Questions & Replies: Science & Technology

(ii) Costs for the above five options are as follows:

• Costs have been determined for a low-frequency trunked mobile radio voice network. The current business plan is based on 400 radios with a monthly cost of R120 per unit.
• Telkom is due to announce new VSAT tariffs, which will determine associated costs for voice and data service.
• The cellular short-range cell extenders are still under investigation by the network operator and costs are- not yet available.
• The costs are not currently available because Telkom is still to be approached about replacing the existing farm line network with a fibre -optic network which, unlike copper, has no scrap value.
• The costs are not currently available because this is a newly developed antenna technology,

(2) The difference in costs between standard telecommunication services and replacement services are being considered by the- South African Square Kilometer Array Project Office for the initial MeerKAT project deployment. It is believed that communications technology developments will provide a solution for the area that is compatible with the operations of the radio telescope. Once an alternative technology has been identified and the costs are known, a decision as to the necessity of subsidisation will be made.

QUESTION NO 1022

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTEHNAL QUESTION PAPER: (25 MARCH 2011) (INTERNAL QUEST10N PAPER 9-2011)

"Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1} Whether the Government intends purchasing the majority share in a certain company (name furnished) that manufactures satellites; if not, why not; if 50, (a) when and (b) what is the size of this share;

(2) whether a purchase price hag been agreed upon; if not r why not; if so, (a) what amount, (b) which department/entity will be responsible for managing the company, {c} what are terms of the agreement to purchase this share, (d) what is the time frame within which the company should be transferred to the specified department/entity and (e) what are the further relevant details;

(3) whether any of tile company's staff members have (a) resigned or been retrenched as a result of the delay in finalising the purchase agreement with the State; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if 50, what are the relevant details in each case?))

(NW1139E)

REPLY:

(1) Government considers SunSpace, which is in financial distress, to be of strategic importance to the success of the country's Space programme. For this reason, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) sought and obtained Cabinet's approval for the South African National Space Agency to acquire a majority equity stake in SunSpace, thereby providing two years working capital in order for Sunspace to develop a sustainable project portfolio. The Cabinet Memorandum was approved on 2 March 20'11.

(a) It is expected that the process of acquiring equity will be completed by July 2011. Deloitte is contracted to advise the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) in terms of the actual percentage to be acquired in Sunspace, taking into account the valuation of the company and the current capital structure.

(b) The size of the share will be determined in the acquisition processes referred to in (a).

(2) The purchase price wil1 be determined in the process mentioned in (1) (a).

(a) Not applicable.

(b) SANSA will be responsible for holding government share in the company.

(c) The terms of the agreement to purchase the share will be determined in the process mentioned in {1) (a}.

(d) It is envisaged that the transaction will be completed in July 2011 and government share of the company transferred to SANSA.

(e) Not applicable.

(3) Interim rneasures were put in place to ensure the sustainability of SunSpace; whilst the acquisition process is being finalised.

(a) To the knowledge of DST, no staff member have resigned or were retrenched as a result of the equity acquisition processes.

QUESTION NO 987

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 18 MARCH 2011 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8~2011)

"987. Ms SK Plaatjje (COPE) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

Whether, with reference to her department's 2009-10 annual report, any film documentary has been made in respect of the MeerKAT precursor array for release to schools in particular, and the public in general, to create interest in astronomy and physics; if no, why not; if so, what are the relevant details."

NW 1105E

REPLY

No MeerKAT documentary was made in the 2009/10 financial year. The Department's annual report for this period makes no reference to the production of a MeerKAT documentary.

However, the Department advertised for service providers to bid for production of a television documentary to raise awareness of the Square Kilometre Array, astronomy and physics. The closing date for the bid was 10 March 2011. When completed, the documentary will be distributed to 24 science centres, affording learners in all the provinces an opportunity to view it. A television station will also be identified to flight the documentary once it has been produced.

QUESTION NO. 986

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN ~NTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 MARCH 2011 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. B~201Q)

"986. Ms SK Plaatjie (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(i) whether any commercial venture had sprung up as a result of the innovative low-cost production of titanium processes being patented by her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?"

NW1103E

REPLY:

(1) No the initiative is still at a pre-commercial stage where a 500ton test facility needs to be constructed by 2014 to test and fine-tune the production of low-cost titanium powder. The test facility is crucial in attracting private sector financing to support the development of a full-scale 20 000-ton plant that can deliver titanium powder to market by 2018.

QUESTION 985

DATE OF PUBLICATION iN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 March 2011 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8. - 2011)

"Ms K Plaatjie (COPE) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

Whether the launch of the R100 million Platinum Development Fund for the specific purpose of supporting the beneficiation of the platinum group metals was {a} complemented by any similar investment by the government. (b} promoting research into hydrogen and fuel cell technology and (c) had 1ed to the establishment of a commercially viable beneficiation programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?"

NWi 1 03E

REPLY

{a} No, there hasn't been a dedicated similar complementary investment from government as yet. A once off investment by government through the Department of Science and Technology was made to match funding from the Platinum Development Fund in the establishment of Clean Energy Investments, a Joint Venture between Anglo Platinum, government and a United States fuel cell company, Altergy Systems, to manufacture fuel cells in South Africa. In addition to the above, the Department in collaboration with Anglo Platinum are working on an industry proposal, which is meant to amongst other things, enable Government and other partners (other platinum producers) to also co-invest.

(b) Yes, South Africa, through the Department of Science and Technology, is embarking on a national hydrogen and fuel cell technologies research, development and innovation programme that has established three Centres of Competence in Hydrogen as mandated by the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Research, Development and 1nnovation Strategy. All three Centres of Competence are fully functional and have appointed world experts in hydrogen and fue1 cell technologies who are leading the research, development and innovation efforts of the centres while also developing human capital. The DST receives an annual allocation from the National Treasury as Hydrogen Strategy Current and Capital line items in the Estimatt1s of National Expenditure for the purposes of funding the implementation of the Hydrogen strategy. Anglo Platinum has also co-funded R2 million for ­research and development work for one of the HySA Centres of Competence for the 2010/2011 financial year,

(c) Yes, as mentioned in (a,) above, Clean Energy Investments, a Joint Venture between government, Anglo Platinum and Altergy Systems has been set up to eventually manufacture fuel cell within South Africa. A management committee has been set-up to see to the day-to-day running of the company. Clean Energy Investments is in the process of establishing a fuel cell market targeting initially the telecommunications sector within sub-Saharan Africa. To date Clean Energy Investments has sold 28 fuel cell to Vodacom and made US$521- 125.70, A few similar deals are being contemplated in the near future.

QUESTION NO. 904

QUESTION 904 FOR A WRITTEN REPLY: MS MR SHINN (DA): CURRENT STATUS OF THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS TO FILL VACANCIES ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN SPACE AGENCY BOARD

"904. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(a) What is the current status of the appointment process to fill the vacancies on the SA National Space Agency Board, (b) what are the reasons for certain persons (Ms V B Titi and Ms R Sekese) not being able to serve on the board, (c) how many responses to the advertisement for the replacement board members were received and (d) what progress is being made in the appointment of the replacement board members?"

NW1018E

REPLY:

(a) The call for nominations to fill the vacancies on the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Board was issued and the closing date was 8 October 2010. An advisory panel was then appointed in accordance with section 7 (1) (b) of the South African National Space Agency Act, 2008 (Act No. 36, 2008). The panel met and unfortunately could not identify suitable candidates from the nominations received by the Department.

(b) The Minister of Communication withdrew the name of Ms R Sekese and Ms V B Titi declined the appointment.

QUESTION NO. 903

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 MARCH 2011 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 - 2011)

"903. Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

What is the (a) current status of the appointment process for vacancies on the board of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and (b) reason for the delay in appointing replacements to the HSRC board after the names that were recommended to the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology were ratified in mid-20101

NW1017E

REPLY:

(a) There are currently no vacancies on the Board of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). The Board is fully constituted as stipulated by section 5(2) of the HSRC Act. 2008 (Act No. 17 of 2008). At a meeting held on 10 November 2010. Cabinet approved the appointment of Ms P Nzimande as Chairperson and Prof. T Pillay and Dr B Tema as members of the HSRC Board.

(b) The delay was mainly attributable to the appointment of the Chairperson. When Cabinet approved the appointment of the HSRC Board in 2009, Ms P Nzimande was appointed as an interim Chairperson and I was mandated to identify a suitable candidate for the position of Chairperson. I submitted a name to the National Assembly which was not in the initial list endorsed by the National Assembly in 2009. However, the National Assembly advised me to choose from the endorsed list of candidates or follow the appointment process as outlined in section 5(3) of the HSRC Act This process was completed on 10 November 2010.

QUESTION NO 902

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 MARC H 2011 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO, 366-2011)

"902. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

When will (a) South Africa's bid for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) be ready for submission to the SKA science and Engineering Committee and (b) a final decision be made as to where the SKA will be positioned?"

{NW1 Ot GE)

REPLY:

(a) The final SKA bid file information is due on 30 September 201 I. The bid file will comprise of overall science investments by the potential hosts of the core SKA stations and technical factors relatil1g to the conditions of the sites.

(b) The decision on the location of the SKA is expected in the first half of 2012. The exact date has not been finalised by the international SKA participants.

QUESTION NO. 827

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (1'1 MARCH 20"11) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 6-2011)

"827 Mr AM Figlan (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) Whether (a) her department or (b) any of its 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 reasons for purchasing these tickets, (vi} to whom willeach of these tickets be allocated and (vii) on what was the decision for the allocations of these tickets based,"

NW'1944E

REPLY:

1. (a) The Department of Science and Technology did not purchase any tickets for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Tickets were not budgeted for.

(b) None of the public entities reporting to the Minister of Science and Technology purchased tickets for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Tickets were not budgeted for.

QUESTION NO. 772

QUESTION 772 FOR WRITTEN REPLY; MS M R SHINN (DA): INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION

"772. Ms M R Shinn (DA} to ask the Minister of Science and Technology

(1) Whether the institutional review of the National Research Foundation and the performance of the National Research Facilities has been completed; if not, what is the reason for delay; if so, (a) what are the main findings of this review .and {b} when will the review be made public

N¹N340E

REPLY

(1) The review was completed in February .2011. The management of the National

Research Foundation is currently preparing the institutiona1 response and both will be presented to the NRF Board at the end of March 2011. The Board will present the report and the management response will be posted On the NRF website in a manner determined by the board.

QU ESTION NO 771

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 MARCH 2011 INTERNAL QUESTION P P.PER NO 6-2011

Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(-1) (a) How much money did her department allocate to the Southern African Genome Programme (SAHGP) and {b} where were these funds (i) allocated to and (ii) drawn from;

{2} Whether these funds were (a) included in her department's original 2010-11 budget and (b) budgeted for at the time of the Adjusted Estimates of National Expenditure; if not_r why not; if 50, what (i)(aa) is the monetary value and (bb) are the relevant details and (ii) deliverables or outcomes are expected from the provision of these funds before the end of the 2010-11 financial year, in each case?

(NW839E)

REPLY:

("1) The Department of Science and Technology allocated (a) R450 000.00 (Four hundred and fifty thousand Rand) as a once-off grant to provide for a national workshop and activities aimed at developing a business plan I proposal for the Southern African Human Genome Programme_ The funds (b)(i) were allocated to a cost centre at the University of Pretoria specifically created for the SAHGP and (ii) were drawn from thee Biotechnology strategy objective (i.e. transfer payments);

(2) This proposal arose during the course of the financial year; and thus (3) seed funding for the development of a SAHGP business plan was not specifically included in the 2010-11Ffnancial year budget. However, the SAHGP is directly relevant and aligned to the Farmer to Pharma grand challenge and the transition from Biotechnology to Bioeconomy, which are included in the budget The SAHGP has the potential to provide the foundation for developing future genomic medicine (drugs, vaccines, diagnostics etc.) based on the South /Southern African population diversity / demographics. (b) No, the allocation was not included in the adjusted estimates as the funding was sourced from within the Biotechnology Strategy Objective, as the proposal was aligned with this objective

QUESTION NO 770

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 MARCH 2011 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 0119-2011)

'770. Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

{1) What am the details of the MeerKAT realignment with the design requirements of the Square kilometer Array (SKA) that has prompted the rescheduling of the budgeted costs of the project;

(2} Whether the SKA requirements changed since MeerKAT was designed as a demonstrator telescope; if not, why not; if so, who prompted these design changes;

(3} Whether these design changes affect the involvement of other African countries in our bid; if not; why not, if so, in what way does it affect their involvement;

(4) Whether these design changes are also applicable to the Australian bid for SKA; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) (a) How win these changes influence South Africa's chance's to gain the competitive edge over Australia; and

(b) What is the revised operational target date for MeerKAT?

(NW838E)

REPLY:

1. From its start in 2004, the engineering programme to deliver the MeerKA T telescope followed a structured system engineering process consisting of several prototyping phases. This considers changing scientific requirements and tile emergence of disruptive technologies.

An international Panel of Experts was invited to South Africa in July 2010 to undertake a MeerKAT Concept Design Review. The panel was asked to comment on aligning various MeerKAT options with the international SKA scope for a baseline design. Recommendations from the panel were analysed for impact on budget, schedule and performance and a proposal was made to the SKA Steering Committee for MeerKAT design changes. The design changes ensure that we build a world-class telescope.

2. The SKA design has not been finalised since many of the technologies are still under development and many others are still in feasibility stages. A proposed SKA baseline design will be continuously reviewed as new technologies for the various parts of the system undergo investigation on feasibility, affordability and build-­ability.

3. The MeerKAT design changes do not affect the; involvement of our African SKA bid partner countries, as their involvement ill the MeerKAT is limited. Should we win the bid, tile partner countries will only be affected by a change in the configuration of U1G SKA telescope array whose antenna stations will be placed within their borders.

4. MeerKAT design changes are not applicable to the Australian SKA bid. The MeerKAT design however, closely resemb1es the proposed midfrequency array for the SKA baseline design. The demonstrator built by Australia does not

5. {a) The design changes position the African bid more favourab1y because it has provided anopportunity for building a MeerKAT that is a proper SKA demonstrator telescope. The South African SKA Project Office had an opportunity to review the MeerKAT design and have a telescope design that is nearer to the SKA.

(b) The MeerKAT telescope will be completed at the end of 2016. Scientific observations will be possible from 2014

QUESTION NO. 625

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 07 MARCH 2011 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 4-2011)

"625. Ms MR Shinn to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) What is the status of the three university projects on the SumbandilaSat payload,

(2) (a) which projects are operational and (b) when did they become operational;

(3) Whether any projects are still not operational; if so, (a) which projects, (b) why and (c) what are the further relevant details?"

NW668E

REPLY:

(1) SumbandilaSat was designed to carry three primary payloads and three experimental

(2) research payloads. The experimental payloads were included to enable students at South African universities to carry out research. They were a Stellenbosch University architectural radiation experiment for commercial off-the-shelf devices (ARCOTS), a Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University forced vibrating string experiment, and a University of KwaZulu-Natal very low frequency radio experiment. However, due to the delays with the launch of SumbandilaSat, only one of these experimental research payloads, ARCOTS, has been used to obtain data for research purposes. For the remaining two experiments, students were able to mitigate the launch delay by using alternative data sources.

(2)(a) and (b) All payloads are operational. However, due to the tumbling effect of the satellite and its current battery capacity, priority has been given to SumbandilaSat's multispectral imager, its main payload. The ARCOTS experiment (Stellenbosch University) was tested after communication was established with the satellite in 2010.

(3)(a), (b) and (c) Owing to SumbandilaSat's physical condition, the forced vibrating string experiment (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) and the very low frequency radio experiment (University of KwaZulu-Natal) payloads have not yet been turned on and have not had a chance to download information. Engineers working on the satellite have had to prioritise the main imager payload in order to maximise transmission of useful data from SumbandilaSat. This will probably last until the end of SumbandilaSat's life.

QUESTION NO.615

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (7 MARCH 2011) (INTERNATIONAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 4-2011)

"615. Mr M Mnaqsela (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

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

(2) What was the (a) budget 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?

NW659E

REPL Y:

(1) (a) Department of Science and Technology currently uses two travel agencies, Travel with Flair and Amex Lesedi.

(b)(i) They were both appointed after a tender process.

(ii) They were both appointed in March 2007.

(2)

QUESTION NO. 508

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 2011.02~25:

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3.2011

508. Mr AM Figlan (DA) to .ask Minister of Science and Technology:

,"

(1) Whether (a) her department or (b) any (i) agency or (ii) Institution which receives transfers from her departmental budget employs staff to perform the duties sat out In the Minimum Information and Security Standards (Miss) that were adopted by the Cabinet on 4 December 1996 or any subsequent version 01 the Miss; If not, why not, in each case; If so , In each case, (aa) how many and ebb) what (aaa) is the Job title, (bbb) Is the employment level, (ccc) are the academic qualifications, (ddd) is the salary and (eee) are the benefits of each specified staff member?"

REPL Y:

NW554E

1 (a) The Department of Science and Technology employs staff to perform the duties set out in the Minimum information and Security Standards.

1 (b)(i) and (ii) The National Research Foundation, the Human Sciences Research Council and the South African National Space Agency Technology Innovation Agency employ staff to perform the duties set out in the Minimum Information and

Security Standards.

The Technology Innovation Agency, the Council .for Scientific and Industrial Research, the Africa Institute of South Africa and the Academy of Science of South Africa do not employ staff to perform the duties set out In the Minimum Information and Security Standards.

(a) The Department of Science and Technology

(b) Agencies and Institutions National Research Foundation

Human Sciences Research Council

South African National Space Agency

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

TIA's organogram is evolving and thus far no one has been appointed to carry out MISS duties. However, the necessity of a security manager has been identified, and the proper processes to appoint this person will be followed in the next financial Year.

Council for Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR)

The CSIR does not employ the MISS as such. However, all staff in the organisation are responsible for information security as appropriate.

Africa Institution of South Africa (AISA)

AISA has not employed anyone to carry out MISS duties, but this situation will be rectified by the end of March 2011.

Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)

ASSAf has not employed anyone to carry out MISS duties because all ASSAf documents and data are public and freely accessible, and therefore do not require any security measures to protect them from unauthorised access.

QUESTION NO. 438

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 FEBRUARY 2011 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 3~2011)

"Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) Whether the SA National Space Agency, SUI1Space or any other entity reporting to her negotiated a deal with the Algerian government or any of its agencies to designand manufacture a satellite in South Africa; if so, (a) who were the parties to the agreement and (b) what are the details of the agreement; if not,

(2) Whether such negotiations are still under way; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so; what are the relevant details?"

NW467E

REPL Y:

(1) The Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) expressed the intention of collaborating with South Africa on the design and manufacture of satellites in South Africa. This collaboration is premised on the notion of an African Resource Management Satellite Constellation (ARMS-C), for which South Africa and Algeria are yet to develop their satellite contribution; as well as a memorandum of understanding between ASAL and SunSpace on the joint development of a high-resolution satellite system.

(a) The parties to the ARMS-C Agreement will be ASAL and the South African National Space Agency. The date for the signing of such an agreement is under discussion with ASAL, The parties to the high-resolution satellite system are ASAL and SunSpace.

(b)The agreement will focus on the following, among other matters:

· Developingtechnologies in the space field.

· Developing space applications.

· Coordinating joint research programmes.

· Partnerships in the production of space systems and facilities.

· Developing human resources and know-how transfer.

(2) Not applicable.

QUESTION NO. 437

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUEST/ON PAPER: 25 February 2011 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3 - 2011)

"437. Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) Why was the Inter-agency cooperative agreement with the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) not signed at the launch of the SA National Space Agency in December 2010;

(2) whether any representatives from ASAL attended the launch; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are their names and (b) was the purpose of their visit?"

(NW466E)

REPLY:

(i) The inter-agency agreement between the South African National Space Agency and the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) was not signed, because of protocol issues faced on the Algerian side. As ASAL represents the interests of the Algerian government, approval hadto be obtained from Algeria's national Cabinet. This approval was not given in time.

(2) No ASAL representative attended the SANSA launch for logistical reasons and because the proposed agreement was not ready to be signed.

QUESTION NO. 389

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 FEBRUARY 2011 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 01-2011)

"389. Ms SK Plaatjies (COPE) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) What is the (a) policy of her department in dealing with public correspondence and (b) timeframe in dealing with the material content of such correspondence?"

NW1946E

REPLY:

1. (a) All correspondences received by the Department are registered, acknowledged and responded to as appropriate.

(b) The Department endeavors to respond to all correspondences as speedily as possible and is currently reviewing their processes which will determine the time frames for finalising responses to correspondences.

QUESTION NO. 388

QUESTION NO. 388 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: MS S PLAATJIES (COPE): KING II CODE OF CONDUCT

"388. Ms SK Plaatjies (Cope) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) Whether her department has taken any decision to .make it mandatory for all the entities reporting to it to incorporate the King III code of conduct and corporate governance into their respective operations; if not; why not; if so what are the relevant details?"

NW442E

REPLY:

(1) The Department of Science and Technology has not taken a decision to make it mandatory for at the public entities that report to the Minister of Science and Technology to incorporate the King 1/1 code on corporate governance into their corporate governance standards. However, some of the entities that report to the Minister have already done so. Furthermore, the current shareholder compact that is signed by the Minister and each entity's board at the beginning of each financial year and' the Policy on Governance Standards for Science, Engineering and Technology Institutions (SETls) incorporate the King II code as one of the compliance tools to enhance good corporate governance.

The Department is planning to review the Policy on Governance Standards for SETls in the 2011/1.2 financial year to· ensure adherence to best practice on corporate governance by public entities that are responsible for research, development and innovation. During the review process, the Department will consider the King III report.

QUESTION NO. 387

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 FEBRUARY 2011:

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 01-2011

"387. Ms SK Plaatjie (COPE) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

Whether in anticipation of the launch of the South Africa's first commercially produced electric car, she was involved in any discussions with (a) other Ministers, (b) municipalities with regards to providing recharging points and (c) battery manufacturers with regard to achieving certain standards, If not why not; if so what are the relevant details?"

NW421 E

REPL Y:

It should be noted that the vehicle is not yet commercially available Government processes are being put in place to take the Joule prototype through the commercialisation proce5s in partnership with organisations within and outside government. The launch of the first prototype was at the International Auto Show in Paris in October 2008. Further development work has since then resulted in a fully functional prototype two (Joule 2). However, more development work is needed and investors must be brought on board for full commercialisation.

(a) The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is in continuous engagement

with other relevant departments at both political and official level. We have engaged other ministers, particularly the Minister of Trade and Industry and the Minister of Economic Development

The DST, together with the Department of Trade and Industry, is leading the process of developing a draft government position on electric vehicles, which, together with Joule commercialisation options, would be considered for adoption by the DST-convened Interministerial Committee on the Joule.

(b) The government position will, among other things, address the matter of infrastructure for both testing and recharging as indicated in par. 12.4.7 of the Industrial Policy Action Plan 2 (IPAP 2).

This will provide guidance as to how local governments should be engaged on the matter.

(c)Battery manufacturers have been engaged with regard to achieving certain standards by the South African Bureau of Standards (SASS), which is responsible for developing and adopting standards. The SASS has convened a technical committee consisting of government and industry representatives to work on the standards required for the electric vehicle.

QUESTION NO. 293

DATE OF PUBLICATION ON IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER; 18 FEBRUARY 201i (INTERNAL QUESTION PA.PER NO. 2-2011)

"293. Mr AM Figlan (DA} to ask the Minister of Science andTechnology:

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

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

NW315E

REPL Y:

(1)(a) The total number of documents classified from 2005 to 2010 are as tabled below:

1 (b)(i) and (ii) No institutions or agencies reporting to the Minister of Science and Technology produced c1assified documents during the period 2005~2010.

(2)(a) At the Department of Science and Technology the Dr PM Mjwara, the Director ­General; decided on the classification.

(b) Director General

(c) Director-General

No other public bodies reporting to the Minister of Science and Technology produced classified documents during the period 2005-2010.

QUESTION NO. 249

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 February 2011:

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2-2011

Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) (a) How many matriculants from the 18 Dinaledi Schools that are supported by her department achieved university entrance passes in (I) mathematics and (ii) physical science and (b) how do these numbers compare with the results of the three calendar years prior to 2010;

(2) what are the details of the performance indicators that are monitored in respect of these schools, including (a) enrolment of learners in mathematics and physical sciences in grades (i) 10, (ii) 11 and (iii) 12, (b) performance of students in these grades in (i) mathematics and (ii) physical science and (c) (I) enrolment of school leavers in higher education institutions and (ii) their choice of field of study.

(NW270E)

REPL Y:

Reply to Question 1

1 (a) (i) and 1(b)

1 (a) (ii) and 1 (b)

Reply to Question 2

The Department of Basic Education (DBE), being the custodian of the Dinaledi School programme, monitors the following indicators in all Dinaledi schools for grades 10, 11, and 12: