Questions & Replies: Questions & Replies No 926 to 950

(2) Yes, the programme is benefiting the Mkanyakude District Municipality. A R126.7 million project is under construction to take water from the Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Scheme to Hlabisa in order to provide the communities with a sustainable and cost effective bulk water supply which will, once completed, benefit a population of 56453 people (8065 households). An amount of R55.5 million has been provided in the 2010 MTEF to commence with the bulk water supply for the Dukuduku resettlement project which is at present in the planning phase.

(3) Two tenders have thus far been awarded for the R163 million Mandlakazi Bulk Water supply Project which includes the augmentation of Water Treatment Works, upgrading of 3 (three) pump stations, construction of 3 (three) service and 6 (six) supply zone reservoirs. Water for this project is supplied from the Pongolapoort Dam which will eventually benefit a population 21 945 people (3195 households). The Hlabisa Bulk water supply scheme is dependant on the timely completion of the Mandlakazi project. An amount of R62.5 million has also been set aside in the 2010 MTEF for the Pongolapoort Bulk Supply project which will provide water to the villages in the vicinity of the dam. Implementation of this project will commence in the 2010/11financial year.

QUESTION NO 927

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

927. Mrs C N Z Zikalala (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) How many mining companies have contravened the conditions of their water licences (i) in 2009 and (ii) from 1 January 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what penalties have been handed to such companies;

(2) whether such companies have rectified their transgressions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether any water licences have been terminated as a result of repeated transgressions; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1072E

---oo0oo---

REPLY:

(1)

Mpumalanga: Some form of penalties become applicable once a mine has been found guilty of an offence under section 151 of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998 (NWA) in the court of law e.g. paying of fines and/or imprisonment. After an audit has taken place against an authorisation, my Department initially uses section 53 as an enforcement action under the NWA to engage the mine to try and correct the contraventions. However, if the mine does not respond to the section 53 engagement then my Department can opt to pursue a criminal case under section 151 offences.

(2)

(3)

QUESTION 928

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8-2010)

Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

Whether the Government's policy which aims at increasing the number of matric learners who are eligible for university admission will also involve dealing with the shortcomings and issues within the education system; if not, why not; if so, (a) what related issues and shortcomings have been identified and (b) when will she address such factors? NW1073E

Response

The government's priority is to improve the quality of learning and teaching in schools in order to ensure learning achievement. Increasing the number of matric learners who are eligible for university is one of the output goals that we have set ourselves to achieve. The Schooling 2025 Plan for the improvement of basic education indicates the areas that will be given priority to address to ensure that we achieve these goals.

(a) The training and support for teachers, strengthening curriculum implementation in class through quality teaching and learning, providing textbooks and learning support materials, addressing infrastructure needs, catering for learner well-being, improving school governance and management and improved districts support of schools have been prioritized to drive the process towards quality outcomes.

(b) The process of addressing shortcomings in the education system has already begun. The strengthening of curriculum implementation in schools started with the announcements of the NCS Implementation Review report. In October 2009, I announced the decisions to ensure that the administrative burden on teachers will be reduced in 2010 so that they can focus attention on teaching. Additional support for NCS Implementation will be provided on an ongoing basis, based on the evidence of needs that are identified. The Schooling 2025 plan will further outline the plans that we have put towards addressing these matters in a coherent, coordinated and sustainable and expedient manner.

QUESTION 929

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 8 OF 2010

Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:

(1) Whether he has received and studied the review report of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS); if not, why not; if so,

(2) Whether he will make it mandatory for prospective recipients of NSFAS not to pay an upfront registration fee; if not, why not; if so, when;

(3) Whether a student failing in one academic year will still receive funding for another year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1074E

REPLY:

1 Yes, I received the report and studied it.

2 A period of consultation has commenced which will end on the 30^th April 2010. I will present a report with final recommendations to Cabinet in August 2010. It must be noted that both NSFAS and I have written to institutions informing them of the upfront payment facility available from NSFAS and have urged them to utilise this facility.

3 The NSFAS Manual indicates that academic performance determines continued funding by NSFAS. However, a student is allowed to appeal the decision supported by evidence such as death in the family, sick note/certificate and/or, any other circumstances beyond his/her control. The financial aid committee of an institution will have to look at the student's academic history to satisfy itself before a decision to consider the appeal is made, subject to the availability of funds.

QUESTION 930

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8-2010)

930. Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(1) What will the schools' assessment, mentioned by the President in his state of the nation address, comprise;

The school assessments will comprise of annual testing of grades 3, 6 and 9 learners in literacy and numeracy (language and mathematics) as a means of objectively monitoring the quality and levels of achieving the targeted educational outcomes. They will cover the critical knowledge and skills that learners must acquire throughout the school year in each grade. They form part of the new integrated assessment strategy of the Department to assess all learners using nationally standardised and independently moderated tests.

(2) whether such an assessment will involve class visits by (a) principals and (b) inspectors of schools; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1075E

No, these school assessments do not involve class visits by (a) principals and (b) inspectors of schools. In 1800 schools, these assessments will be independently administered and moderated. Independent moderation will cut across all sectors of the system to ensure results are credible. A plan on independent administration and moderation will be communicated to all role-players outlining responsibilities at each level. This will include the anticipated role of (a) principals and (b) inspectors of schools. Independent moderation of assessments outside of school level will occur for all schools within clusters organised through the local district and at a broader level on a sample of schools by an external agency.

QUESTIONS 931 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

TUESDAY, 23 MARCH 2010

931. Mr N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

(1) (a) How many departments have officials in acting positions in senior management bands and (b) what are the relevant details of these specified officials and positions in each department;

(2) for how long have these acting positions been occupied in each department;

(3) whether he will take steps to ensure that senior management positions are filled permanently; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1076E

REPLY

(1) (a) As at 1 May 2010, there are five (5) acting Directors-General at national

level, and three (3) acting Directors-General at the provincial level. There are twenty three (23) acting Heads of Departments from Provincial Departments.

(b) The relevant details are attached:

(2) From the information available, the following can be deducted in relation to the duration of acting in each Department as attached:

(3) In terms of regulation 1/VII/C.1A.2, read with regulation 4/1/C.3 of the Public Service Regulations, all funded SMS posts must be advertised within six (6) months after becoming vacant and be filled within twelve (12) months after becoming vacant. Regulation 1/VII/C.1A.3 of the Public Service Regulations further provides that if a department does not comply with the timeframes for filling funded vacant posts the reasons for non-compliance must be recorded in writing.

We wrote to these individual Departments calling on them to effect the appointments latest by September 2010, failing which we will process the matter through the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation process.

We are also developing a mechanism in terms of which all Acting appointments for the Senior Executives will be subjected to DPSA approval, and to be granted only on meeting certain requirements.

QUESTION 932 WRITTEN REPLY 23 March 2010

932. Mr N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister of Public Works:

(1) (a) With reference to the entry in his department's appropriation statement for the year ended 31 March 2009 that transfers and subsidies to the Parliamentary Villages Management Board amounted to R6,337 million, which boards received these funds and (b) what are the terms of reference for the use of the funds;

(2) Whether there is proper accountability for the use of these funds; if not, why not; if so, to whom? NW1077E

REPLY

1. Funds were paid over to Parliamentary Villages Management Board and terms and references for the use of the funds are outlined under section 3 (1) and (2) of the Parliamentary Village Management Board Act No. 96 of 1998

2. According to Parliamentary Village Management Board Act No. 96 of 1998 section 4 (2) indicate that the Board shall keep in the form approved by the Treasury with the concurrence of the Auditor-General, a full and correct account of all money received and expended by the Board, which shall annually be audited by the Auditor-General.

QUESTION NUMBER 934

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 March 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 OF 2010

Date reply submitted: 08 June 2010

934. Ms S P Lebenya-Ntanzi (IFP) to ask the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities:

(1) What plans does her department have to look after child-headed households?

(2) Whether her department has any plans in place to partner with the Departments of Basic Education and Social Development to deal this challenge; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1079E

REPLY

(1) The Department of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities has a responsibility to oversee effective implementation of children's rights in government. The Department is also working closely with children's rights organs of civil society to maximise promotion, protection and development of children's rights.

It is in this context that, the Honourable Member should note that, we have Departments that are responsible for the Management of implementation programmes that relates to children. The same goes with this aspect of child headed households. The Department of Social Development is squarely responsible for child headed households.

The Department of Social Development is the Custodian of the Children's Act, No. 38 of 2005:

Support for child-headed households come through the Home Community-Based Care and Support Programme. The Department of Social Development is involved in the identification of orphans and vulnerable children, which includes children in child-headed households. The caregivers from the programme conduct home visits to establish the family circumstances. Where the child-headed household is identified, and if no appropriate alternative care placements cannot be made, the children are left in their own homes under the supervision of the caregiver who visits the children on a daily basis to ensure that the basic needs are addressed through provision of food, shelter, health care, clothing, education and access to adult supervision.

While these services are provided as an interim measure, the caregivers ensure that the children have birth certificates in order for them to access social security grants and are referred to social workers for further assistance. In order to develop effective and responsive policies and programmes to address the plight of child-headed households, the Department of Social Development has commissioned a situation analysis of child-headed households in South Africa with the view to understand the nature of the problems they are faced with, available resources and how the resources can be utilised to meet the needs of child-headed households. This will be used to determine if there is a need for additional resources or strengthening the available resources.

(2) The Department of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities works with all Departments in ensuring effective promotion, protection and development of children's rights. It is in this context that, this Department has an obligation to work with the Department of Education and Social Development to ensure the strengthening of intergraded action in dealing with the problem of child headed households.

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Ms H N Makhuba (IFP) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) How much of the R104,4 million allocated to the smart ID card project in the Adjusted Appropriation Budget of October 2009 was spent in the last six months of the financial year;

(2) whether all such expenditure relates to the smart ID card project; if not, on what was the money spent;

(3) how has the expenditure from the above allocation moved the smart ID card project forward to date?

NW1080E

REPLY

(1) The total amount of R104,4 million was spent.

(2) No. The National Treasury has approved that this fund could be utilised for the shortfall on the printing costs of new passports, which was payable to the Government Printing Works.

(3) Not applicable, as the funds were not spent on the Smart ID Card Project.

QUESTION 936

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 23 March 2010

Internal question paper no: 8

Ms H N Makhuba (IFP) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether, after an application for a disability grant has been rejected, the applicant can submit an appeal to her department for a review of the decision; if not, why not; if so, what is the time frame before the applicant will receive an answer from her department;

(2) whether she has been informed of some applicants (names and details furnished) who have been waiting since 2007 for an answer to their appeal; if so, what are the reasons for these delays;

(3) whether she intends introducing measures to streamline the appeals system; if not, why not; if so, what measures? NW1081E

REPLY:

Honourable Member;

(1) Yes. After an application for a disability, or any other social grant, has been rejected, the applicant can submit a written appeal to the department for the attention of the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals.

The timeframe before an applicant will receive an answer are currently not specifically determined in the Social Assistance Act. However, the appeals process, being an administration action, and subject to the prescripts of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, a period of 90-days for provision of outcomes of appeals applies.

(2) I am aware of the manifold challenges associated with the management of the social assistance appeals. Nevertheless the Appeals Tribunal office has since confirmed the status and profile of each matter as per list referred to herein (See Annexure A).

(3) Our intentions to streamline the appeals system is evidenced by following:

· The development and implementation of an Appeals Management and Information System to provide an accurate data base and track the status of each h appeal lodged.

· The appointment of independent professional panellist (legal, medical etc), to consider and adjudicate appeals is also evidence of deal with lodged appeals.

· The development of an Appeals Service Delivery Model.

In a further endeavour to bring about a speedy resolve to the manifold challenges associated with the management of social assistance appeals, the department adopted a Ministerial Determination instructing the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to render complementary administrative support services to the Tribunal as part of a collaborative effort to minimise the impact the aforementioned challenges.

Finally, in a quest to promote access to the appeal's service, the department has established regional service centres /offices and also schedules outreach excursions to the peripheral areas as per service demand.

Question 937

Mr M G Oriani-Ambrosini (IFP) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(1) Whether he has been informed of the government-sponsored international TV and other media campaign in connection with the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament to market South Africa as an international tourist destination; if so,

(2) whether he has been informed that this media campaign does not show any of the country's tourism assets which is one of our largest employment sectors, but only focuses on soccer, thereby missing the opportunity to change international perceptions of the country; if so, (3) whether he has discussed this matter with the Minister of Tourism as part of his programme of interdepartmental coordination of industrial growth-related activities; if not, why not; if so, what was the outcome of the discussions; (4) whether he will make a statement on the matter?NW1082E

Response:

(1) Yes I am aware of the 2010 marketing campaign.

(2) No I have not been so informed.

(3) the dti has taken note of the matter for the purpose of ongoing interactions with the Department of Tourism. Our understanding is that whilst the focus of the specific campaign is on football, it is only one element of a longer term, broader and integrated international tourism marketing strategy using a variety of mediums to market the country as a tourist destination in line with the mandate of South African Tourism, which is a statutory body under the Department of Tourism and the responsible Minister, the Honourable M van Schalkwyk MP.

(4) No.

Question 938

Mr M G Oriani-Ambrosini (IFP) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(1) What (a) were the reasons for and (b) are the implications for economic growth of the announcement by a certain company (name furnished) of the cancellation of the cost plus 3% iron-ore pricing arrangement with two companies (names furnished- attached);

(2) whether he will make a statement on the matter? NW1083E

Response:

1) With respect to both 1 (a) and (b) of the question, I have concluded that this is a commercial dispute between two private companies, and therefore the dti is not in a position to make public statements on the substance of the matter.

However, the dti, in consultation with the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), is carefully monitoring developments and assessing the implications of the dispute and its possible outcomes for the broader economy. This will form the basis for any response of the dti on this matter at an appropriate stage, in consultation with the DMR.

(2) As indicated in 1 above, I have no intention to make a statement on the matter at this stage.

Question 939

Mr M G Oriani-Ambrosini (IFP) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(1) Whether the Government will subsidise the increasingly higher cost of electricity for high-electricity demanding industries such as the automotive manufacturing industry; if so, what are the relevant details; if not,

(2) whether he will raise existing subsidies on account of such electricity tariff increases; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Response:

(1) Government is concerned about the possible adverse effects for industry of the increased cost of electricity. Nevertheless and whilst the situation is being closely monitored, there are no plans to provide subsidies for electricity input cost to industry, including the automotive industry. Government will work closely with industry to identify ongoing potential for increasing industrial energy efficiency drawing on mechanisms such as the Cleaner Production Center.

(2) Support measures for the automotive industry, as set out in the Industrial Policy Action Plan, include: the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) which provides for tariff and incentives support; a programme to advance the localisation and production capacity of local component suppliers; the Competitive Improvement of Automotive Component Manufacturers (CIACM) programme; the Enterprise Reference Architecture portal for SME suppliers; the mentorship of small, medium enterprises (SME) component manufacturers programme; and the Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle (MHCV) Development Action Plan.

No additional support is planned but government will work closely with the automotive to identify ongoing potential for increasing industrial energy efficiency within the ambit of these competitiveness enhancing programmes.

QUESTION 940

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

940. Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) In respect of the commitment made by the Government in its 2003 White Paper on Renewable Energy to source 10 000 GWh electricity from renewable sources within 10 years, what had been achieved (a) by 2008 and (b) at the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) Whether the Government will achieve its objective on time; if not, why not?

NW1085E

Reply

(1) Since we reported at the Renewable Energy Summit in March 2009 less than 10% was achieved during 2008/09. In 2009/10, few projects were commissioned namely Bethlehem Hydro Project and the eThekwini landfill gas to electricity projects which added 10MW to the system but the total contribution to the 2013 target remains below 10%.

(2) Yes, based on the measures that have been put in place, Government expects to meet the 2013 target. The measures that have been put in place include:

o New Generation Capacity Regulations promulgated in 2009 which will enable the procurement of power from Independent Power Producers including those using renewable energy sources. These regulations define the institutional arrangement within which this procurement must be controlled. The afore-mentioned regulations are expected to expedite the procurement process of the IPP's as well as ensure that all future electricity plans are streamlined to correspond with the country's position on primary energy mix in general; clean energy power production is also prioritized.

o It is also anticipated that, through the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs (Phase 1 & 2) there will be an increased uptake of the renewable energy projects.

o The Department also made provision for RE contribution to the energy mix for 2013 period through the Integrated Resource Plan 1 wherein the funding associated with this plan was also approved by the National Energy Regulator of SA (NERSA).

o Lastly, the department is in the process of establishing an Independent System and Market Operator which will be responsible for buying power produced by Independent Power Producers including RE generators qualifying under the REFIT procurement programme.

QUESTION 941

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8-2010)

Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(a) How is teacher assessment undertaken? (b) how many teachers have been dismissed in the past five years for unsatisfactory performance?

NW1086E

Answer

(a) Principals are responsible for managing and driving the process of teacher assessments at their schools in terms of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) as contained in the ELRC Collective Agreement 8 of 2003.

The principal, assisted by the School Development Team (including the Deputy Principal) appraise Post Level 2 educators. Heads of Department (HODs) are responsible for managing the appraisal of post level 1 educators. The actual appraisal process is undertaken by the Developmental Support Group (DSG) comprising of the educator's immediate supervisor and a peer.

Furthermore, there is an instrument used for assessing educators. The instrument has performance standards that outline the teacher's actual performance against such standards. The performance standards have been designed to cover all the roles and responsibilities of a teacher as outlined in the document for the norms and standards for educators.

PROCESS

In terms of process, an educator completes self-evaluation using the instrument referred to above, followed by a pre-evaluation meeting with the supervisor, then an evaluation/assessment by the supervisor, and finally a post evaluation meeting is held with the educator to discuss feedback based on observations and sharing of information on the educator's developmental needs.

The above assessment cycle covers a period of 12 months (January – December). The evaluation of an educator is both developmental and judgemental. The aim of the developmental appraisal is to assist the educator to improve as an individual and as a professional. The final year-end summative assessment scores give an indication on the educator's level of performance and whether he/she should be rewarded or not.

(b) How many teachers have been dismissed in the past five years for unsatisfactory performance? NW1086E

QUESTION NO: 942

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 08 OF 23 March 2010

Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(a) What (i) is the number and (ii) are the names of municipalities in each province that were put under administration in terms of section 139 of the Constitution, (b) when was the intervention initiated in each case and (c) how long did the intervention last? NWI087E

Reply

Table is available here

QUESTION 943

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [No 8 - 2010]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 March 2010

943. Mr J H van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land

Reform:

(1) (a) (i) How many contracts were signed by his department to purchase farms in the 2008-09 financial year, (ii) for what total purchase price and (b) (i) how many of these transactions have not been finalised owing to a lack of funds and (ii) what was the total rand value of transactions not finalised;

(2) (a) how many court cases are pending as a result of the department's failure to pay the purchase price, (b) for what total amount and (c) when is it envisaged that funds will be available to settle all the outstanding purchase prices? NW1088E

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

(1) (a) (i) 389

(ii) R 1 857 866 643.96 (one billion eight hundred and fifty seven million eight hundred and sixty six thousand six hundred and forty three rand and ninety six cents).

(b) (i) 75

(ii) R 347 512 425.20 (three hundred and forty seven million five hundred and twelve thousand four hundred and twenty five rand and twenty cents).

(2) (a) 21

(b) R 496 782 870.00 (four hundred and ninety six million seven hundred and eighty two thousand eight hundred and seventy rand)

(c) Funds have been made available over the MTEF period.

QUESTION NO. 944

DATE PUBLISHED: 23 March 2010

DATE SUBMITTED: 6 April 2010

944. Mr B M Skosana (IFP) to ask the President of the Republic:

(1) (a) What has been the (i) process of political mediation in Zimbabwe up to the next election and (ii) achievements of his presidential team in the process and (b) what has the cost been to (i) South Africa and (ii) the international community;

(2) whether the current political negotiations is an all-inclusive process involving Zanu-PF, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and all factions of all the relevant stakeholders in Zimbabwe; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what has been his findings on the impact of economic sanctions on the (a) unity government and (b) general population of Zimbabwe;

(4) what has been the role of the international community in Zimbabwe, in particular the United Kingdom, the United States of America and other G8 member states in resolving the crisis;

(5) what were his findings on the influence of the Southern African Development Community and its leadership in the process of negotiations in Zimbabwe? NW1089E

REPLY:

1) South Africa's current mandate in respect of Zimbabwe stems from the Global Political Agreement of 15 September 2008, the SADC Summit of 27 January 2009 and the Summit of the Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation ('the Troika') held on 5 November 2009.

The Summit of the Troika held on 5 November 2009 resolved that:

(a) the parties (the Zimbabwean parties signatory to the GPA) should fully comply with the spirit and letter of the GPA and SADC Summit decisions of 27 January 2009;

(b) the parties should not allow the situation to deteriorate any further;

(c) the parties engage in a dialogue in order to find a lasting solution to the outstanding issues towards the full implementation of the GPA;

(d) the Facilitator (the Republic of South Africa) on behalf of the Troika should remain seized with the developments on the implementation of the GPA;

(e) the MCO should continue monitoring the progress closely and report to the Chairperson of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation; and

(f) the international community to lift all forms of sanctions on Zimbabwe.

The Summit of the Troika also decided that:

(h) the political parties signatory to the GPA should engage in dialogue with immediate effect within fifteen (15) days not beyond thirty (30) days;

(i) the dialogue should include all the outstanding issues emanating from the implementation of the GPA and SADC Communiqué of 27 January 2009;

(j) the Facilitator should evaluate progress and report back to the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

2) In pursuance of these decisions the three Zimbabwean parties, ZANU-PF, MDC-T and MDC-M, established a six person Negotiating Team, which includes members from all three political parties. So the process has been as inclusive as possible within the parameters of the Global Political Agreement.

In my capacity as the SADC Facilitator I appointed a three person Facilitation Team to assist me in discharging my duties. (They are Mr. Charles Nqakula, Mr. Mac Maharaj and Ms. Lindiwe Zulu).

There is ongoing interaction between the Facilitation Team and the Zimbabwean Negotiating Team as well as between the Facilitation Team and the principals of the three Zimbabwean parties. I have also been directly seized with the facilitation work. As you know I paid a working visit to Zimbabwe on the 16 – 18 March 2010, and was able to meet with the principals of all three parties individually and collectively. I also had an opportunity to meet with leading personalities and various stakeholders whom I thought were critical in understanding the situation.

3)

There is an urgent need to set the Zimbabwean economy on a growth and development path. The establishment of the Inclusive Government has brought about a degree of economic stability. It has stopped the rampant hyper-inflation through the dollarisation measures. However this is not enough. The biggest challenge facing Zimbabwe is the resolution of political differences, and for Zimbabwe to undertake measures that will encourage the flow of investment into the country in order to bring about economic recovery, development and stability in the region.

SADC has re-affirmed the need for the lifting of economic sanctions in Zimbabwe. South Africa, together with other members of SADC, is in the forefront of appealing to the international community to lift these sanctions. We believe this will help to consolidate the unity government and will spur economic growth for the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe.

4) The position of the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is that the challenges that face Zimbabwe are matters that can and need to be solved by Zimbabwean people themselves. It is within this context that the AU and SADC are playing an active role in assisting the people of Zimbabwe to resolve their problems through the negotiations and facilitation processes to effect the implementation of the Global Political Agreement.

Zimbabwe is in need of the active assistance from all the members of the international community in order to deal with its humanitarian challenges and for it to revive its economy and offload the socio-economic burden on neigbouring states. It for this reason that SADC urges members of the international community particularly the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the European Union, to lift economic sanctions against Zimbabwe. We have been urging them to lift these sanctions so that the Inclusive Government can function effectively for the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe.

5) The record of SADC has been one of active engagement to assist Zimbabwe to resolve the matters in a manner that will bring about stability, enhance democracy and enable the Zimbabwean government to build a better life for its people.

QUESTION: NO 946

(Internal Question Paper No 9 – 2010)

Mr R B Bhoola (MF) to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation:

Whether there are any projects through which previously disadvantaged communities can benefit from the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournament? If not, why not? If so, what are the relevant details?

NW919E

RESPONSE:

Yes, there are legacy projects that are designed to benefit the previously disadvantaged communities. Key among these is the football turfs which are being constructed in the 52 regions of the South African Football Association (SAFA). The multi-purpose centres are created to provide services such as leadership skills, sport management courses, and computer skills. Football legends are conducting coaching clinics for the benefit of the previously disadvantaged communities.

The 2010 volunteer programme empowers previously disadvantaged in communities with employment and self-employment skills, especially the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Sport and Recreation South Africa has provided allocations to the provinces for legacy and mass mobilisation initiatives. In partnership with Donor countries, SRSA is implementing Youth Development through Sport and the Youth Development Against Violence through sport programmes. These initiatives are funded jointly by the German Development Cooperation Ministry, the European Union and the German Development Bank (kfw). Youth Development through Sport is primarily a life skills activity programme targeting 50 000 boys and girls in the rural areas and 50 000 in the urban areas.

Soccer is predominantly played by disadvantaged communities. The new stadia will benefit them. The new transport and communications systems and infrastructure – all these will benefit PDC's.

Through the Youth Development against violence through Sport, a target of 100 kickabouts (modified soccer pitches and combination courts) will be constructed. Alternatively existing soccer fields will be upgraded.

The stadia will also serve as multi-purpose facilities where our communities will be employed in the management of these world class facilities. Conferences, local and international matches will be hosted at the centres.

The entire programme on the implementation of the Government Guarantees yields spin-offs that cut across our society. Sport and Recreation South Africa has commissioned a report on all the legacy initiatives of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. On completion, the report will be made available to all stakeholders.

QUESTION NO: 947

Mr Selfe (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether inmates are permitted to give media interviews; if not, what are the circumstances surrounding a certain person (name furnished); if so what is the policy in this regards?

NW971E

REPLY

Inmates are permitted to give media interviews. In each case, prior approval has to be given by the Department of Correctional Services.

With regards to the offender (name furnished) some interviews were sanctioned – like the special interview with Rapport Newspaper sometime back, while others were not approved, like recent requested around the matter of pardons. The official at the Pretoria Management Area that facilitated communication between the media and the offender (name furnished) received a warning for contravening policy and regulations.

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 OF 23 MARCH 2010

Mr B M Skosana (IFP) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Whether her department has a medium to long-term programme of reconstruction and recovery to assist the infrastructure and economies of (a) Haiti and (b) Chile; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether there is cooperation with other countries on related matters of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes to relieve the suffering of the affected communities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what has been the cost of these exercises as at the latest specified date for which information is available? NW1090E

REPLY

1(a) HAITI

It would not be possible for South Africa to have its own programme beyond humanitarian assistance. It must work within the framework developed by the Government and people of Haiti, supported by the regional structures of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and the United Nations (UN). Once this is clear, it will guide South Africa how to approach the medium to long-term issue of reconstructing the economy and infrastructure of Haiti. In this regard, we have participated in the discussions where this is being developed. South Africa will be able to determine its own role once this has been finalised.

(b) CHILE

Immediately after the earthquake, President Zuma issued a formal message of condolences and support to the Government and people of Chile.

The Department is still considering the request by the Chilean government for assistance to see what it can do within the parameters of a drastically reduced budget.

(2) HAITI:

Yes we cooperate with other countries and we have participated in discussions and conferences on related matters.

South Africa's former Ambassador accredit=ted to CARICOM, Adv F Radebe, attended a meeting in February 2010 hosted by the President of the Dominican Republic at the request of CARICOM. The purpose of that meeting was to map out a CARICOM strategy in dealing with the reconstruction of Haiti. Former Ambassador Radebe also paid a visit to Haiti in March 2010 where she held discussions with the Haitian Foreign Minister and the UN Representative in that country to appraise herself first hand of the scale of the devastation caused by the earthquake, as well as current international relief efforts underway.

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Sue van der Merwe attended an International Donors' Conference: "Towards a New Future for Haiti" hosted by the UN on 31 March 2010. We also interact at a bilateral level with countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Brazil and Cuba that have an interest in the matter.

On 2 June 2010, South Africa's non-resident Ambassador to the Dominican Republic attended a summit hosted by that country's President, focussing on the "Future of Haiti: Solidarity Beyond the Crisis".

(3)The cost of medium to long-term programme of reconstruction and recovery to assist the infrastructure and economy of Haiti is yet to be fully determined. However, we have a clear sense of the humanitarian effort. The Department has contributed R1 million towards the Rescue SA Team which was the first search and rescue team as part of government's initial humanitarian assistance response to Haiti. A further R2.1 million was donated by the government to the UN Flash Appeal for Haiti. Finally, a total of R5 million was pledged by the Deputy Minister van der Merwe during the March 2010 UN Donors' Conference towards reconstruction efforts.

QUESTION NUMBER 949

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 MARCH 2010

Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of Finance:

Whether his department will introduce amendments to the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, Act 5 of 2000, to enable firms to earn points in the tender process for procuring locally; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1061E

REPL Y:

The current Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act and its associated Regulations provide for the allocation of preference points to suppliers of locally produced goods and services. However, concerns have been raised by certain stakeholders that these provisions may have been inadequate.

To this end and as part of the broad review of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act and its Regulations consideration is being given to the best way of enhancing the promotion of local production and value for money.

The National Treasury, the Trade and Industry and the Economic Development Departments have established a working group that is currently involved in consultations and discussions with relevant stakeholders on matters relating to the revised draft Regulations of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act. This process is still being finalized.

QUESTION NUMBER 950

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) (a) What progress has been made with the forensic report on corruption in the Land Bank and (b) when will he publish the report;

(2) whether any criminal prosecution has been instituted in consequence of the report; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) against whom and (c) on what charge;

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

NW1091E

REPLY

(1) (a) Investigations have not been finalized and are ongoing.

(b) Further steps depend on the outcome of the investigations.

(2) See 1 above.

(3) A decision whether to make a statement or not will be made when investigations have been finalized.

QUESTION NUMBER 933

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 March 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 OF 2010

Date reply submitted: 08 June 2010

933. Ms S P Lebenya-Ntanzi (IFP) to ask the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities:

Whether her department has undertaken an audit of Government buildings to establish whether they are accessible to people in wheelchairs and people with other physical disabilities; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will such an audit be done; if so, (i) what are the relevant details and (ii) what time frame has been set to transform noncompliant buildings into disability-friendly buildings? NW1078E

REPLY

(i) (a) Audit of Government Buildings

Yes, the National sphere of Government has embarked on an audit on State buildings in July 2007, and around 700 buildings were visited in the whole country, and 318 buildings were found not to be complying to accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.

(b) Relevant Details

A total of 76 buildings were prioritized for 2008/2009 financial year for Free State Province as well as Northern Cape Province with a budget of R5 million.

In addition to the 76 buildings, 192 buildings were prioritized based on the allocation of R20 million in 2009/2010 financial year.

In 2010/2011 National Government has prioritized a further 75 buildings to ensure that they comply to accessibility to people with disabilities.

There are discussions with National Treasury to increase the allocation so as to ensure that more buildings comply to accessibility to people with disabilities.

The criteria used in prioritizing buildings for accessibility to people with disabilities, is to start with those buildings that are frequented mainly by members of the public under the social cluster such as Home Affairs, Social Welfare/SASSA, Department of Labour and Police Stations.

(ii) Time Frames set

Depending on the allocation from National Treasury, the program of ensuring that all State-owned buildings comply is set to take five years from 2009/2010 financial year. More Government buildings need to be audited to add on the already audited buildings and thereafter non-complying buildings will then be made to comply through the provision of wheel-chair ramps, paraplegic toilets, rails, etc.