Questions & Replies No 1026 to 1050

2010-04-13

THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.

FIND THE REPLY YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BY SELECTING CTRL + F ON YOUR KEYBOARD

QUESTION NO. 1026

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 March 2010

Mr G R Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister of Tourism:

Whether, with regard to information given at the recent Summit on Tourism, Sport and Mega Events held in Sandton that tourism marketing produces tax receipts for the fiscus at the rate of four times the receipts for every unit of marketing expenditure, his department has calculated the overall effect on the SA Revenue Service receipts over the medium term expenditure framework period where the transfer payment to SA Tourism has been reduced by R51 million, R54 million and R57 million; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1172E

MR G R KRUMBOCK (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS 1026. THE MINISTER OF TOURISM ANSWERS:

The department does not calculate tax receipts. This question needs to be posed to the National Treasury.

However, according to data, in 2008, Tourism's total (direct and indirect) contribution to GDP was R194,5 billion (8,5%), with total foreign direct spend (excluding capital expenditure) amounting to R74,2 billion and the average spend per day per foreign tourist was R8100. The 2009 data is currently being processed.

The reduction of the transfer payment to SA Tourism was taken by National Treasury, after evaluation of SA Tourism's annual financial statements and taking into consideration the current economic climate in the country.

QUESTION NO. 1027 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 March 2010

Mr G R Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister of Tourism:

Whether his department has conducted any recent market research amongst potential long-haul tourists to South Africa to ascertain quantitative perceptions of South Africa as a value-for-money destination before and after media reports indicating steep price hikes by the South African Airways during the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament; if not, why not; if so, what are the results of this research?

NW1173E

MR G R KRUMBOCK (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS 1027. THE MINISTER OF TOURISM ANSWERS:

SA Tourism conducts research on the potential long-haul market to understand their perceptions of South Africa as leisure destination.

SA Tourism is currently completing research on the drivers and barriers to growing the tourism industry.

QUESTION 1028

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)

Dr W G James (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:

(1) Whether he received the forensic audit report and other related documents in respect of the Tshwane South Further Education and Training College; if so,

(2) Whether he intends taking any action with regard to these documents; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1174E

REPLY:

(1) Member James is referred to the provisions of section 46 of the Further Education and Training Act (2006) and respectfully requested to note that the powers to investigate are with the MEC of Education.

The Gauteng Department of Education is keeping the Department of Higher Education and Training informed of the actions they are taking in terms of the FETC Act, 2006 (Act 16 of 2006). I have not received any forensic audit report in respect of the Colleges.

(2) In conjunction with the Member of the Executive Council responsible for the Gauteng Department of Education, I will take appropriate steps after all the reports have been considered.

QUESTION 1029

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)

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

Whether he will close the sector education and training authorities and replace them with apprenticeships operating within well-established industries with recognised training centres; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1175E

REPLY:

I have no intention of closing the sector education and training authorities (SETAs). The member is respectfully requested to consider the functions of the SETA as outlined in the Skills Development Act (SDA). SETA's are advisory authorities which represent our social partners and which develop sectoral skills plans (SSPs) and administer the skills levy in that sector in alignment with the SSP and the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS). They have performed a quality assurance function, but this is to move to the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

I will not replace SETAs with apprenticeships as the the functions and purposes of these are not conceptually interchangeable. SETAs are advisory bodies. Apprenticeships are one of the routes to attaining artisan status. The member is respectfully referred to the Annual Reports and Strategic Plans of several SETA's, notably MERSETA, which explain the work done by SETA to support artisan training through both learnerships and apprenticeships systems.

The position in respect of SETA's is that we have now gazetted the proposed new SETA landscape for public comment. The position in respect of apprenticeships is that the DHET will through the QCTO establish the National Artisan Moderating Body (NAMB) as required in the SDA. As indicated in my budget speech, this is a priority

QUESTION 1030

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)

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

(1) Whether any chief executive officers (CEOs) of the sector education and training authorities (Setas) (a) have been (i) handed over to the SA Police Service for investigation, (ii) arrested, (iii) prosecuted and (iv) convicted and (b) are serving prison sentences; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (aa) which Setas' CEOs and (bb) what are the relevant details in each case;

(2) Whether any money have been retrieved as a result of such investigations and prosecutions; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1176E

REPLY:

1) I have not been informed of any actions as indicated in paragraph (1) of your question against any SETA or senior officials managing the SETAs.

2) In terms of my response to (1), this falls away

QUESTION 1031

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 9 OF 2010)

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

(a) How many (i) black, (ii) Indian, (iii) coloured and (iv) white students have (aa) been trained, (bb) graduated and (cc) been placed in the (aaa) Auto, (bbb) plastic, (ccc) Metal and (ddd) New Tyre and Motor Chambers in terms of the Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MERSETA), (b) how many of each of these categories of Chambers have students with disabilities and (c) what are the costs for each trainee? NW1177E

REPLY:

(a) (i) –( iv) & (aa) - (bb) & (aaa) – (ddd).The following students as indicated in the table below have been trained in the different chambers for the 2009/10 period :

FIELD	GROUP	NUMBERS
METAL	AFRICANS	54
METAL	COLOUREDS	10
METAL	INDIANS	3
METAL	WHITES	3
MOTOR	AFRICANS	23
MOTOR	COLOUREDS	2
MOTOR	INDIANS	1
MOTOR	WHITES	12
NEW TYRE	AFRICANS	2
PLASTIC	AFRICANS	2
PLASTIC	COLOUREDS	3

(cc) The MERSETA has indicated that their data not does not track placements, as it only focuses on training up until when a learner gets qualified. However, the SETA is in a process to implement a system that will track the learners' movements and placements.

(b) The following categories of chambers had learners with disabilities:

CHAMBER	RACE	DISABLED
AUTO	AFRICANS	19
AUTO	WHITES	1
METAL	AFRICANS	18
METAL	COLOUREDS	7
METAL	INDIANS	3
METAL	WHITES	5
MOTOR	AFRICANS	12
MOTOR	COLOUREDS	2
MOTOR	INDIANS	1
MOTOR	WHITES	5
PLASTIC	COLOUREDS	1

(c) The costs of each learner in the different learning programmes are as reflected in the table below:

Learning Programme

Cost per learner

Skills Programme

R190 per credit per learner

Learnership 18.1

Leanership 18.2

Primary Focus Learnerships :

R25000 per learner

Non-primary focus Learnerships:

R18 500 per learner

Bonus grants for people with disability

R 10 000 per learner

Primary Focus Learnerships:

R20 000 per learner

Non-primary focus Learnerships:

R16 500 per learner

Bonus grants for people with disability

R 10 000 per learner

Learner allowance is paid in accordance with the regulations

Apprenticeship

R90 000 per apprentice

Bonus grants for people with disability

R 10 000 per learner

New Venture Creation learnership Level 2 or Level 4:

Basic Grant

R19 000 per learner.

Bonus for people with disability

R 10 000 per learner

Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET)

ABET Placement Assessment: R150 per learner

Levels 1 & 2

= R1800 per learning area

Levels 3 & 4

= R2 500 per learning area

Training for sector specialists, assessors and moderators

· Assessors R3000

· Moderators R2500

· Mentors R2500

· SDFs R5000

QUESTION 1032

Question 1032 for Written Reply, National Assembly: Mr N D du Toit (DA)to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

DATE OF PUBLICATION: TUESDAY 30 MARCH 2010 [IQP No 9- 2010] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

1032. Mr N D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) When will (a) the Abalone Fishery Management Plan be completed, (b) an announcement be made about the re-opening of the abalone fishery and (c) it be opened;

(2) whether the re-opening of the legal fishery will be accompanied by any associated measures to curb the poaching of the resource; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she will lift the ban on recreational diving that was instituted to curb the illegal harvesting of abalone; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1178E

REPLY:

(1)(a) The Minister intends to establish an Abalone Recovery Development Council whose responsibilities will include the development of a comprehensive Abalone Management Strategy. This plan will be finalised following the completion of consultations with all relevant stakeholders.

(1)(b) The decision on whether to re-open of the wild abalone commercial fishery will be made by Cabinet during its June 2010 sitting. An announcement will follow the Cabinet meeting.

(1)(c) The conditional re-opening of the wild commercial abalone fishery is a decision that will be made by Cabinet. Should Cabinet support the proposed conditional re-opening of the wild abalone commercial fishery in its June 2010 meeting, the fishery could be re-opened soonest thereafter.

(2) Yes. The successful re-opening of the wild abalone fishery is dependent upon a 15% reduction of current poaching estimates per year over the next three years. To this end the Department has developed a comprehensive monitoring, control and surveillance strategy in partnership with other enforcement agencies. This monitoring, control and surveillance strategy will form part of a broader Abalone Recovery and Monitoring Strategy.

(3) No. The current dive ban on recreational fishing will remain in place until further notice.

QUESTION NO 1033

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1033. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) How many (a)(i) successful criminal actions have been brought against water users since the inception of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, and (ii) what are the relevant details in each case and (b)(i) criminal actions in terms of Act 36 of 1998 are pending at this time and (ii) what are the relevant details of each case;

(2) what steps does her department need to exhaust before it will take criminal action in terms of Act 36 of 1998 against a (a) municipality or (b) municipal official;

(3) whether her department has any policy to avoid taking criminal action against another organ of state or sphere of government; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1179E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1)(a)(i) None.

(1)(a)(ii) None.

(1)(b)(i) Fourteen criminal cases are currently under investigation by the South African Police Services.

(1)(b)(ii) The State versus Ex Municipal Manager of Machabeng Local Municipality in the Free State is currently on the court roll and was due in court on the 08 and 09April 2010 in the Welkom Regional Court. The Ex Municipal Manager is charged with contravening the Section 19 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) (NWA) specifically the pollution of water resources. Relevant details of other thirteen cases cannot be discussed in order not to hamper the investigation process as the transgressors have not been formally charged.

(2)(a) My Department developed an Enforcement Protocol which stipulates the process to be followed to ensure that all avenues of possible rectification/improvement have been expedited. This would include formal notification of non-compliance, investigation and subsequent engagement on adequacy of municipal rectification plans and issuance of a Directive in terms of Section 19 of the National Water Act should unsatisfactory progress be recorded during regulatory monitoring phase. Should the municipality fail to adhere to the Directive requirements and deadlines, prosecution would be initiated against the authority.

(2)(b) Same as above.

(3) No, my Department does not have a policy to avoid taking criminal action against another organ of state or sphere of government. In terms of section 156 of the NWA all organs of the State are bound by the provisions of this act.

QUESTION NO 1034

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1034. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether any (a) notice to issue a directive or (b) directive has been issued to Madibeng district municipality in respect of the (i) cessation of water supply to residents and (ii) incidents of pollution from sewerage infrastructure; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(2) whether her department will bring a criminal charge against any official in the Madibeng district municipality for dereliction of duty in terms of enforcing provisions of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what was the date of the most recent compliance audit for each of the sewage works in Madibeng municipality to ascertain compliance with the conditions of the respective water use licences?

(4) whether, in respect of each of the above sewage works in Madibeng municipality, proof was provided at the most recent compliance audit that the disposal of waste is done according to the guidelines prescribed in the addendum, of 2002, of the document TT85/97 published by the Water Research Commission (details furnished); if not, how will this be rectified;

(5) what (a) were the relevant compliance statistics for each of the above sewage works, measured in the most recent compliance audit against the compliance requirements prescribed by her department and (b) was the Green Drop score for each of the above sewage works? NW1180E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1)(a)& (b)(i) No, my Department has not issued a notice or directive to Madibeng Local Municipality (LM) in respect to cessation of water supply. My Department has up to now supported Madibeng LM to resolve a payment dispute with the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.

(1)(a) & (b)(ii) Yes, my Department has issued the following pre-directives/ directives to the Madibeng LM:

Specific activity	Date issued	Directive or Notice	Section 19(3) and/or 53 of the Act
Brits Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWs)	21/04/2009	Pre-Directive	Section 53
Brits WWTWs	01/07/2009	Directive	Section 19(3)

(2) Yes, my Department laid criminal charges against Madibeng LM's Municipal Manager on 7 January 2010 in his capacity as Municipal Manager.

(3) The compliance audit was conducted as following:

· Brits WWTW: March-April 2009

· Rietfontein: March-April 2009

· Lethabile: March-April 2009

· Mothutlong: March-April 2009

(4) No proof was provided to confirm that all WWTWs comply with the Water Research Commission's guidelines for the disposal of sludge. As indicated in paragraph 2 above, my Department resorted to legal action by laying a charge against the Madibeng LM's Municipal Manager in order to ensure the turn around of the situation as all efforts to assist and work cooperatively with the municipality failed.

(5)(a) My Department's Audit Report compiled in March 2009 revealed the following statistics:

· Brits WWTWs: 29%,

· Rietfontein 50%,

· Lethabile 75% and

· Mothutlong 64%.

(5)(b) Madibeng LM did not participate in the Green Drop Certification Assessment.

QUESTION NO 1035 ( NW1181E )

Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(1) Whether any year-end function was held by his department in December 2009; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many staff members (i) were invited and (ii) attended, (b) how many staff members were flown to Gauteng to attend the function and (c) what was the total cost of the flights;

(2) whether any accommodation was paid for by his department; if not, why not; if so, (a) for how many individuals was accommodation paid for, (b)(i) where was each specified individual accommodated and (ii) at what cost, (c) what was the total cost of the accommodation, (d)(i) at what venue was the function held and (ii) at what cost and (e) what was the total cost of food and beverages for the function;

(3) (a) why was the event not held the previous week when most of the staff members were in Gauteng and (b) what was the total cost of the year-end function that was charged to his department? NW1181E

REPLY: The Minister of Labour replied:

1) a	Yes.
(i)	How many staff members were invited?	250
(ii)	How many staff members attended?	150

1) b	How many staff members were flown to Gauteng?	20
1) c	What was the total cost of flights?	Only 0.76% of the total budget available for Air transport amounting to R85 842.58.

2 (a)	How many individuals was accommodation paid for?	74
2 (b) (i)	Where was each specific individual accommodated?	See attached spreadsheet
b (ii)	At what cost	At an average of R1400.00 per person.

2 (c)	What was the total cost of accommodation?	Only 0.49% of the total budget available for Accommodation amounting to R59,804.61.

2 (d) (i)	At what venue was the function held?	Irene Country Lodge
(ii)	Cost of venue?	Only 0.56% of the total budget available for venues and facilities amounting to R120, 284.00
2 (e)	What was the total cost for food & beverages?	Only 2.48% of the total budget available for Food and Beverages amounting to R67,750.00.

3 (a) why was the event not held the previous week when most of the staff members were in Gauteng?

The function was restricted to SMS members and Provincial management only who did not get merit awards and due to work constraints it was appropriate to utilize a date in December.

3 (b) what was the total cost of the year end function

0.16% of the total affected budget of the Department amounting to only R342 772.08.

QUESTION NUMBER 1036

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 09)

1036. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

In light of her reply to question 662 on 12 October 2009, what (a) is the (i) extent and )ii) nature of the relief for compliance to the requirements of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), Act 28 of 2002, in favour of the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC) and (b) are the particular sections to which she referred as outlining the reasons for any exemption granted? NW1182E

REPLY

As stated by the Minister of Mineral Resources in her reply to question 661, there is no "relief" for compliance to the requirements of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No.28 of 2002), but that in terms of section 106 of the said Act, the Minister may exempt any organ of state from the provisions of sections 16, 20, 22 and 27. These sections of the Act deal with the application for prospecting rights (section 16), the removal and disposal of minerals found during prospecting operations by the holder of a prospecting right (section 20), the application for a mining right (section 22) and the application for a mining permit (section27).

Although African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation is exempted from the provisions of sections 16, 20, 22 and 27 mentioned above, the Company is not exempted from the provisions of section 39(4) of the Act as stated in section 106(2) of the Act.

In terms of section 39(4) of the Act, African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation must comply with the requirements relating to the preparation of an Environmental Management Plan or Environmental Management Programme as the case may be, and lodge such Environmental Management Plan or Environmental Management Programme for consideration thereof in terms of the requirements of the Act.

QUESTION NO 1037

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1037. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

In light of her reply to question 400 on 10 March 2010, (a) what steps is her department taking against mining companies who do not comply with the provisions of the National Environmental Management Amendment Act, Act 62 of 2008, by conducting mining activities without water permits having been granted and (b) where water permits have been approved, (i) what is the approved method prescribed for dealing with future decant water from the mines, (ii) what amount of money is required to be set aside by the individual mines for the provision of decant water, (iii) how was this amount calculated and (iv) by which department will such financial provision be kept? NW1183E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(a) Water permits are not issued in terms of National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), but rather in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 (NWA). Enforcement action in response to conducting mining activities without water permits are taken in terms of the relevant provisions of the NWA and not the NEMA. The National Environmental Management Amendment Act, Act 62 of 2008 ("NEMA") does provide for environmental issues resulting from mining, prospecting, production and related activities to be regulated in terms of NEMA in the future. Although the NEMA came into effect on 1 May 2009 there is still an amendment to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act ("MPRDA") that needs to come into effect in order for the provisions of the NEMA to commence. It is unclear when the amendment to the MPRDA will come into effect however, once NEMA is applicable to mining activities the applicability will relate to environmental authorisations and not to water permits.

(b)(i) Development of mine closure plan implement all mine closure actions, monitor and confirm that implemented actions do meet the agreed water resource objectives, confirm all the post-closure water management actions that will need to be implemented and prepare detailed financial provisions for these actions. Define and agree with stakeholders on the post-closure responsibilities and schedules and put necessary contractual arrangements in place.

(b)(ii) The amount of money required depend on primary mineral and sealable mineral by-product, risk class of the mine, environmental sensitivity of the area and the class of the mine

(b)(iii) The guideline document for the evaluation of the quantum of closure-related financial provision provided by a mine makes provision for calculating the amount required for water management issued including decanting of water.

(b)(iv) The Department of Mineral Resources will keep such financial provision.

QUESTION 1039

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 30 March 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9 of 2010

Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether certain persons (details furnished) declared their business interests to her Department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the said persons directly or indirectly benefit from state or Departmental
(a) tenders, (b) procurement, (c) services or (d) contracts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

NW1185E

REPLY

(1) The Acting Chief Director: Refugee Affairs, the Financial Officer and the Director: Asset Management have declared their business interests. However, the Deputy Director: Procurement has not declared business interests to the Department because Chapter 3 C 1 of the Public Service Regulations stipulates that only members of SMS are required to declare such interests.

(2) The Financial Officer and the Deputy Director: Procurement are members of the Bid Adjudication Committee.

QUESTION NO 1040

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 26 APRIL 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 9 – 2010)

Mr E J Marais (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1884 on 8 December 2009, the memorandum of understanding has been signed; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will it be signed; if so, when was it signed;

(2) what is the current status of upgrades and constructions of railway police facilities at each station;

(3) whether any of these upgrades and constructions are behind schedule; if so, (a)(i) which stations are behind schedule and (ii) what are the details on the backlog in each case and (b) when will the facilities be ready for use in each case?

NW1187E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a)

It was anticipated that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) Corporate Security and the South African Railway Police would have been concluded by December 2009. However, the merger of the Rail Operations (Metrorail and Shosholoza Meyl) and the establishment of PRASA Rail delayed this process. It should be taken into consideration that during the process leading towards the creation of PRASA Rail on 01 April 2010, there were extensive discussions and consultations that had a serious bearing on the MOU. The PRASA team dealing with the matter had no alternative but to put the process on hold until the merger process was complete.

(b)

The finalization of the merger has now paved the way for the speedy conclusion of the MOU and the target is to have it concluded by the end of May 2010.

(2) The current status of upgrades and constructions of railway police facilities is detailed below:

SAPS RAIL POLICE STATIONS PROJECTS	STATUS OF THE SAPS FACILITY

1. Western Cape: Provincial Command at Cape Town Station, Cape Town Police Station, Philippi, Bellville and Retreat	All five facilities were completed four years ago and handed over to the SAPS.
2. Ethekwini: Provincial Command at Durban Police Station, Kwa-Mashu, Escombe, Cavendish and Reunion	All six facilities were completed two years ago and handed over to the SAPS.
3. Gauteng North: Provincial Command at Pretoria Station, Pretoria Police Station (delayed), Saulsville, Mabopane and Denneboom,	Four facilities were completed and handed over to the SAPS, except the Pretoria Police Station. Delays were caused by the approval of drawings in the City of Tshwane.
4. Gauteng South: Provincial Commands at Park Station and Germiston Station, Kempton Park Station, New Canada, Roodepoort, Springs, Lawley, Krugersdorp, Germiston Station, Stretford Station (delayed)	Ten facilities were completed and handed over to the SAPS, except for Stretford Police Station. Delays were due to the fact that the first designs were too costly.
5. Eastern Cape: Provincial Command at East London Station, East London Police Station, Mount Ruth and Swartkops Station in Port Elizabeth	All four facilities were completed and handed over to the SAPS

(3) (a) (i) Two projects are behind schedule, namely Pretoria and Stretford Police Stations.

(ii) There are delays at the Stretford Police station, which are due to the fact that the initial designs were not accepted by the South African Police Service. Pretoria Police Station was delayed due to the fact that the Tshwane City Council delayed the approval of the plans.

(b) The project at Pretoria Police Station will be completed in July 2010, whilst the one at Stretford Police Station will go ahead once the new drawings have been approved by the Local Authority in the Vaal.

QUESTION NO 1041

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 26 APRIL 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 9 – 2010)

Mr E J Marais (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) How many (i) permanent and (ii) temporary, or contract, train drivers are there in each province, (b) why are these train drivers employed on a temporary or contract basis, (c) how many train drivers have been trained in the past three years, (d) what is the cost of such training, (e) where have such newly trained train drivers been placed to operate and (f) what are the (i) mechanisms, (ii) processes and (iii) procedures that exist to assess and monitor the quality of train drivers;

(2) whether there are currently any shortages of train drivers; if not, why not; if so, (a) where are these shortages and (b) what action is being taken to resolve this?

NW1188E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

The Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (PRASA) furnished the following information:-

(1) (a) (i) and (ii)

PRASA RAIL TRAIN DRIVERS
Region	Permanent Train Drivers	Fixed Term Contract Workers (Train Drivers)
1. Gauteng	478	58
2. Durban	45	46
3. Western Cape	252	36
4. Eastern Cape	21	0
5. Free State	17	0
6. Limpopo	8	0
7. Mpumalanga	11	0
8. North-West	7	0
9. Northern Cape	16	0
	855	140

(b) This is as a result of a shortage in train drivers and drivers who were on pension/retirement have therefore been re-employed.

· The more experienced drivers mentor the less experienced ones.

(d) The cost amounted to R3 314 840.00

(e)

Region	Permanent Train Drivers
Gauteng	65
Durban	30
Western Cape	63

(f) (i) Mechanisms: PRASA acquired a train driver simulator.

(ii) Process: PRASA has a process flow (referred to as training instruction) that is signed off by labour and management.

(iii) All four training centres are fully accredited by TETA ETQA, which is

responsible for quality assurance at these learning centres.

(2) Yes, PRASA has a shortage of train drivers.

(a) All the regions have a shortage of train drivers. Gauteng has the highest number of shortages.

(b) PRASA has a learnership programme in place in which existing train drivers train new train drivers.

QUESTION NO 1042

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 26 APRIL 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 9 – 2010)

Mr E J Marais (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether any of Metrorail's security contracts were terminated; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) why and (c) how were they terminated;

(2) whether any alternative security provisions for Metrorail have been put in place, if not, why not; if so, (a) what processes, procedures and mechanisms exist to ensure the highest possible standards in this regard, (b) how is this monitored, (c) what cost savings are there with these changes and (d) what are the further relevant details;

(3) (a) how many non-permanent, contract positions are there in each province, (b) for how long have these positions been contract positions, (c) why are these positions on a contract basis, (d) what are these positions, (e) which of these positions will become permanent, (f) when will they become permanent and (g) what criteria are applied to make positions permanent?

NW1189E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a)

Yes, some security contracts were terminated. This process started in September 2009.

(b)

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) took a strategic decision to increase its own security capability, which necessitated the reduction of contracted security services. The decision to increase PRASA's own security capability was aimed at addressing the security inefficiencies within the PRASA operational environment.

(c)

The private security contracts were operating on a month-to-month basis and the companies were given a month's notice.

(2) (a)

Yes, alternative security arrangements were made. PRASA phased in its own security personnel. These Protection Security Officers are trained in line with the key security challenges faced by the organisation namely:

ü Incident Management

ü Customer Care

ü Crime Prevention

ü Crowd Control

(b)

This process is monitored in terms of performance and is measured by the following:

ü Crime Index

ü Customer Perception Evaluation

ü Contract Management and Performance

(c)

PRASA's Corporate Security envisages a saving of approximately 10% on its security budget with the introduction of this new approach in PRASA Security arrangements. This process will ensure the systematic stabilization of security costs.

(d) Not applicable.

(3) (a)

There is currently no contract personnel employed in any of the regions. Trainees are, however, appointed as casual workers for a period not exceeding one year on condition that they successfully complete their training.

(b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) Fall away.

QUESTION NO 1043

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 26 APRIL 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 9 – 2010)

Dr S M van Dyk (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) How many (i) permanent and (ii) temporary or contracted Autopax bus drivers are there and (b) why are Autopax bus drivers employed on a temporary or contract basis;

(2) (a) what (i) kind of training did these bus drivers obtain and (ii) assessments are done to ensure that they are fully qualified and trained, (b) how many bus drivers still need to be trained and (c) by when will they be trained;

(3) what mechanisms, processes and procedures exist to ensure the highest quality bus drivers? NW1190E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) (i) and (ii), (b)

There is a requirement of 2.2 drivers per vehicle for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. This requirement has meant that Autopax has had to recruit significantly more drivers than will be required for Autopax's future needs.

Drivers that have been recruited for the World Cup have been recruited on a temporary basis, from the date when they were recruited until the end of July 2010. After the World Cup, Autopax will appoint the best of these drivers on a permanent basis, according to Autopax's future requirements.

To date, 399 additional World Cup drivers have been recruited. In addition to this, there are in excess of 400 drivers that are at various stages in the assessment process. In addition to this, approximately 240 experienced drivers will be obtained from the industry to assist with the World Cup services.

The Department of Transport is responsible for finalising the appointment of the operating entity for the general spectators (110 buses).

(2) (a) (i) and (ii), (b), (c)

All assessments are done by third party providers that have been appointed based on significant experience and expertise in the field. The following criteria are used during the recruitment phase for all drivers:

• KROLL: Criminal, license, Public Driver Permit and ID verifications.

• Viena Dover tests: evaluation of literacy levels, general behaviour assessment, includes a Driver/Operator battery that measures monotonous concentration, stress tolerance, perception ad distance estimation.

• Medical evaluations

• Driver assessment: All drivers undergo a preliminary driving assessment.

After completion of recruitment, and prior to the World Cup event, all drivers will undergo the following training;

• Vehicle familiarization training

• Route training

• Documentation and event specific training

In order to facilitate this process, 30 experienced drivers have been trained by Autopax and Mercedes Benz South Africa, enabling Autopax to train 150 drivers per day if required. Training of these trainers has been completed; event specific driver training commences on 12 April 2010 and will continue until the event, or as required.

On the MAN fleet of vehicles, MAN has agreed to train 2 drivers per bus for defensive driving.

The greatest hindrance in the training process has been the availability of information, as most stadium and or airport information is only to be finalised by the end of April 2010. Routes cannot be finalised until this information has been finalised, and is available.

(3)

In addition to the points listed in (2) above, all drivers will be assessed during the route training phase of the project. These assessments will be done on each and every route that is trained, with every individual driver. Those that are identified as having mediocre scores may be required to receive additional training and coaching. They will receive technical or route training as required, and may be required to obtain additional supervised driving time on the existing Autopax route network.

QUESTION NO 1044

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 26 APRIL 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 9 – 2010)

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

(1) What was the total cost of the advertisement by the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA) (details furnished) that was published in newspapers on 9 February 2010;

(2) whether the advertisement had been budgeted for; if not, from which budget was this cost allocated; if so, from which budget;

(3) on what basis was the decision made to respond to a statement via paid media?

NW1191E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) The advert cost was R91 522,00.

(2) Yes. The advert was paid out of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa's (PRASA) marketing and advertising budget.

(3) On the basis that a damaging statement that was not factual was disseminated to

the public, and PRASA needed to act swiftly to set the record straight on a serious business matter.

QUESTION 1045

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 30 March 2010

Internal question paper no 9

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

(1) Whether any amount was (a) budgeted for and (b) spent on her department's mini drug master plan (i) in the (aa) 2007-08 and (bb) 2008-09 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) what amount has been allocated to her department's mini drug master plan for the 2010-11 financial year? NW1192E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, the National Department of Social Development allocated and spent the following amounts on the implementation of the Mini Drug Master Plan:

2007/2008 financial year:

Projects	(a)(i)(aa) Allocated Budget	(b)(i)(aa) Expenditure	Achieved/Not achieved
Prevention and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill	R400 000.00	R400 000.00	Achieved
Substance abuse resource directory	R100 000.00	R100 000.00	Achieved
Minimum norms and standards for in-patient treatment centres	R190 000.00	R190 000.00	Achieved
Reintegration and aftercare model	R100 000.00	R100 000.00	Achieved
Ke-Moja programmes	R2 600 000.00	R212 000.00	Achieved
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking	R600 000.00	R110 000.00	Achieved
Research on impact of substance abuse	R226 000.00	R226 000.00	Achieved
Total	R4 216 000.00	R938 400.00

2008/2009 financial year:

Projects	(a)(i)(bb) Allocated Budget	(b)(i)(bb) Expenditure	Achieved/Not achieved
Roll-out of Ke-Moja programmes	R2 335 000.00	R2 335 000.00	Achieved
Media campaign	R200 000.00	R200.000.00	Achieved
Substance abuse clearing house and database	R700 000.00	R954 439.03	Achieved
Total	R3 235 000.00	R3 489 439.03

2009/2010 financial year:

Projects	(a)(ii) Allocated Budget	(b)(ii) Expenditure	Achieved/Not achieved
Ke-Moja programmes	R500 000.00	R375 900.00	Achieved
International Day Against drug Abuse and illicit trafficking	R310 000.00	R343 000.00	Achieved
Research on impact of Substance Abuse	R750 000.00	R0.00	Not achieved due to financial constraints.
2^nd Biennial Substance Abuse Summit	R1 652 000	R0.00	Postponed due to the need to prepare ourselves and all relevant stakeholders thoroughly so that an informed discussion takes places at the Summit.
Total	R3 212.000.00	R988 900.00

(2)The following amount has been allocated for the implementation of the Mini Drug Master Plan in 2010/2011:

Projects	Allocated Budget
Regulations for the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill.	R653 000.00
Ke-Moja programme	R1 716 800.00
International Day Against drug Abuse and illicit trafficking	R300. 000.00
Draft treatment model	R380 000.00
Piloting of adult prevention model	R38 100.00
Piloting of community based model	R38 100.00
Research on impact of Substance Abuse	R750 000.00

QUESTION 1046

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 30 March 2010

Internal question paper no 9

1046. Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether, in accordance with the National Drug Master Plan, all departments have submitted their (a) mini drug master plan for the 2010-11 financial year to the Central Drug Authority and (b) departmental reports on the operation of such plans for the 2009-10 financial year; if not, (i) which departments failed to submit these plans and reports by the due deadline and (ii) what were the reasons for the delay in each case;

(2) whether any departments have still not submitted their (a) drug master plans and (b) reports on how operational plans were implemented; if so, (i) which departments in each case and (ii) what action does she intend taking to compel departments to comply? NW1193E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, all departments that have an obligation to submit their Mini-Drug Master Plans and reports to the Central Drug Authority and those departments are currently finalizing these documents. The submission date has been extended to 15 June 2010.

(2) Yes, as indicated in the response above, all departments are finalising their documents and have been granted an extension to submit them by 15 June 2010. We will only be certain of the number of departments that have not complied at the end of the extended period.

In order to improve on the timely submission of the Mini- Drug Master Plans and reports, the CDA is conducting capacity building sessions with the relevant departments and this matter will also receive attention within the relevant Clusters.

QUESTION NO 1047

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1047. Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) On what date was a certain mine (name furnished) awarded a water use licence and (b) when did the mine first become operational;

(2) since the date that the water use licence was granted, (a) what was the date of each audit done by her department to determine compliance with the terms of the water user licence and (b) what was the (i) name and (ii) designation of the most senior official of her department who conducted the audit in each case;

(3) whether she has been informed that the use of water by the mine has affected surrounding farmers negatively in terms of (a) water quality and (b) water availability; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether her department has received any requests for assistance from farmers who were concerned about the effects of the mining operations on their farms; if so, how has her department responded;

(5) whether the water user association of which this mine is a member is functional; if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusion reached? NW1195E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1)(a) Sishen Mine was issued a water use license in terms of Section 41 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) on 6 June 2008. Prior to the issuance of the license under the National Water Act, 1998, Sishen Mine operated under a water permit issued in terms of the Water Act, 1956 (Act No. 54 of 1956).

(1)(b) Sishen Mine first became operational in the early 1960s.

(2)(a) Following the issuance of the water use license on 6 June 2008, a compliance audit was conducted by my Department on 2 March 2009. Furthermore, one of the conditions of the water use license is that a full compliance audit must be conducted by Sishen Mine on an annual basis. Such audit has been conducted by an external auditor, MSA Group, during July 2009.

(2)(b)(i)Mr. Sam Dywili conducted the compliance audit.

(2)(b)(ii)Acting Deputy Director: Lower Vaal Water Management Area.

(3)(a) The potential impact of the mining activities on the groundwater quality was identified and investigated as part of the water use license application process. In order to monitor the potential impacts the mine is required to conduct water quality monitoring on a monthly basis. The water quality monitoring results are submitted to my Department on a quarterly basis and the available water quality results indicate that surrounding land owners have not been negatively affected.

(3)(b) The potential impact of the mining activities on the groundwater availability was also identified and investigated as part of the water use license application process. As part of the license application process, an extensive consultation process was conducted with surrounding land owners on the issues relating to potential impacts on water availability. Such consultation resulted in conditions being included in the license which require the Sishen Mine to monitor groundwater levels on surrounding farms on a monthly basis and to either compensate or provide surrounding land owners that are negatively impacted with alternative sources of water.

(4) Yes, a Groundwater Management Committee, where issues relating to groundwater availability can be discussed, has been established and a protocol for the reporting and investigation of individual water availability queries registered by surrounding land owners has also been established. My Department has also ensured that surrounding land owners are compensated or alternative sources of water are provided in cases where it was proven that surrounding land owners has been negatively impacted upon.

(5) Yes, the Tshiping Water Users Association (WUA), established in terms of Section 92 of the National Water Act, 1998 on 28 February 2008, is functional. The WUA is conducting the initial functions as stipulated in their approved constitution.

QUESTION NO. 1048

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1196E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 March 2010

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Why, with reference to her reply to question 255 of on 1 March 2010, is there a need for the verification of abalone rights holders when Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) is already in possession of a list of rights holders that were verified in 2003;

(2) whether the trustees will be entitled to any unique benefits compared to other abalone rights holders; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what are the specifics of the agreements entered into with the trust;

(4) what is the total amount that was paid out to (a) individual rights holders, (b) legal entity rights holders and (c) crew members;

(5) whether the amounts stipulated in the reply to question 255 of 2010 are the actual amounts being paid out to the above three categories; if not, why not; if so, how?

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

969. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) The verification of Right Holders included identifying the present addresses of Right Holders so that they could be contacted to obtain their banking particulars. It also included the identification of crew members who are not on the Mari=ne and Coastal Management (MCM) database.

(2) No. The agreement to pay such benefits only provides for payments to Right Holders and crew members. Trustees only benefitted in their capacity as Right Holders where applicable.

(3) The specifics of payments to Right Holders and crew members are reflected hereunder:

" Stage One Payment per Category:

CATEGORY	NUMBER OF CLAIMANTS	AGREED PAYMENT PER CLAIMANT (VAT INCLUSIVE)	TOTAL CLAIM PER CATEGORY (VAT INCLUSIVE)
Abalone Right Holders: Individual Divers	262	R20 000	R 5 240 000
Abalone Right Holders: Legal Entities	40	R30 000	R 1 200 000
Crew Members	604	R 2 000	R 1 208 000

Stage Two Payment shall be effected by the Implementer based on the outcome of the indigent audit conducted by the Implementer and payment shall be made equally to the indigent abalone Right Holders. Stage Two Payment shall be limited to the maximum amount of R 2 250 000 (VAT inclusive). Payment to a maximum of R10 000 (VAT inclusive) shall be made by the Implementer to individual abalone Right Holders."

(4) The total amounts paid out as at 30 March 2010 is set out in the table hereunder.

Category	Total amount paid
Rights Holders - individuals	R 6 890 345.00
Rights Holders - entities	R 1 110 000.00
Crew members	R 1 050 000.00

(5) Yes. Payments were made into the bank accounts of Right Holders and crew members.

QUESTION NO 1049

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9- 2010)

Date reply submitted : 19 April 2010

1049. Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) Whether any amount was (a) budgeted for and (b) spent (i) in the (aa) 2007-08 and (bb) 2008-09 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available on the SA Police Service's mini drug master plan; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) what amount has been allocated to his department's mini drug master plan for the 2010-11 financial year?

NW1197E

REPLY:

(1)(a) The South African Police Force compiles an annual mini Drug Master Plan by extracting from departmental strategic plans. Those Key Performance Areas(KPA) and functions, that pertain to the Service=s responsibilities, are not separate projects or programmes, but part of line function responsibilities and are, therefore, integrally part of the core functions of the SAP.

(1)(b) The key performance areas and activities, included in the annual mini Drug Master Plan, are not budgeted for separately, but are provided for, by the SAP budget for operational units, like police stations. As such, there is not a separate budget, set aside, for drug related investigations, law enforcement activities or prevention of crime actions. These functions are executed at operational level by police stations, units like dog units, clusters of stations, at provincial and national levels. Actions undertaken, may also have an impact on more than one KPA of the SAP, for example, operations to clamp down on illegal liquor outlets are included in the SAP mini Drug Master Plan, which are intended to reduce contact crime, associated with the abuse of liquor.

(2) It is therefore not possible to cite a specific amount, allocated to the mini Drug Master Plan for the South African Police.

Question NO.1050 ( NW1198E )

Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(1) Whether any amount was (a) budgeted for and (b) spent (i) in the (aa) 2007-08 and (bb) 2008-09 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available on his department's mini drug master plan; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) what amount has been allocated to his department's mini drug master plan for the 2010-11 financial year? NW1198E

The Minister of Labour replied:

Unfortunately in our strategic plan that we tabled in Parliament we clearly indicated what the budget allocated to us will do. Mini drug master plan is not in our plan.

2010-04-13

What's wrong with this page?