Questions & Replies: Questions & Replies No 1201 to 1225

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2010-05-03

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QUESTION No: 1201

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 10 OF 19 APRIL2010

1201. Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) What (a) was the outcome of the public diplomacy imbizo held at the University of the Free State on 30 March 2010 and (b) is the purpose of this programme;

(2) whether there is any future roll-out plan for this programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1359E

Reply

1(a) I delivered a public lecture, on the subject: "South African Foreign Policy Focus Today and in the Future", to a University audience. which, i believe, was able to help:

- Explain the mandate of our Department;

- Popularize our foreign policy and explain its preoccupations, challenges and successes;

- Provide us with an opportunity of interacting with an important non-state actor;

- Contribute to a better understanding of our foreign policy and its relevance to our domestic concerns;

- Provided the necessary motivation and clarification that without peace in our Continent there shall be no development, and that without development there shall be no peace; and

- Use the opportunity to invite the University staff and students, as members of the non-state actor community, to be actively involved and participate in discussions and programmes that relate to their country's foreign policy.

(b) The purpose is to

- to confirm that South Africa's foreign policy is an integral part, or rather, an extension of our country's domestic policy and interests – and as a consequence, it is an important component of our country's strategy for political and economic development.

- to confirm our understanding and appreciation of the fact that the theory and practice of foreign policy is a contested terrain, no more a unique preserve of diplomats representing governments;

- to ensure that the mandate and preoccupations of our foreign policy are known and appreciated;

- to ensure that ordinary South Africans should be able to link the country's domestic priorities and our Department's international engagements; and

- to create mutually beneficial engagements between our Department and a host of non-state actors like the University of the Free State

2 Yes; A Cabinet Statement of March 25th, 2010 pronounced on this programme and basically instructed that this new "outreach initiative", which will be known as the "Public Participation Programme (PPP)", previously known as "Izimbizo programme" will seek to "reinforce accountability to citizens through continuous publicparticipation events throughout the year"..

DIRCO will visit all the 9 provinces. The details of the dates are still being finalized.

QUESTION NO 1203

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 APRIL 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10- 2010)

Date reply submitted : 1 June 2010

1203. Ms D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) Whether all SA Police Service (SAPS) informants have received remuneration since October 2009; if not, (a) why not, (b) when will the informants receive remuneration and (c) what steps have been taken to (i) ensure that informants continue to provide the services that they do and (ii) protect undercover SAPS agents who may be prejudiced by this; if so, (aa) in which months in 2009 and 2010 were informants paid and (bb) what are the relevant details;

(2) whether there were any months between 1 October 2009 and 31 March 2010, that payment were not made to informants; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which months, (b) what were the reasons for this in each case and (c) when were these informants paid?

NW1361E

REPLY:

Informants are paid based on information they able to provide. The details of such payments may not be divulged for security reasons. There is an accountability process set up through the intelligence parliamentary oversight mechanism and we suggest if the Honorable member make use of this process if she has particular questions surround details of informant fees

QUESTION NO 1204

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 APRIL 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10- 2010)

Date reply submitted: 18 May 2010

1204. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

Whether he has received a letter dated 11 January 2010 from Mr M Waters regarding a certain case (details furnished) reported at Sebenza police station; if not, why not; if so, what progress has been made in the investigation?

NW1362E

REPLY:

(i) The case is still under investigation, and the current Investigating Officer is Capt. AC Hatting of the Detective Branch, Germiston SAPS. Progress is as follows:

Ø all possible leads have been followed up;

Ø all statements have been taken and placed in the docket;

Ø all exhibits have been sent to Forensic Laboratory and received reports have been placed in the docket;

Øat this stage there is no evidence that can link any suspect with the crime; and

Ø any new information will be followed up as soon as it is received.

QUESTION NO 1205

"1205. Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1. (a) What was the total cost of the National Research Foundation's (NRF) disciplinary hearing of a certain person (name furnished) and (b) what was the breakdown of the cost in respect of (i) the advocate who chaired the hearing, (ii) the (aa) hiring of the venue and (bb) catering (iii) the support staff administering the hearing and production and circulation of documents and (iv) the (aa) transport and (bb) accommodation costs of witnesses

2. whether the NRF paid the full cost of the hearing; if not, (a) why not and (b) who contributed to this; if so, from which part of its budget?

NW1363E

REPLY:

1 (a) The costs of the hearing, including administrative, legal, initiator and the NRF observer totalled R192 085.00.

(b) (i) Costs for legal consultations and chairperson of hearing was R131 582.00.

(ii) (aa) Hiring of venue – R2 919.00.

(bb) Catering was provided by the National Facility that hosted the hearing.

(iii) Administrative costs such as transcription of the hearing and printing of transcripts, less venue hire and catering – R12 354.00.

(iv) (aa)(bb) The NRF did not pay for the transport and accommodation of witnesses.

2.(a) The total cost of R192 085.00 was borne by the NRF.

(b) The costs were paid from the NRF corporate budget.

QUESTION 1206

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [No 10-2010]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 April 2010

1206. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

(1) How many persons living in Ocean View and formerly removed from Simon's Town, Kommetjie and Noordhoek have submitted claims for land which they previously owned and/or rented;

(2) whether any of these persons had their claims approved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether these persons were financially remunerated or given alternative land; if not, how many claims are still outstanding; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether any claimants from any area in the Western Cape have received land in Simon's Town; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many and (b) what are the relevant details? NW1364E

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

(1) 626.

(2) Yes. 563 claims have been approved for settlement of which 560 are for financial compensation to the value of R14 116 842.06 and 3 for restoration of land. 63 claims are still outstanding and the office is awaiting outstanding documentation from claimants which is necessary for the further processing of these claims.

(3) Yes, 560 claimants received financial compensation and 3 claimants were awarded restoration of the land from which they were dispossessed, but no alternative land was awarded.

(4) No. The principle of restoration is to restore dispossessed land to the claimant from whom it was dispossessed.

(a) and (b) Fall away.

QUESTION 1207

DATE OF PUBLICATION: MONDAY 19 APRIL 2010 [IQP No 10 - 2010] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 1207 for Written Reply, National Assembly: Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) What is the status of the survey on the transitional proclaimed fishing harbours commissioned by the Departments of Public Works and Environmental Affairs and Tourism in 2007;

(2) whether certain consultants (name furnished) have completed the survey in time for the April 2008 deadline; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the said consultants made any recommendations about unlocking the social-economic value of the harbours; if not, why not; if so, what were these recommendations;

(4) whether this report was discussed by Cabinet and/or departmental officials responsible for environmental affairs and public works; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what was the outcome of these discussions? NW1365E

REPLY:

(1) The Fishing Harbour Feasibility study that was commissioned by the Departments of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and the National Department of Public Works (NDPW), was concluded in July 2008. A first draft of the final report was submitted to the DEAT in May 2008. After further engagement by the Inter-departmental Harbour Management Steering Committee (HSC), a final report was submitted by the service providers in July 2008.

(2) The initial report of the study was completed in May 2008, but due to efforts to critically analyze the findings and recommendations by DEAT management, the project was delayed.

(3) A key element of the brief to the consultants was to identify new and alternative socio-economic opportunities in these harbours. They complied with this requirement as in each harbour Value Creating Opportunities (VCOs) were identified. The following short and long-term recommendations were made:

Short-term Recommendations

· Appointment of onsite managers

· Improvement of security

· Improved property and lease management

· Ongoing maintenance of slipways

· Improvement of communication with stakeholders

Long-term Recommendations

· Complete transfer of the management of the 12 fishing harbours to the DEAT to ensure a single management authority.

· Establishment of an Integrated harbour management authority in terms of Treasury regulations 19.

· Establishment of a public entity/government component in terms of section 38(1)(m) of the Public Finance Management Act,1999(Act 1 of 1999)

(4) Presentations were made and the report discussed with the following key Stakeholders:

· Management of Marine and Coastal Management. Discussions took place in management meetings and the final report referred to the HSC.

· The Inter-Departmental Harbour Steering Committee (HSC).

· On 3 December 2008 to the Directors-General (DGs) of both DEAT and NDPW with their technical managers as well as representatives of the National Treasury.

· A task team was appointed by the two DGs at this meeting to further analyze the recommendations and advise accordingly. A workshop was held on 4 February 2009, where the task team endorsed the recommendations, with the provision that the long-term financial implications be spelled out in detail to the committee. A ten year financial projection was provided by the consultants.

· The report has not been forwarded to Cabinet.

QUESTIONS 1208 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

19 April 2010

1208. Dr H C van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

(1) Whether it is policy to regard transformation more important than capacity and qualification in cases where there are no previously disadvantaged applicants who are qualified to fill a vacancy; if not what is the position in this regard; if so, how many (a) qualified public servants in each department have been turned down because they are regarded as previously advantaged and (b) vacancies are there in each department because an appointment was not made for the above reason during the period 1 April 1995 up to the latest specified date for which information is available

(2) Whether it is policy to appoint unqualified applicants for a position in cases where there are no previously disadvantaged applicants for a position who are qualified to fill a vacancy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether a position is left vacant in cases where there are no previously disadvantaged applicants who are qualified to fill a vacancy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW 1366E ____________________________________________________________­­­­­

REPLY

1. No, there is no such a policy.

a) Not applicable due to above.

b) Not applicable, for the same reasons.

2. No, there is no policy like that.

3. No, there is no job reservation for people with previous disadvantaged backgrounds.

QUESTION NO: 1209

Mr AT Fritz to ask Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether her department purchased any tickets for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2010; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many tickets were purchased, (b) what was the total cost of the tickets, (c) what is the name and details of each recipient of these tickets and (d) what was the reason for (i) purchasing the tickets and (ii) supplying each listed person with a ticket?

NW1368E

REPLY

NO

QUESTION 1210

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19/04/2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 10-2010

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

(1) Whether her department has a policy on the translation of exam question papers for the National Senior Certificate Examinations; if not, why not; if so, (a) in which languages are each of the papers initially set, (b) who is responsible for the translation of each paper, (c) who ensures that all translations are correct and that certain learners are not prejudiced by insufficient translations and (d) what are the details of the process or procedure followed with the translations process;

(2) whether language scrutinisers are in any way involved in the process; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) who is responsible for proofreading the papers;

(4) whether any examiners are given the opportunity to check the final products; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) who is responsible for the final quality control and signing off of each of the papers? NW1369E

RESPONSE

Dr J C Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minster of Basic Education

In response to your questions relating to the Grade 12 2009 National Senior Certificate Examinations please take note of the following procedures followed in the setting, moderation and quality assurance of national question papers which will assist in contextualizing the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate Examinations of 2009.

National question papers go through a stringent process of setting, moderation and quality assurance. Question papers are set by a panel of examiners comprising of a 2- 4 subject experts. The question paper, accompanying memorandum together with all annexures or addendums and analysis grid are submitted for internal moderation. An internal moderator who is recognized as a leader in the subject is brought in to thoroughly interrogate the paper to ensure that it is of the appropriate standard and of the highest quality. Thereafter, the question paper is submitted to the external Quality Assurance Council, Umalusi, who engage the services of the top subject specialists in the country from Higher Education, Subject advisory services, practicing teachers, etc, who finally moderate the question paper based on agreed criteria. Umalusi approves the paper and thereafter there is an intensive process of editing, quality control, proofreading and final approval of paper. It is a requirement that the final print ready copy is approved and signed off by the external moderator before the question paper is handed over for printing and distribution. This process ensures that the question papers are of the highest quality and standard.

1. The setting, moderation and translation of question papers is addressed in the Regulations on the Conduct, Administration and Management of the National Senior Certificate (NSC). In addition the Heads of Education Department have approved the Norms and Standards for the handling of question papers, which also covers the translation of question papers.

(a) Question papers are set in English and thereafter translated into Afrikaans.

(b) Each panel of examiners is constituted in such a way that one examiner is proficient in Afrikaans. It is preferred that translation is done by the examining panel to ensure that language registers and terminology peculiar to the subject are adequately and correctly translated. In the rare case where none of the examiners or the internal moderator is able to do the translation, the translation may be done by the Language Editing unit of the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

(c) The translation that is done by the member of the examining panel is quality assured by the DBE Language editors to ensure that there is correlation between the English and Afrikaans versions of the question paper.

2. Special language editors are appointed to check the language in the papers, after the paper has been edited, translated and moderated, so as to ensure that the language is pitched at the right level and also to ensure that the language accurately captures the essence of the question.

3.+ 4 The final proof reading of each question papers is done by the chief examiner, internal moderator and external moderators who are required to sign a declaration indicating that they have proofread and are satisfied that the question paper, memoranda and all accompanying annexures are correct in every aspect, in terms of content and in terms of the technical aspects relating quality of question papers.

Therefore the final product is only handed over to provincial education departments for printing, after it has been approved by the chief examiner, internal moderator and external moderator.

5. The final quality control and signing off of each paper is the responsibility of the internal moderator (appointed by the DBE) and the external moderator (appointed by Umalusi).

QUESTION NO 1213

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 JULY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18-2010)

"1213. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1)What (a) amount and (b) percentage of the Human Sciences Research Council's (HSRC) revenue is derived from the private sector;

(2) Whether this research is being peer reviewed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;"

(3) Whether political parties may also be clients of the HSRC within the private sector portion of its work; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?"

REPLY:

(1a) As per the annual financial statements of 2008/9, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) recorded research revenue from the private sector of R3, 421 million (R2, 949 million for 2007/8).

(1b) The relative percentages in relation to research revenue derived from the private sector was 2.2% (2008/9) and 2.58% (2007/8) respectively.

(2) Yes. Research outputs are subject to quality control, which generally involves internal and / or external expert review.

(3) Yes. On the same contractual terms and conditions made with other entities with the proviso that the commissioned work must be within the HSRC's mandate as provided for in the HSRC Act No. 17 of 2008.

QUESTION NO 1214

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 APRIL 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10)

1214. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether her department (a) monitors and (b) controls the abstraction of groundwater by persons; if not, why not; if so, what are the details regarding the (i) monitoring and (ii) control and (iii) results;

(2) whether her department has been informed of any negative impacts on surface or ground water availability as a result of uncontrolled groundwater abstraction; if so, what are the details of these effects? NW1373E

REPLY:

(1)(a) Yes, my Department monitors the effect of groundwater abstraction in major aquifer systems by various water users, but is not physically involved in the recording of on site abstraction figures. However, all licensed water users are regulated by water use licensing conditions to record their groundwater abstractions and report that to the local water services authorities or water users associations. In the case of large abstractions by mining houses and industries, abstraction figures are directly reported to my Department's water Information Management System.

(1)(b)(i) The water use licensing process requires each water user to record its water use in regular intervals. The physical monitoring data from groundwater users are not evaluated by my Department due to the large number of Schedule 1 (domestic/stock watering) and other small water users in the country.

(1)(b)(ii) Due to the vast number of groundwater abstraction points in South Africa it is not possible for my Department to control these abstractions.

(1)(b)(iii) The regional impact on groundwater systems is monitored by my Department's national and regional monitoring and evaluation programmes. Should it occur that a specific aquifer system is overused, the abstraction will be curtailed.

(2) In cases where large volumes of groundwater are abstracted, the impact on local user's groundwater status is reported through the relevant water user associations. Special precautions are enforced by the department to rectify this by (i) sustainable management of the abstraction (irrigation schemes) and (ii) secondary water supplies to the user (mine dewatering). However, there might be several cases not being reported directly to my Department.

QUESTION NO 1215

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 APRIL 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10)

1215. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Why was the Somerset East wastewater treatment works not (a) included in the assessment for Green Drop certification and (b) awarded a zero rating on the basis of the municipality's admission to the department that the works are dysfunctional;

(2) whether other wastewater treatment works were not included in the assessment on the basis of their dysfunctionality; if not, (a) which works were excluded from assessment and (b) what are the reasons for excluding works from assessment; if so, (i) what are the details of these works and (ii) why were they not awarded a zero score? NW1374E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1)(a) The Somerset East Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) was not assessed for Green Drop Certification because the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality did not present their information to be assessed.

(1)(b) My Department is not aware of any admission by the municipality that the
Somerset East WWTW was dysfunctional. Whilst the lack of information does constitute uncertainty and a risk, it would unfair to award a zero rating if WWTW information had not been assessed.

(2)(a) A fair number of municipalities did not present information for assessment, however, my Department is not aware of any WWTWs which could have been excluded from Green Drop Assessments due to their dysfunctionality.

(2)(b)(i) WWTWs which were excluded from assessment were those where no information was presented by the municipalities for assessment.

(2)(b)(ii) The use of zero score in relation to non-presentation of information will be clarified in the Green Drop Report once I have released it.

QUESTION 1217

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [No 10-2010]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 April 201

1217. Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

Whether he has been informed of instances where his department did not pay post-settlement grants to beneficiaries of projects; if not, why not; if so, (a) of how many cases, (b) what amount in each case and (c) how will this impact on the performance of projects? NW1376E

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

Yes. However, it should be noted that the Department does not pay post settlement grants directly to beneficiaries. The current arrangement is that funds are transferred, on agreement with the community to an implementing agent such as the Municipality in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, 1999.

(a) 389.

(b) Please refer to Annexure A.

(c) Further delays in making funds available for the recapitalization and sustainability of projects could result in the following:

- Continued lack of strategic partners will affect training of and skills transfer to beneficiaries;

- change of land use in some farms;

- farm invasions could take place where beneficiaries cannot occupy farms as a result of delays in the transfer of properties;

- mismanagement of funds;

- beneficiaries leasing farms back to white farmers;

- community conflicts;

- poor quality of verification conducted by the Department and or service providers

- business plans not properly drafted;

- decline in crop production; and

- inability to maintain and deterioration of infrastructure,

QUESTIONS 1218 FOR WRITTEN REPLY MONDAY, 19 APRIL 2010

1218. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

(1) Why is it necessary for specialist trainers to register with approximately 270 departments and entities, including all institutions of higher learning, when they only have an interest in specific departments or entities;

(2) Whether he has been informed of the problems that these regulations are creating for businesses with obtaining certification for 270 payment forms and confirmation letters from their banks; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1377E

REPLY:

1) The information at my disposal is that each Department manages its own database of service providers.

2) We have not been informed of any inconvenience for businesses on database management, and we will appreciate if the Honourable Member may provide us with the names of companies alleging inconvenience as well as the names of Departments concerned.

QUESTION 1219

WRITTEN REPLY

19 APRIL 2010

1219. Mr. S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:

1. (a) what are the principles on which state houses are allocated to judges and (b) how were these principles determined;

2. Whether any state-owned houses are currently occupied by any judges; if so, (a) what is/are the name(s) of the judge(s) concerned and (b) what is the estimated value of the house(s);

3. Whether any of the houses that have been made available to judges are currently unoccupied; if so, (a) where are these houses located and (b) what is the value of each of these houses?

REPLY:

1. (a) & (b) The Department of Public Works is not responsible for allocating state-owned houses to Judges. Only the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice qualify for a state-owned residence in line with the Ministerial Handbook Annexure H Paragraph 4.

2. Yes, two state-owned houses are occupied by judges,

(a) A house is occupied by the Chief Justice and a house will be occupied by the Deputy Chief Justice,

(b) The value of the two houses is estimated at R18 million and R9 million respectively.

3. Yes, one of the houses has recently become unoccupied but the Deputy Chief Justice is in the process of taking up occupation.

(a) The physical location may not be provided for security reasons.

(b) The house has an estimated value of R9 million

QUESTION NO 1220

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 OF 19 APRIL 2010MR K MUBU (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

QUESTION:

(a) Whether our government has any extradition treaties with other countries since 1994; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many, (b) with which countries, (c) which of these are still operational;

(b) Whether our government has extradited any individuals from South Africa to their own countries since 1994; if not, why not; If so, (a) how many individuals, (b) from which country in each case, (c) what was the date of each case and (d) what was the reason for the extradition;

(c) Whether any individuals were extradited from other countries to South Africa since 1994; if not, why not; if so (a) how many individuals, (b) from which country in each case, (c) what was the date of each case and (d) what was the reason for the extradition;

(d) Whether any (a) South African citizen (i) in South Africa and/or (ii) in other countries, (b) citizens from other countries (i) in South Africa and/or (ii) in other countries are awaiting extradition; if not, why not; if so, (aa) how many in each case, (bb) what are the country extradition is to take place from and to, in each case, (c) when will extradition take place in each case, (d) what is the reason for the extradition in each case?

REPLY:

(a) With regard to the question in paragraph (a) South Africa has signed 13 (thirteen) extradition treaties since 1994, 9 (nine) of which have entered into force.

(b) With regard to the questions in paragraph (b)-(d), the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is the responsible line function department. The questions should therefore be redirected to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is not in a position to respond.

QUESTION NO: 1221

PUBLISHED IN INTERNALQUESTION PAPER NO 10 OF 19 April 2010

Ms. Patricia De Lille to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) In reference to the attached (Mr. Foster Moagi, email) is the Sekgopo Community-­ward 10, Greater Letaba Municipality, Mopani District, limpopo Integrated Development Planning (lOP) for 2007/08 going to be put into place; if so, (a) what has been the delay and (b) when will it commence; if not, why not;

(2) Mr. Moagi has suggestions of other development that will help develop the community and grievances with the council, can the Minister indicate who he should be in correspondence with regarding these developments and grievances;

(3) As stated in the attached Mr. Moagi, has been to different spheres to government with his grievances, but has yet to have any assistance, (a) can the Minister indicate why this has happened and (b) is there going to be more accountability of government officials in the future; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details.

Reply

(1) The Municipality conducts lOP public participation processes during each and every financial year and with projected income and due to insufficient funding some projects may not be implemented entirely. Projects which cannot be implemented in the same year, are then shifted to the next financial year during budget adjustment and councillors later communicate changes during community meetings. As a result all communities at Sekgopo are aware of the changes made in all financial years.

(2) Members of the public are encouraged to communicate with Ward Committees and then the Mayor's Office on development matters and grievances. Mr. Moagi is not able to attend to all these meeting because he is working in Johannesburg fulltime. It must be further clarified that Mr. Moagi is not complaining for Ward 10 as a whole which has nine villages but he is complaining for his home village being Ramoadil Matlou or Bloc C, resulting in him playing village politics.

(3) It must be clarified that all matters raised by Mr. Moagi were long responded to, after he was not satisfied, he arranged for a meeting with the Mayor on the 15 October 2009 and his concerns were discussed between him and the Mayor. After that meeting, the Mayor attended a community meeting at Ga- Sekgopo which Mr. Moagi also attended on the 28 December 2009, All parties that attended the meeting including the traditional leader were satisfied with the discussions. The last meeting which was held at Ga-Sekgopo was on the 04 April 2010 and Mr. Moagi did also attend the meeting while the issues he is raising were not discussed because they have long been resolved, The Premier's Office and Public Protector visited the municipality and responses were given to them.

PROJECTS

1 km pavement 2008/09

This project is being implemented and about to be completed in this financial year. It is expected to be completed and handed over to the municipality before the end of this financial year by June 2010.

FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 1222

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 OF 19 April 2010

Ms. Patricia de Lile to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

In reference to the attached question (Question 728, Internal Question Paper No 7 _ 2009) whether tile Minister has required information been obtained, if so, can the Minister provide it; if not, (a) what is the delay and (b) when will it be provided?

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO 728

(Internal Question Paper No 7 - 2(09)

Mrs P de Lille (I D) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) (a) What are the salaries paid to the (i) mayor, (ii) speaker (Hi) municipal manager, (iv) general manager for infrastructure and economic development, (v) manager: customer relations, water services, and (vi) manager for special programmes in the Ugu municipality and (b) how were these salaries decided;

(2) whether these salaries match the job descriptions; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether these salaries correspond with similar salaried positions in other municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW853E

Reply

1 (a)

Designation

Salaries paid

(i) Mayor

R 646 835

(II) Speaker

R 520 664

(iii) Municipal Manager

R 825 198

(iv) General Manager Infrastructure and Economic Development

R 682 325

(v) Manager: Water Services

R 621 098

(vi) Manager for Special Services

R 505 638

(b) The salaries in respect of (i) Mayor and (ii) Speaker are upper limits for a grade 5 municipality in terms of Government Gazette Notice No. 1319 dated 8 December 2008.

The salaries in respect of (iii) Municipal Manager, (iv) General Manager Infrastructure and Economic Development and (v) Manager for Water Services were determined by resolution of the Council, taking into consideration comparable jobs with similar responsibilities from equally graded municipalities.

The salary in respect of (vi) Manager for Special Services (being a full-time appointment) was decided by a Bargaining Councii agreement dated 31 July 2009 designated for municipalities.

In respect of the Mayor and the Speaker their roles are indicated in the legislation.

The relevant Municipal Council is of the opinion that the salaries are commensurate with the job description of the posts concerned. It has been verified that there are job descriptions for each of the posts concerned.

The salaries of the Mayor and Speaker correspond with the mayors and speakers in other grade 5 municipalities who are in full-time positions, as determined by the MEC responsible for local government.

The salaries of the municipal officials from the Ugu District Municipality are marginally lower as compared to similar positions in other district municipalities within KwaZulu-Natal. The levels of payment are currently not legislated and the Municipality is consequently not bound by prescriptive levels of payment, be it maximum or minimum. A comparison shows the following details:

Designation

Ugu Municipality

(grade 5)

Municipality A

(grade 4)

Municipality B

](grade 4)

Municipal Manager

R 825 198

R 866 491

R 1 053 896

Manager:

Infrastructure and Economic Development

R 682 325

R 733 507

R 733 159

Manager: Water Services

R621 098

R 729 128

R 699 321

Manager: Special Programmes

R505 638

No such position

R 539 493

Kindly note that Ugu is the only grade 5 District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal in terms of the grading formula as determined by Government Gazette Notice No, 1319 dated 8 December 2008 which relates to the grading of municipalities in respect of councillors salaries and allowances payments, Other district municipalities are graded 3 and 4,

QUESTION NO: 1223

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 March 2010

QUESTION PAPER NO: 19

DATE OF REPLY: 30 April 2010

Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether his department is looking into ways to reduce the cost of Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) installation by Telkom; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1382E

REPLY

Reducing the cost of broadband and increasing internet penetration forms an important element of the DOC's Programme of Action to reduce communication costs in South Africa. In this regard we have made a commitment to Cabinet and the country, in our business plan, to facilitate the lowering costs including ADSL costs. The Department is mindful of the role of the Regulator in this regard, but will play a supportive role to ensure that broadband costs are reduced.

QUESTION 1224

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 19 April 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 10 of 2010

Mr J J McGluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 191 on 13 March 2010, she will provide the case number for the case that has been referred to the SA Police Service for further investigation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1383E

REPLY

Yes. The matter was reported to the SA Police Service in Garsfontein, and the case number is MAS 85/06/2003.

QUESTION NO. 1225

DATE PUBLISHED: 19 April 2010

DATE SUBMITTED: 4 May 2010

1225. Ms L H Adams (Cope) to ask the President of the Republic:

Why has South Africa not yet ratified the (a) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural rights despite signing it on 3 October 1994, (b) African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and (c) Statute and Protocol on the African Court of Justice and Human Rights? NW1384E

REPLY:

(a)

South Africa signed the ICESCR on 3 October 1994 with a view to ratify at a later stage.

I am informed that the delay in the ratification has been caused firstly by concerns that the ICESCR was in conflict with provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and secondly due to problems identifying a lead Department that can oversee the implementation of the treaty once ratified by South Africa. With regard to the latter, Government Departments had indicated that the wide scope of the ICESCR goes beyond their individual mandates and therefore it is difficult for them to take responsibility for its implementation. Government Departments also felt they lack the authority and coordinating capacity to instruct and organize other Government Departments for the implementation of this human rights treaty. The Department of Labour was initially identified as a lead Department but the scope and content of the ICESCR goes beyond their mandate.

This administration has been attempting to resolve the matter and the issue has been on the agenda of both the Social Protection and Community Development Cluster and the Forum of South African Directors-General Management Committee and I am sure that a resolution will be found shortly.

(b) The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance was adopted by the Eighth Ordinary Session of the Assembly on 30 January 2007 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The President signed the Charter in February 2010 during the 15th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly. The necessary documentation for the ratification of the Charter is currently being prepared.

© The Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights was adopted at the July 2008 African Union Summit pursuant to the decision of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State and Government in June 2004 to merge the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Court of Justice of the African Union.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development as a lead department on this matter, is currently working on this instrument.