Questions & Replies: Questions & Replies No 951 to 975
2010-04-22
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
FIND THE REPLY YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BY SELECTING CTRL + F ON YOUR KEYBOARD
QUESTION NO 951
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 26 APRIL 2010
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 9 – 2010)
Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) asked the Minister of Transport:
With reference to his answer to question 150 on 25 February 2009 that a separate toll-fee category for motorcycles is being considered as part of the Road Tolling system, (a) what progress has been made with the introduction of this separate category and (b) when is the separate category expected to come into force?
NW1092E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(a) The system is being developed as part of the electronic toll collection
system for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project.
(b) It will come into force in April 2011.
QUESTION NO: 952
Mr PJ Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:
(1) How many vehicles of her department were involved in accidents (a) in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009 and (b) during the period 1 January 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available.
(2) In each specified year, what (a) did the damages amount to and (c) was the amount insured;
(3) Whether the full amount was insured in each specified year; if not why not; if so, what was this amount;
(4) Whether she will make a statement on the matter?
NW1093
REPLY
1. (a)
| Financial Year | Accidents and damages | Accidents only |
| 2006 | 1280 incidents | 387 vehicles |
| 2007 | 1497 incidents | 447 vehicles |
| 2008 | 1526 incidents | 403 vehicles |
| 2009 | 1420 incidents | 261 vehicles |
(b) January 2010 to 26 February 2010 - 474 incidents and 25 vehicles
2. (a)
|
Numbering |
Financial Year |
Accidents and damages |
Accidents only |
| (i) | 2006 | R3 841 682-84 | R970 345-72 |
| (ii) | 2007 | R6 362 003-27 | R1 391 479-99 |
| (iii) | 2008 | R6 789 869-24 | R921 973-43 |
| (iv) | 2009 | R7 190 280-77 | R767 748-91 |
| (v) | January 2010-26 February 2010 | R779 433-25 | R36 893-31 |
(b) Departmental vehicles are not insured.
3. No insurance on department vehicles. The State bears its own damages and accident risks are responsible for all claims and losses of state property where these arise from state activities by an official who is liable in law and who is or was employed by an institution. (Reference: Treasury Regulation Paragraph 12.1.1).
4. No
QUESTION NO. 954 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1095EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 March 2010
Mr J J Mc Gluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department has been informed of the baboons at Beit Bridge; if so, (a) what steps will her department take to (i) remove and (ii) rehabilitate them before the 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament, (b) when and (c) what are the further relevant details; if not,
(2) whether her department will look into the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr J J Mc Gluwa (ID) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS954. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) No. No steps will be taken by this department as the matter is being handled by the Limpopo Province, through the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism.
(2) No. Due to the concurrent competence of nature conservation, the problem was dealt with by the provincial conservation authority.
QUESTION 955FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 30 March 2010
Internal question paper no 9
Mr R B Bhoola (MF) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
How many (a) projects that have been funded by National Development Agency
(NDA) are (i) incomplete and (ii) fraudulent and (b) applications for funding in the rural areas have not been finalised in the KwaZulu-Natal province? NW1097E
REPLY
(a) In the 2009/2010 Financial Year, the NDA had (i) 45 incomplete and withdrawn projects. These were projects approved in previous years whose funding was withdrawn by the Board based on the key considerations below. Whilst these projects were withdrawn or incomplete, a number of activities were performed satisfactorily. A full list is attached as "Annexure A".
The following factors constitute the primary reasons for project withdrawal:
o Activities of the project could not be satisfactorily implemented as a result of the withdrawal of significant number of project members.
o Un resolved conflicts within the project impacted on delivery of planned activities
o Project partners had passed a resolution recommending a withdrawal of a lead organisation.
o Formal written requests had been received by the NDA seeking a withdrawal from the contract
o The project did not demonstrate adequacy in any of the following areas;
Governance
Management
Technical capacity, to successfully implement project activities.
A high percentage (80%) of these projects was approved before 2005, signalling a significant improvement in project assessment, monitoring and ongoing support over the past five years
Please see reply for question a(i), (ii) and b
QUESTION 956FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 30 March 2010
Internal question paper no:
Mr R B Bhoola (MF) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What prevents (a) her department and (b) National Development Agency (NDA) from carrying out its core function with regard to assisting senior citizens from vulnerable groups in rural areas who applied for funding timeously, but are not receiving any money? NW1098E
REPLY:
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
(a) The objective of the Department is to maintain and protect the rights of older persons as well as to promote their status and well being. Service Level Agreements are entered into with NPOs so as to implement policy and legislative frameworks prescribed by the Department to fulfil the objectives. The following programmes are subsidized:
• Prevention and promotion programmes which ensure the independent living of an older person in the community, e.g. service centres.
• Home based care which targets frail older persons within the community
• Residential facilities which targets frail older persons who needs 24 hour care and whose families are unable to care for them
The Department of Social Development provides financial awards to service providers that provide social services to older persons from funds appropriated by Parliament for that purpose. Funding is influenced by among others the following guidance:
(i) Policy and legislative framework that impact on service delivery, viz.
• Older Persons Act, 2006
• Norms and standards
• South African Policy for Older Persons, 2005
• Policy on Financial Awards
• Non Profit Organisations Act, 1997
• Public Finance Management Act, 1999 and Treasury Regulations
(ii) Panel discussions are held with a view to assess the business plans submitted by NGOs as well as
(iii) Government priorities
The following table illustrates the summaries of responses from provinces see attached:
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
The core function of the National Development Agency is to grant funds to civil society organizations (CSOs), including groups representing senior citizens in rural areas, to successfully implement projects in poor communities. These communities access NDA grants through two approaches, namely, the Request for Proposals (RFP) and Programme Formulation (PF).
The Request for Proposals (RFP) is a competitive grant funding approach that targets well established CBOs, NGOs and Co-operatives in organised communities. Civil society organisations are invited through relevant media to submit proposals based on pre-set policy criteria and process. Proposals are then reviewed and submitted to the board for approval.
Programme Formulation involves reaching out to identified deserving communities to undertake activities that build "social capital" at community level. In essence, this approach targets specific areas and sectors based on primary research on priority poverty pockets. This process is mainly driven by NDA staff in provinces based on the assessment of the institutional capability and competencies of CBOs and NGOs in identified localities. This approach is premised on the observation that in certain communities, CBOs and NGOs will not be able to access developmental resources on their own without external assistance.
The National Development Agency is not prevented by any instruments, including legislation, policy or funding criteria from assisting senior citizens from vulnerable groups in rural areas who apply for funding timeously. Currently, senior citizens constitute a significant category of beneficiaries, alongside women and youth, in respect of approved development grants for poor communities. Based on the current beneficiary profile, the NDA has over the past two years systematically engaged with funded projects, as the majority are led and implemented by members with an average age of 50, to pro-actively engage young people to address the strategic imperative of succession planning as well as ensuring long-term institutional sustainability.
QUESTION NO. 957
DATE PUBLISHED: 30 March 2010
DATE SUBMITTED: 15 April 2010
957. The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the President of the Republic:
(1) (a) Why has he not complied with the requirements of section 5 of the Executive Members' Ethics Act, Act 82 of 1998, to register his interests within 60 days of taking office and (b) how does he reconcile this with the requirements of the oath he took on being sworn into office;
(2) Whether he will apologise to Parliament and the country in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1100E
REPLY:
This matter was referred to the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela. She submitted her report on the matter to the President and the Leader of the Opposition on 21 April 2010.
I have studied the report and have welcomed its findings and recommendations.
The report will be submitted to the National Assembly within 14 days of its receipt, consistent with the requirements of the Executive Ethics Act.
In addition, in light of the findings and recommendations of the Public Protector, I will present the report to Cabinet for discussion.
QUESTION NO 958
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 MARCH 2010. (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9-2010)
"Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture:
Whether the position of chief financial officer (CFO) in her department has been filled; if not, (a) why not and (b) how long has the position been vacant; if so; what are the relevant details?"
NW1101E
REPLY:
No
(a) The post has been advertised without any success on two different dates. The candidates that applied for this position did not meet most of the requisite requirements as indicated in the advert. Interviews were conducted with three of the candidates on 29 March 2010, but they were not appointable.
(b) The position has been vacant since 1 December 2008. However, an acting Chief Financial Officer has been appointed to ensure that the Department complies with the PFMA. Lastly, the Department is now embarking on a head-hunting exercise to fill the position.
QUESTION NO 959
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9-2010 IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF 30 MARCH 2010 FOR A WRITTEN REPLY
959. Dr. A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture:
(1) Whether her department had four lawyers flown to Cape Town to view the exhibition of a certain artist (name furnished) to determine whether it was pornographic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why were four persons sent, (b) what is the cost of the trip and (c) what were their findings;
(2) whether the findings were made public; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
(1) No the Department did not have four lawyers flown to Cape Town to view the exhibition of a certain artist to determine whether it was pornographic.
(2) In view of the response to Question (1), Question (2) falls away.
QUESTION NUMBER 960
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 MARCH 2010
Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:
(1) Whether, with regard to the enquiry into a certain pension fund (name furnished)
raised by a certain person (name furnished) with the Financial Services Board (FSB), the complaint was investigated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) Whether the FSB has permitted the distribution of the fund assets; if not, why not; if
so, what are the relevant details?
NW1103E
REPLY:
(1) The pensions fund registrar in the Financial Services Board has indicated that over the past nine (9) years, Mr (name furnished)'s enquiries to the FSB have revolved around the following two matters:
(a)The payment of and value of the benefits due to him following his disability
The FSB advised Mr (name furnished), that as prescribed in terms of section 30A of the Pension Funds Act, this type of complaint should be formally submitted to the Pension Funds Adjudicator. The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) has confirmed that he did lodge a complaint on 24 August 2007, and his complaint was referred back to him on 4 September 2007 as it was not properly formulated. He was requested to submit a reformulated complaint by 5 October 2007 failing which, his file will be closed. The OPFA advises that as no response was received from him and the file was then closed.
(b) The validity of the establishment and/or election of the board of trustees
of the Manhattan Pension Fund in respect of the 2005 appointments
The FSB investigated this complaint and found that valid elections in terms of the rules of the Fund were held on 20 June 2005 and received confirmation that the election process was overseen by an independent body. Despite being advised of this finding, Mr (name furnished) continues to question the validity of the board of trustees and their election process.
(2) The FSB is not sure which asset distribution is being referred to. As the Manhattan Pension Fund is an active fund, the assets held by the fund for the benefit of its members and beneficiaries will remain assets of the fund. The only distribution permitted, is firstly for benefit payments in terms of its rules. The other legal distribution is in respect of surplus assets in the Fund - the fund's surplus apportionment scheme was approved by the FSB on 23 January 2009.
QUESTION NUMBER 961
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 MARCH 2010
Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:
(1) Whether, with regard to the announcements by (a) the Registrar of Banks and the
Governor of the Reserve Bank in 1990 and (b) First National Bank (FNB) on 16 June 2006 (details furnished), the interest loan recalculations were completed and refunded to borrowers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any homes have been repossessed by FNB because of arrears accrued as a result of interest not being recalculated on home loans; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1104E
REPLY:
(1) The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has informed the National Treasury that
First National Bank (FNB) was aware of the circulars issued during 1990 by the then Reserve Bank Governor (Dr. Stals) and Deputy Registrar of Banks and Building Societies (Mr. Wiese). According to the SARB, FNB has confirmed that they took account of the views expressed therein and after seeking extensive legal opinion recalculated all 80 000 acquired Saambou home loans based upon a set of 6 principles that included the issue of interest charged in advanced versus arrears. Subsequently around 16 June 2006 an offer of refund totalling R154 million was made to 50 000 affected Saambou accounts. In terms of the process of refund, customers were provided with a letter detailing the offer of refund and permitted to elect to apply for the refund of the applicable home loan account or alternatively to apply for a designated bank account of their choice.
(2) It is not possible for government to account for the actions of a private company /
bank, or the basis on which it mayor may not have repossessed any houses. As indicated in the response to the first question, when determining the refund, FNB took into account whether the correct interest was charged by Saambou.
The recalculation was completed and the offers of refunds made to customers with effective from the 16 June 2006. Subsequent to the offer of the refund and to the best of the SARB's knowledge, it does not appear that any [ex] Saambou properties have been sold in execution. The arrears could have been offset by the refund due to the customer.
QUESTION NO 962
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 MARCH 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9- 2010)
Date reply submitted : 19 April 2010
962. Mrs PC Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:
Whether the cost implications for serving a protection order are uniformly applied across the country; if not, (a) why not and (b) who determines the cost; if so, (i) what is the breakdown of the cost for serving a protection order for each of the SA Police Service stations and (ii) what are the further relevant details?
NW1105E
REPLY:
Section 15(1) of the Domestic Violence Act Regulations, makes provision for the manner in which service of documents including protection orders will be made.
In terms of these provisions:
AService of documents Y.must be effected by:
(a) The clerk of court by handing and presenting for handing over a certified copy of the document to the person on whom the document is to be servedY.@
(b) The sheriff YY.; or
(c) A peace officer in terms of the provisions of the Criminal Procedure ActY..@
The response provided here only applies to protection orders served by the South African Police Service when ordered by the court to do so. It must be distinguished from the serving of protection orders by clerks of the court and sheriffs.
The SAPS uniformly addresses service of protection orders in that they will utilise available resources at the police station in order to execute service of protection orders. There are no separate costs involved as the serving of protection orders is done using the available vehicles and members on duty. Costs are not documented or recorded separately from other duties executed by the same members, hence it is not possible to provide a breakdown of costs specifically associated with the serving of protection orders.
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 964
964. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
(1) What process was followed to identify and appoint an acting chief executive officer for the National Home Builders' Registration Council (NHBRC);
(2) whether any procedures have been put in place to fill the position of CEO of the NHBRC; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
(1) Due to the suspension of the previous Chief Executive Officer, the Council resolved to appoint an Acting CEO for a period of six (6) months. In July 2009 the Council's Deputy Chairperson: Mr Sipho Mashinini was appointed as Acting CEO. As a result of this appointment, Mr Mashinini resigned as Council's Deputy Chairperson. The Council informed the Department of this resolution.
(2) Yes.
QUESTION NO 965
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 MARCH 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)
965. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether she has been informed of any functionality problems at sewage treatment plants in the Ndlambe Municipality; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b)(i) how and (ii) when will the problems be addressed;
(2) whether the rivers and coastal waters into which sewage treatment works in the Ndlambe Municipality discharge are monitored regularly; if not, why not; if so, what have the results of this monitoring shown;
(3) whether her department has issued any notices to the Ndlambe Municipality in terms of section 19(3) of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, since 1 January 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether, with reference to the regulations for the erection, enlargement, operation and registration of water care works published under No. R.2834 of 27 December 1985, all water care works in the Ndlambe Municipality comply with the minimum requirements with regard to staff (a) complement, (b) educational qualification and (c) experience; if not, (i) which water care works do not comply with the requirements and (ii) what are the details of the noncompliance in each case;
(5) whether the sewage treatment plants in Ndlambe Municipality are included in the Green Drop report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the assessment? NW1108E
---00O00---
REPLY:
(1)(a) Yes, in 2009 my Department was informed of functionality problems at Ndlambe Municipality. Following this knowledge, my Department engaged the Municipality through bilateral meetings to discuss the problems.
(1)(b)(i) Ndlambe Municipality was prioritised for funding under the Department's Accelerated Community Infrastructure Programme and on submission of a business plan was allocated an amount of R 4.2 million during the 2009/10 financial year and R4.78 million for 2010/11 financial year.
(1)(b)(ii) Currently, the allocated funding is being utilised in refurbishing and addressing the functionality problems.
(2) No, there is no regular monitoring of the rivers. Three of the four affected wastewater treatment works (WWTWs), namely, Alexandria, Bushmans and Port Alfred Waste are not allowed to discharge their effluent as they are required to irrigate any overflow. With regards to the fourth WWTWs (Kenton on Sea), which discharges treated effluent into Kariega River estuary, an estuary monitoring programme is in a planning stage.
(3) Yes, my Department has issued a letter of non-compliance to the Ndlambe Municipality on 15 June 2009. This was as a result of spillages at Belityi and Posini raw sewage pumping stations (which is part of the sewer reticulation). The Municipality promptly repaired and rectified the problems.
(4) Although staffed, none of the water care works in the Ndlambe LM comply with the minimum requirements with regard to staff compliment. The details of the non-compliances are reflected in Annexure A
(5) Yes, the WWTWs was included in the Green Drop assessment, however, the Green Drop Report has not yet been released.
ANNEXURE A
Summary of WWTW with staff requirements based on Regulatory Requirements (Regulations 2834) as compared to actual staff resourcing:
| WWTW | Respondible Authority | Class | Staff Capacity Existing: Staff Employed on Works (Supervisor / Process Controller, etc & Qualifications e.g.: class V operator etc) | |||||
| Supervisor Regulatory Requirement (Regs 2834) | Supervisor: Current Situation (Class) | Supervisor: Current Situation (Employed) | Process Controllers: Regulatory Requirement (Regs 2834) | Process Controllers: Current Situation (Class) | Process Controllers: Current Situation (Employed) | |||
| Alexandria | Ndlambe Local Municipality | E | Class V | Not Classed | 1 | Class I | Not Classed | 0 |
| Bushman | Ndlambe Local Municipality | E | Class V | Class I | Not Classed | 1 | ||
| Kenton on Sea | Ndlambe Local Municipality | E | Class V | Class I | Not Classed | 1 | ||
| Bathurst | Ndlambe Local Municipality | E | Class V | Not Classed | 1 | Class I | Not Classed | (1 part time) |
| Port Alfred | Ndlambe Local Municipality | E | Class V | Class I | Not Classed | 0 | ||
| Total Current Employed in Ndlambe - C & NC | 2 | 2 | ||||||
QUESTION NO 966
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 MARCH 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)
966. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether she has been informed of any functionality problems at the Barkly East sewage treatment plant in the Senqu Municipality; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) how will the problems be addressed;
(2) whether water resources into which the sewage treatment works in Barkly East discharges are monitored regularly; if not, why not; if so, what have the results of this monitoring shown;
(3) whether her department has issued any notices to the Senqu Municipality in terms of section 19(3) the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, since 1 January 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether, with reference to the regulations for the erection, enlargement, operation and registration of water care works published under No. R. 2834 of 27 December 1985, all water care works in the Senqu Municipality comply with the minimum requirements with regard to staff (a) complement, (b) educational qualifications and (c) experience; if not, (i) which water care works do not comply with the requirements and (ii) what are the details of the noncompliance in each case;
(5) whether this sewage treatment plant is included in the Green Drop report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the assessment? NW1109E
---00O00---
REPLY:
(1) No, my Department has not been informed of any functionality problems at the Barkly East sewage treatment plant in the Senqu Municipality. My Department is however in the process of investigating this matter.
(1)(a) Falls away.
(1)(b) Falls away.
(2) No, the local river is not monitored by my Department due to the fact that the existing plant is an oxidation pond system therefore no effluent discharge is allowed.
(3) No, my Department has not issued notices to the Senqu Municipality due to the fact that no pollution related problems were brought to its attention. If the sewerage plant is indeed polluting the river, my Department will ensure that the municipality puts in place mechanisms to rectify the situation in terms of the plant functionality and operation. My Department will then put into place monitoring systems to ensure that interventions are sustainable. If the above interventions do not yield the desired results, my Department will issue directives.
(4) Although staffed, not all of the water care works comply with the minimum requirements with regard to staff compliment. The details of the non-compliances could not be confirmed by the municipality within the limited time frame of responding to national assembly question. More information will be sought in the planned investigation.
(5) Yes, the WWTWs were included in the Green Drop assessment; however, the Green Drop Report has not yet been released.
QUESTION NO: 967
967. Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether entities of his department which provide funding to potential entrepreneurs consult credit bureau databases with regard to blacklists as a standard procedure when evaluating applicants for funding; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any of his departmental financial institutions share information regarding applicants with other members of his department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether any safeguards are in place to prevent duplicate applications to more than one financial institution for the same applicant or similar projects; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether any studies have been done to identify applicants who fraudulently benefited from duplicate applications to different departmental financial institutions in the past; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1110E
Responses
(1) The four entities (IDC, NEF, SAMAF, and Khula), which provide funding to potential entrepreneurs, consult credit bureau database as part of their due diligence process. However, adverse credit rating of the potential applicants is not the final determining factor for non-approval of funds. Investigation on credit worthiness is assessed case by case. Credit checks are done on entrepreneurs, directors of boards of applying businesses, as well as members serving on boards of co-operatives.
(2) Currently there are no formal information sharing systems in place amongst the entities due to the fact that each institution treats information of applicant as confidential. However, information sharing happens through collegial working relations, especially in cases where transactions are co-funded between institutions.
(3) Duplications are easily detected at the application phase because an application goes through a comprehensive due diligence process. Should it be detected that the applicant sent an application to the wrong institution, the applicant is duly advised on relevant institution to approach. Duplications are not common as the mandate of each institution is clear.
(4) The study has not been conducted as such because there has not been a need to conduct such a study. Due to the stringent securities employed from the application phase until the approval phase, it is almost impossible to fraud the process. Regular monitoring and unscheduled site visits to entities funded ensure that funds are used for their untended purposes.
Question 968.
Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(a) How many specifications for standards are registered with the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS), (b)(i) how and (ii) when will the standards be reviewed to ensure that South Africa is keeping up with developments in the industry internationally and (c) how many standards have been reviewed and finalised in each of the past five financial years?NW1111E
Response:
The Standard Division within the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) develops, promotes and maintains South African National Standards, which form the basis for consumer protection and assists South African industry to become internationally competitive. At present, approximately 6000 standards are maintained and new standards are developed at a rate of approximately 600 per annum. The SABS has a collection of 6 484 specifications/standards
Standards are living documents that are regularly reviewed for relevance by SABS committees. The default period for review is every five years. However, a standard can be reviewed at any point during the five year period, to ensure that it is aligned to, inter alia, International standards. This process is supported by committees that are made up of a balance of stakeholder groups and that are aligned to development needs and changes required for standards at a national and international level.
Standards are reviewed with a view to achieving one of the following outcomes:
The following table reflects the number of standards that have been reviewed and finalised in each of the past five financial years:
| Year | Reaffirmed | Revised (new editions) | Amended | Withdrawn | Total |
| 2009/2010 | 516 | 202 | 367 | 125 | 1210 |
| 2008/2009 | 383 | 210 | 412 | 166 | 1171 |
| 2007/2008 | 272 | 266 | 758 | 239 | 1535 |
| 2006/2007 | 378 | 242 | 701 | 144 | 1465 |
| 2005/2006 | 87 | 209 | 338 | 198 | 832 |
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1112E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 March 2010
Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) With reference to the 2008-09 annual report of the SA Weather Service (SAWS), why (a) was no reference made to the forensic investigation into various allegations of irregularities raised by staff at the SAWS and (b) were no disciplinary charges brought against the person who was responsible for the irregular expenditure of R1,1 million;
(2) whether any efforts have been made to recover the R1,1 million of irregular expenditure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether she has taken any steps to ensure that the situation that led to SAWS incurring this irregular expenditure will not be repeated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr M J Ellis (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS969. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
1. (a) In terms of the results of the forensic investigation referred to, no irregular expenditure was found; hence no disclosure/reference was made. However, the irregular expenditure of R1,1 million that occurred during the said financial year was disclosed in note 23 of the 2008/9 financial statements.
(b) An employee who was alleged to have been responsible for the R1,1 million irregular expenditure was found guilty at the disciplinary enquiry and dismissed.
2. The matter is still pending at the CCMA and once it is finalised, the next course of action for SAWS would be guided by the outcome thereof.
3. The Shareholder monitors the control environment at SAWS through the analysis of Quarterly Reports from SAWS as well as through its representatives that attend the Audit & Risk Committee and the Board meetings.
QUESTION NO 970
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 MARCH 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)
970. Mr G R Morgan to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) With reference to the launch of a water treatment project to mitigate acid mine drainage on 18 March 2010, when (a) was the problem of acid mine drainage in the vicinity of the project first identified by her department and (b) did the first decant of acid mine drainage occur in this area;
(2) whether the treatment project will deliver water of drinking standard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) why were potable reverse osmosis plants not considered for this project;
(4) whether any remediation measures will be undertaken to remedy the water courses, most notably the Robinson Lake; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether the unqualified volume of acid mine drainage which is flowing subsurface into the Zwartkrans compartment will be dealt with; if not, why not; if so, how? NW1113E
---00O00---
REPLY:
(1)(a) My Department was first sensitised to predictions of acid mine drainage (AMD) prior to 2002. However, large-scale cessation of mining operations and the absence of mine closure policies have hampered efforts to address the predictions relating to a possible decant of AMD.
(1)(b) The first decant of AMD in the West Rand occurred during September 2002.
(2) Due to the technology being utilised, the current treatment plants do not produce water of potable standard. Instead, it focuses on adjusting pH values and the concentrations of heavy metals to within acceptable ranges. The medium to longterm plan for AMD treatment will consider strategies that attempt to deliver water of potable standard.
(3) In view of the urgency of the situation, reverse osmosis technology could not be considered due to the lengthy timeframes in commissioning such a facility. Additionally, this strategy would be encumbered by very high costs.
(4) A remediation plan for the Tweelopies Spruit is proposed for discussion with the relevant mines. A pilot plant for remediating Robinson Lake, both in terms of water and sediment is currently in process. The pilot plant investigations are scheduled for completion by the end of 2010.
(5) Subsurface migration of mine void water into the Zwartkrans compartment is not yet fully quantified. However, the emergency intervention measure seeks to reduce the quantity of untreated AMD, as well as improve the quality of water that may enter the compartment.
QUESTION 972
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 7-2010)
Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
Whether any former employees of her department and/or the previous Department of Education are on contract to her department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are their names, (b) is the (i) payment and (ii) value of their contracts, (c) is the nature of work each person is currently performing, (d) is each contract's (i) start and (ii) end date and (e) are the reasons for their contracts being necessary?
REPLY:
a) PW Morkel
MM Ramarumo
JP Rault-Smith
RB Swartz
b)(i) PW Morkel : Deputy Director - Salary level 12
MM Ramarumo : Deputy Director - Salary level 12
JP Rault-Smith : Director - Salary level 13
RB Swartz : Chief Executive Officer - Salary level 15
(ii) PW Morkel : R520 527.00 pa
MM Ramarumo : R448 521.00 pa
JP Rault-Smith : R780 228.00 pa
RB Swartz : R1 099 824.00 pa
c) PW Morkel: Manage the finalisation of the PPP project and the relocation of the Department of Basic Education to new premises.
MM Ramarumo: Assist with the revision of learner support materials before the print run of books for 600 000 learners for 2010.
JP Rault-Smith: Assist with the reading toolkits for grades 1 to 3, the LTSM Catalogue plan for grades R to 3, the development of school library services and the conclusion of Inclusive Education field test.
RB Swartz: To manage the establishment of NEEDU in the Department.
d)(i) PW Morkel : 01/11/2006
MM Ramarumo : 09/03/2010
JP Rault-Smith : 01/08/2009
RB Swartz : 17/08/2009
d)(ii) PW Morkel : 31/07/2010
MM Ramarumo : 17/12/2010
JP Rault-Smith : 30/04/2010
RB Swartz : Until the post is suitably filled
e) In all cases YES.
QUESTIONS 974 FOR WRITTEN REPLY
TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 2010
974. Dr H C van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:
(1) Whether the Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy (Palama) has targeted any specific human resource skills in order to increase the skills of the public service; if not, why not; if so, (a) which skills have been targeted and (b) how many public servants have completed the programme thus far;
(2) whether the Government regards community development workers (CDWs) as having a crucial role to play in a performance-orientated government; if not, why are the CDWs appointed at a great cost; if so, (a) how are communities educated regarding the importance and nature of the role of the CDWs, (b) who is responsible for the training of the CDWs, (c) what is the nature of their training and (d) what resources are issued to CDWs in order to do their work effectively? NW1117E
______________________________________________________________________
REPLY
(1) Yes, PALAMA has targeted specific human resource skills that will increase the skills of the public service.
(a) These specific human resource skills include:
(i) Human Resource Management and Development
(ii) Financial Management
(iii) Leadership and Management Development
(iv) Local Government and Good Governance
(v) Frontline Services and Administrative Support
( b) The number of public servants that have completed the programmes in 2009/10 is as
follows:
| Human Resource Management and Development | 1302 |
| Financial Management | 4381 |
| Leadership and Management Development | 3061 |
| Local Government and Good Governance | 2536 |
| Frontline Services and Administrative Support | 778 |
2. When the Community Development Worker Programme (CDWP) was introduced in 2003, it was an intervention to address the problem of access of services by vulnerable and disadvantaged members within our society. This was motivated by among others, the questions and concerns raised by members of various communities at the imbizo platforms facilitated by Government and also the South Africa (Poverty) Inequality Report (1997) and Poverty Assessment Report (1998) on how access to government services can benefit the poorest of the population to improve their socio-economic conditions. The programe was also an intervention to bring government services closer to the people as well as fostering direct interaction with people in the communities in which they live.
To facilitate the implementation of the programme, it was necessary to develop guidelines to assist in this regard. A Handbook for Community Development Workers was developed and it is a comprehensive reference guide for community development workers. Again a Master Plan was developed and the purpose of the plan is to position the Programme within the government's Access Strategy and service delivery thrust. It further defines the terrain that community development workers occupy within government and with whom they should collaborate.
(a) Educating communities on CDWs is an ongoing process and at strategic points, various initiatives are introduced to continue with the education of communities on the importance of the programme. In 2008, the "Know Your CDW Campaign" was introduced and this was to further promote the work of CDWs as well as introducing the Master Plan that was developed to guide all stakeholders in the implementation of the programme. Various publications, amongst others, A Handbook for CDWs, Master Plan (generic framework for CDW operations) and Grassroots Innovations (CDWs best practices) were published for information of all stakeholders and the community. These documents and other CDW operations are also posted at our CDW link within the DPSA website supported by the daily door-to-door work of CDWs themselves.
We also utilize community radio stations and other mainstream media to communicate issues pertaining to the CDWP and raise awareness about the Programme. A Communication Strategy for the programme was developed and it assists in the promotion and marketing of the programme.
Provinces also introduce various activities at strategic points and they include road-shows which allows direct interface with communities. The door-to-door approach used by the programme allows CDWs to interface with citizens on programmes offered by government to bring about a better life to the poor and most vulnerable in society.
(b) PALAMA developed the training curriculum in conjunction with the Local Government SETA which registers and monitors the CDW Learnership and revises standards of the curriculum. With the guidance and assistance of the LGSETA provinces appointed service providers who conducted training for CDWs. For instance, the Western Cape used the University of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape (Rhodes University), Limpopo (University of Venda) and KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng used UNISA.
(c) The trainee CDW is expected to undergo community-based learning, gaining practical experience in the workplace and also expected to study development theory in a classroom setting. As public servants, they are also entitled to training based on their Personal Development Plans according to the Performance Management Development Systems. The Government of South Africa and India have signed a memorandum of understanding in the area of capacity development. CDWs are some of the public servants benefitting from this agreement. Over 150 CDWs have attended various skills development courses between the period 2004 – 2010 offered by different Indian institutions under the umbrella of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) managed by their Ministry of External Affairs.
(c) Provinces have equitably allocated a ring-fenced budget to the programme which covers operations and salaries for CDWs and support staff at provincial and district level. Tools of trade issued to CDWs (depending on the province's financial capability) ranges from cellular phones, laptops and desktop computers and certain allowances as determined by provincial department housing the programme (either Dept of Local Government & Housing and/or Traditional Affairs).
QUESTION NO: 975
Mr Selfe (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:
(a) What is the breakdown of the liability amount of R988 million as a result of bodily injury or assault reflected on page 148 of the 2008-09 annual report with reference to (i) claimants, (ii) amount claimed by claimants and (iii) the status of each case in the legal process, and
(b) What measures have been instituted to recoup losses suffered by her department as a result of acts committed or omitted by officials when such an official was liable in law?
NW1118E
REPLY
(a) Of the R988 million contingent liabilities for the 2008/09 financial year, R82 million is the total carry over claims from the previous financial year and R906 million constituted essentially by one outrageous claim of R900 million which has not been taken beyond a letter of demand. It should be noted that the claimant has neither taken the matter further to court, nor appoint an attorney, nor submit proof of the amount claimed. The claim is denied by the Department of Correctional Services and the onus in law is on the claimant to prove his claim.
(i) Overall against the Department continued to decrease over the past three financial years from 261 in 2006/7, to 210 in 2007/8 and 175 in 2008/9 financial year, while also in particular the claims for bodily injury or assaults declined from 113 cases 2007/8 to 29 cases 2008/9 financial year. In short claims for bodily injuries or assaults declined by nearly 400%.
(ii) Contrary to these positive emerging trends in quantities of claims against the Department, the quantum amounts claimed show rocketing figures that are a distortion caused by the outrageous claim mentioned above, with no prospects of any success.
(iii) Some cases were concluded incurring paid liabilities of R239 917-00 during the financial year, which included other claims that were settled such as for;
- R15 000-00
- R60 000-00
- R50 000-00
- R45 000-00
-
These cases constituted half or less of the amounts claimed. The rest of the cases are pending as they are not approved/ settled, including the one answered above; which was reported
(b) The Department of Correctional Services has stepped up its investigations, conviction rates and sanctions against officials that acted outside of the law with overall conviction rates in excess of 86%, many of which resulted in dismissals. The DCS has also adopted a policy to claim from officials who forfeited state cover in all civil claims instituted against it. There are some pending cases where this is done. Together these actions are contributing in reducing incidents of assault or bodily injuries that resulted in claims against the Department. We are doing all we can to sustain the current trends of declines in claims against the department.
QUESTION 973
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30/03/2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 7-2010)
Mr JRB Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
How many posts in her department at the level of Chief Director and upwards are occupied by (a)(i) former and (ii) current members of the SA Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) and (b)(i) former and (ii) current office bearers/officials of SADTU? NW1116E
Answer:
(a)(i) This information is not available as the Department does not ask for such information and is also not required to ask for such information if appointments are made.
(ii) This information is not available as the Department does not ask for such information and is also not required to ask for such information if appointments are made.
(b)(i) This information is not available as the Department does not ask for such information and is also not required to ask for such information if appointments are made.
(ii) This information is not available as the Department does not ask for such information and is also not required to ask for such information if appointments are made.