Questions & Replies: Questions & Replies No 751 to 775
2010-04-08
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[PMG note: Replies are inserted as soon as they are provided by the Minister]
QUESTION NO: 752PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 7 OF 15 MARCH 2010
Mr LS Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
Whether her department's revised strategic objectives have over the past ten months established the SA Development Partnership Agency and made it fully operational; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY:
The establishment of the South African Development Partnership Agency was reflected in the Strategic Plan of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for 2009-2010 and is also reflected in the 2010-2013 Departmental Strategic Plan. During the past year, the Department developed the conceptual framework of the South African Development Partnership Agency. During the current financial year, work is underway to develop the operational design of the Agency. It is anticipated that once the operational design has been finalised and approved by Cabinet, the necessary process of enacting the Agency into law will follow.
QUESTION NO: 754
Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:
Whether, in the exercise designed to effect cost savings and cost-effective service delivery, she has taken any steps to ensure that her department adheres to the strict application of the procurement process; if not, why not; if so, what (a) guidelines were formulated over and above the norm, (b) mechanisms were put in place to ensure effective and consistent monitoring and (c) measures were taken to ensure that no procurements were made through tenders without following the full process?
NW883E
REPLY
(a) The norm for Procurement is set out by National Treasury in the form of the following :
- Section 217 of the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996)
- Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999 as amended by Act 29 of 1999)
- Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000 (Act 5 of 2000) and its Regulations
- Treasury Regulations for Departments, entities, constitutional institutions and public entities with specific reference to Part 6, 16A.
- Guide for Accounting Officers/Authorities
- Practice Notes issued from time to time by National Treasury
- Public Private Partnerships Guidelines issued by National Treasury
Over and above the afore-mentioned, this Department has an approved policy and procedure document accordingly, namely :
- Supply Chain Management Policy Document in respect of Procurement
- Supply Chain Management User Manual : Directives in respect of Procurement
- Delegated Powers for the procurement/provisioning of goods, works and services in terms of Treasury Regulations Part 6, chapter 16A
- Specific Delegated Powers in terms of Treasury Regulations Part 6, paragraph 16A.6.4
In addition to the above the Department has compiled a Quick Guide to role-players providing them with an outline of the process to be followed to satisfy their needs.
To ensure access to all the respective role-players within the Department, all approved Policies and Procedures are available on the Directorates Homepage on the Correctional Services Intranet.
Amendments to the above-mentioned prescripts are immediately communicated to officials per letter/e-mail, and the Intranet is updated.
(b) Monitoring forms part of the Strategic Plan of the Department.
Monitoring is executed at National Level as well as at Regional Level by the Internal Audit, Inspectorate and officials from Supply Chain Management.
To ensure effective monitoring, a document/tool has been compiled and is updated regularly for monitoring purposes.
(c) A checklist to cover the full procurement process has been implemented to ensure compliance to all bidding aspects. The checklist is utilised for all tendering/bidding processes to strengthen compliance. Procurement officials are obliged to update this checklist continuously throughout the tendering/bidding process to ensure that none of the steps are neglected (left out).
Functional approval is obtained from the Accounting Officer / his deputies as an initial step to kick start bidding processes.
Different committees are put in place such as Bid Specification Committees, Bid Evaluation Committees and Bid Adjudication Committees, appointed in writing by the Accounting Officer in line with Treasury Regulations Part 6, chapter 16A.
All submissions of recommendations by Bid Evaluation Committees are checked by SCM officials for compliance with prescripts before they can be tabled to Bid Adjudication Committees for approval in line with departmental delegated powers.
To promote compliance, Procurement Administration Courses are annually presented internally to SCM officials.
Circulars and notices are issued to inform all officials within Correctional Services that upon the detection of any irregular expenditure, it must be reported to the National Office (Directorate Procurement). All cases of irregular expenditure must be investigated and disciplinary actions taken where necessary.
A notice was placed in the Government Tender Bulletin and the most widely read media that payments will not be effected to Service Providers who rendered services to the Department without being in possession of the government official order. The intention of this measure is to ensure that the full process is adhered to.
Question no: 755
Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:
Whether, in effecting cost-savings and cost-effective service delivery, consideration was
given to (a) terminating or (b) not renewing any lease agreements; if not, why not; if so,
what are the relevant details?
NW884 E
REPLY
(a) + (b) No
QUESTION NO: 756
Ms Blaai (COPE) to ask Minister of Correctional Services:
Whether she conducted an investigation to establish (a) how and(b) why rentals were incorrectly deducted from staff members in the 2008-09 financial year, resulting in the revenue falling below the mark for the 2007-08 financial year; if not, why not; if so (i) where did the fault lie, (ii) why were the rentals incorrectly deducted and (iii) on what basis was the determination made that the rentals were incorrect?
NW885E
REPLY:
(a) An investigation was unnecessary and was therefore not conducted.
(b)
(i) Due to an oversight by National treasury during the general increase in rent that was done programmatically;
(ii) The provisions of PartIII: State and other housing, of the Determination on Housing, July 2007, as communicated under letter 17/8/P dated 21 August 2007 refers. Since the implementation of the new housing allowance scheme and Resolutiokn3 of 1999, it was indicated that the provisions on the PartIII: State and other housing clause 2.1.2 does not apply if:
"The employee concerned is not a member of SANDF, SAPS and Correctional Services".
(iii) Before the programmatic increase done on Persal with effect from 01 January 2007, the above-mentioned Departments paid 1% of the official's basic salary for married accommodation to a maximum of R200-00 per month. Due to the afore-mentioned the officials did not receive housing allowance. The matter was referred to the Department of Public Service and Administration on 17 November 2007, to obtain clarity regarding the increase tariffs that was deducted. On 07 July 2008, Department of Public Service and Administration indicated that reason for the implementation against the Department of Correctional Services is not clear. It could be that during the implementation, Correctional Services was not identified and isolated from the general increase. The matter has been referred to Persal Directorate, for rectification by the National Treasury. The amendment was done on Persal and the officials on salary levels 2-12 were refunded during the 2008/ 089 financial year..
QUESTION NO 757
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 30 MARCH 2010
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: MONDAY, 15 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 7 – 2010)
Mr L J Tolo (COPE) asked the Minister of Transport:
Why are (a) graders no longer in operation to grade gravel shoulders of roads at a level with the asphalt and (b) regular maintenance routines not being carried out to maintain roads? NW886E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(a) and (b)
This does not apply to our national roads because all of these roads are paved. One of our challenges is that much of the budget allocation for the construction and maintenance of road infrastructure is done on an equitable share basis. These budget allocations are utilized to address other provincial and local priorities and not roads, which has resulted in a lack or inadequate maintenance to the road network. We are therefore in discussions with National Treasury so see how we can effectively move to ring-fence funding for roads and other forms of infrastructure. In the meantime, we have partnered with the Provinces and Municipalities to optimize on service delivery programs, especially with regards to road maintenance.
QUESTION 758
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 15 March 2010
Internal question paper no: 7
Mr L J Tolo (Cope) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(a) Why is the social grant of a certain family of orphans (details furnished) no longer available to them after their mother's death and (b) what structures are in place to make sure that (i) their grant is reinstated and (ii) all moneys owed to them from the date it was stopped to the date of its reinstatement are duly paid out to the family? NW887E
REPLY:
(a) The primary caregiver who was the mother, passed away on 24 November 2008. At the end of every month the SOCPEN system interfaces with the HANIS system from the Department of Home Affairs and all deceased beneficiaries are programmatically lapsed on the system. In this particular instance, the said family unfortunately did not inform SASSA about their unfortunate state of affairs. Upon receipt of this information on 11 March 2010, SASSA immediately conducted a visit to the said family.
(b) On Friday, 12 March 2010 and Tuesday, 16 March 2010 respectively, SASSA visited the said family to ascertain the situation and to assist and verify if the family had all the necessary documentation. Observing the circumstances in which the family was, SASSA immediately provided with food parcels in terms of the Social Relief of Distress Policy (SRD).
(i) A new primary caregiver was appointed for the five children as two out of the total seven children are in receipt of their grants. The Child Support Grant (CSG) has been reinstated for the five children on 19 March 2010.
(ii) The CSG in respect of the five children was stopped in December 2008 and subsequently reinstated on 19 March 2010 (as indicated above). The arrears in total amounting to R15 280.00 will be paid to the primary caregiver during the April 2010 payment cycle.
The said children were receiving CSG when their mother was alive but now that she is deceased, they do qualify for the Foster Care Grant (FCG), which amount is higher than that of CSG. The social worker in the vicinity was approached and requested to evaluate and advise. An appointment was secured for 17 March 2010 and upon investigations the social worker advised SASSA that the case will be presented to court before 31 March 2010. Once the court proceedings are finalised, SASSA will amend the grant type from CSG to FCG.
QUESTION NO: 760
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 March 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 7
DATE OF REPLY: 19 March 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) (a) How many disciplinary processes have been instituted in his department since 1 September 2009, (b) against (i) which officials and (ii) on what grounds and (c) what was the material loss to the department in respect of each official;
(2) whether his department engaged the services of the Auditor-General to determine the extent of the alleged irregularities; if not, why not;
(3) (a) which firm(s) was/were appointed to conduct investigations, (b) what was their brief in respect of each case, (c) what process was followed to appoint a chairperson for the disciplinary committee in each case, (d) what are the (i) names and (ii) designations of the persons who constituted the disciplinary committee in each case, (e) when did the disciplinary hearing of each official take place, (f) who rendered legal advice to the disciplinary committees and (g) what was the outcome in each case?
NW889E
REPLY:
Please read the reply together with the reply for Question 643
(1) (a) Twenty six (26) disciplinary processes have been instituted in the Department from 2008 to 2010.
(b)(i): This information cannot be provided as it requires personal information of the officials. The employer is restricted to disclose certain information in terms of Section 16(5) of the Labour Relations Act (No 66 of 1995). In addition, Part 2, Chapter 4 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (No 2 of 2000) provides mandatory protection of privacy of a third party who is a natural person. The information officer of a public body must refuse a request for access to a record of that public body, if the disclosure would involve the unreasonable disclosure of personal information about a third party, including a deceased individual. Any such information may only be provided if the applicants (third parties) have consented in writing to the disclosure of information, the information being available publicly and they have been informed.
(ii): The grounds for the disciplinary processes can be summarised as follows:
· Non-compliance with departmental policies and procedures – 2 cases
· Distruptive behaviour - 1 case
· Wrong documents to Executive Authoruty -1 case
· Insubordination 4 cases
· Absenteeism -1 case
· Irregularities -12 cases
· Fraud -1 case
· Dishonesty – 4 cases
(c) Most of the charges are not quantifiable in monetary terms, and as such we are unable to indicate material loss suffered by the Department.
(2) The Department followed its internal disciplinary process, as prescribed by its internal policy in this regard as well as that of the Public Service.
(3) (a) The names of private companies which were appointed to conduct investigaiton cannot be disclosed n terms of Chapter 4 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (No 2 of 2000). This Act prescribes that an information officer must refuse a request for access to a record of that public body, if the disclosure thereof would constitute a breach of a duty of confidence owed to a third party in terms of an agreement, and if disclosed, could prejudice the future supply of similar information or information from the same source; and it is in the public interest that the information from the same source continue to be supplied. However, it can be mentioned that the Public Service Commission did conduct investigations.
(b), (d), (e), (f) and (g): Please refer to the reply in (b)(i) above.
(c) The processes followed in the appointment of a chairperson for the disciplinary committee in each case were prescribed by the Department's internal Procurement Procedures and Disciplinary Procedures as well as the Senior Management Service (SMS) Handbook of the Department of Public Service and Administration.
QUESTION NUMBER 761
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 12 MARCH 2010
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Finance:
(1) Whether any provinces have overspent their 2009-10 budgets; if so, by how much in each case,
(2) whether it will impact on service delivery; if not, why not; if so, how?
NW893E
REPLY:
(1) The preliminary outcomes for 2009/10 will only be available on 22 April 2010.
However, the latest expenditure numbers as at 28 February 2010 suggest that provinces will over spend in aggregate by R2.8 billion, Le. Eastern Cape (R765 m);Gauteng (R1.3 b);KwaZulu-Natal (R1.6 b);Limpopo (R69 m); Mpumalanga (R5 m) and North West (R366 m).
(2) Final data on expenditure is not yet available for the 2009/10 financial year; however
should there be any over expenditure it will have an impact on service delivery in the 2010/11 financial year as less funds will be available to implement planned programmes.
QUESTION NO: 762
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 07 OF 15 March 2010
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
What is the amount of unpaid bills for services rendered for each province by service providers as at 28 February 2010? NW894E
Reply
The Ministry and Department of Cooperative Govemance and Traditiona! Affairs is in consultation with the provinces on this matter. The question will be responded to once all the infonnation has been co!lected.
QUESTION NUMBER 763
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 12 MARCH 2010
Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:
(1) Whether certain companies (names furnished) are registered as tax-paying entities with the SA Revenue Service (SARS); if so, when was each company registered as such;
(2) whether his department has taken any steps to ascertain the tax compliancy of these companies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether his department has taken any steps to recover outstanding tax from these companies; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW895E
REPLY:
Due to the strict confidentiality provisions contained in tax and customs legislation, it is not possible to provide any details regarding the tax status of any taxpayer.
QUESTION NO. 764 (NW896 E ) FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Honorable Mr. VB Ndlovu to ask the Minister of Labour:
1. Whether Government Departments are making use of labour brokers, If so why
2. Whether any of these labour brokers have been found guilty of breaking the labour laws, If so what are the details?
3. What is Government's policy regarding the use of labour brokers.
The Minister of Labour replied:(1) Honorable member, in the past in this house I have alluded to the fact that the use so-called labour brokers cut across all sectors in the labour market. I am sure that the honourable member is not expecting me to explain reasons why certain Government Departments use labour brokers. Such question will be best answered by such Departments.
(2) There are many of these so-called labour brokers that have been found guilty of flouting our labour laws. However, the challenge is that some of them do not even have offices. When my Department and the CCMA want to enforce our labour laws and determinations, they are no- where to be found. I think you will agree with me that it is cumbersome to enforce the legislation in an environment where the employer is either not known or does not have a workplace.
(3) None of our Labour Laws defines labour broking. We are dealing with unintended consequences of the law that regulate temporary employment services. That is why my Department has triggered the process of amending the legislation to deal with the problem of labour broking.
QUESTION NUMBER 766
DATE OF PUBLICATION 15 MARCH 2010
766. Mr N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister in the Presidency: National Planning Commission:
(1) (a) How many applications have been received for appointment to the Planning Commission and (b) in what areas of expertise;
(2) whether candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, who will be responsible for the short-listing and interviewing of applicants;
(3) what (a) timeframes and (b) terms of reference have been set;
(4) whether Parliament will play any role in the appointment of the
Commissioners; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether he will make a statement on the matter? NW898E
Reply:
(1) (a) 1279
(b) The broad areas of expertise include among others, the following:
| • | Applied sciences | ||
| • | Business | ||
| • | Economics | ||
| • | Managerial | ||
| • | Planning | ||
| • | Natural sciences | ||
| • | Engineering | ||
| • | Sociology | ||
| • | Technology/ Innovation | ||
| • | Medical | ||
• Skills development in the built environment
Included among these categories of expertise are diverse areas of specialisation as well as a wide-range of experience in the respective fields.
(2) The President will appoint the Commissioners based on their experience, knowledge and expertise in various fields as stated in the revised Green Paper: National Planning Commission published on 2 February 2010.
(3) (a) It is envisaged that the President will announce the names of the Commissioners by 31 March 2010.
(b) The terms of reference for the role and composition of the National Planning Commission is contained in the revised Green Paper.
(4) No. The appointment of the Commissioners is an Executive responsibility entrusted to the President.
(5) It envisaged that Parliament will be the key facilitator of a national dialogue on the long-term vision and strategic plan for the country. The legitimacy, credibility and constitutionally mandated role of Parliament will provide the ideal platform from which to draw in a diverse range of comments from South Africans during the process of developing a national vision.
In addition, Parliament's role of holding the Executive accountable for the implementation of government's policies and decisions will be crucial in the manner that it performs oversight over the Executive function of planning and the development of a national strategic plan, in particular.
QUESTION NUMBER 767
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 7 OF 2010
Date reply submitted: 08 June 2010
767. Ms S P Lebenya-Ntanzi (IFP) to ask the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities:
Whether her department has launched any job and entrepreneurship programmes since 11 May 2009 aimed at empowering rural woman; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW899E
REPLY
As part of its strategic plan for 2010-2013, the DWCPD intends to focus on the empowerment of rural women through several initiatives in collaboration with related government departments. This includes focusing on women and cross border trade which the DWCPD is in the process of coordinating a plan of action for South Africa as part of a pilot project initiated by SADC. The department is working with a number of departmental GFPs and once the plan is finalized, it will be presented at the Ministerial level for buy-in and implementation by line function departments focusing on rural issues.
The department is also looking at issues of cooperatives, stokvels and the empowerment fund over the three year MTEF period, but will also look at issues of violence against women, including trafficking as related to rural women. In addition, the gender equality bill that will speak to the 50/50 issue will aim to promote women in decision-making to rural women in developmental programmes.
One of the strategic priorities for the DWCPD is that of economic empowerment of rural women, especially through entrepreneurial activities and the promotion of decent work for women.
QUESTION NUMBER 768
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 March 2010
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 7 OF 2010
Date reply submitted: 08 June 2010
768. Ms S P Lebenya-Ntanzi (IFP) to ask the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities:
Whether her department has launched information and education programmes in rural areas, aimed at fighting poverty and empowering women worldwide, on International Women's Day, 8 March 2010; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW900E
REPLY
The DWCPD has been working in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy President and other departments on the National War on Poverty Campaign, making site visits and ensuring that, where challenges exist these are being addressed as far as is possible. The DWCPD acknowledges that some issues that impact on poverty levels such as alcoholism, drugs, patriarchy and stereotyping of women, as well as harmful traditional practices on women and girls persist; and are more challenging to address and to find quick win solutions. These are issues that will need more information and education programmes as the Honourable MP rightly asserts.
However, the Honourable MP has to also be aware that, the DWCPD has been in the process of establishing itself as well as defining its strategic plan and direction going forward. As part of this process, the DWCPD has identified the empowerment of rural women as one its priority areas and will therefore be undertaking programmes of this nature in the future.
On the issue of launching these programmes on International Women's Day 2010, the DWCPD collaborated with National Parliament on marking this day. The focus was on women's economic empowerment through the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
QUESTION NO: 769
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 07 OF 15 March 2010
Mr N Singh (lFP) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) What are the reasons why the Umhlabuyalingana municipality in KwaZulu-Natal spent only 9,7% of the municipal infrastructure grant of the R10 268 000 that was transferred to them with regard to the 2008-09 financial year (details furnished);
(2) Whether there were valid reasons for a rollover to be granted; if not, why not; if so, on what grounds;
(3) What was the purpose of the grant? NW901E
Reply
1) In order to determine the reasons for the consistently poor expenditure of Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality during the 2008/2009 financial year a Task Team was formed. Following meetings as well as site visits to Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) projects in the municipality the following reasons were reported;
2) During the 2009/2010 financial year, the municipality was able to disclose all the necessary outstanding information and supporting documentation in terms of payments on MIG projects and site visits were carried out to verify progress made on projects. MIG expenditure figures showed gradual improvement over the course of the financial year and as at end February 2010 Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality has spent 92 percent of their allocation of R14 million. As a result of this improvement, it was decided to re-allocate their stopped funds back to the municipality in order for the communities to benefit from the provision of basic services as intended by the grant.
3) The purpose of the MIG grant to all municipalities is to provide at least up to a basic level of service, to the poorer communities in South Africa.
QUESTION NO: 770
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 07 OF 15 March 2010
Mr N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) What are the reasons why the Eden municipality in the Western Cape spent only 9,4% of the municipal infrastructure grant of the R37 492 000 that was transferred to them with regard to the 2008-09 financial year (details furnished);
(2) Whether there were valid reasons for a rollover to be granted; if not, why not; if so, on what grounds;
(3) What was the purpose of the grant? NW902E
Reply
(1) The 2008/9 Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) allocation to Eden District Municipality as per the April 2008 Gazette was R3,542,000, The additional R33,950,000 was only published to the December 2008 Gazette, and it was for the Disaster relief funding, of which the municipality had applied for following the flood damage, The funds were only transferred to the municipality in months of February and March 2009, only two months towards the end of the National financial year,
It could therefore not be expected that the municipality would be able to implement a sustainable project to the value of R33 million rand within two months, It should also be noted that the municipality had already spent 100% of their original MIG allocation by end of the financial year.
(2) The purpose of the Grants:
- Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) R3, 542, 000 - To supplement the provision of Infrastructure to provide basic services to the poor.
- Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Disaster Relief - To rebuild the infrastructure damaged by flood.
QUESTION NO.:771
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 March 2010
Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1) Whether, in view of Eskom's preparedness for an economic upturn, national power outages are envisaged; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) when, (b) why and (c) what steps have been taken to mitigate this;
(2) whether Eskom has sufficient quantities of coal stockpiled to ensure power stations will not run short of coal; if not, (a) why not and (b) what steps has she taken to avoid running short of coal? NW904E
REPLY
1 (a-c) Eskom is confident that with its current preparations it will meet the current electricity demand in particular the needs of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As demand continues to increase in 2011 and 2012, the supply-demand balance will become tighter until the next base load power station, Medupi, is commissioned. An intensive energy efficiency campaign is needed over the next 3 years to ensure the risk of power supply interruptions is minimised and adequate margins are created to ensure the generation plant is maintained to adequate levels. In addition, Eskom intends to sign up co-generation and renewable energy IPPs in the next 3 years as provided for in the first version of the Integrated Resource Plan.
2 (a-b) Yes, Eskom has sufficient coal to ensure power supply. Eskom's target operating system stockpile level was 42 days by 30 April 2010. As at 15 March 2010, system stock levels were at 36.9 days and Eskom is building up towards the target. In line with coal sourcing strategy, coal supply will continue from long-term and new medium-term coal contracts that will start in April 2010.
QUESTION NO 772
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 MARCH 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 7- 2010)
Date reply submitted : 19 April 2010
Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) What is the status of internal police document Standing Order 156 – Media Communications which provides that journalists may ask any member of the SA Police Service for information and that they are free to give this information if the question falls within their field of expertise or responsibility and it does not jeopardise a case;
(2) whether (a) communications officers at all police stations in KwaZulu-Natal have been excluded from Standing Order 156 and (b) all comment must come from the provincial Director of Communications; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, (i) why and (ii) what are the further relevant details in each case?
NW905E
REPLY:
(1) The South African Police Service is an open and transparent organisation and the media may approach any member for information. However, no member other than an officially appointed media liaison official or spokesperson is obliged to communicate with the media, including members within whose field of expertise or responsibility the question falls. In all instances members must first be granted authority by their commanders to speak to the media.
(2) No member may prevent a media liaison official from obtaining relevant and requested information where such information will not detrimentally affect the Service in the performance of its function.
(2)(a) No. Standing Order 156 applies to all members of the SAPS without exception.
(2)(b) No. The Provincial Head of Communication KwaZulu-Natal is assisted by appointed media liaison officials or spokespersons at the provincial level only. The authority to speak to the media does not extend to station level. It is important to note that Standing Order 156 is currently being reviewed in the best interest of the public. The National Commissioner has established a Task team in this regard.
QUESTION NO.:773
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 March 2010
773. Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1)Whether Eskom will be able to fund its planned 100MW concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in Upington in the near and medium future which initially had to be placed on hold because of financial constraints; if not,
(2)whether the Government plans to pursue any alternative route to having a CSP plant operational in the near future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW906E
REPLY
(1-2) The funding for the CSP is part of the current application to the World Bank. The application includes part funding for the 100MW CSP plant near Upington, the 100MW Sere wind plant on the West Coast and the Majuba road-to-rail coal transport conversion. The balance of the funding for the CSP plant will be sourced from co-financing agreements which have already been identified.
As such we are confident that the funding for the plant will be secured in the near future and no alternative funding routes are necessary.
Question No. 774 (NW 907 E)
Mrs I C Ditshetelo (UCDP) to ask the Minister of Labour:
Whether, with reference to the training lay-off scheme of which only R10 million of the R6 billion was spent, (a) any steps will be taken to make the scheme more effective and (b) any alternative measures could be used to ensure that the resources benefit the targeted people; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW907E
The Minister replied
(a) We have set aside R2, 4 billion for the Training Lay-Off Scheme and not R6 billion.
(b) The Department has the following programmes and interventions to assist people who are loosing their jobs:
· The Unemployment Insurance Fund continues to pay all registered contributors who lost their jobs as a result of retrenchment and dismissals. R5, 1 billion was set aside to cover about R700 000 people who are retrenched, dismissed, on maternity leave, illness, adoption and death during the 2010 /11 financial year.
· We have set aside R2, 4 billion under the Training Lay Off Scheme for companies that are willing to participate in alternatives training schemes in stead of retrenching their workers.
· The department has invested in excess of R39 billion UIF contributions and R7, 2 billion compensation fund with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) to use these funds towards major government and private sector projects. It is our belief that a lot of South Africans will benefit from employment generated by these projects.
· The Department continues to register all retrenched workers as work seekers and continuously place them in projects that emerge, further learning programmes and employment.
· We have launched a pilot project involving 740 retrenched and unemployed learners at a cost of about R50 million. The project aims to test how best the UIF can facilitate re-entry into employment.
· We also provide company turn around services through Productivity SA to save jobs in companies that are likely to close and social plan intervention as alternative measures in case turn around strategies have failed.
· During 2009/10 and 2010/11 financial years my Department provided an amount of R2 billion to the Industrial Development Co-oporation (IDC) to in turn invest in industries that are willing to save jobs or to invest in new job creation ventures.
Question No. 775 ( NW 908 E )
Mrs I C Ditshetelo (UCDP) to ask the Minister of Labour:
Whether any interventions are planned for the 900 000 individuals who lost their jobs last year and their families; if not, why not; if so, what are the interventions? NW908E
The Minister replied
We do not have details of the 900 000 people who lost their jobs.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund continues to pay all registered contributors who lost their jobs as a result of retrenchment and dismissals. R5, 1 billion was set aside to cover about 700 000 people who are retrenched, dismissed, on maternity leave, illness, adoption and death during the 2010 /11 financial year.