Questions & Replies: Communications
2010-07-06
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
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QUESTION NO: 2878
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 October 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 31
DATE OF REPLY: 29 October 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether he has been informed of the requirements of the articles of association of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) with regard to the appointment of a certain acting group chief executive officer (GCEO) (name furnished) which determine that only executive members of the SABC are to be appointed as acting GCEO; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether he has been informed that the only person who would comply with the requirements of these articles was the person appointed by the board to serve as acting GCEO; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) what is the basis for his involvement in the decisions of the SABC Board in respect of the (a) suspension and (b) appointment of the acting GCEO? NW3563E
Reply
(1) Yes, I am aware of the contents of the articles of association.
(2) I am aware of the contents of the articles of association and therefore there was no need for me to be informed.
(3) (a) and (b) I was not involved in either.
QUESTION NO: 2721
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 September 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 30
DATE OF REPLY: 7 October 2010
Mr NJ van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether he has been informed of the alleged irregularities in the awarding of tenders to private companies by Sentech; if so what are the relevant details of the companies to whom the tenders were awarded;
(2) Whether his department will investigate these allegations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW 3391E
REPLY:
(1) Sentech has kept me informed of the alleged irregularities and that it is not in a position to disclose its supplier details. The investigations that were conducted were part of an internal process and Sentech would need authorisation from the suppliers to provide their details to third parties.
(2) The allegations are still being addressed internal processes which should be allowed to unfold.
QUESTION NO: 2643
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 September 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 29
DATE OF REPLY: 1 October 2010
Mr NJ van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
Whether the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has submitted a corporate plan to him since the inception of the new board on 10 January 2010; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW 3300E
REPLY:
Yes, the Corporate Plan was submitted and approved by me and was submitted to Parliament as required by the Money Bill Amendment Procedures Act.
QUESTION NO: 2567
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 September 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 28
DATE OF REPLY: 24 September 2010
Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether, in light of the comment of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) spokesperson (details furnished), it is SABC (a) policy and (b) practice to charge for appearances on SABC current affairs and news programmes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) when was the practice of charging appearance fees for news programmes implemented, (ii) who approved the policy, (iii) how was the fee structure determined and (iv) how much money has the SABC collected from (aa) private entities and (bb) public institutions since the practice commenced;
(2) whether any of the said fees are in arrears; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether any interested parties have been prevented from participating in a news programme because they could not afford the fee; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW3209E
Reply
(1) The SABC did not make the comment that the member is referring to.
a) No
b) No
i) There is no such practice
ii) NA
iii) NA
iv) NA
(2) NA
(3) NA
QUESTION NO: 2547
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 September 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 28
DATE OF REPLY: 24 September 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
What are (a) the latest listener and viewer statistics of the various SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio and television channels and (b) the details of a comparative analysis of (i) audience trends and (ii) revenue received from advertising in respect of these various channels in the past three years? NW3173E
Reply
The SABC provide the following attached response.
QUESTION NO: 2546
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 September 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 28
DATE OF REPLY: 24 September 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) group executive of News is currently serving in an acting capacity; if not, why not; if so, what is his annual remuneration package;
(2) whether he is receiving this remuneration package in an acting capacity; if so, what are the relevant details; if not,
(3) whether the duly appointed group executive of News will receive the same remuneration package; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is the remuneration package for this position; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether any steps will be taken against any person in the event of the appointment process not being in line with the articles of association of the SABC board; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3172E
Reply
(1) No. In terms of section 16 of the Labour Relations Act, No 66 of 1995 as amended, the matter falls within the ambit of employer/employee relations. Therefore, the broadcaster is not at liberty to divulge its contents
(2) See above
(3) See above
(4) This was in line with relevant legal prescripts.
QUESTION NO: 2506
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 3 September 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 26
DATE OF REPLY: 16 September 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) (a) Why was a certain official (details furnished) dismissed, (b) what are the relevant details of the state law advisors and/or other senior counsel and/or other legal advisors that provided his department with legal advice during the disciplinary and/or dismissal process, (c) what are the reasons for reaching an out of court settlement with the official, (d) what was the total cost of the litigation from the period of dismissal to the time when settlement was reached and (e) what measures has he put in place to avoid a recurrence of a similar situation and to avoid expensive litigation in future;
(2) whether the settlement reached effectively restores the official to her former position; if not, (a) what is the position in this regard and (b) when will the position be filled; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether there is any litigation or legal process against the procedure followed in dismissing the official; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3080E
Reply
(1) (a) Because of the breakdown of trust and compatibility between the Director-General and me.
(b) State attorneys and the department's legal team
(c) Intervention b y the President
(d) Details will be provided later
(e) Appointing acting director-general
(2) No, the position will be filled once the Minister for the Public Service and Administration has finalized his intervention
(3) No
QUESTION NO: 2437
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 3 September 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 26
DATE OF REPLY: 16 SEPTEMBER 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) (a) What is the status and origin of a certain document (details furnished) and (b) who is its author;
(2) whether this programme of action was informed by an amendment to the news editorial policy; if so, when was notice given to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) that the news editorial policy had been amended;
(3) whether any public participation processes preceded the amendment of the news editorial policy; if not, why not; if so, what processes;
(4) whether the author of the document gave consideration to the Broadcasting Act, Act 4 of 1999, (a) in general and (b) to section 10(1)(d); if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusion reached? NW3001E
Reply
The SABC informs me that:
1. a) The document is a Newsroom discussion paper intended for comment and input by SABC Editors.
b) The authorship of the document was a collective process driven by the Group Executive: News and Current Affairs.
2. No, there has been no amendment of the news editorial policy.
3. There was no public participation process undertaken because the document does not seek to amend the editorial policy.
4. Yes. Consideration is always given to the provisions of the Broadcasting Act. The collective that developed the discussion paper also considered South Africa's supreme governing document, namely, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, in particular its undertaking contained in the Preamble which is to: "Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person."
QUESTION NO: 2394
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 August 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 25
DATE OF REPLY: 10 September 2010
Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
Whether (a) his department or (b) any of its entities has signed any contractual agreements with a certain company (name furnished) or any of its affiliates (i) in the (aa) 2006-07, (bb) 2007-08, (cc) 2008-09 and (dd) 2009-10 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (aaa) what is the nature of each contract, (bbb) what is the monetary value of each contract, (ccc) what is the (aaaa) start and (bbbb) end date of each contract, (ddd) what are the details of the process that was followed for the signing of each contract, (eee) who else tendered for each contract that was awarded and (fff) what amount did each tenderer quote in each case? NW2963E
Reply
The Department of Communications
The Department does not have any contractual agreements with the said company or its affiliates.
South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
The SABC does not have any contractual agreements with the said company or its affiliates.
National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA)
NEMISA does not have any contractual arrangements with the said company or its affiliates.
Sentech
Sentech does not have any contractual agreement with the said company or its affiliates.
South African Post Office (SAPO)
SAPO does not have any contractual agreements with the said company or its affiliates.
QUESTION NO: 2337
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 August 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 25
DATE OF REPLY: 10 September 2010
Ms L D Mazibuko (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
Whether he will provide Ms L D Mazibuko with a copy of the minutes of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board meeting held on 22 May 2010; if not, (a) why not and (b) what are the details of the meeting held? NW2905E
Reply
No, the minutes of the board contain private and confidential information.
QUESTION NO: 2326
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 August 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 25
DATE OF REPLY: 10 September 2010
Mr R B Bhoola (MF) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) What is the cost of producing a certain SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) magazine programme (name furnished);
(2) whether any consultants were appointed; if so, at what cost;
(3) whether these appointed consultants had subcontracted; if so, (a) what is the cost and (b) who are the consultants that were subcontracted;
(4) whether the SABC Board intends doing a survey of the opinion of the Indian community to the content of this programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether, in view of job creation and equal employment opportunities, the SABC intends reassigning this consulting task; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2891E
Reply
I am informed by the SABC that:
(1) The cost of producing the said programme is R3,650 per minute (R175 200 per episode).
(2) The SABC has not appointed any consultants to the production. However, Red Carpet, the production company, does make use of freelance researchers on an ad hoc basis as is normal with any production.
(3) N/A
(4) All programmes are reviewed on a regular basis and Eastern Mosaic is no exception. The latest research was commissioned by the SABC in 2008 and gave a comprehensive overview of the content. The recommendations therein were taken into consideration by the SABC and the Producer. The findings are attached.
(5) NA.
QUESTION NO: 2313
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 August 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 25
DATE OF REPLY: 10 September 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) (a) How many (i) full board meetings and (ii) special meetings were held since the appointment of the new SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board in 2009, (b) when were these meetings held and (c) what were the reasons for the number of special meetings held;
(2) whether these meetings complied with the statutory requirements; if not, what were the reasons for noncompliance;
(3) whether he will provide Mrs J D Kilian with a copy of the minutes of the board meeting held on 22 May 2010; if not, why not; if so, when;
(4) whether any letters of resignation of board members have been received; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) from which members and (b) when;
(5) (a) how many times did he meet with the chairperson of the board, (b) when did such meetings take place and (c) on which dates did (i) his department and/or (ii) he and/or his Deputy Minister meet with all the members of the board? NW2810E
Reply
(1) (a) (i) 5
(ii) 17
(b)
| 19 January 2010 |
| 4 March 2010 |
| 11 March 2010 |
| 7 April 2010 |
| 14 April 2010 |
| 22 May 2010 |
| 26 May 2010 |
| 8 June 2010 |
| 10 June 2010 |
| 14 June 2010 |
| 21 June 2010 |
| 23 July 2010 |
| 28 July 2010 |
| 3 August 2010 |
| 17 August 2010 |
| 23 August 2010 |
| 26 August 2010 |
(c) The special meetings were held to discuss matters that required urgent decision making.
(2) Yes.
(3) No, the minutes of the board contain private and confidential information.
(4) Yes, four resignations from Ms B Masekela, Mr M Mello, Ms F Seka and Mr D Niddrie were accepted by the appointing authority with immediate effect.
(5) Meeting between the Minister, Deputy Minister and the Department and the chairperson of the board are not regulated and they occur as and when the situation requires it.
QUESTION NO: 2307
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 August 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 25
DATE OF REPLY: 10 September 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) What are the reasons for the suspension of the SA Broadcasting Corporation News finance manager;
(2) whether any disciplinary process has commenced; if not, why not; if so, when will the process be concluded? NW2797E
Reply
I am informed by the SABC that the matter is still under investigation such details as requested by the member cannot be made public at this juncture.
QUESTION NO: 2252
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 August 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 23
DATE OF REPLY: 3 September 2010
Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
Whether his department and/or any of its entities has purchased any 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament (a) clothing or (b) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, in each case, (i) what are (aa) the details and (bb) the total cost of the items purchased, (ii)(aa) how many items have been purchased and (bb) why, (iii)(aa) to whom has each of these items been allocated and (bb) why have these items been allocated to these persons and (iv)(aa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each of these items and (bb) on whose authority was the decision taken to make these purchases? NW2760E
Reply
I am informed as follows:
The Department of Communications
The Department has not purchased any 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer clothing or paraphernalia.
Sentech
(a) Yes.
(b) Yes.
(i)(aa) Bafana-Bafana t-shirts, scarf/beanie sets and vuvuzelas.
(bb) T-shirts at R161 000
Scarf/beanie sets at R 72 000
Vuvuzelas at R 16 000
(ii) (aa) 497 Bafana-bafana t-shirts,
513 scarf/beannie sets
450 vuvuzelas
(bb) All of the items were purchased as part of Sentech's stakeholder relations strategy.
(iii) (aa) T-shirts were allocated to staff
Scarf/Beani set were allocated to satff and stakeholders
(bb) The purchase of the t-shirts was in response to the national call to support the national team and the Fooball Friday initiatives. The t-shirts were bought at discuount price to assist staff by resaling them to staff. The paraphernalia was distributed at match venues for stakeholders
(iv) (aa) As part of Sentech's stakeholder relations strategy to support the tournament.
(bb) on the authority of Sentech' Board of Directors.
The Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA)
The Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) has not purchased any 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament tickets, clothing or other paraphernalia.
South African Post Office (SAPO)
(a) Yes.
(b) Yes.
(i) (aa) Bafana Bafana supporter's shirts and the country flags of participating countries.
(bb) The cost was R2.5 million for both supporter's t-shirts and the flags?
(ii)
(aa) 24 000 Shirts were purchased
(bb) To sufficiently cater for the number of full time and temporary staff members and our offices
(iii)
(aa) The shirts were allocated to all staff members Board Members and Stakeholders
(bb) In response to the national call for all South Africans to support the national team Foodball Friday.
(iv)
(aa) The South African Post Office was running a national campaign to encourage tourists to use its courier service for excess baggage. To spread the FIFA Football World Cup fever through staff wearing Bafana- bafana t-shirts while serving customer.
(bb) The shirts were procured on the authority of the Board.
South African Broadcasting Corporation
(a) Yes
(b) Yes
(i) (aa ) Soccer Jerseys (Bafana Bafana) & African Blankets bearing the South African flag.
(bb) Soccer Jerseys – R1 500
Blankets – R16 200
(ii) (aa) Jerseys – 5
Blankets – 180
(bb) Soccer Jerseys were raffled to staff members for each Soccer Friday and the Blankets were purchased in celebration of the last football Friday before the kickoff of the 2010 World Cup.
(iii) (aa) Soccer Jerseys – 5 winners were drawn out of a hat
Blankets were given to all staff members.
bb) Soccer Jerseys were allocated to the raffle winners & the Blankets were given as a gift to all staff members.
(iv) (aa) SABC was the official broadcaster of the tournament. .
bb) The Board.
National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA)
NEMISA has not purchased 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament clothing or other specified paraphernalia.
QUESTION NO: 2220
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 August 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 23
DATE OF REPLY: 3 September 2010
Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether his department or any of its entities has (a) purchased or (b) leased any buildings for administration (i) in the (aa) 2008-09 and (bb) 2009-10 and (ii) for the 2010-11 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (aaa) what is the cost of the building, (bbb) what is the size of the building, (ccc) why was it bought or leased, (ddd) what will be its use, (eee) who will occupy it and (fff) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building;
(2) whether his department and any of its entities intends purchasing or leasing any buildings for administration for the (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (i) what is the cost of each building, (ii) what is the size of each building, (iii) why will it be bought or leased, (iv) for what will it be used, (v) who will occupy it and (vi) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building? NW2728E
REPLY:
I am informed as follows:
Department of Communications
(1) (a) (i) (aa) and (bb) No.
(b) (i) (aa) and (bb)Yes.
(ii)Yes
| (aaa) | 2008/9 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 |
| iParioli Office Park | 18 000000 | 24 000000 | 24 000000 |
| Denel (ISSA) | 4.6 000000 | 5 000000 | 4.3 000000 |
| 112 Call Centre | 4 000000 | 4.3 000000 | 4.6 0000000 |
(bbb)
iParioli Office Park 8 039 m2 in 2011/12 and increased to 12 308 m2 in 2012/13
Denel (ISSA) 16 054 m2
112 Call Centre 2 347 m2
(ccc), (ddd) and (eee)
iParioli Office Park is leased to provide office accommodation to the Ministry and Department of Communications.
Denel building is leased to provide accommodation for ISSA
112 Call Centre building is leased to provide accommodation for the operation of the 122 call centre.
(fff) Please Provide the number of staff
| 2008/9 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | |
iParioli Office Park 306 429 429
Denel (ISSA) 17 17 13
112 Call Centre 90 90 90
(2) (a), (b) and (c) The Department will continue to lease the current three buildins. The Department of Public Works is in the process of renewing the lease agreement for the iParioli Office Park for the periods 2010 to 2015.
| (i) | 2011/12 | 2012/13 | 2013/14 |
| iParioli Office Park | 24 000000 | 24 000000 | 24 000000 |
| Denel (ISSA) | 6 000000 | 6.3 000000 | 6.8 000000 |
| 112 Call Centre | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| (ii) |
iParioli Office Park 8 039 m2 to increase to 12 308 m2 from 2012/2013 finacial year
Denel (ISSA) 16 054 m2
112 Call Centre 2 347 m2
(iii), (iv) and (v)
iParioli Office Park was leased to provide office accommodation to the Ministry and Department of Communications.
Denel building was leased to provide accommodation for ISSA
112 Call Centre building was leased to provide accommodation for the operation of the 122 call centre.
(vi) Please provide the number of staff in the buislings
| 2011/12 | 2012/13 | 2013/14 | |
iParioli Office Park 306 429 429
Denel (ISSA) 17 17 17
112 Call Centre 0 0 0
Universal Servicers and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA)
(1) (a) (i) (aa) and (bb) No.
(b) (i) (aa) and (bb)Yes.
(ii)Yes
| (aaa) | 2008/9 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 |
| Midrand (head office) | 1,039 000 | 1,105 000 | 1,366 000 |
| Limpopo (Polokwane) | 111 000 | 118 000 | 125 000 |
| Free State (Bloemfontein) | 97 000 | 103 000 | 110 000 |
| Western Cape (Cape Town) | 125 000 | 132 000 | 144 000 |
(bbb)
| Midrand (head office) | 800 m2 | ||||
| Limpopo (Polokwane) | 100 m2 | ||||
| Free State (Bloemfontein) | 156 m2 | ||||
| Western Cape (Cape Town) | 93 m2 |
(ccc) The buildings were leased to house Usaasa's staff
(ddd) The Bulidings are being used to house Usaasa's staff
(eee) The are occupied by Usaasa staff
(fff)
| 2008/9 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | |||
| Midrand (head office) | 37 people | 40 people | 52 people | ||
| Limpopo (Polokwane) | 1 person | 1 person | 3 people | ||
| Free State (Bloemfontein) | 1 person | 1 person | 2 people | ||
| Western Cape (Cape Town) | 2 person | 1 person | 2 people |
(2) (a), (b) and ( c) Yes the USAASA intends to lease some buildings in the provinces to establish provincial presence. Further USAASA is required to conduct research and to keep abreast of developments on information communication technology , electronic communications services and electronic communications facilities and to make recommendations to the Minister of Communications in relation to policy on matters relating to universal service and universal access. It is therefore crucial for the Agency to have Provincial presence. It is the intention of USAASA to have Provincial offices in all nine Provinces in the 2010/11 financial year.
(i) USAASA is in the process of negotiating office space in the different Provinces. The cost and size is therefore not available currently. USAASA expect that the escalation of the office rental will approximately be 8% in the assuing financial years..
(ii) To be confirmed on completion of negotiations.
(iii) To expand the adminstration and establish provincial offices for Usaasa
(iv) To house the administration of Usaasa in the provinces.
(v) USAASA's provincial staff will occupy the proviincial offices.
(vi) To be confirmed on completion of business plans,.
(vii)
| 2010/11 | 2011/12 | 2012/13 | |||
| Eastern Cape | 3 people | 3 people | 3 people | ||
| KwaZulu Natal | 3 people | 3 people | 3 people | ||
| Mpumalanga | 3 people | 3 people | 3 people | ||
| North West |
Sentech
(1) (a) (i) (aa) and (bb) No.
(b) (i) (aa) and (bb)Yes.
(ii)Yes
(aaa)
| 2008/9 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | |||
| Laserpark | 697 200 | 766 920 | 843 612 |
Augusta Buildding 3 032 452 74 3 335 698
Bay Hill 2 639 526 62 3 200 479 20
Glen Eagle 2 067 456 24 2 274 201 86
Nasrec Teleport 222 881 per year with 10% esacalation
Cape Town Regional Office 952 125 per anum
Polokwane Regional Office 375 193 peranum
(bbb)
Laser Park 1000m2
Augusta Buiding 2400m2
Bay Hill 2400m2
Glen Eagle 2400m2
Nasrec Teleport 717 m2.
Cape Town Reginal Office 1376 m2.
Polokwane Regonal Office 326m2.
(ccc), (ddd) and (eee)
Laser Park is leased to store Sentech's equipement
Augusta Building, Bay Hill and Glen Eagle were leased to house head office staff.
Nasrec Teleport is a disaster recovery site.
Cape Town Regional office house regional staff
Polokwane Regional office house regional staff.
(fff)
Laser Park is used as storage
Augusta Buiding and Bay Hill 90 staff
Cape Town Reginal Office 32 staff
Polokwane Regonal Office 10 staff
(2) Sentech intends relocating its staff at Fourways (as mentioned in 1 (ii) above) to the Sender Technology Park in Honeydew, which is owned by Sentech. The construction cost for the secondary building is approximately R40 million. Sentech is in the planning stages and is still to follow due processes and applications for the relocation.
(ii) the size of the building is 3700 m2.
(iii) to relocate Sentech staff
(iv) to house Sentech staff
(v) Sentech staff
(vi) 90 staff
South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
(1) (a) (i) (aa) and (bb) No.
(b) Yes,
(ii)Yes
(aaa) George Office
2008/09 - R144 000pa
2009/10 - R126 772pa
2010/11 - R169 000pa
Montague Gardens Premises
2008/09 - R522 000pa
2009/10 - R587 784pa
2010/11 - R646 560pa
bbb) George Offices - 179m²
MG Premises – 1 230m²
ccc) George Offices
The rental of the office in George came in handy as it drastically reduced the flight, accommodation, transport, subsistence allowances and feeding costs from the Telkom towers. In the past we used to incur about R50k a week to cover stories in that part of the world. This would translate to R200k a month. This excludes the additional working hours lost because of travelling between Cape Town and George. For now, we are spending about R20k a month. This justifies the maintenance of the office as the region is the second economic hub of the Western Cape and is growing at an alarming rate.
Montague Gardens Premises
These premises were rented due to the current premises of the SABC in Sea Point being inadequate to house the entire Air Time division as they have large vehicles and the current offices are already over-staffed. The Air Time division is responsible for TV coverage of various huge events in the Cape Town area.
ddd) George Offices
It will be used as offices for the News staff who report in that area of the Cape.
Montague Gardens Premises
These premises are used for office space for the Air Time division of the SABC and for providing parking for it's fleet of High Tech Camera Equipment Trucks.
eee) Both properties are occupied by SABC employees.
fff) George Offices – currently 5 News staff
MG Premises – currently 16 Air Time staff
(2) (a),(b) and (c) Yes, SABC intends leasing buildings.
(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) Same as the info mentioned above.
South African Post Office (SAPO)
(1) (a) (i) (aa) and (bb) No.
(b) Yes,
(ii)Yes
(aaa) Head Office Building
2010/11 - R 28.9 000 000 pa
Postbank building
2010/11 - R 3.1 000 000 pa
bbb) Head Office - 18 000m²
Postbank building – 3 956 m²
ccci) Head Office building is bought to consolidate all head office staff into a single building.
Postbank building was bought the current building was declared non compliant in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
ddd) Head Office building will house all head office staff .George Offices
Postbank building will house all Postbank head office staff.
eee) Head Office building will be occupied by Post Office head office staff.
Postbank will house Postbank head office staff. .
fff) Head Office building – 1200 persons.
Postbank building 250 persons
(2) SAPO does not intend to purchase any other buildings for the said financial years except to continue with the lease for buildings mention in (1) above.
National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA)
(1) (a) (i) (aa) and (bb) No.
(b) Yes,
(ii)Yes
(aaa) R 351 677.6 per month
(bbb) 3 600 m²
(ccc) The building is used as to house the administration of NEMISA and as a campus for training students.
(ddd) The building uses administration and operations of NEMISA.
(eee) Staff and students of NEMISA.
(fff) 70 staff and 200 students.
(2) (a), (b) and (c) Yes.
(i) Not established at this stage, negotiations under way.
(ii) NEMISA is currently searching for the buildings.
(iii) current premises in Parktown can no longer accommodate the growth that NEMISA has achieved over the years. The space at the current NEMISA site is limited and cannot accommodate any further increase in students and staff as dictated to by our strategy. The company has opted to renew the lease for a further three (3) years whilst engaging the Department of public works for any existing government building that NEMISA can utilize on a campus environment.
(iv) It will be used to for administration and operations of NEMISA.
(v) Administrative and operation staff and students of NEMISA.
(vi) 350 people.
QUESTION NO: 2161
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 August 2010
QUESTION PAPER: 21
DATE OF REPLY: 26 August 2010
2161. Mrs J D Killian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) With reference to the disciplinary action taken against a certain official (name furnished) of his department for alleged irregularities, (a) what was the total cost to his department of the disciplinary process and (b) who will be held liable for payment of these costs;
(2) Whether any decision has been taken regarding an appeal against the ruling to reinstate the said official; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2617E
REPLY
(1) a) The total cost which was paid for the Presiding Officer to chair the hearing and the Departmental Representative to lead evidence amounts to R450 129,50.
b) The Department of Communications is liable for the costs.
(2) No decision has been taken to appeal the ruling to re-instate the official.
QUESTION NO: 2148
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 August 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 21
DATE OF REPLY: 26 August 2010
Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) (a) When was the vacancy as head of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) news department advertised, (b) in which media were the advertisements place, (c) how many (i) applications were received and (ii) candidates were shortlisted, (d) who comprised the interviewing committee and (e) when (i) did the subcommittee table their recommendations to the board and (ii) was the contract signed;
(2) whether the interviewing committee had a mandate to appoint the successful candidate; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) (a) what is the current status of this appointment and (b) who is accountable for making the appointment? NW2588E
Reply
The Board of the SABC informs me that:
(1) (a) The vacancy of Group Executive News was advertised on three occasions: June 2009, November 2009 and March 2010.
(b) Sunday Times, City Press, SABC Website and SAFM.
(c ) (i) June 2009 – 11 candidates
November 2009 – 11 candidates
March 2010 – 17 candidates
(ii) June 2009: No short list was done
November 2009: four candidates shortlisted
March 2010: four candidates shortlisted
(d) June 2009 No interviews
November 2009: Ms Irene Charnley, Dr Phil Mtimkulu, Ms Libby Lloyd, Mr Gab Mampone (assisted by Mr Dingaan Feliti and Mrs P. Nzimande).
March 2010: Dr Ben Ngubane, Ms Barbara Masekela, Ms Pippa Green, Mr Cedric Gina, Mr Solly Mokoetle (assisted by Mr Ron Morobe and Mrs P Nzimande)
(e) (i) 17 May 2010.
(ii) Signed August 2010
2. Yes.
3. (a) The Group Executive News & Current Affairs is employed.
(b)The Board of SABC.
QUESTION NO: 2147
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 August 2010
QUESTION PAPER: 21
DATE OF REPLY: 26 August 2010
Mrs J D Killian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) On what date was a certain firm of forensic auditors (name furnished) appointed to investigate alleged irregularities by a certain official (details furnished) of his department;
(2) Whether the required process was followed to procure such service; if not, (a) why note and (b) who will be held accountable for any cost incurred by his department as a result; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2587E
REPLY
(1) On 2 October 2009.
(2) Yes the required process was followed.
Parliamentary Question 2030
Mrs P de Lille (ID) to as the Minister of Communications
With reference to his reply to question number 1796 on 18 June 2010, what (a) was the duration of the trip to Brazil and (b) amount of the R578 993.00 was spent in respect of (i) accommodation, (ii) travel, (iii) food, (iv) drinks and (v) other specified expenses? NW2429E
Parliamentary Reply
10 Officials went to Brazil
(a) 8 Days
(b) Cost Breakdown
(i) Accommodation R 170 123.00
(ii) Travel R 360 536.00
(iii) Food & Drinks R 56 390.09
(iv) Insurance R 4 780
Total expenditure R 591 829.09
Honourable Member, the variance between R 591 829.09 and the initial amount which was provided to Parliament of R578 993.00 is explained by the reconciliation of claims made for subsistence and travel allowance.
QUESTION NO: 1929
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 July 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 17
DATE OF REPLY: 06 August 2010
Mr NJ van den Berg (DA) asked the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether his Director-General has been suspended; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the reasons for her suspension and (b) when did the suspension take effect;
(2) Whether any investigation has been launched with regard to her suspension; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW231E
REPLY
(1) No, the Director-General has not been suspended.
(2) Not applicable.
QUESTION NO: 1854
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 June 2010
QUESTION PAPER: NO 16
DATE OF REPLY: 17 June 2010
Mr N J van den Berg (DA) asked the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether any of the offices and/or buildings occupied by the regional offices of the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) are rented; if not, why not; if so, (a) which offices/buildings, (b) what is the reason in each case, (c) what is the (i) monthly rental, (ii) size of each office/building and (iii) rental contract's (aa) commencement and (bb) end date and (d) on what basis was a decision taken to rent each of these buildings/office sites;
(2) whether any of Icasa's regional offices have moved premises since 2009; if so, (a) which offices, (b) what were the (i) costs involved and (ii) reasons for the move and (c) what are the further relevant details? NW2138E
REPLY
I am informed by Icasa that:
(1) All the regional offices are rented.
| REGION | LEASE | PREMISES (Qa) | REASON FOR LEASE (Qb) | MONTHLY RENTAL (Qc) (i) | SIZE OF PREMISES (Qc) (ii) | LEASE TERM (Qc) (iii) (aa) (bb) | REASON FOR THE PREMISES (Qd) |
| Cape Town | Yes | 1 Neels Bothma Street N1 City Tygerdal Cape Town | Mechanism agreed with Treasury and DOC for use of property by ICASA is a lease agreement | R71,194.96 Excl VAT | 726.6m² | 1 April 2004 to 31 June 2010 | Premises were secured by SATRA for the region in Cape Town |
| Durban | Yes | 197 North Ridge Road Morningside Durban | Mechanism agreed with Treasury and DOC for use of property by ICASA is a lease agreement | R54,000.00 Excl VAT | 550m² | 1 Nov 2005 to 30th April 2010 | Premises were secured to accommodate the region in Durban by SATRA |
| Port Elizabeth | Yes | 63 Mangold Street Newton Park Port Elizabeth | Mechanism agreed with Treasury and DOC for use of property by ICASA is a lease agreement | R40,901.95 Excl VAT | 529m² | 1 Sep 2003 to 30th June 2010 | Premises were secured to accommodate the region in Port Elizabeth by SATRA |
| Bloemfontein | Yes | 19 Lombard Street Hilton Bloemfontein | Mechanism agreed with Treasury and DOC for use of property by ICASA is a lease agreement | R39,165.71 Excl VAT | 764m² | 1 Nov 2002 to 31 Oct 2010 | Premises were secured by SATRA to accommodate the region in Bloemfontein |
2. Yes, the Durban regional offices moved premises.
(a) 197 North Ridge Road Morningside, Durban
(b) (i) The costs were as follows:
| New Lease Deposit | R 303,000.00 |
| Removal Cost | R 113,000.00 |
| Premises Fit out | R 645,000.00 |
| Removal and Refurbish of RMFMS Monitoring System | R 143,380.00 |
| Total Cost | R 1,204,380.00 |
(ii) The lease agreement was not extended beyond 30 April 2010.
(c) The building Victoria Maine was identified suitable in terms of ICASA and other legislative requirements. 592m² of office space is available to let at the rental of R64,000 per month for three years escalating at 9% per annum. The building is situated in an office environment. There are sufficient parking spaces available in the building. ICASA will be allowed a maximum of 24 parking bays. Approval to lease the premises was granted by the Chief Executive Officer who by virtue of the ICASA Supply Chain Management is authorized to approve such emergency matters.
QUESTION NO.: 2083
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 6 AUGUST 2010
Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:
(1) What was the cost of the assessment by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to determine the viability of the proposed vertically-integrated raw iron ore production plant located near the Sishen mine, which has a capacity of about 3 million tonnes per year;
(2) whether (a) his department or (b) the IDC has been approached by foreign investors to be involved in the construction of the vertically-integrated steel plants; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2484E
REPLY
The IDC is investigating the possibility of establishing an internationally competitive steel plant (i.e. in the lower quartile of the world cost of production) for both export and local markets in South Africa.
The IDC advises that a steel mill with a capacity of 3 million tons per annum would require an iron ore resource of about 200 million tons assuming a 30 year life of operation. Unfortunately, there is no known freely available iron ore resource of this size in the Sishen area. Hence, the IDC is now looking for alternative iron ore resource(s) (magnetite type) which require non traditional steel making technology such as the Rotary Hearth Furnace. This technology is also more electrical energy efficient compared to the Blast Furnace.
In respect of the specific questions:
(1) The cost of the assessment was R1, 7 million. The IDC used its own staff to carry out the assessment and the expenditure was incurred for laboratory sample tests and reviews.
(2) Yes. Various foreign investors from Europe, Asia and Russia approached the IDC who were interested in investing in the project. Other investorss were looking for speculative opportunities and material supply. One of the main criteria for all investors looking to invest in the proposed steel project is the project's ownership of the main raw material inputs ( iron ore and coal) used in making steel. Such ownership provides such projects with the competitiveness required to succeed in the steel making business and to plan on a long term basis.
The interested parties have their own preference as to what technology to be used for making steel. Some of these technologies are suitable for the steel making raw materials available in South Africa. To-date, tThe IDC has not yet chosen any partner for the development to work with in developingof the project. A decision will be made after the completion of the pre-feasibility study.
QUESTION NO: 2720
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 September 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 30
DATE OF REPLY: 7 October 2010
Mr NJ van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
Whether Sentech fulfilled the Government's Fifa World Cup obligations to erect a second teleport for satellite transmission; if not, (a) why not, (b) how was the budget for this project utilised and (c) when will this obligation be fulfilled; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW 3390E
REPLY:
(a) Yes, Sentech has met its 2010 FIFA world cup soccer obligations which included the satellite back-up and building the Nasrec teleport.
(b) The budget allocated for this project was R64 million (building, satellite antennas and electronic equipment) with actual spend to date being R38 million and commitments being R6, 5 million. The full budget utilisation cannot be confirmed because there are still outstanding payments delayed by contractual issues that are still been resolved with the suppliers.
(c) The obligation has been fulfilled.
QUESTION NO: 2645
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 September 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 29
DATE OF REPLY: 01 October 2010
Mr NJ van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether the contract to a certain agency (name furnished) to secure broadcasting rights for Fifa-recognised football events was put out to tender; if not, why ; if so, what are the (a) names of the companies that submitted tenders and (b) details of each tender;
(2) With reference to the awarding of the contract to the said agency, what initial amount did the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board authorize the group chief executive office (GCEO) to offer;
(3) Whether a written submission was submitted to the SABC board prior to the approval of the contract; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the submission;
(4) Whether the SABC board approved the final amount that was offered to the said company; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the approval;
(5) On what statutory provision could the GCEO rely to deviate from the specified amount agreed to by the SABC board?
NW 3302E
REPLY:
(1) Sportfive in an agent appointed by CAF to sell its broadcast rights, any organization wanting to buy CAF rights can only access them through Sportfive.
(2) The SABC did not award a contract nor buy CAF rights from Sportfive, the negotiations are still in progress.
(3) Mandate to negotiate the rights fees was submitted to Board for approval and such approval was granted to the Group Chief Executive Officer.
(4) Negotiations are still in progress, once parties agree the final amount will be presented to SABC Board, Ministers of Communications and of Finance for approval.
(5) The SABC did not award a contract not buy CAF broadcast rights from neither Sportfive nor any other agent; therefore there is no deviation from the mandate.
QUESTION NO: 2644
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 September 2010
QUESTION PAPER NO: 29
DATE OF REPLY: 1 October 2010
Mr NJ van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
Whether the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has submitted a turnaround strategy in line with the National Treasury's conditions for awarding the conditional grant; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW 3301E
REPLY:
The government guarantee application refers to the Turnaround Strategy, as contained in the guarantee application document. There is no requirement to submit another turnaround strategy in the application, but to implement the one contained in the application. The new Board realized a need for diagnostic work in order for the strategy contained in the application document to be implemented.