Communications

2011-11-15

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QUESTION NO: 1980

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 5 August 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 21

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether he has been informed of the (a) local and (b) international 3G cost charged by each cellular phone service provider for each megabyte used; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(2) whether he intends introducing legislation, similar to that recently passed in the European Union (EU), to force cellular service providers to reduce their international charges; if not, why not; if so, when will this legislation be introduced?

NW2207E

REPLY:

The Electronic Communications Act (ECA) No 36 of 2005 does not directly regulate retail prices. Price regulation is covered in Chapter 10 of the referred Act.

In terms of the ECA of 2005 the authority has been given powers only to define the relevant market and market segments that pro-competitive conditions may be imposed upon electronic communication services licensees

Markets and Competition (Economic and Financial Analysis Unit):

(1) In terms of paragraph 9(1)(b) of the Standard Terms and Conditions Regulations (Government Gazette 33294) "a licensee may not provide any services for a charge, fees or other compensation, unless the price(s) for the services and other terms and conditions of the provision for such services have…been filed with the Authority at least seven (7) days prior to the provision of the said services…".

It should be noted that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa ("Authority") does not have powers to approve or disapprove the aforementioned filing as licensees are required only to file tariff notification (s) (not lodge tariff applications for approval) for new product/services and related tariffs and or tariff adjustments to existing services.

(2) It should be noted that the European Union is an economic and political union or trade bloc which comprises of about 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU cannot therefore be compared to South Africa as the Authority does not have jurisdiction over other countries as we don't have such effective economic and political union in Africa.

The Authority is however empowered to conduct market reviews to evaluate effectiveness of competition in the markets or market segment, including local and international data market, in South Africa in terms of Section 67(4) of Chapter 10 of the Electronic Communications Act of 2005 ("EC Act"). If the relevant market or market segment is found to be ineffectively competitive the Authority is required to impose pro-competitive remedies such as price control through regulations to ensure that the market or market segment tends towards a competitive outcome in terms of section 67(7) of the EC Act. It should be noted that South Africa is a member of International Telecommunications Union Regional Group for Africa (SG3RG-AFR) which was tasked to reduce international termination rates between African countries and between African countries and the international community.

(3) Summary of what happened to broadband prices over the past two years or so

§ MTN reduced out-of-bundle data rates by up to 84% and also introduced one-day, unlimited usage bundle for R50 in March 2010 with usage policy of 150MB. Once this limit is reached the connection speed is throttled down to 128Kbps, but the bundle will remain uncapped for the remainder of the 24-hour period.

§ Vodacom announced that from May 2010, customers will receive between 17% and 60% more data free on all data bundles smaller than 3GB

§ MTN launched another uncapped contracts on a 24-month basis namely, MTN Uncapped Lite and Pro with fair usage policy of 3GB after which the connection is slowed down to 128 kilobits per second

§ Cell C launch two 21Mbps competitive data bundles in Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Cape Town and then Johannesburg from Sep 2010. The two bundles cost R1 499 and R2 999 up-front for 2GB/month and 5GB/month of data respectively for a period of 12 months.

§ Cell C introduced additional two data promotions. The first package offers a modem capable of speeds of up to 7.2Mbps and 2GB of data per month for R149 per month. The second package offers a modem capable of speeds of up to 21Mbps and 5GB of data per month for R299 per month.

§ In addition, Cell C also introduced new prepaid bundles competitively priced. The options available are 100MB for R50, 250MB for R100, 500MB for R150 and 1000MB for R250.

§ Vodacom introduced data bundle in Nov 2010 aimed at entry-level users who need basic access for e-mail and web browsing. It is priced at R399, which includes a 3G USB modem and 100MB of data per month for 12 months.

§ Telkom 8ta introduced 10GB data bundle for R199 for 24 months in June 2011.

§ Vodacom revised its data services structure and pricing in July 2011, which will see contract data customers get up to 43% savings and get double their data for free with Night Owl, moving the effective savings to as high as 72%

§ In August 2011, Cell C introduced a 10GB/month package, including a 7,2Mbit/s MyZone router or 21,6Mbit/s USB modem, for R499/month on contract for 12 months or R4 999 once-off on prepaid.

§ Vodacom announced cuts of up to 42% in data prices for prepaid customers from September 2011

§ MTN announced that "Uncapped Lite" and "Uncapped Pro" contracts customers will not be subject to speed restrictions when they exceed "fair-use" limits from October 2011 to January 2012.

QUESTION NO: 1900

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 July 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 20

DATE OF REPLY:

Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether he 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?

NW2138E

REPLY:

Yes, the Minister employed a Special Advisor to his office.

a) The duties of the Advisor

Amongst others are as follows:-

i) to advise the Executive Authority on the exercise or performance of the

Executive Authority's powers and duties;

ii) to advise the Executive Authority on the development of policy that will

promote the department's objectives; and

iii) to perform such other tasks as may be appropriate in respect of the

exercise or performance of the Executive Authority's powers and duties.

b) The Special Advisor to the Minister is appointed at Compensation level VII in terms of provisions of the DPSA's 'Revised Dispensation For the Appointment and remuneration of Person's (Special Advisors) Appointed To Executive Authorities on Grounds Of Policy Consideration In Terms of Section 12A of The Public Service Act, 1994' which came into operations with effect from the 1^st April 2011

c) The Special Advisor in all departments is paid according to the special revised Dispensation of 2011 as indicated above.

d) The Special Advisors are employed for the term of the Minister.

e) Section 12A of the Public Service Act, 1994 read together with the 'Revised Dispensation For the Appointment and remuneration of Person's (Special Advisors) Appointed To Executive Authorities on Grounds Of Policy Consideration In Terms of Section 12A of The Public Service Act, 1994' makes it necessary for the appointment of Special Advisors to the Executive Authorities serving in the Republic of South Africa

QUESTION NO: 1742

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 July 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 19

DATE OF REPLY: 18 August 2011

Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether, with reference to the operational and financial viability of Telkom, the cellular operation 8.ta has boosted Telkom's revenue; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the Government intends making a cash injection from the state coffers into the Telkom operation; if not, why not; if so, why?

NW1967E

REPLY:

1. Telkom is a JSE listed company. In terms of the rules of the JSE, Telkom must share information equally to all its shareholders at their annual general meeting. The Government represented by the Minister has 38% shares in Telkom with no special rights.

2. I have referred your above question to the Telkom board with a request to reply thereto.

QUESTION NO: 1741

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 June 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 18

DATE OF REPLY: 22 July 2011

Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) With reference to the operational and financial viability of Telkom, (a) what are the implications for the Government as majority shareholder of Telkom's failed Multilinks transaction in Nigeria and (b) how will it impact on Telkom's future roll-out of infrastructure to under-serviced rural areas;

(2) what are the (a) lessons that his department has learnt from the failed Multilinks transaction and (b) total amounts that will have to be written off in the Multilinks transaction?

NW1966E

REPLY:

Telkom is a JSE listed company. In terms of the rules of the JSE, Telkom must share information equally to all its shareholders at their annual general meeting. The Government represented by the Minister has 38% shares in Telkom with no special rights.

I have referred your above question to the Telkom board with a request to reply thereto.

QUESTION NO: 1740

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 June 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 18

DATE OF REPLY: 4 August 2011

Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

What progress has been made in the development and reform of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector in accellerating local loop unbundling aimed at reducing broadband prices as projected in the Strategic Overview of 2006-07 to 2012-13?

NW1965E

REPLY:

In 2006 the Department appointed a Local Loop Unbundling Committee, chaired by Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala. The mandate of the committee was to recommend an appropriate model to unbundled Telkom's last mile network and the timeframe within which this can be done.

The Committee met over a period of five months to deliberate on the process. As a result, the Committee made policy and regulatory recommendations to consider on the best models for a successful local loop unbundling process. A policy decision was taken and gazetted in government gazette No. 30308 that the unbundling process should be implemented and completed by 2011.

Subsequent to that in 2010 the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) published the Electronic Communications Facilities Leasing Regulations that provides that the Electronic Communications Network Service (ECNS) licensees must avail the relevant facilities to licensees who request facilities. The regulations also seek to provide a framework that stipulates principles, terms and condition, timeframe and procedure; and dispute resolution mechanisms.

In June 2011, ICASA further published a discussion document which outlines the its views on the processes to be followed to unbundle the fixed line local loop, and to invite public participation.

QUESTION NO: 1739

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 June 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 18

DATE OF REPLY:

Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether his department has a database listing public schools and clinics that have been linked to reliable terrestrial internet infrastructure; if so, what are the relevant details; if not,

(2) whether his department has taken any steps to compile such a database; if not, why not; if so, what steps?

NW1964E

REPLY:

(1) The Department has a database listing public schools that have internet connectivity as supplied by the Department of Basic Education. The Department does not have a database listing clinics but the Department of Health has been requested to assist in this regard. Such data is then held by the Department on completion of the specific projects and added to existing databases.

(2) As mentioned above, the Department has regular meetings with the departments to collate the information so as to update the database. The Department is working both internally and with ICASA to further improve the data storage requirement.

QUESTION NO: 1697

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 June 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 18

DATE OF REPLY:

Dr H C van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

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

NW1911E

REPLY:

Ministry sub programme is composed of Minister and Deputy Minister's salaries.

Question 1

Minster	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11
	R'000	R'000	R'000	R'000
S&W: Basic salary	762	967	937	1 117
S&W:non pensionable all other (res)	190	420	410	454
Employer contr: medial (res)		7	1	5
Employer contr: pension (res)		1	209	234
Total	952	1 584	1 557	1 810
Deputy Minster	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11
	R'000	R'000	R'000	R'000
S&W: Basic salary	562	797	895	880
S&W:non pensionable all other (res)	140	334	375	392
Employer contr: medial (res)		18	19	24
Employer contr: pension (res)		158	201	212
Total	702	1 307	1 490	1 508

Question 2 (a)

	Budget: 2007/08	Budget: 2008/09	% increase	Budget: 2009/10	% increase	Budget: 2010/11	% increase
	R'000	R'000		R'000		R'000
Minister	938	1 612	71%	1 725	7%	1 816	5%
Deputy Minister	693	1 328	91%	1 420	7%	1 496	5%

Question 2 (b)

National Treasury provides the departments with government gazette that guides the departments on salary adjustment of ministers and deputy ministers.

QUESTION NO: 1661

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 June 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 18

DATE OF REPLY: 4 August 2011

Adv. A de W Alberts (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Communications:

How many (a) African, (b) Coloured, (c) Indian and (d) White employees are there in each of the public institutions that report to him in terms of Schedules 1 to 3D of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999?

NW1868E

REPLY:

1. ICASA

(a) 279

(b) 24

(d) 53

2. Sentech

(a) 344

(b) 36

(d) 147

3. USAASA

(a) 61

(b) 1

(d) 2

4. NEMISA

(a) 33

(b) 6

(d) 7

5. SAPO

(a) 9924

(b) 2105

(d) 2730

6. SABC

(a) 2392

(b) 328

(d).790

QUESTION NO: 1271

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 April 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 11

DATE OF REPLY:

Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether there is a document containing information on all masts and antennas of all service providers, including the geographic location; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will such a document be developed; if so,

(2) whether the public can have access to the information; if not, why not; if so, how do they access the information?

NW1419E

REPLY:

(1) ICASA issues licenses to the Network Operators in order that the Operators deliver on telecommunication services for both commercial use and to deliver on service obligations. ICASA need the locations of the masts in order to approve the frequency applications for the licence. Also, the Service Operators are obliged to report on their network rollout and coverage maps to ICASA.

(2) The access of this information to the public would also be incorporated in the licensing contracts between the Operators and ICASA.

The Final Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan, 2008 published in government Gazette number 32728 on 18 November 2009 contains all the details as they relate to all masts and antennas of all Broadcasting services, Radio and Television, including the geographic location; The document is currently being updated and is to be published by the end of the financial year.

A similar document is collated to include all network operators with all the details.

The document is to be published in the government gazette for ease of access and on the Authority's website by the end of the financial year.

QUESTION NO: 1251

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 April 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 11

DATE OF REPLY: 4 August 2011

Mrs N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether his department has conducted any business with certain

internet provider companies, (names furnished); if so, what has been the nature of the specified business in each case;

(2) whether any of the companies (a) negotiated with his department the use of current local infrastructure for laying cables and optic fibre lines and (b) applied for any licences through his department; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, in each case (i) what are the relevant details of such negotiations and (ii)(aa) when did these companies apply for these licences and (bb) what types of licences did they apply for;

(3) whether the specified licences have been granted; if not, why not in each case; if so, (a) when was each licence granted, (b) for how long is each licence valid and (c) what are the terms and conditions of each licence;

(4) whether any feasibility study has been done on the nature of (a)

these companies and (b) their business; if not, why not; if so (i) when was this study conducted, (ii) by whom was it conducted and (iii) what were the main findings of this study?

NW1395E

REPLY:

1. No, the Department has not conducted any business with internet provider companies.

2. (a) No companies have negotiated the use of current local infrastructure for laying

cable and optic fibre lines;

(b) No, the Department is not involved in any licence applications

3. The Department is not involved in the granting of licences.

4. No feasibility study has been done on any company.

QUESTION NO: 1246

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 April 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 11

DATE OF REPLY: 4 August 2011

Mrs N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) What are the reasons for the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board nominee, Adv Cawekazi Mahlati, after she was dismissed from the SABC, taking legal action against the SABC for unfair dismissal;

(2) whether the legal process has been finalised; if not, why not; if so, what were the outcome of the legal action;

(3) whether any other members of the SABC board have been involved in legal action against the SABC; if so, (a) who are these members and (b) what are the reasons for legal actions taken against the SABC?

NW1390E

REPLY:

1. During 2001 the SABC entered into retrenchment discussions with Adv Mahlati resulting in her services being terminated for operational requirements owing to the fact that BOP Broadcasting closed down. Adv Mahlati referred a dispute to the Labour Court claiming reinstatement based on unfair dismissal. The Labour Court found that Adv Mahlati was unfairly dismissed on substantive grounds and awarded her six (6) months compensation.

2. The legal process has been finalised and payment was made as per the Labour Court judgement.

3. None

(a) n/a

(b) n/a

QUESTION NO: 1084

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 April 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 10

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether any progress has been made with the provision of a broadband network to the Dinaledi schools; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether this initiative will be opened up to network service providers other than Sentech; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1206E

REPLY:

(1) There are currently 125 Dinaledi schools that do not have internet connectivity in a total of 500. The DoC is currently in discussion with the Department of Basic Education on different options to provide connectivity.

(2) The initiative considers other services providers not only Sentech.

QUESTION NO: 861

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 March 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 06

DATE OF REPLY: 22 July 2011

Ms JD Killian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether her department's task teams that were established to draw up a programme for the (a) improvement of the country's telecommunications and (b) rolling out of broadband before 31 December 2011 in the urban areas have (i) finalised their work and (ii) achieved their intended objectives; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW937E

REPLY:

(a) This is a general telecommunications question. Currently there are many initiatives pertaining to broadband, e-schools and e-health projects to be finalised in terms of budget, and service provider allocation in the new financial year (1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012), which will contribute to the improvement of the country's telecommunications network. This will address both rural and urban areas.

(b) Currently there are three initiatives:

I. Broadband Inter-Governmental Committee(BBIC): This has been established with the key objective of establishing an implementation plan, and to involve all stakeholders within Government. Emanating from the BBIC are seven workgroups that focuses on various aspects of broadband such as: Increase Access, Affordability, Uptake and Usage, Digital Literacy, Local Content, Government Services and Funding.

II. National Broadband Implementation Plan: We will utilise current broadband statistics and broadband gap analyses as a baseline, and develop a National broadband Implementation Plan to address the gaps. We will utilise our existing State Owned Entities, such as Sentech and Broadband Infraco to implement broadband.

III. Broadband Pilots: Currently we have already engaged Kwazulu-Natal on a broadband rollout plan. We are now at the stage of allocating work to the SOEs Sentech and Broadband Infraco to perform this initial pilot rollouts. We are also starting engagements with Limpopo Province's broadband plan with a similar broadband rollout project. These pilots, together with the service provider's inputs above, will be used to develop the national broadband implementation plan. These are all included in the business plan for the 11/12 financial year.

QUESTION NO: 860

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 March 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 06

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Mrs JD Killian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether his department has investigated the dismissal of a certain person (name furnished) from the SA Broadcasting Corporation (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what (a) was the outcome of the investigation and (b) are the further relevant details?

NW936E

REPLY:

The SABC has informed me of the following:

The matter was dealt with internally by the SABC in terms of its own policies and procedures.

QUESTION NO: 780

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 March 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 06

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr NJ van den Berg to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether all buildings used by SA Broadcasting Corporation are in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not, (a) which buildings are not in compliance and (b) what are the reasons for these buildings not being in compliance?

NW851E

REPLY:

The SABC has informed me of the following:

The SABC recognises its responsibilities for the Health and Safety of its staff, visitors and contractors. However, there are a number of short comings in the SABC's overall compliance with the occupational health and Safety Act 1993 and these shortcomings need to be urgently addressed.

In response to the question, not one of the SABC's premises fully complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993.

(a) The table below shows the percentage compliance with this legislation in respect of the SABC's premises in each of the Regions and Aukland Park. It should be noted that it is nearly that impossible for any building, even newly built ones, to obtain a perfect 100% score. It is widely recognised that a score above 70% is considered a compliant building.

As seen from the table, not one of the SABC's premises is fully compliant over the last few years since 2004:

SABC Premises
	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Aukland Park	No budget	81%	No budget	No budget	83%	No budget
Bisho	No budget	7%	No budget	No budget	No budget	7%
Bloemfontein,Kimberly, Platfontein	78%	74%	No budget	69%	No budget	69%
Cape Town(sea Point, Parliament and TV OB facility)	No budget	82%	78%	No budget	70%	70%
Durban	76%	55%	No budget	49%	No budget	65%
George- leased Building	No budget	No budget	No budget	No budget	No budget	No budget
Mafikeng	No budget	53%	No budget	41%	No budget	41%
Neilspruit- leased Building	71%	No budget	66%	No budget	No budget	66%
Polokwane and Thohoyandou	65%	65%	No budget	59%	No budget	No budget
Port Elizabeth	No budget	93%	94%	No budget	82%	89%
Pretoria- leased building	No office	No office	No office	No budget	No budget	No budget
Richards Bay- leased Building	No office	No office	No office	No budget	No budget	No budget

(b) These non- compliance issues are addressed on different levels as follows:-

· Auckland Park

Has registered a CAPEX project for an amount of R47, 6m to replace the old Fire Detection System.

· Bisho building

A CAPEX Project has been registered to upgrade the Bisho facility

· Mafikeng building

CAPEX Project has been registered to upgrade the Mafikeng facility

· OHS Audits have been carried out in the regions since November 2010 and the remaining 4 regions are to be completed by 31 arch 2011

· 2010/ 2011 audit results are not available as yet, preliminary indicators show improvement at sites

QUESTION NO: 810

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 March 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 06

DATE OF REPLY: 4 August 2011

Dr H C van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether (a) his 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?

NW881E

REPLY:

DOC

(a) The department of Communications did not purchase any tickets for cricket.

ICASA

(b)ICASA did not purchase tickets for the ICC Cricket World Cup. This is due to the fact that ICASA does not get a special dispensation (funding) from National Treasury to cater for such events.

(i) n/a

(ii) n/a

(iii) n/a

(iv) n/a

(v) n/a

(vi) n/a

(vii) n/a

Sentech

(b)Sentech has not purchase any tickets for the 2011Cricket World Cupand intends to do so for the duration of the event. There is no reason to do so.

(i) n/a

(ii) n/a

(iii) n/a

(iv) n/a

(v) n/a

(vi) n/a

(vii)n/a

SABC

(b) The SABC did not purchase any tickets to the current Cricket World Cup in India. Reason for this decision is that SABC is currently in the middle of developing a turnaround strategy for the organisation and in particular SABC Sport and Sport Sales, part of this is review sales approach to market. In the past the purchasing of such tickets was done as part the SABC trade marketing and stakeholder strategy aimed at improving relationship and partnerships

(i) n/a

(ii) n/a

(iii) n/a

(iv) n/a

(v) n/a

(vi) n/a

(vii)n/a

SAPO

(b) The Post Office has not purchase tickets for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. It will be too costly to fly both customers and customer's engagement teams to India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to discuss business that is happening in South Africa

(i) n/a

(ii) n/a

(iii) n/a

(iv) n/a

(v) n/a

(vi) n/a

(vii) n/a

Telkom

(b) Telkom did not purchase any tickets for Cricket due to stringent cost management.

(i) n/a

(ii) n/a

(iii) n/a

(iv) n/a

(v) n/a

(vi) n/a

(vii) n/a

USAASA

(b) USAASA didn't buy any tickets for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 as it was seen not to be the core business of the Agency.

(i) n/a

(ii) n/a

(iii) n/a

(iv) n/a

(v) n/a

(vi) n/a

(vii)n/a

NEMISA

(b) None, NEMISA did not purchase any tickets. Sports related activities are not part of NEMISA's mandate.

(i) n/a

(ii) n/a

(iii) n/a

(iv) n/a

(v) n/a

(vi) n/a

(vii) n/a

QUESTION NO: 724

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 7 March 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 04

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Mrs JD Killian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(a)How many (i) employees of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have been suspended during the period 1 January 2010 up to the latest date for which information is available and (ii) suspensions have carried over from previous years, (b) what are the (i) names, (ii) periods of suspension and (iii) reasons for suspension of each employee, (c) what was the average salary of each employee during the period of suspension, (d) which of the specified employees have been dismissed, (e) in which of these cases have (i) appeals and/or legal challenges been lodged against the disciplinary action and (ii) the employees been reinstated after a successful appeal and/or legal challenge, (f) what is the total amount expended on legal cost to defend against such appeals and/or legal challenges during the said period and (g) what corrective interventions does the SABC intend to take to limit the fruitless expenditure related to (i) the salaries paid to suspended employees and (ii) the legal cost associated with disciplinary procedures?

NW793E

REPLY:

The SABC has informed me of the following:

(a) (i) Twenty six (26) employees were suspended for the period for the 01 January up to date.

(ii) Seven suspensions took place in 2009 and were carried over into 2010. Eighteen (18) suspension took place in 2010 and were carried over into 2011

(b) (i) Names of suspended employees

Names of the suspended employees		Divisions
1	Pelle Saul	News
2	Leballo Tseliso	Procurement
3	Montsho Rapitsi	News
4	Thulo Sello	News
5	Mahendra Raghunath	News
6	Malgas Patrick	Radio
7	Summers Angus	Finance
8	Mabaso Mlungise	Finance
9	Evans Martin	Commercial Enterprises
10	Fischer Fred	Technology
11	Moggee Nicola	Commercial Enterprises
12	Satekge Mabela	Procurement
13	Mampone Gab	GE. Commercial Enterprises
14	Jones Nisha	Commercial Enterprises
15	Behare Santosh	Radio (Lotus FM)
16	Matthee Abdul	Commercial Enterprises
17	Dorian Teen	Content Enterprises
18	Natasha Vanqa	Content Enterprises
19	Masaccha Mbonambi	News Finance
20	Mfetane, Graham	Corporate Marketing
21	Kwele, Peter	Content Enterprises
22	Chauke, King	Company Secretary
23	Mokoetle, Solly	Group CEO
24	Monageng, Sizakele	Technology Airtime
25	Khanyeza Nompumelelo	HCS (ER)
26	Chummie, Fagroidien	Content Enterprises HR

(ii) Periods of suspension

Names of the suspended employees		Month of suspension
1	Pelle Saul	8
2	Leballo Tseliso	14
3	Montsho Rapitsi	20
4	Thulo Sello	15
5	Mahendra Raghunath	4
6	Malgas Patrick	4
7	Summers Angus	3
8	Mabaso Mlungise	1
9	Evans Martin	3
10	Fischer Fred	1
11	Moggee Nicola	4
12	Satekge Mabela	1
13	Mampone Gab	12
14	Jones Nisha	8
15	Behare Santosh	1
16	Matthee Abdul	1
17	Dorian Teen	3
18	Natasha Vanqa	5
19	Masaccha Mbonambi	1
20	Mfetane, Graham	1
21	Kwele, Peter	3
22	Chauke, King	1
23	Mokoetle, Solly	4
24	Monageng, Sizakele	1
25	Khanyeza Nompumelelo	5
26	Chummie, Fagroidien	1

(iii) Reason for suspension of each employee

Names of the suspended employees		Reasons for suspension
1	Pelle Saul	Contravention of the PFMA
2	Leballo Tseliso	Contravention of the PFMA
3	Montsho Rapitsi	Contravention of the PFMA, Dishonesty
4	Thulo Sello	Contravention of the PFMA, insubordination
5	Mahendra Raghunath	Contravention rules and Regulations, non compliance with duties of contract employment
6	Malgas Patrick	Committing a common law offence
7	Summers Angus	Dereliction of duties
8	Mabaso Mlungise	Threats of Violence
9	Evans Martin	Dishonesty
10	Fischer Fred	Racism / Rules & Regulations
11	Moggee Nicola	Dishonesty
12	Satekge Mabela	Auditor-General Report
13	Mampone Gab	Board Decision
14	Jones Nisha	Group Executive Decision
15	Behare Santosh	Leaking of confidential information and Non declaration of interest
16	Matthee Abdul	Dishonesty
17	Dorian Teen	Causing loss of SABC property
18	Natasha Vanqa	Unauthorised removal of DVD's
19	Masaccha Mbonambi	Non compliance with DOA
20	Mfetane, Graham	Unauthorised entry to SABC premises and Malicious damage of SABC property
21	Kwele, Peter	Contravention of SABC rules & Regulations
22	Chauke, King	Dishonesty
23	Mokoetle, Solly	Board matter
24	Monageng, Sizakele	Dishonesty
25	Khanyeza Nompumelelo	Insubordination, Dishonesty, Negligence, Unpunctuality, Disrespectful behaviour
26	Chummie, Fagroidien	Causing loss of SABC property

(e) (i)employee during the suspension period

Names of the suspended employees		Salary Cost
1	Pelle Saul	R 368,116
2	Leballo Tseliso	R 730,673
3	Montsho Rapitsi	R 1,016,410
4	Thulo Sello	R 566,915
5	Mahendra Raghunath	R 99.545
6	Malgas Patrick	R 43,655
7	Summers Angus	R 249,902
8	Mabaso Mlungise	R 29,007
9	Evans Martin	R 119,611
10	Fischer Fred	R 26,109
11	Moggee Nicola	R 169,623
12	Satekge Mabela	R 73,951
13	Mampone Gab	R 1,172,823
14	Jones Nisha	R 679,898
15	Behare Santosh	R 30,632
16	Matthee Abdul	R 37,794
17	Dorian Teen	R 38,827
18	Natasha Vanqa	R 51,078
19	Masaccha Mbonambi	R 63,315
20	Mfetane, Graham	R 13,680
21	Kwele, Peter	R 216,530
22	Chauke, King	R 46,016
23	Mokoetle, Solly	R 815,189
24	Monageng, Sizakele	R 10,119
25	Khanyeza Nompumelelo	R 157,694
26	Chummie, Fagroidien	R 10,216
Average total R 1,245,548

(d) The employees that has been dismissed

Names of the suspended employees		Outcomes
1	Pelle Saul	Dismissed on 25/03/2010
2	Thulo Sello	Dismissed on 18/03/2010
3	Evans Martin	Dismissed on 14/06/2010
4	Fischer Fred	Dismissed on 14/04/2010
5	Moggee Nicola	Dismissed on 26/07/2010
6	Mampone Gab	Dismissed on 04/03/2010
7	Jones Nisha	Parties settled and part ways on 30/11/10
8	Dorian Teen	Dismissed on 06/10/2010
9	Natasha Vanqa	Dismissed on 06/12/2010
10	Kwele, Peter	Contract Expired on 10/12/2010
11	Chauke, King	Dismissed on 10/10/2010
12	Mokoetle, Solly	Financial settlement on 18/01/2011
13	Monageng, Sizakele	Dismissed matter pending before CCMA
14	Chummie, Fagroidien	Dismissed on 12/08/2010

(e) (i) the following cases have appeal:-

Names of the suspended employees		Outcome
1	Pelle Saul	Dismissed 25/03/10
2	Leballo Tseliso	On suspension Section 188(A) pending
3	Montsho Rapitsi	On suspension Section 188(A) pending
4	Thulo Sello	Dismissed 18/10/10
5	Mahendra Raghunath	Finalized. Suspension lifted on 21 Jun 2010
6	Evans Martin	Dismissed 14/6/10
7	Fischer Fred	Dismissed 14/4/10
8	Moggee Nicola	Dismissed 26/7/10
9	Satekge Mabela	Dismissed 05/09/10. CCMA reinstated employee. SABC reviewed matter at LC.
10	Mampone Gab	Dismissed 04/03/11.
11	Masaccha Mbonambi	On suspension Section 188(A) pending
12	Mokoetle, Solly	Financial settlement on 18/01/11
13	Monageng, Sizakele	Employee dismissed matter pending before CCMA
14	Khanyeza Nompumelelo	On suspension matter pending at CCMA

(ii) none of the employees appealed successfully or reinstated after a legal challenge.

(f) The total amount expended on legal cost:

This amount is not known because the matters referred to are still not completed.

(g) (i) Only to suspend employees for serious misconduct, when employees need protection i.e. in instances of assault, or when the image of the SABC has been damaged;

(ii) to ensure speedy investigations and timeous action to finalize all matters.

QUESTION NO: 630

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 7 March 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 04

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr NJ van den Berg to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether all buildings used by Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) are in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not, (a) which buildings do not comply and (b) what are the reasons for these buildings not complying?

NW674E

REPLY:

ICASA has informed me that most of their buildings are in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Act 85 of 1993, apart from the Head Office and Bloemfontein Regional Office.

(a) At the Head Offices (Johannesburg and Pretoria Regions are both housed in the Head Office building) and Bloemfontein Regional Office.

(b) Head Office:

ICASA offices are leased and all attempts were made to encourage the landlord to improve the requirements for OHS in all their offices to comply with the requirements of the OHS Act. The head offices non-compliance issues were brought to the attention of management and the decision was taken to keep them on hold pending the relocation of ICASA head office.

Bloemfontein Regional Office:

This is also a leased building and all attempts were made to encourage the landlord to ensure the office complies with the requirements of the OHS Act.

QUESTION NO: 629

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 7 March 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 04

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Mr NJ van den Berg to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether all buildings used by Sentech are in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not, (a) which buildings do not comply and (b) what are the reasons for these buildings not complying?

NW673E

REPLY:

Sentech has informed me that all their buildings are in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act no 85 of 1993.

QUESTION NO: 597

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 7 March 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 04

DATE OF REPLY: 4 August 2011

Mr A M Figlan (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

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?

NW640E

REPLY:

The budgeted amount and 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 are as per table 1 below:

YEAR	BUDGETED AMOUNT	SERVICE PROVIDER	AMOUNT PAID TO SERVICE PROVIDER
2007-08	R 24,610,000.00	Distinctive choice	R 4,604,914.63
2007-08	R 24,610,000.00	Tirisano Travel	R 14,021,180,67
2008-09	R 35,042,995.00	Uniglobe Sunshine Travel	R 22, 807, 994.76.
		Distinctive choice	R 8,511,326.41
		Tirisano Travel	R 3, 656, 105.31.
2009-10	R 31,153,000.00	Tirisano Travel	R 778, 102.51.
		Distinctive choice	R 4, 522, 517.25
		Uniglobe Sunshine Travel	R 5, 060, 459.14

QUESTION NO: 580

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 7 March 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 04

DATE OF REPLY: 4 August 2011

Ms M Smuts (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether (a) his department or (b) any (i) agency or (ii) institution which receives transfers from his department budget employs staff to perform the duties set out in the Minimum Information and Security Standards (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?

NW534E

REPLY:

DOC

The Department does not have staff employed 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. However, provision for such a position will be made on the organisational structure and the National Intelligence Agency is assisting in terms of the Job Specification, employment level, and academic qualifications for the post.

SENTECH

(b) (i)Sentech approved five (5) positions on the Structure of Security Department in 2005 and all positions were filled. Four employees responsible for those positions have since resigned. Sentech is migrating into a new organisational structure and upon the finalisation of the migration process a Head of Security will be appointed.

(aa) Due to resignation of other members, there is only one employee that remains.

(bb) (aaa) Senior Secretary – Responsible for providing administrative and secretariat duties to the Entity.

(bbb) Senior Secretary – Junior Level

(ccc) Matric Certificate & Secretarial Qualification

(ddd)

Position	Minimum	Middle	Maximum
Executive Secretary	R 132 295 pa	R 174 649 pa	R217 004 pa

(eee) Employee has the following benefits:-

- Medical Aid

- Retirement Annuity

- Group Life

USAASA

(b) With USAASA's recent restructuring exercise a specific unit was created namely Administration to ensure compliance with all legislature requirements. The duties of MISS and OHASA have been grouped with an existing post. The employee is currently undergoing training on these Acts. However, USAASA is in the early stages of implementing this structure and might be required at a later stage to create a dedicated post for MISS and OHASA.

(aa) One serving employee has been identified.

(bb) (aaa) The job title is Auxiliary Officer.

(bbb) Employment level is eight (8).

(ccc) The qualification is Matric.

(ddd) The salary level is R182 073.00 per annum.

(eee) No other benefits are paid to the employee.

ICASA

(b) Currently ICASA does not have a person specifically dedicated to perform the functions set out in the MISS document. To the best of ICASA knowledge the Authority is not compelled to comply with the provision of MISS as per the Public Regulations, however ICASA has implemented measures to ensure protection of confidential information as well as information entrusted to ICASA by stakeholders. ICASA also works closely with the National Intelligence Agency in vetting companies who provide security services at its business premises.

(bb) (aaa) n/a.

(bbb) n/a

(ccc) na/.

(ddd) n/a.

(eee) n/a

NEMISA

(b) NEMISA does not have a designated employee to perform the functions set out in the MISS document.

The plan is to train all managers to be able to grade documents and designate the CEO to be the designated manager to deal with internal and external correspondence, as part of the best practice in knowledge management as well as meeting the minimum requirements of PAIA, MISS and other related policies and legislation.

(bb) (aaa) n/a.

(bbb) n/a

(ccc) na/.

(ddd) n/a.

(eee) n/a

SAPO

(b) SAPO does not employ staff in terms of the MISSas the legislation is deemed not applicable to SAPO

(bb) (aaa) n/a.

(bbb) n/a

(ccc) n/a

(ddd) n/a.

(eee) n/a

SABC

(b) SABC does not employ staff in terms of the MISS.

(bb) (aaa) n/a.

(bbb) n/a

(ccc) n/a

(ddd) n/a.

(eee) n/a

QUESTION NO: 566

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 03

DATE OF REPLY: 22 July 2011

Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether the Government has taken any steps with regard to the Nigerian operation (details furnished) that has resulted in write-offs of approximately R5,2 billion for Telkom; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) when was the Government informed that Telkom bought the remaining 25% of the said company for approximately $130 million in 2009;

(3) whether any reasons have been provided for the excessive costs paid for the company that was using outdated technology and could not compete in a highly competitive market such as the Nigerian communications industry; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) what explanation did the Government as the people's shareholder receive from Telkom's board about this failed transaction?

NW624E

REPLY:

(1) As one of several shareholders in Telkom, Government raised its dismay at the write-off of approximately R5, 2 billion in the Nigerian operation at the Telkom AGM in 2010.

(2) Government together with other Telkom shareholders were informed by the way of SENS announcements and the Annual Report about the acquisition of the remaining 25% equity in Multi-Links in 2009.

(3) Telkom underestimated the highly competitive nature of the Nigerian Telecommunications market and also failed to build and manage appropriate distribution channels.

(4) Telkom underestimated the highly competitive nature of the Nigerian Telecommunications market and also failed to build and manage appropriate distribution channels.

QUESTION NO: 444

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 02

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr NJ van den Berg to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether he will make use of spectrum auctions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW475E

REPLY:

ICASA is responsible for the licensing of the Radio Frequency Spectrum (referred to as Spectrum). Therefore, it is within ICASA's jurisdiction to determine whether or not Spectrum auctions are used in South Africa as a method of issuing licences. To date, no Spectrum auctions have been held in South Africa.

In 2010 ICASA's business plan approved by Parliament and the DoC indicated the intention of the Authority to use the auction licensing method for the 2.6 GHz frequency spectrum licences. ICASA attempted to proceed with the Auction but could not find local spectrum auction experts who could assist. ICASA then sought the services of international experts. However, in terms of the ICASA Act of 2000, Section 14A, the Minister of Communications must approve the appointment of international experts used by ICASA. ICASA submitted such request to the Minister in December 2010. The Minister later responded with further questions about the empowerment credentials of the proposed auctioneer. Responses were subsequently submitted to the Minister.

Notwithstanding, the Doc has indicated its intentions to issue a policy directive and ICASA has subsequently recommended that the Minister considers incorporating the licensing of the 800 MHz frequency spectrum in the policy directive.

QUESTION NO: 383

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 02

DATE OF REPLY: 22 July 2011

Mrs JD Killian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Since Government is the majority share-holder in Telkom, (a) what is the Government's long-term plan with these shares and (b) what does Government intend to do about Telkom's Articles of Association now that the preferential status of Government's shares will expire on 4 March 2011;

(2) whether the Government intends to retain some kind of right to appoint a certain number of board members and/or any particular board member(s), such as the group CEO and the group CFO, after the Government's preferential shares has lapsed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) When will the Government and Telkom present the new Articles of Association to all the shareholders?

NW417E

REPLY:

(1)We note that reference is made to the Government as the "majority" shareholder in Telkom. This is not correct; Government is only a "major" shareholder in Telkom, (a) Government's long-term plan is to continue with its current shareholding in Telkom and (b) Telkom's Articles of Association is a matter of Telkom and its Board.

(2)Government is still consulting on what rights it can or cannot retain

(3) The Articles of Association is a matter of Telkom and its Board

QUESTION NO: 382

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 02

DATE OF REPLY: 22 July 2011

Mrs JD Killian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) With reference to the filling of vacant positions in Telkom's senior management, what progress has been made in the appointment of Telkom's new permanent (a) chief executive officer and (b) chief financial officer;

(2) whether her department has determined any additional requirements to relevant qualifications and experience for candidates who wish to apply for vacant senior management positions in Telkom; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether her department would accept and consider applications for these positions from applicants who are not South African citizens; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW416E

REPLY:

(1) The Telkom Board has enlisted the services of two Executive Search companies who are in the process of soliciting appropriate candidates for the two respective roles. The Group CEO vacancy was advertised in the Business Report and Business Day publications. Good progress is being made and the Board is working towards finalization of the process by end March 2011.

With regard to the Group Chief Financial Officer role, the same process is underway.

(2) Besides at least 10 years experience in senior management and executive leadership positions (which should preferably be in related industries), and a postgraduate degree (preferably MBA), the following requirements were provided for the Group CEO role:

• Extensive profit and loss experience as a senior executive with a clear understanding of the legislative framework and shareholders' strategic objectives

• Experience in providing leadership in a complex organisation

• Solid relationships and credibility with key figures

• Extensive collaborative engagements with shareholders, Governments, regulators, strategic partners and other stakeholders

• Broad understanding of the Global ICT industry with a focus on Africa and economic growth.

A visionary and inspiring leader who instill confidence in employees, organized labour, shareholders and business partners alike

• A proven results orientation

• Effective communication and demonstrable negotiation skills

• Highest integrity and adheres to best practice corporate governance standards and ethics

• A track record of strategic/decisive leadership, successfully taking organisations through challenging growth cycles

• Maintains a productive relationship with customers, employees and the shareholders.

The following requirements pertaining to the Chief Financial Officer position was given to the Executive Search Firm:

Experience

▪ Minimum of 10 years experience in a executive role

▪ Have experience of acquiring & disposing of firms

▪ Have depth of knowledge and experience in Corporate Finance as well as debt and equity markets

▪ Knowledge and experience in current financial and accounting standards

▪ Experience in telecommunications (also Mobile) is desirable

Personal qualifications/characteristics

▪ Excellent analytical and conceptual ability

▪ Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Presentable and able to effectively communicate with Investors, Bankers etc

▪ Committed to developing the capabilities of the finance team(s)

▪ Show ability to solve business problems creatively and grow business

▪ Have strong negotiating and influencing skills (particularly with suppliers)

Education

▪ Qualified chartered accountant in the case of the CFO

▪ MBA or MBL is advantageous

(3) Of course we want to ensure the best possible candidate fit for these two positions, irrespective of whether they are South African citizens or not; but having said that, we are committed to our Government's national imperatives and thus will give preference to suitably qualified and competent South African citizens.

QUESTION NO: 381

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 02

DATE OF REPLY: 22 July 2011

Mrs JD Killian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) What (a) steps does the Government as majority shareholder in Telkom and custodian of the public purse intend to take to stop the drastic erosion of the value of Telkom shares (details furnished) and (b) what are the reasons for this erosion of the value of Telkom shares;

(2) whether the Government intends to effect a cash injection from State coffers; if not, why not; if so, why?

NW415E

REPLY:

(1)(a) The Board of Telkom is cognisant of the conditions that face the company. The strategic plan that they have approved has a strong focus on reducing operational expenditure and improving revenue opportunities. It is Government commitment to play its role in ensuring that the composition of Telkom's Board is strong and competent to ensure that the company achieves its strategic goals.

(b) The value of Telkom's shares has been reduced proportionately by the sale and unbundling of its 50% stake in Vodacom. Approximately half of the proceeds thereof was returned to Telkom's shareholders as a special dividend and shares in Vodacom, the balance was used to modernised Telkom's network, to increase competitive in the mobile market by the launch of 8.ta and to retire expensive debt Telkom's share value is also affected by its current and projected financial performance.

This has suffered as a result of (1) intensified competition on its fixed-line, particularly from the mobile operators, facilitated by changes in the regulatory regime, and (2) escalating costs-notably the cost of labour. The current share price reflects the difficult position Telkom finds itself in with declining revenue and escalating costs.

(2) Telkom's balance sheet is fairly strong. It is not anticipated that Government will be required to inject cash into Telkom.

QUESTION NO: 344

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 November

QUESTION PAPER NO: 39

DATE OF REPLY:

Mrs N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether, with reference to her predecessor's reply to question 56 on 1 July 2011, a tender has since been awarded for the manufacturing of set-top boxes; if so, (a) when was the tender awarded, (b) how many companies tendered and (c) which company was successful in securing the tender; if not,

(2) whether this will affect the date of the completion of the migration to digital television; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NO4336E

REPLY:

(1) The Department has not issued or awarded any tender for the manufacturing of the set-top-boxes. The reply to the Honourable Member to question 56 on 1 July 2011 stated that the Set Top Boxes manufactured for the DVB standard are not entirely compatible with DVB-T2 and that fortunately the government had not commissioned any manufacturers to manufacture DVB-T STBs.

Furthermore, it was indicated in that reply that it is a difficult exercise to come up with the cost per unit of DVB-T2 STBs since this is still a new technology, and the cost per unit box is influenced by different variables, including currency exchange, economies of scale of the ordered parts by a local manufacturer.

The price trends of DVB-T2 STBs in Britain, one of the first European countries to adopt DVB-T2 shows that the price of sets per unit are falling rapidly with more consumers adopting the technology. Projections will be made after amendment of the South African Set Top Boxes Standard by SABS of what would be the price the unit cost by the time of local DTT commercial launch.

(2) Digital Migration is a complex and costly programme to the government and the broadcasting industry, requiring the close cooperation of all stakeholders involved. We are mindful of the complexity and the magnitude of this project. As we implement DTT continue to review and monitor progress towards analogue switch-off. In this regard, the Department is working closely with the industry and will determine what type and scale of DTT launch.

QUESTION NO: 309

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 02

DATE OF REPLY: 22 July 2011

Mr NJ van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) What are the reasons for Telkom's failed efforts to gain ground in the Nigerian telecommunications market;

(2) Whether Telkom suffered a financial loss through these efforts; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the reasons for suffering a loss and (b) what are the relevant figures?

NW333E

REPLY:

(1) Telkom has not yet succeeded in Nigeria primarily because it acquired a CDMA operator in a market which is dominated by the lower cost GSM technology. Also, the rapid expansion of the network that had to be implemented could not be supported by the underdeveloped distribution channels, thus affecting sales revenue. Some unbeneficial contracts were entered in to which did not deliver the anticipated benefits and incurred significant operating expenses. The worldwide economic troubles also affected Nigerian economy. Multi-Link did not have sufficient market share, pricing power or strategic and operational advantages to be successful in the resulting tight economic environment.

(2) (a) the reasons for the loss have been outlined below

(b) Telkom's Multi-Links unit suffered an operating loss of R522 million for the financial year ended March 31, 2009 and R 1,039 million for the year ended 31 March 2010.

In addition Telkom has been required to write down goodwill and assets of R5 823 million.

QUESTION NO: 277

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 November

QUESTION PAPER NO: 39

DATE OF REPLY:

Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

What steps does she intend taking to solve the (a) governance and (b) financial management challenges faced by the (i) Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) and (ii) SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) without jeopardising their respective roles as independent regulator and public broadcaster?

NO4182E

REPLY:

ICASA

(i)(a) The Regulator has a government structure and committees in place. That is the Council, Audit and Risk Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Information and Technology Review Committee.

(b) I have recently met with the Council of ICASA and the Executive Management and took a decision that an action plan be developed to respond to the Auditor General's concerns on ICASA's finances must be reworked and enhanced to ensure compliance. Part of this strategy will include a process of headhunting for CFO before end of the financial year as well as ensuring that all officials responsible for managing the finances of ICASA are urgently capacitated to execute their responsibilities diligently.

Furthermore to this intervention, I will be closely monitoring the performance of ICASA through regular bilateral meetings to determine and assess if the Regulator is satisfactorily implementing the recommended interventions.

SABC

(ii)(a)&(b) The Minister of Communications has set up a Monitoring Task Team that comprised of officials of the Department of Communications, the National Treasury and the SABC, that is monitoring the SABC especially the implementation of its Turnaround plan. This committee reports to both the Ministers of Communications and Finance on progress that the SABC is making and alert the Ministers to potential difficulties and challenges.

Over and above the monitoring role of the Task Team, will be engaging the board and the executive management of the SABC through regular bilateral meetings to assess progress and take corrective steps where necessary.

Secondly, the Department of Communications will be undertaking an Independent Review of Corporate Governance challenges in all our entities including the SABC. This will focus on gaps and areas of improvement and will recommend steps necessary to address Corporate Governance challenges within the entities. This work will be concluded before end of the financial year.

I have further directed the board of SABC to ensure that the process of filling in of Executive positions, i.e. Group Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is expedited and finalized.

QUESTION NO: 257

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 02

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Mr NJ van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether his department has conducted research/investigation as to (a) general mailed and (b) registered mailed items not reaching the addressee; if not, (i) why not and (ii) what explanation is currently being provided for these items not reaching the intended addressee; if so, what were the main findings;

(2) whether action has been taken against employees who are found to deliberately obstruct mail from reaching the addressee; if not, why not; if so, what steps;

(3) what measures are being taken to prevent mail theft;

(4) what measures are being taken to rectify problems regarding the delivery of registered mailed items to the addressee?

NW278E

REPLY:

(1) (a) and (b) No research has been done.

(i) Investigations are done as and when complaints are received.

(ii) Investigations have revealed the following main reasons for items not reaching the intended addressee:

· using a wrong address;

· locked post boxes because of non-payment of post box rent; and

· the addressee has moved/address unknown.

(2) Yes. Disciplinary action has been instituted and some cases have been reported to the SAPS.

(3) A Division, named Security and Investigation Services, exists within the Post Office to prevent and investigate crime. Physical security measures, procedures and systems have been implemented, including track and trace, as well as surveillance and access control systems at various work places, complemented by security services. Anti-mail crime awareness campaigns for employees are done at all workplaces continuously. Customers are also continuously advised and educated on measures and options to prevent mail crime, especially through the Post Office's Call Centre.

Complaints, enquiries and incidences are formally monitored, reported, corrective actions taken and feedback given to customers, especially through the Post Office's Call Centre, to ensure the correct delivery of mail items. The Track & Trace system is also in place to provide visibility of registered items to customers from point A to B. Customers are educated through various media on the use of postal services and assisted in correcting their databases through the database address management services offered by the Post Office. Post Office employees continuously undergo formal training programs to better equip them for the rendering of mail delivery services.

QUESTION NO: 174

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 01

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Mrs JD Killian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether any progress has been made in rolling out the post bank service; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW189E

REPLY:

The Postbank, which is a division within the Post Office, has been rolling out financial services across the country utilizing the Post Office infrastructure. They will continue to do so as mandated by the enabling legislation (Postal Services Act, 124 of 1998)/

As you may recall, the South African Postbank Limited Act, No 09 of 2010 was passed in December 2010 with the aim of separating the Postbank from Post Office to be stand alone entity to ensure the acceleration of providing backing and financial services to South Africans, particularly, areas that have little or no access to banking and financial services and facilities.

Please note however, that the Act is not yet operational as we are still working on the logistics to ensure the smooth transition and separation of assets between the Postbank and the Post Office and the staffing of the Postbank.

Let me assure you that the current operations of the Postbank of providing financial services will not be disturbed by the process of implementing the new legislation, but will continue to roll-out banking services as mandated by the law.

As soon as the new SA Postbank Limited Act becomes operational, the Postbank will continue to roll-out services to the communities as mandated by that legislation and other financial services sector regulations.

QUESTION NO: 173

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 01

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Mrs JD Killian (Cope) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) (a) How long did it take to make a decision on the new Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) format and (b) who took the decision;

(2) whether a tender process was followed; if not; why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether he will provide the names of the local shareholders of a certain consortium (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the names?

NW188E

REPLY:

(1) (a) The Department of Communications has never dealt with Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) format both at the policy level or standard review processes.

(b) The Department of Communications did not make decision on the DMB format.

(2) The Department of Communications has not been involved or aware of any tender relating to the DMB format.

(3) The Department is not aware of the tender relating to DMB format or standard.

QUESTION NO: 124

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 01

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Dr HC van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

What (a) statutory provisions, (b) regulations, (c) policy instruments and (d) practices govern the (i) classification, (ii) protection against the release or access, (iii) protection for other purposes such as preservation and (iv) release upon request for access of (aa) documented information and (bb) undocumented information held by (aaa) his department or (bbb) any other entities who receive budgetary transfers from his department?

NW136E

REPLY:

DoC

The Department of Communication keeps and manages information in different forms of nature, i.e. documented and undocumented as well as in electronic form.

(a) In terms statutory provision the department implements Protection of Information Act; Promotion of Access to Information Act; Promotion of Administrative Justice Act; National Archives and Records Services Act of 1996 as amended;

(b) In terms of regulations the department is guided by the Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS) as well as;

(i) The classification of documents is guided and implemented in terms of the MISS

(ii) For the protection of documented or undocumented information the department is guided by the abovementioned policies as well as circulars that are communicated to personnel either verbally in the meetings or circulated by email.

(iii) Any request for records/ files must be in writing and highlighting the purpose for the request. The records are only released with the approval of the Deputy Director-General of the custodian Business Unit and the signature of the recipient as an acknowledgement of receipt. The files that are not used on daily basis are kept in the central registry and managed in terms of National Archives and Records Services Act and in accordance with the departmental Records Management Policy

(iv) Any request for records/ files must be in writing and highlighting the purpose for the request. The records are only released with the approval of the Deputy Director-General of the custodian Business Unit and the signature of the recipient as an acknowledgement of receipt.

(aa) The files that are not used on daily basis are kept in the central registry and managed in terms of National Archives and Records Services Act and in accordance with the departmental Records Management Policy.

(bb) Only the authorized person can provide information or release any statement to any external persons or media, about the department's position any matters.

(aaa) Refer to (aa) above.

(bbb) The entities who receive budgetary transfers from the department are also implementing the same procedures. The department also conducts security vetting on the Senior Management employees of these entities as part of implementing principles of the Minimum Information Security Standard.

NEMISA

(a) NEMISA as a state entity, we are bound by the legislative framework that includes the 'Protection of Information Act, 1982 (Act 84 of 1982), Minimum Information Security Standards, Promotion of Access to Information Act, General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act 52 of 2003 and Promotion of Administrative Justice Act

(b) Protection of Information Act; Minimum Information Security Standards; Promotion of Access to Information Act;

(d) NEMISA is also governed by the practises of the

(i) the Minimum Information Security protects us against release or access

(ii) Companies Act

(iii) because of the video materials we produce, we also protected by Copyright and Intellectual Property Laws

(iv) especially student information/records, it is released upon request

(aa) the documented information is released upon request.

(bb) the documented information is released upon request

(aaa) n/a

(bbb) n/a

USAASA

(a) Promotion of Administrative Justice Act and Promotion of Access to Information Act

(b) Therefore USAASA is regulated by the provisions of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No.2 of 2000) ("PAIA") in dealing with the information at its disposal.

(c) USAASA is presently reviewing its policies and compliance with PAIA is part of the policies that USAASA will be addressing. The process of reviewing policies is expected to be completed on or before 31 March 2011.

(d) (i) n/a

(ii) n/a

(iii) n/a

(iv) n/a

(aa) n/a

(bb) n/a

(aaa) n/a

(bbb) n/a

ICASA

(a) In terms of Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2001;

The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (Act 3 of 2000)

The purpose of the Act is to ensure that administrative actions are lawful, reasonable and fair and properly documented;

In terms of Protection of Information Act 84 of 2001

The purpose of the Act is to promote transparency, accountability and effective governance by empowering and educating the public to-

Ø understand and exercise their rights;

Ø understand the functions and operations of public bodies; and

Ø effectively, scrutinize, participate in decision-making by public bodies that affects their rights; and

National Archives and Records Service Act, Act No. 43 of 1996.

All records created and received by ICASA will be managed in accordance with the records management principles contained in section 13 of the National Archives and Records Service Act, Act No. 43 of 1996.

(b) Regulations issued in terms of section 92 of Promotion of Access to Information Act

Other regulatory framework documents

· Department of Public Service and Administration: Draft Information Security Policies. Securing Information in the Digital Age.

· South African Bureau for Standards: SANS 15489 Information and documentation – Records management – Part 2: Guidelines.

· South African Bureau for Standards: SANS 15801:

The National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Regulations (R1458 of 20 November 2002)

· Part V: Management of records contains the specific parameters within which the governmental bodies should operate regarding the management of their records.

· Minimum Information Security Standards Chapter 4 Document Security

· Comprehensive information classification system is developed for and implemented in ICASA. All sensitive information produced or processed by ICASA must be identified, categorized and classified according to the origin of its source and contents and according to its sensitivity to loss or disclosure.

· National Archives and Records Service: Managing electronic records in governmental bodies: Policy, principles and requirements, April 2006.

· South African Bureau for Standards: SANS 15489: Information and documentation – Records management – Part 1: General.

· South African Bureau for Standards: SANS 23081: Information and documentation – Records Management processes – Metadata for records – Part 1: Principles.

· Electronic imaging – Information stored electronically – Recommendations for trustworthiness and reliability.

· South African Bureau for Standards: SANS 17799: Information Technology – Security techniques - Code of Practice for Information Security Management.

(d) Practices governing

(i) Classification

· ICASA Records Management Policy

· ICASA File Plan

· Registry Manual

· Chapter 4 of MISS Doc

All are governing classification

(ii) Chapter 4 of promotion of access to information Act "grounds for refusal of access to information"

(iii) Protection for other purposes such as preservation is done in terms of ICASA Records Management Policy, ICASA Protection Policy and ICASA Information Security Policy.

(iv) (aa) Release upon request in terms of Section 11 of Promotion of access to information Act and Records Management Policy

(bb) Undocumented information is protected through requesting ICASA officials to sign declaration of secrecy

(aaa) n/a

(bbb) Independent Communication Authority of South Africa

SENTECH

(a) Statutory Provisions and (b) Regulations

Access to information, no matter what the form, is subjectto section 32 of theconstitution, which state that every person has the right to information that is either held by the state or held by another person and is required for the protection of an individual's rights

The two acts that encompass what is required by the Constitution are:

· Promotion of Access to information Act, 2 of 2002 more commonly referred to as PAIA

· Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000, more commonly referred to as PAJA

(i) Classification

The acts as stipulated above indicate which information can be disclosed and which information cannot be disclosed.

(ii) Protection against release or access and protection for the purposes such as preservation

This if outline in Chapter 4 of the PAIA

PAIA offers specific protection of access to information and a public body can refuse information in the following circumstances (in relation to Sentech)

· Personal information of a third party who is a natural person

· Information relating to the receiver of revenue

· Commercial information of the third party

· Confidential information of the third party

· Information of safety of individuals and protection of property

· Privileged information in Legal proceedings

· Research information of public body/third party

· Operations of Public Bodies

· Frivolous, vexatious or unreasonable requests

Despite the above exceptions the information officer can still grant this information it is required in public.

(aa) Documented information

PAIA is specifically aimed at ensuring that government and statutory bodies are always transparent in their dealings and allow the availability of recorded information to persons wishing to have access to it.

(bb) Undocumented information

PAJA ensures that all administrative action is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair, and further that allows written reason for administrative action. This relates to circumstances of administrative action has taken place. In those circumstances person may request written reason for the action.

(c) Policy instruments and (d) Practices

Sentech has an information Manual, and Information Officer as required by the by the PAIA. This document details the internal policies and procedures, as required to deal when information is requested from Sentech. Should an individual want to access information from Sentech, they must used the prescribed form and ensure that same is sent to the Information Officer. Further to that the individual will be required to pay a non refundable request fee, as well as an access fee, which will only be payable when access is in fact granted.

(i) Classification

Sentech classifies the categories of information as follows:

Company Secretary Information, Legal Information, Human Resources Information Sales and marketing, Regulatory Affairs and Finance.

(ii) Protection against release or access and protection for purposes such as preservation

The information officer can refuse a request for information on the following grounds as stipulated in the Act and described in this document.

SABC

(a) Statutory provisions

Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2001; The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (Act 3 of 2000)

(b) regulations

The SABC is bound by the provisions of its enabling legislation including the Articles of Association, SABC licence conditions, ICASA regulations, the Public Finance Management Act, the Broadcasting Act, the National Archives and Records and Services Act as well as the Protection of Access to Information Act and the National Key Point Act.

SABC Editorial Policies- full text separately attached

The Editorial Code affirms commitment to the principle of editorial independence as it relates to SABC programmes.

· We report, contextualise, and present news and current affairs honestly by striving to disclose all the essential facts and by not suppressing relevant, available facts, or distorting by wrong or improper emphasis

· We understand that if South Africans are to meet the challenges of building a nation and a strong democracy, they must have access to relevant, reliable, and timely information of the best quality. In covering newsworthy events, we aim to give them what they need in order to make informed decisions about their lives

· We commission, produce and broadcast programmes in a variety of genres and formats, and strive to ensure that the SABC's core values are upheld in commissioning, acquisition and production of programmes

· We are aware of the danger of discrimination being furthered by the media, and avoid promoting discrimination through the SABC's programmes on the grounds of gender, race, language, culture, political persuasion, class, sexual orientation, religious belief, marital status, or disability

· We do not allow advertising, commercial, political or personal considerations to influence our editorial decisions. The SABC is expected to provide information and as part of this duty should evaluate, analyse and critically appraise government policies and programmes. The SABC is not the mouthpiece of the government of the day, nor should it broadcast its opinion of government policies, unless they relate directly to broadcasting matters

· We respect individuals' legitimate right to privacy, and should not do anything that entails intrusion into private grief and distress, unless it is justified by overriding considerations of public interest

· We are circumspect and sensitive in presenting any form of brutality, violence, atrocities or personal grief

· We seek balance by presenting relevant views on matters of importance, as far as possible. This may not always be achieved in a single programme or news bulletin, but should be done within a reasonable time

· We are guided by news merit and judgement in reaching editorial decisions. Fairness does not require editorial staff to be unquestioning, nor the SABC to give every side of an issue the same amount of time

· In serving the public's right to know, we are enterprising in perceiving, pursuing and presenting issues that affect society and individuals

· We are free from obligation to any interest group, and committed to the public's right to know

· We do not accept gifts, favours, free travel, special treatment or privileges that could compromise our integrity

· We identify ourselves and our employer before obtaining any information for broadcasting.

As a general rule, journalism should be conducted openly. Covert methods may be used only with due regard to their legality, to considerations such as fairness and invasion of privacy, and to whether the information being sought is so significant that it warrants public disclosure but cannot be obtained by other means

(i) Classification of information

· Financial information

· Programming material

The classification of information for release is determined by the Public Finance Management Act, Editorial Code, the constitution, the Companies Act

Information requested is classified primarily on the basis of enabling legislation and the effect of disclosure in relation to competitor's information the disclosure of which may harm the SABC or affect public interest. E.g. details in respect of price structure in relation to advertising rates and certain programming information, details in respect of programmes and content which if disclosed may cause harm to the SABC. This information can be requested by Shareholder and Parliament and will be provided on the basis that such information is declared sensitive and treated as such.

The PFMA Sec 50 (1) (a), sec 50 (2), (3), Sec 52 and Sec 54 require the SABC to submit returns, budgets, Corporate Plan and the Annual report on an annual basis.

(ii) Protection

The PFMA requires that the SABC take utmost care to ensure reasonable protection of the assets and records and the release of information is done with due consideration to the protection of such information particularly when it relates to programming, advertising rates and audience ratings that may advantage competitors.

The SABC is required to provide to ICASA details on the performance in respect of the mandate delivery and this is done in terms of ICASA regulations.

All documentation provided to the Shareholder for purposes of monitoring and evaluation of performance according to approved Corporate Plan, Shareholder Compact and ICASA regulations.

Motivations for funding are submitted with full motivation for the use of such funding. The SABC will provide to the Shareholder a motivation that will include the financial implications.

Documents are classified in terms of the business into Public Broadcasting and Public Commercial Services and classified further into financial, competitor, programming, research and performance as well as audience ratings, and mandate information; in terms of the Records Management policy of the SABC. The information is further classified into Shareholder information, Parliamentary information and finally business information.

Requests for budgetary transfers

· ENE request is made on the basis of unforeseen and unexpected

· Government Grant for TV licences subsidy for LSM 1- 4 households made on recommendation of the Board to Shareholder

· CAPEX projects of National importance e.g. DTT & Elections

(iii) protection for other purposes such as preservation and

Programming material is classified according to prescripts of intellectual property and is subject to the licence acquisitions conditions as detailed by the rights holders

(iv) release upon request for access of

(aa) documented information

The release of documented information related to programming is governed by the Editorial Policy and the provisions as detailed by the programme rights holder.

The release of information related to financial information is governed by the PFMA, Shareholders Compact and the Companies Act.

(bb) undocumented information

All documentation is documented, logged or filed according to type; programming information, financial information or licence information. The records related to personnel information and the statutory records of the Company are all documented in terms of SABC records Management Policy.

The SABC has an approved Records management, Records retention and records preservation policy as well as an approved archive policy.

SAPO

(a) Statutory provisions governing;

(i) Classification of information

I. Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2001; The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (Act 3 of 2000)

II. Internal Company Policies, Manuals, Guidelines and Codes

(ii) Protection against the release or access of information

I. Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act No. 108 of 1996

II. Human Rights Commission Act 108 of 1996

III. Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000

IV. Consumer Protection Act

V. Companies Act No. 20 2004

VI. Electronic Communication Act, 2005

VII. National Credit Act No. 34 of 2005

VIII. Protected Disclosures Act, 26 of 2000

IX. Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004

X. Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000

XI. Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998

(iii) Protection for other purposes such as preservation of information

I. Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000

II. National Archives Act of South Africa, Act 43 of 1996

III. Protected Disclosure Act, 26 of 2000

(iv) Release upon request for access of information

I. Promotion of access to Information Act, 2000

II. Companies Act No. 20, 2004

III. Public Finances Management Act No. 1 of 1999

IV. Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998

V. Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004

VI. Skills Development Act of 1999

VII. Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993

VIII.

Statutory provisions governing the release upon request for access of;

(aaa) documented information

(i) Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000

(ii) Companies Act No. 20 2004

(bbb) undocumented information

(i) Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000

(b) regulations governing;

(i) Classification of information (none known to be applicable)

(ii) Protection against the release or access of information

a. Bill of Rights

(iii) Protection for other purposes such as preservation of information

a. Regulations for the Retention and Preservation of Company Records, 1993

(iv) Release upon request for access of information (none known to be applicable)

Regulations governing the release upon request for access of;

(aaa) documented information

1. Public Finance Management Act

2. Accounting Standards issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)

3. The King III code of Good Corporate Governance

4. Employment Equity Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998

5. Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993

6. Skills Development Act of 1999

7. Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995

8. Income Tax Act

9. Value Added Tax, Pay as You Earn

10. FICA legislation

(bbb) undocumented information (none known to be applicable)

(c) Policy instruments that govern;

(i) Classification of information

a. Communication Policy

b. Information Security Policy

(ii) Protection against the release or access of information

a. Communication policy

b. Information Security Policy

c. Disclosure of Information Policy

(iii) Protection for other purposes such as preservation of information

a. Communication policy

b. Information Security Policy

c. Document retention policy

d. Fraud Prevention Plan

(iv) Release upon request for access of information

a. Communication policy

b. Information Security policy

Policy instruments governing the release upon request for access of;

(aaa) documented information

(i) Communication policy

(ii) Information Security policy

(bbb) undocumented information

(i) Communication policy

(ii) Information Security policy

(i) Classification of information (none known to be applicable)

(ii) Protection against the release or access of information(none known to be applicable)

(iii) Protection for other purposes such as preservation of information

a. Business Continuity and Disaster recovery plan

(iv) Release upon request for access of information (none known to be applicable)

Practices governing the release upon request for access of;

(aaa) documented information (none known to be applicable)

(bbb) undocumented information (none known to be applicable)

QUESTION NO: 104

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 01

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Mr NJ van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) What number of households have a (a) door-to-door mail delivery service and (b) private postal box;

(2) whether households in informal settlements have door-to-door mail delivery services; if not, (a) why not and (b) what are the future plans to extend mail services to informal settlements;

(3) (a) what number of rural households have a door-to-door mail delivery service and (b) what is being done to increase this service in rural areas;

(4) whether there is a shortage of available private post boxes; if so, (a) what is the reason for this shortage and (b) what plans are in place to deal with this shortage?

NW116E

REPLY:

(1) (a) A total number of 10 003 192 households have door-to-door mail delivery services, and

(b) 1 788 935 households have private post box addresses (it includes free paid private post boxes)

(2) Many households in informal settlements have door-to-door mail delivery services;

(a) however, in settlements where door-to-door mail delivery infrastructure is not in place, mail delivery services are rendered via alternative modes, e.g. private post boxes, and

(b) mail delivery services are continuously rolled out to all communities in terms of the mandate of the Post Office. In terms of this mandate 1, 6 million addresses are rolled out annually, including door-to-door and private post box mail delivery services

(3) (a) Approximately 3,7 million rural households have door-to-door mail delivery services, and

(b) Door-to-door mail delivery services to rural households are rolled out in accordance with the Post Office's rural addressing system (a street address/door-to-door addressing system), in terms of the Post Office's mandate referred to in par. (2) (b) above

(4). There is currently a shortage of private post boxes

(a) Reasons for the shortage

(i) New residential development in new areas

(ii) Residential development in existing areas where the current supply is lower than the growing demand.

(b) Plans in place to deal with this shortage

Acquisition of new boxes has now been finalised and awaiting the manufacture and supply.

QUESTION NO: 103

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 01

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Mr NJ van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) What is Telkom's future policy regarding the maintenance of their fixed lines in (a) semi urban and (b) rural areas;

(2) whether fixed lines will be replaced if it is (a) damaged or (b) stolen; if not, why not? NW115E

REPLY:

(1) It is Telkom's policy to continue maintaining, and to expand, fixed line services to its customers in any area where there is demand for it

(2) (a) it is a common business procedure for Telkom to repair any fault that occur in its network,

(b) Stole cables are usually replaced; however, there are circumstances in which the same cables are repeatedly stolen, to the extent that replacing it becomes a totally futile exercise. In these cases Telkom's management may decide not to further replace the cable. Existing customers are the offered, wherever possible, an equivalent radio-based service (the "Fixed Line Look Alike") or a mobile service

QUESTION NO: 56

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 01

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Mrs NWA Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) What were the reasons for the postponement of the migration from analog to digital television to December 2013;

(2) whether an assessment has been made of the costs associated with the postponement; if not, why not; if so, what is the breakdown of the anticipated costs;

(3) whether the set top up boxes manufactured for the adoption of the DVB standard can be used with DVB-T2; if not, what will be the unit cost of the set top up boxes for DVB-T2;

(4) what amount of money has Sentech spent in anticipation of digital migration since the announcement of the adoption of the DVB standard in 2008?

NW66E

REPLY:

1. The SADC Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries, noticing the rapid evolution of digital technologies in the terrestrial broadcasting platform, resolved to revisit the decision on the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Standard. SADC Ministers of Communication held a series of workshops with international experts and later established a Technical Task Team whose task was to study and make recommendations to Ministers in relation to the appropriate standards.

In November 2010, SADC Ministers of Communications adopted DVB-T2 as a preferred standard for the region. Our cabinet has since approved the second generation and the more advanced DTT standard, DVB-T2.

In choosing the new more advanced standard with more data and applications opportunities, the Cabinet granted the South African industry and citizen more migration time period of December 2013 to ensure digital inclusion for all.

2. Numerous experts in the field of broadcasting and other related fields, including the Technical Task Team, appointed by SADC Ministers agree that the adoption of the new advanced technology with multitude of economic opportunities far outweighs the cost of hurried migration. The delay occasioned by the decision of SADC to review the DTT standards necessitated that South Africans are afforded sufficient time for digital migration.

Frequency spectrum remains a scarce national resource, the DVB-T 2 is up to 60% more spectrum efficient than DVB-T, resulting into more TV channel capacity and spectrum for other important services like mobile broadband.

3. The Set Top Boxes manufactured for the DVB standard are not entirely compatible with DVB-T2. Fortunately the government had not commissioned any manufacturers to manufacture DVB-T STBs.

It is a difficult exercise to come up with the cost per unit of DVB-T2 STBs since this is still a new technology, and the cost per unit box is influenced by different variables, including currency exchange, economies of scale of the ordered parts by a local manufacturer.

The price trends of DVB-T2 STBs in Britain, one of the first European countries to adopt DVB-T2 shows that the price of sets per unit are falling rapidly with more consumers adopting the technology. Projections will be made after amendment of the South African Set Top Box Standard by SABS of what would be the price the unit cost by the time of local DTT commercial launch.

The total amount spent on capital expenditure: The equipment has been delivered and service provided.	R 432 141 153
The total amount Sentech has committed with equipment suppliers and service providers	R 9 332 022
TOTAL AMOUNT	R 432 473 175

QUESTION NO: 37

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 February 2011

QUESTION PAPER NO: 01

DATE OF REPLY: 1 July 2011

Mr. NJ van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Why did the SA Broadcasting Corporation not provide live (a) radio and (b) television coverage of the recent Springbok end-of-year tour to the United Kingdom?

NW46E

REPLY:

1. The SABC did not have the broadcast rights for the Springbok end of year tour. These rights were held by Super Sport. Without the broadcast rights we were unable to carry the broadcast live.

2. According to Government Gazette, 7 April 2010, no. 33079, the following Rugby tournaments are listed as Sport of National Interest:

· IRB Rugby World Cup

· Super 14 Rugby

· Currie Cup Rugby

With the above in mind it is always the SABC's intention to provide its key stakeholder the South African public with the best sporting programming it can procure and present on its screens. The Springbok out bound tours are not within the events that the SABC is mandae to carry o its TV and or Radio platforms. However, where possible, finances and negotiations permitting, the SABC does from time to time carry events outside of its mandate, particularly events of national interest such as the outbound Rugby tours, unfortunately on this occasion the decision taken was that, it would not have been prudent to carry the Springbok outbound tour to the UK finances and rights considered. In these difficult financial times, it is often challenging for the SABC to procure all the content it deems fit and indeed all the content that we know our viewers deserve.

We are however committed to showing Rugby and as such have focused all our resource into ensuring we show all of South Africa's game during the upcoming IRB Rugby World Cup, including but not limited to are the Opening Game, 2 of the Quarter Finals, a Semi Final and the Final all live. As sports fans ourselves we know that no amount of sport can ever be enough, but we hope that the little that we can provide does satisfy some of the urge.

We would like to thank you for the interest, support and criticism as all of it goes into ensuring that we sit as the SABC continue to strive for the best sporting content that we can get to bring to our Viewers.

2011-11-15

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