to investigate the matter and based on the outcome of this investigation action will be taken against any member of the force who is found to have violated the policy or been involved in any criminal acts.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 316
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 3 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24- 2010)
Date reply submitted: 12 October 2010
316. Mr D A Worth (DA-FS) to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) How many applications have been submitted for (a) new firearm licenses and (b) the renewal of firearm licences in terms of the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, in the Free State (i) in the 2009-10 financial year and (ii) from 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2) how many license applications have been (a) issued and (b) renewed during the abovementioned period;
(3) (a) what is the total number of applications for (i) firearm licenses and (ii) the
renewal of firearm licenses that are in the current backlog of applications and (b) what is the average time taken to issue (i) a firearm license and (ii) the renewed firearm license from the date of submission to that of issuing?
CW411E
REPLY:
(1) (a) (i) The South African Police Service received 8 257 applications for new firearm licences in the Free State province for the 2009-2010 financial year.
(1) (a) (ii) The South African Police Service received 3 637 applications for new firearm licences in the Free State province for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 August 2010.
(1) (b) (i) The South African Police Service received 37 578 applications for the renewal of firearm licences in the Free State province for the 2009-2010 financial year.
(1) (b) (ii) The South African Police Service received 706 applications for the renewal of firearm licences in the Free State province for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 August 2010.
(2) (a) A total of 1 042 new firearm licences have been issued during the 2009-2010 financial year and 659 for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 August 2010 for the Free State province. This figure does not represent the number of new firearm licence applications finalized by the South African Police Service as a number of applications have been refused by the Firearms Consideration Committee at the Central Firearms Register and a number of applicants have opted to cancel their applications.
(2) (b) A total of 18 409 renewal firearm licences have been approved during the 2009-2010 financial year and 4 874 for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 August 2010 for the Free State province. This figure does not represent the number of renewal applications finalized by the South African Police Service as a number of applications have been refused by the Firearms Consideration Committee in the Free State and a number of applicants have opted to cancel their applications.
(3) (a) (i) The South African Police Service record that approximately 12 714 applications for new firearm licences are outstanding at the various police stations and the office of the Provincial Commander: Firearms, Liquor and Second-hand Goods Control in the Free State province.
(3) (a) (ii) The South African Police Service record that approximately 58 901 applications for renewal of firearm licences are outstanding at the various police stations and the office of the Provincial Commander: Firearms, Liquor And Second-Hand Goods Control in the Free State province.
(3) (b) (i) and (ii) The consideration of firearm licence applications including the renewal of firearm licence applications are subject to the issuing of appropriate competency certificates to the applicants. It is expected of every applicant to first obtain a relevant competency certificate before a firearm licence may be issued. In some cases applicants apply simultaneously for both the competency certificate as well as the firearm licence. In other cases the applicant first applies for a competency certificate and thereafter for the firearm licence. The decision of the applicant impact on the average period it takes to process a firearm licence. Various processes such as background evaluations, fingerprint checks and a profiling of the applicant are taken into account before a competency certificate is issued.
.The average processing time for a firearm licence/renewal of a firearm licence to be granted subject to the various variables is approximately six (6) months.
In June 2010 the Ministry tasked the Secretariat to undertake a assessment of the Central Firearms Registry and to recommend steps to be take to address backlogs. The assessment is almost completed and I will be making a statement in the near future on steps that will be taken to address backlogs
QUESTION NO 318 Was oral reply 27 now placed for written reply because in excess of quota, Rule 108(8)
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 FEBRUARY 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3- 2010)
Date reply submitted : 24 March 2010
Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:
Whether the Sebenza police station is to be relocated; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is being done about the (i) structural and (ii) flooding problems at the current police station; if so, (aa) when and (bb) to where?
NO364E
REPLY:
(a) and (b)(i) and (ii) Not applicable.
Yes, the Sebenza police station will be relocated to suitable accommodation which has already been identified by the Gauteng Provincial Office.
(aa) Occupation of the building will take place when the procurement process and the lease agreement has been finalized.
(bb) The identified building is at number 41 Mopedi Street, Sebenza, which is in close proximity to the current station.
QUESTION NO 319 Was oral reply 31 now placed for written reply because in excess of quota, Rule 108(8)
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 FEBRUARY 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3- 2010)
Date reply submitted : 24 March 2010
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:
Whether he will make a statement on the state of the investigation into the strategic defence packages signed on 3 December 1999?
NO368E
REPLY:
No.
QUESTION NO 320 (Was oral question 36, now placed for written reply because in excess of quota, rule 108(8))
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 FEBRUARY 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3- 2010)
Date reply submitted: 23 March 2010
Mr DA Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) How many officials of the SA Police Service (SAPS) (a) retired from the SAPS and (b) were employed by the SAPS since 2005;
(2) (a) what type of training did they undergo and (b) for how long;
(3) what is the minimum academic requirement for appointment of (a) police officers and (b) reservists?
NO377E
REPLY:
(1) The information requested is in accordance with Departmental records/systems and is provided per financial year and not per calendar year. The information is only in respect of officials appointed in terms of the Police Service Act.
(a) A total of 2 966 officials retired from the SAPS for the period 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2009. The breakdown of this figure per financial year is as follows:
· 2005/2006 - 546
· 2006/2007 - 658
· 2007/2008 - 794
· 2008/2009 - 968
(b) The Department employed a total of 42 796 officials since the financial year 2005/2006 with the information during the period 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2009 presented as follows:
· 2005/2006 - 10 771
· 2006/2007 - 9 713
· 2007/2008 - 11 569
· 2008/2009 - 10 743
2(a) & (b) Please see the table depicting the information requested.
QUESTION 320 Written Reply 03 SEPTEMBER 2010
320. Mr H B Groenewald (DA-NW) to ask the Minister of Public Works:
(1) Whether the completion date for the construction of the new facilities for the SA Police Service in the Mamusa Local Municipality has been extended; if so, (a) what is the anticipated date for the completion of these facilities and (b) what measures have been put in place to ensure that this deadline will be met;
(2) whether the constructor whose services were initially retained to complete the work is still contracted to complete the necessary work; if not, why not; if so, what are the full particulars of this contractor;
(3) whether a new contractor has been appointed to complete the work; if not, when will the new contractor be appointed; if so, what are the full particulars of this new contractor;
(4) whether any third party who has an interest in the business of the original contractor is related to any employee of the Department of Transport, Roads and Public Works at a provincial and/or national level; if so,
(5) whether his department will investigate the regularity of the process in which the original contractor was awarded the contract; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CW415E
REPLY
1. Yes.
(a) 15th December 2010.
(b) The contractor is placed under tight monitoring and supervision by the project manager to ensure that the project is completed by 15 December 2010.
2. Tsoga Developers JV Ilima Projects was initially appointed. In 2008, Ilima Projects was liquidated and only Tsoga Developers remained on site.
3. No other contractor has been appointed for the project.
4. The only Managing Member of Tsoga Developers is Mr OD Mosegedi and we have no knowledge of his relations to any employee of the Department.
5. There was no irregularity on the appointment of the contractor.
QUESTION NO 321
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 FEBRUARY 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3- 2010)
N0380E
Date reply submitted : 1 March 2010
Mr V B Ndlovu (IFP) to ask the Minister of Police: [*38] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because in excess of quota [Rule 108(8)]]
Whether gun owners handed their unregistered firearms to the SA Police Service during the amnesty period; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
In terms of the Firearm Control Act such unregistered firearms are in fact illegal firearms. Citizens who hand in firearms that are not registered are handing illegal firearms. The South African Police Service has received weapons from citizens who have voluntarily handed in illegal firearms since the start of the amnesty. These weapons are largely inherited firearms that were never licensed. The figures are collated on a weekly basis and during the first month of the amnesty process 837 illegal firearms were handed in at police stations. In addition 16 265 illegal rounds of ammunition have been voluntarily handed in at local police stations.
The amnesty's aim is:
• To allow for the surrender of illegal firearms under the amnesty.
• Simultaneous police operations to search for and seize illegal firearms.
• To advocate the voluntary surrender for destruction of licensed firearms through the process prescribed in the Act and the Firearms Control Regulations, 2004.
• To allow for people who missed the cut off date for licensing to license their firearms, ammunition and /or firearm parts in terms of the Act.
The total number of weapons recovered to date as a result of the amnesty process is over 6000 firearms and more than 82 288 rounds of ammunition. This number includes illegal firearms and ammunition voluntarily surrendered at police stations, licensed firearms and ammunition voluntarily surrendered at police stations and illegal firearms and ammunition confiscated during police operation.
The department is well aware that criminals in possession of illegal firearms are unlike to make use of the amnesty process. As part of the process of ridding the country of illegal firearms the amnesty process is accompanied by police operations aimed at recovering weapons from the hands of dangerous criminals who will not be making use of the provisions of the amnesty. During the first month of the amnesty 2352 illegal firearms and 41 916 rounds of ammunition were confiscated during such police operations.
The firearm owners who had failed to renew their firearm licences during the Transitional Provisions of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000) have an opportunity to apply for firearm licences during the declared amnesty. I have afforded these owners the opportunity to comply with the requirements of the mentioned Act in order to legally possess their firearms under the requirements of the said Act. These firearm owners are required to apply for their firearm licences at the relevant Designated Firearms Officers responsible for the area where the applicants ordinarily reside. It is not expected of these firearm owners to hand in their firearms to the South African Police Service whilst their applications are being processed. To date there are no known persons in this category who have handed in their firearms to the South African Police Service while their applications are in process.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
QUESTION 321
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
321. Mrs E C van Lingen (DA-EC) to ask the Minister of Energy:
(1) Whether her department has formulated a policy on (a) Renewable Energy and (b) Regulatory Framework to regulate the payment of financial incentives in order to encourage the development of practical application of wind energy; if not, why not; if so, what are her department's programmes that are available to support the development of (i) projects on the utilisation of wind energy as a sustainable renewable source of energy and (ii) other forms of sustainable renewable energy;
(2) whether her department has (a) introduced any (i) formal guidelines, (ii) policy directives and (iii) site criteria, (b) published a wind resource map and (c) developed regional wind plans in respect of wind generation projects; if not, (i) why not and (ii) what is the anticipated date by which these projects will be introduced; if so, when will they be made available to the public;
(3) whether her department has put any measures in place to assist provinces, regions and local government to put the necessary plans in place to manage the respective wind energy projects; if not, what is the anticipated date by which these measures will be adopted; if so, what measures? CW416E
Reply
(1) The 2003 White Paper on Renewable Energy policy is currently under review. The updated White Paper on Renewable Energy policy will be submitted for Cabinet approval for public comment by the end of this year.
In March 2009, NERSA announced feed-in tariffs for wind R1.25/kWh, concentrated solar power R2.10/kWh, small hydro R0.94/kWh and landfill gas R0.90/kWh. They announced in October 2009 feed-in tariffs for concentrated solar power with storage R3.14/kWh, grid connected PV ≥ 1 MW, R3.94, biomass R1.18/kWh, biogas R0.96/kWh and concentrated solar power tower with 6 hrs storage/day.
Procurement of renewable energy and cogeneration under the REFIT program is governed by the Regulations on New Generation Capacity (Gov Gazette No 32378). The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP1) was approved in December 2009 and provides for projects under REFIT and MTPPP. The MYPD 2010/11 – 2012/13 provides for funding of these projects in IRP1.
The Renewable Energy Finance and Subsidy Office (REFSO) in the DoE and the Renewable Energy Market Transformation project (REMT), funded by the World Bank, provide financial assistance for projects during the developmental stages.
(2) The Department of Minerals and Energy and Eskom published wind atlases in 1995 and 2001 respectively. A review of these wind atlases concluded:
· "The accuracy of the prediction of wind energy resource at potential sites based on the present wind atlases is very poor. The main reason is the location of the weather measuring masts close to buildings and other obstacles. Therefore the present wind atlases should not be used to predict the energy output at potential sites to be used in feasibility studies."
· "The accuracy of the resource estimates may be improved significantly by establishing a network of high quality wind measurements including at least 30 m masts."
· The review team also noted that as part of the analysis carried out the study indicate that the wind resources at potential sites are of magnitude comparable to the resources of several other locations around the world, which have been exploited for large scale wind power projects.
The South Africa Wind Energy Programme (SAWEP) is funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) with the DoE as the Executing Agency and the UNDP country office the Implementing Agency. The Wind Atlas project is funded by SAWEP (R6.8 million) and the Royal Danish Embassy (RDE) DKK 9,998,441.2.
The Wind Atlas project overcame previous shortcomings by making use of 10x 60m high, properly designed, constructed and instrumentised wind measurement masts, covering areas of the Northern-, Western and Eastern Cape. Data from these wind measurement masts will be used to calibrate and verify models that will be used to develop the Wind Atlas and database. The modelled and verified Wind Atlas and database will be accurate enough to be used for feasibility studies, motivation of bankable projects and national resource planning. The data will be made public through wind data display and data download web sites to be launched at the 2nd Annual Wind Energy Seminar, 28 September 2010. The 1st Wind Atlas and database will be published, 12 months after the wind measurements started at the beginning of 2012.
The development of wind farms is influenced by several factors: renewable energy policy, integrated resource plan, funding, wind resource, land ownership, regulation and legislation, access to the grid, spatial development, environmental sensitive areas, etc.
All wind farm development has to undergo a full EIA process and can only proceed once a positive Record of Decision has been issued. The DoE is supporting an initiative of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs and stakeholders (provincial departments, Eskom, fauna and flora conservation groups etc) in coming up with national guidelines, within a year, that can be used for resource planning and by investors, developers in identifying areas most suitable for wind farm development i.e. areas most likely that a positive RoD will be issued for wind farm development.
Question 322
Mr S J F Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) What number of applications were (a) received and (b) approved by
his department for the (i) Enterprise Investment Programme (EIP) scheme and (ii) Tourism Support Programme (TSP) (aa) in the 2008-09 financial year and (bb) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available in each case and (c) what was the actual turnaround time from the time of application up to when actual pay-out was made;
(2) (a) what was the quantum of pay-outs in the 2008-09 financial year,
(b) what amount was (i) budgeted for the 2009-10 financial year and (ii) paid out at the latest specified date for which information is available and (c) what amount will be budgeted for the 2010-11 financial year;
(3) whether any actual investments materialised as a result of the EIP;
if not, why not; if so, what was/is the (a) quantum, (b) volume, (c) Black Economic Empowerment status and (d) number of (i) foreign and (ii) local investors;
(4) how many (a) job opportunities were created as a direct result of the EIP, (b) EIP applications were received for projects smaller than R5 million and (c) EIP applicants made use of consultants;
(5) what is the quantum of legal costs incurred by his department to defend cases made by aggrieved organisations as a result of the EIP effects (a)(i) in the 2007 -08 and (ii) 2008-09 financial years and (b) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW226E
Response:
(1) The Enterprise Investment Programme (EIP) is designed to stimulate
investment in the manufacturing sector through its sub-programme, the Manufacturing Investment Programme (MIP) and stimulate job creation and a geographic spread of tourism investment through the Tourism Support Programme (TSP).
The following projects were approved for the EIP:
| August 2008 - March 2009 | April 2009 - February: 2010 | Total | ||||
| Category | MIP | TSP | MIP | TSP | EIP | |
| Applications Received | 205 | 138 | 394 | 339 | 1076 | |
| Applications Approved | 138 | 76 | 137 | 89 | 440 | |
| Applications Rejected | 31 | 28 | 26 | 17 | 102 | |
| Projected Investment for approved projects | R4bn | R 1 4bn | R5.8bn | R1.7bn | ||
534 applications are still in the process of being assessed.
Projects have to apply before they start production/operation and can only submit claims after start of production, as the grant disbursement is performance based, i.e. projects need to meet agreed criteria of minimum investment levels; jobs and BEE.
Actual turnaround time from project approval to disbursement will differ from project to project as it is dependent on project start of operations and the financial year end of each entity. Projects can submit their 1st half-year claims 6 months after start of production and their 1st full year claim at the end of their 1st financial year as soon as their financial statements have been certified by an auditor.
Not enough disbursements have been made yet to enable meaningful statistics to be provided of turnaround times from point of application to payout. But by way of example one amongst the first few companies that were approved in the EIP had a total turnaround time of 15 months from receipt of application to the 1st disbursement. The complete application was received in September 2008 and the start of production was in Nov 2008. The dti received the claim for the 1st disbursement in October 2008 and the claim was paid in December 2009.
(2) (a) No payouts were made in 2008/09 as the programme began taking applications in August 2008 and the 1st approvals were in February 09.
When project apply for funding, their applications are evaluated, and once they are approved, only then do they make the approved investment. Therefore none of the projects approved in 2008/09 were at a stage where they could claim, as they had not yet completed six months of production.
(b) R246m was budgeted for 2009/10.This figure was revised to R6m during the budget adjustment period in August. As at the end of February 2009, R863, 000 had been paid out to projects. It is not unusual for disbursements to pick up slowly in schemes of this nature. During the 1st year of the SMEDP, disbursements were similarly small. Disbursements for the SMEDP in 2009/10 were more than R1 bn.
(c) R347m has been budgeted for 2010/11. It is expected that most of these funds will be spent, as quite a substantial number of projects will be in a position to submit claims for their 1st disbursements.
(a) Of the 440 approved projects, 178 have confirmed with the department that they have already started production/operation.
(b) All the TSP projects are expected to have at minimum level 4 BEE contributor statuses by the end of the first year of operation. Of the approved MIP projects, 64% have already or are expected to achieve level 4 BEE contributor status by the end of the first year of production; 15% are projected to have between level 5 and 8 contributor status and 21 % are expected to be non compliant to the BEE codes.
(c) The EIP has approved 17 wholly foreign owned projects and 10 projects with majority foreign shareholding.
(d) 403 approved projects are by local investors (with an additional 10 that are joint ventures with foreign investors).
(4) (a) The approved projects have projected to create a total of 16,127 jobs.
The actual jobs created will be verified at the claim stage, as meeting the creation of projected jobs is one of the conditions for grant disbursement.
(b) 537 applications were received for projects of R5m and below.
(c) Approximately 58% of the firms used consultants to submit their applications. Although access criteria and processes are simplified as much as possible to enable companies to submit applications without resorting to the use of consultants, some companies, especially larger ones use their tax consultants and or their accounting firms in compiling applications as the skill involved in compiling is similar to that of the services for which they already obtain specialist services from consultants. Applicants may approach the dti for assistance to apply or claim for an incentive grant and are not required to make use of services of a consultant.
(5) No legal costs have been incurred by the dti in defending any decisions made under the EIP.
QUESTION NO 323
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 FEBRUARY 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4- 2010)
Date reply submitted : 24 March 2010
323. Mrs D A Schäfer (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) How many DNA samples (a) have been tested on the Global Automated Forensic Analyses System Process since the machine was first received from the European Union, (b)(i) samples in total and (ii) different types of samples have been analysed in each year since the machine was first put into operation and (c) is the machine able to process in one month;
(2) whether the machine is used to its maximum capacity; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) how many persons are fully trained to operate the machine;
(4) whether a person was specifically flown in from Europe shortly before the oversight visit of the Portfolio Committee on Police in January 2010; if so, (a) who and (b) for what purpose?
NW276E
REPLY:
(1)(a) 64 505
(1)(b)(i) 64 505
(1)(b)(ii)
| 2006 FROM SEPT | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 JAN-FEB | |
| Samples | 1 570 | 10 869 | 17 033 | 29 360 | 5 673 |
The GSPS was originally developed to analyze different types of samples such as blood, saliva & semen each with their own different analyzing processes. In order to improve the efficiency of case work, the GSPS has been optimized to analyze only post coital (semen) swabs with one kind of analyses process. Since January 2009 only post coital semen swabs are therefore submitted to the GSPS for analyses.
(1)(c) The target that has been set for the average number of samples to be analysed during 2010 is 3 200 samples/month (800/week)
(2) The Genetic Sample Processing System is currently being used to its full capacity i.e. 3 200 samples/month
(3) All personnel working with the GSPS is assigned to different user groups. Each group has its own tasks, responsibilities, and designated access rights to restricted access areas and operating software. The number of persons trained, and still part of the FSL, according to the different groups are as follows:
GSPS submission: 6
GSPS plant preparations: 5
(4)(a) SAPS has a service level agreement with different companies to oversee the functionality of the GSPS. Employees attached to these companies are based in South Africa and in Germany. The GSPS was visited by Hans Kunz and Micheal Dahms of the company Tecan software group from Germany.
(4)(b) Their visit was part of standard SPS database maintenance session forming part of the existing service level agreement. Visits like these are scheduled for at least twice a year to follow-up on operational matters and to perform the necessary updates and upgrades by the Tecan software group. This particular visit has already been discussed & finalized during November 2009.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
(For written reply)
QUESTION NO. 323. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 CW418EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 September 2010
Mrs E C van Lingen (DA-EC) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether she has formulated a policy to ensure that the locations which are under the sustainable renewable energy sources are managed in an ecologically sound and environmentally friendly manner; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) (a) what steps has her department taken to assist (i) provinces, (ii) regions and (iii) local government to (aa) identify sites for the projects and (bb) keep a balance between scenic value of landscapes as opposed to visually compromised landscapes and (b) what are the relevant details regarding the development of the guidelines;
(3) (a) what is her department doing in terms of (i)(aa) formal guidelines and (bb) policy directives, (ii) acceptance of Regional Wind Plans, (iii) inclusion of the Regional wind plans in Strategic Environmental Assessments, (iv) Regional Landscape Character Assessments and (v) specific zonation of wind generation projects in local, regional and provincial spatial development frameworks and (b) when will these be made available to the public?
Mrs E C van Lingen (DA-EC) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS323. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) No policy has as yet been formulated. However, as part of all environmental impact assessment (EIA) applications submitted for approval, a thorough assessment of all impacts must be done and in addition an environmental management programme must be submitted. These are also considered by the authorities. Proper environmentally friendly and ecologically sound management procedures and requirements are provided for in these documents. This is a requirement in terms of the relevant EIA Regulations.
(2) (a) The national Department of Environmental Affairs has developed a project proposal to identify areas that will be suitable for wind energy installations in Kwazulu Natal, the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape. Environmental management frameworks have also been developed in certain parts of these provinces.
(i) (ii) (iii) Provinces, regions and local government will have access to this documentation and (aa) it will help to identify sites that (bb) meet the criteria to be suitable for such installations. All criteria relevant to the siting of wind energy installations will be addressed in this project, ranging from ecological and scenic aspects, to the availability of wind and the connectivity to the national energy distribution network. This project will include all role players, and the information generated will be made available to all.
(b) The project has not yet commenced, but it is envisaged that the first phase will be completed in 12 months and that it will be funded by the Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ). These negotiations are underway.
(3) Refer to information provided in (2) above. In addition, the Department is busy with the development of a renewable energy sector guideline (wind and solar). The terms of reference for this project have been approved. The service provider will be appointed before the end of this year and the technical process to develop the guideline will commence during the next financial year. The purpose of the guideline is to provide a relevant and necessary guide to stakeholders in the energy sector on the authorization requirements. The guideline should further provide a common understanding of applicable listed activities; impacts (that trigger listed activities) typically associated with the sector; best practice requirements of sector, including information on acceptable mitigation and management measures; information on levels of acceptable changes etc.
QUESTION NUMBER 324
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 FEBRUARY 2010Mr N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister of Finance:
(1) (a) What (i) has caused the delay in the disbandment of the anti-smuggling unit (AST) of the SA Revenue Service (SARS) (details furnished), (ii) final date has been set for its closure and (iii) will happen to the AST officers who do not join the Customs Border Control Unit (CBCU) and (b) where will these AST officers be redeployed;
(2) whether they will be provided with training to assist them in their redeployment elsewhere within SARS?
NW314E
REPLY:
(1) (a) (i) There was no delay in the disbandment of the Anti-Smuggling Teams (AST).
The Anti-Smuggling Teams were phased out over a period of time following the introduction of the Customs Border Control Unit (CBCU) in 2008 into which most AST members were incorporated, dependent on them completing CBCU training and being deployed. All existing Anti-Smuggling operations ceased during the week ending 11th December 2009. The final AST members to be incorporated into the CBCU will occur by mid March 2010 when they commence their training.
(ii) All existing Anti-Smuggling operations ceased during the week ending 11th December 2009.
(iii) Those officers that elected not to accept offers to join the Customs Border Control Unit (CBCU) have as an interim measure been deployed into critical and essential operational areas. For example, many former AST officers are currently seconded to the various branches for year-end Revenue Campaign initiatives and activities. These secondments were done in terms of the existing HR Secondment policy.
(b) Permanent placement will take place on an individual basis to ensure "goodness of fit" between each individual and the new position. Where skills and competency gaps are identified between current and future roles and jobs, staff will be re-skilled and retrained.
(2) As noted above, individual skills will be assessed in the process of redeployment and, where possible, staff will be placed in roles for which they have the requisite skills. Where additional skills and competencies are required, staff will be re-skilled and retrained to address the gaps and to meet the requirements of the new jobs.
QUESTION NO: 325
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 February 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 4
DATE OF REPLY: 12 March 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) (a) What steps have been taken to recover the R33 million lost through fraud and theft as indicated in the Annual Report of the SA Broadcasting Corporation for the 2008-09 financial year, (b) what are the details of each claim that was instituted against the SABC and (c) what progress can be reported on legal settlements reached with companies in respect of such claims;
(2) whether the SABC has settled all outstanding accounts with (a) producers and (b) artists; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
NW332E
REPLY:
(1) I was informed by the SABC that processes have been put in place to determine whether any offences have been committed by one or more staff members and that the corporation is consequently following due process in terms of the all relevant laws.
(2) I was further informed by the SABC that although some outstanding accounts with (a) producers and (b) artists have been settled , there are still a number of these accounts outstanding due to the fact that the SABC requested verification reports and other contract deliverables.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 318
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03/09/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24-2010)
Mr M J R de Villiers (DA-WC) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether all provincial departments of education have complied with the provisions of the Division of Revenue Act, Act 12 of 2009, in the 2009-10 financial year; if not, (a) which provincial departments have failed to comply and (b) what are the details of non-compliance in each case; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any measures were being taken to bring the non-compliant provinces in line with the provisions of the said act; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether she will make a statement on the non-compliance of certain provincial departments? CW413E
REPLY
1. All Provincial Education Departments complied with section 12 of the Division of Revenue Act, 2009 by submitting monthly and quarterly reports to the national Minister of Basic Education as required.
2. Not applicable
3. Not applicable