Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries

2012-12-31

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Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION 3425

QUESTION 3425 FOR WRITTEN REPLY BY MR M S F DE FREITAS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entity reporting to her sponsored any (i) event and (ii) promotion hosted by The New Age newspaper since its establishment; if so, in each case, (aa) what was the nature of the event or promotion, (bb) on which date was it held, (cc) what amount was paid, (dd) for what purpose, (ee) from which budget were the funds derived, (ff) what were the expected benefits to her department and (gg) what actual benefits were derived from the sponsorship? NW4344E

Written answer

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and all its State Owned Enterprises reporting to me, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries have not sponsored any event or promotion to-date hosted by The New Age newspaper ever since its inception.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION 3377

QUESTION 3377 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO DR W G JAMES (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) (a) How many copies of each annual report that was produced by (i) her department and (ii) the entities reporting to her were commissioned for print in the 2011-12 financial year, (b) how many copies were actually printed and (c) what were the (i) total and (ii) individual costs of printing these reports;

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

(3) whether any of the specified reports that had been printed were found to be unsatisfactory; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (a) which reports, (b) for which entity, (c) by which printer, (d) what action was taken and (e) what were the costs? NW4280E

Written answer

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

(1) (a) (i) Copies of annual report produced: 1 000 (b) Copies actually printed: 1 000 (c) (i) Total costs: R101 799,82 (ii) Individual costs: R101,79

(2) (a) Printer: UVO Communication and Print (b) Supply Chain Management procedures were followed and an order was issued (c) Date of delivery: 20 September 2012

(3) Five copies (0,005%) were not correctly bound (a) (b) Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (c) Printer: UVO Communication and Print (d) Copies are utilised internally (e) No additional costs were incurred.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION 3366

QUESTION 3366 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO MRS A STEYN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 2445 on 22 October 2012, what has been the economic impact of noncompliance with (a) international sanitary and (b) phytosanitary regulations?

(2) Whether any progress is being made to reverse the decline in export markets; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has noted the recommendations made in the National Development Plan (NDP) with regard to (a) biosecurity risks and (b) mitigation measures to be given priority given the vision of employing 1 million more people in the agricultural section by 2030; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps are being taken to reduce the specified risks in each case? NW4265E

REPLY

1. With reference to the reply to question 2445 on 22 October 2012, what has been the economic impact of noncompliance with (a) international sanitary and (b) phytosanitary regulations:

Compliance with regulations is assumed to relate mainly to exports from South Africa.

Compliance with phytosanitary requirements of target markets that import commodities originating in South Africa starts with the producer in the place of production. Communication of the requirements in question takes place through the relevant producer associations and commodity organizations as well as by means of regular technical public-private forums between the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Industry bodies involved. These forums are designed to harness the capacity of both DAFF and Industry to gain, expand and retain the export markets targeted by Industry.

Should South Africa's exports not comply with relevant phytosanitary measures of the importing country, the following may result which would have an economic impact:

· Loss of or temporary suspension of access to export market/s

· Imposition of more stringent phytosanitry requirements by importing countries, resulting in increased expenses

· Reduction of/ decline in economic growth in the relevant value chain

· Potential loss of jobs and declining contribution by the sector towards the GDP.

South Africa has a sound national legislative framework to ensure that the import and exports are in accordance with the international sanitary and phytosanitary regulations. It is in the process of aligning its phytosanitary legislation and policies with the Constitution of South Africa as well as the relevant obligations as set out in the New Revised Text (NRT) of the IPPC (1997) and the IPPC's International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and strives to ensure compliance with the relevant international principles and standards in order to facilitate free, fair and safe trade and avoid the use of unjustifiable measures as barriers to trade.

South Africa has also compiled and submitted a dossier to the Animal Health Organisation (OIE) a dossier for review with the intention of reclaiming a FMD disease free status. Furthermore, the department has established an SPS committee to improve coordination with regards to sanitary and phytosanitary concerns especially given that with the drop in the economic situation in international markets, countries are increasingly adopting defensive (protective) policies in favour of protecting its domestic market.

2. Whether any progress is being made to reverse the decline in export markets; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

In the past year Directorate Plant Health has opened the Thailand market for Citrus fruit and expanded the Citrus export programme to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) from Sweet Oranges only to also include Grapefruit and Lemons. Negotiation with other markets for various commodities, as requested and prioritised by Industry, is ongoing.

South Africa has also submitted a dossier with regards to the recognition of its food control system to ensure that market access is maintained with Indonesia. Indonesia has delayed in the review of these documents leading to a hindrance in exports. All efforts, at a technical level and diplomatic are being exploited to assure the reopening of the Jakarta port to South African exports.

Regarding the ban on the exports of some fruit types to Thailand, DAFF continues to negotiate with its counterparts on technical and diplomatic levels in order to reverse the ban; South Africa lodged a trade concern in 2011 with the WTO SPS Committee in Geneva, Switzerland, and continues to cooperate closely with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and Industry in this regard.

Exports of agricultural products has declined from the third quarter in 2011 to the first quarter of 2012 to R12 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2012. Exports have since increased over the second and third quarter of 2012 to R16 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2012.

3. Whether she has noted the recommendations made in the National Development Plan (NDP) with regard to (a) biosecurity risks and (b) mitigation measures to be given priority given the vision of employing 1 million more people in the agricultural section by 2030; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps are being taken to reduce the specified risks in each case? NW4265E

The Department has noted the recommendations made in the National Development Plan by the National Planning Commission, and it is giving the priority to bio security risk and mitigation measures. For instance, DAFF is in the process of reviewing relevant legislation relating to bio security in order to improve the regulatory system, namely: the revision of the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act No.36 of 1983) and its regulations. The revised version was published for public comment on 26 October 2012 as the "Draft Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Bill". This framework will assist in managing pest risks associated with plants and plant products, thereby contributing to an environment conducive to the creation of job opportunities in the sector. It is also expected that with the approval and finalization of the Veterinary and Para veterinary amendment bill, South Africa will be able to address one of its most glaring deficiencies, the shortage of Veterinarians. It has been a finding of most trade missions and most recently, the PVS evaluation by the OIE.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION 3336

QUESTION 3336 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: MRS D A SCHÄFER (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) With reference to her comments on 13 November 2012, on what grounds did she determine that (a) farm workers and (b) protesters involved in the violent protests in the Western Cape province should not be (i) arrested and/or (ii) prosecuted for lawless actions;

(2) whether she will continue to act in accordance with her promise that protesters found to exhibit lawless behaviour will not be (a) arrested and/or (b) prosecuted; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how is this justified? NW4231E

Reply

1. Every worker has the right to protest, and in some cases protest action will include behaviour that may be considered unacceptable to some and described as "lawless". This however does not make such behaviour illegal. I would not want to see farm workers victimized or arrested for such behaviour, even where it may appear to be lawless, and my comments were made in this light. Where an action is illegal, and the culprits can be identified, the necessary steps must be taken by the police.

2. Yes. Exhibiting lawless behaviour is not a criminal offence, although certain actions may be. Where such actions are illegal, due processes must be followed.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION 3250

QUESTION 3250 FOR WRITTEN REPLY BY MRS A STEYN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) Whether (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her, placed any advertisements in The New Age since the inception of the newspaper up until the most recent date for which information is available; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) which entity placed the advertisements, (ii) on what date was each advertisement placed, (iii) what was the nature of each advertisement and (iv) what amount was spent on each advertisement;

(2) whether any of these advertisements were placed through the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the advertisements placed through the GCIS;

(3) whether an independent analysis was conducted by her department prior to placing advertisements to ascertain whether The New Age is read by the intended target market; if not, why not; if so, (a) who conducted the analysis and (b) what were the main (i) findings and (ii) recommendations of said analysis;

REPLY

(1) (a) (i) The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (ii) placed advertisements in The New Age on the following dates:

- Protected trees: 29 November 2011;

- Farmers' Registration Campaign: 19 January 2012;

- Budget Vote Speech: 21 May 2012

- Bursaries Awards 2012: 12 June 2012;

- Call to Register 2013; 25 June 2012;

- Arbor Week: 13 August 2012

- Learnerships: 17 August 2012

- LandCare Conference: 28 September 2012

- World Food Day: 10 October 2012

- World Food Day: 18, 25 and 31 October 2012 (three supplements);

(iii) The advertisements were placed on:

- Protected trees-A list of protected trees belonging to a particular species under section 12(1)(d) and section 15(1) of the National Forests Act of 1998;

- Farmers' Registration Campaign-The campaign is a census-style, statistical data collection on farms/farmers focusing on smallholder producers;

- Budget Vote Speech-The Budget Vote Speech of the Minister was published to inform South African citizens about the outcomes of achievements of the department;

- Bursaries Awards 2012-Bursaries relevant to the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors are advertised annually in the national newspapers;

- Call to Register 2013-The department called all NGOs, CBOs and any other civil society organisation providing services to farm workers and dwellers to apply for registration for inclusion in the vulnerable workers for NGOs, CBOs and civil society database;

- Arbor Week-The department is responsible for coordinating National Arbor Week, which is celebrated from 1 to 7 September annually;

- Learnerships-Unemployed youth are invited to participate in the department's Experiential Training, Internship and Young Professional Development Programme;

- LandCare Conference-A governmental programme to create awareness about the importance of caring for the land;

- World Food Day-The department commemorates World Food Day annually on 16 October. The purpose is to inform communities on ways to mitigate the impact of the rise in food prices through, e.g. the establishment of food gardens;

(iv) Amount spent on each advertisement:

- Protected trees: R61 356,00;

- Farmers' Registration Campaign: R50 114,00;

- Budget Vote Speech: R309 277,44;

- Bursaries Awards 2012: R47 608,68;

- Call to register 2013; R50 114,00;

- Arbor Week: R64 432,80;

- Learnerships: R106 099,24;

- LandCare Conference: R61 211,16;

- World Food Day: R64 632,80;

- World Food Day: R647 054,88 (three supplements);

(b) No advertisements were placed in The New Age by state-owned entities reporting to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

(2) All advertisements, except the advertisement for the Budget Vote Speech, were placed through Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). The Speech was published in The New Age, Beeld, Farmer's Weekly, The Star, Pretoria News, Landbouweekblad and Sowetan.

(3) The department did not conduct an independent analysis prior to placing the advertisements. GCIS was always consulted to provide advice regarding the intended target market.

(a) GCIS conducts regular media sampling through its provincial offices, and complements this with verification of print orders and audited circulation data where available.

(b) (i) GCIS verified The New Age market entry deliverables as follows:

 100–120 000 published copies per day;

 24–32 pages daily;

 Editorial content drawn from all 9 provinces, distributed through 3 print regions;

 Electronic editions available through e-paper, iPad app, FaceBook, Twitter, and the online edition;

(ii) On the basis of the above analysis, The New Age was recommended as a suitable publication for government departments to use in conjunction with other mainstream and community media, particularly in support of provincial and local outreach initiatives.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION 3125

QUESTION 3125 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: MR B M BHANGA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) Whether her department has put any measures in place to close the loopholes in the supply chain management in order to promote compliance; if not, why not; if so, what measures;

(2) whether she has found these measures to be effective; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW3951E

REPLY:

(1) The Department uses the measures contained in the PFMA and associated regulations and transcripts to comply with supply chain management.

(2) Yes. The Department received and unqualified audit for 2011/12

(4) No

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION 3109

QUESTION 3109 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: Mr B M BHANGA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2005 on 23 August 2012, any criminal prosecutions were instituted since 2009, following her department's forensic investigations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3687E

Draft reply

No. Some of these investigations are still ongoing; others have been dealt with within the Department.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION 3055

QUESTION 3055 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: Dr D T GEORGE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) Whether her department is currently subscribed to The New Age (TNA) newspaper; if so, (a) how many subscriptions does her department have, (b) when was each subscription initiated, (c) what has been the annual subscription fee for each specified subscription since it was initiated and (d) what is the exact purpose of each subscription;

(2) whether a discount was negotiated for any of the specified subscriptions; if so, (a) for which specified subscriptions and (b) what discount in each case;

(3) whether her department has mass-purchased the TNA on an ad hoc basis since the inception of the newspaper; if so, (a) on what dates, (b) how many copies in each case and (c) why were the papers purchased in each case;

(4) whether (a) the publishers of the TNA and (b) any other entity donated copies of the paper to (i) her department and (ii) any entity reporting to her; if so, in each case, (aa) which entity donated the papers, (bb) to which entity were they donated and (cc) how many copies were donated?

Reply

(1)(a) Yes, the department has subscriptions to TNA newspaper through a newspaper distribution company, F&J Distributors. Various components entered into contracts to receive TNA.

(b), (c), and (d) Subscriptions

The following components in the department have subscriptions to receive TNA newspaper:

Component	Date initiated	Subscription fee	Purpose of subscription
1. Minister	August 2011	Annual subscription: 2 copies @ R875,00 = R1 750,00	For information purposes
2. Director-General	April 2011	Annual subscription: R875,00	For information purposes
3. Ministerial Advisor	April 2011	Annual subscription: R875,00	For information purposes
4. Chief Directorate: Stakeholder Relations and Communications	1 May 2012	Annual subscription: R875,00	Spokesperson of the department
5. Directorate: Communication Services	1 Feb. 2011	Monthly subscription: Feb. to Dec. 2011: R712,92 Jan. to Oct 2012: R650,00	Media monitoring services

(2)(a), (b) The above-mentioned components of the department did not negotiate a discount with F&J Distributors. It paid fully for all copies of TNA newspaper it received.

(3)(a), (b) and (c) The department has never mass purchased TNA newspaper since its inception.

(4)(a), (b) The department has never received a donation of TNA newspaper copies from the publishers of TNA.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION 3049

QUESTION 3049 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: MR P J GROENEWALD (FF Plus) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) Whether any research on the operational management procedures of Fisheries was undertaken in 2012; if not, why not; if so, (a) in respect of which periods, (b) what type of research and (c) with which vessels was the research undertaken ;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW3868E

REPLY:

(1) (a,b&c) Routine research directed at data inputs to the Operational Management.

For the small pelagic fishery (sardine and anchovy), routine data collected has included the collection of catch data from the fishery, the recruitment survey on the FRV Africana from 14 June 2012 until 13 July 2012, the spawner biomass survey on the IFRV Africana from 23 October 2012 currently underway until 14 December 2012, and the collection of biological data. This information will be inputted to the new Operational Management Procedure in December 2012 and the sustainable catch levels determined for the 2012 fishing season.

(2) No

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION 3009

QUESTION 3009 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO Ms E MORE (DA)) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Whether the accounting officer submitted the annual financial statements for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 to her by 31 August 2012; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what date (i) were the statements submitted to her and (ii) did she submit the annual report and financial statements to Parliament? NW3776E

Reply

Yes the Accounting Officer submitted the annual financial statements for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 by 31 August 2012 and it was submitted to Parliament

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION 2934

QUESTION 2934 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: MR D A KGANARE (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

What assessment has her department made of the implications for her department on the recent findings of the study conducted in France on the long-term health effects of genetically modified maize that is being exported to (a) Zimbabwe, (b) Mexico and (c) South Korea who are reported to be unaware that they are importing genetically modified maize from South African producers; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3582E

REPLY:

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is aware of the recently published study by Seralini and others which claims that roundup herbicide and roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize caused cancer in rates.

The regulatory system in South Africa allows for detailed exchange of information on the nature of the GM consignments prior any transboundary movement. As part of the system an export authorisation will only be granted by the South African authorities when the importing country has issued the relevant import certificates. Such in import certificate would indicate the GM status of the consignment and the importing country's acceptance thereof. Currently, we have no knowledge of legal exports which have entered the territories of the countries mentioned without the knowledge of such a country.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2918

QUESTION 2918 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO MR B M BHANGA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2005 on 23 August 2012, any persons were identified in the forensic investigations for further criminal action; if not, why not; if so, (a) what action was taken by her department and (b) are the further relevant details;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW3598E

Reply

1) No. The investigations are still underway in the Department.

2) No

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2885

QUESTION 2885 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO MRS A STEYN (DA) ASKS TO THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(a) What vacancies in her department currently exist at senior management level,

(b) since what date has each specified post been vacant and (c) when is it envisaged that each specified post will be filled? NW3561E

REPLY

A number of vacancies still exist in the department arising from the restructuring of the Department. Steps are being taken to fill all of these, including the advertising of the posts. Nominations for some senior positions are due to be presented to Cabinet shortly.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2882

QUESTION 2882 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO MRS A STEYN (DA) TO ASK TO THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) With reference to the her reply to question 1753 on 7 August 2012, (a) what are the administrative reasons for the suspension of a certain person (name and details furnished) from her department (name furnished) and (b) how was this decision reached;

(2) what were the circumstances which precipitated the suspension of said person;

(3) whether she intends offering the said person a severance package; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3557E

Reply

1) The person referred to consistently failed to effectively manage the affairs of the Department.

2) The above circumstances precipitated the suspension.

3) The matter has been amicably settled in terms of the applicable prescripts and formulae of the Department of Public Service and Administration.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2873

QUESTION 2873 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO MR M H HOOSEN (ID) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

What interventions are being planned or implemented to mitigate against the increased loss of commercial farmers to countries that are offering attractive incentives to such farmers, given the fact that agrarian reform has been identified as a major jobs driver? NW3547E

Reply

The question is premised on the belief that commercial farmers are the source of job opportunities in the agricultural sector, whereas the major growth has been in the smallholder farm sector. Extensive support is being provided to these smallholder farmers, where jobs have been created. I have encouraged large farmers to expand their operations into other countries, which is good for South Africa and for the receiving countries.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2741

QUESTION 2741 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO MR B M BHANGA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2419 on 3 October 2012, assessments were made of the (a) rural economy and (b) farming industry in respect of the rapid rate of price increases on all foods, especially wheat and maize? NW3386E

Reply

Yes. These assessments are made on an ongoing basis, and Cabinet will be briefed on the matter.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2705

Question 2705 for Written Reply: Mr DC Ross (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether her department has awarded any contracts to the Kopano Ke Matla Investment Company (Pty) Ltd since the company's establishment in 1996; if so, (a) when was the contact awarded, (b) what was the nature of the contract and (c) what was the total accumulative value of the tender?

REPLY:

No records of any business done with the supplier Kopano Ke Katla Investment Company (Pty) Ltd

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2624

Question 2624 for Written Reply: Mr BM Bhanga (COPE) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether the department has implemented the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, Act 3 of 2000, if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) relevant details with regard to (I) public inquiries (ii) notice and comment procedure (iii) notice of administrative action and rights(iv) requests for reasons and (b) further relevant details? NW3236E

Reply

1 (i) It depends on what the enquiry is all about. Each Branch within the department is responsible for the handling of enquiries relating to queries in its field of expertise, from stakeholders and other interested parties. The department also administers various pieces of legislation most of which has its own regulatory framework and procedures for the handling of queries, applications etc.

(ii) This would depend on the issue and the relevant piece of legislation, regulation or protocol.

(ii) DAFF does get challenged in matters of decisions taken

(iV) and (b) answered in (i) and (ii) above.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2614

Question 2614 for Written Reply: Ms JD Killian (COPE) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

1. What progress has been made with regard to the extended infrastructure expansion programme announced by the President in hi State of the nation Address on 9 February 2012, in respect of projects specifically launched in terms of the programme that have been commenced by or under supervision of her department (b) What is the nature of each project and (c) in which province is each project located.

2. What is the current status of each project in respect of the (a) date when (i) specification and (ii) tender document were published (b) number of tender received, (c) date at which tender was accepted, (d) rand value of the contract, ( e) name of the successful tenderer and (f) projected completion date?

REPLY:

1. The Presidential Infrastructure Coordination Committee (PICC) has various projects which have been named Strategic Integrated project (SIP) and the Minister of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries is leading one of the projects named SIP 11.

2. The Department is currently working on project plans for the PICC to consider. It is expected that these will focus on the rehabilitation and development of irrigation schemes. A launch of the SIP will be announced once the planning is completed.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2568

Question 2568 for Written Reply: To Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether any (a) mills and (b) silos have been built by her department since 1 January 2005; if not, why not; if so, for each mill and silo built, what (i) is its exact location and (ii) was the total cost involved;

(2) Whether all these mills and silos are still operational; if not, (a) which mills or silos are not operational and (b) why are they not operational? NW3175E

Reply

The National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries have not built any mills or silos since 1 January 2005. All mills have been built by Provincial Departments of Agriculture since 1 January 2005.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2567

Question 2567 for Written Reply: Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether any cases of animal neglect have been brought against her department during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (a) how many and (b) what is the nature of each specified case;
Whether her department has charged any officials with misconduct in this regards; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what (a) are the names of the officials, (b) are the details of the case and 9c0 was the outcome of the case against officials? NW3174E

REPLY:

1. No cases of animal neglect have been brought against the Department during the period in question.

2. The Department has not charged any officials with misconduct in this regard but should an official be charged in terms of the Animal Protection Act, 1962 9Act No 71 of 1962), and be found guilty, appropriate disciplinary action would be taken..

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2566

Question 2566 for Written Reply: To Mrs A Steyn (DA)) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether her department is involved in the recapitalisation and development of farms identified by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many farms, (b) what amount has been spent on each specified farm up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (c) what is the exact location of each specified farm;

(2) Whether her department is involved with all farms that had been newly acquired as part of the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform; if not, why not; if so, (a) with how many farms, (b) what amount has been spent on each specified farm up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (c) what is the exact location of each specified farm? NW3173E

Reply

Where possible, these projects are supported by DAFF through Mafiesa, CASP or Ilima Letsema money. These funds are directly managed by the Provinces.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2564

Question 2564 for Written Reply: Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether she has taken note of the findings in the report by the Bureau for food and Agricultural Policy entitled Evaluating the impact of coal mining on agriculture in the Delmas, Ogies and Leandra districts; if not, when does she intend to study the report; if so, what is her response: (NW317E)

REPLY:

1. Yes. The Minister has noted the contents of the report. Geo-referenced data and statistical information for this report was drawn from the national land capability data set of the Department, which is under continuous scrutiny.

2. Yes, there is cause for concern. Of the 15 million hectares of arable landing the country, over 1 million hectares have been lost due to non-agricultural development.

3. The Department meets regularly with the department of Minerals through the intergovernmental Regional Development Committee.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2446

QUESTION 2446 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO Mrs A Steyn (DA)ASKS TO THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) Whether a business plan has been put in place in respect of the Masibambisane Rural Development Initiative (MRDI); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) What (a) specified locations countrywide have been identified for replicating the MRDI initiative and (b) are the relevant details of the roll-out to these locations;

(3) whether she has found that the MRDI will have a direct impact with regard to (a) alleviating poverty and (b) contributing to agricultural productivity; if not, what advantages to communities has she identified; if so, in each case, (i) how was this conclusion reached and (ii) what are the further relevant details? NW3046E

Reply

(1) This is work in progress

(2) Priority sites are being prioritised with all stakeholders

(3) (a) There is an increase in food security where the initiative has been rolled out.

(b) and it is contributing to agricultural productivity

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2445

Question 2445 for Written Reply: Mrs A Steyn (A) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether the Government lost any export markets due to noncompliance with (a) sanitary and/or (b) phyto-sanitary regulations; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, which markets;

(2) whether any measures have been (a) identified and (b) implemented to regain markets lost due to noncompliance; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details, in each case? NW3045E

REPLY:

(1) In 2010, an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) was reported in several provinces throughout the country. This Though the presence of RVF in a country should not affect trade with wool, China imposed trade restrictions due to RVF.

In 2011, the Department reported an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in northern KZN. As a result of this, South Africa lost its FMD free status which is required for trade of cloven hooved animals and products.

An outbreak of African Horse Sickness (AHS) was also reported in 2011 in the AHF free area of the country which was generally used for export of horses mainly to the EU. . According to the EU requirements, the area must be free of infection for 2 years before exports can resume.

Again in 2011, an outbreak of AI was reported in the Klein Karroo Valley of the Western Cape. For exports of ostrich and poultry meat, the country must be certified as free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Market exports have also been lost with Thailand in 2008 for Table Grapes, Apples, Pears and Stone fruit (primarily Plums) because of non-compliance resulting from the implementation of new phytosanitary legislation in Thailand, which renders the conducting of a pest risk analysis (PRA) according to international standards mandatory

for each imported plant commodity. the Thai government stopped the RSA's historic imports of the indicated fruit types until Thailand has completed a PRA for each.

(2) The loss of markets due to RVF was unscientific and negotiations with the Chinese Veterinary Services resolved the issue.

An outbreak of AHS was successfully controlled.

Yes, measures (in the sense of processes/ actions) were immediately identified regarding the loss of exports to Thailand;

The following measures have been implemented, primarily the following –

(i) Use of official bilateral technical communication channels in continuing attempts to resolve the issue;

(ii) Use of diplomatic channels.

(iii) A DAFF technical delegation visited Thailand in October 2009 for discussions.

(iv) Engagement of the relevant procedures of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)

(v) An additional directorate has been set up (Food Import and Export Standards).

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2419

Question 2419 for Written Reply: To Mr B Bhanga (COPE) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

On how many occasions did her department meet with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform to discuss matters relating to food (a) insecurity and (b) vulnerability in rural areas in the past two years? NW3016E

Reply

Outcome 7 is one of the key outcomes for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Structured meetings happen daily, weekly and monthly amongst responsible officials from the two respective departments.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2392

QUESTION 2392 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO MR. MGP LEKOTA (COPE) ASKS TO THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) Whether she has taken any steps, in view of crop failures in the United States of America, to ensure food security; if not, why not; if so, what steps;

(2) Whether any public-private partnerships were being created to deal with any rapid escalation of food prices; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2986E

Reply

1) Yes. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, together with many other Ministries and government departments, is taking active steps to mitigate the impact of increases in the price of food. These food price increases are in part a factor of the crop failures in the US, but also the result of increasing general pressure on food supplies. Our focus is on the price of food for the poor, who are most affected. Many of these programmes are run in partnership with other agencies, including non-governmental and community based organisations. Further information on each can be provided if required.

2) The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries supports the following programmes which are aimed specifically at food production and utilisation, and which involve partnerships with communities, NGOs and CBOs, as well as the private sector. However other programmes of the Department are all aimed at the broader development of the agricultural sector, the alleviation of poverty and the creation of jobs, and each of these impacts on food security. The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme has put billions of rands into supporting new smallholder farmers, which in part explains why South Africa is now producing a maize surplus.

Food security programmes of the Department:

· Household, school and community gardens

· Support for smallholder and communal food producers, including the provision of key inputs such as seed and fertilisers, and access to subsidised finance

· Agricultural mechanisation

· Support for foodbanks, which provide food to the poor.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2388

Question 2388 for Written Reply: TO Mr B M Bhanga (Cope) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether a certain person Mr Langa Zita was dismissed as Director General after his performance appraisal; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2981

Reply

The matter is being dealt with by the Department for Public Service and Administration.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2379

QUESTION 2379 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION (DA) TO ASK TO THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Whether any (a) programmes, (b) initiatives and/or (c) projects have been (i) suspended and/or (ii) terminated due to a donation made to the (aa) Masibambisane Rural Development Initiative project or (bb) Nkandla Mlalazi Smart Growth Centre; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW2961E

Reply

No donation was made

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2362

QUESTION 2362 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: TO MR P VAN DALEN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1753 on 7 August 2012, a disciplinary hearing has been convened; if not, when will the disciplinary hearing take place; if so, (a) when and (b) what charges were brought against the specified person;

2) what is the (a) remainder duration and (b) monetary value of the specified person's contract;

3) whether the specified person is claiming for (a) loss of income and (b) benefits for the remainder of his contract; of not, why not; if so, what is the monetary value of the claim? NW2943E

Reply

1) Work in progress

2) The matter is dealt with by the Department for Public Service and Administration

3) The matter is dealt with by the Department for Public Service and Administration

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2293

QUESTION 2293 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO MR S B FARROW (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(a) What steps has she taken to give effect to the performance agreement that she signed with the President in 2010, (b) what outcomes have been measured and (c) what follow-up steps has she taken with regard to each specified outcome? NW2875E

REPLY

a) I have taken a number of steps to give effect to the Delivery Agreement which I signed with the president. These include the following:

- Ensuring that the Strategic Plans of the Department are aligned to the Delivery Agreement

- Convening regular meetings of a Service Delivery Forum, at which the outcomes were presented, reports tabled, and stakeholders made commitments towards the achievement of the outcomes;

- Meetings with State Owned Enterprises and with the CEOs of agribusinesses to ensure alignment of plans;

- Regular reports to the ESEC Cluster, detailing progress in respect of every commitment, which are tabled in Cabinet; and

- An assessment of performance by the Department of Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), which has also been presented to Cabinet.

b) All the agreed outcomes have been monitored.

c) Progress reports have been used to determine where interventions are required, and these have been taken up by the Department.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2289

Question 2289 for Written Reply: The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether her department has donated any money towards the Umlalazi-Nkandla Smart Growth Centre project; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what kind of donation was made, (b) what form of donation was made, (c) when was the donation made, (d) what amount was donated and (e) from which budget allocation were the funds paid? NW2871E

REPLY:

No.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2273

QUESTION 2273 FOR WRITTEN REPLY MR A C STEYN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) What was the total budget for funding the Micro-Agricultural Financial Institutional Scheme of South Africa (MAFISA) programme in the (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12 financial years and (d) since 1 April 2012;

(2) (a) how many (i) projects and (ii) farmers received loans under the MAFISA programme in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (dd) since 1 April 2012, and in each case, (b) what was the (aaa) amount and (bbb) amount repaid to date;

(4) whether her department has taken steps to recover outstanding payments of defaulters under the MAFISA programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2853E

REPLY:

1. MAFISA as a scheme was allocated a once off amount of R1 billion. The money is committed to loan financing through agreements with intermediaries which have been accredited and allocated funds to grant loans to qualifying applicants. There is therefore no annual budget allocation to MAFISA.

2.a (i) The number of projects is depicted in Table 1

Table 1: Number of projects funded per year

Year	Number of projects
aa) 2009/10	757
bb) 2010/11	1185
cc) 2011/12	1387
dd) 2012/13	714

2a (ii) The number of farmers who were granted loans in the years mentioned are as indicated on table 2 below

Table 2: The number of farmers who received Mafisa loans

Item number	Year	Number of clients
a)	2009/10	1555
b)	2010/11	4364
c)	2011/12	5718
d)	2012/13	906
Total		12 543

2b (aaa) The amount disbursed as loans in 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12 and since 1 April 2012 is shown on table 3 below

Table 3: Annual disbursement totals

Number	Year	Amount
a)	2009/10	R 56 million
b)	2010/11	R 96 million
c)	2011/12	R 81 million
d)	2012/13	R 10 million
Total		R 243 million

(2.b) (bbb) and 3 Repayment collections are done by intermediaries and data on this is not currently available.

4 No. Loan recoveries are done by intermediaries and not by DAFF.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2272

QUESTION: 2272 FOR WRITTEN REPLY, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: MR SB FURROW (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

(1) (a) How many tractors were (i) handed over and (ii) delivered (aa) in the (aaa) 2009-10, (bbb) 2010-11 and (ccc) 2011-12 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2012 and (b) in each case, (i) which communities received the specified tractors, (ii) who were the beneficiaries, (iii) what process was used to identify the beneficiaries and (iv) in whose name was it registered;

(2) whether she has found that all equipment that was distributed under the mechanisation project has been registered; if not, why not; if so, in whose name, in each case? NW2852E

REPLY:

(1) The attached table provide a response to the question. In summary all the tractors purchased were received except for one (1) in the Western Cape and fifteen (15) in the Free State. The process of allocating the tractors to communities is happening and once the tractors can be registered it will be distributed.

(2) All the tractors delivered to Kwazulu-Natal and Mpumalanga during the 2010/11 financial year are registered. The tractors delivered in the current (2012/13) can only be registered after the service providers have released the registration documentation. This is presently happening and the tractors will be registered as this documentation becomes available. The Directorate Infrastructure Support are verifying whether the registration takes place and are assisting where problems occur.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 2270

Question 2270 for Written Reply: Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

(1) Whether she, with reference to he department's media statement on 1 August 2012nthqat the fight against corruption and poaching shall continue, intends to lay criminal charges against departmental employees and service providers who are found to be involved in corrupt activities; if not, why not: if so,

(2) Whether she intends to request the (a) National Prosecuting Auhtority (NPA), (b) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and (c) Asset Forfeiture Unit to investigate, prosecute and lay claim to assets that have been accumulated as a result of corrupt activity; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(3) Whether she intends to (a) investigate, (b) take corrective action and (c) make restitution to fishermen who paid deposits and complied with all criteria but were denied the right to a fishing quota as a result of corrupt acitivities; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(4) Whether she intends to conduct public hearings on instances where fisherman have been defrauded out of fishing quotqaqs; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) Whether she intends to cancel contracts that are found to have been awarded in a corrupt and preferential manner; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?NW2850E

REPLY:

(1) Yes

(2) This will depend on the outcome of the investigations

(3) If any such cases are proven the relevant legislated procedure shall be followed.

(4) No. Fraud is a legal matter to be decided in courts, not public hearings.

(5) Where contract has been shown to be corrupt there are well-publicised procedures for nullifying these.

(6) Yes

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2245

QUESTION 2245 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: TO Mr. LS NGONYAMA (COPE) ASKED THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Whether the Zero Hunger programme is only located to the Nkandla region; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) will it be extended and (b) when? NW2821E

REPLY:

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries never had a programme called Zero Hunger. It only had a Zero Hunger Campaign. The campaign was not only located in Inkandla. It is a country wide initiative targeting impoverished communities. The programme has been refocused to support the Presidential led Masibambisani Rural Development Initiative which is also a county wide initiative. Provinces such as Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape have benefited from Masibambisane Rural Development Initiative and the President is planning a visit to the North West Province which has been recently postponed due to the situation in one of the platinum mines.

During the 2012/2013 financial year provinces dedicated some of their CASP funded projects towards the Zero Hunger campaign. At the heart of the Zero Hunger Campaign was the message to concentrate government resources on Small Holder Farmers for optimal production and ensuring government markets for their produce. The similar approach of Masibambisane Rural Development Initiative aims at concentrating government resources on the poorest of the poor rural communities making sure that agricultural and rural development projects are delivered effectively, timeously and in a sustainable manner.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2235

Question 2235 for Written Reply: Mr B Banga (COPE) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether her department has any mechanism in place to mitigate the impact of increases in the prices of food: if not, why not: if so. What are the relevant details NW2810E

REPLY:

Yes.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, is taking active steps to mitigate the impact of increases in the price of food. Various programmes are work in progress

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2223

QUESTION 2223 FOR WRITTEN REPLY TO MR B M BHANGA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) Whether with reference to her reply to oral question 180 on 15 August 2012, the Commission of Inquiry into the R800 million fisheries tender has been concluded its work; if not, when is it envisaged to be concluded; if so, what are the recommendations;

(2) whether the commission found any transgressions of personnel procurement regulations and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what action will be taken in this regard? NW2798E

Reply

1) No. The investigation is still under way.

2) Not applicable

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 2200

QUESTION 2200 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MR M G P LEKOTA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Whether she has commissioned any specialist study on the use of a certain commercial agricultural pesticide known as clothianidin in view of the fact that scientists in many countries have linked its use to the death of bees; if not, why not; if so, (a) when will this study be undertaken, (b) who will be asked to undertake the research, (c) how will it be funded, (d) which international agency will be requested to cooperate in this regard, (e) in which region of the country will the research be concentrated and (f) when will the findings of the research be made available? NW2725E

REPLY

(a) No such studies have been conducted in South Africa. Review of all the scientific data for clothianidin including other pesticides suspected to cause death of bees will be done during financial year of 2013/2014.

(b) The Honeybee Research Section within the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) together with other relevant stakeholders will be considered to undertake such study.

(d) Once a team of relevant stakeholders together with the Agricultural Research Council has been constituted, it will be for the team to decide which organization to cooperate with.

(e) The scope of the study will still have to decided by the scientists.

(f) The findings of the study will be made available when the study is completed.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 2199

QUESTION 2199 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MR B M BHANGA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(a) What amount of voted funds have been spent on (i) food safety and (ii) biosecurity in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (b) what were the reasons for the relevant spending in each specified financial year? NW2724E

REPLY:

(a) The mandate of Programme 2: Agricultural Production, Health and Food Safety is amongst others to promote food safety and address biosecurity. The expenditure for the programme including the Agricultural Research Council is as follows:

(i) 2009/10	(ii) 2012/11	(iii) 2011/12
R'000	R'000	R'000

1 029 230	1 234 407	1 644 857

Due to the budget structure it is not possible to provide the spending separately for food safety and biosecurity.

(b) The reasons for the relevant spending are contained in the Strategic Plans and Annual Reports of the Department.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 2198

Question 2198 for Written Reply: Mr BM Banga (COPE) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether she has approved the Zero Hunger Strategy; if not, why not; if so, (a) which projects have been supported and (b) in which provinces? NW2723E

REPLY:

The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries endorsed the content of the Zero Hunger Campaign and hence this was presented to the Social Protection and Community Development Cluster and the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The need to locate the Campaign within a larger framework of national Food Security meant that the Campaign was never presented to or adopted by Cabinet, and no budget was allocated for the Campaign.

The Director General appealed to provincial departments to align the utilisation of CASP and Illima/Letsema conditional grant allocations to the objectives of Zero Hunger, so it is not possible to separate the ordinary work of the provincial departments from objectives and projects contemplated by the Zero Hunger Campaign.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2197

Question 2197 for Written Reply: Mr BM Bhanga (COPE) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether the R100 million for the support of smallholder farmers and food security is aligned to the 2030 vision of the National Development Plan, if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, what are the relevant details? NW2722E

REPLY:

The Department is supporting small-holder farmers.

This support is in line with the National Development Plan 2030.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 2171

Question 2171 for Written Reply: Mr S B Farrow (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Whether (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her makes use of private security firms; if so, in each case, (i) which firms and (ii) what is the (aa) purpose, (bb) value and (cc) duration of each specified contract? NW2694E

REPLY:

For security reasons, it would not be appropriate to release the names of our security related service providers.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 2058

QUESTION 2058 FOR WRITTEN REPLY MR S B FARROW (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) Whether (a) she, (b) her Deputy Minister and (c) any official from an entity reporting to her will be attending or attended, the 2012 Olympic Games; if so, what is the (i)(aa) name, (bb) rank and (cc) position/designation of each specified person accompanying (aaa) her, (bbb) her Deputy Minister and (ccc) each specified person and (ii)(aa) nature and (bb) official reason for the visit;

(2) what (a) total amount will be spent or has been spent on the trip, (b) is the (i) description and (ii) detailed breakdown of the amounts that will be spent or have been spent on (aa) accommodation, (bb) travel and (cc) subsistence costs and (c) from which budget will these funds be incurred in each case? NW2538E

REPLY:

No
Not applicable

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 2010

Mr W M Madisha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether, with reference to the 1% of households that were engaged in agricultural activities as the main source of income in 2004, the Ilima/Letsema project (a) turned around agricultural activities in rural areas, especially in the Western and Eastern Cape, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal and (b) led to (i) increased production, (ii) improved livelihoods and (iii) increased income of beneficiaries; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2485E

REPLY:

(a) Yes

(b) (i) The table below show the number of hectares that were planted in 2010/11 and 2011/12 financial year. Ilima / Letsema focuses on increasing production for households and small holder farmers.

Province	Commodity	Hectares planted		Number of beneficiaries (small holder farmers supported) 2011/12	Households Supported (Siyazondla - seeds, fertilizers, small implements) 2011/12
Province	Commodity	2010/11	2011/12
Eastern cape	5 286ha of Maize in Alfred Nzo, Amatole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi and OR Tambo districts and 195ha of vegetables in Cacadu district	320.5 ha	5,418 ha	19,012	2,400
Kwazulu Natal	Yellow maize, sugar cane and vegetables	9,665 ha	10,136 ha	2,228	34,000
Limpopo	Vegatables and fruits	24,711 ha	10,358 ha	4,618	149
Western Cape	Maize and vegetables	4,571ha	1,845.06 ha	2,877	720

(ii) Yes, the livelihood of the beneficiaries at face value was improved in that these families could feed themselves and their children. A detailed impact study has not yet been conducted. Ilima / Letsema is only in its third year of implementation.

(iii) Yes, these families saved money from producing food for their households and those who had surplus, gained income from selling their surplus. The actual income was not documented.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2006

Question 2006 for Written Reply: Mr B Banga (COPE) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

How many smallholder producers has her department purchased food from through the Zero Hunger Programme (i) in (aa) 2010 and (bb) 2011 and (ii) since 1 January 2012 and (b) in which provinces? NW2481E

REPLY:

(a) None

(i) (aa) None

(bb) None

(ii) None

(b) None

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 2005

QUESTION 2005: MR B M BHANGA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(2) whether any disciplinary action has been taken against those who were found to have flouted the requirements of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what (a) steps, in each case and (b) are the relevant details, in each case? NW2480E

REPLY:

Parliamentary question: Irregular expenditure for 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12

(1) Did the department investigate every case of irregular expenditure:

(a) 2009/10: Yes

(b) 2010/11: Yes

(2) Did the department take any disciplinary action?

(a) Steps taken in each case and (b) relevant details:

2009/10

Steps taken in each case	Details of irregular expenditure
Forensic Investigation was concluded, DAFF to take a decision.	Non-compliance of SCM procedures

2010/11

Steps taken in each case	Details of irregular expenditure
Disciplinary process was followed and the expense was condoned.	Non-compliance of SCM procedures
Busy with the irregular expenditure process.	Non-compliance of SCM procedures on various orders in Limpopo.
Irregular expenditure investigation processes were followed and the amount was condoned.	Non-compliance of SCM procedures on various orders in KZN.
Forensic Investigation was concluded, DAFF to take a decision.	Non-compliance of SCM procedures

2011/12

Steps taken in each case	Details of irregular expenditure
Irregular expenditure investigation processes were followed and the amount was condoned.	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Konica Minolco
To be investigated	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Jack and Jill Company
To be investigated	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Mailmech Electronics
Irregular expenditure investigation processes were followed and the amount was condoned.	Non compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Nto's Catering Hlengeka Trading Enterprises Bhekisiphiwo Business Services cc
Irregular expenditure investigation processes were followed and the amount was condoned.	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: RL Enterprises
To be investigated	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Kaqala Media/IRR Training
To be investigated	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Valley of Life Suppliers
To be investigated	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Ezonsundu Trading
Reported to National Treasury and Auditor General, disciplinary action was instituted and in the process of requesting condonation from National Treasury.	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Manstrat Agriculture Intelligence Solution (Pty) Ltd
To be investigated	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Ngaxamba Trading
To be investigated	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Biz Afrika (Studio 88)
To be investigated	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Highbury Safika Media
To be investigated	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: UT Grain Management (Pty) Ltd
To be investigated	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Tsadu Logistics
To be investigated	Contraventions of Supply Chain Management delegation: Hans Merensky
Irregular expenditure investigation processes were followed and the amount was condoned.	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: Labware Laboratory Information
Irregular expenditure investigation processes were followed and the amount was condoned.	Non-compliance with Supply Chain Management procedures: QD Fire Systems CC

2012-12-31

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