Questions & Replies No 1676 to 1700

2010-06-14

THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.

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QUESTION NUMBER 1676

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 May 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 15)

1676. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether there are any dormant mines with no mining activities; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many, (b) where are they situated and (c) what are the further relevant details;

(2) whether any of the dormant mines have applied for mining closure certificates; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many and (b) which mines;

(3) how many mining closure certificates have been issued (a) in the (i) 2005-06, (ii) 2006-07, (iii) 2007-08, (iv) 2008-09 and (v) 2009-10 financial years and (b) during the period 1 April 2010 up to latest specified date for which information is available? NW1938E

Reply

(1) The Department of Mineral Resources does not have a database in respect of Dormant mines, because of the previous legislation where mining companies were not required to obtain closure certificates.

(a) Unknown

(b) Unknown

(2) See (1) above

(3) The number of closure certificates issued in respect of the following periods, are as follows, namely:

(a)(i) 2005/06 financial year: - 17

(ii) 2006/07 financial year: - 15

(iii) 2007/08 financial year: - 21

(iv) 2008/09 financial year: - 21

(v) 2009/09 financial year: and - 26

(b) 01 April 2010 – 31 May 2010 - 0

Question 1677

Dr. PJ Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

Whether any sectors of the economy that export to the Eurozone have been negatively affected by the (a) relatively stronger rand and (b) Euro debt crisis; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1940E

Response:

Background

The Eurozone is one of South Africa's largest export market with exports in 2009 amounting to US$ 10.6 billion for all items representing 18% of all exports. Of these US$7.2 were manufactured goods which is 16% of South Africa's total manufacturing exports. This figure declined from an all-time high of US$ 11.6 billion achieved in 2008 and it was the first time exports to the region have decline after consistent growth between 2002 and 2008. This decline in exports is attributable to the global crisis. Figure 1 below, illustrates the growth in exports to the European Union, with consistent growth between 2000 and 2009, affected only by the global economic recessions in 2001 and 2009.

Figure 1: Manufacturing sector exports to Eurozone and US$ exchange rate

Strong Rand and Exports

The impact of the relative strengthening of the Rand is the subject of ongoing assessment. IPAP2 calls for a stable and competitive currency as a major tool of industrial development and export promotion. Since the onset of the European Union debt crisis this year, the Euro has devalued by 18% against the $US and 14% against the SA Rand. Anecdotal information provided to us by exporters of manufactured goods into the EU suggests that the combination of continued depressed demand and the devaluation of the Euro have made trading conditions more difficult. The Department continues to the monitor the situation but we are of the view that recent developments highlight the imperative for us to seek more diversification in our trading relations.

The Eurozone Debt Crisis

The countries expected to be affected most by the Eurozone debt crisis are Greece, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Italy. Combined these countries constitute about 19% of South Africa's exports of manufactured products to the Eurozone. These countries represent effectively only 3% of South Africa's total manufacturing exports.

Figure 2: Export markets in the Eurozone for South African Manufacturing.

These figures indicate that should the Euro debt crisis be limited to the stated countries as expected, the impact on the South African exports will be minimal, when compared to the global credit crisis of 18 months ago.

In the same context, the dti has been working on diversifying the export markets within the EU, with special focus on Eastern European economies which are expected to survive the crisis.

QUESTION NUMBER 1678

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 MAY 2010

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

Whether the Government intends introducing the Australian example of a super tax on resource profits; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so; what are the relevant details?

NW1941E

REPLY

As a rule the Government only announces tax proposals at the time of the tabling of the annual Budget in Parliament and there is no reason to deviate from this practice. However, the 2010 Budget (page 74 of the 2010 Budget Review) did provide for the implementation of the Mineral Royalty and Petroleum Resources Act, 2008, will come into effect on 1 March 2010. In terms of this Act, the royalty rates on various minerals are based on two formulae that incorporate a profit element, and thus effectively taxes some of the super profits that the resource sector generates from time to time. To the extent that there may be any change on the current tax policy or any new tax proposals, announcements will be made and own circumstances will also be taken into account.

QUESTION NO. 1679 NTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 May 2010

1679. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Tourism:

(1) Why is the annual turnover threshold for broad-based black economic empowerment (BEEE) charter compliance for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the tourism sector R2,5m compared to the R5m applicable to the rest of the SMMEs;

(2) whether any SMMEs were consulted before this decision was reached; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what basis was this decision reached; if so, (i) when did consultation take place, (ii) how many SMMEs participated in the consultations, (iii) what is the turnover range of the SMMEs who participated in the consultations and (iv) what are the details of the consultations that took place before this decision was reached;

(3) whether the Tourism Partnership was included in these consultations; if not, why not; if so,

(4) whether they agreed with this decision; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) what is the timeframe for SMMEs to comply with the charter? NW1942E

MS M R SHINN (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS 1679. THE MINISTER OF TOURISM ANSWERS:

(1) The R2, 5 million is the tourism sector specific threshold as determined by the Minister of Trade and Industry, who after consideration of all inputs from the consultative process, and comments received by the Department of Trade and Industry during the public comment period, made a decision to lower the Exempt Micro Enterprise (EME) for tourism as allowed by the sectorial determination of the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Act 53 2003.

(2) Yes, small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) were consulted.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(i) Consultation took place in February – April 2007

Date	Province	Number of Participants	Venue
20/02/07	Gauteng	70	Indaba Hotel
13/03/07	Free State	54	Bloem Spa
16/03/07	North West	90	Sun City
19/03/07	Mpumalanga	70	MTP
22/03/07	KwaZulu- Natal	45	Golden Horse Casino
26/03/07	Limpopo	35	Oasis Conference Centre
28/03/07	Northern Cape	110	Horse Shoe Motel
12/04/07	Eastern Cape	37	Protea Edward
13/04/07	Western Cape	120	Southern Sun
17/04/2007	Industry Conference	651	Sandton ICC
Total		1282

(ii)

(iii) These were not recorded on the register as it was not a requirement for the consultative workshops.

(iv) The consultations discussed the following themes in aligning to the Tourism Charter to the DTI Codes of Good Practice:

§ Number of scorecards – 80% agreed to two scorecards, namely generic and Qualifying Small Enterprise.

§ Defining an Exempt Micro Enterprise – 65% recommended R1million threshold

§ BEE Recognition Levels – 100% adoption of DTI levels.

§ Elements – 100% agreement to DTI scorecard elements.

§ Indicators – 100% agreement to align to indicators as per the Codes.

§ Weightings – 100% agreement.

§ Timeframes – 100% agreed to Charter timeframes of 2009 – 2014 being maintained.

§ Milestone Targets – 100% agreed to Charter milestones being maintained.

§ TOMSA Status – 70% agreed to TOMSA levy as an empowerment indicator.

(3) No, the consultative workshops took place in 2007 before the launch of the Tourism Enterprise Partnership in 2008.

(4) Not applicable.

(5) Within one year of the verification agencies being accredited for sector specific codes by DTI's SANAS. Actual timeframes to be determined by the DTI.

QUESTION NO 1680

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MAY 2010: INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15-2010

"1680. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask Minister of Science and Technology:

1. What is the (a)(i) total and (ii) breakdown of the amount spent on the National Science and Technology Forum Awards event held in Johannesburg on 4 May 2010 (b) how many persons (i) were invited (ii) attended the event and (c) how does the total amount spent and the total number of invitees and the attendees compare with the preceding year?

NW1943E

REPLY

The NSTF is a non-governmental advocacy organisation and its awards ceremony is independent of the Department of Science and Technology.

1. (a)(i) The total amount spent on the 2010 NSTF awards was R1 007 000.00; of which the Department of Science and Technology contributed R128 000.00.

(ii) The breakdown of the expenditure on the event is currently not available as the NSTF is reconciling payments to different service providers.

(b)(i) There is no pre-determined number of people invited as this is dependent on the number of tables bought by sponsors of the event.

(ii) The number of persons that attended in 2010 was 460.

(c) The budget for the 2009 event was R1 296 200.00, with a total attendance of 550 people. The breakdown of the expenditure in 2009 is currently not available as the NSTF is currently auditing its financial accounts.

QUESTION NO 1681

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (28 MAY 2010) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15-2010)

"1681. Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) What is her department's planned budget cuts (a) for the 2010-11 financial year and (b) over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework in respect of (i) promotional functions and award ceremonies, (ii) advertising and advertorial production and placement, (iii) public and media communication programmes and (iv) design, productions and printing costs of promotion material, including annual reports and strategy documents?

(2) Whether there are any other line items within her department's administration budgets that are subject to budget cuts, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1944E

REPLY:

1(a) Following the negative impact of the world economic downturn of 2008, the National Treasury imposed budget cuts on all national departments during the 2010 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and DST was not spared. The baseline was reduced and an exercise in reprioritization of funds to ensure continuity regarding existing activities was carried out. Furthermore, the DST has reviewed its administration budget and costs pertaining to traveling, entertainment, etc. the budget for these activities will be cut and redirected to other programmes.

1(b) There are no planned budget cuts for the 2010/11 financial year in terms of: (i) promotional functions and award ceremonies;

(ii) advertising and advertorial production and placement;

(iii) public and media communication programmes; and

(iv) design, productions and printing costs of promotional material. With respect to costs for the annual report and strategy documents, the DST will ensure quality of production at affordable costs.

The reasons why the DST does not plan to cut the above costs, except for the production of the annual report and strategy documents, is because the DST intends to launch a marketing and communication strategy in order to promote its science activities, with the aim of demystifying science as an elitist subject and making it relevant to all South Africans. We believe that this initiative will, in the long run, spark interest in the communities that do not have many scientists, thereby boosting the requisite number of persons studying science. This plan arises from our intention to create a Knowledge Based Economy (KBE) and society.

(3) The DST has put measures in place to curb costs in administration such as: travel and accommodation, conferences and venues, catering, entertainment, telecommunication etc. The savings derived from the above will be redirected to other projects of the department during the adjustment of estimates of national expenditure.

QUESTION NUMBER: 1682

DATE FOR PUBLICATION: 28 MAY 2010

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 29 OCTOBER 2010

DR D T GEORGE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY: PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION AS WELL ADMINISTRATION:

(1) Whether, with regard to section 3.6(b) of the Executive Ethics Code, Proc. No. 41 of 28 July 2000, Government Gazette No. 21399, any member of the executive has placed the administration of an interest under the control of an independent and professional person or agency; if not, why not; if so, (a) who are these members and (b) what are the details of the cost to the State for expenses incurred;

(2) Whether any process is in place to ensure that the member does not have a contract with the independent and professional person or agency; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1947E

REPLY:

The secretary of Cabinet is merely the custodian of financial declarations and the obligations rests with the relevant Member of the Executive who holds a financial interest to either dispose or place under the administration of independent person or Agency as espoused in section 3.6. Executive Ethics Act of 1998.

QUESTION NUMBER 1683

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 MAY 2010

Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) Whether SA rands that were supplied to Zimbabwe were supplied by the SA Reserve Bank; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how much was supplied, (b) what were the terms, (c) how will the amount be repaid and (d) by whom;

(2) whether the use of SA rands by Zimbabwe will impact on (a) the value of the rand and (b) the money supply growth of the rand; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

NW1948E

REPLY:

(1) The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) advises that it did not supply any Rands to Zimbabwe in the 2009/10 fiscal or 2010 calender year, and no official request was received for the supply of Rands from Zimbabwean Central Bank or Zimbabwean Government.

(2) (a) and (b) The impact on the value of the Rand and the money supply growth of the Rand arising from the use of Rands by Zimbabwe is probably low, given the relatively smaller size of the Zimbabwean economy. However, it is difficult to estimate, as we do not have official data enabling us to determine how many Rands are circulating in Zimbabwe. The only estimate the SARB has in this regard is between R100 million and R150 million which is repatriated back to South Africa each month. No significant impact on the value or money supply growth of the Rand has been observed as a result of this. Given the limited size of the Zimbabwean economy, the amounts in Zimbabwe will be a very small component of the total average Rands in circulation in SA of approximately R66,507 billion.

QUESTION NO: 1684

Mr A T Fritz (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) What (a) have been her findings on the effect of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 on the number of children in correctional centres in each province and (b) how many children are (i) awaiting trial and (ii) serving a prison sentence in correctional centres in each province;

(2) whether her findings indicate a decrease in these numbers since the inception of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008; if not, why not; if so, what are relevant details?

NW1950E

REPLY

NB: The Department of Correctional Services is not demarcated into Provinces, it is demarcated into 6 Regions; which are: Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West, Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape.

(1) (a) Statistics shows a decline in the number of awaiting trial detainees in all Regions. As pertaining to the sentenced children, it varies as some Regions show increase, others a decline and others remained unchanged.

(b), (i) and (ii) [NB: The table below provides detail]

REGION	January 2010		February 2010		March 2010		April 2010		May 2010
REGION	ATD	Sentenced	ATD	Sentenced	ATD	Sentenced	ATD	Sentenced	ATD	Sentenced
EC	154	88	145	90	133	87	118	86	104	87
GP	57	171	47	173	46	172	40	168	38	158
KZN	184	196	171	198	170	201	158	209	140	219
LMN	14	68	23	76	20	78	19	78	11	78
FS/NC	70	87	58	88	46	92	37	84	30	74
WC	56	104	64	102	63	91	55	92	37	96
TOTAL

NB: GP-Gauteng; EC – Eastern Cape; KZN – KwaZulu-Natal; LMN-Limpopo, Mpumlanga and North West; FS/ NC – Free State and Northern Cape and WC – Western Cape.

(2) In both scenarios since the inception of Children Justice Act 75 of 2008 the statistics reflect a decline.

QUESTION NUMBER 1686

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 MAY 2010

Mr M H Steele (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(a) What guidelines has he issued to national departments with regard to the implementation of the new Integrated Financial Management System in respect of (i) maintenance of data integrity, (ii) security of access by employees of the particular department and (iii) recovery and restoration of data following a major disaster and (b) what measures did he put in place to ensure compliance with these guidelines?

NW1952E

REPLY:

(a) The Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) will be implemented in a phased manner to replace the current legacy systems. The phased implementation strategy includes a number of frameworks and processes to ensure the validation of data before migrating to the new IFMS system.

i. The National Treasury continuously engages with departments and provinces through structures such as the Chief Financial Officers' Forum and the Budget Council to encourage departments to carry out data cleaning exercises. The DPSA has also initiated a project called "HR Connect" which is focused on data cleaning of departmental organizational structures and HR information. Further, the IFMS Project has developed a change management framework that will allow departments to prepare themselves, with the support of the project team, for the migration to the new systems. The IFMS Project team has also developed a readiness assessment framework that will assist in prioritizing departments and the level of effort required to support them prior to migrating them to the new systems. It should be pointed out however that notwithstanding the ongoing support which is provided to departments, the validation and maintenance of the integrity of their data will continue to remain the responsibility of each and every Accounting Officer.

ii. The new systems are designed with sufficient security features and controls that allow for segregation of duties and profiling of users. Added security features will include flagging of users with multiple roles, an ability to use biometric technology and other electronic security systems as may be determined by departments. Within the context of the change management process, departments are made aware of these security features prior to implementation of the new IFMS modules.

iii. The IFMS will be hosted centrally by SITA in its capacity as the Primary Systems Integrator. Disaster Recovery will therefore be managed from a central point, where proper provision will be made for procedures to recover data, when necessary. The risk of departments losing their data following a major disaster will therefore be fully mitigated and managed. Departments will nevertheless continue to be responsible for the maintenance of their Business Continuity programmes should they be confronted with a major disaster.

(b) We are confident that the change management and support processes that we have adopted will be sufficient to ensure the successful implementation of the IFMS modules. We therefore at this stage do not deem it necessary to promulgate any additional guidelines over and above the current implementation strategy and change management process that we have adopted.

QUESTION NO: 1687

Mr L Selfe (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) (a) To which company was the contract awarded for the acquisition of new television sets for the newly constructed Kimberley Prison, (b) what was the total cost of the installation contract, (c) (i) how many television sets were contracted to be delivered and (ii) by when and (d) (i) how many television sets have been received and (ii) from which company

(2) whether the initial contract has increased; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the (i) total and (ii) unit price increase and (b) are the reasons for the increase in costs;

(3) whether any action has been taken against the service provider; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1953E

REPLY

(1) (a) The contract has was awarded to Sizwe Business Networking

(b) The total cost of the installation contract was R1 551 049-50

(ii) The intention was to complete installation by the 10^th June 2010 but due to the delay in

sourcing industrial brackets led to the completion of installation to 18^th June 2010.

(d) (i) 50 Television monitors

(ii) From Sizwe Business Networking

(2) The price has not increased.

(a) (i) There was no total price increase

(ii) There was no unit price increase

(b) No reasons as the price has not increased

(3) No action was taken against the service provider. The nature of the delay was not within the service provider's control as manufacturers did not have sufficient quantities of industrial brackets.

QUESTION no: 1688

Mr J Selfe (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) (a) To which company was the telephone system tender for the newly constructed Kimberley Prison awarded, (b) what was the total cost of the installation of the system, (c) when was the system (i) initially due to be completed and (ii) installed;

(2) Whether the has been any problems or irregularities with installation and installed telephone system; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether any action has been taken to remedy the situation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) Whether any additional costs have been incurred as a result; if not, why not; if so, what (a) amounts and (b) are there further relevant details;

(5) Whether any action has been taken against the service provider; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1954E

REPLY

(1) (a) Dimension Data was awarded the tender.

(b) The total cost for the installation of the system was R20 861 358-91.

(ii) Is was then completed May 2010

(2) Yes; there were problems with the installation. The problem was the delay in trenching by Telkom.

(3) Telkom was engaged at that stage to expedite the trenching process.

(4) Yes additional costs were incurred.

(a) The amount of R500 000-00 was incurred as additional costs

(b) An interim wireless connectivity and telephone services were provided

(5) There was no action taken against the service provider.

QUESTION NO 1689

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MAY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15- 2010)

Date reply submitted: 14 June 2010

1689. Ms D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) Whether he intends building any new S A Police Service stations; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many, (b) where will each of these stations be built, (c) when is each station expected to be complete and (d) what are the construction costs in respect of each station;

(2) whether there has been any delay in the construction process; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether there has been any costs increase in respect of each station; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1955E

REPLY:

(1)(a)(b)(c)(d)

The National Commissioner approved the Building Programme for the financial years 2010/11 up to 2015/16 which includes the construction of twenty three (23) new police stations.

Definition of New Police Station:

These are Police Stations that are constructed in suburbs, townships, towns, cities and rural areas, where no police stations existed previously.

Location of new police stations to be built and projected construction costs:

Police Station	Expected Completion date	Construction Cost
Eastern Cape
Duncan Village Police Station	2015/16	R44,920,424
Free State
Makglokweng Police Station	2014/15	R31,434,110
Thabong (Sunrise View) Police Station	2014/15	R76,288,735
Bloemfontein Sonskyn Police Station	2014/15	R47,053,087
Odendaalsrus (Kutlwanong) Police Station	2015/16	R25,849,693
Gauteng Province
Doornkop Police Station	2012/13	R33,944,715
Dube Police Station	2012/13	R23,381,083
Tembisa Police Station	2013/14	R69,630.246
Lenasia South Police Station	2015/16	R38,001,253
Evaton Police Station	2015/16	R69,693,624
Reigerpark Police Station	2015/16	R38,001,253
KwaZulu-Natal
Nocomboshe Police Station	2014/15	R22,152,506
Limpopo
Myexe Police Station	2015/16	R34,678,441
Mpumalanga
Grootvlei Police Station	2015/16	R22,182,557
Balfour (Siyathemba) Police Station	2015/16	R36,079,435
Northern Cape
Riemvasmaak Police Station	2015/16	R31,632,237
North West Province
Makapanstad Police Station	2014/15	R29,566,444
Kanana Police Station	2015/16	R31,766,663
Ikageng Police Station	2015/16	R46,695,829
Western Cape
Lentegeur Police Station and LCRC	2014/15	R78,663,924
Weltevrede / Nyanga Police Station	2014/15	R36,857,234
Tafelsig Police Station	2015/16	R29,393,406
Makaza Police Station	2015/16	R33,517,230

(2) New Police Stations to be built as mentioned in paragraph (1) are currently in pre-construction stages, (eg. site clearance or planning) and not under construction as yet.

(3) The projected project cost listed above is based on the current cost unit rand value for the project. The cost will escalate, due to inflation and material price increases, which cannot be accurately estimated at this time. The real cost of the projects will only be known after the closure of the bids. It should further be noted that even after the awarding of the bid, some escalation in price is likely, and the standard construction contract used (JBCC Series 2000) makes provision for this in the form of a Contract Price Adjustment Provision (CPAP) to the Contract. This escalation is necessitated, due to contracts running over extended periods of months and even years.

QUESTION NO 1690

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MAY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15- 2010)

Date reply submitted: 14 June 2010

1690. Ms D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) (a) How many and (b) what are the details of the recommendations made by the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) to the (i) S A Police Service (SAPS), (ii) Attorney General and (iii) his department in the 2009-10 financial year and (c) what was the SAPS's rate with regards to (i) partial compliance and (ii) noncompliance with these recommendations;

(2) (a) how many (i) persons are employed by the ICD and (ii) vacancies currently exist within the ICD and (b) what are the reasons for these vacancies;

(3) how many class complaints were received by the ICD from each province in the 2009-10 financial year?

NW1956E

REPLY:

(1) The statistical information in respect of the 2009/2010 financial year is yet subject to verification and will only be released after same has been finalised and tabled in Parliament during September 2010.

(2)(a) (i) The ICD has a total number of 268 staff members.

(ii) The ICD currently has 19 vacancies (funded).

(2)(b) The 19 vacancies currently within the ICD are due to employees that left the Department for better opportunities;

(3) The statistical information in respect of the 2009/2010 financial year is yet subject to verification and will only be released after same has been finalised and tabled in Parliament during September 2010.

QUESTION NO 1692

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MAY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15)

1692. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether any coal mining companies operating in Mpumalanga have been prosecuted for noncompliance with Regulation 9, relating to the temporary or permanent cessation of a mine or activity, of the Regulations on Use of Water for Mining and Related Activities Aimed at the Protection of Water Resources, Notice No 704, Government Gazette Vol. 408, No. 20119 of 4 June 1999 in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any action will be taken to ensure that the owners of abandoned coal mines in Mpumalanga comply with the above regulations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1958E ---00O00---

REPLY:

(1) No, there have been no coal mines prosecuted for noncompliance with Regulation 9. However, my Department has opened criminal cases against Xstrata Coal
(Tselentis Colliery), Eastside mine and Grootpan mine (case numbers 35/11/2009, 27/10/2009 and 26/10/2009 respectively). These cases are still under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

(2) No, there has been no action taken against the abandoned mines as they cannot be tracked. It should be noted that Regulation 704 is not applicable to the abandoned mines as they were closed before 1956 and the responsibility lies with the state (equally between my Department and the Department of Mineral Resources) to ensure that these mines are rehabilitated and do not pose pollution threats to the water resources.

My Department is in the process of developing a strategy to address the issue of acid mine drainage for both coal and gold mines.

QUESTION NO 1693

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MAY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15)

1693. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether a regional assessment has been carried out on the impact of coal mining on the water resources within the Vaal, Usutu and Komati River catchment areas; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will such an assessment be carried out; if so, what are the details of the assessment;

(2) whether, in the absence of an assessment, she will continue to grant water use licences for coal mining operations within the above catchment areas; if so, what are the relevant details; if not,

(3) whether she will place a moratorium on water use licence approvals until such an assessment is carried out; if not, why not; if so, when;

(4) whether a limit has been placed on the number of licences that may be issued in the area; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the details of this limit and (b) what mechanism is utilised to assess applications for such water use licences? NW1959E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1)(a) No, a regional assessment has not been carried out on the impact of the coal mines on the Komati System, however a Catchment Management Strategy is being developed and the envisaged assessment will be guided by the outcome of the Catchment Management Strategy.

(1)(b) Following the completion of the Catchment Management Strategy, the extent of the assessment will be guided and identified

(2) Yes, the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) does not discriminate on the issuing of licenses to applicants; however, it must be noted that before issuing of a water use licenses, as the Minister, I have to consider what will be the Best Practicable Environmental Option, impacts and mitigation measures as well as other important tools such as the Mpumalanga Biodiversity and Conservation Plan.

(3) No, there is no indication at the moment that the technology used for coal mining and the mitigation measures requires a moratorium on issuing water use licenses.

(4)(a) No, there are no limits being placed on issuing of licenses, as every license is being evaluated on its own merit for approval. The delegated authority has to make a decision (taking into cognisance the tools mentioned in paragraph 2 above) on whether to issue a license or not.

(4)(b) Mechanisms used to assess water use license Applications include amongst others,

· National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998),

· Environmental impact assessments (EIAs),

· Environmental management plan reports (EMPRs),

· Best Practice Guidelines for the Mining Industry,

· Internal Strategic Perspective for the catchment involved and

· Any other strategy and best practice available.

QUESTION NO. 1694

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15 NW1960E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 May 2010

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

(1) Whether environmental assessment practitioners are required to (a) comply with legislated standards and (b) register with her department or with any professional body; if not, (i) why not, in each case and (ii) when will the compliance and registration of such practitioners be enforced;

(2) how, in the absence of legislated standards and required registration, does her department exercise control over the competence of persons operating as environmental assessment practitioners;

(3) whether her department (a) investigates complaints or concerns about the work or integrity of practitioners and (b) maintains a record of practitioners against whom, or about whose work, complaints or concerns have been raised; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what action is taken in the event of complaints or concerns being raised;

(4) whether this record is available to the public; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1694. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

1. In terms of whether environmental assessment practitioners are required to comply with legislated standards and register with the Department of Environmental Affairs or any professional body, the following:

a. Presently environmental assessment practitioners (EAPs) are not required to comply with any standards in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA), because there are no such standards. However, Regulation 385, Regulations in terms of Chapter 5 of NEMA (26 April 2006) provides for general requirements for EAPs, as well as for the disqualification of EAPs. These read as follows:

"General requirements for EAPs

18. An EAP appointed in terms of regulation 17(1) must –

(a) be independent;

(b) have expertise in conducting environmental impact assessments, including knowledge of the Act, these Regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity;

(c) perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant;

(d) comply with the Act, these Regulations and all other applicable legislation;

Disqualification of EAPs

19. (1) If the competent authority at any stage of considering an application has reason to believe that the EAP managing an application may not be independent in respect of the application, the competent authority must –

(a) notify the EAP of the reasons for the belief; and

(b) afford the EAP an opportunity to make representations to the competent authority regarding his or her independence, in writing.

(2) If, after considering the matter, the competent authority is unconvinced of the independence of the EAP, the competent authority must in writing, inform the EAP and the applicant accordingly and may –

(a) refuse to accept any further reports or input from the EAP in respect of the application in question;

(b) request the applicant to commission, at own cost, an external review by an independent person of any reports prepared or processes conducted by the EAP in connection with the application;

(c) request the applicant to appoint, at own cost, another EAP –

(i) to redo any specific aspects of the work done by the previous EAP in connection with the application; and

(ii) to complete any unfinished work in connection with the application; or

(d) request the applicant to take such action as the competent authority requires to remedy the effects of the lack of independence of the EAP on the application.

b. Section 24H of NEMA provides for the Minister to appoint a registration authority for the purposes of this Act. At present, registration of practitioners is conducted by three bodies in South Africa, viz:

- The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) a statutory body carrying out registration of natural scientists;

- The Southern African Institute for Ecologists and Environmental Scientists (SAIEES) (voluntary certification) and

- The Interim Certification Board for Environmental Assessment Practitioners (ICB), a voluntary certification body established in late 2001 to promote quality assurance within the broad environmental profession and to focus specifically on practitioners undertaking environmental assessments in terms of environmental legislation. This body represents 17 associations and a wide degree of professional disciplines. In 2005 the department signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the ICB to start a consultative process towards the establishment of a registration authority for EAPs.

i. The process to make the registration of EAPs compulsory started in 2005 with the signing of an MoU between the department and the ICB and resulted in the following:

- The final draft proposal, containing the criteria for registration, the prescribed registration process and the Code of Ethical Conduct and Practice, was advertised for comment and is being finalised, together with preparations to launch the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) and nominating and selecting board members for EAPASA.

- The qualification, a Certificate for Environmental Assessment Practice, was registered in collaboration with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) in terms of the in terms of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in November 2008.

The industry met with the Minister on 28 April 2010 and is currently preparing an application in terms of Section 24H of NEMA to the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs to recognise the registration authority for EAPs.

ii. The compliance and enforcement of practitioners will be enforced as soon as the registration authority for EAPs has been recognised. In the event that the authority is recognised, an effective date for all EAPs to be registered will be published in the Government Gazette. It is foreseen that an application will be made to the Minister by March 2011, after which a date will be published making registration compulsory for all EAPs. It is expected that a phase- in period of between eighteen months and three years will be put in place to facilitate the process.

c. Although NEMA does not prescribe any standards for EAPs yet, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2006 (GN 385 in GG28753 of 21 April 2006) in Regulation 18 prescribe the requirements for EAPs when conducting an EIA process. These include inter alia independence, expertise, objectivity, disclosure of material information and compliance with the Regulations. Regulation 19 provides for the process to be followed to disqualify an EAP if deemed to not be independent.

2. The department currently can control EAPs in terms of existing provisions in NEMA and the EIA regulations and may, in the case of non-compliance with these provisions and admissible evidence, investigate the matter. Depending on the outcome of such investigations, the transgressor may be criminally charged and prosecuted in a court of law.

3. In terms of whether the department investigates complaints or concerns about the work or integrity of practitioners and the keeping of record regarding these, the following:

a. The national Department of Environmental Affairs as well as the provincial departments are responsible for the implementation of environmental impact assessment (EIA) legislation. If complaints about the work of EAPs are received by the national department related to an EIA process falling within a provincial department's jurisdiction, such complaint is referred to the relevant provincial department. Where a complaint is relevant to an application under consideration by my department, it is investigated and if necessary, the process prescribed in Regulation 19 (see 1 c. above) followed.

b. Records of all complaints and responses to such complaints are kept as is normal practice with all correspondence and documentation.

4. All records are available to the public if the prescribed procedures are followed in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act 2 of 2000) (PAIA).

QUESTION NO 1695

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MAY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15)

1695. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether, with reference to the reply to question 539 on 9
June 2008, the Water Research Commission has completed its study on low phosphate detergents; if not, why not; if so, what are the results of this study;

(2) whether her department intends banning phosphates in detergents; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) what are the relevant details and (ii) what steps does her department envisage taking in this regard? NW1961E ---00O00---

REPLY:

(1) The Water Research Commission (WRC) Project K5/1768: Investigation of the positive and negative consequences associated with the introduction of low-P detergents commenced in 2007 and was completed early 2010.

The following findings were made:

· The growing recognition of the role that phosphate contained in powdered laundry detergents, play in the eutrophication of water resources, coupled with the apparent failure of the legislated 1mg/ℓ effluent phosphate concentration standard to control this problem, prompted the WRC to solicit a project to investigate the positive and negative consequences associated with the introduction of zero-phosphate (zero-P) powdered laundry detergents into the South African market.

· A survey of available literature indicated that regulation of detergent phosphate is widely practiced to address eutrophication problems, with many countries in Europe and many states in the USA either banning phosphate in detergents or introducing concentration limits.

· The project found that the impact of detergent phosphorus on WWTWs' phosphate loading varies significantly between facilities, depending on the relative contribution made by domestic and industrial sources. It may be up to 50% (SRP – Soluble Reactive Phosphorous) and 32% (TP – Total Phosphorous) in WWTWs treating predominantly residential sewerage. Removing the detergent component of total phosphorus load, would thus result in a reduced cost associated with the removal of phosphates for WWTWs that continue to strictly target the 1mg/ℓ standard. (The benefit of the reduced phosphate load will in such a case not be experienced by the wider environment. The 1mg/ ℓ standard would have to be reduced in order to pass the benefit onto the environment.) On the other hand, the phosphate concentration in effluent from facilities not operating to the 1mg/ℓ standard is likely to be reduced by up to 50% (SRP).

· The impact of detergent phosphate on the TP of key dams was calculated to vary significantly depending on the level of residential settlement, and the efficiency of WWTWs in its catchment. Estimates for reductions in in-dam TP concentrations due to the elimination of detergent phosphate, ranged between 3% and 35%. (The summed reduction for all the 24 priority dams investigated was 11 - 12%) The reduced TP concentrations translate into a modelled 2.5% to 30% reduction in chlorophyll 'a' concentrations within the key dams. (The summed reduction for all the 24 priority dams investigated was 12%). In both cases, dams that are currently eutrophic are amongst those that will benefit most. The impact of detergent phosphate removal, and the consequent predicted reduction in algal concentrations in dams, on the costs of water purification was assessed to be a modest R9 per Mℓ, when calculated for the three dams which showed the greatest potential.

· A qualitative cost benefit analysis indicated that a switch to zero-P detergents would offer potential benefits for the environment, the water purification industry and manufacturers, with negligible negative impacts to WWTWs, the WDCS and the consumer. This finding is significant in that it reverses the findings of previous cost benefit studies which have shown the introduction of zero phosphate detergents to have a net cost to society. The shift to that of a net benefit is largely due to the rising cost of phosphate and the change in understanding that zero-P detergents are not damaging to washing machines and fabric.

· Based on the findings that the elimination of phosphorus from detergents is both beneficial and desirable, it is thus recommended that the replacement of phosphate containing detergents with zero-P alternatives should be carried out as soon as is feasible.

(2)(i) The WRC (KSA 1) is in the process of creating a policy and technical brief for this project. The policy brief will outline the following conclusion:

Based on the findings that the elimination of phosphorus from detergents is both beneficial and desirable, it is thus recommended that the replacement of phosphate containing detergents with zero-P alternatives should be carried out as soon as is feasible.

(2)(ii) Banning needs to consider the following:

If phosphates are to be removed from detergents it is likely to be replaced by zeolite. With regard to zeolite, several issues scored negatively on the cost benefit analysis, such as the inability to recycle zeolite and hence the increased volume of sludge waste that may be produced, the cost of upgrading manufacturing plants and the possibility of residue being left on clothes.

QUESTION 1696

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 28 MAY 2010 [IQP No 15- 2010] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

1696. Mr N D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether the further R6m payout to legal abalone rights holders comes from the amount originally budgeted for payouts to rights holders; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the entity that will pay out the amount to the rights holders from the additional R6m is different from the entity that handled the last payouts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has set a date for the re-opening of the abalone fishery; if so, what is the date? NW1962E

REPLY

(1) No. The further R6m payout is an additional allocation paid as a social relief payment aimed at easing any economic hardships caused by the delays in the conditional reopening of the abalone fishery.

(2) Yes. The first two payments were made by the then Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) while the current payment is being issued by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

(3) The actual date of the re-opening of the abalone fishery is dependent upon obtaining Cabinet approval. The submission is currently under consideration by Cabinet and its sub-committees.

QUESTION NO. 1697.

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15 NW1963E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 May 2010

Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) Why legal letters have been directed at the owners of houseboats in Kraalbaai in the West Coast National Park, instructing them to remove their boats from their existing moorings and to relocate them elsewhere and (b) what are the names of the owners of the houseboats who are expected to comply;

(2) whether the owners of all houseboats have been instructed to remove their houseboats; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why;

(3) whether SA National Parks (SANParks) has attempted to remove the houseboats before the time; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether SANParks intends developing Kraalbaai; if not, why not; if so, why can the houseboats not be accommodated in any development plans;

(5) whether the affected houseboat owners were consulted by SANParks before being instructed to move; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mrs P C Duncan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1697. MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) (a) The matter of the legitimacy of the private houseboats in Kraalbaai goes back to 1985 when the Langebaan National Park was proclaimed. With the proclamation, SANParks inherited the presence of these houseboats that had previously been evicted from nearby Rietbaai when the SANDF took over Donkergat to establish a military base there. In a correspondence dated 2 Jan 1986 SANParks sought to establish by what, if any, contractual agreement boat owners were authorized to be in Kraalbaai. None such agreements existed, but owners claimed they had "historical rights".

In order to regularize the relationship with the owners in the terms of the National Parks Act (Act 57 of 1976), SANParks agreed to issue permits to the owners with the express condition that (a) the concession shall continue for as long as it may please the (National Parks) Board (b) the concession was granted in their personal capacity (c) the concession was not transferable (letter to owners 02 March 1988 by Dr G Robinson).

The ongoing legal question has not been about ownership of the water as it is undisputedly the legislated mandate of SANParks to manage the marine environment on behalf of the state. The challenge from the boat owners is their claimed "historical right" to be there. In a number of legal opinions over the years the SANParks case has been confirmed that the boat owners cannot claim prescriptive rights as their permit conditions expressly gave the landlord, SANParks, the right to terminate at its discretion. Activities are therefore taking place in Kraalbaai without SANParks sanction, to the benefit of a few individuals. SANParks intends to develop the area for the benefit of all visitors to the West Coast National Park.

(b)

· Mr D van Schalkwyk

· Mr H Koen

· Mr M Koen

· Mr D J Heyns

· Mr R Verhovert

· Mr A H Stemmet

· Mr W C O'Reilly

· Dr O Seele & Mr R Glover

· Mr L Strydom

· Mr F E B Tritton

· Mr G Hardcastle

· Francois Stemmet

· Mr M Brouwer

· Mr C Lumb

· Allens Meschco (Bossomworht, Schmidt & Allen)

· Mrs W J Boer

· Mr E L Hugo & Mr JP Stemmet

(2) Yes. In a formal notice on 20 Feb 2002 boat owners were told that all leases and agreements were terminated as at 31 March 2002 and that they were to remove their vessels by 31 May 2002.

(3) Yes. In a formal notice on 20 Feb 2002 boat owners were told that all leases and agreements were terminated as at 31 March 2002 and that they were to remove their vessels by 31 May 2002. This was challenged by landowners, which led to a standoff. Through this action SANParks thus formally recorded that it refuted any claims of rights to be there and subsequently no longer took any rentals. In addition, SANParks in 2008 engaged the law firm Fairbridges to formalize the administrative process to evict the houseboat owners in accordance with requirements of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (Act No.3 of 2000).

(4) Yes. SANParks is currently running an EIA for the development of a rest camp intended to benefit the general public at Kraalbaai. Initially the plans were for stilted chalets in the lagoon. This has been changed to terrestrially based chalets. Should further houseboats be built they would be done within the concessioned rights to the concessionaire, within environmental and safety specifications set by SANParks. None of the illegal houseboats meets acceptable standards and SANParks has no interest in acquiring them. SANParks has consistently reinforced its position that it will make moorings available to the general public on a daily rental basis, but that exclusive rights cannot continue to be granted to a select few based on unsubstantiated "historical claims".

(5) Yes. In a formal notice on 20 Feb 2002 boat owners were told that all leases and agreements were terminated as at 31 March 2002 and that they were to remove their vessels by 31 May 2002.

· A letter was sent to all owners on the 29 June 2009, inviting them to meet with SANParks and their legal team and furnish reasons why they should not be moved from Kraalbaai.

· The meeting took place on 13 November 2009 in Fairbridges offices in Cape Town. Only three houseboat owners were represented. Several owners subsequently sent emails and met with management, others have been silent and not responded to correspondence

· Following what SANParks considered unconvincing submissions, letters were sent to boat owners in Feb 2010 indicating that they had to remove their boats by 31 May 2010 failing which SANParks would launch a High Court application to have them removed.

QUESTION 1698

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28/05/2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 – 2010)

Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(1) Why has the Zimele Molweni Centre for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children in Molweni, eThekweni Municipality, not received accreditation from her department;

(2) whether her department will pay the costs of an educator for the more than fifty learners currently enrolled at the school; if not, why not; if so, what are the criteria applied by her department when considering the provision of assistance to a school of this nature? NW1964E

Response:

(1) The Zimele Molweni Centre's application for registration as a special school is being considered by the KZN DoE against the following criteria:

A school can only be registered if it is within the broader spatial plan to establish adequate facilities for learners with disabilities in the province. This is in line with a cabinet resolution passed by the KZN legislature in 2007. A meeting to establish this facility's eligibility for registration was held with the Pinetown district officials on the 30 April 2010 and a follow-up meeting was scheduled for the 14 June 2010 with the Pinetown District DoE officials as well as representatives from the Zimele Molweni Centre.

(2) Resources of whatever nature are rendered strictly to registered schools. In the light of this, the department may not be able to provide educator posts, or any resources whatsoever until the school is registered. An interim measure could be to absorb the learners enrolled at the centre in other schools or to have the centre operate as a satellite under an existing school. These options will be tabled at the meeting mentioned in (1) above.

QUESTION NO 1699

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MAY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15)

1699. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) What is the state of the water quality in the Loskop Dam as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what are the sources of pollution in the dam;

(2) whether cyanobacteria has been identified as a problem in the dam; if not, what is the basis for this conclusion; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the water leaving the dam is suitable for downstream agriculture; if not, what is the basis for this conclusion; if so, how was this conclusion reached;

(4) whether her department has taken any measures to improve the water quality of the dam; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether any (a) notices of intention to issue directives, (b) directives or (c) criminal charges have been issued against upstream polluters of the dam; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1965E

REPLY:

(1)(a) There has been a marked increase in nutrient enrichment (phosphorus and Nitrogen compounds) since 2005. These lead to significant eutrophication related problems within the reservoir as previously observed (i.e. fish and crocodile deaths). Chlorophyll a concentrations peaked during summer periods of 2004/5 and there is a significant increase since the winter of 2007. However, the mean chlorophyll a concentrations are still within limits (i.e. below 30μg/ℓ). The mean total phosphorus concentration of 0.041mg/ℓ provides a moderate potential for eutrophication problems to arise. The mean chlorophyll a concentration of 4.42μg/ℓ is indicative of an oligotrophic system.

Statistical results for water quality attributes for irrigated agricultural and domestic uses were all within targeted range (very good to good) with the exception of Ammonium (fair range). For the water quality attributes analysed, other than for Ammonium and fluoride for domestic use, it would not appear that the water quality during the period analysed would not represent any cause for concern. Some taste and odour problems could have been detected when the ammonium levels were at their higher levels. Some tooth staining can be expected at the highest concentrations.

(1)(b) Sources of pollution affecting the dam include amongst others; point sources such as Municipal wastewater treatment works and non point sources such as mines, tourism facilities and agriculture.

(2) Cyanobacteria are present in Loskop Dam but it is not currently considered as a problem because of the levels of bacteria present.

(3) Yes, the parameters are monitored and meet the target water quality range for downstream agriculture being practiced around the area in question.

Due to the pollution threats, there is a high priority within my Department to monitor the water quality as concerns have been raised by water users downstream. As indicated in paragraph (1)(a) above; water quality attributes for irrigated agricultural use were within the water quality range, which was also the same downstream of the dam.

(4) Yes, my Department is addressing the water quality at the dam by introducing the Blue Drop Green Drop incentives for the municipality to comply with acceptable discharge standards.

Further, my Department has developed the following:

· Resource directed strategy to ensure that point sources of pollution are addressed and include aspects such as licensing (with specific conditions to the specific users for compliance).

· Resource directed measures which include amongst others the determination of the reserve in support of licenses, establishment of forums and initiatives (e.g. River Health Programme) where water users participate to influence the management and operations of river systems.

· Water Quality Management Plan which set the objectives for various elements which should be achieved by various water use sectors.

(5)(a) Yes, Table 1 below reflects the notices issued.

Table 1: Notices issued

Notice	Section	Date issued
Delmas Local Municipality (LM)	19 (Pollution prevention)	10/02/2009
Department of Public Works	19 (Pollution prevention)	14/04/2010
Doornrug	19 (Pollution prevention)	28/10/2009
Emalahleni LM	19 (Pollution prevention)	08/04/2009
		13/10/2009
		19/11/2009
		13/04/2009
Govan Mbeki LM	19 (Pollution prevention)	08/04/2009
		27/02/2010
		13/04/2010
Kungwini LM	19 (Pollution prevention)	05/06/2009
Leeuwpan Coal	19 (Pollution prevention)	09/10/2009
Rietvallei Meat Marketers	19 (Pollution prevention)	30/03/2009
Vuna Coal Holdings	19 (Pollution prevention)	02/08/2009

QUESTION NO. 1700

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 May 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15)

Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) What are the (a) optimal and (b) actual staffing levels for the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for each category of employee;

(2) whether there are any investigations pending before the HPCSA; if so, how many;

(3) whether there is a maximum time period by which an investigation must be finalised; if not, why not; if so, what is the period;

(4) how many investigations currently pending before the HPCSA have taken more than (a) 3 – 6 months, (b) 6 – 9 months, (c) 9 – 12 months, (d) 12 – 18 months and (e) 18 – 24 months to finalise?

NW1966E

REPLY:

I am informed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as follows:

(1) The following table reflects details in this regard.

Table 1: Profile of the total workforce as at 21 June 2010

Occupational category	Male	Female	Total
Legislators, senior officials and managers	6	5	11
Professionals	13	11	24
Technicians and associate professionals	20	68	88
Clerks	19	28	47
Service and sale workers	1	3	4
Elementary occupations	0	3	3
People with disabilities	2	1	3
TOTAL ACTUAL STAFFING	61	119	180
Total vacant positions			20
OPTIMAL STAFFING COMPLIMENT			200
Non-permanent employees	3	10		13
TOTAL	64	129		213

(2) There are in total 1 913 cases under investigation.

(3) Having regard to the formal processes through which cases are dealt with, it takes more than 18 months to finalise each complaint. It is important to mention that some external factors may impact on the period taken to finalise a matter, such as other legal processes taking place elsewhere outside of the HPCSA.

(4) The following table reflects details on the Professional conduct cases under investigation, some of which are still being dealt with.

Table 2: Professional conduct matters under investigation

Months	Cases
0-3	8
3-6	8
6-9	29
9-12	30
12-18	67
18-24	39
TOTAL	181

2010-06-14

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