Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs

2012-12-31

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Reply received: December 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO: 3438

Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) With reference to his reply to question 2613 on 5 November 2012, what is the relevance of the Labour Relations Act, Act 66 of 1995, in light of the fact that the specified person had been convicted of murder;

(2) whether he has requested reasons from the North West Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for Local Government and Traditional Affairs why he did not immediately intervene to ensure the removal of the said person; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether he has received the other responses from the MEC; if not, when does he intend to report the matter to Cabinet; if so, what were his responses to the unanswered questions?

REPLY:

(1) In response to question 2613, reference was made to Item 3 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors which stipulates the process that must be embarked upon for the removal of a councillor, and which must be conducted in accordance with a uniform standing procedure which each municipal council must adopt for the purposes of this item.

As the Honourable Member had also advised that an official was also convicted together with the office-bearer, reference was therefore made to the Labour Relations Act No. 66 of 1995.

(2) Yes.

The Minister has requested the MEC, in terms of section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act, to investigate this matter.

The Minister has not received a response to the above-mentioned request. It should be further noted that section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act provides that where an MEC fails to conduct an investigation within 90 days, the Minister may then conduct such investigation.

The Minister is therefore awaiting the response from the office of the MEC, whereafter, further appropriate action will be instituted.

(3) Yes.

A copy of a letter dated 11 September 2012 from the MEC to the Executive Mayor was received (refer attached). While in the letter the MEC requests the Executive Mayor to submit a report in this regard within three days, the Province has still not received the envisaged report.

Reply received: December 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 3426

Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Whether (a) his department and/or (b) any entity reporting to him sponsored any (i) event and (ii) promotion hosted by The New Age newspaper since its establishment; if so, in each case, (aa) what was the nature of the event or promotion, (bb) on which date was it held, (cc) what amount was paid, (dd) for what purpose, (ee) from which budget were the funds derived, (ff) what were the expected benefits to his department and (gg) what actual benefits were derived from the sponsorship? NW4345E

Reply:

(a) The Department of Cooperative Governance has not sponsored any event or promotion hosted by The New Age newspaper since its establishment

(b) (i) The South African Cities Network and Municipal Demarcation Board have not sponsored any event or promotion hosted by The New Age newspaper since its establishment.

(ii) The South African Local Government Association has participated in one (1) promotion hosted by The New Age newspaper since its establishment.

(aa) The New Age / Morning Live business briefing to host SALGA Chairperson.

(bb) 22 October 2012

(cc) R32 088.15

(dd) Paid for table at New Age/Morning Live business briefing to profile SALGA, the briefing was attended by the Mayor of Joburg, Mayor of Cape Town and the SALGA Chairperson.

(ee) SALGA's Administration Budget (Advertising and promotions)

(ff) Representation and promotion of Local Government as a whole.

(gg) Represent and promote Local Government Sector (All Municipalities).

Reply received: December 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 3322

Mr M E George (Cope) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Whether his department (a) received and (b) acted upon a certain forensic report (details furnished) recommending that the eThekwini Municipality should investigate contracts awarded to certain contractors (names and details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) on what date did he receive the report and (ii) what steps has his department taken to (aa) implement the recommendations and (bb) institute criminal procedures? NW4214E

RESPONSE:

a. No

b. No. It is incumbent upon the commissioning authority to act on the recommendations of any investigation report that it has commissioned.

Reply received: November 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 3257

Mr N D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

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

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

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

(4) whether any independent studies of said advertisements were conducted to ascertain whether they were effective within the relevant target market; if not, why not; if so, (a) who conducted the analysis and (b) what were the main (i) findings and (ii) recommendations of said analysis? NW4146E

REPLY:

1. No.

The entities reporting to the Minister, which are South African Local Government Association, Municipal Demarcation Board and South African Cities Network have not placed an advertisement in the New Age since the inception of the newspaper.

2. No.

The entities did not engage GCIS because no advertisement was placed in the New Age newspaper.

3. The question is not applicable.

4. The question is not applicable.

Reply received: November 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 3183

Mr E H Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

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

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

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

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

Reply:

Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs

1. Yes

(a) One (1) subscription of twenty two (22) copies per day

(b) 1 October 2011

(d) For research and media monitoring purposes

2. No

3. No

4. (a)(i) and (ii) No

(b)(i) and (ii) No

Reply received: November 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 3155

Mr J H Steenhuisen (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether he has undertaken any official overseas trip since his appointment in 2011; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many and (b) in each case, what was the (i) destination, (ii) purpose, (iii) duration and (iv) cost with regard to (aa) each mode of transportation, (bb) accommodation, (cc) entertainment and (dd) specified additional expenses;

(2) whether he has used a chartered aircraft for any of the specified trips; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3993E

REPLY:

1. NO

Having newly been appointed in 2011, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs had to give priority to pressing domestic situations in the area of service delivery, and therefore overseas engagements where delegated to the Deputy Minister

2. Not Applicable

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER: 3079

Mr D C Smiles (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether he has been informed of the contents of the Kabuso Report detailing an investigation into financial and other irregularities within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will he study the report;

(2) whether he has taken any action against (a) individuals and/or (b) companies against whom a prima facie case of wrongdoing has been made in the report; if not, why not; if so, (i) against which (aa) individuals and/or (bb) companies and (ii) what action has been (aa) recommended and/or (bb) taken in each case? NW3904E

Reply:

1) No. The Minister has not been informed of the Kabuso Report.

a. The Minister has not commissioned the investigation and therefore was not expecting to be informed before the Commissioning Authority releases the report.

b. The Minister is concerned with the financial irregularities in municipalities, as they impact negatively on service delivery. The department will monitor the implementation of actions by the Commissioning Authority as per the recommendations in the report, upon its release.

2) No. Even if the Minister were informed of the contents of the report, the Minister cannot, as an Executing Authority, assume the role of the judiciary.

Reply received: November 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 3014

Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Whether the accounting officer submitted the annual financial statements for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 to him by 31 August 2012; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what date (i) were the statements submitted to him and (ii) did he submit the annual report and financial statements to Parliament? NW3781E

Reply:

(a) The financial statements were submitted to the Minister, as required by statute.

(b) (i) These were submitted on 20 July 2012.

(ii) The Annual Report for the 2011/12 financial year was submitted together with the Financial Statements to parliament on 30 August 2012 and it was tabled in Parliament on 9 October 2012.

Reply received: December 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2921

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Whether there is any Treasury regulation upon which a certain official of a certain municipality (name and details furnished) who has been arrested on two murder charges since July 2012 may rely to continue drawing his monthly salary whilst in prison; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the relevant Treasury regulation on such matters? NW3601E

REPLY:

No.

The Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 1998 (Act No. 20 of 1998) provides for the Minister to annually determine the upper limits of the remuneration that is paid to councillors.

In terms of the principles of Constitutional and criminal justice, an accused is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Item 4 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors provides that a councillor who is absent from three or more consecutive meetings of council or committees of council, must be removed. However, a council is entitled to grant leave of absence in keeping with its Standing Rules and Orders.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER: 2904

2904. Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether the Mayor of the Rustenburg Municipality (details furnished) will be released of his duties as counsellor; if not, why not; if so, when;

(2) (a) how much has been paid out in allowances to the said person since his conviction and (b) what steps will be taken to recover such irregular payments from him or the municipal manager? NW3580E

Reply:

(1) There is no question about the Mayor having to relinquish his duties because there is no case against him.

(2) If any information is required about other councillors, we will provide such answers.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER: 2874

2874. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Whether he intends introducing any legislative proposals in Parliament to enhance (a) oversight and (b) accountability on local government level; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3548E

Reply:

The minister will always introduce new legislation aimed at improving oversight and accountability of the different spheres of government including local government.

We are currently working on different pieces of legislation and regulations aimed at strengthening and streamlining intervention in municipalities that the failing to carry out their mandates. These will be tabled in parliament in due course.

Reply received: November 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2843

Mr J H Steenhuisen (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: (MISA)

What is the (a) budgetary cost of setting up the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA), (b) staff composition in respect of (i) senior managers, (ii) middle managers, (iii) lower managers and (iv) support staff and (c) salary level of the specified positions? NO3514E

Reply:

(a) The budgetary cost of setting up MISA which includes establishment costs, institutional development costs, management and back office human resources and enablement costs for the financial year 2012/13 is R43.8 million.

(b) Staff composition

According to the approved structure the full staff composition of MISA is as follows:

Staff Composition	Salary Level	Number of Positions
a. Senior Management	L16 to L13	14
b. Middle Management	L12 to L11	10
c. Junior Management	L10 to L9	10
d. Support Staff	L8 and below	35

Note: Most of the senior posts up to 110 are those for technical experts in the form of directors

(The table above responds to part (b) and (c) of the question).

Reply received: November 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2835

Mrs W J Nelson (ANC) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Whether he would consider going into discussions with (a) the Office of the Auditor-General as well as (b) National Treasury to make management letters available to MECs, in order for them to assist municipalities to put corrective measures in place in view of the quest for clean audits by 2014; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NO3354E

Reply:

Given that Audit Management Letters contain confidential information affecting the institution being audited, the appropriate thing to be done is for an interested party, including an MEC, to directly approach municipalities (rather than the Office of the Auditor-General) with a request for access to the Municipal Audit Management Letter. In turn, they must undertake to safeguard confidential information contained therein.

Reply received: November 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2834

2834. Mr T Bonhomme (ANC) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [ê277] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because in excess of quota [Rule 108(8)]]

What are the reasons for the Government's nonpayment of its debts to municipalities in the Western Cape? NW3352E

REPLY:

The matter came to our attention on receipt of the question, however, we have since started the process of internal investigations on these debts to municipalities. Our focus on this matter, is based on providing a profile of all the Provinces.

We have already approached municipalities that are in our list of being owed sums of money for them to provide detailed debtor profiles.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER: 2754

Ms C K K Mosimane (Cope) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) With reference to the Auditor-General's report on municipalities, what measures were put in place against (a) misappropriation, (b) corruption and (c)(i) unauthorised, (ii) irregular and/or (iii) wasteful expenditure;

(2) whether he will take punitive action against officials without prejudice; if not, why the delay in intervention; if so, what timeframes are in place to restore order? NW3400E

Reply:

1) No measures were put in place regarding matters raised. The matters raised are outside the purview of the department. Section 32 of the MFMA places the responsibility of all the issues mentioned on the political office bearers and or the Accounting Officer of the municipality that has incurred the expenses.

2) Section 32(2) of the MFMA provides that a municipality must recover any expenditure incurred in the manner described above, from the person that was liable unless if that expenditure was authorized through processes detailed in section 32(2)(a-b). The Minister cannot take any action that is inconsistent with the law.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER: 2753

Ms C K K Mosimane (Cope) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) With reference to the status of hiring at local municipalities, (a) what is the level of (i) skilled and (ii) unskilled capacity and (b) what steps he intends taking in respect of the disparities between skilled and unskilled capacity;

(2) whether there is a strategy in place to transform this position; if not, why not; if so, what strategy? NW3399E

Reply:

(1) During 2009, the Department, in collaboration with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU), and the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) put systems in place to develop a long term approach to address local government individual capacity.

The interventions and systems developed included competence profiles, a competence dictionary, and GAPSKILL (a web-based skills audit tool). The competence profiles were used to develop an assessment battery and to undertake comprehensive competence assessments for municipal managers, and managers that are directly accountable to municipal managers. Skills audit reports indicating qualifications, experience and competence gaps were also compiled.

For positions below senior managers, skills audits were conducted from 2007 to 2010, and the Department is finalising the baseline skills audit for these staff.

Due to the large number of staff employed in metropolitan municipalities, these municipalities were allowed to develop their own project plans in this regard, and they are finalising their baseline skills audit.

Once the baseline skills audit is finalized, it will enable the Department to request and monitor an update of Personal Development Plans, and to thereafter introduce appropriate capacity building and training initiatives for municipalities.

(2) There is a Draft National Capacity Building Framework that is considering the building of individual, institutional and environmental capacity. A Capacity Building Strategy for Local Government is also being compiled to address the capacity challenges in municipalities.

To improve coordination of the sector's capacity building, a National Municipal Capacity Coordination and Monitoring Committee was established by the Department in May 2011, and it is made up of officials from sector departments, provincial departments responsible for local government, associated institutions and professional bodies. For this financial year, provinces will establish structures that will also coordinate capacity building initiatives at municipal level, and in the next financial year, structures at municipal level will be aligned.

Furthermore, an Integrated Capacity Building Management of Information System is being developed to monitor the impact made with all initiatives by all stakeholders to address capacity challenges.

Reply received: November 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2675

Mr D J Stubbe (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether any (a) municipal managers and (b) managers who have been appointed in terms of section 56 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, are currently on suspension for a period exceeding six months; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, in each case, (i) how many, (ii) what is the person's name, (iii) at which municipality is the person employed, (iv) what (aa) is the duration of and (bb) are the grounds for the suspension and (v) what are the reasons for the delay in resolving the disciplinary action;

(2) whether any of the specified persons have been suspended with full pay and benefits; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the total financial cost? NW3293E

Reply:

No. The Minister has not been notified of any municipal manager or managers who are currently on suspension for a period exceeding six months. Upon receipt of the parliamentary question provinces have been requested to submit such information and to this end only two provinces have responded, namely Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape which is as follows:

MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

There is one municipal manager who has been suspended for a period exceeding six months in the Province.

(ii) What is the person's name?: Mr T.C Makola

(iii) At which municipality is the person employed?: Nkangala District Municipality (DC 31)

EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

NAME OF MUNICIPALITY	OFFICIAL DISCIPLINED	NATURE OF OFFENCE	SANCTION/ PERIOD	GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION	REASONS FOR THE DELAYS	STATUS OF THE CASE
1. Ngqushwa LM	Mr. N. Zongo (MM)	Fraud related	Official suspended with pay for longer than six months	Serious charges and suspended with pay	Forensic investigations	Case finalised and MM dismissed
2. Kouga	Mr R. Abdullar (CFO)	Misuse of municipal funds	Dismissed, but dismissal challenged successfully in court	Serious charges and suspended with pay	Investigation took longer than six months	Case finalized and a settlement reached
	Mr. F. Dennis (Director: Town Planning and Housing)	Fraud, Maladministration and Misuse of public	Dismissed, but dismissal challenged successfully in court	Serious charges and suspended with pay	Investigation took longer than six months	Settlement reached and contract expired
3. NMBMM	Dr. W.S. Vatala (Director: Strategic Management)	Maladministration,	Official suspended for more than six months	Serious charges and suspended with pay	Investigation took longer and the case is still pending	Case still pending
4. BCMM	Mr. G. Sharpley (MM)	Fraud related	Suspended for more than six (6) & resigned	Investigation process for the alleged fraud case took longer. Suspended with pay	Investigation delays	Case closed due to resignation.
5. Makana	Mr Ngcelwane (CFO)	Fraud related	Suspended for more than six months with pay and case has since been finalized	Official suspended for more than six months and with pay	Investigation delays due to forensic investigation	CFO contract expired whilst on suspension
6. Umzimvubu	Ms. Vitshima (Manager: LED)	Insubordination & absence from work without leave	Official suspended for more than six (6) months and consequently dismissed appealed & won per CCMA	Nature of the investigation and involvement of other external bodies such as the CCMA	Appeal process and resultant CCMA case	Municipality appealed CCMA finding of re-instatement
7. Port St. Johns	Mr Z. Hewu (MM)	Fraud related and Financial Mismanagement	Resigned whilst the case was on progress	Suspended for more than six months with pay.	Investigations took longer to complete	Settlement agreement reached between the parties.
8. Port St Johns	Mr. Z. Mrwebi (CFO)	Fraud related and Financial Mismanagement	Resigned whilst the case was on progress	Suspended for more than six months with pay.	Investigations took longer to complete	Settlement agreement reached between the parties.
9. Sundays River Valley	Ms R. L. Roji Director: Community Services	Corruption, Fraud and Financial Mismanagement	Suspended with pay	Suspended for more than six months with pay.	Investigations took longer to complete	Contract expired whilst the official was still on suspension

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER: 2664

2664. Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Whether all district municipalities have budgeted for agricultural development projects in their municipal areas since 2006; if not, why not; if so, (a) which municipalities and (b) what amount was (i) budgeted and (ii) spent in each year in each district municipality? NW3282E

REPLY:

Dealing with agricultural development initiatives is a shared responsibility between district municipalities, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as communities and development agencies, depending on the interventions applicable in respective districts, such as through Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD) programmes, self-initiated development activities of communities through cooperatives.

Some of these activities come as specialised activities that come outside of the funded mandate of the district, and therefore will not come as line budgeted items.

Reply received: November 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2613

Mrs J D Kilian (Cope) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

1) Whether, with reference to a certain office bearer and official, he has been informed of any processes or consultations that are required before the said (a) office bearer and (b) official are dismissed following their conviction on 16 July 2012 (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the relevant persons have been dismissed; if not, why not; if so, on what date were they dismissed;

(3) whether the said officials receive salaries from the municipality while in prison; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the further relevant details;

(4) whether he intends to investigate the failure to dismiss the convicted murderers; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether he intends to implement any measures to ensure that the convicted parties receive appropriate sanction; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what measures? NW3223E

REPLY:

(1) No, the Minister has not been informed of any processes or consultations regarding the Office Bearer and official who are required to be dismissed following their conviction on 16 July 2012.

(2) In terms of Schedule 1 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors as contained in the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 a councillor who is absent from three or more consecutive meetings of a municipal council, or from three or more consecutive meetings of a committee, which that councillor is required to attend in terms of item 3, must be removed from office as a councillor. Item 3 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors stipulates that proceedings for the removal of a councillor must be conducted in accordance with a uniform standing procedure which each municipal council must adopt for the purposes of this item. The uniform standing procedure must comply with the rules of natural justice. Council may, upon find that a council has breached a code of conduct, request the MEC to remove the councillor from office.

In terms of the municipal official that is convicted with the Executive Mayor, Schedule 8 of the Labour Relations Act provides that the employer should conduct an investigation to determine whether there are grounds for dismissal and the said employee should be allowed the opportunity to state the case in response to the allegations.

Upon receipt of the Parliamentary question the Minister has requested the office of the MEC investigate the matter. Section 106 (5)(a) states that where an MEC fails to conduct an investigation within 90 days, notwithstanding a request from the Minister in terms of subsection (4) (a), the Minister may in terms of this section conduct such investigation.

The Minister is therefore awaiting the response from the office of the MEC.

(3) Refer to response above

(4) Refer to response above

(5) Refer to response above

Reply received: October 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2341
Mr J W Steenhuisen (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether any ward committee election meetings were convened in the eThekwini metropolitan municipality on 19 August 2012; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (a) how many meetings, (6) what is the (if date of publication of notice of such meeting and (ii) venue of the meeting;

(2) (a) how many ward committees were actually elected and (b) for which wards;

(3) (a) how many elections had to be abandoned due to a lack of a quorum and (b) what are the names of . those wards;

(4) what election process was used in each case to ensure that sectoral interests were fairly represented?

Reply:

(1) The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Council resolved that ward committee elections for all 103 wards be held on Sunday, 19 August 2012. The date coincided with the Muslim celebration of Eid, therefore ward councillors whose wards had the majority of Muslim communities' submitted requests to the Speaker, Cllr Naidoo to have their ward committee election meetings postponed. Out of respect for all religions and cultures, approval was granted for 17 wards to postpone their ward committee elections to Sunday, 9 September 2012.

(a) In total, 86 wards were scheduled for ward committee election meetings to be held on Sunday, 19 August 2012, however only 69 wards successfully elected ward committees on the day. 17 wards did not succeed due to various reasons ranging from meetings not having quorum and general public disruptions due to long queues; disagreements on the nominees etc. To that end, Sunday, 9 September was then declared as the date for last run of the remaining 34 wards to convene ward committee election meetings (17 that requested a postponement as well and a further 17 that did not succeed to hold their ward committee election meetings due to reasons outlined above).

(b) (i) The date of publication of notice for ward committee election meetings was on 13 August 2012.

(ii) List of venues attached (See Annexure1 and 1a)

(2) how many ward committees were actually elected and (b) for which wards

(a) 101 ward committees were actually elected (69 elected on Sunday, 19 August 2072 and 32 elected on Sunday, 9 September 2012).

(b) List of wards attached (See Annex 1 and 1a)

(3) How many elections had to be abandoned due to lack of a quorum.(b) What are the names of those wards?

(a) 2 wards were abandoned due to a lack of quorum emanating from political reasons that are currently being attended to by the Council.

(b) Ward 1 and Ward 7

(4) What election process was used in each case to ensure that sectoral interests were fairly represented?

A sectoral approach was used during the nomination of members. The approach was informed by the use of stakeholder registers as well as voters rolls for each ward.

See attachment WARD COMMITTEE SCHEDULE: 9TH SEPTEMBER 2012

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTlON NUMBER 2296
Mr M R Sayedali Shah (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(a) what steps has he taken to give effect to the performance agreement that he signed with the President in 2010,
(b) what outcomes have been measured
(c) what follow-up steps has he taken with regard to each specified outcome?
NW2879E

REPLY

(a) The department is responsible for outcome 9 (A responsive, accountable, effective and efficient local government system) which has 7 outputs. During the 2011/2012 and 2012/13 financial years, the 7 outputs of the delivery agreement were adopted as strategic goals, the related sub-outputs were converted into projects while activities in the delivery agreement were converted into medium term targets Provinces were supported to ensure alignment of their Annual Performance Plans to outcome 9 resulting in 90% of alignment. Furthermore, monthly and quarterly reports are submitted. On the basis of these progress is reviewed for interventions where necessary.

(b) Performance on Outcome 9 is measured through all seven outputs. On a quarterly basis, we measure progress against the departmental Annual Performance Plan and Government Programme of Action and report to the Cabinet. As some of the areas are cross-cutting, inputs are sourced from sector departments as well as provincial departments responsible for Local Government for purposes of providing a joint report on performance against the delivery agreement.

(c) Subsequent to signing the performance agreement with the President, delivery agreements were signed with MECs responsible for Local Government. Coordinating structures like the Ministerial Implementation forum and the Technical Implementation Forum were established and meetings are held on a quarterly basis. These structures are constituted by officials and political leadership from sector departments and provinces, chaired by the Directors-General and the Minister respectively.

Quarterly reports on the Programme of Action (PoA) indicate steps that must be taken in all cases where partial or no achievement has been registered. The respective MECs follow up on interventions recommended through the implementation Forums.

Reply received: October 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2282

Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Whether the George Municipality received any Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) in respect of the 2012-13 financial year; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the total quantum of the grant in monetary terms and (b) what is the quantum in monetary terms of the P-component of the grant (details furnished)? NW2862E

REPLY:

Yes, George Municipality received MIG in respect of the 2012113 financial year.

(a) R44, 044.000

(b) R6, 606.600

Reply received: October 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2269

Mr J H Steenhuisen (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) How many Ministers and Members of Executive Council (MINMEC) meetings were held since 1 January 2012;

(2) whether he attended all MINMEC meetings since 1 January 2012; if not, what were the reasons for each absence? NW2849E

REPLY

(I) There are three MINMEC meetings held from I January to date excluding a Special JOINT MINMEC meeting which was held with Department of Human Settlement on the 1 6 July 2012. The first was on the 25^th February 2Ol2,followed by 25th May 2012 with the latest held on the 16^thAugust 2012.The next MlNMEC is scheduled to take place on the 16^th November 2012.

(2) Yes, Minister attended all the MINMEC meetings

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER: 2212
Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) With reference to an article that appeared in the Bedfordview and Edenvale News on the 01 August 2012 (details furnished), what are the reasons for the fire brigade arriving late on the scene? NW2660E

REPLY

The incident happened on the 27 June 2012 at Edenvale. According to the municipality records the first call was received at 11H00 and Edenvale Fire Crews arrived on the scene at 11 H10. At the time the call was logged Edenvale Fire Crew was on their way to Edenvale from Primrose Fire station. The crew was at the scene within 10 minutes. There was no delay from Emergency service.

Reply received: October 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2175
Mr MR Sayedali Shah (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and TraditionalAffairs:

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

WRITTEN REPLY: 2175

(a) COGTA does not make use of private security firms.

(b) The South African Cities Network (SACN) - No, the SACN does not make use of private security firms, since it is accommodated in the City of Johannesburg's building.

The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) - Yes, the Municipal Demarcation Board does make use of private security firms.

(i) Chubb Fire & Security
(ii) (aa) Monitoring and armed response when alarm that is installed goes off.
(bb) A monthly fee of R810.81. If calculated over the coming three years an estimation of the contract will be R32,205.
(cc) The contract was signed on 18 March 2009 for a period of three years ending 18 March 2012. The contract was extended for another three years (18 March 2012 to 18 March 2015).
(i) Mafoko Security Patrols (Pty) Ltd

(ii) (aa) Access control, patrolling and protection of the premises of the MDB, to prevent unauthorised persons from entering and illegally removing equipment and material from the premises and to protect and guard the equipment of the building against damage, theft and vandalism.
(bb) The contract price is fixed for 24 months, and the total value of the contract is R354,434.86.
(cc) The contract duration is for 24 months commencing on I February 2012 and ending on 31 January 2014.

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) - Yes, SALGA makes use of private security firms.

(i) SALGA has contracts with the following private security firms

· Hartwig & Henderson Alarms;

· Born-to-Protect Security;

· Chubb Security;

· Alumni Security;

· ABL Security Services; and

· Dumisa Protection Services.

(ii) The purpose, value and duration of the contracts are as follows:

Name of Service Provider	Purpose	Value per month	Duration
Hartwig & Henderson Alarms	Provide Alarm system, monitoring and protection of SALGA offices and assets	R 308.55	12 months
Born-to-Protect	Provide Security Guard for the protection, of SALGA offices and assets	R14 700.40	12 months
Chubb Security	Provide Alarm system, monitoring and protection of SALGA offices and assets	R492.07	36 months
Alumni Security	Provide Security Guard for the protection, of SALGA offices and assets	16 031.61	12 months
ABL Security Services	Provide Security Guard for the protection, of SALGA offices and assets	14 535.00	4 months
ADL Security Services	Provider Alarm system monitoring and protection of SALGA offices and assets	R 706 80	24 months
ADL Security Services	Provide Security Guards for the protection of SALGA offices and assets	R 4 674.00	6 months
Dumisa Protection Services	Provide Security Guards for SALGA office and assets	R 39 686.95	4 months

Reply received: October 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2160
Mr J J McGluwa (ID) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether he has been informed of the leaking sewage plant in ltsoseng, Ditsobotla Local Municipality in North West; if so, what are the causes of the leakages; if not,

(2) Whether he intends to investigate the matter, if not, why not; if so; what are the relevant details

(3) Whether any action has been taken to prevent the leakage of sewage and repair any structural damage to the sewage plant; if not; why not; if so; what action

(4) Whether he has found that the leaked raw sewage is polluting fresh water resources, potable water and endangering public health, if not, in each case, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what corrective action has been taken in each case

Reply

(1) No, the Minister has not been made aware of these issues.
(2) Yes, the Minister will investigate the matter and revert as soon as possible.

Reply received: November 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2159

Mr J J McGluwa (ID) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1195 on 13 June 2012, any councillors serving in Tswaing Local Municiplaity in North West are in arrears with their personal (a) utilities and (b) rates and taxes accounts; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, in each case, (i) what is the name of the councillor(ii) what total amount is in arrears for (aa) utilities and (bb) rates and taxes and (iii) for what period has the specified amount been outstanding;

(2) Whether the Tswaing Local Municipality has instituted action for the recovery of arrears in the specified utilities and rates and taxes; if not why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case.

Reply:

The attached answer is based on information provided by the Tswaing Local Municipality in the North West Province:

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER: 2129

Mr J H Steenhuisen (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) with regards to his reply to question 1524 on 5 July 2012, when will the regulations in support of the Local Government: MSA Amendment Act , Act 7 of 2011, to specify competencies required for senior managers to perform their functions;

(2) whether he intends to take steps to ensure that officials who do not have the required skills will be removed from their positions, if not, why not, if so, what steps?

Reply:

The regulations will be finalised by December 2012. Cases of officials who are not complying will be managed according to the regulations.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER: 2124

2124. Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) With regard to the provincial road R24 between the Edenvale and Barbara Roads off-ramps, how many (a) fatal and (b) serious accidents have been reported (i) in the (aa) 2010-11 and (bb) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012;

(2) whether his department intends taking any action in order to reduce the amount of (a) fatalities and (b) serious accidents in this regard; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what action is to be taken;

(3) whether this action will also include the (a) building of ARMCO barriers or concrete barriers on both sides of the highway, (b) leveling of the R24 to prevent water damming up during thunderstorms causing vehicles to aquaplane, (c) repairing of all lights along the highway, (d) repairing of the fence along the highway to prevent pedestrians from running across the highway and (e) replacement of reflectors on the light pole along the highway; if not, why not; if so, (i) by which date will each action be completed and (ii) what is the estimated cost of each action? NW2643E

RESPONSE

In consultation with The Department of Transport with regards to the above questions, this is the information that was made available to us. The number of fatal crashes and fatalities recorded on the R24 road between Edenvale and Barbara Roads in (1) 2010/11 (2) 2011/12 (3) since 1 April 2012.

ROAD	FATAL CRASHES
ROAD	2010/11	2011/12	1 April – 15 August2012
JOAHANESBURG - BEDFORDVIEW	4	0	0
BEDFORDVIEW – KEMPTON PARK	7	0	0
ROAD	FATALITIES
ROAD	2010/11	2011/12	1 April – 15 August2012
JOAHANESBURG - BEDFORDVIEW	4	0	0
BEDFORDVIEW – KEMPTON PARK	6	0	0

Reply received: October 2012

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 2062
Mr MR Sayedali Shah (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

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

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

Reply

No official from COGTA including the Minister and the Deputy Minister or SALGA, the South African Cities Network and the Municipal Demarcation Board attended the 2012 Olympic Games.

2012-12-31

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