Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 1301 to 1350
2008-11-27
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[PMG note: Any gaps in the numbering are due to the replies not being provided yet]
1301. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(1) Whether any internal audit was conducted by a certain company (name furnished) into the affairs of a certain company (name furnished); if so, when;
(2) whether such audit has been completed; if not, when will it be completed; if so, what were the findings;
(3) whether the audit report made any recommendations; if so, what recommendations;
(4) whether the recommendations have been implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether this audit report has been made public; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will it be made public; if so, when? NW2064E
Minister of Labour replied:
I am advised that:
(1) Yes.
(2) The last report was completed and tabled in May 2008 and it covered the Financial Capability model. The findings were that Productivity SA is at a level 3 which is acceptable in relation to the benchmark.
(3) Other recommendations made are that Productivity SA will have to work harder and may require additional resources to maintain the current level or to move to the next level of the benchmark.
(4) The recommendations are being implemented.
(5) It was not made public as it was an internal audit. The audited statements of Productivity SA as contained in their Annual Report will be tabled to Parliament before end of August 2008 and released to the public on the same day.
1302. Mr J P I Blanché (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(1) Whether any service providers providing services to a certain company (name furnished – Productivity SA) have (a) not and (b) been paid late in the past 12 months up to 31 July 2008; if so, (i) in each case who is the service provider, (ii) how many times did this happen, (iii) on what dates and (iv) what was the amount of non payment;
(2) whether the service provider was reimbursed in each case; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) by how much? NW2065E
Minister of Labour replied:
(1) I am advised that all service providers that were owed money until 31st July 2008 have been paid. The names of the applicable service providers, the number of times, the date on which they were paid and the relevant amounts are provided in a table below:
Names and month | Payment date | Amount | |
April | |||
Awake Skills & Development | 2008/04/21 | 22,500.00 | |
Competitive Dynamics International Africa | 2008/04/22 | 52,995.76 | |
Dawn Wing | 2008/04/24 | 11,313.80 | |
Gensec Property Services | 2008/04/22 | 322,017.77 | |
Spearhead Properties | 2008/04/10 | 33,661.87 | |
May | |||
Gensec Property Services | 2008/05/09 | 338,092.67 | |
June | |||
Awake Skills & Development | 2008/06/25 | 5,000.00 | |
Da Vinci, Verne & Wells (Rob Peacock) | 2008/06/26 | 10,500.00 | |
Gensec Property Services | 2008/06/25 | 323,563.86 | |
HPA Consulting | 2008/06/26 | 59,850.00 | |
Malanda Advisory Services | 2008/06/26 | 7,980.00 | |
August | |||
Da Vinci, Verne & Wells (Rob Peacock) | 2008/08/25 | 17,500.00 | |
Gensec Property Services | 2008/08/25 | 328,675.24 | |
HPA Consulting | 2008/08/25 | 82,308.00 | |
Spearhead Properties | 2008/08/18 | 31,939.87 | |
2. The second question has been addressed in the answer provided to question 1.
1303. Mr I F Julies (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
Whether any of Productivity SA's service providers have cancelled their services during the twelve months up to and including 31 July 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which service providers and
(b) what were the reasons for cancelling their services in each case? NW2066E
Minister of Labour replied:
(a) I am advised that Dawn Wings, a Courier Service Provider, cancelled the contract.
(b) This was as a result of late payments arising from cash flow problems that Productivity SA experienced at the time.
1304. Mr I F Julies (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(1) Whether Productivity SA has failed to pay the rental owed on any of its premises in respect of each of the past twelve months up to and including 31 July 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many times has this happened, (b) in respect of which premises was the rental not paid and (c) what was the amount owed;
(2) whether the outstanding rent was eventually paid; if not, (a) why not and (b) what total amount of rent was outstanding on 31 July 2008; if so, when was the rent paid?
NW2067E
Minister of Labour replied:
(1)I am advised that:
(a)The Productivity SA rental was paid late during April, May and June during which the entity experienced cash flow problems.
(b)This was with respect to the Midrand premises
(c)The amounts were: R322 017; R338 093 and R323 564 respectively
(2) As of end of July 2008, there was no outstanding rental.
1305. Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
What was the (a) expected and (b) actual income generated by Productivity SA in each of the past three financial years up to and including the 2007-08 financial year?
NW2069E
Minister of Labour replied:
The Productivity SA projected income to be raised from the consultancy work performed and the actual amount generated in the last three years is provided in the table below:
Year end | Budget | Actual |
2005/6 | R 47 372972 | R41 606 642 |
2006/7 | R 60 694 126 | R50 462 702 |
2007/8 | R58 642 131 | R48 221 689 |
1306. Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
Whether the (a) SA Nursing Council, (b) Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), (c) Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) and/or (d) any other organisation has cancelled any of its programmes with Productivity SA during the past twelve months up to and including 31 July 2008; if so, in each case, (i) which programmes, (ii) what was the monetary value of the programme, (iii) what non-monetary benefits would have been derived from the programme and (iv) what were the reasons given by each organisation for cancelling the programme?
NW2070E
Minister of Labour replied:
I am advised that none of the mentioned companies except for the Courier Services Company, Dawn Wings, has cancelled their programmes or services with the Productivity SA.
The programmes with the listed companies are aimed at the following:
(a) The Productivity Improvement Project for the South African Nursing Council (SANC)
Productivity SA has been working with SANC to improve its efficiency and productivity. This project and working relationship with SANC remain ongoing.
(b) The SEDA/Productivity SA SMME Project
Productivity SA assisted SEDA to implement a customer satisfaction survey among Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) to establish their Productive Capacity Building Programme (PCBP). This was a "flagship" intervention in this sector and this programme has delivered increased profitability and growth in most economic sectors.
The original contract was for two years from 28 March 2006 to 28 March 2008 and discussions are underway to extend the project to 31 March 2009.
(c) Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP)/Productivity SA SMME Project
This joint project is ongoing and several SMMEs have benefited from increased profitability and growth, with the success rate particularly high in construction, manufacturing and services.
Discussions regarding the completion phase of this project and a new contract are currently underway.
1307. Mr J Masango (ANC) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(1) Whether he has received a memorandum from a certain trade union (name furnished - SPTU) containing concerns of staff employed at Productivity SA; if so, when;
(2) whether he has taken any steps to deal with the concerns raised in the memorandum; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what steps? NW2071E
Minister of Labour replied:
(1) I have not received any memorandum from any union representing Productivity SA staff.
(2) Falls away in view of (1) above.
QUESTION NO.: 1308 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 12 SEPTEMBER 2008Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development: (Interdepartmental transfer on 12/09)
Whether the Government intends signing and ratifying the Washington Convention on the Settlement of Investment disputes between States and nationals of other States of 14 October 1966; if not, why not; if so, when?
NW2072E
REPLY
Cabinet, having considered the matter, resolved on 4 February 2004 that the Washington Convention on the Settlement of Investment disputes between States and nationals of other States not be ratified in accordance with Section 231 of the Constitution.
QUESTION NO. 1309
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 AUGUST 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 22)
Mr E W Trent (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) (a) What was the total cost to the State of consultants used by her department in the (i) 2005-06, (ii) 2006-07 and (iii) 2007-08 financial year; (b) what are the names of the consultants used; (c) for what purpose were they used and (d) what was the reason for preferring to use consultants instead of hiring persons with the necessary skills;
(2) whether any former employees of her department have been employed as consultants in the abovementioned financial years; if so, (a) why and (b) why did each such person leave her department?
NW2075EREPLY:
(1) (a) (i) R120,770.23
(ii) R114 329,36
(iii) R596 185,00
(b) (i) Adv P Lambert
(ii) Ms Z R S Mthembu
(iii) Prof W.E K Loening
(iv) Dr K Swart
(v) L Loots
(vi) N Mbombo
(vii) Dr N P Godi
(viii) Dr E J Buchmann
(ix) Dr S R Kambaran
(x) N Molefe
(xi) Prof J Moodle
(xii) Dr A J Herbst
(xiii) Dr G Z Mbambisa
(xiv) T Rabodile
(xv) Dr R A Fuetes
(xvi) Prof R C Pattinson
(xvii) R D Zippel
(xviii) Prof M G Schoon
(xix) Shoeshoe Mohlaladitoe
(xx) Renque Kunene
(xxi) E Leunbergr
(xxii) Tshabalala Vusa Tabane
(xxiii) Nnana Elizabeth Molefe
(xxiv) Dr K Swart
(xxv) Prof R E Mhlanga
(xxvi) Dr S R Fawous
(xxvii) B Kunene
(c) (i) Person was part of the delegation that attended the first meeting of the conference of the parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and had to be appointed as a consultant to finish the chairing of the drafting of the protocol.
(ii) Person headed the South African delegation to the 1st meeting of the Workgroup to elaborate guidelines for the implementation of Article 11 (Packaging and Labeling of Tobacco Products) of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and therefore had to be commissioned to coordinate preparations for the hosting of COP3.
(iii) Proof reading and editing of IMI training manual.
(iv) Educational consultant advisor: Youth Indaba MP: 26-30 June 2006.
(v) Draft paper for the Deputy Minister for peace making conference.
(vi) Special Advisory service.
(vii) Attending meeting on National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths.
(viii) Attending meeting on National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths.
(ix) Attending meeting on National Committee on Confidential: Enquiries into Maternal Deaths.
(x) Attending meeting on National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths.
(xi) Attending meeting on National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths.
(xii) Support of UPFS Project: DOH39 2003/2004.
(xiii) Attending meeting on National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths.
(xiv) Attending meeting on National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths.
(xv) Attending meeting on National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths.
(xvi) Attending meeting on National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths.
(xvii) Attending meeting on National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths.
(xviii) Repertoire for HIV/AIDS Directorate / Minute taking.
(xix) Development of environmental Health Regulations.
(xx) 2010 world cup preparation for health.
(xxi) Legal advice on implications on the Charles Drew University Foundation.
(xxii) Meeting of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal deaths.
(xxiii) Advisor at the Youth Indaba Mpumalanga Province June 2006.
(xxiv) Meeting of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal deaths.
(xxv) Meeting of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal deaths.
(xxvi) Meeting of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal deaths.
(d) Due to the fact that these projects were not of a continuous nature they do not warrant appointing permanent staff members.
(2) Yes (a) see answer to (c) (i), (ii) and (xxv)
(b) They all left voluntarily to take up other jobs elsewhere.
QUESTION 1310
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 8 Aug 2008
Internal question paper no:
1310. Mr K J Minnie (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) With reference to his department's reply to Question 94 on 12 March 2008* regarding the signing of performance agreements, what are the reasons for this low rate of compliance;
(2) whether he has taken any action against senior managers who failed to sign performance agreements in each of these three years; if not, why not; if so, what action in each case;
(3) Whether he has taken any steps to ensure a greater compliance rate of senior managers; if not, why not; if so, what (a) steps and (b) are the reasons that these compliance rates still decreased over the past three years? NW2076E
REPLY:
(1) DSD acknowledges that there has been a systematic problem towards the compliance of entering into performance contracts by some SMS members, for the following reasons:
· In the past 3 years, the DSD establishment has grown significantly in the upper echelon with 20 posts. Newly appointed SMS members are given three months period to complete and sign their performance agreement.
· Due to the work demands of SMS members, more attention was paid to operational work to the extent that Human Resource Management Functions are neglected.
· This resulted in unintended negative consequences were SMS members do not conclude their performance agreement.
· Climate survey has been conducted within the Department with the specific focus on the performance management system.
(2) Yes, action has been taken
· The Minister and Director-General have signed individual letters on the 28 August 2008 requesting them to finalise their performance agreement as a matter of urgency.
· SMS members have been advised that failure to comply disciplinary action will be taken against them.
(3) (a) Yes, various intervention have been taken to address this· The Department has introduced an intervention where a team from the Department's Strategy Unit in collaboration with HRM has developed generic performance agreements foe SMS members linked to the Strategic Plan. The intervention has worked well for 2008/09 reporting period 90% response rate.
· The implementation of the revised PMDS policy, were officials are expected to submit mid-term progress review report instead of four quarterly reports.
(b) Referring to (1) above the growth and expansion of DSD came with its own internal challenges which is being assessed and monitored on a regular basis by Human Resources management.
Question1312:
Mr K Minnie (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:
With regard to the recent resignation of State Information Technology Agency (SITA) Chief Executive Officer Lewellyn Jones;
(a) what were the reasons given for his resignation;
(b) whether her department has investigated allegations that government's Chief Information Officer, and Deputy-chairman of the SITA Board Michelle Williams awarded an e-government tender irregularly; if not, why not; if so, (i) what were the findings of the investigation and (ii) whether any action has been taken against any person due to these findings; if so, what action?
1.1
Reply:
(a) Upon his resignation Mr Jones cited certain reasons for his resignation. The Minister for the Public Service and Administration is looking into the matter, and as the Honourable Member is aware, the Portfolio Committee had agreed with the Minister that he would brief the committee on this matter. This did not happen as planned due to changes in the parliamentary programme. The minister will revert to the Honourable Member as soon as the investigation is completed. The Minister wishes to give the assurance that this matter is being fast-tracked.
(b) When the Minister is afforded the opportunity to address the Committee as discussed in (a) these issues will also be covered.
QUESTION NO 1313
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8 AUGUST 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22/2008)
Date reply submitted: 20 August 2008
Ms D Kohler‑Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:
Whether the State has provided private security for a certain person (name furnished) in the (a) 2006‑07 financial year, (b) 2007‑08 financial year and (c) during the period 1 April 2008 up to 31 July 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how much has the State spent in each (aa) of these financial years and (bb) month from 30 April 2007 up to 31 July 2008 and (ii) what are the reasons for the State continuing to provide private security for the said person?
NW2079E
REPLY:
The Department of Safety and Security provided no private security services in the (a) 2006/2007 financial year, (b) none during the 2007/2008 financial year and (c) none in the period of 1 April to 31 July 2008. The person in question is protected by SAPS officials of the VIP Unit. (i) R0,00 (ii) Not applicable.
Reply to question 1313 approved by Minister.
QUESTION NO 1314
"1314. Mr GR Morgan to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether his department commissioned the television program "Energy Security: Looking Good" which was aired on SABC 1 on 29 July 2008, what was his department's involvement; if so, what (a) is the designation and name of the person that commissioned the program, (b) what was the purpose of commissioning the program and (c) what was the cost of the program.
(2) Whether the program was balanced and fair in the way that it attempted to engage with the subject matter; if not; if so, how was this conclusion reached?
REPLY:
(1) The television programme, titled "Energy Security: Looking Good" was commissioned by the Department and was aired on SABC 1 on 29 July 2008. This was done as part of the ongoing public education and awareness creation activities of the departments Science Communication Unit.
(a) The programme was commissioned by the Chief Director: Science Communication, Mr Nhlanhla Nyide.
(b) The purpose of commissioning the programme was to enhance public awareness among South Africans at large of the initiatives currently underway in the country to address the energy crisis. SABC 1, with its large audience base is deemed an appropriate mechanism to do so.
(c) The cost of the programme was R250 000.00 (two hundred and fifty thousand Rand).
2. It is our view that the programme was presented and aired in a fair and balanced manner by providing an overview of the renewable as well as non-renewable energy alternatives to the country at present. The programme served to present alternative options in this regard and profiled the work of a number of role-players in this regard, including, amongst others: wind and solar energy solutions; nuclear energy (NECSA and PBMR); as well as coal (Eskom).
QUESTION NO. 1315 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2008
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 08 August 2008
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism:
(1) Whether any prospecting rights have been granted in protected areas during the period 1 January 2006 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) by whom and (b) in which areas;
(2) whether his department has succeeded in getting the prospecting rights retracted in any of the cases; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2081E
MR G R MORGAN (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS1315. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:
(1) Yes, (a) by Department of Mineral and Energy, and (b) within the national competency, the only rights granted to date are in the Richtersveldt Cultural and Botanical World Heritage Site.
(2) Yes, the Director-General of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism took up the matter with her counterpart at the Department of Minerals and Energy and an agreement was reached that the permit will be retracted.
QUESTION 1318
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 21-2008]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 AUGUST 2008
1318. Dr A I van Niekerk (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs:
(1) Whether her departments received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the departments will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether her departments has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented? NW2084E
THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS:
(In respect of the Department of Land Affairs)
(1) No. However, the Department is aware of the Harvard research papers. Although the recommendations have no specific reference to land reform we believe that they have been captured one way or another in the 24 Apex Priorities of Government.
(a) and (b) Fall away.
(2)(a) and (b) Fall away.
QUESTION NO 1320
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8 AUGUST 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22/2008)
Date reply submitted: 20 August 2008
Ms D Kohler‑Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:
(1) Whether his department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether his department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
NW2087E
REPLY:
(1) (a) Yes.
(b) Not applicable.
(2) The South African Police Service has noted the following in the press statement of National Treasury dated 8 May 2008:
The panel also published a paper on the impact of Crime on Economic Growth. It further noted that the most severe impact of crime on growth was probably through the discouragement of small and emerging businesses in poorer areas. None of the 21 recommendations dealt with the impact of crime on economic growth. However, the SAPS participated in the discussions relating to the impact of crime on small businesses in South Africa, arranged by the South African Presidency. In addition, the SAPS is represented on the Criminal Justice Review Team which, among other things, addresses performance management, including the alignment of inter‑departmental indicators to reach a common goal.
Reply to question 1320 approved by Minister.
Question 1321
1321. Mr S E Opperman (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works
1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
2) whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not: if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
Reply
1) Yes, the Department has received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa that were released in May 2008.
2) The Department has noted all the recommendations mentioned in the document. The Department has already introduced some initiatives that are in line with some of the recommendations that are outlined in the document The Department takes into cognizance that the acceleration of the rate of growth of the economy is already bumping against infrastructure constraints that have been identified by the ASGI-SA program as noted in the document.
The Department has already increased its spending on infrastructure. Strategic thrusts such as the National Infrastructure Maintenance Strategy of government as a part of Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGISA) will stimulate more investment in the sector and thus contribute to growth. The amounts allocated for infrastructure over the MTEF period are R1 billion for 2008/09, R1,2 billion for 2009/10, and R1,3 billion for 2010/11. These allocations are for both the Department of Public Works and the Border Control Operational Co-ordinating Committee (BCOCC)'s infrastructure budget. The BCOCC receives allocations for improving border post facilities, especially for Lebombo, on the border with Mozambique (around R300 million over MTEF period) and Skilpadshek, on the border with Botswana (nearly R500 million) ports of entry, in part, tofacilitate preparations for the 2009 Fifa Confederation Cup and the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
With regard to recommendation 11, the Department has also noted the recommendations of the committee that job opportunities should be given to job seekers with lower skills levels. The committee acknowledges that there is now a very strong demand for blacks for senior management positions and it is likely to increase significantly with the current growth trends. As firms try to comply with this element of the BEE scorecard, they will face increasing skills constraint at the senior management level. By contrast, there is ample room to improve empowerment through job creation, training and supplier development for people currently at the bottom of the income distribution. The committee is proposing the BEE scorecard to be rebalanced to encourage these latter types of activities.
The Department has through its Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) created job opportunities for people with lower skills levels. Halfway through its implementation, the EPWP is surpassing its job creation targets and benefiting more targets groups including women and youth. The five-year EPWP is one of the government's initiatives for creating work opportunities and alleviating poverty and is one of the key drivers for the second economy interventions spelt out in Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa. About 1 million job opportunities have already being created since the start of EPWP.
With regard to recommendation 9, there is also a proposal that young people should be given an opportunity to show their capabilities and there is also a proposal that a wage subsidy allowance should be given to 18 year olds that they can use throughout their life to facilitate the school to work transition and to assure that the educational skills of the new cohorts do not deteriorate through a long period of unemployment
The Department has though its internship and learnership programmes given job opportunities to young people throughout the country. The Department has also through its National Youth Service exposed the youth to gain work experience from various construction companies. The number of youths participating in the national youth service programme was 5000 and the number of learners participating in the Vuk'uphile learnership was 1500 in the 2007/08 financial year.
With regard to recommendation 21, the Committee is proposing that there should be a credible system to collect information on BEE, and put in place a mechanism that uses that information to evaluate progress and signal the future directions of the policy. It is stated that the currently available information on BEE performance is neither credible nor sufficient. Such information has to be collected, and then systematically used to evaluate BEEas a policy. There is clear potential for the current situation of little information, little evaluation, and uncertainty about the future to harm both investment and empowerment
The Department together with sector stakeholders established the Council for both the Construction and Property Charters. One of the functions is to monitor the implementation of the charters. The Council will on regular basis look at the progress with regard to the implementation of the charters. The process of establishing the Construction Charter Council is underway.
With regard to Recommendation 19, the Committee is proposing to add elements to the existing scorecard, giving firms flexibility to decide where to focus their empowerment initiatives. The new elements should focus explicitly on bottom up empowerment interventions and economic growth elements such as employment or firm creation, learnerships, apprenticeships and training and spatial development. Firms should be required to explain in a succinct plan the elements and targets they choose, given the context of their sector.
Recommendation 20 also talks about the elimination of the equity participation requirement for all (truly) new firms so as to facilitate firm creation and to clarify that the implicit tax associated with BEE deals will fall on the capital accumulated in the past and not in the future. Provisions should be made to make sure that "old equity" firms do not use financial engineering to elude the equity requirements.
With regard to both recommendations 19 and 20 in the process of establishing the Construction Charter as well as the Property Charter all the industry stakeholders debated and finally agreed on targets relating to ownership, management, skills development, enterprise development, procurement, and social responsibility, etc.
It is therefore not possible for the Department to make amendments to the charters at the moment wit regard to the contents and the targets as agreed upon with all industry stakeholders. The Construction Charter Transformation Group has recently made an application to DTI for the finalization of Construction Sector Code in terms of section 9 of the BBBEE Act.
At this moment, enterprises in these sectors are in different stages of implementation of the Charters. The Charter Councils will monitor performance of the industries and report to the Minister accordingly.
Question 1322
Mr J J M Stephens (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:
(1) Whether his department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so, (2) whether his department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented? NW2089E
Reply:
(1)(a-b)(2)(a-b)The recommendations do not get referred to individual departments and are dealt with by government; therefore, the Honourable Member is requested to refer the question to the Presidency.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Portia Molefe Alec Erwin, MP
Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
Date: Date:
QUESTION NO. 1323
(Internal Question Paper No 22 – 2008)
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:
(1) Whether his department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether his department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
ANSWER
(1) Yes.
(a) and (b) Fall away.
(2) Yes.
(a) Recommendation 18, relating to the use of central bodies for the provision of services in municipalities with a low capacity.
(b) The timeframe extends over the period 2006 to 2011, in line with the 5 Year Local Government Strategic Agenda.
QUESTION NO.: 1325 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 AUGUST 2008Dr J T Delport (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:
(1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
NW2092E
REPLY
(1) & (2) My Department is studying the report and we will decide on the course of action in due course.
QUESTION NO. 1327
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 AUGUST 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 22)
Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
NW2094EREPLY:
(1) The International Panel on ASGISA, whose 21 Recommendations are reported in the Working Papers: Center for International Development at Harvard University (CID Working Paper No. 161, May 2008), was neither convened nor commissioned by the Department of Health. The Report of the International Panel on ASGISA clearly indicates which Government Department commissioned it, and for which specific purposes.
(a) The distribution of the Report of the International Panel on ASGISA is the prerogative of the Government Department that commissioned it. While the Government of South Africa always works in unison, the Department of Health does not feel naturally entitled to the Report, as it was not commissioned by or for the health sector.
(b) Not Applicable
(2) In the entire 18 pages of the Final Recommendations of the International Panel on ASGISA, there is no single reference to health, health care or health service delivery.
(a) Not Applicable
(b) Not Applicable
QUESTION NO: 1328PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 27 OF 08 AUGUST 2008
Mr. A J Leon (DA) to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
(1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not,
(a) why not and
(b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) Whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so,
(a) which recommendations and
(b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
REPLY:
Question 1:
(a) The Department of Foreign Affairs did receive the 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economist.
(b) The 21 recommendations were tabled at the Cabinet meeting of 19 September 2007 and after consideration by Cabinet, the President requested that the papers should be made public to encourage a broader debate on shared growth. The report was dealt with by the National Treasury on behalf of government. On 8 May 2008 the National Treasury issued a press statement, releasing the 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists.
Question 2:
(a) The Department of Foreign Affairs is not the mandated department for the implementation of these recommendations. Cabinet decided how the recommendations should be dealt with. The details are with the National Treasury.
(b) The issue of a time-frame for the implementation of the recommendations is not applicable to the DFA.
QUESTION NO: 1331
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 August 2008
QUESTION PAPER NO: 22
DATE OF REPLY:
Adv. PS Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented? NW2098E
REPLY:
(1) Yes, the department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard Panel.
(2) The department has not implemented the recommendations since they are not mandatory.
QUESTION NO 1333
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: WEDNESDAY, 20 AUGUST 2008
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 08 AUGUST 2008 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 – 2008)
Mr S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether his department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether his department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframes for each recommendation to be implemented?
NW2101E
REPLY:
1.2
The Minister of Transport:
(1) Yes, the Department of Transport (DoT) was served with the papers of the Harvard Panel of Experts and has familiarized itself with the recommendations thereof.
(a) and (b) Fall away.
(2) Officials from the DoT have attended interdepartmental meetings to discuss documents at a macro-economic level and their applicability to South Africa. No final macro-economic Government position in relation to the recommendations of the Harvard papers has been arrived at and the Department will implement the recommendations (where applicable) after a common macro-economic .Government position has been taken. It is expected, however, that the recommendations will inform broader policy discussion/debate. The process of engaging with the recommendations is ongoing.
(a) and (b) Fall away.
QUESTION NO: 1334
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 August 2008
QUESTION PAPER NO: 22
DATE OF REPLY: 14 October 2008
Mr. LW Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is sending a delegation to the Beijing Olympics comprising staff and board members who are not directly involved in the operational elements of broadcasting the Olympics; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the purpose of such a delegation, (b) what are the names and positions of (i) staff and (ii) board members on the delegation and (c) what is the cost to the SABC of sending the delegation to the Olympics;
(2) whether this expenditure is justified in view of the SABC projecting a substantial loss in the 2008-09 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2102E
REPLY:
(1) I was informed by the SABC that they did send a delegation to the Beijing Olympics comprising staff and board members who were not directly involved in the operational elements of broadcasting the Olympics.
(a) The purpose of such a delegation was to -
· market and promote the SABC corporate and SABC Sport brands, reputation and image;
· build, promote and develop strong relationships with members of the industry (internal and external stakeholders, as well as members of print media);
· use the event as an opportunity to emphasize the SABC's commitment to providing universal access to programme that informs, educate and entertains;
· use the events as a vehicle for SABC's executive management to foster and influence relationships with key stakeholders;
· create a platform for communication and networking; and
· contribute to audience growth and loyalty (before and during broadcasts)
(b) The names and positions of the -
(i) staff on the delegation are as follows:
Gab Mampone, Acting GCEO
Ntando Simelane, Acting Company Secretary
Lulama Mokhobo, Group Executive
Gwyn Khaas, Sport: Events Manager
Mvuzo Mbebe, Group Executive: Content Enterprises
Strini Naicker, Acting Group Executive: Commercial Enterprises
Bessie Tugwana, General Manager: SABC2
Peter Kwele, Acting General Manager: 2010 Unit
Neo Khumalo, Special Projects & Events Manager: Content Enterprises
(ii) board members on the delegation are as follows:
Ashwin Trikamjee, Non-executive board member
Desmond Golding, Non-executive board member
Nadia Bulbulia, Non-executive board member
(c) The estimated cost to the SABC of sending the delegation to the Olympics was R2 701 217,00.
2. I am advised by SABC that SABC Sport had budgeted for the trip to the Beijing Olympics, and therefore the expenditure was justified in the circumstances.
QUESTION NO 1335
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 AUGUST 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23/2008)
Date reply submitted: 27 October 2008
Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:
(1) Whether any steps were taken against a certain SAPS station commander (name furnished) after he was found guilty of the theft of hubcaps and rubber mats at an accident scene; if not, why not; if so, what steps;
(2) whether this person is still acting as station commander at Caledon; if so, why;
(3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
NW1930E
REPLY:
(1) Yes. A disciplinary investigation was conducted and the disciplinary hearing was concluded on 2 December 2004. The officer was found guilty of two contraventions of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Disciplinary Regulations and sanctioned to a fine of R400,00 and remedial counselling.
The criminal matter was finalised on 30 June 2008. The officer was found guilty of theft and sanctioned to three years' imprisonment suspended for a period of five years on condition that he was not found guilty of theft or attempted theft during the period of suspension.
In view of the criminal conviction, the SAPS immediately convened a Board of Enquiry. The Board has commenced and been postponed until 23 October 2008 to establish whether the officer is still fit to remain in the employ of the SAPS. In the event that he is found to be still fit for employment, the Board must further determine whether he is fit to retain the rank of captain.
(2) No.
(3) No.
Question 1337
Mrs J A Semple (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the SiyaSiza Afrika Foundation in KwaZulu-Natal; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2040E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application from the SiyaSiza Afrika Foundation in 2007.
(2) The NLB rejected the application, as it did not meet the funding criteria.
Question 1338
Mrs J A Semple (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Durbanville Children's Home in the Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2041E
Response:
According to its records, the National Lotteries Board (NLB) did not receive an application from Durbanville Children's Home in the Western Cape.
Question 1339
Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Safecare Community Care Centre in KwaZulu-Natal; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2042E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from Safecare Community Care Centre in KwaZulu-Natal in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
(2) a. The organisation requested an amount of R459 000 in 2005, an amount of R494 000 was requested in 2006 and an amount of R556 000 in 2007.
b. Amounts of R459 000 (2005) and R250 000 (2006) were awarded by the NLB. The application for 2007 did not meet the funding criteria.
c. Payment was made to the organisation in May 2005 and March 2007.
(3) There are no outstanding amounts owed to the organisation.
Question 1340
Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Dance Crew in the Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2043E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB)received an application from Dance Crew in the Western Cape in 2006.
(2)a. The amount requested by the organisation was R 446 000.00
b. No amount was awarded to the organisation as it did not comply with
the funding criteria.
Question 1341
Mrs H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Share Adult Centre in Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so,(a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years,(b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) There are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much? NW2044E
Response:
The National Lotteries Board (NLB)does not have any record reflecting receipt of an application from the Share Adult Education Centre.
Question 1342
Ms S J Loe (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Nceduluntu Sanctuary Trust in the Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2045E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application from Nceduluntu Sanctuary Trust in the Western Cape in 2006.
(2) a. The amount requested by the organisation was R931 000.00.
b. No amount was awarded to the organisation, as it did not comply with the funding criteria.
Question 1343
Ms S J Loe (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Cape Heart Community and Educational Theatre Company in the Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisations in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisations;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisations by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2046E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from Cape Heart Community and Educational Theatre Company in the Western Cape in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
(2) a. The amount requested in 2004 was R370 000, the amount requested in 2005 was R160 000, the amount requested in 2006 was R553 000 and the amount requested in 2007 was R263 000.
b. The amounts awarded to the organisation were R370 000 and R553 000. The request for 2005 did not meet the funding criteria. The application from 2007 is still being adjudicated.
c. Payment was made to the organisation in March and August 2005 and in August 2007.
(3) An amount of R221 000 is owed to the organisation.
Question 1344
Mr R Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Bergzicht Training Centre in the Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2047E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from Bergzicht Training Centre in the Western Cape in the Western Cape in 2004 and 2006.
(2) a. An amount of R378 000 was requested by the organisation in 2004 and an amount of R 3 million was requested in 2006.
b. An amount of R88 000 was awarded by the NLB in respect of the 2006 request.
c. The amount was paid to the organization in August 2007.
(3) There is no outstanding amount owed to the organisation by NLB.
Question 1345
Mr R Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Goldfields Hospice Association in the Free State; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2048E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from Goldfields Hospice Association in the Free State in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
(2) a. The organisation requested an amount of R346 000 in 2004, R396 000 in 2005 and R930 000 in 2007.
b. The NLB awarded the organisation R340 000 in 2004, R396 000 in 2005 and R524 000 in 2007.
c. Payment was made to the organisation in August 2004, February 2005 and June 2007.
(3) There is no outstanding amount owed to the organisation.
Question 1346
Mr R Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Dance Forum in Gauteng; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2049E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from the Dance Forum in Gauteng in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
(2) a. The organisation requested R3.3 million, R7.1 million and R11.4 million in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
b. The amounts awarded by the NLB were R912 000 (2005) and R2.9 million (2006). The application for 2007 is still being adjudicated.
c. Payment was made to the organisation in November 2005, August 2006 and March 2007.
(3) There is an outstanding balance of R2.9 million that is owed to the organisation.
Question 1347
Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Sparrow Schools Educational Trust in Gauteng; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2050E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from the Sparrow Schools Educational Trust in Gauteng in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
(2) a. The amounts requested in 2005 were R733 000 and R275 000, the amount requested in 2006 was R896 000 (R485 000 and R410 000), the amount requested in 2007 was R361 000 and the amount requested in 2008 was R673 000.
b. The amount awarded by the NLB was R275 000. The remaining amounts for 2005, 2006 and 2008 were not approved as they did not comply with the funding criteria. The application from 2007 is still being adjudicated.
c. Payment was made to the organisation in December 2005 and October 2006.
(3) There are no outstanding amounts owed to the organisation.
Question 1348
Mr. M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board(NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31July 2008 from the Tsogang Sechaba Centre in Gauteng ; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application, if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case if so(a)how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years (b)what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much? NW2054E
Response:
According to its records, the National Lotteries Board (NLB) did not receive an application from the Tsogang Sechaba Centre in Gauteng.
Question 1349
Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Optimus Foundation in Gauteng; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2052E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from the Optimus Foundation in Gauteng 2005 and 2007.
2.a. In 2005, two amounts of R489, 600 were requested by the organisation. The two amounts were considered to be duplicated and therefore one was declined. An amount of R980, 000 was requested in 2007.
b. An amount of R300, 000 was approved for the 2005 application and R880, 000 for the 2007 application.
c. Payment of R300 000 in respect of the 2005 application was made to the organisation in November 2006.
(3) The organisation is owed R880 000.
Question 1350
Mr R J King (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Centre for Minerals Research in Gauteng; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2054E
Response:
According to its records, the National Lotteries Board (NLB) did not receive an application from the Centre for Minerals Research in Gauteng.
1301. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(1) Whether any internal audit was conducted by a certain company (name furnished) into the affairs of a certain company (name furnished); if so, when;
(2) whether such audit has been completed; if not, when will it be completed; if so, what were the findings;
(3) whether the audit report made any recommendations; if so, what recommendations;
(4) whether the recommendations have been implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether this audit report has been made public; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will it be made public; if so, when? NW2064E
Minister of Labour replied:
I am advised that:
(1) Yes.
(2) The last report was completed and tabled in May 2008 and it covered the Financial Capability model. The findings were that Productivity SA is at a level 3 which is acceptable in relation to the benchmark.
(3) Other recommendations made are that Productivity SA will have to work harder and may require additional resources to maintain the current level or to move to the next level of the benchmark.
(4) The recommendations are being implemented.
(5) It was not made public as it was an internal audit. The audited statements of Productivity SA as contained in their Annual Report will be tabled to Parliament before end of August 2008 and released to the public on the same day.
1302. Mr J P I Blanché (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(1) Whether any service providers providing services to a certain company (name furnished – Productivity SA) have (a) not and (b) been paid late in the past 12 months up to 31 July 2008; if so, (i) in each case who is the service provider, (ii) how many times did this happen, (iii) on what dates and (iv) what was the amount of non payment;
(2) whether the service provider was reimbursed in each case; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) by how much? NW2065E
Minister of Labour replied:
(1) I am advised that all service providers that were owed money until 31st July 2008 have been paid. The names of the applicable service providers, the number of times, the date on which they were paid and the relevant amounts are provided in a table below:
Names and month | Payment date | Amount | |
April | |||
Awake Skills & Development | 2008/04/21 | 22,500.00 | |
Competitive Dynamics International Africa | 2008/04/22 | 52,995.76 | |
Dawn Wing | 2008/04/24 | 11,313.80 | |
Gensec Property Services | 2008/04/22 | 322,017.77 | |
Spearhead Properties | 2008/04/10 | 33,661.87 | |
May | |||
Gensec Property Services | 2008/05/09 | 338,092.67 | |
June | |||
Awake Skills & Development | 2008/06/25 | 5,000.00 | |
Da Vinci, Verne & Wells (Rob Peacock) | 2008/06/26 | 10,500.00 | |
Gensec Property Services | 2008/06/25 | 323,563.86 | |
HPA Consulting | 2008/06/26 | 59,850.00 | |
Malanda Advisory Services | 2008/06/26 | 7,980.00 | |
August | |||
Da Vinci, Verne & Wells (Rob Peacock) | 2008/08/25 | 17,500.00 | |
Gensec Property Services | 2008/08/25 | 328,675.24 | |
HPA Consulting | 2008/08/25 | 82,308.00 | |
Spearhead Properties | 2008/08/18 | 31,939.87 | |
2. The second question has been addressed in the answer provided to question 1.
1303. Mr I F Julies (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
Whether any of Productivity SA's service providers have cancelled their services during the twelve months up to and including 31 July 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which service providers and
(b) what were the reasons for cancelling their services in each case? NW2066E
Minister of Labour replied:
(a) I am advised that Dawn Wings, a Courier Service Provider, cancelled the contract.
(b) This was as a result of late payments arising from cash flow problems that Productivity SA experienced at the time.
1304. Mr I F Julies (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(1) Whether Productivity SA has failed to pay the rental owed on any of its premises in respect of each of the past twelve months up to and including 31 July 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many times has this happened, (b) in respect of which premises was the rental not paid and (c) what was the amount owed;
(2) whether the outstanding rent was eventually paid; if not, (a) why not and (b) what total amount of rent was outstanding on 31 July 2008; if so, when was the rent paid?
NW2067E
Minister of Labour replied:
(1)I am advised that:
(a)The Productivity SA rental was paid late during April, May and June during which the entity experienced cash flow problems.
(b)This was with respect to the Midrand premises
(c)The amounts were: R322 017; R338 093 and R323 564 respectively
(2) As of end of July 2008, there was no outstanding rental.
1305. Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
What was the (a) expected and (b) actual income generated by Productivity SA in each of the past three financial years up to and including the 2007-08 financial year?
NW2069E
Minister of Labour replied:
The Productivity SA projected income to be raised from the consultancy work performed and the actual amount generated in the last three years is provided in the table below:
Year end | Budget | Actual |
2005/6 | R 47 372972 | R41 606 642 |
2006/7 | R 60 694 126 | R50 462 702 |
2007/8 | R58 642 131 | R48 221 689 |
1306. Mr C M Lowe (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:
Whether the (a) SA Nursing Council, (b) Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), (c) Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) and/or (d) any other organisation has cancelled any of its programmes with Productivity SA during the past twelve months up to and including 31 July 2008; if so, in each case, (i) which programmes, (ii) what was the monetary value of the programme, (iii) what non-monetary benefits would have been derived from the programme and (iv) what were the reasons given by each organisation for cancelling the programme?
NW2070E
Minister of Labour replied:
I am advised that none of the mentioned companies except for the Courier Services Company, Dawn Wings, has cancelled their programmes or services with the Productivity SA.
The programmes with the listed companies are aimed at the following:
(a) The Productivity Improvement Project for the South African Nursing Council (SANC)
Productivity SA has been working with SANC to improve its efficiency and productivity. This project and working relationship with SANC remain ongoing.
(b) The SEDA/Productivity SA SMME Project
Productivity SA assisted SEDA to implement a customer satisfaction survey among Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) to establish their Productive Capacity Building Programme (PCBP). This was a "flagship" intervention in this sector and this programme has delivered increased profitability and growth in most economic sectors.
The original contract was for two years from 28 March 2006 to 28 March 2008 and discussions are underway to extend the project to 31 March 2009.
(c) Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP)/Productivity SA SMME Project
This joint project is ongoing and several SMMEs have benefited from increased profitability and growth, with the success rate particularly high in construction, manufacturing and services.
Discussions regarding the completion phase of this project and a new contract are currently underway.
1307. Mr J Masango (ANC) to ask the Minister of Labour:
(1) Whether he has received a memorandum from a certain trade union (name furnished - SPTU) containing concerns of staff employed at Productivity SA; if so, when;
(2) whether he has taken any steps to deal with the concerns raised in the memorandum; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what steps? NW2071E
Minister of Labour replied:
(1) I have not received any memorandum from any union representing Productivity SA staff.
(2) Falls away in view of (1) above.
QUESTION 1310
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 8 Aug 2008
Internal question paper no:
1310. Mr K J Minnie (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) With reference to his department's reply to Question 94 on 12 March 2008* regarding the signing of performance agreements, what are the reasons for this low rate of compliance;
(2) whether he has taken any action against senior managers who failed to sign performance agreements in each of these three years; if not, why not; if so, what action in each case;
(3) Whether he has taken any steps to ensure a greater compliance rate of senior managers; if not, why not; if so, what (a) steps and (b) are the reasons that these compliance rates still decreased over the past three years? NW2076E
REPLY:
(1) DSD acknowledges that there has been a systematic problem towards the compliance of entering into performance contracts by some SMS members, for the following reasons:
· In the past 3 years, the DSD establishment has grown significantly in the upper echelon with 20 posts. Newly appointed SMS members are given three months period to complete and sign their performance agreement.
· Due to the work demands of SMS members, more attention was paid to operational work to the extent that Human Resource Management Functions are neglected.
· This resulted in unintended negative consequences were SMS members do not conclude their performance agreement.
· Climate survey has been conducted within the Department with the specific focus on the performance management system.
(2) Yes, action has been taken
· The Minister and Director-General have signed individual letters on the 28 August 2008 requesting them to finalise their performance agreement as a matter of urgency.
· SMS members have been advised that failure to comply disciplinary action will be taken against them.
(3) (a) Yes, various intervention have been taken to address this· The Department has introduced an intervention where a team from the Department's Strategy Unit in collaboration with HRM has developed generic performance agreements foe SMS members linked to the Strategic Plan. The intervention has worked well for 2008/09 reporting period 90% response rate.
· The implementation of the revised PMDS policy, were officials are expected to submit mid-term progress review report instead of four quarterly reports.
(b) Referring to (1) above the growth and expansion of DSD came with its own internal challenges which is being assessed and monitored on a regular basis by Human Resources management.
Question1312:
Mr K Minnie (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:
With regard to the recent resignation of State Information Technology Agency (SITA) Chief Executive Officer Lewellyn Jones;
(a) what were the reasons given for his resignation;
(b) whether her department has investigated allegations that government's Chief Information Officer, and Deputy-chairman of the SITA Board Michelle Williams awarded an e-government tender irregularly; if not, why not; if so, (i) what were the findings of the investigation and (ii) whether any action has been taken against any person due to these findings; if so, what action?
1.1
Reply:
(a) Upon his resignation Mr Jones cited certain reasons for his resignation. The Minister for the Public Service and Administration is looking into the matter, and as the Honourable Member is aware, the Portfolio Committee had agreed with the Minister that he would brief the committee on this matter. This did not happen as planned due to changes in the parliamentary programme. The minister will revert to the Honourable Member as soon as the investigation is completed. The Minister wishes to give the assurance that this matter is being fast-tracked.
(b) When the Minister is afforded the opportunity to address the Committee as discussed in (a) these issues will also be covered.
QUESTION NO 1313
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8 AUGUST 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22/2008)
Date reply submitted: 20 August 2008
Ms D Kohler‑Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:
Whether the State has provided private security for a certain person (name furnished) in the (a) 2006‑07 financial year, (b) 2007‑08 financial year and (c) during the period 1 April 2008 up to 31 July 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how much has the State spent in each (aa) of these financial years and (bb) month from 30 April 2007 up to 31 July 2008 and (ii) what are the reasons for the State continuing to provide private security for the said person?
NW2079E
REPLY:
The Department of Safety and Security provided no private security services in the (a) 2006/2007 financial year, (b) none during the 2007/2008 financial year and (c) none in the period of 1 April to 31 July 2008. The person in question is protected by SAPS officials of the VIP Unit. (i) R0,00 (ii) Not applicable.
Reply to question 1313 approved by Minister.
QUESTION NO 1314
"1314. Mr GR Morgan to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether his department commissioned the television program "Energy Security: Looking Good" which was aired on SABC 1 on 29 July 2008, what was his department's involvement; if so, what (a) is the designation and name of the person that commissioned the program, (b) what was the purpose of commissioning the program and (c) what was the cost of the program.
(2) Whether the program was balanced and fair in the way that it attempted to engage with the subject matter; if not; if so, how was this conclusion reached?
REPLY:
(1) The television programme, titled "Energy Security: Looking Good" was commissioned by the Department and was aired on SABC 1 on 29 July 2008. This was done as part of the ongoing public education and awareness creation activities of the departments Science Communication Unit.
(a) The programme was commissioned by the Chief Director: Science Communication, Mr Nhlanhla Nyide.
(b) The purpose of commissioning the programme was to enhance public awareness among South Africans at large of the initiatives currently underway in the country to address the energy crisis. SABC 1, with its large audience base is deemed an appropriate mechanism to do so.
(c) The cost of the programme was R250 000.00 (two hundred and fifty thousand Rand).
2. It is our view that the programme was presented and aired in a fair and balanced manner by providing an overview of the renewable as well as non-renewable energy alternatives to the country at present. The programme served to present alternative options in this regard and profiled the work of a number of role-players in this regard, including, amongst others: wind and solar energy solutions; nuclear energy (NECSA and PBMR); as well as coal (Eskom).
QUESTION NO. 1315 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2008
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 08 August 2008
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism:
(1) Whether any prospecting rights have been granted in protected areas during the period 1 January 2006 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) by whom and (b) in which areas;
(2) whether his department has succeeded in getting the prospecting rights retracted in any of the cases; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2081E
MR G R MORGAN (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS1315. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:
(1) Yes, (a) by Department of Mineral and Energy, and (b) within the national competency, the only rights granted to date are in the Richtersveldt Cultural and Botanical World Heritage Site.
(2) Yes, the Director-General of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism took up the matter with her counterpart at the Department of Minerals and Energy and an agreement was reached that the permit will be retracted.
QUESTION 1318
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 21-2008]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 AUGUST 2008
1318. Dr A I van Niekerk (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs:
(1) Whether her departments received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the departments will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether her departments has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented? NW2084E
THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS:
(In respect of the Department of Land Affairs)
(1) No. However, the Department is aware of the Harvard research papers. Although the recommendations have no specific reference to land reform we believe that they have been captured one way or another in the 24 Apex Priorities of Government.
(a) and (b) Fall away.
(2)(a) and (b) Fall away.
QUESTION 1319
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
"1319. Mr JPI BLANCHE (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether his department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard Panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, a) why not and b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so
(2) whether his department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so a) which recommendations and b) what are the time frames for each recommendation to be implemented?
(NW2086E)
REPLY:
1. The 'Harvard Review Panel of International and Local economists' was initiated by the Minister of Finance to enable sound reflection and robust engagement on economic policy in South Africa. Through the normal process of policy development in South Africa, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been engaging with the findings and recommendations of the panel at a range of levels from Cabinet processes to processes at the economic cluster of Director-General and in bilateral discussions between the DST and National Treasury. The department is using the findings and recommendations of the Harvard panel as one of many important inputs that is used for on-going analysis of Science and Technology Policy and how such policy can be refined and enhanced.
2. The DST conducted a peer review of the National System of Innovation (NSI) in 2007, advised by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Peer reviews such as these provide us with valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our policy frameworks. Such insights are combined with other experiences and analysis (including insights and views from members of legislature and the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology and our social partners in business, labour and society) to sharpen and improve policy. The introduction of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Bill is an example of such a policy refinement where the need for such an agency was confirmed by external reviews, others include the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development (IPR FRD) Bill which is awaiting the President to sign.
3. The recommendations of the Harvard Panel deal with a range of areas such as macro-economic policy, trade and industrial policy, education and training policy, science and technology policy. Based on a preliminary assessment of the 21 recommendations, the department is not taking the lead in any of the recommendations. However, the set of recommendations relating to Industrial Policy (recommendations 12-16) includes elements that talks to the DST's mandate. Existing arrangements are in place where the DST engages with the lead department responsible for Industrial Policy on these elements.
QUESTION NO 1320
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8 AUGUST 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22/2008)
Date reply submitted: 20 August 2008
Ms D Kohler‑Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:
(1) Whether his department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether his department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
NW2087E
REPLY:
(1) (a) Yes.
(b) Not applicable.
(2) The South African Police Service has noted the following in the press statement of National Treasury dated 8 May 2008:
The panel also published a paper on the impact of Crime on Economic Growth. It further noted that the most severe impact of crime on growth was probably through the discouragement of small and emerging businesses in poorer areas. None of the 21 recommendations dealt with the impact of crime on economic growth. However, the SAPS participated in the discussions relating to the impact of crime on small businesses in South Africa, arranged by the South African Presidency. In addition, the SAPS is represented on the Criminal Justice Review Team which, among other things, addresses performance management, including the alignment of inter‑departmental indicators to reach a common goal.
Reply to question 1320 approved by Minister.
Question 1321
1321. Mr S E Opperman (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works
1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
2) whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not: if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
Reply
1) Yes, the Department has received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa that were released in May 2008.
2) The Department has noted all the recommendations mentioned in the document. The Department has already introduced some initiatives that are in line with some of the recommendations that are outlined in the document The Department takes into cognizance that the acceleration of the rate of growth of the economy is already bumping against infrastructure constraints that have been identified by the ASGI-SA program as noted in the document.
The Department has already increased its spending on infrastructure. Strategic thrusts such as the National Infrastructure Maintenance Strategy of government as a part of Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGISA) will stimulate more investment in the sector and thus contribute to growth. The amounts allocated for infrastructure over the MTEF period are R1 billion for 2008/09, R1,2 billion for 2009/10, and R1,3 billion for 2010/11. These allocations are for both the Department of Public Works and the Border Control Operational Co-ordinating Committee (BCOCC)'s infrastructure budget. The BCOCC receives allocations for improving border post facilities, especially for Lebombo, on the border with Mozambique (around R300 million over MTEF period) and Skilpadshek, on the border with Botswana (nearly R500 million) ports of entry, in part, tofacilitate preparations for the 2009 Fifa Confederation Cup and the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
With regard to recommendation 11, the Department has also noted the recommendations of the committee that job opportunities should be given to job seekers with lower skills levels. The committee acknowledges that there is now a very strong demand for blacks for senior management positions and it is likely to increase significantly with the current growth trends. As firms try to comply with this element of the BEE scorecard, they will face increasing skills constraint at the senior management level. By contrast, there is ample room to improve empowerment through job creation, training and supplier development for people currently at the bottom of the income distribution. The committee is proposing the BEE scorecard to be rebalanced to encourage these latter types of activities.
The Department has through its Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) created job opportunities for people with lower skills levels. Halfway through its implementation, the EPWP is surpassing its job creation targets and benefiting more targets groups including women and youth. The five-year EPWP is one of the government's initiatives for creating work opportunities and alleviating poverty and is one of the key drivers for the second economy interventions spelt out in Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa. About 1 million job opportunities have already being created since the start of EPWP.
With regard to recommendation 9, there is also a proposal that young people should be given an opportunity to show their capabilities and there is also a proposal that a wage subsidy allowance should be given to 18 year olds that they can use throughout their life to facilitate the school to work transition and to assure that the educational skills of the new cohorts do not deteriorate through a long period of unemployment
The Department has though its internship and learnership programmes given job opportunities to young people throughout the country. The Department has also through its National Youth Service exposed the youth to gain work experience from various construction companies. The number of youths participating in the national youth service programme was 5000 and the number of learners participating in the Vuk'uphile learnership was 1500 in the 2007/08 financial year.
With regard to recommendation 21, the Committee is proposing that there should be a credible system to collect information on BEE, and put in place a mechanism that uses that information to evaluate progress and signal the future directions of the policy. It is stated that the currently available information on BEE performance is neither credible nor sufficient. Such information has to be collected, and then systematically used to evaluate BEEas a policy. There is clear potential for the current situation of little information, little evaluation, and uncertainty about the future to harm both investment and empowerment
The Department together with sector stakeholders established the Council for both the Construction and Property Charters. One of the functions is to monitor the implementation of the charters. The Council will on regular basis look at the progress with regard to the implementation of the charters. The process of establishing the Construction Charter Council is underway.
With regard to Recommendation 19, the Committee is proposing to add elements to the existing scorecard, giving firms flexibility to decide where to focus their empowerment initiatives. The new elements should focus explicitly on bottom up empowerment interventions and economic growth elements such as employment or firm creation, learnerships, apprenticeships and training and spatial development. Firms should be required to explain in a succinct plan the elements and targets they choose, given the context of their sector.
Recommendation 20 also talks about the elimination of the equity participation requirement for all (truly) new firms so as to facilitate firm creation and to clarify that the implicit tax associated with BEE deals will fall on the capital accumulated in the past and not in the future. Provisions should be made to make sure that "old equity" firms do not use financial engineering to elude the equity requirements.
With regard to both recommendations 19 and 20 in the process of establishing the Construction Charter as well as the Property Charter all the industry stakeholders debated and finally agreed on targets relating to ownership, management, skills development, enterprise development, procurement, and social responsibility, etc.
It is therefore not possible for the Department to make amendments to the charters at the moment wit regard to the contents and the targets as agreed upon with all industry stakeholders. The Construction Charter Transformation Group has recently made an application to DTI for the finalization of Construction Sector Code in terms of section 9 of the BBBEE Act.
At this moment, enterprises in these sectors are in different stages of implementation of the Charters. The Charter Councils will monitor performance of the industries and report to the Minister accordingly.
Question 1322
Mr J J M Stephens (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:
(1) Whether his department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so, (2) whether his department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented? NW2089E
Reply:
(1)(a-b)(2)(a-b)The recommendations do not get referred to individual departments and are dealt with by government; therefore, the Honourable Member is requested to refer the question to the Presidency.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Portia Molefe Alec Erwin, MP
Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
Date: Date:
QUESTION NO. 1323
(Internal Question Paper No 22 – 2008)
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:
(1) Whether his department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether his department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
ANSWER
(1) Yes.
(a) and (b) Fall away.
(2) Yes.
(a) Recommendation 18, relating to the use of central bodies for the provision of services in municipalities with a low capacity.
(b) The timeframe extends over the period 2006 to 2011, in line with the 5 Year Local Government Strategic Agenda.
QUESTION NO.: 1325 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 AUGUST 2008Dr J T Delport (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:
(1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
NW2092E
REPLY
(1) & (2) My Department is studying the report and we will decide on the course of action in due course.
QUESTION NO. 1327
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 AUGUST 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 22)
Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
NW2094EREPLY:
(1) The International Panel on ASGISA, whose 21 Recommendations are reported in the Working Papers: Center for International Development at Harvard University (CID Working Paper No. 161, May 2008), was neither convened nor commissioned by the Department of Health. The Report of the International Panel on ASGISA clearly indicates which Government Department commissioned it, and for which specific purposes.
(a) The distribution of the Report of the International Panel on ASGISA is the prerogative of the Government Department that commissioned it. While the Government of South Africa always works in unison, the Department of Health does not feel naturally entitled to the Report, as it was not commissioned by or for the health sector.
(b) Not Applicable
(2) In the entire 18 pages of the Final Recommendations of the International Panel on ASGISA, there is no single reference to health, health care or health service delivery.
(a) Not Applicable
(b) Not Applicable
QUESTION NO: 1328PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 27 OF 08 AUGUST 2008
Mr. A J Leon (DA) to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
(1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not,
(a) why not and
(b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) Whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so,
(a) which recommendations and
(b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?
REPLY:
Question 1:
(a) The Department of Foreign Affairs did receive the 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economist.
(b) The 21 recommendations were tabled at the Cabinet meeting of 19 September 2007 and after consideration by Cabinet, the President requested that the papers should be made public to encourage a broader debate on shared growth. The report was dealt with by the National Treasury on behalf of government. On 8 May 2008 the National Treasury issued a press statement, releasing the 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists.
Question 2:
(a) The Department of Foreign Affairs is not the mandated department for the implementation of these recommendations. Cabinet decided how the recommendations should be dealt with. The details are with the National Treasury.
(b) The issue of a time-frame for the implementation of the recommendations is not applicable to the DFA.
QUESTION NO: 1331
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 August 2008
QUESTION PAPER NO: 22
DATE OF REPLY:
Adv. PS Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented? NW2098E
REPLY:
(1) Yes, the department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard Panel.
(2) The department has not implemented the recommendations since they are not mandatory.
QUESTION NO 1333
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: WEDNESDAY, 20 AUGUST 2008
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 08 AUGUST 2008 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 – 2008)
Mr S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether his department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,
(2) whether his department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what are the timeframes for each recommendation to be implemented?
NW2101E
REPLY:
1.2
The Minister of Transport:
(1) Yes, the Department of Transport (DoT) was served with the papers of the Harvard Panel of Experts and has familiarized itself with the recommendations thereof.
(a) and (b) Fall away.
(2) Officials from the DoT have attended interdepartmental meetings to discuss documents at a macro-economic level and their applicability to South Africa. No final macro-economic Government position in relation to the recommendations of the Harvard papers has been arrived at and the Department will implement the recommendations (where applicable) after a common macro-economic .Government position has been taken. It is expected, however, that the recommendations will inform broader policy discussion/debate. The process of engaging with the recommendations is ongoing.
(a) and (b) Fall away.
QUESTION NO: 1334
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 August 2008
QUESTION PAPER NO: 22
DATE OF REPLY: 14 October 2008
Mr. LW Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is sending a delegation to the Beijing Olympics comprising staff and board members who are not directly involved in the operational elements of broadcasting the Olympics; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the purpose of such a delegation, (b) what are the names and positions of (i) staff and (ii) board members on the delegation and (c) what is the cost to the SABC of sending the delegation to the Olympics;
(2) whether this expenditure is justified in view of the SABC projecting a substantial loss in the 2008-09 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW2102E
REPLY:
(1) I was informed by the SABC that they did send a delegation to the Beijing Olympics comprising staff and board members who were not directly involved in the operational elements of broadcasting the Olympics.
(a) The purpose of such a delegation was to -
· market and promote the SABC corporate and SABC Sport brands, reputation and image;
· build, promote and develop strong relationships with members of the industry (internal and external stakeholders, as well as members of print media);
· use the event as an opportunity to emphasize the SABC's commitment to providing universal access to programme that informs, educate and entertains;
· use the events as a vehicle for SABC's executive management to foster and influence relationships with key stakeholders;
· create a platform for communication and networking; and
· contribute to audience growth and loyalty (before and during broadcasts)
(b) The names and positions of the -
(i) staff on the delegation are as follows:
Gab Mampone, Acting GCEO
Ntando Simelane, Acting Company Secretary
Lulama Mokhobo, Group Executive
Gwyn Khaas, Sport: Events Manager
Mvuzo Mbebe, Group Executive: Content Enterprises
Strini Naicker, Acting Group Executive: Commercial Enterprises
Bessie Tugwana, General Manager: SABC2
Peter Kwele, Acting General Manager: 2010 Unit
Neo Khumalo, Special Projects & Events Manager: Content Enterprises
(ii) board members on the delegation are as follows:
Ashwin Trikamjee, Non-executive board member
Desmond Golding, Non-executive board member
Nadia Bulbulia, Non-executive board member
(c) The estimated cost to the SABC of sending the delegation to the Olympics was R2 701 217,00.
2. I am advised by SABC that SABC Sport had budgeted for the trip to the Beijing Olympics, and therefore the expenditure was justified in the circumstances.
QUESTION NO 1335
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 AUGUST 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23/2008)
Date reply submitted: 27 October 2008
Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:
(1) Whether any steps were taken against a certain SAPS station commander (name furnished) after he was found guilty of the theft of hubcaps and rubber mats at an accident scene; if not, why not; if so, what steps;
(2) whether this person is still acting as station commander at Caledon; if so, why;
(3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
NW1930E
REPLY:
(1) Yes. A disciplinary investigation was conducted and the disciplinary hearing was concluded on 2 December 2004. The officer was found guilty of two contraventions of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Disciplinary Regulations and sanctioned to a fine of R400,00 and remedial counselling.
The criminal matter was finalised on 30 June 2008. The officer was found guilty of theft and sanctioned to three years' imprisonment suspended for a period of five years on condition that he was not found guilty of theft or attempted theft during the period of suspension.
In view of the criminal conviction, the SAPS immediately convened a Board of Enquiry. The Board has commenced and been postponed until 23 October 2008 to establish whether the officer is still fit to remain in the employ of the SAPS. In the event that he is found to be still fit for employment, the Board must further determine whether he is fit to retain the rank of captain.
(2) No.
(3) No.
Question 1337
Mrs J A Semple (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the SiyaSiza Afrika Foundation in KwaZulu-Natal; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2040E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application from the SiyaSiza Afrika Foundation in 2007.
(2) The NLB rejected the application, as it did not meet the funding criteria.
Question 1338
Mrs J A Semple (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Durbanville Children's Home in the Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2041E
Response:
According to its records, the National Lotteries Board (NLB) did not receive an application from Durbanville Children's Home in the Western Cape.
Question 1339
Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Safecare Community Care Centre in KwaZulu-Natal; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2042E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from Safecare Community Care Centre in KwaZulu-Natal in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
(2) a. The organisation requested an amount of R459 000 in 2005, an amount of R494 000 was requested in 2006 and an amount of R556 000 in 2007.
b. Amounts of R459 000 (2005) and R250 000 (2006) were awarded by the NLB. The application for 2007 did not meet the funding criteria.
c. Payment was made to the organisation in May 2005 and March 2007.
(3) There are no outstanding amounts owed to the organisation.
Question 1340
Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Dance Crew in the Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2043E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB)received an application from Dance Crew in the Western Cape in 2006.
(2)a. The amount requested by the organisation was R 446 000.00
b. No amount was awarded to the organisation as it did not comply with
the funding criteria.
Question 1341
Mrs H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Share Adult Centre in Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so,(a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years,(b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) There are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much? NW2044E
Response:
The National Lotteries Board (NLB)does not have any record reflecting receipt of an application from the Share Adult Education Centre.
Question 1342
Ms S J Loe (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Nceduluntu Sanctuary Trust in the Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2045E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application from Nceduluntu Sanctuary Trust in the Western Cape in 2006.
(2) a. The amount requested by the organisation was R931 000.00.
b. No amount was awarded to the organisation, as it did not comply with the funding criteria.
Question 1343
Ms S J Loe (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Cape Heart Community and Educational Theatre Company in the Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisations in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisations;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisations by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2046E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from Cape Heart Community and Educational Theatre Company in the Western Cape in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
(2) a. The amount requested in 2004 was R370 000, the amount requested in 2005 was R160 000, the amount requested in 2006 was R553 000 and the amount requested in 2007 was R263 000.
b. The amounts awarded to the organisation were R370 000 and R553 000. The request for 2005 did not meet the funding criteria. The application from 2007 is still being adjudicated.
c. Payment was made to the organisation in March and August 2005 and in August 2007.
(3) An amount of R221 000 is owed to the organisation.
Question 1344
Mr R Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Bergzicht Training Centre in the Western Cape; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2047E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from Bergzicht Training Centre in the Western Cape in the Western Cape in 2004 and 2006.
(2) a. An amount of R378 000 was requested by the organisation in 2004 and an amount of R 3 million was requested in 2006.
b. An amount of R88 000 was awarded by the NLB in respect of the 2006 request.
c. The amount was paid to the organization in August 2007.
(3) There is no outstanding amount owed to the organisation by NLB.
Question 1345
Mr R Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Goldfields Hospice Association in the Free State; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2048E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from Goldfields Hospice Association in the Free State in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
(2) a. The organisation requested an amount of R346 000 in 2004, R396 000 in 2005 and R930 000 in 2007.
b. The NLB awarded the organisation R340 000 in 2004, R396 000 in 2005 and R524 000 in 2007.
c. Payment was made to the organisation in August 2004, February 2005 and June 2007.
(3) There is no outstanding amount owed to the organisation.
Question 1346
Mr R Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Dance Forum in Gauteng; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2049E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from the Dance Forum in Gauteng in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
(2) a. The organisation requested R3.3 million, R7.1 million and R11.4 million in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
b. The amounts awarded by the NLB were R912 000 (2005) and R2.9 million (2006). The application for 2007 is still being adjudicated.
c. Payment was made to the organisation in November 2005, August 2006 and March 2007.
(3) There is an outstanding balance of R2.9 million that is owed to the organisation.
Question 1347
Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Sparrow Schools Educational Trust in Gauteng; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2050E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from the Sparrow Schools Educational Trust in Gauteng in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
(2) a. The amounts requested in 2005 were R733 000 and R275 000, the amount requested in 2006 was R896 000 (R485 000 and R410 000), the amount requested in 2007 was R361 000 and the amount requested in 2008 was R673 000.
b. The amount awarded by the NLB was R275 000. The remaining amounts for 2005, 2006 and 2008 were not approved as they did not comply with the funding criteria. The application from 2007 is still being adjudicated.
c. Payment was made to the organisation in December 2005 and October 2006.
(3) There are no outstanding amounts owed to the organisation.
Question 1348
Mr. M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board(NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31July 2008 from the Tsogang Sechaba Centre in Gauteng ; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application, if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case if so(a)how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years (b)what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much? NW2054E
Response:
According to its records, the National Lotteries Board (NLB) did not receive an application from the Tsogang Sechaba Centre in Gauteng.
Question 1349
Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Optimus Foundation in Gauteng; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2052E
Response:
(1) The National Lotteries Board (NLB) received applications from the Optimus Foundation in Gauteng 2005 and 2007.
2.a. In 2005, two amounts of R489, 600 were requested by the organisation. The two amounts were considered to be duplicated and therefore one was declined. An amount of R980, 000 was requested in 2007.
b. An amount of R300, 000 was approved for the 2005 application and R880, 000 for the 2007 application.
c. Payment of R300 000 in respect of the 2005 application was made to the organisation in November 2006.
(3) The organisation is owed R880 000.
Question 1350
Mr R J King (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether the National Lotteries Board (NLB) received an application in any of the past five financial years up to 31 July 2008 from the Centre for Minerals Research in Gauteng; if so, in which financial years did they apply for funding;
(2) Whether the NLB accepted each application; if not, what were the reasons for rejecting the application in each case; if so, (a) how much was requested by the organisation in these financial years, (b) what amount was awarded by the NLB and (c) when was each amount paid by the NLB to the organisation;
(3) Whether there are any outstanding amounts owed to the organisation by the NLB; if so, how much?NW2054E
Response:
According to its records, the National Lotteries Board (NLB) did not receive an application from the Centre for Minerals Research in Gauteng.