Questions & Replies No 826 to 850

2010-04-22

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[PMG note: Replies are inserted as soon as they are provided by the Minister]

QUESTION 827

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

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 8 OF 2010

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

(1) With which programme within his department is the responsibility of the compilation of the skills shortage audit vested;

(2) whether this programme works in collaboration with (a) training centres specific to certain industries, (b) technikons and (c) universities of technology in order to ensure that each of the individuals who graduate from these institutions are properly trained and equipped with relevant and marketable skills to secure employment within the fields in which they are trained; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW960E

REPLY:

(1) Historically this work was done by the Employment and Skills Development Services (ESDS) Branch (under the Department of Labour) but will now be located in the Skills Branch of the Department of Higher Education and Training.

(2) The compilation of the national scarce and critical skills list is based on Sector Skills Plans submitted annually by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). For the past 5 years, the preliminary draft of the National Scarce and Critical Skills List has been checked with the Skills Committee of government's economic cluster before being published. The Skills Development branch within the Department of Higher Education and Training will be responsible for evaluating SETA sector skills plans and compiling for draft list which will then be submitted to the Human Resources Development, Planning and Monitoring Coordination Branch for verification and publication.

The Council for Higher Education has the task of supporting Institutions of Higher Education to ensure that their qualifications are fit for purpose. The Qualifications Council for Trade and occupations will perform this role for trades and occupations. Until this is fully operational, the SETAs will continue to perform the Quality Assurance function.

QUESTION NO.:828

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 March 2010

828. Mr G R Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

(1) Why are the prices of the South African Airways (SAA) two to three times higher than those of any other airline in the country during the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament;

(2) whether her department has calculated the impact that the increased airfares chargedby SAA may have on the number of potential tourists who would be prepared to travel to South Africa during the tournament; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW961E

REPLY

(1) SAA is not increasing all of its domestic fares for the World Cup There is no marked difference between fares offered during the World Cup and outside the World Cup period. When SAAs published fares are compared with other airlines, it becomes evident that SAA is cheaper as compared to other domestic carriers. The fares displayed on the web are not necessary the average fares as the airline offers various discounted (cheaper) packages to tour operators. The national airline is constrained on match days and once capacity opens up the airline will then be able to discount prices further.

The majority of the fares have in fact decreased year–on-year due to currency effects on the Rand along with the effects of the recession which still impacts on operations. These limited increases are to help offset the higher cost of running a 24-hour operation, which SAA has planned for the duration of the World Cup. Despite this increase, SAA is offering some of the least-expensive fares available locally.

(2) SAA will make tickets, which were reserved for Match, the official ticketing agency of FIFA, as part of a deal at the most desirable peak times before and directly after matches, available to the public at reduced and affordable competitive rates. This is due to SAA no longer proceeding with an agreement with Match to provide seats on the airline's aircraft for the ticketing agency. The decision not to proceed with the Match deal follows the inability of the two parties to agree on the terms and provisions of the contract. SAA briefed the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on 16 March 2010 and its presentation is attached.

QUESTION NO. 829

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) (a) How many National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) are there in the country and (b) where are they situated;

(2) what is the (a)(i) optimal and (ii) actual staffing complement for each category of worker at each NHLS and (b)(i) income and (ii) expenditure of each NHLS;

(3) whether there are any backlogs at any NHLS; if so, (a) what is the backlog in each case and (b) what are the reasons for the backlog in each case;

(4) whether there are service delivery standards whereby analyses have to be completed; if not, why not; if so, what are the turnaround times;

(5) whether any of the backlogs have exceeded this maximum period; if so, by how many days?

NW964E

REPLY:

(1) (a) We do not have National Health Laboratory Services in the Country, we have only one (1) National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS).

(b) The NHLS has its headquarters in Sandringham, Johannesburg. It has the following service Regions:

Central Region: Southern Gauteng

Free State Province

Northern Cape Province

Coastal Region: Western Cape Province

Eastern Cape Province

KwaZulu/Natal: Entire Province of KwaZulu/Natal

Northern Region: Northern Gauteng

Limpopo Province

Mpumalanga Province

North West Province

There are 265 laboratories under the service and they are spread throughout the Country.

We also have the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) also falling under the service.

(2) (a) The following table reflects the situation in this regard

*Employee category*	*Mar-09*
	Central Region	Coastal Region	Corporate Region	KZN Region	NICD	NIOH	Northern Region	Grand Total
*Executive Management*	1		3	1	1	1	1	8
*Senior Management*	6	10	12	9	8	4	9	58
*Laboratory Management*	112	73	1	58	11		104	359
*Pathologist and medical officer*	74	54	0	24	15	5	43	215
*Registrar*	76	59	0	30	1	0	44	210
*Medical Scientist*	71	25	0	7	45	30	15	193
*Medical Scientist - intern*	27	5	8	4	23	4	6	77
*Medical Technologist*	383	402	3	300	38	8	234	1368
*Student Medical Technologist*	145	94	0	74	5	0	110	428
*Medical Technician*	81	89	5	105	6	4	109	399
*Student Medical Technician*	61	87	0	57	1	2	97	305
*Laboratory support*	732	481	33	533	101	27	448	2355
*Corporate Support*	69	63	240	27	44	14	26	483
*Grand Total*	1838	1442	305	1229	299	99	1246	6458

As at 31 March 2009, the headcount for NHLS was 6,458. The following table reflects the situation in this regard

*Employee Category*
*Employee Category*
	Mar-09
*Executive management*	8
*Senior management*	58
*Laboratory management*	359
*Pathologist and medical officer*	215
*Registrar*	210
*Medical scientist*	193
*Medical scientist – intern*	77
*Medical technologist*	1,368
*Student medical technologist*	428
*Medical technician*	399
*Student medical technician*	305
*Laboratory support*	2,355
*Corporate support*	483
*Grand total*	6,458

(b) (i) R2,349 billion, as at 31 March 2009

(ii) R2,128 billion, as at 31 March 2009

(3) No, there are no backlogs at this time.

(4) The NHLS has a Quality Assurance Division with a full institutionalized quality assurance programme in place. There are proper policies with ongoing monitoring and evaluation systems in place for all aspects of quality of service provision to its users (such as technical quality, client satisfaction and supplier support) and provide information to enable the NHLS regional quality assurance structures to provide support when and where required. The programmes include formal annual accreditation for academic and other large laboratories, annual functional audits covering all laboratories and proficiency testing schemes happen in every laboratory between 3-12 times a year, depending on the discipline, and finally an annual customer satisfaction survey with quarterly surveys done randomly across a cross-section of the laboratories.

(5) Not applicable, as there are no backlogs.

QUESTION NO. 830

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) in Port Elizabeth (PE) is to be closed down; if so, (a) what are the reasons, (b) who took the decision to close it down, (c) on what date was the decision taken to close the NHLS in PE, (d) when will it be closed, (e) where will the samples be sent, (f) what is the additional cost to transport samples to another NHLS and (g) how much longer will it take to get results;

(2) whether all the staff members were informed in writing about the closure; if not, why not; if so, on what date were they informed;

(3) what was the (a) income and (b) expenditure of the PE NHLS for the past three financial years;

(4) whether the training of technicians and technologists will be affected by the closure; if so, (a) in what way and (b) what alternative training arrangements have been made?

NW965E

REPLY:

(1) We do not have National Health Laboratory Services in Port Elizabeth. What we have are laboratories falling under the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), and there is no intention to close down any of those laboratories.

(2) Not applicable.

(3) Not applicable.

(4) Not applicable.

QUESTION 832

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER)

Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

1) Whether any provincial Members of the Executive Council have granted permission for teachers to be away from schools for any period of the day during the school term for trade union events; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether it is the policy of her department to support the closure of schools during the school term for any periods for trade union events; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW967E

Answer

1. I am not aware of any Provincial Member of the Executive Council that has granted permission for teachers to be away from schools for any period of the day during the school term for trade union events. However, I have requested my Department to verify from Provincial Education Departments whether such permission was granted and the relevant details. I will provide the information when it is available..

2. No, it is not the policy of the Department to support the closure of schools during the school term for any period for trade union events. However, if the Honourable Member has such information, I will appreciate to have details thereof in order to conduct investigations and take appropriate action where applicable.

QUESTION 833 WRITTEN REPLY 23 March 2010

833. Mr S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:

(1) Whether his department was responsible for the building of the houses of the housing project at Skilpadshek border post; if not, why not; if so, (a) who were the beneficiaries of the houses, (b) how many houses were supposed to be built and (c) what was the total cost of building the houses;

(2) whether an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was done beforehand; if not, why not; if so, what were the results of the EIA;

(3) whether it is his department's policy to pay contractors 10% when cancelling their contracts even before work has started; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many contractors have been paid for the cancellation of contracts by his department, (b) what was the total cost of such cancellations and (c) what were the reasons for the cancellation of these contracts? NW968E

REPLY:

The department confirms that it went out on tender regarding the subject matter. Accordingly, the tender was cancelled in the after math of discovering an old mine underneath. In line with legislation prescripts the company that won the tender was compensated.

QUESTION NO: 834

MR J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES:

1. Whether all sentenced female offenders in the Eastern Cape are now accommodated in East London, what is the position in this regards; if not, (a) why and (b) what arrangements have been made to ensure that such inmates maintain contact with their families;

2. Whether the facilities in which female offenders in the Eastern Cape were formerly accommodated have subsequently been renovated; if not, why not; if so; (a) which facilities, (b) at what cost and (c) what are these facilities used for?

NW969E

REPLY:

(a) Yes. A long-term strategic decision was taken to centralize all sentenced female offenders at the East London Correctional Centre. Queenstown- and Port Elizabeth Correctional Centres are under-utilized and/or not conducive for female offenders and their babies. These Correctional Centres also lack proper needs based rehabilitation programmes and resources for female offenders. Since the East London Correctional Centre was under utilized and is more conducive for female offenders and their babies, it was deemed necessary to move these offenders to the East London Correctional Centre.

(b) These offenders are transported on a weekly basis to the Mthatha-; Queenstown- and Port Elizabeth Correctional Centres to allow them to receive visits from their next-of-kin.

(2)

(a) No, the Department is not planning to renovate the Queenstown Correctional Centre as it does not require any renovation at this stage. The bid documentation for the Port Elizabeth project is almost completed.

(b) Port Elizabeth Correctional Centre will be renovated at a cost of R83 million.

(c) The East London Correctional Centre is utilized to accommodate awaiting trial detainees. At the Port Elizabeth Correctional Centre there are sentenced adult male offenders and a few female awaiting trial detainees.

QUESTION NO: 835

MR J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

1) Whether the admission security risk classification automation tool has been rolled out to all correctional centres; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will its roll- out be completed; if so what are the relevant details;

(2) (a) who was responsible for the roll-out and (b) what was the cost for this tool?

NW970E

Reply:

(1) (a) Yes. The automated admission risk security classification tool was rolled out to all correctional centres on 15 February 2010, however the following eight (8) correctional centres experienced technical problems during the roll-out for the following reasons:

Correctional Centre	Reason
Dordrecht	Network Connectivity problem
Hoopstad	Network Connectivity problem
Ixopo	Network Connectivity problem
Kranskop	Network Connectivity problem
Kimberley(New)	Network Connectivity problem
Flagstaff	Network Connectivity problem
Zonderwater Medium A	Network Connectivity problem
Elliotdale	Server issue

(b) Completion of roll out is highly dependent on successful resolution of technical problems outlined above; as such the roll out to the remaining Centres cannot be confirmed due to current budgetary challenges.

2. (a) The National Head Office is responsible for the roll-out of the automated tool.

(b) The tool was developed and automated internally by the department using internal capacity of normal DCS employees at the cost of R136,760.

QUESTION NO. 836

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

Whether any costing has been done into the cost of (a) alcohol-related injuries and (b) conditions such as Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and (c) tobacco related illness to the health system; if not, why not; if so, what are the costs in each case?

NW972E

REPLY:

(a) As far as the Department of Health is aware, there have been no comprehensive studies that have examined the cost of alcohol-related intentional and unintentional injuries. However, estimates of alcohol-related harm, including harm from traffic accidents, and costs to the public sector resulting from alcohol have been made by scientific institutions and researchers.

· the South African Medical Research Council (MRC) estimates the economic cost of alcohol harm in South Africa to be approximately R25.6 billion per annum (1.5% of GDP). A significant proportion of this would be injury related;

· in a proposal comparing the cost of alcohol-attributed deaths to the cost of random breathalyser tests, the MRC estimated that the costs of driving under the influence of alcohol are around R7.6 billion per annum;

· an analysis done on behalf of Soul City estimates that provincial governments allocate a total of close to R7 billion on account of alcohol abuse, while national government allocates more than R10 billion (A combination of Health, Social Development, Safety and Security, Justice and Constitutional Development, Correctional Services, Transport). Health alone is estimated to spend approximately R6.5 billion on alcohol-related harm. Of this, the proportion due to alcohol-related injury specifically has not been calculated but is undoubtedly very significant.

(b) There is currently no information specifically documented on the cost of FAS to the health system in South Africa. However, FAS is one of the medical conditions which presents with alcohol-related birth defects. In the Policy Guidelines for the Management and Prevention of Genetic Disorders, Birth Defects and Disabilities 2001, the cost of an individual child with a birth defect was estimated at R20 000 per year for basic medical care. The Department is therefore estimating that the current cost for a child born with FAS and having a birth defect would be approximately R50 000 for basic medical care.

Because the effects of alcohol on unborn babies and new-borns is varied, it is difficult to draw a point in the life of the child when effects of alcohol would not be seen. The current estimation is probably an underestimate.

· in 1994, the MRC estimated that for every R1 received by the Government from tobacco taxes, it costs the economy R2 in treating smoking-related illnesses and from lost productivity to industry due to ill-health caused by smoking;

· in 1988, over 2.5 million work days were lost in South Africa due to sickness and absence from bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, and 60% of all admissions to hospitals are for tobacco-related illnesses;

· 5% of all fires are caused by discarded smoking materials. (NOTE: a figure of R4.5 billion damages annually);

· the National Cancer Registry estimates that about 89 000 premature deaths per year could be expected in the future in South Africa on the basis of current smoking patterns.

QUESTION NO. 837

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether there is a cancer register; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will a register be created; if so, (i) when last was it updated, (ii) what are the top ten types of cancer and (iii) how many people died from each type of cancer (aa) in the (i) 2007-08 and (ii) 2008-09 financial years and (bb) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether there are any international norms by which a cancer register must be updated; if so, what are the norms;

(3) on what basis does his department allocate funding towards the treatment of cancer?

NW973E

REPLY:

(1) Yes. The National Cancer Registry is located within the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). The National Childhood Cancer Registry is located within the Western Cape. The PROMEC Population-Based Registry is based in the Eastern Cape.

(a) Not Applicable.

(b) Not Applicable.

(i) 2001;

(ii) Latest available information. Top ten types of cancer. Reference: Burden of Diseases Unit: Medical Research Council Revised figures for 2000.

(iii) Numbers of cancer deaths by cause, South Africa 2000-Revised

Rank	Cause of death (male)	Deaths	Rank	Cause of death (female)	Deaths
1	Trachea/bronchi/lung cancer	4 669	1	Cervix Cancer	3 498
2	Oesophageal Cancer	3 566	2	Breast Cancer	3 156
3	Prostate Cancer	2 524	3	Trachea/Bronchi/lung Cancer	2 216
4	Liver Cancer	1 666	4	Oesophageal Cancer	2 013
5	Stomach Cancer	1 386	5	Colo-rectal Cancer	1 410
6	Colo-rectal Cancer	1 157	6	Liver Cancer	986
7	Mouth and Oropharynx Cancer	985	7	Stomach Cancer	962
8	Leukaemia	818	8	Pancreas Cancer	752
9	Pancreas Cancer	789	9	Ovary Cancer	707
10	Larynx Cancer	633	10	Leukaemia	647

(aa) (i) Unknown. Cancer registry has not yet analysed data.

(ii) Unknown. Cancer registry has not yet analysed data.

(bb) Unknown. Cancer registry has not yet analysed data.

(2) The International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) based in Lyon do not set norms for cancer registries but as far as the Department can establish, this does not include norms for how often registries must be updated.

(3) Funding is allocated with respect to the Departmental Priorities of the Strategic Plan 2010/11-2012/13. Funding for the treatment of cancer was not specifically prioritised in the past and allocations were defined by available resources.

However, resource allocation towards the prevention and control of cancer will be enhanced through the following mechanisms:

(i) cancer is included in a key focus area of the Department of Health: "Life Expectancy through Maternal and Child Health and Non-Communicable Diseases".

(ii) the 1999 National Cancer Control Programme is presently being reviewed to enhance government's response to the changing demographic and epidemiological trends resulting in a dramatic escalation in the cancer prevalence in cancer.

QUESTION NO. 838

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether there are any (a) waiting lists and (b) pre-waiting lists at any hospital with regard to (i) elective and (ii) emergency procedures within the departments of (aa) orthopaedics, (bb) oncology, (cc) cardiac surgery and (dd) urology; if so, in each case, (aaa) how many persons are on the waiting list, (bbb) at which hospital and (ccc) for what (aaaa) procedure or (bbbb) operation;

(2) whether there are any maximum waiting times for (a) operations and (b) procedures stipulated by his department; if not, why not; if so, what are the maximum waiting times for each operation or procedure?

NW974E

REPLY:

The following information attached was obtained from the Provincial Departments of Health:

(2) It is important to realize that surgical backlog is a worldwide phenomenon in public health system. A look at the British health national System web page shows that waiting time for orthopedic surgery varies from 12 to 18 months from time to time.

The Gauteng Provincial surgical backlog is approximately 413 patients for various disciplines as reflected above.

The average waiting time for various operations is about three to four months. There is a marked improvement as compared to last financial where the surgical backlog was six to nine months.

Challenges:

· Cases cancelled due to medical reasons

· Insufficient theatre time, equipments ext

· Inadequate specialists

NORTHERN CAPE

Namaqua

No waiting list at any of the two hospitals: Springbok & Calvinia. Patients are referred to Kimberley Hospital for all the other procedures mentioned in the question. Patients get booked for a specific day at Kimberley when referred.

John Taolo Gaetsewe

The district does not deal with the aforementioned procedures as they are specialist fields. Therefore there is no waiting list. Patients are referred to Kimberley Hospital for all the other procedures mentioned in the question. Patients get booked for a specific day at Kimberley when referred.

Siyanda

Waiting lists:

- Elective surgery: No orthopaedic; cardiac and major urological surgery done at hospital. Only emergency cases in the above department done and referred to Universitas, Bloemfontein or Kimberley Hospital Complex;

- Oncology waiting list 56 cases;

- Urology minor: 07 cases

Pixley-Ka-Seme

In the hospitals ( De Aar and Prieska) just general surgery is done. The mentioned procedures are done at the secondary hospital, Kimberley Hospital, which is outside the District. Patients are referred to Kimberley Hospital for all the other procedures mentioned in the question. Patients get booked for a specific day at Kimberley when referred.

Frances Baard

Kimberley Hospital Complex

No Oncology waiting list done at Kimberley Hospital or referred to Bloemfontein

No Cardiac surgery waiting list: patients are referred to Bloemfontein

(ii) No emergency waiting list

(b) No pre-waiting list

John Taolo Gaetsewe district

Operations in the district are done mainly on an emergency basis and so there aren't waiting times attached. Tooth extractions for children under 6 have a maximum 6 week waiting period. Sterilisations are done ad-hoc and do not have waiting times attached

Siyanda

Waiting times:

Oncology: 1 week (Usually regarded as emergency cases)

Urology: 4 weeks

Cardiac: 4 weeks

Frances Baard

Kimberley Hospital Complex: No-Waiting time varies depending on the list and severity of the condition

Namaqua

Patients are referred to Kimberley Hospital for all the other procedures mentioned in the question. Patients get booked for a specific day at Kimberley when referred.

Pixley-Ka -Seme

Patients are referred to Kimberley Hospital for all the other procedures mentioned in the question. Patients get booked for a specific day at Kimberley when referred.

WESTERN CAPE

Red Cross Children's Hospital

Orthopaedics : 80 patients waiting

Outpatient Clinics: 2 weeks

Elective surgery at Maitland Cot. Home - waiting times 4 months

Urology: 100 patients waiting

Hypospadias: 6 months

Major Cases: 2 months

Cardiac Surgery: 215 patients waiting

Green ('elective'): 39 patients waiting

Yellow (should be operated on within 6 months): 143 patients waiting

Red (should be operated on within 1 month): 33 patients waiting

ASD repair (totally elective): 2 years on average waiting time

ENT

General: 6 months

General Paediatric Surgery

General Surgery Day cases

Major Elective Surgery cases 4 - 6 weeks

Ophthalmology

Clinics:

New non acute onset squints: 10 months

Acute onset squint: Seen within a week

Other routine referrals

Surgery:

Squint surgery

Oculoplastic procedures

Baby with congenital cataracts: Done within 1 - 2 wks

Traumatic cataract: Done immediately

Paediatric Glaucoma: Done within a week

Paediatric Vitrectomy: Done at time of cataract surgery

Plastic Surgery

Cleft Palates: 8 months

Congenital Hand Clinic: 11 months

General Plastics: 7 months

Tygerburg Hospital

There are no max waiting times, as patients who do not get into theatre either become inoperable or die,which is why we try to operate everyone as soon as possible, hence the frequent bumping down the list of less severe cases.

Orthopaedics

Emergency surgery:

Varies but usually less than 24 hours (range from 6 hours to 3 days).

Number of cases varies between 0 to 30

Elective surgery:

Hips and knees, 8 years, about 1600 cases waiting

Back surgery, 1 year about 350 cases

Hand surgery Varies depending on urgency but usually 3 months, No of cases not known.

Cardiac Surgery

Emergency surgery:

Stabbed heart less than 1 hour waiting time, no waiting list

Coronary work; Less than 1 week, numbers vary

Thoracic work: about 3 weeks, usually about 10 cases

Elective work:

Valves: anything up to 2 years, about 50 cases

CABG: 6 months, 30 Cases

Urology

Emergency work: Operates on emergency list as needed.

Elective work: Waiting time to surgery about 6 months, but access to

OPD about 3 months

Groote Schuur Hospital

There is very limited operating theatre time available to all the surgical divisions. The implementation of set maximum on waiting time can only be possible if there is more operating time available to the surgical divisions.

1. Surgical Oncology: Breast Cancer Surgery

● waiting time for surgery is approximately 10 weeks

● Ideally all breast ca should be operated on ASAP but resources do not allow this to be implemented. No set max waiting time. There are some aggressive types of breast Ca that need fast tracking (e.g. within 2-3 weeks where prognosis is worse or rapid change in progression) and other types of breast Ca that can be operated on within 3/12 once the diagnosis is made. The lists are reviewed and patients prioritized accordingly

Other Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery):

● Waiting time for surgery is approximately 12 weeks

● Some cancers like gastric ca or sarcoma have to be fast-tracked and other types like some thyroid Ca can be operated on within 3/12

Overall, although there are no set max waiting times this surgical firm has to constantly review patients on the waiting list and re-prioritize the cases for possible fast tracking. If reasonable max waiting time is set (international/European guidelines) the hospital will not be able to meet the requirements. Current practice of prioritising most urgent cases is best done within the limits of operating theatre time.

2. Orthopaedic Surgery:

● Waiting lists for elective joint replacement are from 1year (spine) to 7 years (hips). Emergency/Trauma cases are processed within 10- 72 hours. For elective surgery in some cases where the numbers overwhelmed the capacity to operate e.g hip replacement list the new patients can be added to the waiting list only after consultation with the most senior specialist. Otherwise a such waiting lists are "closed". If admissions to these clinics were not restricted the waiting lists would have been even longer. The waiting lists for specific joints are available on request.

● The maximum waiting time is not set but some clinics resort to "closure" of waiting list for new patients.

3. Cardiac Surgery:

● Two months for both coronary arteries bypass graft surgery and valve surgery

● Ideally elective cardiac surgery should be performed within 3 months to avoid complications and the risks associated with delayed surgery. There is no max waiting time set for cardiac surgery in GSH. Due to a limited number of operating lists available, at present, the feeder/referring department (the department of cardiology) determines a number of patients entering the waiting list.

4. Urology:

Cancer

● Waiting list 6 to 8 weeks for urgent cases like bladder and kidney. For other cases like Ca prostate 3-4 months since the diagnosis

● Not possible to set max waiting time as cases need to be reprioritized constantly not to exceed the current long waiting times for Ca surgery

Non- cancer Surgical Waiting Lists:

Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP):

● 1- 2 years, a percentage of patients come back as emergency cases with complications resulting from delay in surgery

● No set max waiting time , if the reasonable waiting time is set the hospital will not be able to comply due to constrains in availability of the theatre time

Urethral Strictures:

● Waiting list of 50 patients (up to 1 year waiting for removal of supra - pubic catheters, patients often develop complications-sepsis)

● No set max waiting time , no sufficient theatre operating time, the cases do not qualify for emergency surgery (on emergency operating lists unless severe complications)

Non-invasive kidney stone therapy (ESWL):

● Waiting time - 8 weeks

● No max waiting time set

Kidney Stone Surgery (PCLN) :

● Up to 1 year,

● No max waiting time set

QUESTION 839

Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether each Provincial Education Department has announced its goals for 2010; if so, what are these goals for each province; if not, (a) why not, (b) what steps has the department taken to obtain this information and (c) when is it expected that the outstanding information will be supplied.

REPLY:

No.

Departments have different priorities. However, Schooling 2025 and the Basic Action Plan will ensure that basic sector departments align their priorities and plans accordingly for purposes of monitoring and accountability on set outcomes and targets. Consultation processes are ongoing and once finalized all departments will have properly aligned plans and priorities. Departments will be accorded an opportunity to adjust their plans and priorities to respond to sector outcomes and targets.

QUESTION NO. 840

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

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

(1) Whether any province has frozen (a) funded and (b) unfunded posts in the (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08 and (iii) 2008-09 financial years; if so, (aa) which provinces in each specified financial year, (bb) how many posts were frozen at each specified health institution, (cc) what are the names of the health institutions and (dd) what were the reasons for freezing posts in each case;

(2) whether there is a time period within which each province must review their staff establishments; if not, (a) why not and (b) when last did each province amend their staff establishments; if so, (i) how frequently must provinces evaluate their staff establishments and (ii) what criteria are used to determine staff establishments at each health institution?

NW976E REPLY:

The following attached information was obtained from the Provincial Departments of Health:

(2) (a) Our department has last reviewed the organisational establishment of all health Institutions (Hospitals and Clinics) in February 2008.

(b) The Head Office staff establishment was last reviewed in September 2007.

(i) After every 3 years.

(ii) Staff establishment in Health Institutions is determined by the following:

· Size of the Institution (Number of approved beds) e.g. Nurse patient ratio.

· Population served

· Nature of services rendered.

· Demand of service (statistics)

The system does not show the difference between funded and unfunded posts, but only indicates frozen posts. See attached

Reason for freezing:

The posts were frozen as they were vacant and unfunded for a period of five years and more. This is for compliance with the Public Service Regulation.

(2) A structural review occurs in most cases when there is a change in political office bearers. The PSR also indicates that structural reviews are subjected to the mandate of HOD for investigation. This happens on request from institution, which HOD must then approve for investigation. Results are presented to MEC for consideration.

(a) This department is at present busy with a functional review of the department, as well as a mandated request from this MEC to abolish vacancies from the Persal system.

(i) No specific guideline.

(ii) There are standard procedure, norms and guidelines to provide staff as per skills mix for health professional, and workload base norms for other staff.

GAUTENG

(1) The Department has no frozen posts and had none in the period indicated in the question.

(2) Staff establishments are reviewed on five year basis

(a) Staff establishment are reviewed;

(b) Last amendment was in 2007;

(i) Five year period

(ii) Service Improvement Plan

NORTH WEST

(1) There are no frozen posts in the Provincial Department, and all other questions fall away.

(2) Yes.

(a) N/A.

(b) Amended on 01 January 2008.

(i) Every 3 years;

(ii) Criteria

(a) The hierarchical layout of the various components (organogram)

(b) The post structure (list of post occupational categories, and also in ratio with each other)

(c) The numbers of posts created, and is based on relevant workload / caseload data. In this manner a consistent design can be applied to hospitals of a similar broad size and service category (eg. district hospitals), and the number of staff is then calculated to the actual activities, which generally can vary between hospitals, eg. one hospital can be very busy with maternities, while another has a lot of emergency cases requiring the theatre, and these hospitals will then reflect a higher maternity staff and a higher emergency / theatre staff respectively without applying individual (and different) designs to similar hospitals. To effect this the Province has developed hundreds of norms, depending on the level of care and type of service.

NORTHERN CAPE

(1) The Department has no frozen posts and had none in the period indicated in the question.

(2) Yes

(a) Done annually, directive from Premiers Office

(b) Previous book year (2008/2009)

The number of vacant posts and attrition rate and community service posts.

WESTERN CAPE

(1) Funded and unfunded post:

2006/07: Funded = 27166 unfunded (frozen) = 5408

2007/08: Funded = 33049 unfunded (frozen) = 2235

2008/09: Funded = 28046 unfunded (frozen) = 8549

The reasons for the freezing of the posts was due to insufficient funds and to remain in budget.

(2) Time table for reviewing staff establishments:

The staff establishment of this department is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with the Strategic Plan, Service Delivery Improvement Program and Annual Performance Plan. The last review was done in 2009.

The criteria used to evaluate staff establishments are operational needs, workload calculator per occupational group linked to a sustainable funding envelope, norms and equity norms.

QUESTION 841

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 23 March 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 of 2010

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

(1) Whether she has been informed that her Department owes the Government Printing Works an estimated R126 million; if so, (a) why is this amount (i) owed and (ii) not yet paid, (b) what steps will be taken to pay this and (c) when will this amount be paid;

(2) whether she will (a) investigate the matter and (b) take corrective steps in this regard; if not, why not in each case, if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(3) whether she will take steps to ensure that this and similar problems do not recur; if not, why not; if so, what steps?

NW977E

REPLY

(1)(2)(3) Yes. The amount was settled before the end of the last financial year.

QUESTION 842

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 23 March 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 of 2010

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

(1) Whether the signage and directions at the Swaziland-South Africa border post and within the facility comply with her department's guidelines; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether there are any plans for the facility to be upgraded and refurbished; if not, why not; if so, (a) when will this take place, (b) what are the details;

(3) whether all officials are (a) in possession of and (b) wearing name tags; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether any audit and/or investigation has been conducted to ensure officials are conducting business in a professional and friendly manner; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) (a) how many officials are currently employed, (b) how many vacancies exist currently at the border post and (c) when will the vacancies be filled? NW978E

REPLY

(1) All signage and directions at the Swaziland – South Africa border post and within the facilities comply with the Department's guidelines, except that of Golela, due to the construction of the new building, whose signage was temporarily removed in order to erect new ones and build roads.

(2) As no specific border post was indicated, herewith, a breakdown of all Ports of Entry at the Swaziland border:

BORDER POST	FACILITY UPGRADE AND REFURBISHMENT
Bothashoop	(a) No need to upgrade and refurbish the building.
Emahlathini	(a)No need to upgrade and refurbish.
Golela	(a) Phase one of the new Border post is complete, and relocation to the new building was on the 29^th April 2010
Jeppe's Reef	(a) The Border post has been, recently, upgraded (RAMP Contract: 2009/10). Department of Public Works are in the process of placing proper signage, not only for the Department of Home Affairs, but for all Government Departments.
Josefsdal	(a) There are no plans for upgrading the facility. (b) The office was only budgeted for repairs, and maintenance by Department of Public Works.
Mahamba	(a) There are plans to upgrade the current building. (b) Public Works is, still, designing the new plan of border.
Mananga	(a)There are plans to upgrade the current building. New plans will be submitted by September 2010 to renovate, and modify the current direction boards.
Nerston	(a)No need to upgrade, and refurbish. .
Onverwacht	(a)No need to upgrade, and refurbish.
Oshoek	(a) There are plans to upgrade the current building. (b) Public Works is, still, designing the new border post.
Waverley	(a) No need to upgrade, and refurbish.

(3) All officials, at the eight border posts, except newly appointed officials, wear name tags, at all times, while performing their duties. Name tags have been ordered for the newly appointed officials.

(4) There was no formal audit conducted.

(5) As no specific border post was indicated, herewith, a breakdown of the Ports of Entry at the Swaziland border:

BORDER POST	(A)CURRENTLY EMPLOYED	(B) FUNDED VACANT POSTS
Bothashoop	2 Filled Posts	3 Vacant
Emahlathini	6 Filled Posts	9 Vacant
Golela	12 Filled Posts	10 Vacant
Jeppe's Reef	17 Filled Posts	14 Vacant
Josefsdal	7 Filled Posts	4 Vacant
Mahamba	17 Filled Posts	6 Vacant
Mananga	12 Filled Posts	5 Vacant
Nerston	12 Filled Posts	6 Vacant
Onverwacht	1 Filled Post	8 Vacant
Oshoek	42 Filled Posts	13 Vacant
Warverley	5 Filled Posts	2 Vacant
TOTAL:	133	80

(c) to the moratorium in filling such posts, as a result of absorption of contract workers, Some of the posts were advertised in February 2010, and they could not be filled, due with more than 12 months employed by the Department, which is underway.

QUESTION 843

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 23 March 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 of 2010

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

(1) Whether her department has taken any steps to prevent human trafficking through any of the border posts; if not, why not; if so, what steps;

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

NW979E

REPLY

(1) Yes. In this regard, the Honourable Member is respectfully referred to my responses submitted in respect of three previous Parliamentary Questions, which, also, dealt with Human Trafficking. The issue regarding the Department of Home Affairs' readiness to combat Human Trafficking has been, duly, addressed in these responses. The responses are in respect of Question 8 (Oral Reply – 2010) – attached herewith, as Annexure A, Question 2059 (2009) – attached herewith, as Annexure B, and Question 1788 (2009) – attached herewith, as Annexure C. Kindly, be informed that training of ten (10) moderators was conducted from
9 to 11 November 2009.

QUESTION 844

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

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8-2010)

844. Dr J C Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(1) Whether she received an invitation to participate in the initiative of the three teachers' unions, SAOU, Naptosa and Sadtu, to enter into a social contract with other social partners and stakeholders in education, aiming at establishing all schools in SA as centres of excellence; if not, what is the position with regard to this initiative; if so,

Response

The Minister of Basic Education met with all three teacher unions (SAOU, Naptosa and Sadtu) to discuss the social contract. At the meeting, all parties agreed that the social contract was a follow up to the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) launched by all education stakeholders in October 2008. Consequently all parties agreed on the importance of making the campaign a sustainable programme.

(2) whether she has accepted the invitation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

Response

The Minister has agreed to be part of the social contract as it gives expression to the QLTC. Already, a steering committee consisting of all Education Unions, School Governing Body Associations, Provincial Education Departments and the Department of Basic Education meets on a regular basis. One of the immediate outcomes for the coming period the development of an action plan for the implementation of the QLTC.

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW980E

Response

The Minister has, on a number of occasions, made pronouncements on the QLTC.

QUESTIONS 845 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Mr S J F Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(1) With reference to the bigger emphasis that was put in the past on the development of South-South trade relations compared to North-South trade relations, how is prioritisation done with regard to South-South as opposed to North-South trade development;

(2) whether the Government envisages any assistance with national development priorities from the United Kingdom;

(3) whether the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the European Union and some Southern African Customs Unions (SACU) members were discussed during the recent state visit to the United Kingdom; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) how will the threat to SACU be resolved;

(4) whether the Government lobbied any of the South-South partners for the same priorities as those that were discussed with his United Kingdom and European counterparts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) what is the trade opportunities and priorities that the Government would prefer to rather develop with the South- South trading partners? NW981 E

Response:

South Africa's approach to trade relations does not counterpose countries of the South against those of the North, or vice versa. South-North trade relations. South Africa's relations with countries of the North continue to be important, as these countries remain vital partners for investment, trade, and technology transfer. The attention South Africa now grants to countries of the South is a reflection of their growing importance as sources of global economic growth, trade and investment. Countries of the South with which we are establishing stronger trade relations include, amongst others, China, Brazil and India.

The South African Government has encouraged companies from partner countries, including from the UK, to invest in the priority sectors identified in the Industrial Action Plan (IPAP 2). During the recent State visit to the UK, the Department of Trade and Industry and the UK Trade and Investment department identified financial services; mining and natural resource beneficiation; energy; infrastructure, construction and engineering services, education and skills development and health care as areas for cooperation and as areas to promote inward investment to South Africa.

The EPA negotiations between the European Union and the SADC EPA States (not SACU) were not discussed during the recent State visit to the UK as the visit was focused on promoting bilateral South Africa-UK political and economic relations. The UK government is one of 27 Members of the EU who have given mandate to the European Commission to negotiate all trade agreement, including the EPAs, on behalf of the European Union. Hence, our negotiations on the EPA are conducted with the European Commission, not individual Member States.

Common developmental challenges among countries of the South suggest there is an objective basis on which to build complementary economic relations. Our shared perspectives extend also to seeking a greater voice for developing countries in multilateral institutions of global governance including in the World Trade Organisation.

Evidence clearly shows that over the last decade, developing countries share of international trade has grown dramatically and, in this context, trade among economies of the South has expanded most rapidly. For sustained economic growth, it is necessary that South Africa continue to build trade and investment relations with these dynamic economies of the South that have rapidly growing markets and are increasingly sources of investment. We are also exploring a range of cooperative arrangements in such critical areas as transport, communication and technology sharing for industrial upgrading.

South-south agreements offer an opportunity to diversify our trade relations and to work towards ensuring that we export more value added products. This is particularly important for South Africa as our export profile, even to countries of the South, continues to be dominated by low value added commodities that would be unsustainable in the long run. Future trade relations will be structured to support industrial development and upgrading in South Africa.

QUESTION NO 846

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 12 APRIL 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: TUESDAY, 23 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 8 – 2010)

Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

Whether there are any mechanisms, processes and/or procedures that coordinate the Gautrain bus projects with the Johannesburg transport department and/or Johannesburg bus company; if not, (a) why not and (b) how is the coordination done; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW982E

______________________________________________________________________

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(a) Not applicable.

(b)

Yes, there are mechanisms, processes and procedures in place to coordinate the Gautrain bus projects with the City of Johannesburg's Transport Department and the Municipal bus company.

The Gautrain Provincial Support Team (PST) has been interacting with the City of Johannesburg (COJ) regarding integration of the Gautrain with their Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Three joint working groups, also involving the concessionaire (Bombela), were established, namely:

· physical integration and interfaces of the BRT stations at the Gautrain stations;

· network integration between the BRT and Gautrain feeder services; and

· integrated ticketing and technology integration.

The COJ physical integration working group activities have largely been concluded successfully with respect to the interfaces between Gautrain and the BRT stations and the reinstatement of Oxford and Rivonia Roads. A final decision has also been taken on how minibus taxis will be accommodated on the public transport interchange level of the Sandton Station, being part of the Phase 1 development of the bigger Transit Orientated Development (TOD) on the City's land. BRT will be accommodated as part of the second phase of the TOD development.

Bombela submitted a draft design of its feeder distribution services to the three affected Metros for information purposes. Based on these designs, the Province engaged with Bombela on further amendments to be made to bring about more effective route integration between the Gautrain feeder and distribution services (GFDS) and the respective BRT trunk and feeder services. The most significant proposed amendments are in the Johannesburg area.

In areas where Gautrain feeder distribution services are duplicated by BRT trunk and complementary routes, possibilities for the redeployment of the Gautrain bus services elsewhere in the City are under consideration. Issues around bus stop integration (Gautrain feeders, COJ Metrobus and minibus taxis) also received attention.

A joint study with the COJ was undertaken during June, July and August 2009 with a view to finalising the GFDS in Johannesburg, addressing the following:

desire-lines for public transport travel and associated volumes within the areas of influence of the Gautrain stations in Johannesburg;

appropriate roles of modes (GFDS, BRT, Metrobus and minibus taxis) and the most efficient modes of public transport to meet demand for travel; and

the role of Gautrain feeder services within the holistic network.

The study was concluded at the end of August 2009 and was approved in principle by the Mayoral Committee in the first week of October 2009. Subsequently, the findings and recommendations were published for public comment. Public comments have since been received and the services are being finalised.

QUESTION NO 847

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 12 APRIL 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: TUESDAY, 23 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 8 – 2010)

Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether any recent audits have been done with regard to transport infrastructure around and to 2010 Fifa World Cup stadiums; if not, why not; if so, (a) when did each audit take place and (b) what were the findings of each audit;

(2) whether any action is being taken to find solutions for the transportation issues identified in these audits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether there will be regular audits undertaken in this regard; if not, why not; if so, (a) how often will these audits be done and (b) what are the objectives of these audits?

NW983E

______________________________________________________________________

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) and (b)

The Department of Transport (DoT), led by the Director-General, conducted State of Readiness Visits to each host city during February and March 2010. All the cities visited have very detailed transport operational plans in place and are ready to host the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup matches in their respective cities. The dates of the visits were as follows:

· Cape Town - 10 February 2010

· Pretoria - 19 February 2010

· Johannesburg - 22 February 2010

· Mbombela - 24 February 2010

· Polokwane - 03 March 2010

· Mangaung - 12 March 2010

· Rustenburg - 15 March 2010

· eThekwini - 29 March 2010

· Port Elizabeth - 31 March 2010

The host cities have been tested through various events like the local Premier Soccer League (PSL) games, the Preliminary Draw in Durban, the Confederations Cup and the Final Draw in Cape Town.

(2) The host cities are on course with regard to readiness for the Soccer World Cup and will be in a position to host a successful event. The Department of Transport (DoT) is, however, in the process of providing technical assistance to Johannesburg to help the City with specific issues of concern, i.e. the implementation of temporary event signage for the event.

(3) (a) and (b)

The DoT conducts regular audits through visits, and the request for submission of the latest transport operational plans originates from the host cities. These plans are technically assessed for readiness and the feedback is provided to the host cities for further consideration and implementation. The DoT also provides detailed checklist templates to host cities, which they in turn complete and return to the DoT as reports. This also provides them with the opportunity to include aspects they had not previously considered.

QUESTION NO 848

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 26 APRIL 2010

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: TUESDAY, 23 MARCH 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 8 – 2010)

Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether all airports are equipped with the required radars; if not, (a) why is each airport not fully equipped in this regard and (b) when will each airport be fully equipped; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) what is the estimated cost to equip each airport fully;

(3) whether there are any steps in place to ensure that all radar systems at all airports are continuously fully operational; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW984E

______________________________________________________________________

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) and (b)

All airports are equipped with radars based on operational requirements and traffic volumes.

The surveillance requirements are annually reviewed by an Operations Committee (OPSCOM) as part of a user consultation process.

For airports that offer radar approaches and vectoring, all these airports are equipped with radar sensors. Radar sensors are classified as either Primary or Secondary radars.

These radar systems are installed and maintained to achieve a 99.77% or better availability figures.

For improved efficiency and safety, increased capacity and reduced radar separation, some airports, such as OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports, are equipped with two approach radars – co-mount of both the Primary and the Secondary radars.

The Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company Limited (ATNS) has a total of 16 operational radars as a combination of approach and en-route radars offering double, and at times, triple radar coverage throughout the South African controlled airspace.

Below is the breakdown of the radars per location:-

Approach radars:

OR Tambo : 2 * Approach radars

Cape Town : 2 * Approach radars

Port Elizabeth : 1 * Approach radar

East London : 1 * Approach radar

King Shaka : 1 * Approach radar

Durban : 1 * Approach radar

*Bloemfontein : 1 * MSSR

*George : 1 * MSSR

* Complimented by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulation

of aircraft transponder equipage within and around the terminal areas of these

airports.

En-route radars:

Sutherland : 1* SSR radar

De Aar : 1* SSR radar

Rhodes : 1* SSR radar

Potgietersrus : 1* SSR radar

Wakkerstroom : 1* SSR radar

Blesberg : 1* SSR radar

** Kruger : 1* SSR radar

** Work in progress and radar to be commissioned before the FIFA 2010 Soccer

World Cup.

(2) For an airport to be fully equipped, it needs to have a radar sensor, tower to house the sensor and all the other works and terminal display systems to present the picture to the Air Traffic Controller. Below is the average breakdown of these items as a function of the exchange rate for foreign elements:-

Display systems = R 11 Million

Civil Works = R 17 Million

Radar sensor (approach) = R 37 Million

Total cost = R 65 Million

(3) Yes, there are steps in place to ensure that all radar systems at all airports are always fully operational. Radar systems are installed and maintained to achieve at least a 99.77% or better service.

QUESTION NO. 850.

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW986E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 March 2010

Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What (a) funding and (b) other support has been provided by her department to the Usuthu-Tembe-Futi Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) since the inception of this project;

(2) whether it is a viable conservation area; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has been informed that significant portions of the Ndumo Game Reserve boundary fence has been removed, which facilitates (a) increased poaching in the TFCA and (b) land invasions; if so, what steps will she take to stop this, if not,

(4) whether she will investigate the problems in the TFCA; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, when?

Mr M J Ellis (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

850. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) (a) R36 million

(b) The establishment and management of two Community Conservation Areas.

(2) Yes, the Usuthu Tembe Futi TFCA is a viable conservation area. The Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area is a catalyst for development in the region and for the conservation of biodiversity across international borders. As it is incorporated under the Lubombo SDI (Spatial Development Initiative) it has international relevance and obligation on South Africa.

(3) (a) and (b) Yes, I have been informed about the portions of the Ndumo Game Reserve boundary fence that has been removed. The Provincial Government through the MEC is currently dealing with the issue.

(4) No. The problem was investigated already and it was agreed that the matter be attended to by the Provincial Government.

QUESTION NO. 831

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 MARCH 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether there is a clinical protocol to determine who is entitled to dialysis treatment; if so, (a) what is the protocol and (b) who ensures that it is enforced at each health institution;

(2) how many (a) dialysis machines are there in the (i) public and (ii) private sector, (b) at which health institutions are they situated and (c) how many patients does each health institution treat every month;

(3) whether all public health institutions have the optimal staffing levels to operate the dialysis machines optimally; if not, (a) what is the optimal staffing levels at each dialysis centre and (b) actual staffing level for each category of worker?

NW966E

REPLY:

(1) (a) Yes, there are National Guidelines on Chronic Renal Dialysis that the Department has developed in collaboration with all the stakeholders in dialysis and transplantation both in public and private sectors. They are being used to help the clinicians to decide on suitability of the patient for chronic dialysis.

(b) The Nephrologists and Chief Executive Officers ensure that it is enforced.

(2) The following table reflects the information in this regard. It is important to mention though, that this is the information we have at the moment. We are however currently busy conducting an audit to ascertain the exact number of medical equipment we have in both our public and private sector facilities.

Table 1 – Public Sector facilities

Province	Number of machines	Number of patients on treatment
GAUTENG
Chris Hani Baragwanath	16	95
Dr George Mukhari	11	32
Steve Biko Academic	18	25
Charlotte Maxeke Jhb	20	70
Helen Joseph	20	41
Leratong	8 operational and 2 on standby	28
EASTERN CAPE
Frere	10 new and 6 old. Currently utilizing 5 new machines due to shortage of consumables	35
FREE STATE
Pelonomi	17	100
Universitas	14	34
LIMPOPO
Polokwane	20	87
KWAZULU/NATAL
Inkosi Albert Luthuli	19	60
Addington	25	80
King Edward VII	8	30
Greys	8	30
NORTHERN CAPE
Kimberley	11	75 to 80
WESTERN CAPE
Groote Schuur	36	80
Tygerberg	20	40
George	6	16
Worcester	6	4
NORTH WEST
Klerksdorp/Tshepong	15	53
MPUMALANGA	No public dialysis units

Private facilities

Most of the private renal dialysis units are managed or supported by medical care companies such as Adcock Ingrams, Braun and Fesenius. We are aware that there are dialysis units owned by individuals.

(i) Dialysis units managed by Netcare together with Adcock Ingrams

National Renel Care (NETCARE) has 54 units, 500 machines and a total of 2 004 patients nationally.

(ii) Dialysis units managed by Bbraun Avitum

Bbraun has 24 units, 176 machines and 300 patients.

(iii) Dialysis units managed by Life Healthcare

Life Healthcare has 5 units, 62 machines and 232 patients as reflected in the following table 2.

Table 2

	Number of Machines	Number of Patients
Entabeni Hospital	12	30
Flora Clinic	8	40
Glynwood Hospital	12	120
St James Hospital	10	2
Merchantile	10	20
Fourways	10	20

There are other individuals in the private sector that also conduct dialysis but the data is not available.

2010-04-22

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