Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 1801 to 1850

(b) (ii)

(c) According to the General requirements for fixed term contracts of employment as contained in the Agreement between the Government of Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Cuba, the Cuban Technical Advisors period of employment is as follows;

A twelve-month (12) period of employment, which may be renewed at the discretion of Public Works and after consultation with UNECA as follows;

(i) If the contract of employment is renewed, it shall be renewed for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months;

(ii) After the lapse of the period of twelve (12) months contemplated in (i), the contract of employment may further be renewed for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months;

(iii) The total contract period shall not exceed thirty six (36) months

(d) (i)Eight (8) officials for the 1^st interviews in August 2007

Six (6) officials for the 2^nd interviews in April 2008

(ii) 1^st delegation to conduct interviews in Cuba in August 2007

Mr. Solomon Malebye – Chief Operating Officer (Dept. of Public Works)

Mr. Sam Vukela – Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services (Dept. of Public Works)

Mr. Bheki Zulu – Chief Executive Officer: (Council for the Built Environment)

Mr. Roderick Arthur Harker – (Engineering Council of South Africa)

Prof. Pragashen Nayagar – (Engineering Council of South Africa)

Mr. Malcolm Ernest Campbell – (South African Council for the Architectural Profession)

Prof. Raymond Nkando – (South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession)

Ms Tebogo Phiri (nee Mazibuko) – (Director Special and Major Projects Dept. of Public Works)

2nd delegation to conduct interviews in Cuba in April 2008

Mr. Solomon Malebye – Chief Operating Officer (Dept. of Public Works)

Mr. Percy Molefe – Chief Director: International Relations (Dept. of Public Works)

Mrs. Thembi Hlatshwayo – Chief Director: Human Resources (Dept. of Public Works)

Dr. Stanley Bhebhe – Executive Regional Operations (Independent Development Trust)

Mr. Sheriff Molefe – Regional General Manager (Independent Development Trust)

Mr. Niraj Naamdhew – Manager Systems Integration (Independent Development Trust)

(iii) Department of Public Works

Independent Development Trust

Council for the Built Environment

Engineering Council of South Africa

South African Council for the Architectural Profession

South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession

QUESTION NO. 1825

(Internal Question Paper No 31- 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(a) How many Thusong Centres have been established, (b) from which budget are these centres funded, (c) what is the average number of staff serving at each centre, (d) under whose jurisdiction are they operating and, (e) what is the purpose of these centre?

ANSWER

(a) The Department of Provincial and Local Government is not responsible for the establishment of Thusong Centres.

(b), (c), (d) & (e) fall away.

The member must redirect his question to the relevant authority.

QUESTION NO.: 1826

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 OCTOBER 2008

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) Whether the directors' valuation on future cash flow in Mango for the 2008-09 financial year is based on (a) the SA Airways (SAA) debiting all the inter-company costs for 2008 to investment in subsidiary or (b) these costs being charged to the Mango loan account; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether all of the said airline's costs went through its financial statements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the SAA (a) carried any of the losses or (b) will write off any of these losses as "goodwill" on its investment; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW2580

REPLY

(1)(a-b)The Directors valuation of Mango is based on a full cost-absorption basis with the operating entity (Mango) settling its expenditures out of its own generated cash-flows. With regards to expenditure incurred by Mango, it should be noted that the Company operates on an arm's-length basis from SAA and is responsible for negotiating its own service levels, pricing and payment terms with its suppliers and for the direct settlement with said suppliers of any associated costs. The only exception to the aforesaid is in the case of fuel purchase administration, in which case Mango is responsible for negotiating pricing and contracting with fuel suppliers, however, SAA, due to having the appropriate IT reconciliation systems, fulfills a payment administration and reconciliation function on behalf of Mango (a service SAA also provides to SA Express and Airlink).

In the aforementioned case SAA levies an administration fee against Mango and Mango settles its own fuel charges based on the pricing it has negotiated independently from SAA. In instances where SAA provides a service to Mango (limited to the provision of technical maintenance services through SAA Technical and sub-leasing of aircraft), expenditure is invoiced to Mango and settled through a creditors account by means of actual money flows, as is the case with SAA's other third party clients.

(2) Yes, all of Mango's cost have gone through the Mango Annual Financial Statements.

(3)(a-b)SAA did not carry any of Mango's losses neither did SAA write-off any of Mango's losses as goodwill on investment.

QUESTION NO. 1827

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32)

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether the widely-advertised products claiming to enlarge penis size and improve erectile function will be controlled and regulated by the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to be established; if not, why not; if so, in what way;

(2) whether the facilities where these products are produced will be licensed according to good manufacturing practice by the SAHPRA; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) The Medicines Act, the Medicine and Related Substances Act, 1965, (Act 101 of 1965) requires that all medicines be registered with the Medicines Control Council (MCC) for safety, quality and efficacy. The MCC also evaluates and registers medical devices that are incorporated with an active pharmaceutical ingredient which will have a pharmacological effect on men. At this stage the products referred to are not yet registered as the MCC has not made the call for registration.

The proposed amendment to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 makes provision for the registration and control of medical devices. In accordance with the proposed amendment to the act, the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) by notice in the Government Gazette, with the approval of the Minister, will determine which medical devices shall be subjected to registration. This may well be that the devices the honourable member is referring to will be among those.

The proposed amendment to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 will be supported by enabling Regulations that will be published for a comment period as determined by the Minister. After all comment has been processed the amended Regulations will be enacted by the Minister on a date as determined. The Department of Health is currently in the process of drafting these Regulations.

(2) In terms of the provisions of Section 22C of the proposed amendment to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 all manufacturers of medical devices will be issued a Manufacture license provided that the company comply with the provisions of Good Manufacturing Practices as determined by the Authority. The Authority, once established, will need to prepare Guidelines for Good Manufacture Practices of Medical Devices and publish the same for a comment period prior to implementation. These guidelines will take into consideration National as well as International standards relating to the manufacture of Medical Devices.

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) Whether (a) the role of district surgeons in evaluating rape cases and (b)(i) dedicated sexual offences courts and (ii) special children's courts have been effectively replaced; if so, (aa) by whom and (bb) with what in each case;

(2) whether courts have an intermediary service for child rape victims; if not; in which courts do child rape victims appear together with the perpetrator; if so, what are the relevant details in each case in respect of each court concerned;

(3) whether his department provide psychosocial support for rape victims; if not; why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether the redeployment of Child Protection Units has hampered National Prosecuting Authority service delivery; if so, how;

(5) whether he will take any steps to amend and improve the laws governing child rape cases; if not; why not; if so, what steps? NW2582E

(1) Whether (a) the role of district surgeons in evaluating rape cases and (b)(i) dedicated sexual offences courts and (ii) special children's courts have been effectively replaced; if so, (aa) by whom and (bb) with what in each case;

As the Honourable Member should be aware, after being a Member of Parliament for so many years, the provision of district surgeons lies within the mandate of the Department of Heath. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 provides for the integrated approach to the implementation of the National Policy Framework (NPF) which will provide the much needed guidance on service levels expected of the different role players in managing sexual offences. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD) has initiated the development of the NPF which includes operational policy guidelines and will propose measures intended to promote integrated, comprehensive and cross-departmental responses to sexual offences. This will be informed by coordinating the existing fragmented guidelines. Thus, there will be alignment and synergies created between the different departmental guidelines which exist in relation to services provided to victims of sexual offences.

Furthermore, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has piloted the Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) which are aimed at ensuring that there are available, appropriately trained personnel, including medical examiners to deal with all victims of rape (sexual offences). Further details on the TCCs are attached in Annexure A.

aa) The issue of specialized courts was considered at length by the Department. From the information available at our disposal, concerns were raised about the manner in which cases involving sexual offences were dealt with in the dedicated courts and in the 'normal' courts. The Department noted that more resources were allocated to the dedicated courts than in the 'normal' courts. This raises serious concerns because of the differences in outcomes that were observed. It became clear that cases of victims of sexual offences were not receiving the same treatment in the courts. Those cases that were prosecuted in the dedicated courts were likely to result in a conviction than those prosecuted in the 'normal' courts. Whilst the high conviction rate of dedicated courts serves the administration of justice well, it is important that government ensures that all sexual offences result in a conviction. Therefore, government needs to put more effort in ensuring that all prosecutors and magistrates undergo specialized training on sexual offences. It is important that resources in all courts are allocated evenly so that other victims of crime of a sexual nature receive appropriate care and attention.

bb) The DoJCD is also in the process of developing a policy discussion document with regard to mainstreaming/integration of sexual offences courts. This policy will be discussed and workshopped with relevant stakeholders.

(2) Whether courts have an intermediary service for child rape victims; if not; in which courts do child rape victims appear together with the perpetrator; if so, what are the relevant details in each case in respect of each court concerned;

Section 170A of the Criminal Procedure Act provides that where the court is of the opinion that a child witness under the age of 18 would be exposed to undue mental stress or suffering if he or she testifies in court, the court may appoint a competent person to act as an intermediary in order to enable the child witness to give evidence through the intermediary.

There are approximately 203 intermediaries appointed countrywide by the DoJCD, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Non-Governmental Organisations.

National audit of Intermediary in the Regions

In order to avoid a situation where a child witness has to give evidence in the same court room with the alleged perpetrator, Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) and One Way Mirrors are installed in the special sexual offences courts and dedicated courts. There are approximately 193 courts with CCTVs and 78 with one-way mirrors.

(3) Whether his department provides psychosocial support for rape victims; if not; why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

The Department of Social Development is responsible for providing psychosocial support for rape victims and it is proposed that the Honourable Member approach that Department for further information.

(4) Whether the redeployment of Child Protection Units has hampered National Prosecuting Authority service delivery; if so, how;

The closing of the SAPS specialized units has not had a significant impact on the prosecution of sexual offences cases brought before the courts. As indicated in part (aa) above, sexual offences are prosecuted in a dedicated sexual offences court (referred to as a Sexual Offences Court) and in the Regional Courts. At all material times the prosecution, in either court, conducts a thorough prosecution based on the evidence provided. The conviction rate in the dedicated courts remains high because of the specialists skills of the prosecutors. They Department therefore supports the continued specialization by prosecutors and magistrates dealing with sexual offences. This will ensure that we maintain a good conviction rate at all times.

(5) Whether he will take any steps to amend and improve the laws governing child rape cases; if not; why not; if so, what steps?

The coming into effect of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 (the Act) on the 16^th December 2007 is aimed at addressing, in a comprehensive manner, the rights of victims of sexual offences. The Act has provisions specifically aimed at protecting children and the mentally disabled.

Section 42 of the Act provides for the establishment of the National Register of Sexual Offenders (NRSO). This requires the creation of a register with details of persons convicted of sexual offences or alleged to have committed sexual offences against a child or mentally disabled person. The Act further requires employers to obtain a certificate from the Registrar of the NRSO detailing whether or not; an employee who applies or is employed to work with children, has been convicted or alleged to have committed a sexual offence against a child or mentally disturbed child. This provision prevents children from exposure to sexual predators. A process has been initiated for the establishment of the National Register of Sexual Offenders (NRSO) in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 1828

ANNEXURE A

The Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) seeks to introduce a victim centered approach in a manner that allows for reporting of the crime and initial interventions in rape cases to be shifted away from police stations to a victim-friendly centre situated within a hospital. In this way, the victim is in a position to receive assistance from medical staff, investigating officers and counselors all in one place. The aim is for the TTC`s to be a "one-stop-centre" of rape care management, also providing for follow-up medical treatment, counseling and communication with the victim regarding the progress of the case.

There are currently 10 TCC's located nationally, established to a large extent with donor funding.

An evaluation study on the implementation of the TTC's revealed that the concept of survivors being comforted and supported is good in practice and ensures in a reduction in secondary victimization. The UN General Assembly has recognized the 'Thuthuzela model' of multidisciplinary care centers as a 'world best practice model' in the field of gender violence management response.

Victim Assistant Officers, Site Coordinators and Case-flow Managers are attached to the centre with all role-players including NGO's readily available. The TCC model entails, that:

a) A trained counselor/Victim Assistant offers initial containment and support to the child where-after the victim is examined by a specially trained medical doctor or forensic nurse. Both these medical practitioners should have received extensive training on inter alia, sexual assault examination, rape care management, post exposure prophylaxis and criminal trial exposure.

b) After the examination the child is given an opportunity to bathe or shower and is then provided with clean clothing as well as refreshments and or meals.

The TCC-approach has not been implemented in all areas where sexual offences cases against children are heard although the concept is being rolled out throughout the country.

QUESTION 1830

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 October 2008

Internal question paper no: 32

Mr I E Jenner (ID) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether a national strategy has been drawn up for the implementation of the Children's Act, Act 38 of 2005, if not, when will it be done; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether poor communities who require prevention and early intervention services have been identified in each province as required by the said Act; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) What is the current level of funding being given by Government to non-government organisations and Community Based Organisations working in the children's sector and what are the relevant details;

(4) Whether Government will increase this level of funding; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2622E

REPLY:

1. Yes, the Department is in the process of finalizing a national implementation plan to implement the Children's Act.

The implementation plan focuses on the inter-sectoral collaboration efforts which bind all organs of state and civil society structures to form a partnership in implementing the Act. The implementation plan is still in a draft form and will be finalized in January 2009 after consultation with other national and provincial departments, as well as the national Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).

The content of the implementation plan addresses the following:

- Situational analysis.

- Demand for services vs existing services.

- Existing personnel.

- Expenditure on services to children.

- Priorities.

The following priority areas were agreed upon nationally:

- Services to children as wards of the state.

- Services to children in need of care and protection.

- Services to children in Early Childhood Development Programmes.

- Management processes.

- Human Resources.

- Infra-structure.

2. Yes, provinces identified the following poor communities that require prevention and early intervention services. These areas will be confirmed in the final draft of the implementation plans of the provinces:

Mpumalanga

Ehlanzeni district:

Mbombela, Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge, Thaba Chweu and Umjindi.

Gert Sibande district:

Albert Luthuli, Dipaleseng, Govan Mbeki, Lekwa, Mkhondo, Msukaligwa and Pixley Ka Seme.

Nkangala district:

Delmas, Dr J.S. Moroka, Emakhazeni, Emalahleni, Steve Tshwete and Thembisile.

North West

Mafikeng extension 2, Rustenburg, Delareyville, Ganyesa, Setlagole, Christiana, Huhudi, Schweizer- Reneke, Taung, Moretele, Kgetleng, Stillfontein, Potchefstroom and Orkney.

Municipalities in North West are as follows:

Moretele, Kgetleng and Moses Kotane, Ditsobotla, Mafikeng, Ramotshere Moilwa, Ratlou, Tswaing, Kagisano, Taung, Matlosane, Maquasie Hills, Merafong, Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp.

It should be noted that 75% of North West province is predominantly poor hence all the areas are included here.

Gauteng

Attridgeville, Boipatong, Bophelong, Daveyton, Duduza, Kagiso, Katlehong, Khutsong, Kwa-Thema, Mamelodi, Mohlakeng, Munsieville, Rantanda, Refilwe, Rethabiseng, Saulsville, Soshanguve, Soweto, Tembisa and Wattville.

Free State

Thabomufutsanyane and Xhariep.

KwaZulu-Natal

Ugu, Umkhanyakude, and Zululand.

The following urban areas have been identified as poor communities:

Inanda, Nuzuma and Kwamashu.

Western Cape

Bishop Lavis, Delft, Elsies River, Cedarberg, Matzikama, Beaufort West, Manenberg, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Hanover Park, Kannaland, Oudtshoorn, Khayelitsha, Kleinvlei, Phillippi, Mitchell's Plain, Muizenberg, Paarl, Theewaterskloof, Vredenburg and Witzenberg.

Eastern Cape

Nyandeni, Qaukeni, Ngqushwa, Mbhashe, Mnquma, Intsika yethu, Ngcobo, Elundini, Mzimvubu, Ntabankulu and Mbizana.

Northern Cape

Namaqua district:

Poffader, Port Nolloth, Garies, Calvinia and Steinkops.

Francis baard district:

Fitchie,Greenpoint,Roodepan,Transiet Camp,Phuthanang,Plaatfontein,Club 2000, Donkerhoek, Jan Kempdorp, Hartswater, Pampierstad, Warrenton, Barley West, Longlands, GongGong, Griekstad, Koopmansfontein, Oliefontein, Douglas, Soutlake, Campbell and Smithdrift.

Pixley kaseme district:

De Aar, Colesburg and Carnavon.

Kgalagadi district:

Seobing village, Olifantshoek and Dithakgong.

Limpopo

Sekhukhune, Mopani and Vhembe.

Prevention and early intervention services rendered in poor communities include the following:

· Preventing the neglect, exploitation, abuse or inadequate supervision of children and preventing other failures in the family environment to meet children's needs.

· Preventing the recurrence of problems in the family environment that may harm children or adversely affect their development.

· Avoiding the removal of a child from the family environment.

· Assisting and empowering families to obtain services such as social assistance.

· Supporting and assisting families with a chronically ill or terminally ill family member.

· Early childhood development.

· Support to orphans and child headed households.

3. The current level of funding being given by Government to Non-Government Organizations and Community Based Organisations working in the children's sector is as follows:

The national department is funding eighteen (18) national bodies to the amount of R8 574 000 for the financial year 2008/09.

The funding by provincial departments differs from province to province. Provinces are funding NGOs who deliver social work intervention and statutory services to children and their families. The NGO's applications for funding are costed in terms of a set of criteria based on provincial priorities, information from their business plans and audited statements.

The level of funding can be estimated at approximately 65% of the NGOs budget and provision is made for annual increases.

4. Yes, Government intends to increase the level of funding to service providers.

The report on the Costing of the Children's Act has indicated that services to children are underfunded; as a result provincial departments have been requested to increase their funding to NGO's. This has already been effected in the allocation of funding to NGO's managing Child and Youth Care Centres and Early Childhood Development sites.

In addition, government is currently implementing the Policy on Financial Awards to fund service providers. The aim of the Policy is to provide guidance on funding of service providers and to transfer the payments to them.

The intention of the Department is to review current policies that govern the partnership between government and civil society organizations to facilitate optimal service delivery. Currently the Department is also developing norms and standards for welfare services, to make it possible for the sector to improve its understanding of the nature of resources that are required to deliver services. It is expected that having norms and standards will revolutionalize the funding of welfare services in this country and this could bring an end to the chronic underfunding of NGOs.

(1) How much tax revenue is currently derived from alcohol sales;

(2) whether this revenue will be directed towards alcohol rehabilitation programmes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? N2623E

(1) Specific excise tax revenue derived from alcohol sales:

(2) There is no direct or explicit earmarking of excise tax revenue. The above-mentioned revenue flows to government's National Revenue Fund, from where it is allocated to general government expenditure programmes. As such, alcohol excise tax revenue, together with other general government revenue, indirectly forms part of meritorious expenditure programmes aimed at addressing the health and social impact of alcohol abuse. Allocations for such interventions are on the budgets of the Departments of Health and Social Development.

QUESTION NO 1832

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32/2008)

Date reply submitted: 12 December 2008

Mr M H Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) Whether the Government is considering the adoption of an action plan for implementing the recommendations emanating from the report of the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) (a) what training programmes are there for the police in ensuring that they conform to a human rights culture and (b) what measures will he take to combat violence currently exhibited by police officials?

NW2624E

REPLY:

(1) The recommendations from the Report on the Study of the Violent Nature of Crime in South Africa will be presented to the JCPS Cluster Ministers for discussion and will serve as part of the Cluster's Plan of Action on approval by Cabinet.

(2)(a) Since 1994, human rights have been comprehensively covered in the Basic Police Training course. In each review of the Basic Training Learning Programme since 1994, human rights were specifically provided for in various modules.

A dedicated programme, Human Rights and Policing, is presented to SAPS members. The content of the programme has recently been reviewed and the new revised version is currently being implemented.

Human rights are incorporated in Module 5 of the Station Management Learning Programme, which is a compulsory course for all Station Commissioners.

Human rights are addressed as a cross-cutting topic in all operational courses dealing with victims, complainants, suspects, colleagues, arrested persons, use of force, etc.

Specific human rights are also addressed in various other courses presented to SAPS members, eg the Victim Empowerment Course, Youth and Children at Risk Learning Programme and the Domestic Violence Course.

(2)(b) The following measures will be taken to combat unwarranted violence displayed by police officials:

- Constant formal, informal and in-service training at all levels of the organization to instill a culture of human rights among all police officials

- Proper command and control, especially at operational level, to ensure that instructions and regulations are carried out

- Strict, consistent and decisive disciplinary action in cases where laws and rules are transgressed

- Immediate criminal prosecution when warranted.

QUESTION NO 1833

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32/2008)

Date reply submitted: 20 November 2008

Mr M H Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

How many crimes were committed in the past 12 months up to the latest specified date for which information is available, where firearms (a) were used, (b) were brandished or (c) formed part of the crime?

NW2625E

REPLY:

1 January to 31 December 2007.

(a) 87 614

(b) 14 592

(c) 102 206. (Total of the figures for (a) and (b) above added together.)

QUESTION NO 1835

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry:

Whether the (a) Bushbuckridge and (b) Ikangala Water Boards have been disestablished; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

NW2627E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(a) Bushbuckridge Water Board

The Department has recently undertaken a study to investigate the future role of water boards and other water institutions like Catchment Management Agencies (CMA's) under a project called Institutional Re-alignment Project. The aim of this investigation is to restructure and rationalize the number of water institutions for the department to play more effective oversight role. Restructuring these institutions must also improve efficiency in service delivery and more importantly affordability of water to the customers. The Bushbuckridge water board's future role is also being investigated in the above context. Regarding the future of the Bushbuckridge Water Board will be guided by outcome of this study.

(b) Inkangala Water Board

The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry took a decision to disestablish Inkangala Water Board due to major problems it was experiencing in its operations. The final disestablishment anticipated for completion by 30 November 2008. The Water Boards assets will be taken over by the Director-General until the new regional entity is in place to take them over.

QUESTION NO 1836

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry:

(1) Whether there are any plans in place in respect of the Inkangala Water Board staff whose term expired in December 2007; if not, why not; if so, what plans;

(2) whether any of these staff members have been seconded to municipalities; if so, (a) to which municipalities and (b) to what positions;

(3) whether there are any plans in place to pay the moneys owed to auditing companies and for the rental of offices; if not, why not; if so, (a) who will pay the outstanding debt and (b) when;

(4) what will happen to the water board's assets?

NW2628E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1) Yes; a plan is in place to transfer Inkangala Water Board staff to Department's Bronkhorstspruit office with effect from 1 December 2008. The staff is still working in Inkangala Water Board and salaries are paid.

(2) None have been seconded to Municipalities.

(a) Four staff members have been absorbed within the Department's Mpumalanga Regional office structure and establishment.

(b) Maintaining their original positions as stated below:

(3) Yes; settlement costs for termination of contracts have been discussed with all the creditors and total cost of R1 294 973, 44 will have to be paid. The remaining assets of the board have been gazetted.

a) Thereafter, the Department's Director-General will settle all outstanding debts and take over the ownership of assets; and

b) Our target date is 30 November 2008.

(4) The Water Boards assets will be taken over by the Director-General until further decisions are made with regard to water management entities.

Question 1837 (Written Reply) Friday, 24 October 2008

Mr LK JOUBERT (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS

How many new job opportunities were created through the Expanded Public Works Programme in each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW2629E

REPLY

Number of Work opportunities created through EPWP from April 2004 – June 2008.

QUESTION NO 1838

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 02 DECEMBER 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 24 OCTOBER 2008 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32 – 2008)

Mr L K Joubert (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

For each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, how much has been invested by (a) the Government and (b) state-owned enterprises for the improvement of (i) roads, (ii) railways and (iii) air transport?

NW2630E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(a) Government

(b) State-owned Enterprises

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)

Toll: Direct Spending on Roads

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)

Non-Toll: Direct Spending on Roads

The South African Rail Commuter Corporation Limited (SARCC)

The Airports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA)

The Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company Limited (ATNS)

ATNS has since 2003 renewed, improved and extended the national infrastructure related aeronautical communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems and in so doing has met the demands placed on it by the air traffic movement growth experienced over the period and also achieved the operational objectives set at that time.

The Capital investments associated with all infrastructure projects can be summarized as follows:-

QUESTION 1839

1839. Mr L K Joubert (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

Whether unemployment has been reduced since 2004 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, to what extent?

REPLY: The Minister of Labour replied:

According to the Labour Force Survey unemployment levels declined from 4 611 000 in March 2004 to 4 191 000 in March 2008, representing adecline of about 9.1% (i.e. 420 000. The official rate of unemployment has also been going down from 27.8% in March 2004 to 23.5% in March 2008.

QUESTION NO.: 1840

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 OCTOBER 2008

Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(a)(i) What is the expected total cost of the environmental impact assessment process for Nuclear 1 and (ii) what is the breakdown of the figure and (b)(i) what is the expected total cost of the environmental impact assessment process for the demonstration power plant of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor and (ii) what is the breakdown of the figure?

NW2632E

REPLY

(a)(i) The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Nuclear-1 project is expected to cost approximately R 18.0 million. The Scoping Phase of this EIA investigated five (5) different sites. The detailed Impact Assessment phase of this EIA is currently being undertaken on three (3) of the original 5 sites.

(ii) Different activities are undertaken at different times during the full EIA process; for example the public participation takes place throughout the process, some of the specialist studies commence early in the process and continue into the detailed assessment phase, whereas other specialist studies are only performed in the second phase of the project. The final reconciliation of costs to each component of the full EIA process will thus only be possible once the EIA has been completed.

(b)(i) The EIA for the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor(PBMR)project is expected to cost approximately R 6.5 million. The Scoping Phase of this EIA investigated four (4) different sites. The detailed Impact Assessment phase of this EIA was undertaken on the preferred site (Koeberg).

(ii) The final reconciliation of costs to each component of the full EIA process will thus only be possible once the EIA has been completed.

QUESTION NO 1842

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32/2008)

Date reply submitted: 12 December 2008

Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) Whether the police service members of the Edenvale Police Station were called out to the Sizwe Hospital (a)(i) in 2005, (ii) in 2006 and (iii) in 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) how many times in each year or period and (ii) what were the reasons for the call-out in each case;

(2) whether the police members are provided with face masks and gloves when they are called out to the Sizwe Hospital; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether his department is obliged in terms of any Act or regulation to provide the police service members with face masks and gloves; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) why is the Sandringham Police Station not responsible for the Sizwe Hospital, given their close proximity and the fact that both the Sandringham Police Station and the Sizwe Hospital fall within the Johannesburg Metro area?

NW2634E

REPLY:

(1) (a)(i) No

(ii) No

(iii) No

(1) (b) No

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(2) The police members at Edenvale SAPS do have access to face masks and gloves at their station.

(3) In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993, Sizwe Hospital will provide members with the above equipment if they are called out because they are not allowed to enter the hospital without this essential equipment.

(4) Sandringham SAPS is not responsible for the Sizwe Hospital because of the demarcation of station boundaries.

QUESTION 1844

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 24/10/2008
(INTERNAL QESTION PAPER 32-2008)

Mrs D van der Walt (DA) to ask the Minister of Education:

(1) In respect of each province, (a) how many public schools are there, (b) how many of these schools do not have (i) classrooms, (ii) toilets (iii) fences, (c) how many posts for (i) maths and (ii) science teachers are vacant, (d) how many such teachers are needed to meet the current demand, (e) how much has her department spent to produce such teachers in each of the past fours years up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (f) what is the current teacher/ pupil ratio in public schools in each province,
(2) whether this figure improved in comparison to the same in 2004, if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details? NW2636E

REPLY

1(a)

Table 1: Number of public schools

Source: EMIS School Realities, 2008

1 (b) (i)

Table 2: Number of schools using facilities of other schools, as at 29 July 2008.

Source: NEIMS

1 (b) (ii)

Table 3: Operational schools without sanitation facilities, as at 29 July 2008

Source: NEIMS
Note: These schools also include the platoon schools. These schools will be provided with sanitation either by provincial education departments or the DWAF programme.

1 (b) (iii)

Table 4: Operational schools without fencing or fencing in poor condition, as at 29 July 2008.

Source: NEIMS

1 (c & d) I refer the Honourable Member to the answers I have already provided to questions NA 1560 (12 September 2008), NA 849 (30 May 2008), and NCOP 6 (26 February 2008).

1 (e)

Table 5: Funza Lushaka bursars and costs :

1(f)

Table 6: Teacher/pupil ratio in public schools

Source: EMIS School Realities 2008

2.

Table 7: Projects completed by provincial departments from 2005 to July 2008.

Source: NEIMS
Note: Since 2007 DWAF has provided another 67 schools with sanitation. The EU donor programme has also funded 141 new classrooms, sanitation for 27 schools and fencing for 9 schools.

Table 8: The teacher/pupil ratio in public schools in each province in 2005

Source: EMIS School Realities 2005.
Note: In 2005 the teacher/learner ratio in public schools was 35.2, while the current teacher/learner ratio in public schools is 33.7. This translates into 15,582 additional educators. There were 362,478 state-paid educators in public schools in 2005, while in 2008 there are 378,060 state-paid educators.

QUESTION 1846

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 24/10/2008

(INTERNAL QESTION PAPER 32-2008)

Mr GR Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Education:

(1) Whether her department is investigating the incident that occurred on 17 September 2008 at Xolobeni Junior Secondary School where members of the SA Police Service are alleged to have administered corporal punishment to learners; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details,

(2) whether the principal of the school will be removed if he/she is found to have been complicit in the incident; if not, why not; if so, what are relevant details;

(3) whether her department will offer counselling services to the affected learners, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether she will visit the school to assure learners that the matter is being dealt with and it will not recur; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2638E

REPLY:

(1) The Eastern Cape Education Department's preliminary report indicates that there are differences of fact and opinion in the statements made by the members of SAPS and the principal of the school. SAPS members say they searched for dangerous weapons and in the process forced those who resisted against the wall. The principal says the learners were beaten because they were violent and did not take instructions from him. The provincial authorities are conducting further investigations.

(2) The principal will be removed if he is found to be in contravention of the relevant legislation governing educators and schools.

(3) The Department will offer counselling services if there is a need to do so. However, a circuit manager visited the school on 24 October 2008 where she had an open session with the learners. There were no indications of traumatized learners unless they were absent from school on that day.

(4) I have delegated officials to visit the school.

QUESTION NO 1847

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 NOVEMBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32/2008)

Date reply submitted: 12 December 2008

Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) Whether the Independent Complaints Directorate are investigating the incident that occurred on 17 September 2008 at a certain school (name furnished) where members of the SA Police Service (SAPS) are alleged to have administered corporal punishment to learners; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether action will be taken against any SAPS members who have been found to have administered corporal punishment to the learners; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether action will be taken against the station commissioner under whom the above SAPS members serve; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) Whether he will publicly condemn the actions of the SAPS members; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2639E

REPLY

(1) The ICD conducted investigations into the alleged assault of pupils on 17 September 2008 at Xholobeni Junior Secondary School. The investigation confirmed that the principal summoned the help of the police stationed at Mpisi Police Station after the pupils were allegedly unruly and had howled at him when he banned the charging of mobile phones using the school's solar powered energy. It is alleged that three members of the aforesaid station proceeded to the school where they conducted a search on the pupils. The search yielded mobile phones and chargers. It is further alleged that the three members ordered the pupils to line along the wall with their hands high against the wall. It was during this time that corporal punishment was allegedly administered.

(2) The ICD has made recommendations to the Senior Public Prosecutor to take action against members involved on charges of assault and at the same time made recommendations to SAPS management for disciplinary action against the said members.

(3) Nothing implicates the involvement of the station commissioner in the alleged incident.

QUESTION 1849

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 24/10/2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 32-2008)

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

(i) In respect of each province (a) what is the total number of (i) public schools as defined in the South African Schools Act, Act 84 of 1996 and (ii) Further education and training institutions as defined in the Further Education and Training Act, Act 98 of 1998 and (b) how many (i) public schools and (ii) FET institutions have computer laboratories or facilities for learners, (aa) with (bb) without internet connection,

(2) Whether any schools are making use of the facilities or assistance of Sentech (Pty) Ltd or the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA); if not, why not; if so, which school in each province?

(3) Whether she has taken any steps to (??) electronic communications by these schools and institutions; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW2641E

REPLY:

(1)

Table 1: Schools with computer laboratories and internet connections

(2) Only 3 schools in South Africa currently receive services from Sentech (Pty). Mpumalanga has procured the services of Sentech (VSAT) to connect all secondary and combined schools (525) in the province. No implementation has yet taken place. In 2007/8 the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) provided 241 computer laboratories/cyberlabs in schools. The majority of these schools are in under-serviced areas. USAASA is currently installing 20 computer laboratories/cyberlabs as part of the APEX 3 Project (FOSAD ISAD Dinaledi Connectivity Project).

(3) We communicate with schools, teachers and learners both through the post and digitally. In particular, we make use of the Thutong portal (www.thutong.org.za) to communicate with schools, teachers and learners on various topics, for example, matric examinations.

Additional information

Table 1: Data on provincial distribution of ICT facilities

¹ EMIS 2008 Annual survey of schools

² ICT in Education Audit conducted by SITA 2007/8

³ Provincial Departments of Education, as supplied to National for 2007/8

Table 2: SENTECH in Schools

⁴ Information provided by ICT Provincial Representatives on the ICT Inter-Provincial Working Group

Table 3: USAASA in schools

⁵ Information provided by USAASA

QUESTION NO: 1850

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 31 October 2008

QUESTION PAPER NO: 29

DATE OF REPLY: 3 December 2008

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

How many (a) public schools, (b) further education and training institutions and (c) independent schools and institutions as defined in section 88 of the Electronic Communications Act, Act 36 of 2005, have (i) applied for, (ii) been offered and (iii) received subsidies from the Universal Service and Access Fund?

NW2642E

REPLY:

I have been advised by USAASA as follows:-

Herewith a list of the number of Public Schools, per Province, with Computer Labs and Internet Connectivity which is being subsidised by USAASA through the Universal Service and Access Fund:

Herewith a list of the number of Further Education and Training Institutions (FETs), per Province, that do have Internet Connectivity which is being subsidised by USAASA through the Universal Service and Access Fund in partnership with DoC and ISSET SETA. These institutions already have computer labs, which were not subsidised through the Universal Service and Access Fund:

In the 2007/08 financial year, USAASA signed agreements with three (3) operators (WBS, MTN and Cell C) to pay for connectivity at schools through the e-Rate system.

WBS indicated that they have connected forty (40) schools, of which USAASA has paid for seven (12) [7 in Gauteng and 5 in North West].

MTN and Cell C have not indicated to USAASA the number of schools they have connected. MTN however did indicate plans to connect fifty (50) schools in the current financial year.

USAASA currently has ten (10) requests for computer labs from schools. These are going through internal processes. As part of the Dinaledi Programme, USAASA will deploy twenty (20) new computer labs, concentrated in the province of North West.