Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries

2011-03-07

THIS FILE CAN CONTAIN UP TO 25 REPLIES.

SEARCH ON THE TOPIC/KEYWORD YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BY SELECTING CTRL + F ON YOUR KEYBOARD

Question 3821
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2011 [IQP No 41 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3821 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether any other persons have driven (a) her and (b) her Deputy Minister's official blue light fitted vehicles; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, in respect of the (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11 financial years, (aa) what is each specified person's (aaa) name and (bbb) designation, (bb) which vehicle and (cc) why? NW4612E

REPLY

These vehicles are driven by members of the VIP Protection Unit.

Not applicable. The Deputy Minister's vehicles have no official blue lights or otherwise fitted.

QUESTION 3664
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2011 [IQP No 40 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3664 for written reply: National Assembly, Dr L L Bosman (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

1. Whether the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has issued an invitation for public tender for the R420 million contract to supply tractors to emerging farmers; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) where was this invitation published;

2. How many (a) companies and (b) persons have submitted proposals for this tender;

3. Whether the contract has been awarded; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the name of the company and (b) who are the members of the board of directors;

4. Whether a certain person (name furnished) or any company affiliated with him was involved with the tender process in any way; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4445E

REPLY:

1. The Agricultural Research Council advertised in the Government Tender Bulletin of 15 July 2011. The tender was for the supply of 72(seventy two) packages of tractors, to the seven provinces (excluding Mpumalanga and KZN). The tender was advertised in the Sunday Times on 10 July 2011 and in the Beeld 12 July 2011.

2. The tender closed on the 11th August 2011 and 47 (forty seven) tenders were received.

3. The tender has not yet been awarded, but as soon as it is awarded the results will be advertised in the Government Tender Bulletin and the Agricultural Research Council Website.

4. Mr. George Mtshiza was not involved in the tender process.

QUESTION 3587

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2011 [IQP No 40 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3587 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr R N Cebekhulu (IFP) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether any officials in her department (a) have been investigated, (b) are currently under investigation and (c) have been charged for alleged (i) corrupt or (ii) fraudulent activity; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any disciplinary action has been taken against employees of her department for (a) fraud and/or (b) corruption; if so, (i) how many instances of disciplinary actions have (aa) been finalised and (bb) not been finalised and (ii) in each case, (aa) what sanctions have been meted out and (bb) how long has it taken to finalise such disciplinary actions;

(3) whether she has found that her department has adequate investigative capacity inclusive of manpower and infrastructure in respect of disciplinary proceedings; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4364E

REPLY:

1(a) - 3

1(b) - 1

1(c)(i) - 2

Details

In respect of the first case, the employee solicited a bribe in the amount of R14 000.00 from the owner of a company which was contracted to the department.

In respect of the second case, the employee falsified invoices by lowering the amount on the copy of the invoice after the original had been issued to the client.

1(c)(ii) - 0

2(a) - 0

2(b) - Yes – 2 cases

2(b)(i)(aa) - 1

2(b)(i)(bb) - 1

2(b)(ii)(aa) - Dismissal in respect of a finalised case.

The sanction has not yet been pronounced by the chairperson in respect of the second case.

2(b)(ii)(bb) - One month in respect of a finalised case.

3 The department has adequate investigative capacity as managers and supervisors are trained on an annual basis on misconduct investigation and labour relations procedures.

QUESTION 3548

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2011 [IQP No 38 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3548 for oral reply: National Assembly, Mr G G Hill-Lewis (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether, with reference to her public comments (details furnished) that incorrect information had been furnished in the reply to question 2005 on 13 October 2011, any action has been taken against the official responsible for submitting the reply; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4253E

Reply:

The matter is still under investigation and any steps will be taken in accordance with the proper procedures.

QUESTION 3542

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2011 [IQP No 38 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3542 for oral reply: National Assembly, Dr L L Bosman (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) With reference to the reply to question 2005 on 13 October 2011, which travel agent was used to make the hotel booking in Johannesburg for the period 13 June 2010 to 11 July 2010;

(2) whether the hotel booking was for accommodation only; if not, what other specified services were included;

(3) whether she attended any matches of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament in this period; if not, why not; if so, (a) which matches and (b) on which dates;

(4) whether any of members of her family accompanied her during her stay; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether she undertook any official activities during this period; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4247E

Reply:

1. This information is being provided to the Public Protector as part of the comprehensive investigation in to the matter. The report will be provided to Members of Parliament once completed, and it would be inappropriate to respond at this stage.

2. As for part 1.

3. Yes. By invitation, I attended the Opening Ceremony and first match on 11^th June, in my official capacity.

4. As for part 1.

5. As for part 1.

QUESTION 3525

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2011 [IQP No 38 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3525 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3120 on 26 October 2011, there is a forensic audit team that oversees the processing of confiscated abalone, including determining the quantity and grading of abalone; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) (a) in respect of the 2010-11 financial year and (b) during the period 1 April 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, what was the (i) date of each of the auctions of confiscated abalone, (ii) income generated from the sale of (aa) confiscated abalone and (bb) tonnage of abalone sold at each of the auctions, (iii) percentage of confiscated abalone that was destroyed and (iv) manner of destruction;

(3) (a) what was the quantity of abalone that have been handed over to the SA Police Service or the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for purposes of investigation or enforcement in respect of the 2010-11 financial year, (b) in what form was these abalone handed over and (c) what was the combined total tonnage of abalone handed over? NW4228E

REPLY:

(1) During the period of 2010/2011 a law firm called ENS was responsible for the monitoring and overseeing of the process until December 2010. Currently, the monitoring of abalone processing is performed by a company called Manuel Security. The grading is being done by an independent grader that is not employed by the company responsible for the monitoring.

(2) (a) During the period in question, the Department has had the following auction dates: 22 April 2010, 7 June 2010, 18 August 2010, 1 September 2010, 27 September 2010, 6 October 2010, 25 November 2010 and 19 January 2011.

(a)(ii) (aa) Income from confiscated abalone for the 2010/11 financial year was R11,262,189.

(a)(ii)(bb) 22 April 2010: 1559.34 kg; 07 June 2010: 600.25 kg; 18 August 2010: 2860.37 kg; 01 September 2010: 2855.48 kg; 27 September 2010: 1930.07 kg; 06 October 2010: 3356.94 kg; 25 November 2010: 1483.98 kg; 19 January 2011: 2605.45 kg.

(a)(iii) No confiscated abalone was destroyed for this period.

(a)(iv) Not applicable because no confiscated abalone was destroyed.

(b)(i) During the period in question, the Department has had four auction dates as follows: 7 April 2011, 13 June 2011, 28 July 2011 and 15 September 2011.

(b)(ii)(aa) The Department has generated the sum of R30 011 402 for this period.

(b)(ii)(bb) 7 April 2011: 3 894,62kg; 13 June 2011: 2 120,36kg; 28 July 2011: 6 260,59kg; and 15 September 2011: 5 422.42kg.

(b)(iii) No confiscated abalone was destroyed for this period.

(b)(iv) Not applicable because no confiscated abalone was destroyed.

(3) (a) The total quantity of abalone handed over to South African Police Services/Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation for the 2010-11 financial year was 765.20 kilograms of wet shucked abalone.

(b) The abalone was handed over in wet, frozen, and shucked form.

QUESTION 3424

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 04 NOVEMBER 2011 [IQP No 36 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3424 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1)(a) How many copies of each annual report that was produced by (i) her department and (ii) the entities reporting to her were commissioned for print in the 2010-11 financial year, (b) how many copies were actually printed and (c) what were the (i) total and (ii) individual costs of printing these reports;

(2)(a) who printed each specified report, (b) how was the specified printer decided upon and (c) on what date did the specified printer deliver the report to the specified entity;

(3) whether any of the specified reports that had been printed were found to be unsatisfactory; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (a) which reports, (b) for which entity, (c) by which printer, (d) what action was taken and (e) what were the costs? NW4110E

Reply:

Annual report of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

(1) (a) (i) One annual report was produced for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for the 2010-11 financial year

(b) Copies printed: 1 500

(2) (a) Printer: Dala-Indyebo Projects

(b) Supply Chain Management procedures were followed and an order was issued

(3) All copies were satisfactorily printed.

Entities reporting to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

1. Agricultural Research Council

(1) (a) (ii) One annual report was produced for the Agricultural Research Council for the 2010-11 financial year

(b) Copies printed: 1 000

(2) (a) Printer: Blackmoon Design and Advertising

(b) Tender process was followed in 2009 and awarded a two-year contract

(3) (a) No, annual report was printed and submitted accordingly

(b) Agricultural Research Council

(d) An erratum page was printed

(e) R14 801,42.

2. Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF)

(1) (a) (ii) One annual report was produced for the MLRF for the 2010-11 financial year

(b) Copies printed: 400

(2) (a) Printer: Creda Communications

(b) Supply Chain Management principles and procedures were used. Three quotations were invited and an official purchase order was raised on the MLRF's financial system, ORACLE

(3) (a) The annual report for the MLRF had three pages that had to be corrected

(b) Marine Living Resources Fund

(d) The three pages were corrected and replaced

(e) The replacement pages amounted to R258,00 in total.

3. National Agricultural Marketing Council

(1) (a) (ii) One annual report was produced for the National Agricultural Marketing Council for the 2010-11 financial year

(b) Copies printed and CDs: 200

(c) (i) Printing costs amounted to R93 508,58; editing R1 301,46; courier R2 458,09; with the overall total amount at R97 268,13

(2) (a) Printer: CPD Communications

(b) Supply Chain Management principles and procedures were followed. The finance division invited three quotations from service providers and an official purchase order was raised on the system

(3) All the printed annual reports and CDs were found to be satisfactory and no amendments or changes were made to the reports.

4. Ncera Farms (Pty) Ltd

(1) (a) (ii) One annual report was produced for Ncera Farms (Pty) Ltd for the 2010-11 financial year

(b) Copies printed: 100

(2) (a) Printer: Bhubezi Printers

(b) The service provider was decided on through the pro-quote system

(3) All reports were in a satisfactory state.

5. Onderstepoort Biological Products Ltd

(1) (a) (ii) One annual report was produced for Onderstepoort Biological Products Ltd for the 2010-11 financial year

(b) Copies printed: 310

(c) (i) Total printing costs: R56 146,93 (+VAT); (additional costs for design: R24 436,95 and editing: R2 412,28); Total production costs: R82 996,16 (+VAT)

(2) (a) Printers: Harry's Printers; Lara was appointed for the designing; and Amanda Matthee was appointed for the editing

(b) The printers were appointed in terms of BEE, price and quality of design

(3) All copies were satisfactorily printed.

6. Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB)

(1) (a) (ii) One annual report was produced for Perishable Products Export Control Board for the 2010-11 financial year

(b) Copies printed: 500

(c) Printing costs: R50 707,00; Total production costs: R82 969 (include printing, design and photographs) (ii) Individual printing costs: R101,41

(2) (a) Printers: Fairstep

(b) Selected by design company Malossol (who subcontracted the printing). Three quotations were obtained and Fairstep was the preferred supplier taking cost into consideration. Malossol was selected by PPECB after interviews and three quotations were received. Malossol was the preferred supplier taking into account best understanding of the brief, design, delivery time and price.

(3) All copies were satisfactorily printed.

QUESTION 3326

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 35 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3326 for written reply: National Assembly, Dr L L Bosman (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2005 on 13 October 2011, she has an official residence in (a) Pretoria and (b) Cape Town; if so, in each case, (i) when (aa) was it allocated and (bb) did she start using the residence and (ii) what number of days has she stayed in the residence;

(2) whether she has had the option of staying in her official residence in (a) Pretoria and (b) Cape Town; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, why did she stay in hotels on so many occasions? NW3984E

REPLY:

Following a complaint to the Public Protector by the honourable member, the matter is being investigated. The comprehensive response will include the matter of rented accommodation, and it would therefore not be appropriate to provide further information at this stage.

QUESTION 3318

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 33 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3318 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr N D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2762 on 29 September 2011, she intends placing any further moratoriums and prohibitions on the catching of fish species other than Red Steenbras in the next 12 months; if not, why not; if so, (a) which species and (b) when are the moratoriums/prohibitions expected to be implemented;

(2) whether her department consulted any interested and affected parties in this regard before any decision was made; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3976E

REPLY:

(1) Yes.

(a) The department is considering a ban on night fishing in the Breede River Estuary to protect juveniles and breeding stocks of dusky kob as per Government Gazette Notices 34596 dated 16 September and 34652 dated 7 October 2011.

(b) The moratorium will only be implemented after public comments have been considered. The closing date for public comments was set for 28 October 2011.

(2) Yes.

Consultation was done through the publication of the draft regulations in the above-mentioned Government Gazettes. The Minister will make a decision after public comments have been considered.

QUESTION 3317

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 35 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3317 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr N D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether her department is catering for the economic importance of sport and recreational fishing; if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusion reached;

(2) whether her department have assessed the (a) black broad-based economic empowerment potential of sport and recreational fishing, (b) identified a plan to make gains in this sector; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has received and read the report entitled, "The economic impact of sport and recreational angling in the Republic of South Africa, 2007" (written by Professor Marius Leibold PhD and Dr Colin van Zyl); if not,

(4) whether she will study the contents of the report; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(5) whether her department will take the findings of the report into account in the management of fish stocks under the Marine Living Resources Act, Act 18 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3975E

REPLY:

(1) Yes. The department is aware of the economic importance of sport and recreational fishing and is taking it into consideration when policy and other decisions are made. In this regard, and in order to improve the process of consultation with the recreational sector, the department established a recreational fishing forum where representatives of the recreational sector and departmental officials meet on a quarterly basis. One of the main objectives of the forum is to improve the recreational fishing sector's participation in fisheries management processes and decisions through meaningful dialogue.

(2) No. The department has not yet assessed the black broad-based economic empowerment potential of sport and recreational fishing but is aware of its importance. The matter will be discussed within the recreational fishing forum and consideration of black economic empowerment within recreational fishing will be given during the policy reviews the department intends conducting in nine fishing sectors in next year.

(3) Yes.

(4) The Department is familiar with the contents of the report.

(5) The report highlights the importance of the economic impact of recreational fishing which the department is taking into consideration when decisions that will have an impact on the activities of recreational fishing is concerned, are made. It should be noted that the resources of the ocean are limited and that the demands of commercial and subsistence fishers who directly depend on the sea for a living and who also provide jobs and food security must be taken into consideration and balanced against the demands of the recreational fishers.

QUESTION 3296

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 35 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

QUESTION 3296 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, DR C P MULDER (FF PLUS) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Whether her departement has (a) entered into any agreements or contracts with a certain company (Fever Tree Consulting) or (b) received services from this company since the 2006-07 financial year; if so, (i) what was the (aa) nature and (bb) cost of the (aaa) agreement or contract and (bbb) services in each case? NW3948E

REPLY:

(a) No

(b) No

QUESTION 3234

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 33 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3234 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr N D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1410 on 7 June 2011, rights holders in zones C and D did not have 10 tonnes of total allowable catch allocation in the 2003-04 season; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any sea diving research has been conducted in zones C and D to assess the state of the abalone resource in those zones; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3847E

REPLY:

(1) The allocation for each of the zones C and D for the 2003/2004 Abalone season was 10 tonnes. This information is from the approved Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the 2003/2004 Abalone season, which was approved on the 10^th of December 2003.

(2) Yes, abalone dive surveys have been undertaken in Zones C and D since 1995. During these surveys, density and size composition of adult abalone (above 100mm shell length) are recorded at specified stations, and provide an index of relative abundance. These data, together with other biological and fishery data are used in the assessment model to assess the status of the abalone resource. Average densities of 0.01 and 0.04 abalone per square metre were recorded in the most recent surveys undertaken in Zones C and D respectively in 2009 and 2010. Compared to earlier densities recorded in 1995-1996, these indicate declines in density of 97% and 89% in Zones C and D, respectively. These declines are attributed to two main factors, namely illegal fishing and reduced levels of juvenile recruitment due to the encroachment of west coast rock lobsters into this area. The increase in the lobsters has resulted in a change in the ecosystem that has had a severe negative impact on the abalone reproductive capacity in Zones C and D. In 2002 a special, collaborative survey involving Departmental scientists and Industry divers was undertaken in Zone C to quantify this impact.

QUESTION 3226

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 33 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3226 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr N D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) What is the current status of her department's small-scale fishing policy;

(2) Whether there are any further planned consultations with (a) interested and (b) affected parties on this policy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether there is currently any litigation against the implementation of this policy; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what (a) has been the response of her department to the litigation and (b) are the further relevant details? NW3838E

REPLY:

(1) The draft small-scale fisheries policy is at NEDLAC for discussion and consideration. The NEDLAC process should be completed in November 2011 and thereafter the draft policy will be tabled to the Minister together with a NEDLAC report for approval.

(2) There is going to be a consultation with various National Departments including Provincial and Local Government /Municipalities.

(3) There is no litigation against the implementation of the policy.

QUESTION 3225

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 33 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3225 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether there is any (a) legislation or (b) regulations that prohibit shark finning; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether she intends to ban the (a) sale, (b) export, (c) import of shark fins and (d) any other products derived from shark fins; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether her department intends placing Broadnose Sevengill Cow sharks under a similar protection afforded to white sharks; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3837E

REPLY:

(1) Yes. Shark finning, in other words the removal of fins and discarding of the shark trunks at sea is currently prohibited in fisheries where such practices have occurred or are likely to occur. Due to the high value of pelagic sharks caught by the Large Pelagic Longline Fishery, fishers are encouraged to land sharks with fins attached. If fins are not attached to the trunks then the dressed-weight ration shall not exceed 8% of trunk weight. Conditions attached to the issuing of permits regulate the afore-mentioned.

(2) Currently there is no intention by the Department to ban the sale, export, or import of shark fins and other products derived from shark fins. The FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) developed in 1998 an International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (IPOA-Sharks) within the framework of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries to which South Africa is a signatory. The objective of the IPOA-Sharks is to ensure the conservation and management of sharks and their long-term sustainable use, with the following specific aims: The IPOA-Sharks calls for maximum use of dead sharks, therefore whilst sharks are being targeted or caught as by-catch, all products including fillets, cartilage and fins will be utilized.

If research indicates that the finning of sharks is a common occurrence then the legislation regarding finning will be re-examined.

(3) The department is looking into the feasibility and consequences of placing the Broadnose Sevengill Cow Sharks under similar protection afforded to White Sharks. Currently there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Broadnose SevengillCow Sharks are overexploited. However, as the value of the fillets is low it might be argued that a greater usage of Broadnose Sevengill Cow Sharks would be for the eco-tourism market where animals may bring in considerable income if responsibly and safely managed.

Other concerns include the accumulation of mercury and other metals. Mercury is bio-accumulated and concentrated through the aquatic food chain especially in large predatory fish such as Broadnose Sevengill Cow Sharks. Mercury exposure has been linked to neurological diseases and cardiovascular effects in adults, and mental retardation and cerebral palsy-like symptoms in newborn infants exposed to MeHg through the placenta. On the other hand, reported catches of Broadnose Sevengill Cow Sharks are currently low (< 5 t per year) and do notappear to be unsustainable. These catches provide consistent data for long-term analysis. If catches of Broadnose Sevengill Cow Sharks are stopped, the ability to monitor the long-term abundance of cow sharks are decreased. All these factors need to be included in such a decision.

QUESTION 3185

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 33 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3185 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr J J MC Gluwa (ID) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

What amount in orders has been placed, with each specified travel agency that has been contracted by her office, (a) in the 2010-11 financial year and (b) during the period 1 April 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW3747E

REPLY:

(a) The Office of the Minister has not contracted any travel agency during this period.

(b) The Office of the Minister has not contracted any travel agency during this period.

QUESTION3120

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 31 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3120 for written reply: National Assembly, Ms L DMazibuko(DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether there has been an increase in abalone poaching recently; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what is her department's estimated figure for the amount of abalone poached in the 2010-11 financial year; (3)(a) what is the current state of health of the abalone fishery in each of the zones along the coast and (b) which zones, if any, are closed to legal abalone harvesting;(4) whether she intends to close any further zones to legal abalone harvesting; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;(5) what total amount of money was raised for the Marine Living Resources Fund from the sale of confiscated abalone in the (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010 - 11 financial years? NW3644E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, the results from the data on confiscations that was collected and analysed show increased trends in poaching. However, it is very difficult to obtain precise data on the quantity of abalone poached because illegal catches are, by their very nature, unregulated and unreported.

(2) The estimated amount of confiscated abalone for the 2010 – 11 financial year stands on 591 011 kg.

(3) (a) Depletion of the abalone resource (i.e. the percentage of the estimated pre-exploitation level that remains) per zone is estimated as follows: Zone A: 37% Zone B: 29%Zone C: 11%Zone D: 28%. These estimates are all higher than they were in 2009 not because the stocks have improved, but because the new information available (including the improved estimates of poaching) causes the model to back-calculate the pre-exploitation level. Given the legal harvest and the large amount of abalone poached recently, the model then back-calculates that there must have been more abalone at the pre-exploitation level than was previously estimated, and hence the current status (depletion) is higher than that was estimated in 2009. However, when the values re-calculated in 2011 (for 2009 and 2011), all four zones show a decline between 2009 and 2011, as follows: Zone A: 42% in 2009; 37% in 2011Zone B: 32% in 2009; 29% in 2011Zone C: 14% in 2009; 11% in 2011 Zone D: 32% in 2009; 28% in 2011 Zones E, F and G are not assessed in the same way. However, stock status indicators (such as Catch Per Unit Effort) indicate that the stocks remain capable of sustaining fishing.

(b) Zones C and D are currently closed to legal fishing. In particular, resource recovery is not expected in Zone D because of an incursion of West Coast rock lobster which prey heavily on the sea urchins which juvenile abalone use to shelter under. Without this urchin cover juvenile abalone are unable to survive and replenish the population.

(4) No, the Department recommends that the status quo remains and that no further areas are closed to fishing. There is not enough data to warrant such a decision. Furthermore, the Department is proceeding with implementing the experimental fisheries on the Eastern side of False Bay and in the Eastern Cape.

(5) As per the Department's Annual Reports, net amounts of (a) R19, 9 m for 2009/10 and (b) R11.3 m for 2010/11 were raised from the sale of confiscated Abalone.

QUESTION 3114

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 31 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3114 for written reply, National Assembly: Mrs JF Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether she is investigating the alleged use of veterinary tranquillisers by rhino poachers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether she has found that there are adequate controls in respect of veterinary tranquillisers in terms of (a) who may administer them, (b) safe and secure storage and (c) reporting use to a monitoring authority; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether her department is looking at identifying any new interventions in the control of veterinary tranquillisers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) Whether her department has conducted any investigations since 1 January 2009 into the illegal use of veterinary tranquillisers for the purpose of harvesting rhino horn; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3638E

REPLY:

The tranquilizers are not regulated in terms of Act 36 of 1947, i.e. the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

All the tranquilizers, sedatives and anesthetics are registered and regulated by Department of Health in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965).

All the tranquilizers, sedatives and anesthetics are high schedule drugs in terms of Act 101 of 1965. Only veterinarians registered with the South African Veterinary Council are allowed to access and use these groups of drugs. The South African Veterinary Council may also permit certain individuals who are non veterinarians to access and use some of these drugs.

Therefore, it is the Department of Health and the South African Veterinary Council who can assist with answers to these questions.

QUESTION NO. 3111

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 OCTOBER 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31)

3111. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) What is the expected date of completion of phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), (b) why is there a need for phase 2 of the LHWP and (c) what is the (i) expected number of Basothos that will need to be relocated and (ii) the extent of the landmass that will be covered by phase 2 of the LHWP;

(2) whether there are measures in place to ensure good governance in (a) the awarding of tenders and (b) project management; if not, what steps will be taken to rectify the situation in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(3) whether she has been informed that a certain person (name furnished), who has been convicted by a Lesotho court for accepting bribes during phase 1 of the LHWP, has recently been appointed by the Lesotho Highlands Commission and will be involved in phase 2 of the LHWP; if so, what is the position in this regard; if not,

(4) whether she will investigate the matter? NW3635E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1)(a) The expected date of completion of Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is July 2020.

(1)(b) Phase 2 of the LHWP is required to provide sufficient water resources to augment the Vaal River system which supplies Gauteng and the surrounding areas. The implementation of Phase 2 will therefore ensure continued water availability for these socio-economically growing areas from the Vaal System to meet current and projected demands at adequate assurance of supply until about 2045.

(1)(c)(i) The feasibility study identified about 2 550 people from 17 villages that may need to be relocated. The Lesotho government has handled this kind of a project before when Katse Dam was constructed and we are confident that even in this instance they will handle it with the necessary duty and care.

(1)(c)(ii) The extent of the landmass that will be covered by Phase 2 of the LHWP is 5 040 hectares.

(2)(a) There are existing measures in place to ensure good governance such as the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority's Procurement Policy and the Anti-Corruption Policy that is currently being considered by stakeholders such as the World Bank, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), the Lesotho Attorney General's office, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) and the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC).

Both Cabinets of South Africa and Lesotho have ensured that there is an inclusion of a clause that ensures anti-corruption and good governance, in the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding for this development.

In addition, the LHWC will establish an independent oversight body that will be responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of all the procurement processes regarding the project.

(2)(b) The LHDA is in the process of appointing a Project Management Unit (PMU) that will be responsible for the implementation of Phase 2. The PMU is expected to be in place by January 2012.

(3) Yes, I was informed of such an appointment. I have raised objection on the matter with the Minister responsible for water affairs in Lesotho, who acts on behalf of the Lesotho government. We have also sought a comprehensive legal opinion that also backs our objection. The Lesotho government has later reconsidered this appointment which they had made. The latest information I have received is that the Lesotho Cabinet has since decided to remove the said incumbent from any involvement with LHDA and LHWC. They have however, also been given a copy of our legal opinion which they will study for purposes of informing their State Law office in Lesotho.

(4) There is no need to investigate the matter as it has already been processed.

QUESTION 3108

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 31 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3108 for written reply, National Assembly, Mr N D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether she has been held to be in contempt of court by the Western Cape High Court in any matter in which she was a respondent since 1 September 2011; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the relevant details of the court order, (b) why was she held to be in contempt of court and (c) how did she or her department respond to this order of court? NW3632E

Reply:

According to our knowledge and records, no order of contempt has been made against the Minister.

QUESTION 3093

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 31-2011] THIRDSESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3093 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr N D duToit(DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) With reference to the notice published in the Government Gazette of 16 September 2011, indicating an indefinite ban on the catch of Red Streenbras, why does this also include the ban of recreational catches on this species;

(2) Whether her department has considered recreational catch statistics on Petrus rupestris before prohibiting recreational catches of this species; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) What is the correlation between declining Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) statistics, which is based on commercial catches and actual fish stock, considering (a) reduced commercial catch limits, (b) the decline in the number of commercial licences being granted for catching Red Streenbras and (c) the decreasing legal commercial significance of Petrus rupestris, prior to the moratorium;

(4) What is the extent of public participation and comment considered before placing a total moratorium on the catch of Petrus rupestris;

(5) How does her department intend to deal with illegal (a) catchment and (b) poaching of this species? NW3617E

REPLY:

(1) Red steenbras comprise one stock subject to both commercial and recreational fishing effort. The recreational fishery currently catches and lands more red steenbras than the commercial fishery. Therefore, the two sectors cannot be considered in isolation and the moratorium on red steenbras must apply to both for stock recovery to occur. The current status of red steenbras is reiterated below.

The red steenbras population is regarded as in "extreme conservation danger", as defined by the Linefish Management Protocol. This Protocol assesses a stock as "collapsed" if Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE, an indicator of fish stock abundance) drops below 75% of estimated pre-fished levels or of known reference levels in Marine Protected Areas, and as in "extreme conservation danger" if it drops even further to below 99%. The CPUE for red steenbras indicates a 99.8% decrease, placing it in the "extreme conservation danger" category.

(2) Recreational and commercial catch statistics were considered. Changes in the status of this and other important linefish species are continuously monitored by the Department and data are scrutinized by the Linefish Scientific Working Group, a group consisting of eight scientists from both Government and other independent institutes. CPUE of red steenbras by both recreational and commercial fishers is less than 1% of what it was under pre-fished levels.

(3) Catch and effort data are standardized using statistical models that adjust for changes in amongst other, (a) catch limits, (b) the reduction in commercial effort (number of fishing rights and permits), and (c) changes in fleet behavior due to catch restrictions and/or declining catches.

(4) A moratorium on the catching and landing of red steenbras was first proposed more than five years ago and has since been debated amongst the South African Marine Linefish Management Association (SAMLMA), Linefish Scientific Working Group (LSWG) and Linefish Management Working Group (LMWG). The Government Gazette of 16 September 2011 allows 30 days for public comment on the proposal. Relevant stake holders had been consulted (commercial right holders as well as organised recreational fishers) and only after comments have been received and considered will the Minister make a decision.

(5) (a) Regular sea and land based patrols and (b) inspections at landing sites, fish processing establishments, restaurants and fish shops are being conducted by Fisheries Control Officers to monitor compliance with the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act 18 of 1998).

QUESTION 3054

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 31 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3054 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs D Robinson (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether (a) she, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any senior officials of her department intend to visit or have visited New Zealand during the 2011 Rugby World Cup Tournament; if so, what is the (i)(aa) name, (bb) rank and (cc) position or designation of each specified person accompanying (aaa) her, (bbb) the Deputy Minister and (ccc) each specified senior official and (ii)(aa) nature and (bb) official reason for the visit;

(2) what (a) total amount will be spent or has been spent on the trip and (b) is the (i) description and (ii) detailed breakdown of the amounts that will be spent or have been spent on (aa) accommodation, (bb) travel and (cc) subsistence costs? NW3576E

REPLY:

(1) (a) No

(b) No

QUESTION 3011

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER 2011 [IQP No 31 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 3011 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether (a) her department and (b) any entity reporting to her was approached by a certain political organisation (African National Congress Youth League) to contribute to its 66^th birthday celebrations; if so, in each case, (i) which entities and (ii) what was the (aa) nature and (bb) value of the contribution that was requested;

(2) Whether (a) her department and (b) any of the specified entities reporting to her agreed to the request; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) who approved the request, (ii) what was the justification for the agreement to the request and (iii) from which budget will the contribution be paid;

(3) Whether (a) her department and (b) any of the specified entities reporting to her made financial contributions to the said political organisation without being approached for such financial contributions; if so, in each case, (i) what amount will be contributed, (ii) from which budget, (iii) who made the decision to provide the specified funds to the said political organisation and (iv) how is this (aa) decision and (bb) amount justified;

(4) Whether (a) her department and (b) any of the entities reporting to her rely on any (i) statutory and (ii) policy provisions in (aa) agreeing and (bb) making such contribution; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details? NW3495E

REPLY:

Daff has not been approached

ARC

(1) ARC has not been approached

(2) Null and void by 1 above

(3) ARC has not made any financial contributions to any political party

(4) ARC does not have such policy, but is guided by PFMA and Treasury Regulations

PPECB

(1) PPECB has not been approached

(2) Null and void by 1 above

(3) PPECB has not made any financial contributions to any political party

(4) PPECB's decisions are guided by PFMA and Treasury Regulations

OBP

(1) OBP has not been approached

(2) N/A

(3) OBP has not made any financial contributions to any political party

(4) OBP does not contribute financially to any political party and the company does not have a policy to that effect

NCERA FARMS (PTY) LTD

(1) Ncera Farms (Pty) Ltd has not been approached

(2) N/A

(3) Ncera Farms (Pty) Ltd has not made any financial contributions to any political party

(4) Ncera Farms (Pty) Ltd does not contribute financially to any political party and the company does not have a policy to that effect

NAMC

(1) NAMC has not been approached

(2) N/A

(3) NAMC not made any financial contributions to any political party

(4) NAMC does not contribute financially to any political party and the company does not have a policy to that effect

MARINE LIVING RESOURCES FUND (MLRF)

(1) MLRF has not been approached

(2) N/A

(3) MLRF has not made any financial contributions to any political party

(4) MLRF does not contribute financially to any political party and the company does not have a policy to that effect

QUESTION 2895

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 30 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2895 for written reply: National Assembly, Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether her department has placed any (a) companies or (b) persons on the List of Restricted Suppliers, thereby prohibiting the public sector to do business with them; if so, in each case, what is the (i) name of said entity or person, (ii) nature of their business, (iii) reason for restricting this service and (iv) date on which they were restricted;

(2) Whether any of the implicated (a) companies or (b) persons have since been removed from the list; if so, in each case, (i) which entity or person, (ii) when and (iii) what is the reason for removing the specified company or person from the list;

(3) Whether her department has conducted any business with any of the (a) companies that or (b) person who have been removed from the list; if so, in each case (i) with which companies or persons, (ii) with regard to which services, (iii) for which time period and (iv) why did her department engage the specified company or person despite previous conduct? NW3366E

REPLY

(1) (a) (b) (I ) (ii) (iii) (iv) : No

(2) (a) (b) (I ) (ii) (iii)` : No

(3) (a) (b) (I ) (ii) (iii) (iv) : No

QUESTION 2812

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 29 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2812 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr L B Gaeler (UDM) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) (a) With reference to her reply to question 1583 on 16 August 2011, which other provinces have been supplied with tractors by her department, (b) what (i) policy and (ii) criteria did her department follow in handing out these tractors and (c) how many (i) rural and (ii) emerging farmers have benefitted from this programme.

(2) whether there are any irrigation schemes from the old Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei states which were renewed; if not, why not; if so, (a) in which areas, (b) which farmers benefitted from this and (c) how many of these schemes were renewed? NW1785E

REPLY:

1. (a) No other provinces have yet been supplied with tractors, but tenders for these have been advertised.

2. The following irrigation schemes in the former homelands have been renewed or maintained over the past four years:

QUESTION 2800

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 29 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2800 for written reply: National Assembly, Ms. D Carter (Cope) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether her department will (a) table the strategic plan on the Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF) in Parliament and (b) report on its quarterly performance; if not, why not, in each case; if so, when, in each case NW3264E

Reply

(a) Yes the Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF) is a Public Entity managed by the Branch: Fisheries Management of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). A Strategic Plan for DAFF, which includes the Branch: Fisheries Management (MLRF) has already been tabled in Parliament and a separate one for the MLRF will be presented on a date to be given by Parliament.

(b) Reporting on the MLRF's performance has been ongoing as part of the quarterly reporting of the DAFF. The first quarter report is available and second quarter performance report will be presented on a date that will be given by Parliament.

QUESTION 2799

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 29 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

RE: QUESTION 2799 FOR WRITTEN REPLY, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: MS D CARTER

(Cope) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

Whether her department will provide detailed reports on all smallholder subsistence farmers who received development financial services through the;

(a) Micro-agricultural financial Institutions of SA (Mafisa),

(b) Comprehensive Agricultural Support (CASP)

REPLY:

(a) 1 Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide information on the activities of MAFISA funded projects.

MAFISA through the 9 institutions is providing loans to farmers across all provinces in the country. Funded farmers are involved in a diversity of agricultural enterprises which are primarily primary production activities. Major enterprises funded include livestock, grain crop production, Ostrich, sugar cane, poultry and vegetables.

2 Diversity of enterprises

MAFISA is available to finance any level of the entire agricultural value chain. The Forestry and Fisheries now forming part of the department are also included. It is however important to note that to date only agricultural related enterprises have been financed from MAFISA. It is notable that funded enterprises are almost all on primary production and this call for an aggressive awareness creation amongst value adding enterprises which meet the set criteria to make use of the opportunity. The types of funded operations include livestock, vegetables, grain crops, sugar cane. The highest proportions of loans are for livestock and grain farming with sugar cane also claiming significant amounts.

Sugar cane growers are exclusively in KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga and are funded through the South African Sugar Association (including Akwanze) and Peulwana Financial Services. Grain farmers are concentrated in the North West province and are funded through MGK. Most of the livestock funded projects are in the North West province and funded through NERPO which is operating throughout the country while most of the intermediaries are restricted to one or two provinces. Small stock projects are mostly in the Northern Cape while Limpopo has vegetable producers in Nwanedi in Vhembe district.

3 Highlight projects

Some of the projects have displayed great potential. These include the Mansomini project (sugar cane) in KwaZulu Natal funded through SASA, the Sasekisani poultry project in Limpopo funded through Hlanganani, the Zamani project in the Western Cape funded through Kaap-Agri, Ndumo B cooperative (vegetables) in KwaZulu Natal funded through Peulwana, the Brits grain farmers funded by MGK and a number of NERPO funded projects. The department has a video footage of some of the projects. The video clips features funded farmers and their projects.

4 FUNDED PROJECTS

For the 2010/11 R96 million has been disbursed as loans to smallholder farmers throughout the country. This was in respect of over farmers supported. These farmers are involved in the variety of enterprises as indicated above.

2010/11 disbursements

Province	Amount (in Rands)	Clients
Gauteng	3 674 627	64
Limpopo	10 657 275	424
Free State	2 066 464	69
Mpumalanga	5 905 824	159
KwaZulu Natal	11 254 839	2295
North West	30 822 856	1014
Northern Cape	4 606 334	102
Western Cape	717 795	11
Eastern Cape	26 072 498	443
National	96 332 051	4584

5 CHALLENGES

It is important to keep track of how farmers who were funded are performing over time post their funding as this will show how sustainable their ventures are. For as long as the client is still indebted to the funding intermediary, there is constant communication with the client and his/her activities are known. Upon closure of the account, the communication between the institution and the client often ends. Over time it is therefore not known whether that enterprise is still existing or not. The funding institution has no interest in the client as the client has paid off the loan and the institution has no interest to spent resources following up the activities of such a person. The proposal is for the provincial department to take over and monitor the client and provide support where needed.

Funded farmers are exposed to weather related risks and not all of the funded have insurance for their enterprises. This brings an additional challenge that requires complicated decisions to be made. In some case due to weather the yield is not enough to cover the cost and the client is indebted to the institution. The institution has to decide whether to refinance the farmer or not. If the client is not financed, there is no source of income to pay the debt unless such a client has other income sources. On the other hand, should the client be refinance and it happen to be a bad year again the client will be further indebted.

Some of the institutions providing finance also provide market for the produce or at least assist client to access markets. However there are cases where access to market is still a challenge.

Restricted use of MAFISA is a challenge as other necessary needs cannot be accessed using MAFISA funds. While other programmes are available to cater for such needs, these programmes operate independently from MAFISA. The fragmented support extended to the farmers is frustrating.

(b) and (c) Reports on all smallholder subsistence farmers who received development financial service through CASP and Ilima-Letsema are attached.

QUESTION2762

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 29-2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question2762for written reply: National Assembly,Mr N D duToit(DA)to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether she is considering a moratorium on the recreational fishing of red steenbras; if so, (a) why and (b) based on what evidence;(2)whether she intends to gazette the said moratorium for public comment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;(3) whether her department is simultaneously investigating alternatives to the moratorium on recreational fishing of red steenbras in order to protect the species; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;(4)whether she is considering a moratorium on the commercial harvesting of red steenbras; if not; why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3224E

Reply:

(1) Yes. Whilst adhering to the TAE levels reached as a result of the 2005/6 Long-Term Fishing Rights Allocations Process, the Traditional Linefish stocks have continued to show signs of severe depletion. The Red Steenbras (Petrus rupestris) Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) has been continuously below 1% of historical values. The commercial catch of Red Steenbras constitutes 0.03% of reported catches and suggests an insignificant impact in commercial returns if closure should be effected.

(2) Yes. The notice was published in Government Gazette 34596 on 16 September 2011 for public comment.

(3) No. Although extending for longer periods, the moratorium approach has shown benefits. The species Seventy Four (Polystenagus undulosus) is one example showing recovery signs after over a decade of fishing closure (since 1998). However, the moratorium on Seventy Four is still maintained and will be reassessed in 2014 to ensure sustainable recovery.

(4) Yes. The moratorium is across all sectors fishing for Red Steenbras, which includes the commercial sector.

QUESTION 2759

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 29 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2759 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr N D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1)(a) What is the current status of the red steenbras population, (b) when was the last study done to determine the status of the red steenbras and (c) who conducted the study; (2) what was the mass in tonnes of red steenbras caught by (a) commercial fishing operators and (b) recreational fishers in the (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11 financial years? NW3221E

Reply

(1) (a) The red steenbras population is regarded as "collapsed", as defined by the Linefish Management Protocol. The Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) for this species is 0.2% of pre –exploitation value. (b) The last study on the status of red steenbras and other linefish species was published in 2002, based on catch data collected over the entire 20th century. However, changes in the status of this and other important linefish species are continuously monitored by the Department and data are scrutinized by the Linefish Scientific Working Group, a group consisting of eight scientists from both Government and other institutes. (c) The study was conducted by members of the Linefish Scientific Working Group.

(2)(a) Commercial fishing operators reported catches of 4.8t of Red Steenbras in 2009 and 3.2t in 2010. (b) Recreational fishers caught an estimated 7.6t to 12.7t in 2009 and 3.5t to 5.8t in 2010.

QUESTION 2724

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 29 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2724 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1)(a) Who is the preferred service provider that is used by her department for the hiring of vehicles and (b) why is the specified service provider preferred;

(2) whether her department has a fixed contract with the specified service provider; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what is the (a) name of the service provider and (b) reason for using the specified service provider in each instance where vehicles have been hired for use by her or her Deputy Minister since March 2010? NW3185E

REPLY:

1. (a) Travel with Flair

(b) Travel with Flair has been appointed through an adjudication tender process.

2. Yes, the department has a contract with Travel with Flair. Travel with Flair was appointed by the department through a tender process. The contract was effective from 01/07/2006 till 01/07/2009. Due to extensive tender processes that the department had to comply with, the contract was extended with 11 more months. A new tender process was followed and Travel with Flair was the successful bidder. The department entered into a new contract with Travel with Flair effective from 28 May 2010 till 28 May 2013.

3. (a) Travel with Flair

(b) Travel with Flair is contracted with the Department to perform such services.

QUESTION 2653

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 09 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 28 -2011] THIRDSESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2653 for written reply: National Assembly,Ms D Carter (Cope) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether her department intends issuing a report on the impact of foot and mouth disease and Rift Valley fever on South African exports; if not, why not; if so, when? NW3106E

Reply:

Outbreaks of animal diseases that are trade sensitive will always affect exports of animals and animal products. The Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries commissioned an investigation into the impact of outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease on South African exports. The report will be debated internally and will be released after consultation with key stakeholders like the Department of Trade and Industry. With regard to Rift Valley Fever and Avian Influenza, the impact of that will now be investigated and a report will be expected later on in the year.

QUESTION 2652

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 09 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 28 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Response to question 2652 for written reply, Ms. D Carter (COPE) asked to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether her department intends resolving the problems faced by a certain farm (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) when will the (i) forensic audit report, (ii) asset register and (iii) turn-around strategy be ready? NW3105E

Reply:

a) Yes; my Ministry is committed to resolving the problems faced by Ncera Farms, and has already begun to effect changes which are having a positive effect. This includes the appointment of a new CEO who is driving the turnaround strategy.

b) (i) The forensic audit report has been distributed to the Portfolio Committee

(ii) The asset register is attached.

(iii) The turn around strategy is ready to be presented to the Portfolio

Committee

QUESTION 2651

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 09 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 28 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2651 for Written Reply: MS D CARTER (COPE) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether the government has been informed of the direct relationship between higher oil prices and the price of grain and oil seeds; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

Yes, the department has always been aware of the direct relationship between crude oil price movements and the prices of different types of grains and oilseeds. Crude oil is a major source of fuel (petrol; diesel and to some extent fertilizers), and is one of the most important production inputs and cost drivers in the production of grains and oilseeds in South Africa. During the 2009/10 production season, fuel alone constituted about 12.81% of the major grains' total variable costs. Any change in oil prices has a direct influence on fuel prices and this ultimately has an impact on the cost of agricultural production and prices of agricultural commodities.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has over the years collaborated with the National Agricultural Marketing Council to track input prices with a view to evaluating their impact on the prices of underlying agricultural commodities such as grains and oilseeds.

It would be appreciated if the honourable member can provide my office with the relevant framework so as to provide the necessary answer.

QUESTION 2425

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 02 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 27 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2425 for written reply: National Assembly, GG Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

What amount was (a) claimed by and (b) paid to (i) her and (ii) her deputy minister for subsistence and travel in each month in the 2010-11 financial year? NW2820E

REPLY:

MINISTER

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS

OFFICIAL TRIPS	AMOUNTS	EXPENDITURE REFLECTED IN:
JAN 2010	26 191.19	MAY 2010
MARCH 2010	4 523.17	MAY 2010
APRIL 2010	18 297.01	AUG 2011
AUG 2010	13 423.47	MAY 2011
SEPT 2010	4 328.51	FEB 2011
OCT 2010	2 467.26	DEC 2010
NOV 2010	4 045.08	DEC 2010

DEPUTY MINISTER

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS

OFFICIAL TRIPS	AMOUNTS	EXPENDITURE REFLECTED IN:

FEB 2010	8 987.24	APRIL 2010
OCT 2010	3 051.88	FEB 2011
NOV 2010	294.84	MARCH 2011

QUESTION 2373

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 02 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 27 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2373 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr H P Maluleka (ANC) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether (a) her department and (b) the entities reporting to her have implemented any energy-saving (i) practices or (ii) devices for buildings, offices and boardrooms in the 2010-11 financial year; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW2754E

REPLY:

DAFF

(a)(i) Energy saving light bulbs are being utilised during day-to-day maintenance; and

Circular distributed with regard to energy saving measures for implementation countrywide.

(ii) The Department of Public Works as custodian of office accommodation embarked on an exercise to replace all light fittings with energy saving units.

(b) The Department's lights are switched off every day and, over the weekend and on holidays.

OBP

OBP SOC LTD has an energy-saving programme which started in 2009 and the concept was approved in 2010. The initiatives of this programme are aimed at containing utility costs in lieu of rising electrical energy costs as well as contributing to the overall environmental effort to reduce carbon emissions country wide.

Following the approval of the concept, an energy audit was conducted in December 2010. Included in the energy audit report are recommendations for energy saving initiatives and these are divided in 2 phases. The first phase consists of the energy saving opportunities with least costs of implementation. The second phase will consist of more capital intensive opportunities which will require a detailed process analysis which will link production to energy input and part of this will be funded by the cost savings obtained by implementing phase 1.

OBP SOC LTD has gone through the procurement tender process and has identified a contractor that will implement phase 1 which includes supplying and installation of lighting, hot water and gas in its manufacturing facility. OBP management is currently waiting for the Executive team to approve the appointment of the contractor identified for implementation of phase 1.

NCERA

No specific devices were installed during the year as Ncera Farms being a small Entity is not a big user of electricity.

ARC

(i) Energy saving practice is to have lights automatically switch off at certain times in buildings.

(ii) Devices have not been specifically purchased as they would require significant investment; money ARC cannot afford. However ARC uses energy saving light bulbs.

NAMC

The NAMC's lights are switched off every day and, over the weekend and on holidays.

PPECB

PPECB has introduced the following practices and devices at all regions and head office.

Practices include:

- Encourage employees to be energy-conscious and to offer ideas about how energy can be saved.

- Turn off lights when not needed such as during non-business hours.

- Ensure outdoor lighting is off during daytime.

- Turn off computers, monitors, printers and copiers during non-business hours.

- Keep doors and windows closed while heating is on.

- Introduced a preventative maintenance program for your air conditioning equipment.

Devices include energy:

- Replace incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps.

- Procure office equipment that promotes energy-efficient computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, scanners, copiers and multi-function devices that automatically power down during extended inactivity.

MLRF

(a) N/A

(b) (i) and (ii) Yes. In the Foretrust Building there are light switch timers whereby some areas switch off at 19h00 daily. The air-conditioning system is also on a timer which goes on approximately 05h30 am and switch off at approximately 19h00 pm. Lastly there are individual meters installed for electricity to verify actual usage against that that's being spent.

QUESTION 2320

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY26 AUGUST 2011 [IQP No 26-2011] THIRDSESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2320for written reply: National Assembly,Mr AM Figlan(DA)to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

1. Whether (a) her department and (b) any entity reporting to her was approached by a certain political organisation (name furnished) to contribute to its centenary celebrations; if so, in each case, (i) which entities and (ii) what was the (aa) nature and (bb) value of the contribution that was requested;

2. Whether (a) her department and (b) any entity reporting to her has a policy that provide for such funding; if so,

3. Whether (a) her department and (b) any specified entity reporting to her has (i) agreed to the request or (ii) made financial contributions to the said political organisation in the absence of such an approach for funding; if not, why not, in each case; if so, in each case, (aa) who approved the request, (bb) on what grounds was the decision made, (cc) from which budget was it (aaa) agreed to pay the contribution or (bbb) paid, (dd) what amount was paid, (ee) who made the decision to provide the specified funds to the said political organisation and (ff) how is this (aaa) decision and (bbb) amount justified?NW2696E.

Reply:

1. (a) No

1. (b) No

1. (b) (i), (ii), (aa) and (bb) N/A

2. (a) and (b) We are guided by the treasury regulations in this regard

3. No

QUESTION 2215

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 19 AUGUST 2011 [IQP No 25 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2215 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr. T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether (a) she, (b) her deputy minister, (c) any specified officials and (d) any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, what are the relevant details for her, her deputy minister and each holder of a credit card in respect of the (i) name, (ii) job title, (iii) credit limit, (iv) outstanding amount as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (v) monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit card, (vi) reason for such persons being issued with a credit card and (vii) uses that such a credit card is intended for;

(2) whether any such credit cards are over their credit limit; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit cards exceeding the limit;

(3) whether any action has been taken against such persons for exceeding their credit card limits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2590E

REPLY

During the period in question no credit card was / is issued to the Minister, Deputy Minister, Director-General or any other official of the Department.

QUESTION 2109

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 12 AUGUST 2011 [IQP No 23 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2109 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether a directive that fisheries control officers are not permitted to work beyond 4 o' clock in the afternoon has been issued; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, what are the current work hours that these officials are permitted to work? NW2383E

Reply

Monitoring, Control and Surveillance does not have any knowledge of a directive, indicating that Fisheries Control Officers are not permitted to work beyond 4 o' clock. Fisheries Control Officers are allowed to work flexi time. In certain areas where there is high demand such as Gansbaai, Fisheries Control Officers work flexi hours whilst in other areas they are placed on stand-by so that they could be available as and when required. Weekends are generally covered through overtime.

QUESTION 2040

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 05 AUGUST 2011 [IQP No 21 -2011] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2040 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) What fishing rights has been given to a certain person (name furnished);

(2) whether, with reference to the person being arrested for abalone poaching, her department has suspended all existing fishing rights that he might hold; if not, why not; if so, when did the suspension come into effect? NW2286E

Reply:

(1) Mr. Samuel Brett was awarded a fishing right to harvest Abalone.

(2) The Department has not suspended the Right Holder's fishing right yet. The matter is under investigation and further steps may be taken on completion of the investigation.

QUESTION 2005

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 05 AUGUST 2011 [IQP No 21 -2011] THIRD SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 2005 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(a) At how many (i) international and (ii) domestic hotels/guest houses were (aa) she and (bb) her Deputy Minister accommodated during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what (i) was the (aa) name, (bb) star rating and (cc) city location of each specified establishment, (ii) was the (aa) duration and (bb) purpose of the stay in each case and (iii)(aa) was the total cost of the accommodation and (bb) is the breakdown of the accommodation cost in each case? NW2251E

REPLY

See attached reply.

2011-03-07

What's wrong with this page?