Questions & Replies: Correctional Services

2010-07-06

THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.

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QUESTION NO: 3513

Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) Whether (a) her department and (b) any of its entities provided any financial support to the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for the World Festival of Youth and Students to be held in Pretoria in December 2010; if not, why not; if so, (i) what amount was provided to the NYDA, (ii) from which budget were these funds drawn, (iii) who made the decision to provide these funds to the NYDA and (iv) how is this (aa) decision and (bb) amount justified;

(2) whether the NYDA made any other request to (a) her department and (b) any of its entities to provide support to the festival; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW4352E

REPLY

(1) No

(2) Yes a request for exhibition was done was subsequently declined.

Question no: 3465

Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

How many employees of (i) her department and (ii) any entities reporting to her department who are on level 11 salary scale and above have been suspended with full pay (aa) in the 2009/ 10 financial year and (bb) during the period 01 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what is the total amount of money that was paid by her department in respect of these salaries?

NW4300E

REPLY

(a)(i)(aa) and (b)

2009/ 10 Financial Year

Number of employees: 17 employees

Amount of money paid: R4 472 682-00

(a)(ii)(bb) and b

01 April 2010 – 30 September 2010

Number of employees:15 employees

Amount of money paid: R2 278 925-00

QUESTION NO: 3361

Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether, with reference to her department's 2009-10 annual report (details furnished), any legal provision exist for inmates with appropriate expertise (a) to assist with the creation of databases or (b) undertake to assist her department in bringing to a conclusion any incomplete task that was constrained by lack of external resources or specialist skills; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW4191E

REPLY

a) No, there is no legal provision exist for inmates with appropriate expertise to assist with database creation..

b) Yes, the Department of Correctional Services has adopted a guiding document on utilization of offenders in meaningful work activities, such as painting, fixing of leaking pipes, toilets, showers and taps in order to bring to a conclusion any incomplete tasks resulted from the lack of external resources.

QUESTION NO: 3360

Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) Whether, with reference to her department's 2009-10 annual report (details furnished), the development of a database on service delivery improvement implementation plans (a) has now been completed and (b) is fully operational; if not, why not; if so,

(2) Whether a virement was done to ensure its completion; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW4190E

REPLY

(1)(a), (b)

Yes. The National database consists of Regional Service Delivery Implementation Plans and the Regions use their quarterly reports for progress. The Regional Implementation Plans represent a consolidation of Management Area Service Delivery Implementation Plans. The Quarterly Reports are available of the Management Information Centre.

The Service Delivery Improvement Plan of Correctional Services Department consists of 4 Key Services:

- To improve telephone & switchboard etiquette at all service points

- Manage the payment of bail & fines at correctional centres

- Improve scheduling of visitations to offenders

- Access of service providers and other stakeholders into correctional centres

The framework for implementation is provided by the Department of Public Service and Administration, and is based on the 8 Batho Pele Principles, reflecting the current standard as well as a desired standard. Each of the Regions has formulated their own implementation plans according to their regional specific needs and the report quarterly. The collective spread sheet information form a database of the service delivery improvement plans. The processes are fully operational and are on-going.

Department of Correctional Service Delivery Improvement Plan forms an integral part of the Service Delivery Charter that was launched by the Minister of Correctional Services in March 2010.

(2) No virement was done.

QUESTION NO: 3327

Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether (a) heads of correctional services had reported any instances of the use of force to any inspecting judge and (b) any inmates appealed to such a judge in terms of sections 23-25 of the Correctional Services Amendment Act, Act 25 of 2008, as reported in her department's annual report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW4158E

REPLY

	1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009	1 January 2010 to 31 October 2010
(a) - Number of incidents of the use of force reported - Number of segregations of inmates reported - Number of inmates placed in mechanical restraints and reported to the Inspecting Judge	372 3464 322	137 3812 331
(b) - Number of inmates who appealed. - Number of inmates who appealed	311 310	314 311

QUESTION NO: 3326

Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether the investigation into the escape of the nine inmates from the Westville Medium A Correctional Centre has been completed and finalised as reported in her department's annual report (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW4157E

REPLY

Yes. The investigation was completed on the 16^th April 2010.

The investigation found negligence of officials in ensuring that existing security policies and procedures are adhered to.

Disciplinary steps were instituted against 16 officials.

QUESTION NO: 3325

Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether, with reference to her department's annual report for the 2009-10 financial year, an integrated security framework is in place guaranteeing that prisoner escape would be almost impossible; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW4156E

REPLY

Yes. The implementation of the integrated strategy is aimed at the continuous reduction in escapes and other security risks. Current focus areas include:

· The effective supervision of staff and inmates by managers, not only to ensure adherence to procedures but also to give guidance to staff.

· The strict adherence to security procedures by staff.

· Consequent and disciplinary measures against negligent staff members

· The effective and pro active management of security information in liaison with partner departments in the Criminal Justice System.

· The optimal use of security equipment and systems.

· The transfer of high risk inmates to more secure facilities.

To further strengthen security at correctional centres over the December 2010 festive season the Department has introduced Operation Vala to ensure the safety and security of all staff, inmates and service providers. Special task teams at regions and national has been established to oversee security operations over this period.

Question no: 3221

Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

What is the (a) total cost and (b) number of copies of each (i) annual report and (ii) report on strategic plans that was produced by (aa) her department and (bb) any of its entities in the 2009-10 financial year?

NW4035E

REPLY

(aa) The following are the costs and number of copies of the departmental reports produced;

(i) Annual Report

(a) Cost: R79 000-00 including VAT

(b) Number of copies printed: 2300

(ii) Strategic Plans

(a) Cost: R129670.21

(b) Number of copies printed: 2100 printed to hard copy and 700 printed to CD

(bb) The Office of the Judicial Inspectorate produced as follows;

Annual Report

(i) Cost: R52 082.74

(ii) Number of copies printed: 4 700

QUESTION NO: 3190

Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether, with reference to the annual report of her department (details furnished) her meeting with a certain judge (name furnished) and his office resulted in improved collaboration that permits the judicial oversight to occur without any impediments; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW4000E

REPLY

Interaction of the Minister and the Inspecting Judge has occurred. However; it should be noted that the Deputy Minister has been delegated the responsibility of working closely with the Inspecting Judge and his office.

QUESTION NO: 3189

Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether the Imbeleko programme is (a) fully operational and (b) achieving its objectives of alleviating the plight of mothers with babies in correctional centres; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

NW3999E

REPLY

(a) Yes. The Imbeleko Programme is fully operational in all six Regions.

(b) Yes. The programme is achieving its objectives to alleviate the plight of mothers with babies.

- To seek alternative placement of babies out of correctional facilities to the care of their biological father, extended families or foster care.

- To improve the living conditions for those babies who are under the age of two years, whose circumstances allow them to be in the facilities of Correctional Services Department whilst seeking alternative placement

QUESTION NO: 3188

Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) Whether the Remand Detention Branch has been established; if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether it has achieved any of its set objectives; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW3998E

REPLY

(1) and (2)

The Remand Detention Branch has not been established yet due to administrative processes that are still to be finalized eg Work Study and Job Evaluation processes have been completed and the consultation exercise with the Department of Public, Service and Administration is on track i.r.o. different levels of the structure of the Branch.

QUESTION NO: 3136

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

(a) How many mentally ill inmates were accommodated in correctional centres as at the latest specified date for which information is available,

(b) (b) at which centres are mentally ill inmates accommodated and (c) how many such inmates (i) have been sentenced, (ii) are awaiting trial or (iii) are accommodated in correctional centres because of the shortage of space at mental hospitals?

NW3936E

REPLY

The reply will be available soon after the Ministerial Task Team submits its report as replied to parliamentary question NW3281E (PQ3136).

QUESTION NO: 3095

Ms BC Blaai (COPE) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether she has received any reports from the Task Team investigating the different categories and status of vulnerable inmates in order to facilitate the early release of some inmates; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW3821E

REPLY

The final report of the Ministerial Task Team will be available by end December 2010. However, Minister will in the future make a statement on the findings and solutions to the challenges identified by the team as there are meetings on a month-to-month basis to provide reports.

QUESTION NO: 3094

Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) Whether the new leadership that had been appointed in her department has completed its review of business processes; if not, why not; if so,

(2) Whether they have effected any realignment of (a) strategy and (b) structure; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

NW3820E

REPLY

1. Yes. The new leadership has been appointed. A Centre Level Performance Review will be conducted with effect from January 2011, which will review business processes at centre level and the required process depends on both Regional and National level.

2. (a) The department has embarked on the mid-year review session. The approach to the review is

to align planning, resourcing and reporting processes. The envisaged final products of the

review is the 2011/12-2015/16 Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan aligned to:

- 2011/12 Human Resource Strategic Plan

- 2011/12 Master Information Systems Plan (MISP)

- 2011/12 -2015/16 Technology Strategic Plan

- 2011/12 -2013/14 Procurement Plan

- 2011/12-2013/14 Financial Plan

(b) The structure is currently in the process of consultation.

Question no: 3093

Ms B C Blaai (Cope) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) Whether the video remand court system has been rolled out throughout the country; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether the system is proving to be as effective as had been planned; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW3819E

REPLY

The Video Remand project is led by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD) and other role players involved are Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and the National Department of Public Works (NDPW). Twenty two (22) Correctional Centres have been identified and linked to 47 courts.

QUESTION NO: 3051

Adv L.H. Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

What steps has she taken to rectify the situation that led to her department receiving a qualified audit report for the 2009/ 10 financial year?

NW3771E

REPLY

The department's efforts to deal with the complexities and the depth of the asset management challenges are on course in an effort to achieve a clean audit report, sooner than later by implementing the following measures:

· Submission of supporting documents to Head Office on a monthly basis which has improved the reconciliation of the asset register

· Monthly asset spot checks are conducted by all centres to ensure that all assets are accounted for in the asset register

· Annual asset verification for the financial year 2010/11 will also be conducted to ensure that all assets are accounted for on the asset register

· The department is in the process of appointing 496 interns to be deployed at all Correctional Centres to assist with asset management, with the proposal of allocating the according to Regions as follows;

- Head Office 18

- Gauteng Region 104

- Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region 48

- Eastern Cape Region 81

- Kwa-Zulu Natal Region 84

- Western Cape Region 64

- Free State and Northern Cape Region 97

· Their key performance areas will be:

- Management of the asset register

- Checking the correctness of the location of assets

- Rectification of discrepancies found during asset verification

- Conducting spot checks and compile reports

- Conducting inventory count

- Ensure that assets are bar-coded

· Correction of misallocations of asset categories and values on asset register as identified from monthly asset reconciliations – head office team (consisting of Deputy Director Logistical Systems Management and Training, Assistant Director Logistical Policy formulation and SPAO Asset Management) visited all Regions during the period 28 July 2010 to 10 September 2010 and assisted with actual rectifications on asset register and also conducted on-the-job training. Follow-up analysis of movements on the asset register is conducted by Head Office on a monthly basis and identified discrepancies are brought to the attention of affected Regions for rectification.

· The LOGIS adjustments of the opening balance on tangible movable assets will be finalized after discussions with National Treasury.

· A team led by CFO will visit Regions on month-to-month basis to monitor progress and ensure the implementation of action plan.

· On quarterly basis, the Auditor General performs high level audit to monitor progress

· Quarterly meetings are held with the Minister, Auditor General, National Commissioner and the CFO to evaluate progress.

QUESTION NO:3050

Adv L H Marx (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether the annual salary on which the National Commissioner of Correctional Services has been appointed is the salary that the Cabinet had agreed to; if not, what is the reason for the difference; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW3770E

REPLY

The National Commissioner was appointed on the annual salary level of Director Generals, which he was already on whilst at Government Printing Works. A discussion between Minister of Correctional Services and National Commissioner took place and an agreement was reached on the salary level. Consultation with the Minister of Public Service and Administration occurred and feed-back was then provided to Cabinet.

QUESTION NO: 3041

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

Whether section 48(a) of the Correctional Services Amendment Act, Act 25 of 2008, has been put into operation; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected to be put into operation; if so, what progress has been made with the development of an incarceration framework for offenders?

NW3761E

REPLY

No.

(a) and (b) The Correctional Services Amendment Bill will be introduced in 2011 to Parliament. It is proposed that Section 48(a) of the Correctional Services Amendment Act, Act 25 of 2008 be repealed.

QUESTION NO: 2943

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

(1) (a) How many call centres does her department have, (b) what is total number of staff employed at each of these call centres, (c) how many calls were received (i) in the (aa) 2008/ 09 and (bb) 2009/ 10 financial years and (ii) during the period 01 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (d) what is the total annual running cost of each of these call centres;

(2) Whether the (a) operations and (b) construction of the call centres is managed by an entity other than her department; if so(i) what is the name of each entity and what (ii) what is the total (aa) annual amount paid to each entity in respect of each specified category and (bb) value of the contract in each case;

(3) Whether these contracts followed a tender process; if not, why not; if so, what are relevant details of each tender?

NW3633E

REPLY

(1) (a) Only one call centre

(b) There are three (3) agents and one (1) Contact Centre Supervisor

(c) (i) (aa) 2008/ 09 = 769 calls

(bb) 2009/ 10 = 2030 calls

(ii) For the period 01 April 2010 to 25 October 2010 = 499

(d) R989 752-24

(2) (a) The call centre is operated by the Department of Correctional Services with

contracted terms with SITA to provide only appropriate resources, hosting and IT

support

(b) The construction of the call centre is managed by the Department of Correctional

Services and SITA; not any other entity.

(3) The call centre was designed, developed and implemented via existing tenders of SITA.

QUESTION NO: 2942

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

(a) How many written complaint has her department received in respect of information technology (IT) contract in the past five financial years; (b) what was the outcome in each case?

NW3632E

REPLY

No written IT related contract complaints were raised against the department in the past financial years

QUESTION NO: 2941

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

(1) How many cases of (a)(i) physical and (ii) psychological abuse, (b) torture, (c) assault of inmates by her department have been reported (aa) in the (aaa) 2008-09 and (bbb) 2009-10 financial years and (bb) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) in respect of each of these financial years, how many cases (a) were investigated, (b) resulted in criminal cases being opened, (c) resulted in (i) convictions and (ii) disciplinary action against departmental officials and (d) resulted in dismissals? . NW3631E

REPLY

		Number of cases reported	2 (a) Number of cases investigated	2 (b) Resulted in criminal cases being opened	2 (c)(i) Resulted in convictions	2(c)(ii) Resulted in disciplinary action against Departmental Officials	2(d) Resulted in dismissals
1 (a)(i)	(a)(i) Physical Abuse
(aa) (aaa)	2008/2009	80	56	12	3	1	0
(aa) (bbb)	2009/2010	73	62	17	9	0	0
(bb)	1 April 2010 to 30 Sept 2010	35	23	9	2	0	0
1(a)(ii)	(a)(ii) Psychological Abuse
(aa) (aaa)	2008/2009	0	0	0	0	0	0
(aa) (bbb)	2009/2010	0	0	0	0	0	0
(bb)	1 April to 30 Sept 2010	2	1	1	0	0	0
1 (b)	Torture
(aa) (aaa)	2008/2009	0	0	0	0	0	0
(aa) (bbb)	2009/2010	1	1	1	0	0	0
(bb)	1 April 2010 to 30 Sept 2010	1	1	1	0	0	0
1(c)	Assault of inmates on inmates
(aa) (aaa)	2008/2009	3726	2815	835	165	134	0
(aa) (bbb)	2009/2010	3434	2811	918	106	77	0
(bb)	1 April 2010 to 30 Sept 2010	1908/	1697	518	83	2	0
1(c)	Assault of Staff on inmates
(aa) (aaa)	2008/2009	1033	849	291	21	152	29
(aa) (bbb)	2009/2010	1066	844	135	10	90	0
(bb)	1 April 2010 to 30 Sept 2010	536	387	111	9	40	0

QUESTION NO: 2879

Mr PJ Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) With reference to her reply on Question 2617 on 08 October 2010, how many foreign nationals are currently incarcerated for each separate crime in correctional centres;

(2) how many foreigners from (a) Zimbabwe and (b) Mozambique are currently incarcerated in correctional centre for each separate crime;

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

NW3446E

REPLY

(1) and (2) See Annexure attached

(2) I will consider making a statement regarding the incarceration of foreigners on the basis of current discussion at multi-lateral level

QUESTION NO:2844

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

(1) Whether a certain person (name furnished) applied to be examined and treated by a private medical practitioner; if so, when;

(2) whether he was granted his right in terms of section 12(3) of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998; if not, (a) why not, (b) why was it necessary for a certain person (name also furnished) to approach the courts to obtain this private medical care and (c) what was the proximate cause for his receiving medical treatment in the first place; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW3526E

REPLY

(1) Yes. A certain person (name furnished) did apply to be examined and treated by a private medical practitioner.

(2) (a), (b), (c)

Yes the person was granted his right i.r.o. Section 12(3) of the Correctional Services Act, no 111 of 1998. The department does not know what necessitated the person to approach the courts.

However; the person was reluctant to sign the relevant form as he did not agree with Section 3 of the form. After a visit by his member of the family on Sunday; the court was then approached to apply for an interdict for the person to consult his private doctor.

He initially injured his leg against an iron bed and developed a wound which later became septic.

QUESTION NO: 2843

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

(1) Whether any formal complaints have been lodged against her department or departmental

officials for wrongful treatment of a certain inmate (name furnished) at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre; if so, (a) what is the nature of the complaint and (b) which officials have been implicated;

(2) whether any action has been taken as a result of the complaint; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the said inmate was admitted to an intensive hospital care unit in January 2010; if so, (a) what injuries did he sustain and (b) what was the duration of his treatment in hospital;

(4) whether any department officials have been implicated in any way for causing these injuries; if so, what action has been taken against these officials?

NW3525E

REPLY

(1) and (2) (3) (4) I have received a report that as part of responding to this question that no formal complaint was lodged hence no action. No departmental official has been implicated as there was no investigation.

I have however now given a directive that a new investigation be conducted, despite the absence of a complaint. I am particularly concerned that an incident as serious as this was just simply left unattended and without a proper investigation conducted. A full report will be submitted to my office before the end of November, the details of which will be submitted to Parliament.

QUESTION NO: 2837

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

(1) Whether the correctional supervision and parole board (CSPB) for the Mdantsane Correctional Centre is functioning; if not, why not; if so, who (a) is its chairperson and (b) are its other members;

(2) whether the CSPB visits the Mdantsane Correctional Centre; if not, why not; if so, how many days has it spent there in the past year;

(3) how many (a) offenders in the Mdantsane Correctional Centre have appeared before the board since 1 April 2009 and (b) of these were recommended for release on parole?

NW3518E

REPLY

(1) Yes the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) is functioning.

(a) Acting Chairperson is Mrs C Dlova

(b) Other members are;

- Secretary: Mr Ntshudu

- Community member: Mr Bixa

(2) Yes the Mdantsane CSPB does visit the Mdantsane Centre. There are 59 visits conducted by CSPB the past financial year.

(3) (a) Since 01 April 2009; 473 offenders appeared before the board

(b). 235 were recommended for release

QUESTION NO: 2771

Mr M G Oriani-Ambrosini (IFP) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether, in view of the fact that the correctional facilities located at Pollsmoor prison are (a)

overcrowded and run below legal and constitutional standards and (b) located on some of the most

expensive property in the Western Cape, she or her department has any plans to relocate the

facility to an area where the price of property is lower and the alienation of the current property

would generate revenue that would facilitate the construction of new, more suitable facilities; if not,

why not; if so, (i) when will such relocation process (aa) begin and (bb) be completed, (ii) when will

each such stage (aa) begin and (bb) be completed and (iii) what are the further relevant details?

NW3448E

REPLY

(i), (ii) and (ii) There no intentions or plans to relocate the facility and this matter is currently not

under consideration by the department.

QUESTION NO:2657

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

(1) Whether the former Head of the New Kimberley Correctional Centre has been transferred as a result of the investigation into the riot that occurred in August 2010; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is his new position in the department and (b) what is his rank;

(2) Whether he continues to receive the same remuneration as he did when he served as Head of the centre; if so, on what grounds?

NW3316E

REPLY

(1) Yes the former Head of Kimberley Correctional Centre was transferred as a result of the investigation into the riot that took place in August 2010.

(a) Deputy Director Performance Management in the Regional Office

(b) Deputy Director

(2) Yes he is still receiving the same remuneration; as his matter is still under internal investigations.

Question no: 2589

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

(1) (a) Which company has been awarded the national contract to provide access

control points in prisons

(b) What is the total contract cost of access control and;

(c) (i) How may access control points are not operational in each province, and;

(ii) why are these access points not operational

(2) whether the access control points have designated fire exits; if not, why not; if so what are relevant details?

NW3235E

REPLY

1. (a) Sondolo IT

(b) R88 794 800-31including VAT

(c) (i) and (ii) None are completely non-operational. However, there some access control points which are partially operational as some elements were decommissioned on 01^st April 2009 (i.e. turnstile gates, magnetic gate and biometric finger print reader. Other elements such as CCTV monitoring cameras, metal detectors and video recording facilities are fully operational.

2. The access control points have by-pass emergency exit gates for situations such as fires.

QUESTION NO: 2587

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

(1) Whether the National Commissioner of her department was part of the delegation that recently undertook a state visit to China; if so, (a) why did he participate in the delegation, (b) with whom did he meet and (c) what was the total cost of his trip to China;

(2) whether he was abroad during the national strike; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW3233E

REPLY

(1) Yes

(a) As invited by the Presidency

(b) The National Commissioner and Minister met with Minister of Justice (China) and visited female correctional facility in the outskirts of Beijing.

(c) R88 060-76

(2) Yes; the National Commissioner was abroad during the strike period – Mr Siphiwe Sokhela was appointed as Acting National Commissioner.

QUESTION NO: 2482

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

(1) Whether any progress was made in respect of the procurement of four correctional facilities through Private Public Partnership (PPP); if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and 9b) what are the benefits of the PPP model;

(2) Whether there has been any policy shifts or reviews regarding the PPP model; if not, why not I if so,

(3) Whether these policy shifts or reviews will have any impact on (a) qualified bidders

NW3053E

REPLY

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Last year I requested a review of the policy guiding the procurement of new facilities through the PPP model. This was with a view of ensuring in the main that a variation of the bids be made to allow for the state to maintain control of the operational responsibility of its core business namely custodial services, offender security, offender management and rehabilitation.

Since then communication has been sent to the bidders regarding the compulsory variation of bids. This process was is at a stage of delicate negotiation with the bidders to finalise an agreement of the variation as well as the bid expiry period. It is for this reason that details relating to the process cannot be given at this stage as this may compromise our position during the negotiations.

I will however be ready to respond to provide details to Parliament once this process has been completed.

QUESTION NO: 2429

Ms C Blaai (COPE) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether the educational programmes for junior offenders has resulted in an increased number of this group completing courses leading to certification on a year-on-year basis; if not, what is being done to rectify the situation; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW3000E

REPLY

Yes. There has been an increase in the number of those completing courses leading to certification on yearly basis [NB: The table underneath]

Years	Grade 12	ABET	ICT	NC (V) NQF Level 2 and 3
2008	21	158	170	136
2009	31	225	242	317

QUESTION NO: 2428

Ms B C Blaai (COPE) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether her department has solved the problem of new inmates graduating into prison gangs; if not, why

not; if so, what is the extend of the success?

NW2999E

REPLY

The department has developed a Gang Management Strategy which strives to perfect the system that fights the inherent tendencies of prison gangs. It is, however, difficult to measure successes though there is confidence that the strategy will assist in monitoring reduction of this behaviour, as recruitment into gang

QUESTION NO: 1970

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

(1) What is the minimum period of imprisonment to be served by the offenders sentenced to life prior 01 October 2004, before such offender can be considered for parole;

(2) How long before such a possible parole date are such offenders assessed by the Case Management Committee (CMC)

(3) Whether systems are in place to ensure that offenders are assessed timeously; if not, why not; if so, what systems?

NW2295E

REPLY

(1) 20 years.

(2) In accordance with Section 42(1) of the Correctional Services Act, 1988 (Act no: 111 of 1998), Case Management Committees conducts interviews on regular basis. Offenders that are detained to more than 20 years are interviewed at least on an annual basis.

(3) Yes. The Admission and Release System provides for;

- capturing of the date on which an offender completes his/ her minimum detention period;

- the date on which each offender must be considered for possible placement of parole

- withdrawal of management and operational reports that includes various diary systems

QUESTION NO: 1908

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

Whether (a) she or (b) the National Commissioner has delegated any powers conferred on them by the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998, to any other person(s) in terms of section 97 of the Act; if so, (i) which powers, (ii) to which person(s) and (iii) in what Government Gazette was such delegations published in each case?

NW2294E

REPLY

Yes; as it reflects in the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998 Section 97 as attached.

QUESTION NO: 1896

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

(1) Whether her department has put out any telephony tenders since 2007; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many tenders have been put out per year and (b) how many tenders for least coast routing have been issued;

(2) whether any tenders for least coast routing have been awarded; if not, (a) why not and (b) what are the cost implications of not contracting cheaper telephony services; if so, (i) how many have been awarded per year, (ii) what was the cost of each tender awarded and (iii) what was the cost saving of the tender(s) in each case;

(3) whether a certain tender (details furnished) has been awarded; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2282E

REPLY:

(1) No tenders were invited for telephone systems since 2007.

(a) None

(b) Two (2) tenders for Least cost routing were issued through SITA

(2) No tenders were awarded.

(a) The 2 short-listed bidders had proposals which were similar in writing led to the suspicion of possible collusion in the first process. The second process had a deficiency as the recommendations were known by service providers before being approved by the department.

(b) Due to changes in call termination rates and interconnection fees the amount may be lesser than R12 million estimate.

(i) None

(ii) Cost was borne by SITA

(iii) None

QUESTION NO: 1888

MR A T FRITZ (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES:

1. (a) What are the effects of the two-shift system on the rate of absenteeism in facilities operated by her department and (b) how does this compare with the rate of absenteeism at the two private prisons;

2. Whether there are any measures in place to limit high levels of absenteeism and its effects on service delivery; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2272E

REPLY:

The table below reflects that most Centers are operating on 2-shift system; hence the rate of absenteeism has dropped.

NATIONAL SUMMARY PER REGION	NUMBER OF CENTRES	ON 2-SHIFT SYSTEM	ON 3-SHIFT SYSTEM	ON 4-SHIFT SYSTEM	ON 5-SHIFT SYSTEM
Eastern Cape	45	42	0	3	0
Free State/ Northern Cape	47	44	3	0	0
Gauteng	26	15	3	5	3
KwaZulu Natal	42	32	1	8	0
Limpopo/Mpumalanga/ North West	36	25	2	4	5
Western Cape	42	29	0	10	3
TOTAL	238	187	9	30	11
PERCENTAGE		78.6%	3.8%	12.6%	4.6%

[Summary measuring tool for Centers on shift system as at 21 June 2010]:

QUESTION NO: 1887

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

(1) Whether there are any Correctional Centres where the bakeries are operated exclusively by her department; if not, why not; if so (a) how many, (b) where and (c) what are the costs savings in this regard;

(2) whether her department is planning any such projects; if not, why not; if so what are the relevant details?

NW2207E

REPLY

(1) Yes. There are bakeries that are exclusively managed and operated by the department.

(a) Six (6) Correctional Centres have the bakeries

(b) and (c)

Centre	Benchmark price	Average baking price [DCS]	Nett saving/ loss per loaf [DCS]
Barberton	R5-45	R3-68	+R1-77
Baviaanspoort	R6-84	R4-40	+R2-44
Pretoria	R4-80	R3-86	+R0.94
Boksburg	R6-50	R3-46	+R3-04
Goedemoed	R6-40	R4-45	+R1-95
New Kimberley	none	R4-46	none

(2) Yes the department has conducted feasibility studies for new sites.

- Feasibility study conducted and in process for approval for the following centres: Drakenstein, Brandvlei, East London and St Albans

- Feasibility study conducted and submitted to regional office for consultation for the following centres: Pietermaritzburg and Qalakabusha

- Feasibility study is in process for the following centres: Groenpunt, Pollsmoor, Overberg, Modderbee and Witbank

QUESTION NO: 1879

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

(1) Whether any criminal charges will be brought against any of the members of the Durban Westville Correctional Centre who were allegedly involved in the escape of eight (8) inmates from the centre; if not, why not, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any of the members have been suspended for their alleged involvement; if not, why not; if so what are the relevant details?

NW2187E

REPLY

(1) The escape was reported to the South African Police Services in Westville. A special task team from the South African Police Services is mandated to investigate the matter.

(2) Eleven (11) officials were suspended pertaining to the incident with regards to non-compliance with internal directives and procedures.

QUESTION NO: 1878

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

(a) What is the progress of the disciplinary action taken against Patrick Gillingham and Thozama Mqobi-Balfour, (b) when will the disciplinary process be concluded and (c) what is the total cost to the department of the suspension of the persons with full pay up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

NW2186E

REPLY

(a) The disciplinary steps against Mr Gillingham were instituted and ongoing and are set to continue on 6 September 2010.

The disciplinary steps against Advocate Mqobi-Balfour were instituted and ongoing and are set to continue on 19 July 2010.

(b) It cannot be determined when will the hearings of both cases be concluded as they are still in process.

(c) The total cost since September 2008 to date in respect of Mr Gillingham is R1 432 880-00. This is due to the two periods of suspension in respect of two separate investigations ensued against him.

The total cost since 11 January 2010 to date in respect of Advocate Mqobi-Balfour is R359639-00

QUESTION NO: 2425

Ms D Carter (COPE) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) (a) How many crimes were committed by persons who were out on bail during the 01 January 2009 to 01 July 2010 and (b) in respect of each of these crimes (i) how many are (aa) drug-related and (bb) violently gruesome, (ii) what is the gender and age of the victims, (iii) what is the average gender and age of the offenders and (iv) how many of these perpetrators are repeat offenders;

(2) Whether the nature of their previous offences is the same; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2995E

REPLY

(1) and (2) The details can be obtained from the Department of Police

QUESTION NO: 2379

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

What is the (a) release policy for offenders sentenced to serving two years and less, (b) discretion of the

Head of Centres in releasing such inmates and (c) minimum period of imprisonment such inmates must

serve?

NW2948E

REPLY

(a) Offenders with sentences up to two years incarceration must be considered possible placement under correctional supervision/ day parole/ parole upon completion of the minimum incarceration period. In this regard, the National Commissioner (this authority was delegated to Heads of Correctional Centres) must base the decision regarding placement on a report submitted by Case Management Committee in terms of Section 42(2) of the Correctional Services Act, 1998 ( Act no: 111 of 1998). Offenders in this sentence category are subject to the same considerations as offenders serving determinate sentences longer than two years incarceration, which means that such offenders may not be placed on parole until such sentenced offender has served either the non-parole period stipulated by the court, or if no non-parole period was stipulated, half of the sentence.

(b) In terms of Section 75(7) of the Correctional Services Act, 1998; Heads of Centres have delegated authority to place under correctional supervision and day parole or grant parole to a sentenced offender serving a sentence of incarceration for 24 months or less and prescribe conditions. Such Heads also have the authority to cancel correctional supervision or day parole or parole and alter the conditions for community corrections applicable to such person.

(c) In accordance with Section 73(6)(a) of the Correctional Services Act, 1998; a sentenced offender serving a determinate sentence may not be placed on parole until such sentenced offender has served either the non-parole period stipulated by the court, or if no non-parole was stipulated, half of the sentence.

QUESTION NO: 2378

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

(a)What are the details regarding the insufficient supply of fresh water at Grahamstown Correctional Centre, (b) to which centres have the inmates been transferred and (c) how long will they remain at the specified centres?

NW2947E

REPLY

(a) The current water shortage occurred due to the low municipal supply dam water levels.

These measures include;

· Departmental of Correctional Services has deployed water trucks from other correctional centres, which are utilized to fetch water from Grahamstown and the railway hydrant

· Water tanks have been installed in the kitchen, to provide water for the daily preparing of food. The centre received a 5000 litre water tank and one small water pump from the Public Works Department

(b) Offenders have been transferred to Middledrift, Middleburg, Somerset East, Fort Beaufort and King Williams Town Correctional Centres.

(c) Offenders will remain until they are due for placement on parole or expiry dates.

QUESTION NO: 2254

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

Whether her department and/ or any of its entities have purchased any 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament (a) clothing or (b) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what has been the position in each case; if so, in each, (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 have been allocated and (bb) why have these items bee allocated to these persons, (iv) (aa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each of these items and (bb) on whose authority was the decision to make these purchase?

NW2761E

REPLY

(a) and (b) No clothing and paraphernalia purchases were done in respect of 2010 FIFA World Cup Tournament.

QUESTION NO: 2173

Mr J H van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

How many (a) convicted prisoners have been released on medical parole in terms of Section 70 of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998, in the (i) 2006, (ii) 2007, (iii) 2008 and (iv) 2009 calendar years and (b) of these prisoners who were released in each specified year are still alive?

NW2679E

REPLY

(a) and (b) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

PERIOD	On Medical Parole	Offenders still alive and active in the Correctional Corrections System
2006	69	10
2007	64	7
2008	61	22
2009	110	49

[NB: The Department is in the process of amending Correctional Services Act in order to review the policy on medical prole]

QUESTION NO: 2105

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

(1) Whether any investigation was launched into the escape of the two inmates (names furnished) from the Barberton Town Youth Prison; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether any disciplinary action has been taken against officials found to have been responsible for the escape; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether any other in-mates have escaped from this prison; if so, (a) when, (b) how many and (c) what step has she taken to prevent further escapes from the prison;

(4) Whether all the in-mates that have escaped from the prison have been incarcerated; if so, why not; if so, (a) how long did it take to incarcerate each of the escaped in-mates and (b) what are the relevant details;

(5) Whether any crimes have been committed by these in-mates during their escape; if so, what (a) was the nature of the crimes and (b) are the further relevant details?

NW2542E

REPLY

(1) Yes. The investigation was conducted on 17 June 2010 and finalized 30 June 2010. The findings indicated negligence of some officials and managers in applying existing security measures played a role in the escape of the two inmates.

(2) The disciplinary action has been taken against the officials and is in process of finalization.

(3) Yes there was an escape (a) February 2000 (b) one escape (c) security measures were then intensified.

(4) Only one inmate was re-arrested. The other two have not been re-arrested. The escape and detail of other escapees was reported to the South African Police Services and there has not been any re-arrests yet.

(5) The matter is for the Department of Police.

Question no: 2617

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

(1) How many (a) foreigners are currently being detained in prisons and (b) persons from each individual country are being detained in this manner;

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

NW3249E

Reply:

(1) (a) Remand detention = 3712

Sentenced = 4868

TOTAL 8580 as at 17 August 2010

(b) Annexure 1 attached.

(2) I will consider making a statement regarding the incarceration of foreigners on the basis of current discussion at multi-lateral level.

QUESTION NO: 3147

Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:

Whether her department uses a quota system for the promotion of employees (details furnished) within her department; if so, (a) what are the guidelines for employment equity within her department and (b) what are the further relevant details?

NW3947E

REPLY

No

QUESTION NO.: 3146

Adv L H Max (DA) ask the Minister of Correctional Services

(a) How many personnel in her department are currently appointed to (i) middle, (ii) senior and (iii) top management positions in each province and (b) what is the breakdown of each of these specified positions in terms of (i) gender and (ii) race? NW3946E

REPLY:

As per table below;

	HEAD OFFICE	GAUTENG	WESTERN CAPE	KWAZULU / NATAL	EASTERN CAPE	FREE STATE / NORTHERN CAPE	LIMPOPO / MPUMALANGA / NORTH WEST
(a)(i)	406	953	791	573	479	503	582
(a)(ii)	77	21	18	14	8	7	12
(a)(iii)	9	1	1	1	1	1	1
TOTAL	492	975	810	588	488	511	595

(b)(i)+(ii)

REGION	LEVEL	NUMBER OF FEMALES				NUMBER OF MALES				TOTAL
		AFRICAN	COLOURED	ASIAN	WHITE	AFRICAN	COLOURED	ASIAN	WHITE
Head Office	Middle	102	9	6	38	148	12	9	82	406
	Senior	20	2	0	5	37	4	3	6	77
	Top	1	0	1	2	5	0	0	0	9
TOTAL		123	11	7	45	190	16	12	88	492
Gauteng	Middle	248	8	5	26	428	27	7	204	953
	Senior	4	0	0	0	12	1	0	4	21
	Top	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TOTAL		252	8	5	26	440	28	7	208	974
Western Cape	Middle	93	75	1	42	138	259	6	177	791
	Senior	5	1	0	0	5	6	0	1	18
	Top	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
TOTAL		98	76	1	42	143	265	6	179	810
KwaZulu / Natal	Middle	155	6	10	26	263	10	30	73	573
	Senior	3	0	1	0	5	2	2	1	14
	Top	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1
TOTAL		158	6	11	26	269	12	32	74	588
Eastern Cape	Middle	144	21	1	16	181	49	3	64	479
	Senior	1	1	0	0	3	3	0	0	8
	Top	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
TOTAL		146	22	1	16	184	52	3	64	488
Free State / Northern Cape	Middle	130	20	0	32	169	40	1	111	503
	Senior	1	0	0	0	4	2	0	0	7
	Top	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1
TOTAL		131	20	0	32	174	42	1	111	511
Limpopo / Mpumalanga / North West	Middle	176	3	0	30	290	3	0	80	582
	Senior	2	0	0	0	8	0	0	2	12
	Top	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TOTAL		178	3	0	30	298	3	0	82	594
GRAND TOTAL		1086	146	25	217	1698	418	61	806	4457

QUESTION NO: 3145

Adv L H Max (DA) ask the Minister of Correctional Services

(a) How many vacancies for acting positions are currently available in her department in each province and (b) what are the (i) post levels and (ii) reasons for the vacancy in each case?

NW3945E

REPLY:

All vacancies in the department are for permanent positions. There are no vacancies for "acting positions".