Questions & Replies: Questions & Replies No 1476 to 1500
2010-06-04
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
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QUESTION NO 1476
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: THURSDAY, 27 MAY 2010
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 14 MAY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 13 – 2010)
Mr N J J van Koornhof (Cope) asked the Minister of Transport:
Whether he has taken steps with regard to the potholes on regional roads in the Limpopo and the Free State; if not, why not; if so, what steps?
NW1728E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
This matter does not fall under the direct jurisdiction of the Department of Transport (DoT). Notwithstanding this, the matter has been brought to the attention of the relevant MECs of the respective Provinces. Furthermore, the DoT is in discussion with all the Provinces and Metros, including National Treasury, regarding the challenges that we face on the upkeep and maintenance of the tertiary road network. To this effect, the Deputy Minister of Transport and I hosted a Roads Summit on 24 and 25 May 2010 at Gallagher Convention Centre to pave a way forward in effectively dealing with the issue of potholes.
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.:1477
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 14 May 2010
1477. Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
When will the report of the panel that she appointed to oversee the salary packages of chief executive officers of state-owned enterprises be completed? NW1729E
REPLY
The Remuneration Panel was not 'appointed to oversee the salary packages of CEOs at State Owned Enterprises (SOE).'
Instead, the Remuneration Panel was established to make recommendations and suggest a framework to determine a rational and consistent remuneration model that protects the interests of the SOE, employees of the SOE, the State and the State's national assets.
Specifically, it was tasked with reviewing, assessing, analysing and advising the Minister on the structure, components, level and mix regarding remuneration for executive directors and non-executive directors of SOE that fall within the ambit of the Department of Public Enterprises.
It was also asked to address the appropriateness and level of existing remuneration models and to propose a rational model for the future including assessing whether at present the remuneration models conform to the applicable SOE Remuneration Guidelines.
The Remuneration Panel intends and is scheduled to complete its work and submit its recommendations towards the end of August 2010. These recommendations will need to be considered prior to implementation and public dissemination thereof.
QUESTION NO 1478
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 MAY 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13- 2010)
Date reply submitted : 1 June 2010
1478. Mr LJ Tolo (Cope) to ask the Minister of Police:
What was the outcome of the investigation regarding a certain person's (name furnished) death on 25 August 2008?
NW1730E
REPLY:
The reported case was investigated by Bronkhorstspruit Detective Services. It is alleged that the vehicle, driven by the deceased, lost control, overturned and burst into flames. The deceased was burnt beyond recognition but was later identified by his brother and his wife as the certain person. (name furnished).
During an autopsy it was found that the cause of the death was third degree burns on the body of the deceased. An Inquest in terms of Act 58 of 1959 was held and it was determined that the course of death was not due to any criminal act.
QUESTION NO 1479
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 29 JUNE 2010
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 14 MAY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 13 – 2010)
Mr P D Mbhele (Cope) asked the Minister of Transport:
Whether the Government had invested any further amounts to purchase rail coaches as part of the programme to increase investments in rolling stock; if not, why not; if so, what amount (a) was to be spent during this financial year and (b) over the Medium Term Budget Framework period? NW1736E
The Minister of Transport:
(a) and (b)
No, the Government has not set aside any funds for the purchasing of new rail coaches. However, Government is investing in the Rolling Stock Refurbishment Programme. The following amounts are being spent on the programme:
Ø 2008-09 – R1.544 billion
Ø 2009-10 – R2.050 billion
Ø 2010-11 - R2.139 billion
Ø 2011-12 - R2.400 billion
Also, more than 2 000 coaches have been refurbished and brought back into service to date.
Government is planning to invest in new rolling stock as part of a broader strategy to modernise the rolling stock fleet and acquire new technology to meet future demands.
QUESTION NO 1480
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 29 JUNE 2010
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 14 MAY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 13 – 2010)
Mr P D Mbhele (Cope) asked the Minister of Transport:
Whether the Government approved the investment in rolling stock by the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) to remain concentrated in selected corridors to the exclusion of the Cape Town-Kapteinsklip corridor; if not, how will the rolling stock needs of all corridors to be met equally; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the further relevant details?
NW1737E
The Minister of Transport:
(a) and (b)
Government has approved that investment in general (not only rolling stock) be focused, during the Turn-Around Phase of Commuter Rail, on the busiest corridors, also known as priority corridors. The National Passenger Rail Plan that was approved by Cabinet in 2006, identified priority corridors countrywide where investment would be focused on in the short to medium term, to bring these high density corridors into a state of good repair and ensure improved levels of service. This is continuously rolled out to all corridors to ensure equity.
In the case of the Western Cape, three corridors were identified as priority corridors, namely:
Ø Cape Town – Khayelitsha (including the Kapteinsklip line)
Ø Cape Town – Bellville – Kraaifontein
Ø Cape Town – Simon's Town (including the Cape Flats line)
With regard to rolling stock specifically, the passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is continuing with its accelerated rolling stock refurbishment and upgrade programme. This entails the refurbishment and upgrading of the existing train coach fleet, whereupon the trains are deployed across the passenger rail system, including the Kapteinsklip corridor.
QUESTION NO: 1482
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13 OF 14 May 2010
Mr: D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether he has been informed of criminal charges against a certain municipal manager (details furnished) in the Northern Cape; if not, why not; if so, what are the charges;
(2) Whether the said municipal manager has been suspended; if not, why not; if SO, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether he will institute a forensic audit into the municipality's finances; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the further relevant details?
NW1739E
Reply
1. The MEC has not informed the Minister of the charges because there is no legal responsibility on the part of the MEC to do so. The Municipality did not formally inform the MEC about the charges preferred against the Municipal Manager save to say that upon reading the article in the local newspaper, which did not provide the information on the actual charges, the MEC advised the mayor on what to consider under the circumstances of the alleged misconduct against the municipal manager, if indeed there was any.
2. The municipal council did not deem it fit to suspend the municipal manager because they deem the case to be a private matter, However, based on the outcome of the criminal matter the municipality will take the appropriate steps. We are also of the view that since the case seems to have commenced in2008 and is still pending, and if the municipal manager was to be suspended pending the outcome of the criminal matter, he could have had to be on leave for a period of almost 3 to 4 years in which the municipality had to pay him. The municipality would then be forced to appoint an acting municipal manager which would not have been cost effective.
3. The MEC has not considered the forensic audit on the financial affairs of the municipality because there is no sufficient information that warrants such an action.
QUESTIONS 1483 FOR ORAL REPLY THURSDAY, 27 MAY 20101483. Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:
(1) Whether the Government is committed to promote professional and non-partisan civil service; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) Whether he has been informed of the complaint to the public service about a special unit in Limpopo to short list and appoint civil servants in the Department of Health and the Department of Social Development; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether this special unit or panel has been instituted in line with the law; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) (a) What are the names of the persons that constitute this panel, (b) where are they employed and (c) what are their (i) academic qualifications and (ii) skills? NW1740E
REPLY
(1) Yes, the Government is committed to promote professional non-partisan civil service.
· A vast variety of legislation and initiatives exist currently that seek to inculcate the notion of a professional and non-partisan Public Service. Of these, I would like to mention the following:
o In terms of the Constitution, section 197(3) no employee of the Public Service may be favoured or prejudiced because of that person's support to a particular party or cause.
o The current Code of Conduct in the Public Service Regulations, 2001 contains clear standards for public servants with regard to their relationship with the legislature, political and executive office- bearers, other public servants and the public, the performance of their duties and their personal conduct and private interests. The primary purpose of the Code is to promote and ensure exemplary conduct by public servants.
o Building on extensive work done in the past, further initiatives concerning Batho Pele are being rolled-out in departments on an on-going basis.
o The Presidential Hotline has been introduced to make Government and the Presidency more accessible to the public and to help unblock service delivery blockages and unwanted behaviour by public servants.
o An Inter-Ministerial Committee on Corruption is looking at ways to decisively defeat corruption. The work of this Committee will be based on policies and legislation already introduced to ensure Public Service integrity and to fight corruption. Further impetus to the matter will be brought about by a Public Sector Integrity Management Framework that will be introduced soon. The Framework is aimed at-
§ strengthening and aligning all measures regulating good governance and probity in the public sector;
§ strengthening capacity to prevent and combat corruption;
§ ensuring compliance through monitoring and evaluation; and
§ ensuring enforcement as a deterrent.
(2) With regard to questions (2), (3) and (4), I am not aware of a special unit established in the Limpopo Department of Health and Social Development and I will appreciate it if the Honourable Member may provide me with some more information for my preliminary privilege to access if there is an indication of any wrong doing.
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO.: 1485
1485. Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:
Whether any independent investigation has been launched into any links between organised crime and the public sector; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1743E
REPLY:-I would advise that the Honourable Member refer this question to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations who focuses on serious organised crime, commercial crime and corruption in South Africa.
QUESTION NO: 1486
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 14 May 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 13
DATE OF REPLY: 27 May 201
Mr PF Smith (IFP) asked the Minister of Communications:
(1) Why, with reference to cell phone charges that are levied after the conclusion of a contract in which the capital cost of a free or subsidised handset has been amortised and another contract with another free or subsidised handset is not entered into, are post-contract cell phone call rates not required to be lowered to reflect the lower costs of the service provider;
(2) whether the levying of unchanged charges will be investigated as unfair trading practice; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether this standard practice by all service providers will be investigated as collusive and anti-competitive behaviour; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW 1744E
REPLY:
1. ICASA has initiated the development of regulations governing the transparency of pricing for contracts, including a breakdown of charges between usage cost and any cost associated with end-user subscriber equipment (including cellphones, modems etc). On the 11th of December 2009 the Authority released a draft set of regulations in government gazette number 32803 called the "CODE OF CONDUCT ON THE SALE, LEASE, RENTAL OR SUBSIDISATION OF SUBSCRIBER EQUIPMENT"
The objective of these regulations is to ensure that the monthly statements received by the end-user (the consumer) reflect the costs associated with providing the purchased service, including any costs for handsets.
QUESTION 1487- 2010
FOR WRITTEN REPLYMr. P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture:
1. with references to her reply to question 590 on 21 September 2009, what
progress has been made in ensuring that all word processing software in use by the government are set to use South African English;
2. whether there is a discernable increase in the use of South African English
spelling and a reduction in the use of US spelling in the written output of the Government; if not, (a) why not and (b) what progress has been made in ensuring that all word processing software sold in South Africa are pre-set to the use of South African English; if so, how was this measured?
NW1745E
REPLY:
(1) With the distribution of the spellcheckers developed by the National Language Services, the DAC sought to promote the usage of the South African English as well as other indigenous languages. However, the department currently does not have a way of measuring current usage of the South African English in word processing.
(2) Currently, through its translation of documents for government, the translators within the National Language Services use the South African English. However, as highlighted above, we do not have a way of measuring a reduction or an increase in the general written output of government. As regards ensuring that all word processing software sold in South Africa are pre-set to South African English, the DAC will still liaise with the Department of Public Service and Administration to engage the ICT industry through the State Information Technology Agency to ensure this.
QUESTION 1488
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
1488 Mr. P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Energy:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 810 on 7 December 2009, heat pumps have since been accredited for inclusion in Eskom's domestic energy rebate programme; if not, (a) what are the qualifying criteria, (b) what specified criteria have heat pumps failed to meet and (c) what progress has been made with ensuring that heat pumps meet the qualifying criteria since (i) the inception of the programme in 2007 and (ii) her reply;
(2) whether she has been informed that there has been a local heat pump supplier industry as well as a local manufacturing industry for many years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether she has been informed that heat pumps can operate at night, function at low temperatures and have an equal coefficient of performance as conventional panels; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether the fact that heat pumps are used wordwide for domestic and commercial water heating and qualify for rebate programmes will assist her Department (a) to make faster progress in certifying them and (b) to fast-track the process; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW1746E
Reply
(1) The Heat Pump (HP) programme has been included in the Multi-Year Prince Determination Revision 2 (MYPD2) for the financial year 2010 onwards.
The current heat pump programme strategy provides for the financial support of industrial and commercial heat pump applications.
This approach currently does not support the use of heat pumps for residential customers other than those who are residents in complexes where a combined proposal is possible i.e. block of flats, townhouses, complexes etc. Most residential customers will only be able to make use of a "rebate" for heat pumps which is currently in the developmental stage. This is still to be presented for approval to the Eskom Board.
(2) There have been few known heat pump suppliers, however setting up the heat pump programme has enabled Eskom to find and bring these segmented suppliers on board.
(3) Heat pumps can operate effectively from zero degrees (0 °C) and throughout the day, but the coefficient of performance (COP) is reduced in the lower temperatures and hence hot water supply may be compromised. This depends on certain types of heat pumps found in the market and to determine the effectiveness of each heat pump under these conditions a test facility is needed. Currently the HP programme relies on overseas test results.
(4) Heat pumps have been used worldwide for domestic and commercial/industrial, hence we are investigating the rebate system used in order to inform our funding options. The process of certifying suppliers usually entails many quality requirements which we define with role players such as SABS and then make public to the interested suppliers.
QUESTION NO. 1489
DATE PUBLISHED: 21 May 2010
DATE SUBMITTED: 4 June 2010
1489. Mr N D du Toit (DA) to ask the President of the Republic:
(1) Whether, with reference to the President's Minute No 26 delivered on 29 January 2010, the proclamation as signed is being implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether he has any intention to sign a new proclamation related to the transfer of fishing-related functions from the Department of Environmental Affairs to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether he has received any representation from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to alter the proclamation; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether he has received any representation from the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs to alter the proclamation; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1603E
REPLY:
(1) Yes, it has already been implemented.
On 1 July 2009, certain specified fisheries legislation pertaining to mariculture in the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA), 1998 ( Act No.18 of 1998) was transferred from the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
In terms of the 29 January 2010 proclamation, other fisheries legislation, namely (with the exception of Section38) the Sea Fishery Act, 1998 (Act No. 12 of 1988) and (with the exception of Section 43) all the remaining sections of the MLRA, was to be transferred with effect from 1 April 2010. This transfer proceeded accordingly.
The budget and transfer of staff and functions happened also on 1 April 2010.
(2) Yes, a further proclamation is intended to be signed. In terms of the January proclamation, certain other fisheries legislation was to be considered for possible future transfer. From discussions and submissions made to the Presidency, it has been decided that the only remaining sections of the Sea Fishery Act (Section 38) and MLRA (Section 43) shall be transferred to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
(3) Representations were made by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries prior to the decision to sign the further proclamation, concerning a proposal on the legislation that ought to be transferred.
(4) No.
QUESTION NO: 1490
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 OF 21 May 2010
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether he has been informed of concerns regarding the time municipalities take to process applications for the registration of bed and breakfast businesses; if so,
(2) Whether the degree to which backlogs are caused in his department, which will hamper economic activity during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournament, will be investigated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether there is any degree of cooperation between his department and the Department of Trade and Industry on matters that have a significant impact on the economy; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1667E
Reply
1. No.
2. It impact caused by the hosting of the world soccer show piece will be
determined through the implementation of the Municipal Turn-Around Strategies.
3. The department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has cooperated with the Department of Trade and Industry previously on the Red Tape Reduction Programme which seeks to reduce red tape in the municipal environment. The department is currently facilitating the establishment of cooperatives within municipalities, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry.
QUESTION NO. 1491
DATE PUBLISHED: 21 May 2010
DATE SUBMITTED: 4 June 2010
1491. Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the President of the Republic:
(1) What is the envisaged time line agreed with the former British prime minister for achieving the goal of providing access to primary school to 72 million out-of-school children as a spin-off of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament;
(2) whether he envisages any amendment to the agreement after the change of government in Britain; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1670E
REPLY:
(1) During the State Visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland that took place between 3 and 5 March 2010, President Zuma and former Prime Minister Brown agreed on the importance of continued efforts to support the Global Campaign for Education (GCE) and the 1GOAL Campaign calling on governments to prioritise education to ensure the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal 2. The 1GOAL Campaign is a civil society initiative aimed at ensuring access to basic education for the 72 million children around the globe still unable to access this basic right.
The efforts of 1GOAL and the GCE flow from the ideals of the year 2000 United Nations Millennium Development Goals Meeting with the aim of reaching the goals by 2015. President Zuma did not discuss any separate timelines with former Prime Minister Brown or any of the other leaders involved in this initiative.
(2) The newly-elected British Government has not given any indication to the South African government that it plans to review its involvement in this initiative.
Question 1492
Mr C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
(1) What is the delay regarding the developing rights to upgrade and extend the hostels at Villa Valy Springs, Gauteng Municipality;
(2) whether the project of converting an old mine hostel in Springs into
499 mixed affordable housing units as it was initiated in August 2008
will still continue, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
The hostels at Villa Valy and the old mine hostels in Springs are
privately owned by the Mining House.
Related questions about the delay are to be directed to the appropriate
landlord.
QUESTION 1494
Mr D A Kganare (Cope), to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
( 1 (a) What is the turnaround time for people who have applied for a Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) house, (b) how many people who applied for RDP houses between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 2000 are still waiting for houses and (c) in which provinces are they;
(2) Whether he has investigated the reasons for the inordinately long waiting period; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
3. a) There is no single estimation of the turnaround time for the allocation of houses in all of the provinces. The turnaround time for allocation of state subsidised houses in projects is determined through planning, and depends on the availability of resources including land. However, in provinces where waiting lists and/or demand databases exist, allocation is done based on the weighting of certain criteria which ranks households.
The waiting period in the various provinces depends on the existing backlog and available resources to meet the required demand.
The current data available is not sufficiently accurate to determine reasonably accurate periods of turnaround times for the allocation of houses.
The housing demand database being implemented by the department will in time provide the department with the ability to estimate the turnaround time for people to be provided with homes.
(b) and (c)
A conclusive statement on the number of people who applied for subsidized houses between 01 January 1994 and 31 December 2000 and are still waiting for houses cannot be made at this time. The matter requires further investigation and consultation with Provincial departments and municipalities.
4. Yes,
In Gauteng province, the demand for housing is higher than available supply as there is a high influx of people to Gauteng. This influences the waiting period for a house. According to the provincial department, it registers on average approximately 15,000 applicants per quarter.
A similar situation prevails in the Western Cape, where approximately 75% of the housing need is within the Metropolitan area of the City of Cape Town.
Once again, available resources are strained in the effort to meet the need.
QUESTION NO. 1495
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 May 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 14)
1495. Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Health:
(a) How many infants received treatment in the 2009-10 financial year for HIV/Aids in each province and (b) what was the cost to each province? NW1751E
REPLY:
The following information was obtained from the Provincial Departments of Health listed. We are still awaiting information from the rest of the remaining Provinces, which will be submitted once received.
MPUMALANGA
Question
(a) How many infants received treatment in the 2009-10 financial year for HIV/Aids in each province and (b) what was the cost to each province?
Answer
(a) The data collected is not disaggregated but it refers to children less than 15 years. Therefore children who received treatment in the 2009/10 financial year for HIV and AIDS in the Province were 5 483.
(b) The cost was an average of R6 500.00 to R7 000.00 per year.
NORTHERN CAPE
Question
(a) How many infants received treatment in the 2009-10 financial year for HIV/Aids in each province and (b) what was the cost to each province?
Answer
(a) A total of 2 524;
(b) Total costs was: R976 535.00
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO.: 1496
DATE OF QUESTION: 21 MAY 2010
1496. Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:
(1) Whether he has been informed of the recent killing of a person and a stabbing incident at the Blue Downs court; if so,
(2) whether the two events were investigated; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings;
(3) (a) who is responsible for security at this court and (b) what security measures have been taken to ensure that all court officials are safe and secure at this court?
NW1752E
REPLY:-(1) I wish to inform the Honourable Member that my Department was informed of the two incidents that occurred at the Blue Downs Magistrates Court, as referred to in the question.
(2) Yes, the two events were investigated by my Department and the South African Police Services. The investigation by the Department has found the following:-
Incident 1
A shooting incident took place at the Blue Downs Magistrates Court on 4 May 2010. SAPS arrested the alleged perpetrator after he had shot and killed a member of the public. The alleged perpetrator appeared in the Blue Downs Magistrates on 10 May 2010 and the case was postponed for bail until 14 May 2010. The incident was declared gang related by the South African Police Services (SAPS).
Incident 2
A scuffle broke out between members of two gangs in the vicinity of court no. 3 on 10 May 2010 at the Blue Downs Magistrates Court. A member of the public was stabbed on the left arm/wrist. The victim refused to lay charges against the attacker. SAPS diffused the situation and arrested both persons involved.
(3)(a) This is an outsourced service to Fidelity Security Services.
(3)(b) Safety: Immediately after the shooting incident, Fidelity Security officers locked down the court and informed magistrates and staff to remain in their offices and keep their doors locked until they were told that the court was safe. A team of experts and SAPS then took charge of the crime scene investigations.
Security: The following security measures are in place at the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court. A walk–through metal detector and X-Ray machine has been installed at the Court. This Court has also been identified as one of the prioritised offices for the National Security Infrastructure Programme. Details of this Programme can be obtained from my office. In addition, the Mfuleni SAPS Station Commissioner also provided additional visible policing, both inside and outside the court. Arrangements will be made with the SAPS; Metro Police and National Intelligence Agency to increase the security measures at this court whenever high-profile and gang-related cases are on the role. Furthermore, during the day, three (3) armed and four (4) unarmed security officials were deployed at the Blue Downs Magistrates Court to control access and protect both the members of the public and employees.
Employee Assistance: The Director: Court Operations, assisted by the Justice Provincial Security Manager and the Belville Area Court Manager, debriefed the Admin staff of the Court on 05 May 2010 and advised them to use the Department's Employee Assistance Programme for professional psychological/ therapeutic services, which are offered to all staff at no cost.
QUESTION NO 1497
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 29 JUNE 2010
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 14 MAY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 14 – 2010)
Mr P D Mbhele (Cope) asked the Minister of Transport:
Whether the Government was achieving its target of overhauling and upgrading coaches; if not, why not; if so, what outcomes have been achieved thus far? NW1753E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
Government is achieving its target of refurbishing and upgrading its rolling stock fleet. To date 2 013 coaches have been upgraded through the Accelerated Rolling Stock Programme of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). The outcomes of this Programme are the following:
· Increased life of the fleet with an additional 12 years.
· Improved reliability.
· Less maintenance costs.
· Minor technology improvements assisting in fault detection.
· Improved aesthetics, interior and passenger comfort.
· Improved window and door mechanisms for the safety of passengers.
QUESTION NO:1498
Parliamentary Question for written reply: NO: 1498 ( NW1754 E)
PF Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(a) what is the status of foreigners in meeting employment equity targets in South Africa, (b) specifically, how, if at all, a black person who is neither a South African resident nor citizen is counted when addressing the challenge of greater employment equity and (c) in respect of a vacancy for which there is a qualifying white South African but not a qualifying black South African available, whether it is permissible for an employer to refuse to fill the vacancy in the expectation of filling it with a black foreigner.
Minister of Labour replied:
a) The Employment Equity Act (EEA) has two main purposes, i.e. the elimination of unfair discrimination and the implementation of affirmative action measures for the equitable representation of the designated groups (i.e. Blacks, women and people with disabilities. The elimination of unfair discrimination in the workplace applies to all employers and all employees. The affirmative action part only applies to designated employers and individuals from the designated groups. Therefore, foreign nationals are not targeted for affirmative action.
b) Provisions are made in the regulations for employers to record and report on foreign nationals separately. However, they are not targeted for affirmative action.
c) Where a South African Black candidate is not available for a post, and if all things are equal, the South African White candidate should receive preference.
QUESTION NO 1499
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 22 JUNE 2010
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 21 MAY 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NO 14 – 2010)
Mr P F Smith (IFP) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether the Government is concerned about the fact that approximately 65% of the 8,5 million vehicles on the roads are not insured, resulting in the burden of compensation for the high accident rate falling on insured drivers and insurance companies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether he intends making it mandatory for all drivers using public roads to (a) be insured and (b) to have compulsory third party cover; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
NW1755E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(1) There is no legal requirement that all motor vehicles must be insured, thus the Department of Transport (DoT) does not have the figure of motor vehicles that are not insured. In terms of the current legal framework, if a driver has been found by a court of law to have caused the accident, the driver or owner who has suffered damages has a right to sue the wrongdoer for damages.
(2) (a) and (b) Yes, the DoT is considering making third party insurance a requirement in South Africa. However, this process would firstly require that a strategy on motor vehicle insurance be developed. This strategy would take into consideration the financial status of motor vehicle owners, the current fuel levy system operated in South Africa and the proposed harmonisation of motor vehicles third party insurance being discussed at SADC level.
QUESTION NO. 1500
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (21 May 2010) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 14·2010)
"1500. Mr. PF SMITH (IFP) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether the Government is considering to increase the percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) research and development (R&D) above the current 1 %; if not; why not; If so what are the relevant details?"
REPLY:
(1) Yes, the government is considering a higher target, as it recognises that the strategic national objective of Inclusive and diversified economic growth will not be achieved without increased levels of investment in research and development (R&D). Deliberations within the government cluster systemiIn the run-up to the January Legotla considered the strategic importance of setting revised targets for R&D expenditure in the proposed emerging "Growth Path" strategy at 1,5% of GDP by 2014 and 2% of GDP by 2018. The government has already committed to developing a strategy for a new economic growth path. This is being finalised by the Economic Development Department, and will be presented to Cabinet. It is envisaged that the R&D expenditure targets will be one of the decision points.