Defence & Military Veteran

2011-04-07

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QUESTION 3495.

Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether the Military Command Council (MCC) has granted a budget authorising the Hoefyster Project that was registered in 2007, to supply Badger infantry combat vehicles to the SA National Defence Force; if not, why not; if so, (a)(i) what was the exact amount that was budgeted and (ii) what amount has been utilised as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) from which fund was the project financed;

(2) Whether (a) the whole project or (b) part of the project (i) will be completed and (ii) can proceed with the same budget; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; if not, why not, in each case;

(3) Whether new quotes will be invited for the project; if so, what are (a) the new quotes and (b) further relevant details;

(4) (a) What are the (i) reasons for the delay in the MCC granting the authorisation despite the fact that the prescribed K225 Armscor inspection release certificate was issued in September 2010 to supply the Product Baseline (A) of the Section Variant and (ii) bottlenecks that are being experienced and (b) what is the nature of the Department of Public Enterprises' involvement;

(5) Whether she has taken a final decision on the implementation of the industrialisation and production phase which was earmarked for the 2011-12 financial year; if not, why not; if so, (a) how much time has lapsed since the industrialisation and production phase was mentioned by the then Minister Alec Erwin in his Budget speech on 17 May 2007 until a final decision regarding the implementation was reached and (b) what are the further relevant details? NW4169E

RESPONSE

Dear Honourable Member, anything called "project" in the Defence Environment means it is operational. The Constitution provides for these matters to be dealt with sensitively by the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD).

QUESTION NUMBER 3304

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 OCTOBER 2011

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) (a) What type of aircraft was chartered to fly President Jacob Zuma to the United States of America on 18 September 2011, (b) why was it necessary to charter an aircraft, (c) what is the name of the preferred service provider that is used by her department when hiring aircraft and (d) why is this service provider the preferred service provider;

(2) what (a) were the (i) dates and (ii) places of (aa) departure and (bb) arrival and (b) are the names of the passengers on the aircraft in each case for the duration of his visit from 18 September 2011 to 25 September 2011;

(3) what was the (a) total cost and (b) breakdown of such costs for each flight;

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

NW3956E

REPLY:

1. (a) The aircraft used for the Presidential flight to the United States of America was a Boeing 727.

(b) The dedicated Presidential Boeing 737 aircraft, Inkwazi, is undergoing a two yearly service and is out of commission from 4 September until 30 November 2011.

(d) Fortune Air is being used as a service provider because the company has been awarded the RT-61 State Contract by National Treasury to provide VIP transport to state departments.

2. (a) The President was conveyed on the following routes with various refuelling stops en-route:

(i)	(ii)(aa)	(ii)(bb)
17/09/11	Waterkloof	New York
23/09/11	New York	Houston
24/09/11	Houston	Waterkloof

3. (a) Total Cost - R 6 331 174.67

(b) Aircraft and Crew - R 3 731 174,67

Fuel +Handling - R 2 600 000.00 (Estimated due to outstanding invoices)

4. No.

QUESTION 3289.

Mr G B D Mc Intosh (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether she intends transferring 350 Defence Force personnel to the Department of Home Affairs; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the terms of this transfer, (b) when was it agreed upon, (c) when will the transfer take place and (d) under what conditions are these personnel being transferred;

(2) whether the Defence Force personnel was invited to apply for these transfers; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many personnel applied, (b) what were the criteria for acceptance, (c) how many personnel are under (i) 30 and (ii) 40 years of age and (d) what is the (i) race, (ii) gender and (iii) rank of the personnel who are being transferred? NW3868E

RESPONSE

Discussions have been held between at the level of the officials of the two Departments. However, Ministerial authority has not as yet been granted to finalise this.

QUESTION 3211.

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether a certain person (name furnished) received a severance package before leaving Armscor; if not, why not; if so, what was the (a) total cost of the severance package and (b) breakdown of such cost;

(2) whether the severance package included (a) any increases in remuneration and (b) backdating of such remuneration; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(3) whether she approved the severance package; if not, why not; if so, why;

(4) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW3823E

RESPONSE

1. No.

2. N/A.

3. N/A.

a) N/A.

2. N/A.

3. N/A.

QUESTION NUMBER 3210

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 21 OCTOBER 2011

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether her department funded the attendance of any persons at the 2011 Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) show in the United Kingdom; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the names of (i) the persons and (ii) their spouses who attended this show and (b) is the (i) airline class that was used by each specified person, (ii) breakdown of the cost in respect of each specified person and (iii) total cost paid in respect of such attendance at this defence show;

(2) (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) star rating of the hotel that was used by each specified person, (b)(i) on what date and (ii) for how many days was each specified person booked into the specified hotel, (c)(i) on what dates and (ii) for how many days did each specified person actually stay in the hotel and (d)(i) what was the total loss and (ii) breakdown of the specified losses as a result of failure to stay in the hotels?

NW3822E

REPLY:

REPLY: CONTEXT/ BACKGROUND

The officials of the Department of Defence attend these to provide marketing support to Armscor and the defence- related industry in respect of defence materiel, in consultation with the defence-related industry. ARMSCOR has, as one of its strategic objectives, prioritised support to the local defence industry because the local defence industry is critical to enable ARMSCOR to deliver the required services and equipment to the Department of Defence.

As part of its strategy to enhance and strengthen support for the local defence industry, ARMSCOR as an acquisition agency of the Department of Defence has signed an agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) to coordinate all international defence exhibitions on its behalf. In doing this, ARMSCOR has identified and participates in various international defence exhibitions, with a view to sustain capabilities in the defence industry to deliver the required services and equipment to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) International exhibitions serves also serve as a vehicle to promote the local defence industry, which is also in line with government initiatives for economic development and job creation.

Over and above the function of promoting the local defence-related industry, international defence exhibitions afford ARMSCOR an opportunity to forge relationships with similar organisations and to meet with suppliers to further discuss contractual issues and relationships. Of greater importance is the fact that international exhibitions offer an opportunity for exposure to the technology that is available and for determining the world trends and direction in technology development.

The benefits of participating in such exhibitions are evident in the potential business realised by the local defence industry and the number of contracts that are signed as a result thereof. For the Department of Defence and ARMSCOR, the benefits include the following:

· To understand the environment of and what is available within the Defence materiel.

· Gaining experience and knowledge of worldwide defence industry technologies and trends

· Promoting and reinforcing ARMSCOR's position in the industry as the international gateway to the South African defence industry

· As the co-host of the AAD Show, it is important for ARMSCOR to attend other exhibitions in order to promote the AAD and invite and attract other countries to the AAD

· Supporting the government's national objectives of generating foreign exchange investment

· Creating good and sound stakeholder relationships with the industry and promoting the ARMSCOR brand

· ARMSCOR has strategic facilities within the ARMSCOR Defence Institutes that requires to be marketed at international exhibitions.

· Contributing towards the national BEE and SMME strategies.

The 2011 Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in the United Kingdom falls under this category and the personnel within the Defence Materiel – the division responsible for this function is encouraged to attend such defence shows and the DoD fund such trips. For the DSEI the following people attended:

a. i. Mr A. Visser and Mr M. Masala.

ii. No spouses attended the show.

b. i. Mr A. Visser used business class and Mr M. Masala used economy class.

ii. Mr A.Visser, R56 000 for Airfare and R3 612 allowance totalling at R59 912. Mr M. Masala, R13 428 for Airfare and R18 391 70 for accommodation, food and allowance totalling at R31 819 70.

iii. Mr A. Visser stay in UK was funded by UKTI (United Kingdom Trade and Investment). The DOD paid for his Airfare and allowance of R3 612 for the duration of the exhibition. The total paid is R91 731 70.

2. a. i. Royal Garden Hotel, determined and paid for by UKTI (Mr Visser stay).

ii. 5 Stars.

b. i. 12 September 2011.

ii. Four Nights. (DOD funded the stay of Mr M. Masala only)

c. i. 12 – 16 September 2011.

ii. Four Days. (DOD funded

d. i. No loss was experienced.

ii. Mr A. Visser and Mr M. Masala stayed in the Royal Garden Hotel for the duration of their stay in London.

QUESTION NUMBER 3209

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 OCTOBER 2011

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What (a) are the names of (i) persons of ARMSCOR and (ii) their spouses who attended each defence show from 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) Whether the specified persons that attended each defence show were fully funded; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, what is the (a) airline class that was used by each specified person, (b) (i) name and star rating of the hotel that was used by each specified person, (c) breakdown of the cost in respect of each specified person and (d) total cost of all defence shows?

REPLY: CONTEXT/ BACKGROUND

ARMSCOR is mandated by the ARMSCOR Act to provide marketing support to the defence- related industry in respect of defence materiel, in consultation with the Department of Defence and the defence-related industry. In order to fulfil this mandate, ARMSCOR has, as one of its strategic objectives, prioritised support to the local defence industry because the local defence industry is critical to enable ARMSCOR to deliver the required services and equipment to the Department of Defence.

ARMSCOR Board members attend defence exhibitions on a rotational basis. This is to ensure that all Board members get exposure to the defence environment so that they may be better equipped to discharge their responsibilities, but most importantly to provide an opportunity for them to interact with the industry all at the same time.

· Gaining experience and knowledge of worldwide defence industry technologies and trends

· Promoting and reinforcing ARMSCOR's position in the industry as the international gateway to the South African defence industry

· As the co- host of the AAD Show, it is important for ARMSCOR to attend other exhibitions in order to promote the AAD and invite and attract other countries to the AAD

· Supporting the government's national objectives of generating foreign exchange investment

· Creating good and sound stakeholder relationships with the industry and promoting the ARMSCOR brand

· ARMSCOR has strategic facilities within the ARMSCOR Defence Institutes that requires to be marketed at international exhibitions.

· Contributing towards the national BEE and SMME strategies.

Selection and approval of exhibitions

Exhibitions at which to participate are identified by ARMSCOR using the set guidelines and the results of the "Industry Surveys" conducted to categorise the likelihood of participation. Only exhibitions that attract more companies and where potential business interest is greater, and where official invitations by foreign countries have been made are included in the exhibitions schedule for ARMSCOR's facilitation and attendance. The Department of Trade and Industry determines the format of the exhibitions (whether National Pavilion or Shell Schemes) and funds the approved exhibitions accordingly.

The table below shows all the exhibitions that were approved for coordination and participation for the 2009/10 financial year:

Exhibition	Country	Remarks
LAAD 2009	Rio de Janeiro
DESI 2009	London. United Kingdom
LIMA 2009	Malaysia

The table below shows all the exhibitions approved for coordination and participation for the 2010/11 financial year:

Exhibition	Country	Remarks
DSA 2010, 19- 22 April 2010	Malaysia
SOFEX 2010,	Jordan	No SADI participation
Eurosatory, 14 – 18 June 2010	France
AAD 2010	South Africa
Defendory 2010	Greece
IDEAS 2010	Pakistan	Cancelled due to floods and unrest in the country

QUESTION 3166 (NW 3693E)

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†

(1) Whether she has been informed of any military convoy that entered South Africa from Zimbabwe on 7 October 2011; if so, (a) from which country did this military convoy originate, (b) where is this convoy headed, (c) what is the purpose of this convoy, (d)(i) what weaponry and (ii) how many soldiers form part of it and (e) when will it return to its country of origin;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW3693E

RESPONSE

1. No.

2. Falls away.

If the member has any information on ths matter we would be glad if it could be passed on to the Ministry.

QUESTION 3060 (NW3582E)

Dr H C van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether (a) she, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any senior officials of her departments 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? NW3582E

RESPONSE

1. (a-c) The Minister, Deputy Minister and the Department did not and never intended to visit New Zealand during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

2. Falls away.

QUESTION 3017 (NW 3501E)

Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(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 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? NW3501E

RESPONSE

1. No.

2. No request was presented.

3. Falls away.

4. Falls away.

QUESTION 2902 (NW 3373E)

Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

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? NW3373E

RESPONSE

The Head of the Departmental Supply Chain and Integration (HODSCI) Division is still compiling this information for the Minister's consideration and sanctioning. The response will be submitted once the Minister has sanctioned it.

QUESTION 2814

Mr PJ Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

1. With reference to her reply to question 2038 on 20 August 2010, how many weapons of every (a) kind and (b) calibre in the SA Defence Force have (i) been stolen and (ii) gone missing since 1January 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available.

2. What steps have been taken to combat these thefts and losses;

3. Whether she will make a statement on the matter? (NW3276E)

RESPONSE

Question 2038 referred to the SA National Defence Force. This question refers to the SA Defence Force (SANDF). This Ministry cannot account for the SA Defence Force (SADF) in this regard. In case the Member refers to the SANDF, we noted that in 2010 there was only one (1) weapon which went missing. As indicated then, all possible physical measures have been taken to secure weapons in storage.

All weapons are handed back after use, counted and stored in safe keeping ensuring effective control. Weapon permits are issued for all weapons on personal issue. (i.e. military police, VIP protection) on condition that the individual complies with the laid down criteria as stipulated in policy. With regard to losses regular inspections are done as part of unit standing orders to effectively verify and control weapons. Stock verification is done on a regular basis to ensure compliance with requirements of policy and a central fire arms control register is kept and verified with the SAPS fire arms control register as a measure to control losses.

The Ministry has not as yet received any further reports suggesting the recurrence of such incidents.

3. No

QUESTION: 2802

Mr MA Nhanha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

1. Whether her Department has finalised the Mega Works Project for accommodation backlogs and revitalisation of run-down properties in the 2011-12 financial year; if not, why not; why not; if so, what (a) is the housing requirement and (b) procedures are followed during the apportionment process and (c) and what are the relevant details (NW3266E).

RESPONSE

The Department of Defence is very eager to finalise these projects, however, the Department is still awaiting final approval from the Department of Public Works which currently holds the responsibility for all government departments.

QUESTION: 2757

Mr DJ Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

1. (a) What type of aircraft was chartered to fly Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe to New Zealand to attend the opening of the Rugby Wworld Cup, (b) why was it necessary to charter an aircraft and (c) what is the name of the 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. What were the (a) (i) dates and (ii) places of (aa) departure and (bb) arrival and (b) names of the passengers on the aircraft.

3. What was the total (a) total cost and (b) breakdown of such costs of each flight;

4. Whether the aircraft had to perform an emergency landing; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

5. Whether she will make a statement on the matter. (NW3219E)

RESPONSE

1. (a) Global Express aircraft was used.

(b) The SA Air Force has only one long-range inter-continental aircraft, namely, the Boeing Business Jet which is reserved for the President. It is therefore standard practice to charter this capability as and when required. This is done in terms of National Treasury Contract RT 61.

2. (a) The responses are:

· 8 September: Waterkloof Air Base to Perth.

· 9 September: Perth to Auckland.

· 10 September: Auckland to Wellington.

· 11September: Wellington to Perth.

· 12 September: Perth to Waterkloof Air Base.

(b) The Deputy President was travelling with passengers allocated by the Office of the President. The SAAF is not at liberty this answer on behalf of the Office of the Deputy President.

3. (a) The total cost was R3 096 599.

(b) The costs are broken down as follows:

· Aircraft hire: R26 253 378

· Recoverable costs (relief crew, commercial flights, aircraft tracking, etc.: R471 214.

4. There was no emergency landing. During the approach to Wellington a cautionary light activated regarding the temperature of one of the four main wheels. The crew elected to terminate the approach so that a full checklist could be followed to ensure that they executed safe landing could be executed. At no stage was an emergency declared and the aircraft executed a normal landing without any incident.

5. No.

QUESTION: 2716

Mr SJ Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

1. Whether any precautionary measures have been put in place to prevent any further sinkholes at Waterkloof Air Force Base; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details;

2. Whether she intends moving the Waterkloof Air Force Base; if not, why not, if so what are the relevant details (NW3177E).

RESPONSE

1) The Department of Public Works established a dedicated Dolomite Risk Management Directorate which harnesses the latest technologies and methodologies to reduce the loss of public infrastructure at the dolomitic instability.

2) No. There is no intention to relocate Air Force Base Waterkloof.

QUESTION 2658 (NW 3111E)

Mr Nhanha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether the Department has (a) finalised the costing of deployment and patrolling of the Mozambican side our border for the 2011/12 financial year and (b) included it in its budgeting; if not, why not, in each case, if so, what is the cost of the operational roll-out in the 2011/12 financial year.

RESPONSE

The budget for the 2011/12 period for the roll-out of the Mozambican side of the border has been finalised and consists of the following:

a. R114-m for allowances.

b. R58,3-m for operating costs.

c. R73-m for B-vehicle maintenance and repair.

d. R60-m for the establishment of communication infrastructure, and,

e. R19,3-m for the establishment and maintenance of landward base facilities.

QUESTION 2657 (NW 3110E)

Mr Nhanha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether the Department has dealt with the issue of the budget for the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) which she referred to i her budget speech debate on 13April 2011 as hopelessly inadequate; if not what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

Whether the budget of the SANDF is impacting on its battle fitness and readiness; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? (NW3110E).

RESPONSE

1. The budget of the SANDF needs to be a matter of concern for all South Africans. The matter has not been dealt to the full satisfaction of the Ministry and the Department and we remain hopeful that the budget would be increase in the not-too-distant future. It is heartening that you as a member of the party on the opposite you are concerned with this matter. The Portfolio Committee as a whole should be concerned as you are.

2. Naturally, and as matter of life, any gap in resources will have some kind of impact on the activities one is engaged in. That applies to the Department of Defence and the SANDF as well.

QUESTION 2591 (3006E).

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether her department received any applications for access to information in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000, (a) in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010 and (b) since 1 January 2011; if so, in each case, (i) what was the name of the requester, (ii) what information was requested, (iii) on what date was the application received, (iv) on what date was the requester informed of the decision and (v) what was the final decision;

(2) whether her departments complied with the 30 days' notice period in each case; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she received advice from her departments on how to respond to each request; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what was the advice in each case and (b) why was the advice (i) accepted or (ii) rejected in each case? NW3006E

RESPONSE

The Department has not completed compiling this information for the Minister's consideration and approval. The information will be submitted in due course once completed and approved by the Minister.

QUESTION 2554 (NW2768E).

Mr M R Sonto (ANC) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether (a) her departments 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? NW2768E

RESPONSE

a) As a general rule all division within the Department should implement energy-saving measures (practices, devices for buildings, offices and boardrooms. The Department and the entities reporting to the Minister are aware of such measures.

The DoD is part of an energy-saving campaign which include implementation energy-efficiency awareness programmes and energy-saving measures and the completion of the DoD Annual Environment Management Report with particular reference to energy efficiency. There are 21 285 buildings with the associated infrastructure situated on almost a. 420 000 ha of state owned land and private land respectively that are used by the DoD and entities associated with it. However, the responsibility for the implementation of energy-saving lies with the Department of Public Works and building owners.

b) (i-ii) Most of the energy saving devices were implemented at regional and local level in collaboration with the DPW structures at those levels.

QUESTION 2542.

Mr M S Nhanha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether she has found that her department's leasing of two aircraft for transporting very important persons at a cost of R800 million has been cost effective; if not, why has her department not (a) bought one of the aircraft and hired the other when necessary and (b) used the surplus for other pressing needs such as salaries and upgrading military equipment and machinery; if so, what (i) risk is there of security being compromised as a result of hiring foreign-owned equipment and aircraft and (ii) are the further relevant details? (NW2966E)

RESPONSE

The Department Procurement Division has not finalised the response it has and is compiling further information for the Minister's consideration. The response will be submitted once the process has been completed and the Minister has sanctioned the response.

QUESTION 2541.

Mr M A Nhanha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether, with reference to the case of a certain corporal (name furnished) in the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) on which the court ruled 14 years ago, the SANDF has established any policy on the official recognition of the ranks of previous armed formations, both internally and those formerly in exile, as equivalent to that of the SANDF; if not, what has been the cause of the delay; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2965E

RESPONSE

1. (a) and (b). The answer is no.

2. (i) and (ii) and rest, falls away.

The process of integration entailed, among others, the determination of the rank of the former Non-Statutory Forces (NSF) on entry into the SANDF taking into account experience, training, etc. but not the rank of the NSF as such. This process was carried out as stipulated in the agreements reached at the time.

QUESTION 2511 (NW2930E).

Mr D J Stubbe (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether (a) her department and (b) entities reporting to it have (i) awarded any tenders and (ii) concluded any (aa) contracts and (bb) financial transactions with certain companies (names and details furnished) in each specified financial year since 2005-06; if so, (aaa) which company or entity, (bbb) what are the relevant details, (ccc) what was the value of each (aaaa) tender, (bbbb) contract or (cccc) financial transaction and (ddd) what was the name of the companies who failed for each tender, contract or financial transaction that was awarded? NW2930E

RESPONSE

1. (a) and (b). The answer is no.

2. (i) and (ii) and rest falls away.

QUESTION 2474 (NW 2886E).

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) (a) How many of the complaints that were handed to the Chief of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 (i) were resolved and (ii) remain unresolved;

(2) in respect of each specified complainant, (a) on what date was a letter of acknowledgement sent to each complainant, (b) what was the date of the last letter of correspondence with the complainant and (c) what action will be taken if the matter has not been resolved;

(3) what is the average number of days taken to (a) resolve a complaint and (b) report back to her on each complaint;

(4) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW2886E

RESPONSE

This matter is as much of concern to the Minister as it is to the Member and the Minister has directed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation be undertaken on this matter. The Department has not as yet submitted the response to the Minister as they information is still being collated and evaluated. The response will be submitted in due course once the Minister has considered and sanctioned it.

QUESTION 2441.

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether her department has contracted a certain company (name furnished) to provide legal services during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the details of the services that have been provided, (b) why could (i) her department or (ii) the State Attorney not provide the specified services and (c) what (i) has been the total cost and (ii) is the breakdown of the cost of the (aa) contract and (bb) said company's services as at the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW2839E

RESPONSE

The Department's Acting Chief of Defence Legal Services (A/CDLS) is reviewing the response provided to him and is evaluating it and is due to present it to the Minister soon. The response will be provided in due course once the Minister has considered and sanctioned the response.

QUESTION 2440.

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether her department has implemented any advertising campaign (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; if not, why not; if so, (i) what was the intended purpose, (ii) total cost and (iii) breakdown of the cost in respect of (aa) television, (bb) radio, (cc) billboards, and (dd) other media;

(2) Whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW2838E

RESPONSE

Yes. The Department is mighty proud of the campaign. The Department will be too happy to provide the Member with some of the material produced and used.

QUESTION 2428.

Dr H C van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

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? NW2826E

RESPONSE

Chapter 3(7) of the Ministerial Handbook provides for Re-Imbursive Allowances to Members of the Executive to meet the costs of travel and subsistence for official purposes at prevailing terms and conditions.

The Minister and Deputy Minister received allowances during their official travel in line with policy.

The information is provided with the view that the member appreciates that the details required, over that period, does not add any further value to the information provided and that the members indeed do receive subsistence and travel allowance when they travel as part of the execution of their duties.

QUESTION 2384

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) How many officials in her department are tasked with stakeholder relations including media liaison in (i) her Ministry, (ii) her department, (iii) the South African National Department of Defence (SANDF) and (iv) the various services. (b) what are their salary levels and (ii) seniority levels in each case and (c) how many formal queries were (i) received and (ii) responded to in (aa) 2008 and (bb) 2009 and (cc) 2010? NW2773

ANSWER

(i) The Minister has a Ministerial Liaison Officer (MLO) and the Deputy Minister has a Ministerial Liaison Officer (MLO) and Parliamentary Officer.

(ii) There are no Media Liaison Officers in the Department.

(iii) The SANDF has a central communication staff located under the Chief of Corporate Staff in the SANDF which supports all the Services and Divisions and the Department including the Ministry. The staff compliment of the media liaison and stakeholder relations is 12 members.

(b) (i) The salary range is similar to the rank level. (ii) The highest rank being Brig. Gen the lowest a Sergeant/PO. The members are employed in line with the Public Service Act and Defence Act.

(iv) Services and Divisions have a small staff compliment with the SA Army (4), Navy (3), SAAF (3), SAMHS (2), C JOPS (1), Log (1), and HR (1).

(b) (i) The salaries are commensurate with their ranks. (b) (ii) The Highest rank at this level is Colonel and the lowest is a Private. The members are employed in line with the Public Service Act and the Defence Act

2008 – submitted in the Annual Report

2009 – submitted in the Annual Report

2010 – 107 and 105 responded to

QUESTION 2326

Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(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? NW2702E

RESPONSE

1) (a), (b), and (c). The answer is no.

2) Falls away.

3) (a) and (b). The answer is no.

4) Falls away.

If the member is referring to the African National Congress (ANC),we would have been honoured to have been considered. The United Nations (UN) has recognised and honoured this outstanding organisation. The Member is encouraged to read what, among others, the Secretary General of the UN, Mr B Moon said about this organisation. Perhaps the Honourable can encourage his party to do the same. Sadly, we have not been approached.

QUESTION 2291.

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What is the breakdown of her department's ministerial budget allocation for the 2011/12 financial year;

(2) whether there is a plan in place for reducing the said budget; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW2665E

RESPONSE

1). The detailed breakdown of the Ministerial Budget Allocation for the 2011/12 financial year is provided for the Member in the Strategic Plan and the Departmental Budget.

2) There is no plan in place to reduce the Ministerial Budget for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework. This budget is required to undertake Ministerial projects in fulfilment of Government Defence Objectives and also for the effective and efficient operation in the Offices of the Minister and Deputy Minister.

3. Not at this stage.

QUESTION 2281.

2281. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) (a) What is the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) policy on acquisition, (b) what is the title of the policy, (c) when was the policy last reviewed and (d) what specified changes were made to the policy in the light of the lessons learnt from the Strategic Defence Procurement Package;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW2653E

RESPONSE

The Policy, Strategy and Planning (PSP) Division is researching the question from the archives of the Department and is compiling a response for the Minister's consideration and sanctioning. The final response will be handed in, in due course.

QUESTION 2280.

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) (a) What is the name of each specified acquisition project on the Strategic Capital Acquisition Master Plan (SCAMP) and (b) with regard to each project what (i)(aa) goods or (bb) services are being acquired (ii) are the total costs and (iii) is the current status;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW2652E

RESPONSE

The SCAMP is a long term vision of the Department's plan to implement projects aimed at enhancing the operations of the SANDF. Consequently, the Department is not at liberty to release this information to the public as it may compromise the security plans of the SANDF and also generate undue speculation within the country and the industry.

QUESTION 2255

Mr. D.C. Smiles (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Whether her department and/or any of its entities has purchased any 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament (a) clothing or (b) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, in each case, (i) what are (aa) the details and (bb) the total cost of the items purchased, (ii)(aa) how many items have been purchased and (bb) why, (iii)(aa) to whom has each of these items been allocated and (bb) why have these items been allocated to these persons and (iv)(aa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each of these items and (bb) on whose authority was the decision taken to make these purchases? NW2763E

The Navy, like all members of the SANDF were deployed throughout the Soccer World Cup and did not have the opportunity, like the Honourable Member, to enjoy the most successful Soccer World Cup. The only thing the members could do was to show their support in the form of a banner, the distribution of t-shirts to under-privileged children, etc.

In the Department of Defence, the South African Navy, purchased clothing and paraphernalia to the amount of R22, 900 comprising Clothing, Lapel Pins and a Banner.

T-Shirts were purchased with the words: "The SA Navy Supports Bafana Bafana in the 2010 Soccer World Cup". One hundred and twenty five (125) T-shirts were purchased at a cost of R4, 500 and used at the Knysna festival where it was handed out to under privileged children. This effort forms part of the SA Navy's community uplifting programme and the SA Navy participated in the Knysna festival. The purchase of these items forms part of the SA Navy communication strategy to support the broader Government initiative and the purchase was authorised by the Chief of Navy Public Relations.

Other specified paraphernalia like Lapel pins and a Banner were also purchased. The Lapel pins had the National flag; the SA Navy insignia and a soccer ball etched on them and the banner displayed the details of the South African coat of Arms, the SA Navy emblem with the words "The SA Navy Supports Bafana Bafana in the 2010 Soccer World Cup". The total cost was R18, 400 and three hundred (300) pins and one (1) banner were purchased. The purpose of this purchase was to display the SA Navy's support to the FIFA Word Cup.

The pins were handed over to various internal and external stakeholders and the banner was erected on the SA Naval HQ building to display the SA Navy's support to the FIFA Word Cup. The purchase of these items form part of the SA Navy communication strategy to support the broader Government initiative and was approved by the Chief of the Navy.

QUESTION 2211.

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

What (a) were the total costs and (b) is the breakdown of such costs with regard to (i) specified aircraft operated by the military, (ii) aircraft chartered by the military from specified Air Force reserve force squadrons and (iii) chartered aircraft that were used for (aa) international and (bb) domestic ferry flights undertaken by (aaa) the President, (bbb) the Deputy President and (ccc) her (aaaa) in the (aaaaa) 2009-l0 and (bbbbb) 2010-11 financial years and (bbbb) during the period 1 April 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW2586E

RESPONSE

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) through the South African Air Force (SAAF) is responsible for transporting the President, Deputy President and the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. As the prime defence and security organ of State the DoD does not release information pertaining to the travel of the President and the Deputy President as part of its defence and security concerns for the VVIPs and VIPs. The cost for such for the transportation of the VVIPs and VIPs is part of the statutory reports that the Department in the Annual Report and the Annual Audited Financial Statements that are compiled in the context of the work that the portfolio of Defence carries out as a whole.

QUESTION 2076

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 12 AUGUST 2011

Mr P.J. Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether any consultants have been appointed in the 2010-11 financial year; if so, in each case, (a) which consultants, (b) who are the directors, (c) at what fee and (d) for what reason;

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

Question: 1

Whether any consultants have been appointed in the 2010-11 financial year?

Consultants are appointed for a variety of reasons by government departments. In the case of the Departments of Defence and of Military Veterans consultants are appointed as a result of the following:

· To provide specialised, rare and unique services not available in the Department.

· To augment available skills in the Department.

· To assist the Department in the implementation of specific tasks and assignments.

· To implement special projects that could not be implemented solely by the Department.

The kind of services sourced from consultants range from:

· Organisational development.

· Military expertise.

· Aviation expertise.

· Naval expertise.

· Medical expertise.

· Financial expertise.

· Policy formulation and implementation.

· Research and development.

· Project and programme design.

· Human resource training in various fields.

Response: Question: 1

Yes.

Question: 1 (a)

Which consultants?

Response: Question: 1 (a)

SPP Project Solutions for the SA Navy

Price Waterhouse Coopers for SA Navy

Royal Navy Observer for SA Air Force

Mr A. Gerber for SA Air Force

Lecturer at University of South Africa for SA Air Force

Survival Electronics for SA Air Force

OLDCORVUSALBUS Training for the SA Air Force

CSIR for Chief Logistic

Classic 1 Consortium for Chief Logistic

Origin Exchange for Chief Logistics

State Information Technology Agency (SITA) for SA Army

Tshwane Sign Language Centre for SA Army

KPMG and SAB&T for Chief Finance Officer

5 x Professors for the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Kagiso Financial Services for Defence Intelligence

Question: 1 (b)

Who are the directors?

Response: Question: 1 (b)

SPP Project Solutions: Garth Lyle Maynard Denny, Michael Jeremy Fritzpatrick, Darron Ray Johnson Darron, Khampepe, Siza Khang Cecil, Modise, Jacob Rasethake Daniel

Price Waterhouse Coopers: Colin Beggs, Tertius Kitshoff, Suresh Kana, Stanley

Subramoney, Akter Moosa, Richard Ivine, Mohale Masithele, Danie Folscher

Royal Navy Observer: Representative from the Royal Navy

Mr A. Gerber

Lecturer at University of South Africa

Survival Electronics: Mr M. Basson

OLDCORVUSALBUS Training: Mr G.J. Swanepoel

CSIR: Ms N. Shikwane, Prof C. de la Rey, Dr N. Dlamini, Dr N. Msomi, Dr F.W. Pietersen, Prof M.J. Wingfield, Dr S. Sibisi

Classic One Consortium: Mr Terrance Wood, Mr Sipho Twala

Origin Exchange: B. Pietersen, Mr M. Madlala, R. Urbach, L van den Burg

State Information Technology Agency (SITA): Mr Z.P. Manase, Adv L. Gcabashe, Dr S.P. Sibisi, Ms L.A. Abrahams, Mr C.C.W. Kruger, Mr M. Roussos, Mr R.J. Barjaktarevic, Mr M. Msimang

Tshwane Sign Language Centre: Mr Peter Andre Gouws, Ms Hendrina Cecelia Gouws

KPMG and SAB&T: Mr K. Fourie, Mr V. Naidoo, Mr P. Lalla, Mr E. Yuseph, Ms M Letsitsi, Mr B. Jhetam, Ms T. Cilliers

5 x Professors - Ministerial Task Team Academics on National Youth Service: Professor M. Kgahola, G.N. Naude, Dr S.T. Tiba, Professor T. Mthembu, Professor T. Schultz

Kagiso Financial Services: Mr L.M.S. Gcwabe, Mr H.D.P. van Wyk, Mr C.A. Clark, Mr R. Kalaichelvan, Ms Z.J. Matlala

Question: 1 (c)

At what fee?

Response: Question: 1 (c)

The fees paid to the consultants differ from consultant to consultant and depend on a variety issues which but limited to:

· The complexity of the assignment.

· The duration of the assignment.

· The firm appointed based on experience, level of expertise and the qualifications of consultants.

· The number of personnel needed to execute the task or deliver the product.

In this particular case the fees paid ranged from R55 000 to R59 161 374.

Question: 1 (d)

For what reason?

Response: Question: 1 (d)

SPP Project Solutions for SA Navy. Appointment of a Transaction Advisor to conduct a feasibility study for a possible PPP for a new headquarters and mess for SA Navy. The specific skills required are unavailable in the DOD.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers for SA Navy. Appointment of a Transaction Advisor to conduct a feasibility study for a possible PPP Sea Safety Training Centre for SA Navy. The specific skills required are unavailable in the DOD.

Royal Navy Observer for SA Air Force. The training of SAAF Lynx crews in the use and application of the Lynx helicopter systems in the maritime environment. The system is new to the DOD and therefore the specialised skills are not available yet.

Mr A. Gerber for SA Air Force. Specialised imaging interpretation training (analytical/metrics aspects). Specialised skills or service required not available within DOD.

Lecturer at University of South Africa for SA Air Force. Specialised Security Risk management training. Specialised skills or service required not available within DOD.

Survival Electronics for SA Air Force. To provide lectures to the various Electronic Warfare courses as well as provide technical assistance during evaluations of Electronic Warfare systems. Consultant has vast amount of experience in the electronic warfare field, gained during his career as a fighter pilot in the SAAF. No serving SAAF member has this experience regarding tactics and electronic warfare, to pass on to the new generation aircrew.

OLDCORVUSALBUS Training for the SA Air Force. To provide Electronic Warfare Training of SAAF members.

CSIR for Chief Logistic. Development of and implementation of a strategic immovable asset management plan and immovable asset register. Also in assisting with the development of a sound Supply Chain Management strategy. DOD did not have the capacity.

Classic One Consortium for Chief Logistic. To provide competent support in the clean-up of the DOD item identification, codification, cataloguing, stock and asset register. DOD did not have the capacity.

Origin Exchange. Sub-surface clearance of Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) on military training areas.

SITA for the SA Army. Business Architecture for CD Army Force Structure. No qualified personnel in the SA Army.

Tshwane Sign Language Centre for the SA Army. A sign language interpreter for a hearing impaired member during an interview. The specific skills required are unavailable in the DOD.

KPMG for Chief Finance Officer. To assist the DOD in clearing of audit qualifications. The posts in the DOD were filled, but some of the people in the posts needed to be trained. One of the requirements are skills transfer to ensure that current DOD personnel will be competent.

5 x Professors. Ministerial Task Team Academics on National Youth Service for the Minister of Defence.

Kagiso Financial Services for Defence Intelligence. Appointment of a Transaction Advisor to conduct a feasibility study for a possible PPP for a Head Quarters for Defence Intelligence. The specific skills required are unavailable in the DOD.

Question: 2

Whether the MOD and MV will make a statement on the matter of appointed consultants during the FY2010/11?

Response:

The Department of Defence and Military Veterans have constantly received qualified audits in the years prior to 2009. Since the appointment of the new administration the Ministry has placed emphasis on zero qualifications on Asset Management, Stock verification, total clearance of Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) – especially in areas that are ready for the DoD to transfer land to communities - and the clearance of audit qualifications. The result of this effort is an improved audit status of the Department.

QUESTION 2011

Mr GR Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

a) At how many (i) international and (ii) domestic hotels/guest houses (aa) was she accommodated during the 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (bb) was her Deputy Minister accommodated during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified period for which information is available and (b) what (i) was the (aa) name (bb) star rating and (cc) city location of each specified of each specified establishment, (ii) was the (aa) duration and (bb) purpose of the stay in each case and (iii) (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 costs in each case (NW2257E)

RESPONSE

Members of the Executive travel domestic and international as part of discharging their duties and in the course of that, visit bases, attend seminars, workshops and meetings and, where necessary are accommodated at hotels, guest houses or any appropriate accommodation applicable for a duration required by that particular assignment.

When the bookings for this accommodation are made the offices of members of the Executive are guided by the rating of the accommodation to be booked, security of the members, availability of accommodation and similar considerations.

The information is provided with the view that the member appreciates that the details required, over that period, does not add any further value to the information provided and that the members indeed do stay at hotels and guest houses as part of the execution of their duties.

QUESTION NUMBER 2209.

Mr G R Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(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? NW2596E

RESPONSE

The Departmental Financial Management Division (FMD) in the environment of the Chief Financial Officer is, together with the Accounting Officer, still considering the information provided to them and verifying it before submission to the Minister for her consideration and sanctioning of the response. The response will be forwarded in due course.

QUESTION NUMBER 2169.

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) (a) Why is the Amatola not being relieved in the Mozambique Channel, (b) how long does it take to relieve the Amatola and (c) for what period has the Amatola been on duty in the Mozambique Channel;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW2541E

RESPONSE

The Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans is still evaluating the information regarding this question and will respond in due course once all the appropriate information had been evaluated and canvassed with the relevant authorities.

QUESTION NUMBER 2168.

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†

(1) (a) How many members of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) were absent from work because of unfinished disciplinary hearings (i) in the (aa) 2009-10 and (bb) 2010-11 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) in each specified year, how many (i) members of each rank were absent from work and (ii) days was each one of them absent and (c) what costs did the loss in working days amount to.

RESPONSE

The Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans is still compiling details regarding this question and will respond in due course once all the appropriate information had been collected and canvassed with the relevant stakeholders.

QUESTION 1985.

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†

(1) Whether the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) provides or has already provided any training to youth organisations and/or groups; if so, in each instance (a) to which youth organisations and/or groups and (b)(i) when, (ii) where was or will the training be provided, (iii) what is/was the full curriculum, (iv) what are/were the costs and (v) who is paying/has paid for these costs;

(2) what criteria are used to determine which organisations or youths should receive training from the SANDF;

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW2222E

RESPONSE

QUESTION 1937

Mr GR Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

a) How many (i) international flights and (ii) domestic flights were undertaken by (aa) her and (bb) her Deputy Minister using (aaa) military aircraft, (bbb) chartered aircraft or (ccc) commercial flight during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) what class did she and her Deputy Minister travel in each case and (c) what amount did her Department spend with regard to each specified flight (NW2175E).

RESPONSE

Members of the Executive travel domestic and international as part of discharging their duties. As a general rule, the travelling between Pretoria and Cape Town consist of the bulk of their travel. For the Minister and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans travelling to bases around the country is another part of their responsibility. In so doing they use either commercial flights where the bases are located in the vicinity of airports or invariably utilise military aircrafts or travel by road.

In the case where they travel by commercial flights the offices of members of the Executive are guided by the Ministerial Handbook (Chapter 6) when they book flights. These range from First Class, Business Class or even Economy where the situation requires.

The cost of ticket varies from place to place and airline to airline but in all cases they pay appropriate fees.

(The Ministerial Handbook Chapter Six deals with domestic official journeys, international official journeys, the South African Air Force and Chartered Aircraft Services).

QUESTION NO: 1903

1903. Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether she has employed a Ministerial Special Advisor; if so, (a) what are the duties of the Advisor, (b) at which post level was the appointment made, (c) what is the salary level of the advisor, (d) what is the duration of the employment contract entered into with the Advisor and (e) why was it necessary to appoint this Advisor? (NW2141E).

RESPONSE

The Ministry appointed three advisors whose (a) roles are to advice the Minister on political, legal and military issues.

b) The advisors were appointed at the level as stipulated in the Public Service Regulations.

(d) For the duration of the term of the Minister.

(e) To provide specialist advice to the Minister.

QUESTION 1745

Mr PJ Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

1) How many (a) members of the Reserve Force are in the SA (i) Army, (ii) Navy, (iii) Air Force and (iv) Military Health Services and (b) of the said members are (i) black, (ii) brown, (iii) Indian and, (iv) white persons;

2) What was the total budget of the Reserve Force in the (a) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11 financial years;

4) Whether she will make a statement on the matter? (NW1971E).

RESPONSE

1. As of 31^st March 2011:

i. The SA Army had 20156 Reserve Mebers of which 11727 are African, 2729 are Coloured, 65 are Indian, 4883 are White and 752 unspecified.

ii. The SA Navy had 1210 Reserve Members of which 361 are African, 296 are Coloured, 87 Indian, 463 are White and 3 are unspecified.

iii. The SA Air Force has 580 Reserve Members of which 222 are African, 17 are Coloured, 4 Indian, 332 are White and 5 unspecified.

iv. The SA Military Health Services had 2034 Reserve Members of which 1508 are African 159 Coloured, 24 Indian and 1 unspecified.

In addition, an additional 2167 Reserve Force Members serving in other divisions of the DoD comprised 1307 African, 97 Coloured, 11 Indian, 742 White and 10 unspecified.

2. The total human resource budget of the Reserve for the financial year 2009/10 and financial year 2010/11 respectively were R491985113 and R796 308 214.

3. Not at this stage.

QUESTION NUMBER 1700

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 JUNE 2011

Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(2) (a) what was the actual budget increase each year, expressed as a percentage, for funds allocated to this sub-programme and (b) how is the increase for each specified financial year justified? NW1914E

REPLY:

(1) (a) (b) (c) and (d) refer to the table herewith below.

Table 1.1 Ministry Sub-programme expenditure break down.

(a) African: 411.

(b) Coloured: 321.

(d) White: 531.

Total: 1 312.

The Castle Control Board currently employed:

(a) African: 2.

(b) Coloured: 4.

(d) White: 12.

Total: 18.

QUESTION 1461

Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) On how many occasions since 1 March 2010 did her office hire a vehicle to transport (i) her and (ii) her Deputy Minister and (b) in each case, (i) what was the cost of hiring the vehicle, (ii) for what reason was the vehicle hired, (iii) for how many days, (iv) what (aa) make and (bb) model of vehicle was hired and (v) what total distance was travelled? (NW1628E).

RESPONSE

Ministers and Deputy Ministers are allocated official vehicles which they utilize all for their official duties. However, when they have to perform official duties outside their areas of residence, such as Durban, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane , Kimberley, the office has to hire vehicles at the same level as those allocated for official duties.

In remote areas the choice of vehicles is limited and available cars range from Light Delivery Vehicles (LDV/Bakkies) to BMW X5s to Toyota Prados and Landrovers. Under the circumstances Ministers and Deputy Ministers are hired available vehicles.

Often Ministers and Deputy Ministers are also hired vehicles when their cars are in for service or repairs over a long period.

a) (i and ii). The Minister and the Deputy Minister were hired vehicles for a total of 24 times and 28 times respectively in each case.

b) (i) The cost of hiring the vehicles for the Minister was R234 074.87 and for the

Deputy Minister R207 183.55 and the costs varied from R737.09 for a few days to R99 831.37 for prolonged periods of vehicle service and repairs.

(ii) The vehicles were hired for performance of official duties.

(iii) The period ranged from a few days to approximately a month (in the case where the vehicle went in for repairs which took a long time).

(iv) (aa) The vehicles ranged from Mercedes C180s and Mercedes E200s and in some cases Toyota Prados and BMW X5s.

(iv) (bb) The distances travelled range from 47 per incident to 4162 (in a case where the vehicle had gone for a long time for repairs which took a long time).

QUESTION 1375

Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1) Whether her department has been requested to provide and fund a private mobile hospital for the exclusive use of the President; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(2) whether this has been approved; if not, why not; if so, what will the cost implications for the specified mobile unit be? NW1516E

REPLY:

(1) The Department of Defence was not requested to provide and fund a private mobile hospital for the exclusive use of the President. The Department had no intention of proving a private mobile hospital for the President as he is supported by an ambulance during convoys. The ambulance is operated by a Medical Officer and an Operational Emergency Care Practitioner (Paramedic).

(2) Falls away.

QUESTION 1373

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1) With reference to her reply to question 754 on 5 May 2100, why have the Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of soldiers in 2007 not yet been completed.

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

NW1513E

REPLY:

(1) The Report of the Commission of enquiry into the shooting accident at Lohatla will not be published as the matter is still subjudice between Armscor and the Original Equipment Manufacturer.

(2) Not at this stage

QUESTION 1372

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 MAY 2011

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1) Whether she will publish the report by the commission of enquiry into the shooting accident at Lohatla during which nine soldiers died in an anti-aircraft gun shooting accident; if not, why not; if so, when;

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

NW1513E

REPLY:

(1) The Report of the Commission of enquiry into the shooting accident at Lohatla will not be published as the matter is still subjudice between Armscor and the Original Equipment Manufacturer.

(2) Not at this stage

QUESTION 2 (NO 1494E)

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans (Written Question No 1348):

(1) Whether her department paid for the broadcasting of any (a) radio and/or (b) television advertisements for the 2011-12 financial year; if so, (i) how much did it cost to (aa) produce and (bb) air the advertisement, (ii) which company produced the advertisement, (iii) which radio or television station aired the advertisement and (iv) how much funds were allocated to spend on airing the advertisement in future;

(2) Whether her department paid for the publication of any newspaper advertisements for the 2011-12 financial year; if so, (a) in which publication were the advertisements placed, (b) when did the advertisements appear, (c) at what cost and (d) what are the details of the advertisements;

(3) How does the placement of the specified advertisements assist her department in fulfilling its mandate? (NO1494E)

RESPONSE

I submitted a response to this question when it was initially asked as Question 1348. Nonetheless I will provide the answer again.

1. (a) No.

(b) No.

The other elements of the question fall away.

2. (a) No

(b) No

3. Falls away.

The Department has not paid for any advertisement in the 2011 – 2012 financial year. However it is currently embarking on a multi media campaign in partnership with the SABC and other service providers of outdoor platforms.

The campaign is designed to achieve a number of objectives in the strategic plan - among them, to raise awareness of the people of South Africa about the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as the guarantor of the Constitution and our democracy and to educate and inform young people of opportunities in the SANDF. The campaign also seeks to inform the public of the primacy of the SANDF to SA's National Security, for instance through border control.

QUESTION NUMBER 1348

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 21 APRIL 2011

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether her department paid for the broadcasting of any (a) radio and/or (b) television advertisements for the 2011-12 financial year; if so, (i) how much did it cost to (aa) produce and (bb) air the advertisement, (ii) which company produced the advertisement, (iii) which radio or television station aired the advertisement and (iv) how much funds was allocated to spend on airing the advertisement in future;

(2) whether her department paid for the publication of any newspaper advertisements for the 2011-12 financial year; if so, (a) in which publication were the advertisements placed, (b) when did the advertisements appear, (c) at what cost and (d) what are the details of the advertisements;

(3) how does the placement of the specified advertisements assist her department in fulfilling its mandate? ( NW1494E)

REPLY:

(1) Whether her department paid for the broadcasting of any (a) radio and/or (b) television advertisements for the 2011-12 financial year; if so, (i) how much did it cost to (aa) produce and (bb) air the advertisement, (ii) which company produced the advertisement, (iii) which radio or television station aired the advertisement and (iv) how much funds was allocated to spend on airing the advertisement in future;

The answer to (1) is NO, and therefore (i) (ii) (iii) iv) is not relevant.

(2) whether her department paid for the publication of any newspaper advertisements for the 2011-12 financial year; if so, (a) in which publication were the advertisements placed, (b) when did the advertisements appear, (c) at what cost and (d) what are the details of the advertisements;

The answer to (2) is also NO, and therefore (a,b,c,d) fall away.

(3) how does the placement of the specified advertisements assist her department.

The question falls away.

QUESTION NUMBER 1292

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 21 APRIL 2011

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1) What amount has her department spent on legal costs (a) in the 2009-10 financial year and (b) during the period 1 April up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) what amount had to be paid in each of these periods owing to a court judgment where her department had to bear the costs for the State;

(3) what was the total amount that her department had to pay for lawsuits in which the SA National Defence Union (SANDU) had been a party (a) in the 2009-10 financial year and (b) during the period 1 April up to the latest specified date for which information is available? (NW1433E)

REPLY:

(1) The total amounts spent on legal costs for FY 2009/10 and 2010/11 are as follows:

(a) 2009/10 FY: Rm 10, 588; and

(b) 2010/11 FY: Rm 21, 311.

The amount relating 2010/11 FY is still provisional at this stage, as the audit process is not yet finalised by the Auditor-General.

(2) The total amounts of legal costs carried by the Department in the respective financial years are as set out in (1) above. The Department's financial management system only records legal fees paid in respect of all litigation and therefore does not discriminate between payments made as a result of court judgments, settlements etc.

(3) The total amount paid in lawsuits involving SANDU is Rm 4,512,201.06, being outstanding membership subscriptions due to SANDU between Oct 2007 and July 2009 plus interest at the legal rate of 15,5%. This amount was paid in Sep 2009 as a result of the court order of Justice Legodi of 07 Aug 2009.

QUESTION 1169

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1) With reference to her answer to question 2768 on 17 December 2010, (a) what was the cost of financing the strategic defence package, (b) what was the total cost of the weaponry and (c) what has the interest amounted to so far;

(2) how much the costs of the project (a) have amounted to up to now and (b) are expected to total after completion;

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW1292E

REPLY:

(1) (a) The cost of financing the Strategic Defence Package was R 42, 362,053,814.

(b) Weaponry is an integral part of the SDP's organic command, control fire and control suites, it is included in the total cost per platform. The total ceiling approved by the National Treasury is R 47,225,627,631.

(c) The Interest on Arms Procurement Loan Facility (APLF) for the Strategic Defence Package so far amounted to R 7,860,569,013 and it is not included in the total ceiling mentioned in (1)(b) above.

(2) (a) The Strategic Defence Packages are executed within the allocated funding approved by the National Treasury. The costs of the project have amounted to R 42, 362,053,814.

(b) The costs of the project expected to total after completion is R 47,225,627.631, and it is updated by the National Treasury annually during October of each year.

(3) Not at this stage.

QUESTION 1136 [NW 1259E]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 APRIL 2011

Mr S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether the measures which were implemented to safeguard border gates are fully functional; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) what were the objectives of the deployment of the SA National Defence Force on our borders;

(3) whether these objectives were achieved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether she intends to increase the number of (a) border areas controlled and (b) defence force members to the borders; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1259E

REPLY:

(1) "Border Gates" and "Ports of Entry" are the primary function of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Borders, within the context of the three dimensions namely; land, air and maritime can broadly be categorised as "border lines" and "ports of entry". The role of the SANDF with regard to border safeguarding is restricted to the border lines.

(2) JFE Objective No 1: Defence of the Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty of the RSA. Mission No 1: Border Safeguarding which entails both Border Control and Border Protection. The SANDF is responsible for border line control under the auspices of Border Control in order to combat the:

- Crossing of illegal foreigners

- Contraband smuggling

- Stock theft

- Narcotic smuggling

- Illegal weapon carriers

- Illegal precious metal transactions

- Stolen vehicles

- Criminal apprehension

(3) The SANDF has achieved great success in terms of set objectives. Statistics over the period 1 April 2010 to 3 March 2011 is as follows:

- Illegal foreigners apprehended: 19 641

- Value of contraband confiscated: R 61, 647, 128,00

- Stock recovered

o Cattle: 21

o Small stock: 60

- Narcotics confiscated

o Dagga: 241 kg

o Tik- Tik: 142 crystals

- Hand weapons confiscated/found: 10

- Copper confiscated: 463 kg

- Stolen vehicles recovered: 22

- Criminals arrested: 400

(4) Yes, the roll out strategy with force levels is as follows:

a. Phase 1: 2010/11

i. 2 x Companies to the Zimbabwe border line.

ii. 2 x Company to the Mozambique border line.

b. Phase 2: 2011/12

i. 1 x Company to Mozambique border line.

ii. 2 x Companies to the Lesotho border line.

iii. 1 x Company to Swaziland border line.

c. Phase 3: 2012/13

i. 1 x Company to Zimbabwe border line.

ii. 2 x Companies to the Lesotho border line.

iii. 1 x company to Swaziland border line.

d. Phase 4: 2013/14

i. 1 x Company to the Lesotho border line.

ii. 2 x Company to the Botswana border line.

iii. 1 x Company to the Namibian border line.

e. Phase 5: 2014/15

i. 2 x Companies to the Lesotho border line.

ii. 1 x Company to the Swaziland border line.

iii. 1 x Company to the Mozambique border line.

f. Phase 6: 2015/16

i. 3 x Companies to the Botswana border line.

ii. In addition to the deployments support will be rendered by a

Engineer squadron in terms of fence repairs and smaller

base maintenance.

QUESTION 1042

Ms L D Mazibuko (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

1 Whether she has taken any steps to (a) repair and (b) maintain her department's Durban North properties in (i) Norrie Avenue and (ii) Jim Fouche Drive which contain 23 state quarters; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

2 whether any steps have been taken since 2006 to repair and maintain the properties; if not, why not; if so, (a) what steps and (b) when;

3 whether she has any plans in place to (a) rid these properties of pests and (b) upgrade the facilities; if not, why not; if so, what plans? NW1160E

REPLY

(1) Yes, steps have been taken to repair the properties in the Durban North, namely (i) Norrie Avenue and (ii) Jim Fouche Drive which contain 23 state quarters. These steps include the following:

· The signing of the certificate of essentiality by Director Facility Support Management on 19 June 2008.

· The issuing of procurement instruction on 19 March 2009 and also the registering of NDPW Durban service for repair and refurbishment.

· The adjudication for the awarding of tenders by NDPW Durban, which are currently being finalised.

(2) Yes, since 2006, the day to day maintenance has been undertaken at the said properties in the Durban North in respect of the following;

· repair of Geysers

· fixing of burst water pipes

· fixing roof leakages

(3) Yes, (a) the Department of Defence (DOD) has a policy to rid these properties of pests. This policy states very clear that fumigation must take place twice a year.

(b) the upgrade of the facilities has been addressed by the repair and refurbishment programme mentioned in a reply to part 1 of this Question.

QUESTION NUMBER 1020

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 MARCH 2011 Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(a) How many of the four frigates are experiencing:

(i) drive shaft;

(ii) engine or

(iii) rust problems,

(b) what, in each case, is the

(i) extent,

(ii) cause and

(iii) repair cost of the damage and

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

NW1137E

REPLY:

a. Problems experienced

(i) Drive shaft: No frigate experienced a drive shaft problem.

(ii) Engine: Two frigates experienced engine problems.

(iii) No frigate experienced rust problems.

(b) In each case:

(i) Extent of the problem (on the engine)

- The port production diesel became dysfunctional and is to be replaced. Also, the starboard propulsion diesel became inoperational and the defective component is to be replaced.

(b) (ii) Cause of the problem

- The ingress of water through the exhaust system and due to sensor failure. This was caused by normal wear and tear.

(b) (iii) repair cost of the damage:

- The port production would cost R16-m to repair.

- The starboard propulsion would cost R3185.00.

The planned date of completion of the work on the port production is March 2013 and the starboard propulsion has been fixed.

2. Not at this stage

QUESTION NUMBER 812

Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether (a) her department or (b) any of its affiliated entities have purchased any tickets for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011; if not, why not; if so, (i) what process has been followed to purchase these tickets, (ii) how many tickets have been purchased, (iii) for which matches, (iv) what has been the total cost of these tickets, (v) what are the reasons for purchasing these tickets, (vi) to whom will each of these tickets be allocated and (vii) on what was the decision for the allocation of these tickets based?

NW884E

REPLY:

(a) No.

(b) No.

QUESTION NUMBER 657

Mr J Selfe to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether she made a request to the President that a certain person (name furnished) be exempted from the necessary security clearance prior to his employment in her Department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? (NW 703 E)

RESPONSE

Defence Intelligence is responsible for processing the vetting of members upon employment and beyond that periodically and it does so for all the relevant members. The same situation applies even in this case.

QUESTION 600

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: UNKNOWN

QUESTION

Mr J.J. van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) (a) Which travel agencies or travel service providers does her department use currently and (b)(i) how and (ii) when were they appointed in each case;

(2) what was the (a) budgeted amount and (b) actual amount paid to each specified service provider for departmental travel expenditure in the (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) 2009-10 financial years (NW643E)

REPLY

1. (a)

The Department currently uses the AB Logistics (Armscor) and Travel with Flair.

1(b)(i) AB Logistics was appointed as a preferred service provider in accordance with the Department's procurement policy. The Department did not appoint Travel with Flair as a service provider but utilised its services through participating in the existing contract of the Department of Public Service and Administration. The participated was entered into in line with National Treasury Regulation 16A 6.6.

1 (b)(ii)

AB Logistics was appointed on 1 January 2008 to provide a travel service for 3 years and was again appointed on 1 January 2011 to provide a travel service for a further 3 years.

The Department started its participation in the existing DPSA's travel contract with Travel with Flair from 1 September 2009 due to the increasing demand of domestic and international travel and the need for a 24-hour accessability service.

2 (a)

Financial Year 2007-08, R74 406 761.00.

Financial Year 2008-09, R85 256 042.00.

Financial Year 2009-10, R94 995 041.00.

2 (b) (i)

Financial Year 2007-08

Service Provider: Janco Travel CC, amount paid R25 049 783.65 (9 months).

Service Provider: Armscor (AB Logistics), amount paid R9 516 755.13 (3 months).

The total costs incurred was R34 566 538.78.

The amount include costs for bus tickets, vehicle hire, and air fares.

2 (b) (ii)

Financial Year 2008-09

Service Provider: Armscor (AB Logistics), amount paid R71 312 881.25

The amount include costs for bus tickets, vehicle hire, and air fares.

2 (b) (iii)

Financial Year 2009-10

Service Provider: Armscor (AB Logistics), amount paid R56 220 152.99.

Service Provider: Travel with Flair, amount paid R10 142 824.00.

The total costs incurred was R66 362 976.99.

The amount include costs for bus tickets, vehicle hire, and air fares.

For the year under review these expenses indicate that the amounts the Department spent below the projected budget. This was due to austerity measures introduced by the Department. It is clear, however, that the ever-increasing air fare and fuel costs pose a challenge to the Department's achievements of spending below budget.

QUESTION NO. 492

WRITTEN REPLY

492. Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether (a) her department, (b) the SA National Defence Force or (c) any (i) agency or (ii) institution which receives transfers from her departmental budget employs staff to perform the duties set out in the Minimum Information and Security Standards (Miss) that were adopted by Cabinet on 4 December 1996 or any subsequent version of the Miss; if not, why not, in each case; if so, in each case, (aa) how many and (bb) what (aaa) is the job title, (bbb) is the employment level, (ccc) are the academic qualifications, (ddd) is the salary and (eee) are the other benefits of each specified staff member? NW537E

REPLY

The Department of Defence through the South African National Defence Force's Defence Intelligence Division has employed a Chief Director who performs duties set out in the MISS. The incumbent receives benefits applicable to that level of employment.

QUESTION NO. 480

480. Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What areas of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are currently covered by 24-hour RADAR surveillance by the SA National Defence Force (SANDF);

(2) whether the SANDF has any plans in place to ensure that areas of the EEZ that are not covered by 24-hour RADAR surveillance are covered in the future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has found that the 24-hour RADAR surveillance is effective where it is deployed in protecting the EEZ; if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusion reached? NW522E

REPLY

1. The length of coastline of the RSA measures 3924 kilometres and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends, for practical reasons, 370 kilometres to seaward of the baselines that approximate this coastline. The EEZ thus covers an area of approximately 1 537 000 square kilometres of open sea. Approximately 29% of the coastline is covered by fixed land-based radars (radar horizon depends on the height of the antenna) with a radar horizon of approximately 25 kilometres. It is thus clear that use must be made of a variety of platforms (ships, surveillance aircraft, helicopters) with a variety of sensors (eg radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT), electro-optical, optical and others) in order to monitor the EEZ of the RSA.

2. The SANDF is planning to cover the full extent of the EEZ with some form of sensor, or combination of sensors, that will produce the most optimal coverage. It is obvious that such an integrated system will require the cooperation of many stakeholders and will benefit the RSA in order to ensure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our maritime zones remain intact. Such an integrated system forms part of the deliberations on a maritime security strategy for the RSA.

3. The SANDF has determined that a full spectrum of electronic and optical sensors, deployed from a variety of platforms, provide the optimal solution for managing the surveillance of our maritime zones.

QUESTION 474

Mr SJ Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Whether there are any vacancies in her department, if so, (a) how many vacant positions are there, (b) for what number of vacancies has her department (i) budgeted and (iii) not budgeted, (c) how many vacancies are in the process of being filled and (d) when will the positions for each category be filled? (NW 516E).

RESPONSE

Whether there are any vacancies. Yes, the Department of Defence has vacancies.

a. How many vacant positions are there? There are a total of 2 893 vacant positions.

b. For what number of vacancies has her Department:

i. Budgeted: The Department has budgeted for the filling of 1401 vacant positions during Financial Year 2011/12, as follows:

(1) 334 Vacant professionals and/or experienced uniformed appointments in the Regulars.

(2) 1067 Public Service Act Personnel appointments.

ii. Not Budgeted: The Department has not budgeted for the filing of 1492 vacancies.

c. How many vacancies are in the process of being filled? The Department is currently effecting the recruiting of 334 professionals and experienced members for uniformed appointment in the Regulars. Eight hundred and three (803) Public Service Act appointments out of the 1067 planned Public Service Personnel appointments are also currently being processed.

d. When will all the positions for each category be filled? The planned new appointments are to be executed during the course of Financial Year 2011/12 with the filling of all the budgeted vacancies to be concluded during the fourth quarter of Financial Year 2011/12.

QUESTION 470

Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) (a) owns or (b) commands any radio spectrum; if so, what are the details in each case;

(2) whether any of the spectrum (a) owned or (b) commanded by the SANDF is currently not in use; if so, in each case, what are the reasons for each frequency not being used? NW511E

REPLY 1

a. The SANDF does not own radio spectrum frequencies but utilises those licensed from ICASA. b. The SANDF CMIS Division within the SANDF that is responsible for managing the utilisation of these frequencies. c. The frequency spectrum that is allocated and utilised by the SANDF is of a classified nature and the details of each individual frequency cannot be made public.

REPLY 2

The majority of the spectrum that is allocated to the SANDF is fully utilised. The SANDF and ICASA are in discussions with regard to co-ordinating an audit of all ICASA radio frequencies allocated to the SANDF with the view to establishing whether any frequencies need to be surrendered back to the ICASA.

QUESTION 364

364. Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†

(1) Whether any structure has been established in terms of the Border Management Agency (BMA); if not, (a) why not, (b) when will this structure be constituted and (c) what are the reasons for the delay; if so, (i) how has the structure been constituted, (ii) who is serving in the structure and (iii) when were the appointments made;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW392E

REPLY: QUESTION 1

The SANDF went back to the borders in April 2010 under Operation Corona to take over from the Police. It had to re-establish its own operational procedures as a matter of urgency and embark on the job at hand immediately when it took over. We are proud that those procedures established have led to a quick turnaround in terms of re-establishing itself as the guardian of our country's borders. The deployment of the SANDF in other areas is continuing in the same in that spirit. No structure of any kind established by the SANDF in terms of the Border Management Agency.

a. The SANDF utilized its Force Structure Elements (FSE) in terms of its Joint Force Employment Strategy (JFES) under OPERATION CORONA for borderline patrol and safeguarding within the BMA concept.

b-c. All the subsequent questions are not applicable since they emanate from the major question answered above.

2. There is no need for any Ministerial statement on the matter.

QUESTION NUMBER 364

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 MARCH 2011

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

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

NW392E

REPLY:

(1) No

(a) No structure was established by the SANDF in terms of the Border Management Agency.

(b) The SANDF applies the Force Structure Elements (FSE) are mobilised in terms of Joint Force Employment Strategy (JFES) under OPERATION CORONA in executing border safeguarding within the BMA concept. There has been no reason for the SANDF to establish any other structure.

Members will remember that the SANDF went back to the borders on 1 April 2010. Since that time a number of our troops have been deployed on the SA.Zimbabwe; SA/Mozambique, and SA/Swaziland borders. We are proud to report that the our roll-out plan is continuing very well and that our next deployment will be on the SA/ Lesotho border from next week, 1 April 2011.

Our borders are increasingly becoming safer and safer and we are poised to successfully achieve this Government's Medium Term Strategic Framework outcome of ensuring that : "All people in South Africa are and feel safe".

Our Strategic Plan is clear on this matter where it outlines the Minister's priorities titled 'Execution of the Bordeer Safeguard Function' where it says: "The safeguarding of the borders of South Africa remains one of the key functions of the SANDF. The phased in approach, adopted by the SANDF in undertaking this function, will continue in the Financial Year 2011/12 with the final phase being completed during the Financial Year 2012/13 (p.34 of the DoD Strategic Plan).

I take this opportunity to call on Members of this House, irrespective of where you stand, to stand proud and patriotic, self-less and constructive, to support the SANDF as it executes this important task of ensuring that of us are and feel safe within our borders.

(2) No at this stage

QUESTION 279.

Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) How many documents have (a)(i) her ministry and (ii) the SA National Defence Force and (b) any (i) institution, (ii) agency or (iii) force which receives transfers from her departmental budget classified as (aa) top secret, (bb) secret, (cc) confidential and (dd) restricted under the provisions of the Minimum Information Security Standards that were adopted by the Cabinet on 4 December 1996 in the (aaa) 2005-06, (bbb) 2006-07, (ccc) 2007-08, (ddd) 2008-09 and (eee) 2009-10 financial years;

(2) What is the (a) name and (b)(i) rank or (ii) employment level of the official who decided on the classification at each specified public body? NW300E

RESPONSE

The Honourable Member asked a similar question previously (Question 492).

1. The information requested in 1 (a) - (eee) is confidential and if released without any restrictions may compromise State Security.

2. The Department of Defence through the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF's) Intelligence Division has employed a Chief Director who performs duties set in the MISS. The incumbent receives benefits applicable to that level of employment. It is not necessary to divulge his/her name.

QUESTION 210

Mrs M.N. Matladi (UCDP) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether the SA National Defence Force intends conducting an internal investigation regarding an Army Officer who was arrested in Gauteng whilst in possession of equipment to break into cash vaults, if not, what is the position in this regard, if so what are the relevant details ? (NW 228E)

REPLY

The member is a member of the SA Air Force and not SA Army. The member was arrested for armed robbery by the SA Police Service and is investigated by the SA Police Service. The member appeared on 15 February 2011 for bail application but the application was remanded and the member remains in custody. If the member is successful with his bail application the SAAF will initiate administrative procedures to suspend the member pending the investigation.

QUESTION 208

208. Mr L J Tolo (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether her department has put into effect increased naval patrols and vigilance on the coastline as a result of the advancing threat of Somali pirate activity; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) contingency budgets in light of the decrease in spending in the 2008-09 frigate and submarine programme and (b) further relevant details? NW226E

REPLY

The Department is unable to answer this question without endangering the security of the State. The Department would be able to answer this question at the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) as classified information.

QUESTION 207

207. Mr L J Tolo (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether, with reference to her department's recent drive to recruit young people to the military, her department has achieved its annual target to equip 11 140 young people with basic military skills; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether the 106 500 reserve members were called upon to serve during the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2010; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW225E

REPLY 1

No, the department of Defence and Military Veterans did not achieve its annual target to equip 11 140 young people with basic military skills. A total of 10166 recruits reported and 974 members who already received letters of acceptance failed to report for the training programme after having been identified for acceptance.

REPLY 2

The total number of SANDF Reserves was 28 500 as at 31 March 2010. 12 500 Reserve Force members were called-up for the financial year 09/10. It is forecast that another 14 000 Reserve Force members would have been called up by the year ending 31 March 2011.

QUESTION 206

Mr Tolo (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military veterans:

1. What is the current status of the A400M aircraft agreement and the R2 billion deposit that was held by the manufactures?

2. Whether she has any alternative plan in place to replace these aircraft with modern defence aircraft, if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details? (NW224E).

REPLY

1. The A400M aircraft agreement was terminated on 5 November 2009 due to delays in the production schedule of the manufacturer and the subsequent cost escalation which made it unaffordable for the country.

The contract required that the Department terminate before a set date if we were to qualify for a refund. The Department terminated before that date. This matter is being handled by Armscor as the contracting party and the acquisition arm of the SANDF.

2. The SA Air Force is still evaluating its options for an alternative aircraft and at this stage there are no details.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

QUESTION NUMBER 150

Mr D V Bloem (COPE-FS) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether, with reference to the Estimates of National Expenditure, her department has hired any consultant(s) to advise on the clearing up of payments that were due to suppliers or personnel; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

CW187E

REPLY:

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans did not hire any consultant(s) to advice on the clearing up of payments that were due to suppliers or personnel. The Department of Defence has competent and capable staff to perform the functions related to the payments of suppliers or personnel.

NCOP

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 149

Mr D V Bloem (COPE-FS) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether she will make the findings of the investigation into a certain person (name furnished) available to the public; if not, why not; if so, when;

(2) whether her department has suffered any damages as a result of the said person's allegations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? CW186E

Reply

It is not clear to me which investigation the Honourable Member is referring to. The Honourable Member is requested to provide me with more details of the investigation he is referring to, so I may respond to his question.

QUESTION 2

Mr P Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Honourable Minister of Defence and Military Veterans as follows:

1. Whether the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) was involved in a visit by the President of the Republic of the Republic to a farm in the Vredefort dome outside Parys earlier this year; if so, (a) in what capacity, (b) which detachments of the SANDF were deployed, (c) how many soldiers and paratroopers, (d) what was the total cost of the operation, (e) to whom does the farm belong and (f) what is the farm used for;

2. Whether she will make a statement on the matter? NO834E

RESPONSES

1. The Ministry is unaware of the visit referred to and has no information of the ownership of the farm.

2. No.

2011-04-07

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