Questions & Replies: Defence & Military Veteran
2012-09-30
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Reply received: September 2012
QUESTION NO.:1499
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 JUNE 2012
Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†
(1) How many weapons of every (a) kind and (b) calibre of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) have (i) been stolen or (ii) gone missing (aa) in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011 and (bb) since 1 January 2012;
(2) what steps have been taken to combat these thefts and losses;
(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
NW1779E
REPLY
(1) Refer to the attached Appendix A
(2) Steps taken to combat these thefts and losses are as follows:
(a) All possible physical measures have been taken to secure weapons in storage.
(b) All weapons are handed back after use, counted and stores in safekeeping to ensure effective control.
(c) Weapon permits are issued for all weapons on personal issue (ie. Military Police and VIP protection) on condition that the individual complies with the laid down criteria as stipulated in policy.
(d) Regular inspections are done as part of unit standing orders to effectively verify and control weapons.
(e) Stock verification is done on a regular basis to ensure compliance with requirements of policy.
(f) A central firearms control register is kept and verified with the South African Police Service's firearms control register as a measure to control losses.
(g) The DOD is currently in the process to bar-code all firearms with Dot Peen machines in order to identify firearms as DOD property and to ensure compliance in accordance to the Firearms Control Act. The bar-coding will enhance verification of all firearms belonging to the DOD. A total of 40 000 firearms have already been Dot Peen (bar-coded). The bar-coding project will be completed by the end of August 2012; where after the bar-coding of the rest of the firearms in the DOD will be rolled out.
(3) Not at this stage
Reply received: August 2012
QUESTION NO: 1498
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 JUNE 2012
Mr L. Ramatlakane (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether the SA National Defence (SANDF) has awarded tender CPSC/B/PC/002/2010; if not, (a) why not and (b) why was the tender drawn up and advertised; if so, (i) when was it (aa) processed and (bb) awarded, (ii) who originated the tender, (iii) who sat on the tender applications panel, (iv) what was the tender amount, (v) who were the winning bidders and (vi) what are the (aa) names of the directors or the winning company and (bb) full details of ownership;
(2) Whether a shortlist had been drawn up; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether the information has been communicated to the previous wet rations suppliers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1778E
REPLY:
(1)
Yes, tender CPSC/B/PC/002/2010 has been awarded by the SANDF.
The tender was drawn up as there was a requirement for a wet rations contract for military units in the Johannesburg area and it originated from the Logistics Division (Hospitality Services).
The requirement was received on 04 May 2010 and it was advertised in the Government Tender Bulletin on 30 July 2010 with a closing date of 29 August 2010. The contract was awarded on 13 January 2011 by the Departmental Commercial Procurement Board.
The members of the Board present when the contract was awarded were: Maj Gen L.Z. Make, Brig Gen T.M. Mxakato, Brig Gen L. Eksteen, Brig Gen S.J.M. Motau, Mr M. Zondi and Mr H.J. Fourie.
The tender amount is estimated at R66, 131, 480. 49.
The winning bidders were:
a. Lamsdale Trading t/a Model Butchery (T. Ngiba – 33.33% ownership, N. Rohan – 24% ownership and T. Ramothathaki – 33% ownership).
b. Mukhumuli (M.E. Ndlopfu – 30% ownership and T.P. Nobela – 70% ownership).
c. Khumhold Wholesale Foods (I.E. Sallie – 24% ownership, P.M. Ndlovu – 24% ownership, L.M. Powell – 24% ownership and M.G.M. Powell – 28% ownership).
d. Hoxies – (N. Rawjee – 10% ownership, K.C. Rawjee – 45% ownership and V.G. Rawjee – 45% ownership).
e. Mthombomela General Trading (D. Mtombeni – 100% ownership).
f. Emthonjeni Contract Services (E. Weimers – 50% ownership and B. Weimers – 50% OWNERSHIP).
g. North Park Trading (M.C.M. De Freitas – 0% ownership, R.M. Ditsi – 49% ownership and V. Mofokeng– 51% ownership).
h. Ocean Pearl (K.C. Rawjee – 100% ownership).
i. JBL & Trading Projects (L. Barry – 100% ownership).
(2) No shortlist was drawn up as this was an open tender. .
(3) No, there is no requirement within the procurement policy of the Department of Defence to do so. The tender was openly advertised in the Government Tender Bulleting for all suppliers to take note of, and the results of the tender were also advertised in the Government Tender Bulletin.
Reply received: August 2012
QUESTION 1459
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 JUNE 2012The following questions were put to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans by Mr D.J. Stubbe (DA):
Question (a):
"When was the current Secretary for Defence of the department appointed?"
Question (b):
"Whether the Secretary for Defence was appointed in a permanent capacity; if not, what is the position in this regard; and if so what are the relevant details?"
NW1736E
REPLY:
(a) The Secretary for Defence was appointed with effect from 15 December 2011.
(b) The Secretary for Defence was appointed on a contract for a period of five (5) years with effect from 15 December 2011 until 14 December 2016.
Reply received: August 2012
QUESTION 1355
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 MAY 2012 Question: Mr N.J.J. van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:(1) When a final decision to move the SA Air Force base in Langebaan to Hoedspruit, if not, when does she envisage that the decision will be taken, if so,
(2) Whether she intends splitting up the base and relocating it to more than one base; if not, (a) why not, (b) how many personnel will be effected and (c) which aircraft will be based at Hoedspruit: if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1698E
REPLY
(1) The Chief of the National Defence Force has indicated that the move from Langebaan to Hoedspruit is no longer an option.
(2) Refer to part (1).
Reply received: August 2012
QUESTION NUMBER 1344
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 MAY 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
1. How many flights were undertaken with helicopters operated by the SA Air Force to transport VIP's in (i) the 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b)(i) what amount was spend and (ii) is the breakdown of such expenditure for each aircraft in each specified year?
REPLY: (NW1495E)
1. (a) (i) (2009-10) 63
(2010-11) 131
(2011-12) 137
(ii) 1 April 2012 to latest available date: 31
(b)(i) R 44 822 319.60
(ii) (2009-10) R 6 037 187.00
(2010-11) R 13 055 959.80
(2011-12) R 20 285 489.40 .
1 April 2012 to latest available date: R 6 152 592.40
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1344
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 May 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) How many flights were undertaken with helicopters operated by the SA Air Force to transport VIPs in (i) the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b)(i) what amount was spent and (ii) is the breakdown of such expenditure for each such helicopter in each specified financial year? NW1495E
REPLY
The information requested in the question is still being compiled and we will advise the Honourable member once the process has been completed.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1294
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) How many flights were undertaken by her using aircraft (a) operated by (i) the SA Air Force Squadron 21 (VIP Squadron) and (ii) a SA Air Force Reserve Squadron or (b) chartered by the SA Air Force (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2012;
(2) what is the total number of flights undertaken (a) in each specified financial year and (b) in total over that period;
(3) what is the (a) total cost of the flights and (b) breakdown of the costs of each specified flight? NW1503E
REPLY
(1) (a)(i)(aa) 52
(bb) 68
(cc) 56
(dd) 12
(a)(ii)(aa) 17
(bb) 37
(cc) 25
(dd) 0
(b) (aa) 0
(bb) 1
(cc) 0
(dd) 0
(2) (a) (aa) 69
(bb) 106
(cc) 81
(dd) 12
(b) 268
(3) (a) R 40 581 878.12
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1293
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) How many flights were undertaken by former President Thabo Mbeki using aircraft (a) operated by (i) the SA Air Force's Squadron 21 (VIP Squadron) and (ii) a SA Air Force Reserve Squadron or (b) chartered by the SA Air Force (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2012;
(2) what is the total number of flights undertaken (a) in each specified financial year and (b) during that period;
(3) what is the (a) total cost of the flights and (b) breakdown of the costs of each specified flight? NW1502E
REPLY
(1) (a)(i)(aa) 2
(bb) 3
(cc) 0
(dd) 0
(a)(ii)(aa) 17
(bb) 17
(cc) 0
(dd) 0
(b) (aa) 0
(bb) 0
(cc) 0
(dd) 0
(2) (a) 2009-10 19
2010-11 20
2011-12 0
2012-15/5/12 0
(b) 39
(3) (a) R32 130 037, 87
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1292
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) How many flights were undertaken by the Deputy President using aircraft (a) operated by (i) the SA Air Force's Squadron 21 (VIP Squadron) and (ii) a SA Air Force Reserve Squadron or (b) chartered by the SA Air Force (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 and (ii) since 1 April 2012;
(2) what is the (a) total cost of the flights and (b) breakdown of the costs of each specified flight? NW1501E
REPLY
(1) (a)(i)(aa) 52
(bb) 48
(cc) 47
(dd) 3
(a)(ii)(aa) 14
(bb) 16
(cc) 7
(dd) 0
(b) (aa) 0
(bb) 8
(cc) 16
(dd) 2
(2) 2009-10 65
2010-11 72
2011-12 70
2012-15/5/12 5
(3) 213
(b)(i) R 69 746 680.47
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1291
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) How many flights were undertaken by the President using aircraft (a) operated by (i) the SA Air Force's Squadron 21 (VIP Squadron) and (ii) a SA Air Force Reserve Squadron or (b) chartered by the SA Air Force (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 and (ii) since 1 April 2012;
(2) what is the (a) total cost of the flights and (b) breakdown of the costs of each specified flight? NW1500E
REPLY
(1) (a)(i)(aa) 72
(bb) 84
(cc) 72
(dd) 6
(a)(ii)(aa) 16
(bb) 7
(cc) 2
(dd) 0
(b) (aa) 3
(bb) 1
(cc) 23
(dd) 0
(2) 2009-10 91
2010-11 92
2011-12 97
2012-15/5/12 6
(a) 286
(b)(i) R 140 515 430.15
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1290
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr M R Sayedali Shah (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
What (a) amount has been spent on slip crews for each specified aircraft operated by the SA Air Force Reserve Squadron responsible for transporting VIPs (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b)(i) was the cost of the specified ferry flights and (ii) is the breakdown of the expenditure (aa) in the (aaa) 2009-10, (bbb) 2010-11 and (ccc) 2011-12 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2012? NW1498E
REPLY
The information requested in the question is still being compiled and we will advise the Honourable member once the process has been completed.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1289
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) What amount has been spent on slip crews for each specified aircraft operated by the SA Air Force's Squadron 21 (VIP Squadron) (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b) what (i) was the cost of the specified ferry flights and (ii) is the breakdown of the expenditure (aa) in the (aaa) 2009-10, (bbb) 2010-l1 and (ccc) 2011-12 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2012? NW1497E
REPLY
The information requested in the question is still being compiled and we will advise the Honourable member once the process has been completed.
Reply received: August 2012
QUESTION NO.:1288
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) How many ferry flights were undertaken by helicopters operated by the SA Air Force to transport VIPs (i) in the 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b) what (i) was the cost of the specified ferry flights and (ii) is the breakdown of the expenditure in the 2009-10, 2010-l1 and 2011-12 financial years and since 1 April 2012? NW1496E
REPLY
(a) (i) (2009-10) Augusta 0
BK 117 3
Oryx 81
(2010-11) Augusta 1
BK 117 0
Oryx 62
(2011-12) Augusta 0
BK 117 0
Oryx 74
(ii) 1 April 2012 to latest available date
Augusta 0
BK 117 0
Oryx 7
(b) (i) R 6 159 487.10
(ii) (2009-10) Augusta R 0.00
BK 117 R 39 181.00
Oryx R 1 798 126.20
(2010-11) Augusta R 4 650.20
BK 117 R 0.00
Oryx R 1 494 095.20
(2011-12) Augusta R 0.00
BK 117 R 0.00
Oryx R 2 658 099.60
1 April 2012 to latest available date
Augusta R 0.00
BK 117 R 0.00
Oryx R 165 334.90
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1288
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) How many ferry flights were undertaken by helicopters operated by the SA Air Force to transport VIPs (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b) what (i) was the cost of the specified ferry flights and (ii) is the breakdown of the expenditure (aa) in the (aaa) 2009-10, (bbb) 2010-l1 and (ccc) 2011-12 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2012? NW1496E
REPLY
The information requested in the question is still being compiled and we will advise the Honourable member once the process has been completed.
Reply received: August 2012
QUESTION NO.:1287
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) How many ferry flights were undertaken by each specified aircraft chartered by the SA Air Force to transport VIPs in (i) the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b) (i) what total amount was spent and (ii) is the breakdown of such expenditure for each specified aircraft in each specified financial year?
NW1494E
REPLY
(a) (i) (2009-10) Airbus 0
Boeing 727 3
Citation 0
Global 0
(2010-11) Airbus 0
Boeing 727 8
Citation 2
Global 12
(2011-12) Airbus 2
Boeing 727 5
Citation 0
Global 9
(ii) 1 April 2012 to latest available
Airbus 0
Boeing 727 2
Citation 0
Global 0
(b) (i) R 9 487 433.77
(ii) (2009-10) Airbus : R 0.00
Boeing 727 : R 3 631 586.18
Citation : R 0.00
Global : R 0.00
(2010-11) Airbus : R 0.00
Boeing 727 : R 143 889.33
Citation : R 52 595.33
Global : R 392 480.24
(2011-12) Airbus : R 4 558 196.00
Boeing 727 : R 394 121.53
Citation : R 0.00
Global : R 258 149.37
1 April 2012 to latest available date
Airbus : R 0.00
Boeing 727 : R 56 415.00
Citation : R 0.00
Global : R 0.00
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1287
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) How many ferry flights were undertaken by each specified aircraft chartered by the SA Air Force to transport VIPs in (i) the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b)(i) what total amount was spent and (ii) is the breakdown of such expenditure for each specified aircraft in each specified financial year? NW1494E
REPLY
The information requested in the question is still being compiled and we will advise the Honourable member once the process has been completed.
Reply received: August 2012
QUESTION NUMBER 1286
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 MAY 2012
Mr T. W. Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
1. How many ferry flights were undertaken by each specified aircraft operated by the SA Air Force Reserve squadrons responsible for transporting VIP's in (i) the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b) (i) what total amount was spent and (ii) is the breakdown of such expenditure for each specified aircraft in each specified financial year?
REPLY: (NW1492E)
1. (a)(i)(2009-10) Citation 0
DC-9 19
Gulfstream 2 97
Gulfstream 3 0
Hawker 13
Premier 12
(2012-11) Citation 4
DC-9 9
Gulfstream 2 62
Gulfstream 3 31
Hawker 49
Premier 9
(2011-12) Citation 2
DC-9 4
Gulfstream 2 31
Gulfstream 3 28
Hawker 9
Premier 7
(ii) 1 April 2012 to latest available date
Citation 0
DC-9 0
Gulfstream 2 0
Gulfstream 3 0
Hawker 0
Premier 2
(b)(i) R 11 411 671.68
(ii)(2009-10) Citation R 0.00
DC-9 R 454 529.68
Gulfstream 2 R 2 568 155.51
Gulfstream 3 R 0.00
Hawker R 288 423.11
Premier R 24 292.29
(2010-11) Citation R 51 700.07
DC-9 R 422 103.94
Gulfstream 2 R 2 153 243.59
Gulfstream 3 R 859 255.44
Hawker R 288 423.11
Premier R 54 990.10
(2011-12) Citation R 16 964.91
DC-9 R 58 198.36
Gulfstream 2 R 681 580.65
Gulfstream 3 R 1 259 261.32
Hawker R 1 245 456.31
Premier R 142 214.66
1 April 2012 to latest available date
Citation R 0.00
DC-9 R 0.00
Gulfstream 2 R 0.00
Gulfstream 3 R 0.00
Hawker R 0.00
Premier R 10 816.24
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1286
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) How many ferry flights were undertaken by each specified aircraft operated by the SA Air Force Reserve squadron responsible for transporting VIPs in (i) the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b)(i) what total amount was spent and (ii) is the breakdown of such expenditure for each specified aircraft in each specified financial year? NW1492E
REPLY
The information requested in the question is still being compiled and we will advise the Honourable member once the process has been completed.
Reply received: August 2012
QUESTION NUMBER 1285
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 MAY 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
1. How many ferry flights were undertaken each specified aircraft operated by the SA Air Force's Squadron 21 (VIP squadron) to transport VIP's in (i) the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b)(i) what amount was spend and (ii) is the breakdown of such expenditure for each aircraft in each specified year?
REPLY: (NW1491E)
1. (a)(i)(2009-10) Inkwazi 22
Falcon 900 14
Falcon 50 46
(2010-11) Inkwazi 24
Falcon 900 23
Falcon 50 46
(2011-12) Inkwazi 10
Falcon 900 18
Falcon 50 53
(ii) 1 April 2012 to date
Inkwazi 2
Falcon 900 2
Falcon 50 9
(b)(i) R 13 475 847.30
(ii) (2009-10) Inkwazi R 2 377 650.00
Falcon 900 R 847 629.00
Falcon 50 R 2 248 473.00
(2010-11) Inkwazi R 1 675 850.00
Falcon 900 R 1 047 277.40
Falcon 50 R 1 690 974.90.
(2011-12) Inkwazi R 647 350.00
Falcon 900 R 704 022.60
Falcon 50 R 1 487 688.30.
` 1 April 2012 to date
Inkwazi R 175 450.00
Falcon 900 R 150 782.40
Falcon 50 R 422 699.70
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1285
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) How many ferry flights were undertaken by each specified aircraft operated by the SA Air Forces Squadron 21 (VIP squadron) in (i) the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what (i) total amount was spent and (ii) is the breakdown of such expenditure for each specified aircraft in each specified financial year? NW1491E
REPLY
The information requested in the question is still being compiled and we will advise the Honourable member once the process has been completed.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1283
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) How many flights were undertaken by each specified aircraft that was chartered by the SA Air Force to transport VIPs (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b) what (i) total amount was spent in this regard and (ii) is the breakdown of the expenditure (aa) in the (aaa) 2009-10, (bbb) 2010-11 and (ccc) 2011-12 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2012? NW1489E
REPLY
(a)(i)(aa) Airbus 0
Boeing 727 3
Citation 0
Global Express 0
(bb) Airbus 0
Boeing 727 4
Citation 1
Global Express 5
(cc) Airbus 1
Boeing 727 19
Citation 0
Global Express 20
(ii) Airbus 0
Boeing 727 2
Citation 0
Global Express 0
(b)(i) R 76 277 351.10
(ii)(aa) (aaa) Airbus R 0.00
Boeing 727 R 3 631 586.18
Citation R 0.00
Global Express R 0.00
(bbb) Airbus R 0.00
Boeing 727 R 7 939 642.81
Citation R 93 502.83
Global Express R 13 875 434.89
(ccc) Airbus R 4 558 196.00
Boeing 727 R 17 081 947.58
Citation R 0.00
Global Express R 26 257 382.18
(bb) Airbus R 0.00
Boeing 727 R 2 839 658.66
Citation R 0.00
Global Express R0.00
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1282
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) How many flights were undertaken by each specified aircraft operated by the SA Air Force Reserve Squadrons responsible for transporting VIPs (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b) what (i) was the total cost of the specified flights and (ii) is the breakdown of the expenditure (aa) in the (aaa) 2009-10, (bbb) 2010-l1, (ccc) 2011-12 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2012? NW1488E
REPLY
(a)(i)(aa) Citation 0
DC-9 14
Gulfstream 2 51
Gulfstream 3 0
Hawker 7
Premier 6
(bb) Citation 4
DC-9 5
Gulfstream 2 33
Gulfstream 3 17
Hawker 14
Premier 7
(cc) Citation 0
DC-9 2
Gulfstream 2 16
Gulfstream 3 16
Hawker 9
Premier 6
(ii) Citation 0
DC-9 0
Gulfstream 2 0
Gulfstream 3 0
Hawker 0
Premier 1
(b)(i) R 74 103 469.30
(ii)(aa) (aaa) Citation R0.00
DC-9 R 12 083 473.61
Gulfstream 2 R 18 490 782.78
Gulfstream 3 R 0.00
Hawker R 746 304.86
Premier R 328 845.75
(bbb) Citation R 771 222.46
DC-9 R 4 216 199.35
Gulfstream 2 R 12 186 687.67
Gulfstream 3 R 7 283 942.21
Hawker R 1 681 552.69
Premier R 429 231.50
(ccc) Citation R 0.00
DC-9 R 615 457.71
Gulfstream 2 R 4 205 619.32
Gulfstream 3 R 9 192 317.23
Hawker R 1 245 456.31
Premier R 542 550.01
(bb) Citation R 0.00
DC-9 R 0.00
Gulfstream 2 R 0.00
Gulfstream 3 R 0.00
Hawker R 0.00
Premier R 83 825.84
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.:1281
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 May 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) How many flights were undertaken by each specified aircraft operated by the SA Air Forces Squadron 21 (VIP Squadron) (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b) what (i) total amount was spent on the specified flights and (ii) is the breakdown of the expenditure (aa) in the (aaa) 2009-10, (bbb) 2010-l1, (ccc) 2011-12 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2012? NW1487E
REPLY
(a)(i)(aa) Inkwazi 65
Falcon 900 25
Falcon 50 100
(bb) Inkwazi 74
Falcon 900 55
Falcon 50 72
(cc) Inkwazi 50
Falcon 900 70
Falcon 50 69
(ii) Inkwazi 10
Falcon 900 4
Falcon 50 12
(b)(i)
(ii)(aa) (aaa) Inkwazi R 26 063 400.00
Falcon 900 R 3 439 553.20
Falcon 50 R 11 448 731.70
(bbb) Inkwazi R 37 903 250.00
Falcon 900 R 7 208 350.00
Falcon 50 R 8 799 845 .70
(ccc) Inkwazi R 24 33 100.00
Falcon 900 R 10 455 261.00
Falcon 50 R 7 835 774.40
(bb) Inkwazi R 2 649 900.00
Falcon 900 R 950 766.80
Falcon 50 R 2 071 908.7
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.: 1234
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 May 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(a) What amount has her department spent on advertising (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b) what is the breakdown of the expenditure in each financial year? NW1431E
REPLY
If the Honourable member were to study the manual on National Assembly Questions, he would know that in terms of paragraph 9.18 the question is inadmissible. The information requested in the question is published by ourselves in our annual report to Parliament. I advise the Honourable member to read the annual report and the manual on National Assembly Questions.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.: 1227
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 May 2012
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
What amount has her department spent on (a) catering and (b) entertainment in the 2007-08 financial year? NW1424E
REPLY
If the Honourable member were to study the manual on National Assembly Questions, he would know that in terms of paragraph 9.18 the question is inadmissible. The information requested in the question is published by ourselves in our annual report to Parliament. I advise the Honourable member to read the annual report and the manual on National Assembly Questions.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 1227
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 May 2012
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
What amount has her department spent on (a) catering and (b) entertainment in the 2007-08 financial year? NW1424E
REPLY
The information requested by the Honourable member is being prepared and will be forwarded once it is ready.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 1128
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 May 2012
Mr M A Nhanha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2474 on 14 December 2011, she has taken any steps to investigate the complaints against the SA National Defence Force (SANDF); if not, why not; if so, what (i) are the findings of the investigation, (ii) action has the SANDF taken to deal with the results of the investigations and (iii) are the relevant details of the (aa) deadlines and (bb) actions to be taken;
(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW1214E
REPLY
The information requested by the Honourable Member is being collated and will be forwarded once it is ready.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 1090
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 May 2012
Mrs D Robinson (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) (a) What are the (i) yearly rental and (ii) floor space of the (aa) current and (bb) previous premises occupied by her department's head office and (b) when (i) was the current building occupied and (ii) does the current lease expire;
(2) whether her department publicly invited tenders prior to the leasing of the current premises; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) where was it published and (c) which (i) companies and (ii) properties were shortlisted;
(3) what (a) floor space was offered and (b) annual rental was tendered (i) by each shortlisted company and (ii) with regard to each shortlisted property? NW1278E
REPLY
(1) (a) (i) (aa) The yearly rental for the current headquarters of the Department of Defence (DOD) is R17, 835, 384.00.
(ii) (aa) The floor space of the building is 22 116,03 square meters.
(b) (i) The current building has been occupied by the department since 15 May 1992.
(2) No. The lease agreement is between the property owner(s) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) on behalf of the DOD and the awarding of tenders is a function of DPW.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 1080
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 May 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether she intends to acquire (a) light/medium transport aircraft and (b) offshore/onshore patrol vessels; if not, why not; if so, (i) what (aa) is the project name and (bb) amount has been budgeted in each specified financial year in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and (ii) how many (aa) aircraft or (bb) vessels will be acquired;
(2) whether the acquisition projects are underway; if not, why not; if so, in each specified case, what are the relevant details? NW1268E
REPLY
The information relating to the operations of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), such as acquisition of strategic projects is classified and can only be provided to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) in accordance with accordance with section 199(8) of The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which is the basis on which we deal with Defence information.
The Honourable member is advised that revealing this information may lead to the violation of the provisions of section 41 (1) of the Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000. These specifically emphasises the importance of the security of information when it comes to Defence, security and international relations of the Republic. This section asserts that:
"the information officer of a public body may refuse a request for access to a record of the body if its disclosure –
(a) Could reasonably be expected to cause prejudice to –
(i) The Defence of the Republic;
(ii) The security of the republic".
Section 41 (2) further states that a record contemplated in subsection (1), without limiting the generality of that section, includes a record containing information –
"(a) relating to military tactics or strategy or military exercises or operations undertaken in preparation of hostilities or in connection with detection, prevention, suspension or curtailment of subversive or hostile activities;
(b) Relating to the quantity, characteristics, capabilities, vulnerabilities of deployment of –
(i) weapons or any other equipment used for the detection, prevention, suppression or curtailment of subversive or hostile activities; or
(ii) anything being designed, developed, produced or considered for use as weapons or such other equipment;
(c) relating to the characteristics, capabilities, vulnerabilities, performance, potential, deployment or functions of-
(i) Any military force, unit or personnel; …".
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.: 1048
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 May 2012
Mr A Watson (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 480 on 13 May 2011, any progress has been made with the roll out of sensors or a combination of sensors to cover the full extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); if not, why not; if so, (a) when is it expected that full coverage will be attained and (b) what are the further relevant details;
(2) whether her department has budgeted for increased coverage of the EEZ over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework period; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1232E
REPLY
(1) Yes
(2) Yes
Reply received: August 2012
QUESTION 1038
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 MAY 2012
Mr M A Nhanha (COPE) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1) Whether her department is (a) fulfilling its duties of patrolling Zimbabwe and Mozambique's borders and (b) managing its fuel requirements in light of its fuel bill of R26 million at the end of March 2012 (details furnished); if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details on each case; (2) whether her department is required to pay back the loan amount (detail furnished) to the National Treasury; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the payment arrangements and (b) how have the (i) shortage of supplies and (ii) lack of payment to a certain company (name furnished) affected overall operational needs?
NW1213E
REPLY LOGISTICS DIVISION:
1. (a) Yes the South African National Defence Force is fulfilling its duties of
patrolling the Zimbabwe and Mozambique borders
1 (b) Multiple factors have lead to the non-payment of invoices and the R26
million outstanding:
- The Department of Defence (DOD) has two-hundred-and-forty (240) delivery points with a capacity of 4 755 900 litres nation wide. The estimated bill for such a capacity will be approximately RM49.
- The DOD implemented a new payment system during October 2011 (the invoice – and receipt voucher amount must be equal). Problems were experienced with the payment of fuel invoices because the fuel price has four digits after the decimal. The system did not accommodate the four digits, resulting in the payments not being processed. However this matter has been addressed and solved.
- The fluctuation of the fuel price and the huge price increases lead to delays in payment, as financial extensions must be requested and Government Orders updated before the payment process can commence.
- On 28 March 2012 R2, 549,895. 00 was outstanding for fuel. This amount excluded invoices for bulk diesel for ships. During the month of March 2012 the amount of R27, 684, 582. 00 was paid for fuel.
2. No the Department does not have a loan from National Treasury.
2.(b)(i) The DOD is bound by a National Treasury Contract RT70/2010CV to procure fuel from the supplier. The supplier has no refinery of its own and unscheduled maintenance of the refinery of supply influence availability of the commodity. Furthermore the supplier makes use of various sub-contractors for delivery in the different regions from different depots. Since
May 2011, due to the nation wide labour strike of truck drivers; the DOD experienced a shortage of fuel.
2.(b)(ii) The slow payment affected overall operational needs. As the approval and ordering of fuel are taking place centrally, but the delivering and administration of the fuel are taking place at the 240 delivering points, any overdue administration at any of these points will affect the corporate account and it will result in non-deliveries.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 1037
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 MAY 2012
Mr M A Nhanha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether she has responded to the claims of defamation against her by 985 members of the SANDF union (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1212E
REPLY
Yes. The matter is unfortunately now before the courts and therefore sub judice.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 1036
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 MAY 2012
Mr M A Nhanha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) (a) What is the projected impact of her department's additional responsibilities (details furnished) on her department's budget for the 2012-13 financial year and (b) how is her department's financial position projected to impact on its overall operations;
(2) whether she intends to ask for additional funding from National Treasury on the grounds that her department has been allocated unforeseen additional responsibilities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1211E
REPLY
(1) & (2) The additional responsibilities that Honurable member is referring to include the roll-out of the border safeguarding function and the implementation of the maritime security strategy. The member is correct in recalling that I described the R38.4 billion allocation as hopelessly inadequate since it was projected to grow to R43.9 billion in 2013/14. I still maintain that view and we approached the National Treasury for additional funding. The National Treasury responded by allocating limited additional funds for border safeguarding. Funding details for the additional responsibilities are reflected in the Table below:
Table 1: Request for Additional Funding
| Funding requirement | 2012/13 | 2013/14 | 2014/15 | |||
| Requested | Allocated | Requested | Allocated | Requested | Allocated | |
| R Million | R Million | R Million | R Million | R Million | R Million | |
| Border Safeguarding | 520 | 200 | 546 | 250 | 573 | 299 |
| Maritime Security | 755 | 0 | 793 | 0 | 832 | 0 |
| Total | 1,275 | 200 | 1,339 | 250 | 1,405 | 299 |
We will continue to engage the National Treasury during the adjustments budget process for 2012/13 and also during 2013/14 budget process. Furthermore, the Department is also reassessing its internal programme allocations based on government priorities and also to ensure effective and efficient economic utilization of available resources.
Reply received: May 2012
NO.: 988
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether the final report of the interim National Defence Force Service Commission made any recommendations; if not, why not; if so, what recommendations were made;
(2) whether each specified recommendation has been implemented; if not, why not; if so, what (a) progress has been made with the implementation of each specified recommendation and (b) are the further relevant details? W1166E
REPLY
(1) Yes. The Final Report of the Interim National Defence Force Service Commission was tabled in Parliament in 2010. The Interim National Defence Commission briefed the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on its recommendations on 4 March 2011.
The recommendations made in the final report include:
(a) Relationship between the Military Command and the Defence Secretariat. The Interim Commission recommended that the Minister, the Secretary for Defence and the Chief of the SA National Defence Force find ways and means to produce a definitive statement on civil-military relations in South Africa.
(b) Empowerment of Officers Commanding. The current process within the SANDF in empowering Officers Commanding with appropriate delegations be expedited.
(c) Defence Budget Allocation and Composition. A much improved iterative budgeting process be developed for defence. This will involve a constant methodical engagement amongst the Military Command, Defence Secretariat, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, the National Treasury, Cabinet and the Parliamentary Committees.
(d) Need for a New Defence Review. A properly funded and extensive Defence Review be undertaken as soon as possible to pay close attention to the relationship between mandate, capabilities and funding.
(e) The State of Defence Infrastructure. The inter-departmental process at Ministerial level will be expedited with a view to rapidly improving the situation. The Interim Commission also recommended that serious consideration be given by ministers to transferring the ownership, custody and repair of defence property completely from the DPW to the DOD and that the new DOD Works Regiment be expeditiously expanded and properly funded.
(f) Professional Health Support. That a substantial review of the budgetary requirements of the SAMHS be undertaken at once with a view of improving the funding.
(g) Transport. That a radical audit be undertaken by the SANDF of the transport needs of its members and that a completely new system be put in place to ensure that the nation's soldiers have a 21st century transport system that enables them to work and live properly. The Interim Commission further recommended that the serviceability, safety and availability of the SANDF's transport fleet rapidly be enhanced. This inevitably will involve the purchase of more vehicles and better arrangements for their fuelling and maintenance. In addition, the Commission recommended that the SANDF carefully examine the potential for using external public and private sector short and long distance transport systems which would involve free or subsidised use by the soldiers and their families.
(2) Progress made with the implementation of each specified recommendation:
i. "Relationship between the Military Command and the Defence Secretariat: The SANDF Strategic Plan has been presented independent of the Secretariat Plan as a first step to ensure that boundary management between Military Command and Defence Secretariat is achieved in terms of the Defence Act. This also improves the reporting lines.
ii. Empowerment of Officers Commanding. Officers Commanding have been issued with the necessary delegations to improve effectiveness and efficiency within their areas of responsibility. Their management and command directives direct that they maintain effective discipline and promote morale within their units/ships and that areas of concern are immediately raised directly with their Commanders. Communication is a fundamental part of Command responsibility and it is required that Officers Commanding interact with their men and women regularly.
iii. Defence Budget Allocation and Composition. The matter will only be concluded once the final report of the Defence Review Committee has been adopted by Cabinet as the review is meant to provide a policy and strategic direction for the South African Defence Force.
iv. Need for a New Defence Review. The Minister constituted the Defence Review Committee in July 2011 in order to draft and consult nationally on a new Defence Review which will comprehensively cover the complete body of South Africa's national policy on defence. The Committee's draft consultative Defence Review was released on 12 April 2012. The Committee is consulting on the report countrywide, it has already briefed both the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and the Joint Standing Committee on defence and conducted izimbizo in KwaZulu-Natal and North West provinces.
v. The State of Defence Infrastructure. Progress in this regard is covered in the following categories.
(1) Inter-Departmental process at Ministerial level. Discussion between the departments of Public works and Defence are at an advanced stage and once the memorandum of understanding has been signed an announcement will be made.
(2) Establishment and funding of Defence Works Regiment. The Works Regiment is already operating and executing certain renovation projects of facilities occupied by the DOD, and is embarking on a close corporation with NDPW on execution of Planned Maintenance projects. It is presently continuing with building its capacity in the technical training environment to fully undertake facility maintenance functions. It is planned that the Works Regiment will be fully operational by the end of this financial year.
(4) Progress at Specific Units. With regard to Lenz Military Base, NDPW has deployed dolomite technicians to assess impact of dolomite. The DOD is awaiting a dolomite survey report from NDPW. From this report a decision will be taken on maintenance and repair of this base. The Works Regiment has already identified phase 2 Planned Maintenance projects at Lenz Military Base, should the report be positive.
(5) Overall Plan. A maintenance plan, which is part of the DOD User Asset Management Plan (UAMP) is in place. Priority is given to residential facilities of soldiers to afford them habitable living quarters.
vi. Professional Health Support. The Retaining of Healthcare Practitioners is the most significant intervention to sustain the services rendered in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS). This has been addressed through the introduction of the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for health professionals.
vii. Transport. The SANDF has attached a high priority in ensuring that transport for members where required is being provided. Further activities to improve the transport service include negotiations with the public and private sector with regard to the use of their services by the SANDF at reduced rates. Appropriate air transport is made available to SANDF members living on outlying bases to visit large metropolitan areas, when aircraft are available.
viii. Career Management. The plan to rise to this recommendation is to ensure that succession planning is visible to individual members. This improvement in transparency regarding career progression prospects should contribute to improved morale and to curb premature exits of personnel. The SANDF Career Management Policy and the Promotion Policy is being reviewed as the first priority.
ix. The Military Skills Development System. The MSDS policy is being reviewed to ensure that a better system is established.
x. Transformation. A clearly formulated plan is being reviewed to ensure aspects raised by the Commission are addressed. Chief Director Transformation Management is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that issues of Transformation are handled at a strategic level within the SANDF. This implies that the SANDF, on a continuous basis, monitors the transformation progress within the ranks and makes intervention plans through staffing and recruitment targets. Top leadership has visibility of progress and challenges with regards to transformation issues. Transformation is an on-going process.
xi. Grievance Mechanism. The grievance management system within the DOD is in process of being streamlined and implemented within the Services and Divisions. The operationalisation of the grievance mechanism was achieved through Project TSHWARAGANANG.
xii. Command, Control and Communication in the SANDF. An Internal Communication Plan and Guidelines, was issued for implementation by Commanders at all levels.
xiii. Promotion and Utilisation. The SANDF is reviewing its system of promotion and utilisation of it members.
xiv. Remuneration and Conditions of Service for the SANDF. The DOD has developed a remuneration dispensation for level 1 to 12 which recognises military uniqueness for the SANDF. The Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) has been implemented for nurses, social workers, medical practitioners and legal practitioners. A special allowance for technicians was implemented on 15 March 2011. The DOD will implement OSD for allied health workers in May 2011. The revision of remuneration and service benefits for level 13 and above will be implemented from January 2012. Pilots, Navigators, Air Traffic Controllers, Fire and Rescue workers will receive their OSD from April 2012. Combat Officers, Submariners, Divers, Surface Vessel Operators, Hydrographic surveyors, Intelligence operators and Special Force operators will receive their OSD from July 2012.
xv. Recommendations Emanating from International Benchmarking. The signing of the Defence Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Russian Federation is being dealt with by the Defence Secretariat. The implementation of the MOU will lead to new practices within the SANDF.
xvi. Rank Audit of the Demilitarised Finance Functionaries. The audit has been done. All employees have been placed on their corrected ranks and been appointed in the areas of the DOD according to these ranks.
xvii. The Total Wellness of the Department of Defence. An overarching Wellbeing Policy was developed and is in the approval process. This policy captures the utilisation of the Military Community Development Committees and the specialist support groupings provided by the Chaplaincy, social workers and psychologists of the SAMHS, under the leadership of the base Officers Commanding. Once approved and implemented, this policy will go a long way in the promotion of total wellness of members and their families."
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO.: 987
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether her department spent any money on entertainment; if so, (a) what amount has been spent and (b) what is the breakdown of such expenditure (i) in the (aa) 2008-09, (bb) 2009-10, (cc) 2010-11 and (dd) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW1165E
REPLY
(1) If the Honourable member were to study the manual on National Assembly Questions, he would know that in terms of paragraph 9.18 the question is inadmissible. The information requested in the question is published by ourselves in our annual report to Parliament. I advise the Honourable member to read the annual report and the manual on National Assembly Questions.
(2) No, there is no need for this. Any statements to be made would have been made in the annual report tabled.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 987
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether her department spent any money on entertainment; if so, (a) what amount has been spent and (b) what is the breakdown of such expenditure (i) in the (aa) 2008-09, (bb) 2009-10, (cc) 2010-11 and (dd) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW1165E
REPLY
The information requested by the Honourable member is being prepared and will be forwarded once it is ready.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 959
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) (a) On what date did her department call for nominations and (b) how many nominations were received in the (i) first and (ii) second round to appoint a permanent Defence Force Service Commission;
(2) (a) what were the reasons for a second round of nominations and (b) when will the permanent commission be appointed? NW1135E
REPLY
(1) (a) The call for nominations was advertised on 6th February 2011 with the closing date of 28th February 2011.
(b) (i) In the first round 706 nominations were received.
(ii) There were 113 nominations received in response to the second round call for nominations.
(2) (a) The second round call for nomination was due to insufficient requisite skills and attributes required to serve in the Commission. This is provided for in section 62C(6) of the Amendment Act No. 22 of 2010.
(b) Cabinet appointed Commissioners to serve in the National Defence Service Commission on 16 May 2012 and I informed Parliament of this decision during my budget vote debate on 17 May. When nominees have accepted, the Commission will be formally constituted.
Reply received: May 2012
NO.: 933
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether the Interim National Defence Force Service Commission has submitted any interim reports since its inception; if not, why not; if so, in respect of each report, (a) when was it submitted and (b) what was the title of the report;
(2) whether the commission has travelled to any overseas destination since its inception; if so, in each case, (a) where did the commission travel to, (b) what (i) was the (aa) departure and (bb) arrival date, (ii) total cost and (iii) is the breakdown of such costs and (c) how was the defence force's interest served;
(3) what is the (a) total amount and (b) breakdown of the amount spent on the commission to date? NW1093E
REPLY
(1) The Interim National Defence Force Service Commission submitted two interim reports since its inception.
(a) The two reports were submitted on 3 November 2009 and 10 December 2009 respectively.
(b) The title of the first interim report was "Urgent Interim Report of the Interim Commission to the Honourable Minister of Defence and Military Veterans". The title of the second interim report was "Second Interim Report of the Interim Commission to the Honourable Minister of Defence and Military Veterans".
In addition, the Interim Commission submitted reports after each international visit they undertook and these are indicated below:
United Kingdom: Title: "Visit Report on the Foreign Study Tour to the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence 24 February 2010 to 7 March 2010" dated March 2010
United Kingdom: Title: "Visit Report on the Foreign Study Tour to the United States of America Department of Defence 24 July 2010 to 1 August 2010" dated August 2010
Russian Federation: Title: "Report on an Ad Hoc Benchmarking Visit by the Interim National Defence Force Service Commission and Secretariat Support Staff to the Russian Federation Ministry of Defence: 16 to 23 October 2010" dated 3 December 2010
DRC and CAR: Title: "Defence Force Service Commission Deployment Visit Report to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans 19 - 27 March 2011".
(2) Since its inception the Commission travelled to overseas destinations to conduct benchmarking on service benefits and conditions of service. The Commission also travelled abroad to visit soldiers deployed in peace keeping missions.
(a) The Commission travelled to the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Russian Federation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic and Argentina.
(b) (i) (aa) The departure dates to the above countries were as follows:
(aaa) United Kingdom. The departure date was 24 February 2010.
(aab) United States of America. The departure date was 24 July 2010.
(aac) Russian Federation. The departure date was 16 October 2010.
(aad) Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic External Deployment Visit. The departure date to the Democratic Republic of the Congo was 19 March 2011. On 26 March 2011 the Commission departed from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the Central African Republic. On 27 March 2011 the Commission departed the Central African Republic again for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
(aae) Argentina. The departure date was 2 April 2011.
(bb) The arrival dates from the above countries were as follow:
(bba) United Kingdom. The arrival date was 7 March 2010.
(bbb) United States of America. The arrival date was 1 August 2010.
(bbc) Russian Federation. The arrival date was 23 October 2010.
(bbd) Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic External Deployment Visit. The arrival date was 27 March 2011.
(bbe) Argentina. The arrival date was 10 April 2011.
(ii) The total cost of the foreign benchmarking visits amounted to R5 237 088,14.
(iii) The cost breakdown for the foreign benchmarking visits are as follow:
(1) United Kingdom
(a) Foreign Air Travel: R814 647,84.
(b) Accommodation and Special Daily Allowance: R470 386,51.
(c) Vehicle Hire: R60 841,70.
(d) Total Cost: R1 345 876,05.
(2) United States of America
(a) Foreign Air Travel: R1 000 837,20.
(b) Accommodation and Special Daily Allowance: R291 509,56.
(c) Vehicle Hire: R60 955,20.
(d) Total Cost: R1 353 301,96.
(3) Russian Federation
(a) Foreign Air Travel: R848 555,90.
(b) Accommodation and Special Daily Allowance: R420 639,07.
(c) Vehicle Hire: R43 568,16.
(d) Total Cost: R1 314 596,13.
(4) Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic External Deployment Visit. This visit was undertaken by a scheduled Joint Operations Division flight in respect of which there was no deduction from the Commission's budget.
(1) Accommodation and Special Daily Allowance: R158 435.
(5) Argentina
(a) Foreign Air Travel: R680 879.
(b) Accommodation and Special Daily Allowance: R343 000.
(c) Vehicle Hire: R41 000.
(d) Total Cost: R1 064 879.
(c) The aim of the visits to the United Kingdom, the United States, the Russian Federation and Argentina was for the Commission to make sound recommendations to the Honourable Minister of Defence and Military Veterans on a unique service dispensation outside the ambit of the Public Service for SANDF members and on the establishment and proper functioning of a permanent Defence Force Service Commission, having benchmarked specific policies and practices in the defence establishments of the various countries visited. Regarding the deployment visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic, the aim of the visit was to apprise the Commission on the state of conditions of service of SANDF members deployed in international peace keeping missions. The observations and findings of the Commission have informed and will continue to inform the Commission's recommendations to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans on the improvement of salaries and service benefits of SANDF members, recommendations on policies in respect of conditions of service conditions and the promoting of measures and setting of standards to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of policies on conditions of service within the SANDF, as required by Section 62B(1)(a – c) of the Defence Act, Act 42 of 2002, as amended by the Defence Amendment Act, Act 22 of 2010.
(3) (a) Since its inception, an amount of R 14 582 090 was spent on the Commission.
(b) (i) Financial Year 2010/11
(1) Administrative Costs: R5 858 973.
(2) Goods and Services: R676 639.
(3) Remuneration: R595 932.
(4) Capital Expenditure: R504 162.
ii. Financial Year 2011/12 (includes expenditure incurred for the nomination process of permanent Commissioners in terms of Section 62C of the Defence Amendment Act, Act 22 of 2010, remuneration of the members of the nomination committee)
(1) Administrative Costs: R1 853 946.
(2) Goods and Services: R2 351 129.
(3) Remuneration: R3 758 097.
(4) Capital Expenditure: R250 682.
iii. Financial Year 2012/13
(1) Administrative Costs: R160 644.
(2) Goods and Services: R68 138.
(3) Remuneration: R609 432.
(4) Capital Expenditure: R10 316.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 930
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2012
Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†
(1) Whether a certain person (name and details furnished) has been found guilty on charges of fraud and assault; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether, as an applicant of the Reserve Force (RF), this person appeared before a selection board prior to the approval of her appointment to the Secretary of Defence's National Youth Service Task Team; if not, why not; if so, (a) when did she appear and (b) what was the recommendation of the selection board;
(3) whether the appointment of this person took place in accordance with the regulations for the appointment of officers in the RF, in terms of which nobody who is appointed in the RF may have a previous criminal offence on his/her record; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether this person has a security clearance; if not, on what basis was she appointed; if so, what security clearance does she have;
(5) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW983E
REPLY
I am investigating this matter and will revert to the Honourable member as soon as possible.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 895
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 APRIL 2012
Mr M R Sayedali Shah (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether a defence force commanding officer has been suspended following a police investigation into fruitless and wasteful expenditure in the amount of R4 113 374.02; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) rank of the officer, (b) to which (i) service or (ii) division does the officer belong, (c) what formation did the officer command and (d) why was the officer suspended? NW1073E
REPLY
Yes. The senior officer was officially charged in terms of Article 19 (1) of the Military Disciplinary Code for Disobeying Lawful Commands or Orders, Common Law Fraud, and Common Law Corruption. The Military Police are still investigating the matter and await certain reports.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 894
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 APRIL 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) (a) How many copies of the December 2011 issue of the Defence magazine were produced and (b) to whom was the magazine distributed;
(2) what (a) was the total cost of the magazine and (b) is the breakdown of such costs;
(3) (a) what is the name and (b) position of the editor of the magazine? NW1072E
REPLY
(1) (a) We produced 5000 copies of the Defence magazine in a process where no advisors were part of the adjudication process and where we were mindful that R1billion used by the Western Cape government would have produced a huge number of houses.
(b) The distribution strategy for the Defence Magazine targets Senior Managers of the South African Government, Ambassadors, Parliamentarians, and other senior Managers of different organisations and institutions in South Africa.
(2) (a) The total cost per quarter is R 350,000.00.
(b) The total cost in (a) includes costs for research, design, lay out, printing and distribution.
(3) Every magazine or similar publication lists its editor(s) in the front pages of the publication.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 893
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 APRIL 2012
Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether the (a) Department of Defence and (b) Department of Military Veterans incurred any expenditure related to the centenary celebrations of a certain political organisation (name furnished); if so, in each case, what (a) total amount was spent and (b) is the breakdown of such expenditure? NW1071E
REPLY
No.
The Defence Force was not deployed to the centenary celebrations referred to in the question. The Defence Force is required as its function to provide security for heads of states, whatever their mission in the country is.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 868
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 APRIL 2012
Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether her department placed a series of advertisements in the media on 10 April 2012; if so, (a) what was the purpose of the advertisements, (b) why were the advertisements placed on this date, (c) in which newspapers were they advertised and (d) what was the (i) cost of placing the advertisements in each specified newspaper and (ii) total cost of placing all the advertisements? NW1045E
REPLY
(a) The Department of Defence has the responsibility like other departments to communicate with the public and with its soldiers.
(b) The money allocated is for communication and the manner of communication is in the Strategic Plan of the Department.
Whereas the province of the Western Cape spends R1billion rand as reported in the media, the Department is more conscious of budgetary limitations of the country and thus we spend a mere R10million, which has not been mired in controversy over its procedures that might need the Public Protector's intervention.
(c) Independent newspapers and Avusa.
(d) (i) The individual costs have not been finalised as they are reconciled after completion of each campaign and reconciled with Government discounts and added value.
(ii) The total budget for newspaper placement is R250 000.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 869
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 APRIL 2012
Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether an assessment of the state of the former base of the Naval Reserve Force Unit (SAS Rand) has been carried out; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was the assessment carried out and (b) what were the main findings of the assessment;
(2) whether there is any evidence of vandalism; if so, (a) what is the estimated value of the damage and (b) what action has been taken or will be taken against persons responsible for protecting the base against vandals;
(3) whether her department has a plan in respect of the base; if not, why not; if so, what plan? NW1046E
REPLY
The facility referred to by the Honourable member was handed over to Department of Public Works, Johannesburg Regional Office in August 2008. In terms of the Government Immovable Asset Management (GIAMA) Act, 2007, all government facilities are maintained and owned on behalf of the state by the Department of Public Works.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 830
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 APRIL 2012
Mr J Selfe (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) (a) What is the name of the SA Air Force pilot who seized an aircraft to visit a friend in Botswana, (b) to which squadron does the pilot belong, (c) what kind of aircraft was seized, (d) how many passengers were on the aircraft, (e) what was the outbound (i) departure and (ii) arrival point, (f) what was the inbound (i) departure and (ii) arrival point and (g) what (i) was the total cost and (ii) is the breakdown of the costs of the flight;
(2) whether any incidents of this nature have been recorded in the past; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?NW1004E
REPLY
I wish to refer the Honourable member to my reply to question 287 on 14 March 2012, attached, wherein I indicated that a Board of Inquiry was convened on this matter. The Board of Inquiry has not concluded its work and I will provide information once I have a full report on this matter.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 829
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 APRIL 2012
Mr J Selfe (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether, in the light of the President's statement at the national congress of a certain trade union (name furnished) on 21 September 2009 on the de-unionising of the military, she has formulated a plan to de-unionise the SA National Defence Force; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the plan and (b) when will the plan be implemented? NW1003E
REPLY
Yes.
(a) The Honourable member will be informed when I am ready to announce the plan.
(b) When the plan is ready.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 823
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 APRIL 2012
Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether, with reference to her Budget Vote speech on 13 April 2011 regarding the establishment of the National Youth Service (NYS), she conducted a situational analysis of the (a) capacity and (b) availability of military facilities before announcing the NYS programme, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW996E
REPLY
Yes. The situational analysis of the capacity and availability of military facilities was conducted before the announcement of the National Youth Service (NYS) programme.
We first piloted the programme at Brug, Bloemfontein, over the period 01 February to 17 March 2011, with four hundred and ninety seven youth participants from the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR), who are within the DRDLR youth service programme, called NARYSEC. The aim of the Pilot Programme was to test the compatibility and feasibility of the DOD systems in running the NYS programme and to demonstrate in principle, whether the NYS Concept or theory has the potential of being used as a viable youth service programme.
After the pilot project, a SWOT analysis was conducted and all the relevant information was considered for the next programme. The first roll out of the NYS programme began on 1 August 2011 to 11 December 2011 at SAS Saldanha and 1000 participants graduated.
The second roll out started in March 2012 for 1000 participants at 3 SAI in Kimberly an it is anticipated that the programme will end on 3 September 2012. Thus far, the programme has been conducted according to the training programme.
Success of the Pilot programme: 498 NARYSEC are in FET colleges around the country. They are undergoing training in two construction categories and these are:
(a) Community Housing construction (Basic)
(b) Civil and Construction (Advanced)
Success of the first DOD NYS programme – 1000 participants are back in their voting districts working on:
(a) General Household profiling, concentrating on accurate youth statistics.
(b) Establishing community Youth Forums with all community matters relating to service delivery, Community Safety, Health including issues of HIV/ AIDS, Human Trafficking.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 811
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 APRIL 2012
Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†
(1) Whether she has held discussions with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on tasks which the SA Navy will be performing for the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what tasks will the SA Navy be performing, (b) for what period will the SA Navy be performing the said tasks, (c) what are the costs involved and (d) which department will bear these costs;
(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW979E
REPLY
Yes. The Minister held discussions with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The resultant agreement was captured in the Government Gazette as a public notice of the agreement.
Find therefore attached the Government Gazette No. 35239 of 4 April 2012.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 760
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) How many (a) Gripen and (b) Hawk aircraft were (i) delivered by 31 December 2011 and (ii) serviceable in 2011;
(2) how many hours (a) must each (i) Hawk and (ii) Gripen aircraft fly in order to maintain serviceability and (b) did each specified aircraft actually fly in 2011;
(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW928E
REPLY
The information requested by the Honourable member will be provided to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) once it has met requirements of section 199(8) of The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. This is a Constitutional provision clearly articulated in the Defence Review of 1998, adopted by Parliament as the policy of the Defence Force.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 752
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) chartered any aircraft to support the employment of the SANDF (a) in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011 and (b) since 1 January 2012; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, (aa) what is the name of the company, (bb)(aaa) how many and (bbb) what types of aircraft, (cc) for what purpose, (dd) what were the (aaa) departure and (bbb) arrival points and (ee) what (aaa) was the total cost and (bbb) is the breakdown of the costs;
(2) whether the SANDF has identified a need for procuring any transport aircraft; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW920E
REPLY
(1) In terms of section 201 (2) of The Constitution, 1996, the President authorises the employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). During the period referred to in the question, the SANDF has not chartered any aircraft to support the employment of the SANDF authorised in terms of the Constitution.
(2) The SA Air Force is, amongst others, responsible to provide an air transport capability for the training of its aircrew members, the training of SA Army airborne capability and the air transport of flight air transportable equipment and freight.
The SA Air Force Light Transport capability is satisfied by the more than 70 years old C47TP and Casa 212 aircraft.
The SA Air force identified the need to consolidate the Light Air Transport capability by mandating a Required Operational Capability statement. This is the first activity in the official DOD acquisition process in accordance with the DOD Acquisition Policy (DAP 1000). The delivery of a possible product depends on the following factors:
(a) The finalisation of the Defence Review,
(b) The financial allocations to the Department of Defence and Military Veterans
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 738
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether any assets were reported as (a) lost or (b) stolen in (i) the SA (aa) Army, (bb) Air Force, (cc) Navy and (dd) Military Health Service and (ii) any other specified formation (aaa) in (aaaa) 2009, (bbbb) 2010 and (cccc) 2011 and (bbb) since 1 January 2012; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so,
(2) (a) which assets were lost or stolen in each case and (b) what was the monetary value of the assets in each case;
(3) whether any of the (a) lost or (b) stolen assets were recovered; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) which assets and (ii) what was the monetary value thereof in each case? NW906E
REPLY
The information requested in the question is voluminous and will require more time to be collated. Further, part of it is in a process of being audited. On completion of the report of the outstanding service, i.e. the SA Army, the information will be forwarded to the Honourable member.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 737
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether any grievances have been reported in (a) the (i) SA Army, (ii) SA Air Force, (iii) SA Navy and (iv) SA Military Health Service and (b) any other specified formation (aa) in the (aaa) 2008-09, (bbb) 2009-10 and (ccc) 2010-11 financial years; if not, how was this conclusion reached;
(2) with reference to each specified type of grievance, (a) how many were (i) reported and (ii) remained unresolved for (aa) less than three months, (bb) more than three months, (cc) more than three but less than six months, (dd) more than six months, but less than a year and (ee) for more than one year and (b) how many cases remain unresolved? NW905E
REPLY
(1) Grievances reported in the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy, SA Military Health Service and any other specified formations (Divisions) during the period referred to in the question are tabulated below:
| SERIAL NO | SERVICE & DIVISION | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 | 2010-2011 |
| a | b | c | d | |
| (a) | (aaa) | (bbb) | (ccc) | |
| 1 | (i) SA Army | 3 | ||
| 2 | (ii) SA Air Force | 8 | ||
| 3 | (iii) SA Navy | 2 | ||
| 4 | (iv) SA Military Health Services | 1 | ||
| (b) | ||||
| 5 | Other specified Formations (Divisions) | 8 | ||
| TOTAL | 7 | 17 | 22 |
Note: The DOD implemented a new Grievance Information Technology System (GITS) to electronically support the Individual Grievances Regulations that became effective from July 2010. Therefore the information regarding specific Services and Divisions is readily available from July 2010, however in respect of periods prior to I July 2010, the DOD can only provide totals of grievances lodged within the required period.
(2) Please refer to the table below:
| SERIAL NO | TYPE (NATURE) OF GRIEVANCE | RESOLVED GRIEVANCES | ACTIVE GRIEVANCES | ||||
| LESS THAN 3 MONTHS (< 3 months) | MORE THAN 3 MONTHS (>3 months) | MORE THAN 3 BUT LESS THAN 6 MONTHS (>3 < 6 months) | MORE THAN 6 MONTHS BUT LESS THAN A YEAR (>6< 12 months) | MORE THAN 1 YEAR (>12 months) | UNRESOLVED CASES | ||
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | |
| (a) | (aa) | (bb) | (cc) | (dd) | (ee) | (b) | |
| 1 | Allowances | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
| 2 | Benefits (salary / leave / pay / transfer excluded) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| 3 | Performance Assessments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Performance Incentives | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 5 | Promotion | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 25 | |
| 6 | Staffing / Placement | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
| 7 | Training / Courses | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| 8 | Transfers | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 9 | Utilisation | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| 10 | Other | 7 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 56 |
| TOTAL | 15 | 0 | 14 | 13 | 3 | 144 | |
Note: The abovementioned information has been provided for the period 1 July 2010 (with effect from implementation of the Grievance IT System) to date (19 March 2012).
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 736
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether any officials from (a) her department and (b) any entities reporting to her were on an official visit to Bloemfontein in (i) December 2011 and (ii) January 2012; if so, in each case, what (aa) is the (aaa) name and (bbb) position of the specified official, (bb) was the (aaa) purpose and (bbb) date of such visit and (cc) was the cost of (aaa) transport, (bbb) accommodation and (ccc) other expenses? NW904E
REPLY
Bloemfontein has several major bases of the Defence Force, including a major base, and officials regularly visit all our bases in the course of their work.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 719
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether a critical safety failure led to the cessation in the disposal of ammunition in 2009; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether the SA National Defence Force has now resumed the disposal of ammunition; if not, why not; if so, what amount of ammunition was disposed of (a) in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011 and (b) since 1 January 2012;
(3) (a) what (i) type and (ii) quantity of ammunition must still be disposed of and (b) how long will it take to dispose of the specified ammunition? NW883E
REPLY
Operational matters of the South African National Defence (SANDF) will be discussed with the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) once it has satisfied provisions of section 199(8) of The Constitution, 1996.Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.: 718
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) How many Defence Offices does her department maintain (a) locally and (b) abroad;
(2) in each specified case, what (a) was the total cost and (b) the detailed breakdown of costs of each Defence Office (i) in the 2010-11 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? W882E
REPLY
The Honourable member is requested to explain what is meant by maintain. If what is meant by maintain is to keep in a proper state of repair, I would like to advise the Honourable member that this is done by the Department of Public Works.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 717
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr D J Stubbe (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether her department opened a new Defence Office in Cuba; if not, why not; if so, what is the (a) name and (b) rank of the military attaché, (c) how many staff support the military attaché and (d) what is the (i) total cost and (ii) detailed breakdown of such costs for opening the Defence Office;
(2) whether any (a) residences and (b) vehicles were acquired for the (i) military attaché and (ii) staff; if not, why not; if so, in each specified case, what kind of (aa)(aaa) residence and (bbb) vehicles and (bb) what was the total cost and (cc) what is the detailed breakdown of such costs;
(3) what is the purpose of the Defence Office in Cuba? NW881E
REPLY
(1) Yes.
(a) Colonel T.J. Majola.
(b) Colonel.
(c) One
(d) (i) R3,360,500.00
(ii) Item 10 (Foreign Service Dispensation):R800,000.00
Once off cost (Furniture and travel): R950,000.00
Operating Costs:R1,610,500.00
(2) (a) (i) Yes for military attaché.
(ii) No for support staff.
(aa) Residence is rented, according to the norm of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) for an estimate amount of R43,711.00 per month (depending of the foreign currency).
(aaa). No residence for supporting staff.
(b) (i) Yes for military attaché.
(ii) No for support staff.
(bb) Vehicle for the military attaché was acquired, a Toyota
Fortuner 3.0 (Manual) for the amount of R312,646.64).
(bbb) No vehicle was acquired for the staff.
(3) To strengthen the relationships between the South African and Cuba military with regard to Defence Industry, Military Medical co-operation and training.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 716
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
D J Stubbe (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
With reference to her reply to question 2011 on 6 October 2011, (a) at how many (i) international and (ii) domestic hotels/guest houses was she accommodated during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what (i) was the (aa) name, (bb) star rating and (cc) city location of each specified establishment, (ii) was the (aa) duration and (bb) purpose of the stay in each case and (iii)(aa) was the total cost of the accommodation and (bb) is the breakdown of the accommodation cost in each case? NW880E
REPLY
Common practise in the Defence environment is that when I am hosted by my counterpart accommodation is provided by the host. However, hotel accommodation is used is in the instance of a travel route requiring an overnight stay.
In instances where I have travelled as part of the President's delegation, accommodation is arranged by the Department of International Relation and Cooperation (DIRCO).
The information as it relates to overnight stays is still being collated by the Travel Agency and we await invoices from DIRCO for the international trips arranged by them. Once the information becomes available it will be forwarded to the Honourable member.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 703
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr D J Stubbe (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
With reference to her reply to question 1937 on 5 October 2011, (a) how many (i) international flights and (ii) domestic flights were undertaken by (aa) her and (bb) her deputy minister using (aaa) military aircraft, (bbb) chartered aircraft or (ccc) commercial aircraft during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) what class did she and her deputy minister travel in each case and (c) what amount did her department spend with regard to each specified flight? NW865E
REPLY
As a matter of principle, I travel commercial on international trips , I do not use chartered aircraft and travel on the South African Air force Aircraft (SAAF) on official business only. The amounts required will be forwarded to the Honourable member once they have been accessed from the travel agency.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 701
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether the Chief of the SA National Defence Force has used his procurement delegation (details furnished ) since 1 January 2009 for procurement outside the normal procurement process in cases of emergency; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, with regard to each specified contract, (a) what is the name of the company, (b) what was supplied, (c) to whom was it supplied and (d) on what date were the goods or services supplied? NW863E
REPLY
The only instance where emergency procurement has been required is for emergency operational purposes. The purpose being of an operational nature, the information will be made available to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence in line with section 199(8) of The Constitution, 1996.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 700
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether any goods and services were procured under the General Defence Account for the (a) SA Army, (b) SA Air Force, (c) SA Navy and (d) SA Military Health Service in 2011; if not, why not; if so, in respect of each specified contract with a value (i) between (aa) R500 000 and R1 000 000, (bb) R1 000 000 and R5 000 000 and (cc) R5 000 000 and R10 000 000 and (ii) greater than R10 000 000, what was the (aaa) the name of the company, (bbb) what was supplied, (ccc) to whom was it supplied and (ddd) on what date were the goods or services supplied? NW862E
REPLY
Yes. Goods and services were procured under the General Defence Account for the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy and SA Military Health Service in 2011. Detailed information requested in the question is attached as appendix A.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 699
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether any goods were procured under the General Defence Account in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011; if not, why not; if so, with regard to each specified contract with a value of (i) between (aa) R500 000 – R1 000 000, (bb) R1 000 000 – R5 000 000, (cc) R5 000 000 – R10 000 000 and (dd) and (ii) greater than R10 000 000, (aaa) what (aaaa) was the name of the company and (bbbb) was supplied, (bbb) to whom was it supplied and (ccc) on what date were the goods and services supplied in each case? NW861E
REPLY
Yes. Goods and services were procured under the General Defence Account for the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy and SA Military Health Service during the period referred to in the question. For detailed information, please refer to appendix A as attached.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 698
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether, with reference to the Auditor-General's report for 2010-11, any instances were identified where (a) supply chain management officials, (b) supply chain management role players and (c) persons whose close family members and partners and/or associates had a private or business interest in the contracts awarded, failed to disclose their interests or participated in the process related to the awarding of a contract contrary to the requirements of Treasury Note 16A8.4 (a) and (b); if not, in each specified case, why not; if so, in each specified case, (i) what (aa) is the name of the (aaa) official and (bbb) supplier, (bb) was supplied, (cc) was the value of the goods and services supplied and (dd) action was taken by her department in this regard? NW860E
REPLY
Yes. There were instances where provisions of the Treasury Note 16A8.4 (a) and (b) referred to in the question were contravened. The detailed information is being prepared for the Honourable member and will be forwarded.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 697
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether, with reference to the Auditor-General's report for 2010-11, any members of her department were found to have made awards to suppliers who did not declare their (a) employment by the State or (b) relationship with a person involved in the evaluation and adjudication of bids as required by Practice Note 7 of 2009/10; if not, in each specified case, why not; if so, in each specified case, what (i) is the name of supplier, (ii) was the value of the awards, (iii) was the name of the person who was involved in the evaluation and adjudication of bids and (iv) action was taken by her department in this regard? NW859E
REPLY
Dear Honourable member I have taken note of your three questions on the Auditor-General's report on procurement and contract management. I have already responded to question 698 on 17 April 2012 wherein I indicated that there were instances where provisions of the Treasury Note 16A8.4 (a) and (b) referred to in the question were contravened and that detailed information is being prepared for the Honourable member and will be forwarded. I undertake to do the same regarding this question once both the Portfolio Committee and I have been fully briefed on these matters.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 695
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether, with regard to the Report of the Auditor-General in the 2010-11 financial year, any cases were identified where senior managers did not disclose their business interests in respect of a service provider to (a) her department and (b) the executive authority as required in chapter 3(C1) of the Public Service Regulations; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what (i) is the name of the (aa) senior manager and (bb) service provider, (ii) was (aa) supplied and (bb) the value of the goods and services supplied and (iii) action was taken by her department? NW857E
REPLY
Yes. I have instructed my Department to provide me with detailed information regarding the cases referred to by the Auditor-General and I will provide feedback to the member once I have been fully briefed on the matter.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 694
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Ms D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether the (a) Chief of the SA National Defence Force, (b) service chiefs and (c) divisional chiefs disclosed their business interest (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 financial years and (ii) since 1 January 2012; if not, in each case, (aa) what is the name of the person, (bb) why were their business interests not disclosed and (cc) what action is being taken to ensure that business interests are disclosed; if so, in each case, (aaa) what is the name of the person and (bbb) what business interests did each disclose? NW856E
REPLY
Yes. The Chief of the SA National Defence Force, Service Chiefs and Divisional Chiefs have disclosed their business interests in 2009-10 and 2010-11 financial years. The financial disclosures for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 are in a process of being finalised.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 693
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Ms D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether any members of Armscor attended international defence shows (a) in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011 and (b) since 1 January 2012; if so, in each specified case, (i) how many defence shows, (ii) how many (aa) executive directors and (bb) non-executive directors attended the shows, (iii) what is the name of each specified (aa) executive director and (bb) non-executive director and (iv) what (aa) was the total cost and (bb) is the breakdown of costs for the (aaa) executive directors and (bbb) non-executive directors;
(2) what (a) was the (i) total cost and (ii) is the breakdown of costs incurred in each case and (b) what benefit to the public has she found was served by attending each show? NW855E
REPLY
Yes. ARMSCOR is mandated by the ARMSCOR Act to provide marketing support to the defence- related industry in respect of defence materiel, in consultation with the Department of Defence and the defence industry. In order to fulfil this mandate, ARMSCOR has, as one of its strategic objectives, prioritised support to the local defence industry because the local defence industry is critical to enable ARMSCOR to deliver the required services and equipment to the Department of Defence.
As part of its strategy to enhance and strengthen support for the local defence industry, ARMSCOR as an acquisition agency of the Department of Defence has signed an agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) to coordinate all international defence exhibitions on its behalf. In doing this, ARMSCOR has identified and participates in various international defence exhibitions, with a view to sustain capabilities in the defence industry to deliver the required services and equipment to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). International exhibitions also serve as a vehicle to promote the local defence industry, which is also in line with government initiatives for economic development and job creation.
Over and above the function of promoting the local defence-related industry, international defence exhibitions afford ARMSCOR an opportunity to forge relationships with similar organisations and to meet with suppliers to further discuss contractual issues and relationships. Of greater importance is the fact that international exhibitions offer an opportunity for exposure to the technology that is available and for determining the world trends and direction in technology development.
ARMSCOR Board members attend defence exhibitions on a rotational basis. This is to ensure that all Board members get exposure to the defence environment so that they may be better equipped to discharge their responsibilities, but most importantly to provide an opportunity for them to interact with the industry all at the same time.
The benefits of participating in such exhibitions are evident in the potential business realised by the local defence industry and the number of contracts that are signed as a result thereof. For ARMSCOR, the benefits include the following:
· Gaining experience and knowledge of worldwide defence industry technologies and trends
· Promoting and reinforcing ARMSCOR's position in the industry as the international gateway to the South African defence industry
· As the co- host of the AAD Show, it is important for ARMSCOR to attend other exhibitions in order to promote the AAD and invite and attract other countries to the AAD
· Supporting the government's national objectives of generating foreign exchange investment
· Creating good and sound stakeholder relationships with the industry and promoting the ARMSCOR brand
· ARMSCOR has strategic facilities within the ARMSCOR Defence Institutes that requires to be marketed at international exhibitions.
· Contributing towards the national BEE and SMME strategies.
The following are exhibitions that were coordinated and attended by ARMSCOR:
1. LAAD 2009
The exhibition took place in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil from 14 to 17 April 2009. Two Board members attended the exhibition. The total cost of the trip was R 197 928.
2. DSEI 2009
This exhibition took place in London, United Kingdom, from 8 to 11 September 2009. The exhibition was attended by Chairman of the Board and two Board members. The Management Board was represented by the CEO. The total cost for the trip was R 269 834.
3. LIMA 2009
The Acting CEO attended this exhibition, which was held at Langkawi, Malaysia, in December 2009 at the official invitation of the host country. Accommodation was arranged and paid for by the host country, whilst ARMSCOR paid for his travel expenses and S & T. The cost of the trip was R 59 106.
4. DSA 2010
This exhibition took place from 19 to 22 April 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Three Board members attended the exhibition. The Acting CEO represented Management Board. The total cost for the trip was R 264 143.
5. EUROSATORY 2010
This exhibition took place in France from 14 to 18 June 2010. One Board member and the Acting CEO attended the exhibition as official guests of France. The total cost for the trip was R114 410.
6. IDEX 2011
This exhibition was in Abu-Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates from 20 to 24 February 2011. Three members of the Board of Directors and the acting CEO attended the exhibition. The total cost for the trip was R 220 691.
7. LAAD 2011
This exhibition was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 14 to 17 April 2011. One member of the Board of Directors attended the exhibition. The total cost of the trip was R 76 226.
8. IDEF 2011
This exhibition was held in Turkey, Istanbul, from 10 to 13 May 2011. The ARMSCOR Board of Directors was represented by the Chairman and the Management Board by the Acting CEO, at the invitation of the Turkish government. The total cost for the trip was R 68 667.
9. DSEI 2011
This exhibition took place in London, Docklands, United Kingdom, from 13 to 16 September 2011. Four Board members and the Acting CEO attended the exhibition. The total cost of the trip was R 431 589.
10. Dubai 2011
The exhibition took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 13 – 17 November 2011. Three Board members and the Acting CEO attended the exhibition. The total cost of the trip was R 195 943.
11. LIMA 2011
The exhibition took place in Langkawi, Malaysia from 6 -10 December 2011. Two Board members and the Acting CEO attended the show. The total cost of the trip was R 216 189.
12. Defence and Security 2012
The exhibition took place in Bangkok, Thailand from 5- 8 March 2012. Three Board members attended the exhibition. The total cost of the trip was R 198 920.
Please refer appendix A and B for the detailed breakdown of the total cost provided above.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 693
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Ms D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether any members of Armscor attended international defence shows (a) in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011 and (b) since 1 January 2012; if so, in each specified case, (i) how many defence shows, (ii) how many (aa) executive directors and (bb) non-executive directors attended the shows, (iii) what is the name of each specified (aa) executive director and (bb) non-executive director and (iv) what (aa) was the total cost and (bb) is the breakdown of costs for the (aaa) executive directors and (bbb) non-executive directors;
(2) what (a) was the (i) total cost and (ii) is the breakdown of costs incurred in each case and (b) what benefit to the public has she found was served by attending each show? NW855E
REPLY
Yes. ARMSCOR is mandated by the ARMSCOR Act to provide marketing support to the defence- related industry in respect of defence materiel, in consultation with the Department of Defence and the defence industry. In order to fulfil this mandate, ARMSCOR has, as one of its strategic objectives, prioritised support to the local defence industry because the local defence industry is critical to enable ARMSCOR to deliver the required services and equipment to the Department of Defence.
As part of its strategy to enhance and strengthen support for the local defence industry, ARMSCOR as an acquisition agency of the Department of Defence has signed an agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) to coordinate all international defence exhibitions on its behalf. In doing this, ARMSCOR has identified and participates in various international defence exhibitions, with a view to sustain capabilities in the defence industry to deliver the required services and equipment to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). International exhibitions also serve as a vehicle to promote the local defence industry, which is also in line with government initiatives for economic development and job creation.
Over and above the function of promoting the local defence-related industry, international defence exhibitions afford ARMSCOR an opportunity to forge relationships with similar organisations and to meet with suppliers to further discuss contractual issues and relationships. Of greater importance is the fact that international exhibitions offer an opportunity for exposure to the technology that is available and for determining the world trends and direction in technology development.
ARMSCOR Board members attend defence exhibitions on a rotational basis. This is to ensure that all Board members get exposure to the defence environment so that they may be better equipped to discharge their responsibilities, but most importantly to provide an opportunity for them to interact with the industry all at the same time.
The benefits of participating in such exhibitions are evident in the potential business realised by the local defence industry and the number of contracts that are signed as a result thereof. For ARMSCOR, the benefits include the following:
· Gaining experience and knowledge of worldwide defence industry technologies and trends
· Promoting and reinforcing ARMSCOR's position in the industry as the international gateway to the South African defence industry
· As the co- host of the AAD Show, it is important for ARMSCOR to attend other exhibitions in order to promote the AAD and invite and attract other countries to the AAD
· Supporting the government's national objectives of generating foreign exchange investment
· Creating good and sound stakeholder relationships with the industry and promoting the ARMSCOR brand
· ARMSCOR has strategic facilities within the ARMSCOR Defence Institutes that requires to be marketed at international exhibitions.
· Contributing towards the national BEE and SMME strategies.
The following are exhibitions that were coordinated and attended by ARMSCOR:
1. LAAD 2009
The exhibition took place in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil from 14 to 17 April 2009. Two Board members attended the exhibition. The total cost of the trip was R 197 928.
2. DSEI 2009
This exhibition took place in London, United Kingdom, from 8 to 11 September 2009. The exhibition was attended by Chairman of the Board and two Board members. The Management Board was represented by the CEO. The total cost for the trip was R 269 834.
3. LIMA 2009
The Acting CEO attended this exhibition, which was held at Langkawi, Malaysia, in December 2009 at the official invitation of the host country. Accommodation was arranged and paid for by the host country, whilst ARMSCOR paid for his travel expenses and S & T. The cost of the trip was R 59 106.
4. DSA 2010
This exhibition took place from 19 to 22 April 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Three Board members attended the exhibition. The Acting CEO represented Management Board. The total cost for the trip was R 264 143.
5. EUROSATORY 2010
This exhibition took place in France from 14 to 18 June 2010. One Board member and the Acting CEO attended the exhibition as official guests of France. The total cost for the trip was R114 410.
6. IDEX 2011
This exhibition was in Abu-Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates from 20 to 24 February 2011. Three members of the Board of Directors and the acting CEO attended the exhibition. The total cost for the trip was R 220 691.
7. LAAD 2011
This exhibition was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 14 to 17 April 2011. One member of the Board of Directors attended the exhibition. The total cost of the trip was R 76 226.
8. IDEF 2011
This exhibition was held in Turkey, Istanbul, from 10 to 13 May 2011. The ARMSCOR Board of Directors was represented by the Chairman and the Management Board by the Acting CEO, at the invitation of the Turkish government. The total cost for the trip was R 68 667.
9. DSEI 2011
This exhibition took place in London, Docklands, United Kingdom, from 13 to 16 September 2011. Four Board members and the Acting CEO attended the exhibition. The total cost of the trip was R 431 589.
10. Dubai 2011
The exhibition took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 13 – 17 November 2011. Three Board members and the Acting CEO attended the exhibition. The total cost of the trip was R 195 943.
11. LIMA 2011
The exhibition took place in Langkawi, Malaysia from 6 -10 December 2011. Two Board members and the Acting CEO attended the show. The total cost of the trip was R 216 189.
12. Defence and Security 2012
The exhibition took place in Bangkok, Thailand from 5- 8 March 2012. Three Board members attended the exhibition. The total cost of the trip was R 198 920.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.: 692
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Ms D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether any member of the Armscor Board withdrew from participation in procurement or acquisition in terms of Section 14 (1)(b) of the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, Limited Act, Act 51 of 2003, (a) in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011 and (b) since 1 January 2012; if not, in each specified case, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each specified case, (aa) what is the name of the member, (bb) on what date and (cc) what are the relevant details concerning the withdrawal of the member?
NW854E
REPLY:
The details required in the question are attached as Appendix A.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO.: 691
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mrs D A Schäfer (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether any member of the Armscor Board made disclosures in terms of section 14(1)(a) of the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, Limited Act, Act 51 of 2003, (a) in (i) 2009, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2011 and (b) since 1 January 2012; if not, in each specified case, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each specified case, (aa) what is the name of the member, (bb) on what date was the disclosure made and (cc) what are the relevant details in each case concerning the conflict of interest? NW853E
REPLY:
The information required in the question is attached as Appendix A.
Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 689
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mrs D A Schäfer (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether any members of (a) the SA Army, (b) the SA Air Force, (c) the SA Navy, (d) the SA Military Health Services and (e) any other specified formation have been charged with an offence under the (i) civilian criminal code and/or (ii) military disciplinary code (aa) in 2009, (bb) in 2010, (cc) in 2011 and (dd) since 1 January 2012; if so, in each specified type of offence, (aaa) how many members have been charged, (bbb) how many cases have been completed, (ccc) how many cases are pending and (ddd) how many cases resulted in a conviction? NW851E
REPLY
Please refer to the table attached for the information requested.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO.: 678
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mr K S Mubu (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether her department has received any correspondence from a certain person (name and details furnished), if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what (a) was the (i) nature and (ii) content of the correspondence and (b) action has her department taken? NW838E
REPLY I am not at liberty to divulge details of correspondence written to my department.Reply received: May 2012
QUESTION NO.: 690
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 MARCH 2012
Mrs D A Schäfer (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether any cases of financial misconduct have been reported in her department (a) in the (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11 financial years and (b) since 1 January 2012; if not, why not; if so, in each specified case, how many (aa) reported and (bb) finalised cases of financial misconduct were there in each year;
(2) whether any member was charged with respect to each specified (a) reported and (b) finalised case of financial misconduct; if not, why not; if so, (i) what is the name of the person charged, (ii) what was the person charged with, (iii) why was the person charged with that offence, (iv) what amount of money was involved and (v) what is the current status of the case;
(3) whether her department has any measures in place to prevent financial misconduct; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW852E
REPLY
(1) Yes.
(a) (i) (aa); (bb) Refer to attached Appendix A
(ii) (aa); (bb) Refer to attached Appendix B
(b) Since 1 January 2012 (2011-12) (Refer to the attached Appendix C)
(aa) 23 reported.
(bb) 0 finalised.
(2) Members charged (Refer to the attached Appendix A, B, C)
(a) 15 reported.
(b) 10 finalised.
(3) Yes, measures in place to prevent financial misconduct include the following:
(a) To show that we have adopted a zero tolerance attitude to all forms of corruption and fraud, in 2011 we reviewed the Departments Anti-Corruption and Fraud Prevention Strategy which was promulgated in 2001 in order to:
· put in place mechanisms that will deal with corruption and fraud effectively;
· ensure the safeguarding and protection of the department's assets; and
· promote ethical behaviour among staff.
(b) At a Ministerial session held early this year we agreed that DOD assets are the responsibility of commanders at all levels and this responsibility must be included in their performance agreements.
(c) In order to ensure the successful implementation of the strategy structures like the Military Justice system, Military Police and the Inspector General have been mobilised and capacitated.
(d) We also hosted information and educational road shows to inform personnel about the strategy and create awareness on what constitutes corrupt and fraudulent behaviour and consequences thereof. Further, personnel was encouraged to report all incidents of financial misconduct to the Directorate Anti - Corruption and Fraud for further investigation.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 513
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 MARCH 2012
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether Operation Corona to safeguard the border is proceeding as planned; if not, (a) why not and (b) what challenges have been faced with regard to the operation; if so, what are the relevant details? NW661E
REPLY
Yes. Operation Corona is proceeding as planned and has been successful in safeguarding the borders and helping the state agencies to reduce and curb incidences of crime. There is no doubt that we are succeeding in ensuring the territorial integrity of the Republic of South Africa in terms of the land and maritime borders as well as Air Space integrity.
In line with our phased approach, phase one has been successfully executed and it covered the South Africa/Zimbabwe border line. We also prioritised the Mozambique borderline for the reason that they are the most porous and the threat especially to our endangered species, the rhinos.Phase two has commenced and is proceeding as planned. This deployment will see the SANDF deployed on the Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho international borders.
Phase three will commenceon 01 April 2012 and will focus on the Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho international borders.
Our success stories include the following:
§ In the last 18 months we have recovered 76 stolen vehicles.
§ Live stock recovered has recorded one thousand four hundred and thirty five (1435) in total. A real relief to those farming communities along the borders.
§ Narcotics confiscated have, so far, weighed 8. 365 tons.
§ Contrabands confiscated are valued at R81.5m.
§ The number of illegal immigrants apprehended has reached thirty five thousand one hundred and twenty four (35 124). Genuine refugees are diverted to declare themselves at the border posts.
§ Illegal smuggling of weapons has been reduced and we confiscated 19 illegal weapons.
§ We confiscated 56kg of our precious metals (copper and gold) stolen, which could have otherwise found their way to the black market. We have reduced the incentive for stealing as there will no longer be a market for these. This will contribute positively to our economy which took a nock from copper theft, for an example.
§ Our South African National Defence Force (SANDF) together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), were tasked to secure the 2010 World Cup Soccer Tournament. This was executed with distinction.
§ We have managed to close up syndicates involved in Rhino poaching. In my reply to the National Assembly on 29 February 2012, I shared with House a compliment from Minister Molewa, one of our stakeholders as Minister of Environmental and Environmental Affairs. She wrote "Dear Comrade Lindi, I have been suspecting that we have an inside job in this rhino poaching matter. My suspicion has turned true. I wish to thank you and the Special Task force that is deployed in the Kruger National Park, over and above the border patrol team. Our appreciation is due to them that today we arrested five of our employees for killing two rhinos to steal their horns".
Furthermore, appropriate action was taken by the Minister internally against those involved and that this matter has been given over to the police.It is success stories such as these that give us pride for taking a decision to go back to our borders and safeguard our border line.
The SANDF is fulfilling its mandate not only with distinction but with humility as well. In areas where it is deployed, soldiers helped local communities with building and renovations of their infrastructure, houses, schools and so forth.
Our regular assessments carried out and feedback from the communities we serve and our stakeholders indicate that we have made substantial difference along the border line since Operation Corona started.Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO.: 482
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 2 MARCH 2012
Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether she met with the internal audit committee in the (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12 financial years; if not, why not; if so, (i) on which dates did they meet and (ii) what are the further relevant details? NW631E
REPLY
Audit Committees report to the Accounting Officers, i.e. the Directors-General, the Secretary for Defence in our case. The Audit Committee reports to the Secretary for Defence on a regular basis. I meet with the Audit Committee when I have cause to or if the Audit Committee itself requests such a meeting.
To assist the Minister deal with the audit problems of the Department, the Minister met with the Auditor General's office five times in 2010 and appointed a compliance unit to liaise with the Audit Committee.
By 2012 the system and policy for a clean audit had been established and a general meeting consisting of Chiefs of Services, the Auditor General's office and the Chair of the Audit Committee meet regularly. These meetings have now taken place twice.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO.: 389
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 2 MARCH 2012
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether the Government intends enabling shipmasters to relinquish command to the protection force commander on board during an attack; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether military conventions in terms of which the shipmaster is required to remain on the bridge and in control of the ship will be amended to better defend a ship under attack; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW347E
REPLY
(1)The Department of Defence is subject to the United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea adopted at Montego Bay on 10 December 1982 and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. Master of Foreign merchant vessels and South African merchant vessel always remain in command of his/her vessel, at all times, and remain subjected to the domestic laws of the Flag State and international conventions and customary law. Placing Vessel Protection Elements/ Detachments (VPD) on board merchant ships is currently not a South African doctrine.
(2) The South African Government does not have the mandate to amend international law and custom. A master of his/her ship remains always in control/command of his/her ship. There is no conflict between security forces acting in their law enforcement capacity and or defending others and that of the functions of command and control of the master and his/her vessel.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION 58/2012
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 March 2012
Internal question paper no: 04
370. Mrs N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Whether any same-sex couples have adopted any children in the period (a) 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011 and (b) during the period 1 January 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, how many applications were (i) received and (ii) approved in each year? NW457E
REPLY:
The Department of Social Development does allow the adoption of children by same sex couples, provided they have met all the requirements as prospective adoptive parents in terms of Section 231(1)(a)(ii) of the Children's Act, 38 of 2005.
The department registers all adoptions finalised in South Africa and keep records of all children adopted and all adoptive parents in the Adoption Register. However, the registration of adoptions in the Adoption Register is currently not done according to the adoptive parents' sexual orientation and status. The Department is currently in the process of upgrading the Adoption Register which will include all categories of adoptive parents as outlined in Section 231(1) of the Children's Act.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 363
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether any backup aircraft have been used to support the transporting of (a) the Deputy President and (b) any other Ministers since they assumed office; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each specified case, (i) what type of aircraft was used, (ii) what was the (aa) date and (bb) place of (aaa) departure and (bbb) arrival and (iii) what (aa) was the total cost and (bb) is the breakdown of such costs;
(2) whether she is conducting an investigation into the matter; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW450E
REPLY
(1) (a) No.(b) No
(2) No
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO.: 362
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
Whether she is conducting an investigation into the transport and back-up transport of the President to the United States of America in January 2012; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW449E
REPLY
No. The Chief of the Air force has satisfactorily briefed me on this matter.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION 57/2012
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 March 2012
Internal question paper no: 04
340. Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Whether she intends establishing a complaints framework, to deal with all social security issues; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW422E
REPLY:
The Department of Social Development already has a dedicated customer care management unit in place which deals with all Social Development related complaints.
Further, the South African Social Security Agency has both a call centre system with a toll free number and a Customer Care Unit. The Unit deals with queries related to the reconsideration of a decision made by the Agency. It has a national footprint and deals with complaints related to grant applications. Most of the social grants pay points have helpdesks where applicants and beneficiaries can also complain about the service delivery challenges they may experience. If beneficiaries are unhappy about a decision by SASSA they can appeal directly to my Office as Minister for Social Development. An Independent Tribunal will then adjudicate on the correctness or otherwise of a decision of SASSA where such a decision may have adversly affected a beneficiary's right of access to a social grant.
The complaints structures function within the framework of adopted policies, strategies and programmes. The complaints management structure receives all complaints directed to the offices of the Minister, the Director-General and the CEO fo SASSA. It further also deals with the referrals from the Presidential Hotline.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION 339
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 March 2012
Internal question paper no: 04
339. Mr S C Motau (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Whether she intends placing conditions on the paying of child support grants; if not, why not; if so, (a) what would the conditions be, (b) how would these conditions be implemented, (c) will they be punitive or incentive conditions and (d) when will these conditions be implemented? NW421E
REPLY:
No further conditions are envisaged as the Social Assistance Act of 2004 and the Regulations to the Act already contain both administrative and behavioral conditions for eligibility for the child support grants.
(a) The conditions currently in place provide for administrative compliance and for school attendance;
(b) The conditions are being implimented in that the caregivers of children accessing the CSG or who apply for the grant are obliged to confirm to the Department that children have been enrolled for and are attending school. The Department has entered into an agreement with the Department of Basic Education to ensure a regular exchange of statistics related to school enrolment and attendance of CSG beneficiaries. This cooperation is not without challenges but progress is being made.
(c) These conditions are not punitive as the Constitution provide for the right of access to social security without necessarily providing for a condition of school attendance. The School Act however does make school attendance compulsory and government wants to ensure that the developmental measures of social grants and school attendance are implemented.
(d) These conditions have been implemented with the amended Regulations of 2009 of the Social Assistance Act, 2004. We are now focusing on improving adherence to the conditions.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO.: 287
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†
(1) Whether she has held an inquiry into a pilot of the air force who allegedly seized an airplane, took a fuel credit card from 21 Squadron and flew to Botswana; if not, why not; if so, (a) on which date, (b) when did the incident take place and (c) what was the outcome of the investigation;
(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW365E
REPLY
(1) Honourable Member, I must state that we view this incident in a very serious light and as a serious breach of security. The officer involved has accordingly been charged.
(a) The Officer Commanding the unit involved convened a Board of Inquiry on 16 February 2012.
(b) The incident took place on 12 January 2012.
(c) The Board of Inquiry has not concluded its work.
(2) No.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO.: 278
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 FEBRUARY 2012
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether the Government intends to use the resource potential of the private sector to (a) deal with piracy, (b) maintain the security of tourists and (c) safeguard merchant shipping as employment creation opportunities; if not, what are the obstacles in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;
(2) whether she will introduce amending legislation to provide for such use of the private sector; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW346E
REPLY
(1) The South African National Defence Force currently has no plans to utilise the resource potential of the private sector to deal with the piracy, maintain the security of tourists or safeguard merchant ships. The situation has not arisen for the SANDF to embark on such plans.
The matter of piracy is dealt with as part of the South African Defence Act and remains the responsibility of the State and regional/continental (SADC/AU) bodies with the requisite authority to deal with piracy. In this regard the recently adopted SADC Maritime Security Strategy (MSS) and the yet to be adopted AU 2050 African Integrated Maritime Security Strategy (2050-AIMS) speaks directly to an integrated approach in dealing with piracy.
The security of tourists within South African sovereign territory (including the territorial and contiguous sea) remains the responsibility of the relevant Departments of State within the RSA. This includes the SAPS and other constitutional entities, such as the SANDF. The security of South African tourists onboard passenger vessels, on the high seas, remains the responsibility of the Flag State in which the particular vessel is registered.
The security of merchant shipping on the high seas remains the responsibility of the particular Flag State. South Africa will be guided by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regarding the deployment of Vessel Protection Detachments (either military or civilian) onboard merchant vessels.
(2) Since there has not been a decision taken on the use of the private sector, there is no basis for the introduction of legislative amendments.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO.: 277
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 FEBRUARY 2012
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether any vessels have been attacked in international waters as far south as off the coast of Durban; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any efforts are being made to amend maritime law to better deal with attacks on merchant ships; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW345E
REPLY
(1) No vessels have been attacked by pirates in international waters off the coast of Durban.
(2) South African domestic law has proven to be far-sighted. The relevant sections of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), pertaining to the issue of piracy, were included in the Defence Act of 2002 and legislation therefore does not require any changes. South Africa was instrumental in the formulation of the regional strategy and we will continue to do so to ensure that challenges are dealt with in an integrated manner.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION 264
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 March 2012
Internal question paper no: 04
264. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
How many (a) persons are currently receiving disability grants and (b) of these beneficiaries are infected with (i) HIV and (ii) tuberculosis (TB)? NW270E
REPLY:
(a) As at the 31 January 2012, SASSA had a total of 1,194,579 disability grant beneficiaries (Permanent Disability Grants = 951 022; Temporary Disability grants = 243 557).
(b) (i) & (ii) SASSA does not to capture the medical condition that may have resulted in a person's disability. We are therefore unable to report on the number of beneficiaries who are infected with HIV and tuberculosis. This is one of the limitations that we intend addressing for policy development purposes.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION 224
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012
Internal question paper no: 02
224. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Whether her department owes money for services rendered to certain persons (names and details furnished); if so, in each case, (a) on what dates was payments due in each case and (b) what are the reasons for the delay? NW245E
REPLY:
Yes, the Department did owe monies to Ms Natalie du Toit, Ms Nellie Engelbrecht and Ms Silvia Swartland for services rendered.
(a) Payments were made on 8 February 2012.
(b) The Department had to ensure that it complied with all its Supply Chain Management procedures before payments could be effected to the relevant service providers.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 124
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr M A Mncwango (IFP) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) What is the current operational readiness of the (a) frigates (i) SAS Mendi and (ii) SAS Amatola and (b) submarines (i) SAS Manthatisi, (ii) SAS CHARLOTTE MAXEKE and (iii) SAS QUEEN MODJADJI;
(2) (a) what are the full reasons why any of these vessels are out of service and (b) for what time period has each specified vessel been out of service;
(3) what is the current operational readiness of the SA Navy? NW133E
REPLY
Dear Honourable member, it is a pity you missed out of the Naval Festival where you would have seen a splendid display of our capability.(1) (a)(i) The frigate SAS MENDI is within the planned operational cycle. She is currently in Simon's Town having returned from a four month deployment in the Mozambique Channel as part of the implementation of the approved SADC Maritime Security Strategy and the tri-lateral agreements between the RSA, Mozambique and Tanzania. On completion of this assignment the SAS MENDI returned to Simon's Town and her crew is currently enjoying operational leave. In accordance with the Maintenance Upkeep Plan SAS MENDI will be entering an extended maintenance period in May 2012. Such scheduled maintenance periods always require the use of the dry dock to enable standard maintenance on the hull.
(a)(ii) The frigate SAS AMATOLA is operationally available and is currently conducting work-up training in preparation for her participation in Exercise GOOD HOPE V with the German Naval Forces. She has also been identified for a deployment to the Eastern Cape as required for the official opening of the Port of Ngqura on the 16 March 2012.
(b)(i) The submarine SAS 'MANTHATISI is presently still in reserve as was reported to the Portfolio Committee on Defence on the 17 November 2010. A complete new battery has been ordered and will be delivered towards the latter part of the year. This submarine is now also serving as the "first in class" to be scheduled for a planned refit; whilst establishing an indigenous and in-house refit capability.
(b)(ii)The submarine SAS CHARLOTTE MAXEKE is fully operational and serves within the planned operational cycle for this type of vessel. This submarine and her sister-submarine, the SAS QUEEN MODJADJI 1, have exceeded the expectations wrt their availability and utilisation for operational utilisation.
(b)(iii)The submarine SAS QUEEN MODJADJI 1 is fully operational and serves within the planned operational cycle for this type of vessel. Furthermore, SAS QUEEN MODJADJI 1 is currently undertaking Force Preparation Training in anticipation of her participation in Exercise GOOD HOPE V with the German Naval Forces off the Southern Cape coast. This will involve extensive anti-submarine warfare exercises at sea with both South African and German Naval Forces.
(2) (a) None of the vessels, excluding the submarine SAS 'MATHATISI, are presently "out of service". They are all being managed within the approved SA Navy Maintenance and Upkeep Programme (MUP) and as part of the Short and medium term Force Employment Plan. All issues regarding the SAS 'MANTHATISI have been reported extensively and she will in due course once again provide our country with valuable service at sea, whilst the next submarine will enter a refit phase.
(b) The only vessel that has been classified as being in Reserve ("out of service") has been the SAS "MANTHATISI. She has been held in reserve since October 2007 but serves as a platform for training and for planning of maintenance, repair and refit (overhaul) purposes. Her new batteries have been ordered and will arrive in country later this year.
(3) The information required by the Honourable Member is classified and the state of readiness referred to will be discussed at the meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD). This is a Constitutional provision and clearly articulated in the Defence Review of 1998, adopted by Parliament as the policy of the Defence Force.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO.: 5
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:
(1) Whether she has been informed of the signboard at the headquarters of the Infantry School which reads The Kremlin; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,
(2) Whether any steps have been or will be taken to remove this signboard; if not, why not; if so, what steps;
(3) Whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW6E
REPLY
(1) Yes.
(2) Dear Honourable member, how history comes back to haunt us is very evident here! For your information this is how the Infantry School gained its name: "The Infantry School was established on 01 October 1964 and opened its doors on 01 January 1964. Until 1968 the majority of learners attending learning programmes at the Infantry School were members of what was termed 'the ballot system', which meant that they were young white males who been randomly selected from the broader population to undergo military training. "In 1968 the system was changed, and all white males were called up for military service. Initially, the leader group served for a period of nine months and other ranks were called up for a period of three months. In 1972, National Service was extended to twelve months and in the late 1970s to 24 months. "Because of the nature of the politics of the day, the white conscript exhibited a specific and approach to life, and like youth across the world, was energetic and enterprising. "At about this time, the United Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was regarded as "the enemy", and the Kremlin, the USSR Parliament, represented all that was evil and wrong about the world – strict discipline, unwavering control and unimaginable suffering – everything that the conscript felt he was enduring at the Infantry School during training. In typical soldier style, the headquarters became known in everyday talk as "The Kremlin", reflecting the suffering which the conscript felt he was enduring. And the students in turn were very proud that they had passed the toughest test. They had survived the Kremlin and the Infantry School Instructors. The nickname has stuck and has had consequence that the use of the name is now official!The decision on the name change was communicated through the local Oudtshoorn newspapers and non-print media in November 2011.
Further, the name change has been accepted by the relevant command structures within the South African National Defence (SANDF), namely, the Chief of the Army (C Army) and the Chief of the SANDF (CSANDF).
(3) No.