Questions & Replies: Science & Technology
2012-12-30
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Reply received: December 2012
QUESTION NO. 3407
BATE OF PUBLICATION iN THE INTERNAL QUESTBON PAPER: 23 NOVEMBER 2012: QUESTION PAPER 42-2012
"Mr lM Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
Whether (a) his department andlor (b) any entity reporting to him sponsored any (i) event and (iij 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 sponsors hip?"
REPLY:
(a) No, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) did not sponsor any (i) event or (ii) promotion hosted by The New Age.
(b) No entity reporting to the Minister of Science and Technology sponsored any (i) event or (ii) promotion hosted by The New Age.
(aa) Not applicable.
(bb) Not applicable.
(cc) Not applicable.
(ff) Not applicable.
(gg) Not applicable.
Reply received: December 2012
QUESTION NO. 3275
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INETRNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 NOVEMBER 2012; QUESTION PAPER NO. 41 -2012
""Dr MC van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(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 advertisement, (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 advertisement 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?"
NW164E
REPLY
1. (a) Yes, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) did place advertisements in The New Age since the inception of the newspaper
(b) No entity reporting to the Minister of Science and Technology placed any advertisements in The New Age since the inception of the newspaper.
| (i) Entity | (ii) Date advertisement placed | (iii) Nature of advertisement | (iv) Amount spent on advertisement |
| DST | 31 August 2012 | Insert on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) following the decision of the SKA Organisation to award the majority of the telescope to South Africa and its eight African partner countries | R85 253,76 |
| DST | 1 2 September 2012 | Job advertisement for the vacant position of Chief Director: Biotechnology and Health Innovation. | R23 826,00 |
2. No advertisements were placed through the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). The GCIS is used only to buy advertisement space in bulk, so that it can obtain discounts.
3. No, the DST did not conduct an independent analysis prior to placing advertisements.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) (i) Not applicable.
(ii) Not applicable.
4. No independent studies of advertisements were conducted to ascertain whether they were effective within the relevant target market.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) (i) Not applicable.
(ii) Not applicable.
Reply received: November 2012
QUESTION NO: 3065
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 2 NOVEMBER 2042, lNTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 38-2012
"DR JC KLOPPERS-LOURENS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:
(1) Whether Cabinet's latest decision regarding SunSpace means that his department is walking away from the 23-month salary arrears incurred by the personnel of SunSpace in reliance on assurances from the Government that support would be forthcoming; if not, what are the relevant details; if so, why;
(2) What is the time scale for beginning negotiations with SunSpace to implement Cabinet's decision;
(3) What are the Government's reasons for the delay in bringing the purchase transaction of an equity stake in SunSpace to a close?"
REPLY:
(1) In the first instance, it should be noted that Government had indicated that support for SunSpace was contingent on the private shareholding of SunSpace presenting a viable business case for the long-term sustainability of the company. As indicated previously, the private shareholding of SunSpace did not convince Government that it would have been able to sustain the business without significant long-term government funding. Notwithstanding this, the issue of salary arrears is under discussion with SunSpace on the possible absorption of core skills into SANSA.
(2) Discussions with SunSpace have already been initiated.
(3) There was no delay in formulating an opinion on the issue of Government acquiring a majority stake in SunSpace. It was incumbent upon the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) to do the necessary due diligence in order to give effect to the various cabinet decisions on the matter. These included contracting external professional service providers such as Deloitte and Savant Analytical. The time taken by DST to formulate an opinion on the matter was governed by the nature of these studies and the complexity of the issue at hand.
Reply received: November 2012
QUESTION NO. 3008
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 OCTOBER 2012, lNTERNAL QUESTlON PAPER NO. 36-2012.
""300 8r N.J. van Ben Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
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?"
NW3775E
REPLY
(a). Yes
(b) 31August2012.
(i) Yes
(ii) Yes, the annual financial statements and annual report were submitted by 06 September 2012.
Reply received: November 2012
QUESTION NO. 2986
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 OCTOBER 2012 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 36-2012.
"2866. Dr JC Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
Whether, with reference to the Report on the investigation of Hydraulic Fracturing in the Karoo Basin of South Africa, the department will undertake independent research in order to (a) establish the possible negative effects shale gas exploration and exploitation might have on the (I) Square Kilometre Array (SMA) and (ii) Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and (b) determine what preventative measures should be taken?"
REPLY:
Yes, the Department will undertake independent research in order to establish the possible negative effects of shale gas exploration and exploitation on the SKA and SALT. The Department of Science and Technology will support or undertake this research in partnership with the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) and the South African SKA Project Office to determine the possible negative impacts during the exploration phase. These lessons or findings would then be used to inform the measures to be put in place for the exploitation phase, if found appropriate to do so.
Reply received: November 2012
QUESTION NO: 2985
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN lNTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 OCTOBER 2012, INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 36 -2012
DR J C KLOPPERS-LOURENS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:
""298. How much was spent in total on (a) transport, (b) accommodation and (c) other specified expenses for officials from his department who attended the Portfolio Committee meeting in Parliament on Wednesday, 29 August 201 29"
NW3750
REPLY:
(a) Transport R33,056
(b) Accommodation R 4,142
(c) Not applicable.
Reply received: November 2012
QUESTION NO: 2982
DATE OF PUBLICATlON IN INTERNAL QUESUON PAPER: 26 OCTOBER 2012, INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 36 – 2012
"2982. Dr JC Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
On what date did he or his predecessor (a) take receipt of and ((b) respond to the letters from the chairman of SunSpace (details furnished)?"
NW3747
REPLY:
The Minister of Science and Technology took receipt of the said letter on 21 September 2012 and responded to Mr Vilakazi, the Chairman of Sunspace on 26 September 2012. The response letter was faxed to 021-880 1703 and couriered the same day.
Reply received: November 2012
QUESTION NO: 2868
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 OCTOBER 2012, INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.34-2012
"2868. DR J CKLOPPERS-LAURENS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:
Whether any persons will be held accountable for the delay in acquiring a majority equity stake in Sunspace; if not, why not; if so, (a) which persons and (b) what action?
NW3542E
REPLY:
There was no unreasonable delay in formulating an opinion on issues of Government acquiring a majority stake in Sunspace. It was incumbent upon the DST an SANSA to do the necessary due diligence in order to give effect to the various cabinet decisions on the matter. These included contributing external professional service providers. The time taken by DST to formulate an opinion on the matter was governed by the nature of studies and the complexity of the issue at hand
Reply received: November 2012
QUESTION NO: 2867
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 OCTOBER 2012, INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.34-2012
"2867. DR J C KLOPPER-LAURENS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:
(1) What action has his departure taken to give effect to the agreement signed between South Africa, Algeria, Kenya and Nigeria on 8 December 2009 regarding the African Resource Management Constellation;
(2) (a) to what extent has the delay in acquiring a majority equity share in Sunspace affected his department's ability to give effect to the said agreement and (b) what action will be taken to rectify the situation?
NW3541E
REPLY:
(1) In the first instance the partner countries in the African Resource Management Constellation (ARMC) agreed to establish a steering committee and various technical committees to oversee the development of the ARMC, ensure technical interoperability between different components satellites and develop synergies in address user needs. To this end South Africa, through DST, has participated in these committees, develop technical specification for ZA-ARMC1 that conform to interoperability specifications and is currently updating its own user needs. In the second instance the DST, though SANSA, has initiated pre-development work and a consultation with industry and data users on the final satellite specifications. SANSA is currently developing final user requirements and is establishing a ZA-ARMC1 programme management office.
(2) (a) The development of the ARMC satellite was not contingent on Government acquiring a majority share in Sunspace.
(b) Government's intention to retain Sunspace's technical capacity through SANSA, either directly through another competent entity, is aimed at ensuring that the core capabilities that may be required for the implementation of the ARMC programme are retained and the skilled personnel currently employed by the Sunspace company continue to apply their skills productively
Reply received: November 2012
QUESTION NO: 2856
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAER: 19 OCTOBER 2012 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 34-2012
"2856. DR JC KLOPPERS-LOURENS (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
What steps his department intends to take to retain scarce skills to service the micro-satellite industry after the resignation of Sunspace scientists and engineers?
NW3529E
REPLY
In the immediate term DST is in discussion with Sunspace and SANSA to identify the best modality by which its core skills can be retained, in order for these skills to be available for the development of the ZA-ARMC1 satellite.. For the long term SANSA has developed a National Space Programme, which if sufficiently funded, will provide for the sustainable development and retention of skills through a 20 year satellite development programme
Reply received: October 2012
QUESTION NO: 2792
DATE OF PUBLlCATlON IN lNTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: "1 OCTOBER 2012
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 32 -2012
2792. DR JC KLOPPERS-LOURENS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY:
What steps has his department taken to assure Algeria, Kenya and Nigeria that, considering the lengthy delay in acquiring a majority equity share in Sunspace, the Government will uphold the agreement that was signed with these countries in December 2009.
NW3441E
REPLY:
The African Resource Management Constellation (ARMC) agreement with Algeria, Kenya and Nigeria was never contingent on the Sunspace equity option. Government has shown its commitment to the ARMC agreement by making available an initial R120 million in the 2012-2015 period for work on South Africa's ARMC satellite (ZA-ARMCI). The National Space Programme (NSP) sets out time frames and milestones for the development of ZA-ARMCI. Government's commitment to uphold the ARMC agreement is therefore further demonstrated by the initiation of work as per the NSP's ZA-ARMCI project plan and establishing a ZA-ARMCI programme management office at SANSA.
Reply received: November 2012
QUESTION NO: 2791
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 OCTOBER 2012, INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 34-2012
"2791 DR J KLOPPERS-LAURENS (DA) TO ASK MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:
Whether are the main findings and recommendations of all (a) Deloitte and (b0 Savant analytic reports that have been commissioned by the SA National Space Agency into the viability of the Sunspace acquisition?
NW3440E
REPLY:
(a) The Deloitte report provides 3 option for DST to consider. These were:
The Deloitte report recommended that DST considers investing in SunSpace through a Newco structure as SunSpace was technically insolvent and such a structure would minimise the risk of assuming unknown liabilities.
(b) The Savant report expressed the view that Sunspace profitability depended on, among others the assumption that there would be an increase in new business of almost 95% on 2011 numbers it assumed the winning of additional large 'new business' from 2012 onwards. It also expressed the view that an efficient restructuring of an investment would enable the South African Government to get value for the investment without unfairly rewarding the existing shareholders in the short term whilst providing a range of beneficial exit mechanisms in the medium to long term. Based on these assumptions, the report expresses a view that the business case for the investment into SunSpace is sound and holds many direct and indirect socio-economic and geopolitical benefits to the country.
Considering both these assumptions and views, Government decided that an acquisition in SunSpace should be made contingent on the private shareholding of SunSpace presenting a viable business case for the long term sustainability of the company. In terms of this decision SunSpace directors were given an opportunity to make a business case for the long term sustainability of the entity. The business plan did not convince Government that SunSpace would have been able to be sustained without significant long term government funding.
For these reason, Government decided on the third of the possible recommendations mooted by Deloitte.
Reply received: October 2012
QUESTION NO: 2790
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 OCTOBER 2012 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 32-2012
2790. DR JC KLOPPERS-LOURENS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:
Why did the Director-General of his department indicated to the Chairperson of Sunspace, Mr Themba Vilakazi, that he would make a negative recommendation to his department for submission to Cabinet regarding the equity investment in Sunspace?
NW3439E
REPLY:
The recommendations conveyed to Mr Vilakazi were the outcome of careful deliberations between the Executive of the Department of Science and Technology and the then Minister and Deputy Minister of Science and Technology and were based on an evaluation of a business case developed by Sunspace.
Reply received: October 2012
QUESTION NO 2719
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: ("1-099-2012) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3L-2012)
2719, Mr J J van Linde (BA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether her department has awarded any contracts to the Kopana Ke Matla (Pty) Ltd since its establishment in 1996; if so in each case, (a) when was contract awarded and (b) what was the (i) nature of the contract and (ii) total accumulative value of tender
NW3337E
REPLY:
1. The Department of Science and Technology has never made use of Kopano Ke Matla Company since its establishment in 1996.
(i) Not applicable.
(ii) Not applicable.
Reply received: October 2012
QUESTION NO. 2626
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN lNTERNAL QUESTlON PAPER: 21 SEPTEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 34-2042) PROMOTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTICE ACT, 2800 (ACT 3 OF 2000)
"2626 Ms SK Plaatjie (Cope) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
Whether her department has implemented the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, Act 3 of 2000; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) relevant details with regard to (i) public inquiries, (ii) notice and comment procedure, (iii) notice of administrative action and rights and (iv) requests for reasons and (b) further relevant details?
NW329E
REPLY:
1. Yes the Department has implemented the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 2000 (Act 3 of 2000)
(a) (i) There were no public inquiries.
(ii) The department opted for the notice and comment procedure in the following instances:
(iii) There was no notice of administrative action and rights, as no relevant matters arose.
(iv) Request for reasons in terms of section 5 of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (Act 3 of 2000) was in relation to an administrative decision taken against Professor Simon Connell by the Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials (the CoE).
In this case, the administrative action in relation to which the reasons were sought was taken by the CoE Board, and related to the exclusion of Professor Simon Connell from membership of the CoE and withdrawal of funding allocated to him for research projects which were apparently still active. Over and above the fact that the requester had already been provided with the reasons for the administrative action, the CoE was established and hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand and therefore the request for reasons should have been directed at the University.
(b) There are no further details.
Reply received: October 2012
QUESTION NO 2186
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 AUGUST 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25 - 2012)
"2186 Mr E H El08 (DA) b ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
Whether (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her makes use of private security firms; if so, in each case, (i) which firms and (ii) what is the (aa) purpose, (bb) value and (cc) duration of each specified contract
NW 2911E
REPLY:
The Department of Science and Technology does not make use of private security firms. The public entities utilise private security firms as "tabulated in the attached annexure.
See attachment: Annexure
Reply received: October 2012
QUESTION 2595
DATE OF PUBLICATlON IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 SEPTEMBER 2012 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 38-2012
DR J C KLBPPER-LOURENS (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
What are the details of the Government's role in the African Resource Management Constellation (ARMC) project, as referred to in her budget Vote speech on 15 May 2012
NW3204E
REPLY:
South Africa, Algeria, Kenya and Nigeria are party to a cooperation agreement concerning continentaldevelopment. with a focus on Human Capital Development (HCD) through joint local development and implementation of a constellation of three or more low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites. This is referred to as the African Resource and Environmental Management Satellite Constellation (ARMC). The ARMC Agreement was signed on the 8th of December 2009. The scope of cooperation includes know-how and technology transfer by way of HCD the potential sharing of the space assets (Satellites), ground based assets (Ground Stations), as well as the data generated by the satellites for mutual benefit.
A key driver for the ARMC is for the member countries jointly develop significant quantities of African world-class space engineering, scientific and management capacity on the strength of the world-class operational satellite products and dissemination of international grade imaging data This focus will add to Africa's capacity participate on an equal basis in global technology forums and add further to the scientific knowledge,
Apart from the Development of a world-class satellite, the other main benefit of the ARMC will be the supply of high resolution image data regularly enough for African remote sensing scientists to extract more temporal facts about environmental changes on the African continent and thereby lay the basis for indigenous African environmental, climate change disaster monitoring and management systems. The Satellite is expected to serve the environmental decision making needs of the South African Government, extending from natural to local levels.
Government through the DST and its agency, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), will take the lead in managing South Africa's interest in the ARMG constellation and in developing the South African Satellite for the ARMC constellation. A 250-t5UOkg tow earth orbiting Satellite suitable for addressing ARMC user specifications and a mission life-time of seven years is being considered as a South African contribution to the constellation. This would entail a satellite development programme of four and half years, building on the experience of the subsystem developed for the Sumbandiasat mission. The full programme costs for such a satellite would be 450 million and will be sourced from the national fiscus.
Reply received: October 2012
QUESTION NO 2594
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 SEPTEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 30-20a)
"Dr JC Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) With reference to her reply to question 1022 on 5 April 201 1, it was anticipated that the acquisition of a majority equity stake in SunSpace would be completed by July 2011 (details furnished), why has the process not been completed;
(2) whether she has been informed that SunSpace had to lay off employees as a result of the delay; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps does she intend to take with regard to the job losses? "
(NW3203)
REPLY:
(1) The anticipated acquisition of a majority equity stake in Sunspace refers back to a Cabinet decision taken in March 2012, where an in principle decision was taken to consider a majority equity stake in Sunspace. This in-principle decision was subject to the presentation of a business case highlighting (i) the value proposition of the equity transaction to government and (ii) how Sunspace would be sustained over the long-term. For this purpose two studies were commissioned.
(2) No, i have not been informed that Sunspace had to lay off employees as a result of the delay, but am aware that engineers have left the company to look for alternative employment opportunities. In terms of attempting to keep the intellectual capital intact, my department has
already expensed in excess of R10 million of contract work to Sunspace in order to keep the company afloat.
Reply received: October 2012
QUESTION NO. 2542
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTlON PAPER: 14 SEPTEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30-2012) PURCHASING OF TICKETS TO THE NEW AGE BUSINESS BRlEFING
""254 2s SK Plaatjie (Cope) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether officials in her department purchased tickets to the New Age Business Briefing; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in terms of which provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, were the tickets procured;
(2) Whether she will make a statement on the matter?"
NW3148E
REPLY:
(1) No tickets were purchased by officials of the Department of Science and Technology. The science communications unit purchased the tickets that were allocated to students studying physics at the University of Pretoria and those that are affiliated to the South African Young Academy of Sciences (SAYAS). The opportunity provided students and other stakeholders with an opportunity to interact with the Minister on matters related to the SKA and other priority areas of the department of science and technology. The funds came from the Science Communication Budget. Provision was made in terms of Section 76(1)(1) of the PFMA.
(2) No, there is no need to make a statement on the matter.
Reply received: September 2012
QUESTION NO 2497
DATE OF PUPLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28-2012)
"2497. Mr M R Sayedall Shah (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether (a) her Ministry, (b) her department and (c) any entity reporting to her plan to host end-year parties; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so in each case,(i) for how many persons and (ii) at what cost;
(2) Whether the cost of the specific end-year parties has been budgeted for in the current financial year; If not, from where will the funding be sourced; if so, (a) what amount has been budgeted and (b) from which part of the budget will it be incurred?
NW3103E
REPLY:
(1) (a) Them Ministry, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Technology Innovation Agency will not hold end-of-year functions and the Department of Science and Technology and other entities will hold end-year functions as detailed below:
(b) Department of Science and Technology
(i) 450
(ii) R156 000.00 on catering (R346 per head).
© Entities reporting to the department plan to hose end-year parties as follows:
Africa institute of South Africa:
(i) 56
(ii)R12 000.00 (214 per head)
Academy of Science of South Africa
(i) 21
(ii) R5 000.00
Human Sciences Research Council:
(i) 450
(ii) R65 000.00
National Research Foundation:
(i) 1,200.
(ii) R240 000.00 (R200 per head).
(2) Department of Science and Technology and the entities have budgeted for the end-year party in the current financial year as detailed below:
Department of Science and Technology:
(a) R200 000.00
(b) Goods and Services: Department Catering
Africa Institute of South Africa
(a) R12 000.00
(b) Administrative expenses
Academy of Science South Africa
(a) R5 000.00
Catering and refreshments
Human Science Research Council:
(a) R65 000.00
(b) Parliamentary grant allocation
National Research Foundation:
(a)R240 000.00
(b) General NRF budget.
South African National Space Agency:
(a) R50 000.00
(b) Staff welfare (Food and beverages).
Reply received: September 2012
QUESTION NO 2312
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 31 AUGUST 2012: INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 27-2012
"2312. Mr E Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(a) What steps has she taken to give the performance agreement that she signed with the President in 2010, (b) what outcomes have been measured and (c) what follow-up steps has she taken with regard to each specific outcomes?
NW2696E
REPLY:
(a) After the signing of the performance agreement the Minister and the President in 2012, the Department reviewed its existing strategic targets to aligned with Outcomes framework and outputs relevant to the department.
(b) The department contributed to the outputs of Outcomes 1,2,4,5,7 and 10 by providing quarterly progress report on the Programme of Action (POA) to the leading departments.
The Department has participated in the mid-term review of the Outcomes to ensure that government is able to meet all the targets set for 2014.
Reply received: September 2012
QUESTION NO 2079
DATE OF PUBLICATION INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 10 AUGUST 2012:
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23-2012
"2079. MR e b Eloff (DA) to ask the Minster of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether (a) she, (b) her Deputy Minister's and (c) any official from an entity reporting to her will be attending or attended, the 2012 Olympic Games; if so, what is the (i)(aaa) name; (bbb) rand and (ccc) position/designation of each specified person accompanying (aaa) her, (bbb) her Deputy Minister and (ccc) each specified person and (ii) (aa) nature and (bb) official reason for visit.
(2) What (a) total amount will be spent or has been spent on the trip, (b) is (i) description and (ii) detailed breakdown of the amount that will be spent or have been spent on (aa) accommodation, (bb) travel and (cc) subsistence cost ans (c) from which budget will these funds be incurred in each case?
NW2559E
NW4605E
REPLY:
(1)(a)(b) The Minister and the Deputy did not attend the 2012 Olympic games.
(c) None of the officials of the Public Entities attended the 2012 London Olympic.
2. Not applicable.
Reply received: September 2012
QUESTION NO 1955
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 31 AUGUST 2012: INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21-2012
"1956 Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
Whether any entity reporting to her has budgeted for (a) financial donations or (b) sponsorship in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 and (iv) 2012-13 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, what amount was (aa) budgeted and (bb) spent?"
NW2345E
| Entity | Financial Year | (a) | (b) | |||
| (aa)Amount Budgeted | (bb) Amount Spent | |||||
| SANSA | (i) 2009-10 | |||||
| (ii) 2010-11 | NW(SANSA had not been operational) | |||||
| (iii) 2011-12 | R30,000 | R28,187 | ||||
| (iv) 2012-13 | R103,000 | R3,000 | ||||
| AISA | (i) 2009-10 | R1,773,818 | R783,893 | |||
| (ii)2010-11 | R2.266,436 | R1,508,442 | ||||
| (iii)2011-12 | R2,267,608 | R1,368,980 | ||||
| (iv)2012-13 | R2,375,608 | |||||
| TIA | (i) 2009-10 | NW(TIA ha not been operational) | ||||
| (ii)2010-11 | ||||||
| (iii)2011-12 | R1,236m | R2,727m | ||||
| 2012-13 | R3,020m | R1,532m | ||||
Reply received: September 2012
QUESTION NO 1890
DATE OF PUBLICATlON lN INTERNAL QUESUON PAPER: 3 AUGUST 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21 -201 2)
"1 830. Dr P. J. Rabie (DA) to ask Minister of Science and Technology:
1. Whether her department keeps register of archaeological middens which date back to the Middle and late Stone Age; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether she will make a copy of the register available to Dr P. J. Rabie; if not, why not; if so what are the relevant details;
3. Whether any archaeological middens are currently being threatened by (a) industrial and (b) human settlement developments; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
REPLY
1. No, the Department of Science and Technology does not have a register. This is because it is the responsibility of the Department of Arts and Culture through the South African Heritage Agency which is legislated by the National Heritage Resources Act, No 25 of 1999.
2. No, information can be obtained though SAHRA or the provincial heritage agencies.
3. (a) Yes, (b) Yes Currently, an important industrial case is the possible establishment of the nuclear power station at Thyspunt. This is a very pristine area where an archaeologist identified over 300 sites/archaeological middens. Ifthe construction of the nuclear power station goes ahead, many of the sites will be impacted. There are quite a few cases in the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape where shell middens have been damaged or are at risk from development. In the Eastern Cape, issues have arisen in Jeffrey's Bay and surrounding areas. For instance, during the establishment of the St Francis Bay Golf Course many archaeological sites, mostly shell middens, were identified and eventually mitigated.
SAHRA seeks to preserve archaeological sites as much as possible. Most shell middens are identified during the impact assessment phase. SAHRA is developing the South African Heritage Information System (SAHRIS). Once SAHRIS is in place, it will integrate the proposed development applications with the sites discovered, allowing a first level of assessment at a very early stage. The archaeologist assessing the project is required to grade the significance of the archaeological sites according to the system laid out in section 7 of the National Heritage Resources Act, no 25 of 1999.
Reply received: September 2012
QUESTION NO 1775
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNATIONAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 JULY 2012
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 20 -2012
"1775. Mr N J van Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether (a) her department and (b) entities reporting to her make payment to (i) suppliers and (ii) service providers within the 30 day payment as specified by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999; If not, in each case, (aa) how many service providers are awaiting payment, (bb) what is the monetary value of outstanding payments and (cc) how long is payment overdue;
(2) whether {a) her department; and (b) all entities reporting to her are liable for any interest charged on overdue payments in any of the cases mentioned; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what is the (i) percentage and (ii) and monetary value of interest charged;
(3) whether (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her have negotiated revised payment schedules with each of the service providers mentioned; if not, why nit; if so, in each case what are the relevant details;
(4) what are the reason for (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her not making payment within 30 days as specified by the PFMA;
(5) whether (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her have implemented any measures to (i) ensure full compliance with the PFMA and (ii) facilitate immediate payment for overdue accounts; if not, why not; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details?"
NW2166E
REPLY: SEE ATTACHMENT
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO 1608
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: [2 JUNE 2012] [INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 17-2012]
'1608. Mr MW Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minster of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether any traffic fines were incurred with regard to any of her official vehicles in the (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12 financial years; if so , what (i) amount in fines was incurred in respect of each specified vehicle in each specified financial year and (ii) are the further relevant details in each case?"
(NW1937E)
REPLY
(1) Yes, there were traffic fines by the official vehicles
(a) 2009-10 financial year
(i) CA71633 R150.00
(ii) There are no further details available
(b) 2010-11 financial year
(i) CA71633 R600.00
YKR986GP R1 500.00
(ii) There are no further details available
(c) 2011-12 financial year
(i) CA71633 R4 600.00
YKR986GP R1 850.00
BL21CCGP R1 100.00
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO: 1210
DATE OF PUBLICATION INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 May 2012
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 – 2012
Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) What amount has her department spent on (a) catering and (b) entertainment (i) in the (aa) 2007-08 (bb) 2008-09 (cc) 2009-10 (dd) 2010-11 (ee) 2011-12 financial years since 1April 2012?
REPLY
Here is the table: http://www.pmg.org.za/files/questions/RNW1210-120528.pdf
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO 1156
Mr. J C K!opper-Lourens (DA} to ask the minister of Science and Technology:
Whether with the exception of initiatives such as the Dinaledi schools, her department is in any joint venture with the Department of Basic Education to ensure that the education system produces learners who will ultimately pursue a career in science; if not, why not; if so, what am the relevant details of such Initiatives?
REPLY
The Department of Science and technology (DST) signed a collaboration agreement with the former Department of Education I which committed both departments to contribute towards implementing the National Strategy for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education and the Youth into Science Strategy. The signed agreement is serviced through bilateral meetings which are driven at Deputy Minister level by the two departments. Additional to the .adopted Dinaledi Schools project, the DST does have other initiatives that facilitate learners' access to careers fn science, namely:
(i) Indirect support to schools through programmes that are provided by the 31 science centres that are supported by and collaborate with the DST; and
{ii) Facilitating learners' access to science, technology, engineering, mathematics. And innovation (STEVI) Olympiads and competitions through tr16 support that the DST provides to seven STEMl Olympiads and competitions.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO 1155
Dr JC Klopper-lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(a)(i) How many of the 60 additional Research Chairs were awarded to the field of human and social sciences to expand the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChl) and (ii) how many of the current research chairs are currently focused on human and social sciences and (1:» how are these allocations (i) justified and (ii) compared in relation to those awarded to physical sciences?
NW1346E
REPLY
(a) (i) Following the two-phase approach for awarding of Research Chairs, the Department recently awarded 60 additional Research Chairs to universities to expand the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChl). Of the 60 additional Research Chairs, 18 (30%) were awarded in the fields of human and social sciences.
(ii) Of the 92 current Research Chairs, 29 (31 %) are in the fields of human and social sciences.
(b) (i) The areas in which Research Chairs are awarded are informed by a two pronged approach, that is, the existing capacities within the Universities, and the priorities of government as articulated in government strategies such as the National Research and Development Strategy (NRDS), Ten Year Innovation Plan, National Climate Change Response Strategy, National Crime Prevention Strategy, the New Growth Path etc.
(ii) The human and social sciences Research Chairs constitute 31% of the total awarded Research Chairs thus far.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO 1117
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (4 May 2012)
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11-2012)
Dr JC Klopper-Lourens to ask the Minister Science and Technology:
Whether she intends to conduct research on (a) the conflict of interest between (i) becoming increasingly bio-diverse ;( ii) maintaining the environment and (iii) the exploitation of our mineral resources and (b) how to advance these ideals to the advantage of all our citizens, if not why not, if so what are the relevant details?"
REPLY:
(a) (i) and (ii)
There is no conflict of interest between the country's ambition to increase its biodiversity and maintaining the environment. In fact maintaining the environment is one of the better ways of ensuring that the country is mega bio-diverse.
Regarding research related to biodiversity, environmental protection and resource management, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) does not conduct research but provide funding for research, human capacity development (HCD), and technology development within science councils and universities through a number of programmes and initiatives. As part of generating scientific knowledge in the area of global environmental change, the DST is supporting focused research efforts within the parameters set out in the 10-year Global Change Research Plan (GCRP) under the Global Change Grand Challenge.
(a) (iii)
The DST's mining and minerals processing research programmes do examine the environmental impact of mineral beneficiation technologies and metal products being developed. The department established the Advanced Metals Initiative (AMI) in 2003 to develop technological competencies and achieve optimal sustainable local processing capabilities for key minerals in the South African minerals sector. The AMI's objective is to increase the downstream value addition of metals in a sustainable manner generating new industries for SA.
(b)
To stimulate research in the neglected and under researched areas of the Research Plan which are predominantly in the socio-ecological domain, the DST has just initiated a large-scale research programme on Global Change, Society and Sustainability with about R15 million annual allocation committed over a period of three years (2012/13-2014/15). Environmental sustainability
also features prominently in other DST work programmes, especially in the context of a minerals-based economy where DST supported initial assessment work by, among others, the Council for Geo-science (CGC) and Mintek. The assessment was done to understand the extent of the problem of the acid mine drainage (AMD) and to make necessary recommendations to the Government Task Team on AMD.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION 1116
DATE OF PU8LICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (11-2012) (INTERNAL
QUESTION PAPER NO 1116-2012)
Dr JC Kloppers-Loutens (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether with the exception of the biosafety initiative, her department is currently conducting independent, long term, scientific research on the impact of genetically modified food on the (a) health of {i)humans and (Ii) animals and (b) the environment, if not, why not if so, what are the relevant details?"
REPLY:
1, No, the department is not currently conducting independent, long term, scientific research on the impact of genetically modified food. This is because the department, with the possible exception of certain policy work, does not conduct research itself.
2, Despite this, the Department specifically designed and created the BioSafety SA platform (hosted by the Technology Innovation Agency) to support short-to-medium term research 011 genetically modified crops and foods, particularly with the aim of addressing regulatory issues and building human capacity. This research supported by BioSafety SA includes:
A} Evaluating the potential allergenicity of Bt maize pollen (addressing in particular (a)(i))
B) Developing technologies to mitigate the potential health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including the genetic engineering of sugarcane by transforming it only with its own DNA, leading to the concept of producing cisgenjc plants that do not contain any foreign DNA. (This addresses (a) and (b)).
C) Investigating the possible effects of St maize on selected non-target arthropods, amphibians and annelids (addressing (b»).
D) Investigating the molecular mechanisms associated with Bt resistance in Busseola fusca and evaluation of possible bollworm resistance development in 6t cotton in South Africa (addressing (b))
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO 1115
Dr JC Klopper-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
Whether the Department is (a) involved in or (b) conducting curriculum research development studies on subjects such as (i) mathematics, (ii) physical sciences, (iii) life sciences, (Iv) humanities and (v) any other subjects, in the interest of advancing the necessary growth of the knowledge economy In our country; if not, why not; if notwhat are the relevant details.
REPLY
1. (a) Yes, the Department is involved in curriculum research and development studies. The Department through the National Research Foundation (NRF) funds researchers to conduct research in all areas of science, which includes education, social sciences and humanities. Therefore, some of the funded researchers would be conducting research in curriculum studies and possibly also use this research to develop curricula.
1. (b) No, the Department does not conduct any curriculum research and development studies since curriculum development in schools IS a mandate of the Department of Basic Education (DBE), and at higher education level it is a function of universities which report to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO. 1105
DATE OF PUBLICATION INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (04-05-2012)
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 01 04-2012)
1105 MR JRB Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) (a) What are the (i) yearly rental and (ii) floor space of the (aa) current and (bb) previous premise8 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 spade was offered and (b) annual rental was tendered (i) by each shortlisted company and (ii) with regard to each shortlisted property
REPLY
(I) (a)(i) The yearly rent was R853 079. The Department of Public Works (DPW) will be giving us a new rate soon since the title deed has been transferred to them in March 2012.
(ii) (aa) The floor space I8 000 square meter.
(bb) The previous space cannot be determined as it was for both 5AC and DST.
b (i) The current building was occupied in 2006.
(ii) The current lease does not expire since the building is owned by government.
(2) The Department was not involved in the tendering of the construction of the building therefore the above questions do not: apply.
(3) (a) Not applicable.
(b) (i) Not applicable.
(ii) Not applicable.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO: 795
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 MARCH 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8 - 2012)
795. Mr M R Sayedali-Shah (DA) to ask the Minister of Science Technology:
Whether any officials from (a) her department and (b) any entities reporting to her were 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 such visit and (ccc) was the cost of (aaa) transport, (bbb) accommodation and(ccc) other expenses
REPLY:
http://www.pmg.org.za/files/questions/RNW795-120413.pdf
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION 583
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9 MARCH 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 7-2012)
"533. Mr TD Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether the department has an internal audit unit, if not; why not; if so, (a) how many staff members are employed in the unit and (b) what (i) is the structure and (ii) are the functions of the unit;
(2) whether the audit committee considers the internal audit reports: if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether she hold meetings to discuss (a) the internal audit reports and (b) their findings with the audit unit; if not why not; in each case; if so, (i)on what dates since 1 April 2010 has each specified meeting taken place and (ii) what are the further relevant details"
REPLY:
(1)Yes: the department has an internal audit unit
(a) Seven staff members are employed. An eighth position is currently vacant
(b)(i) The structure of: the Internal Audit unit consists of one chief audit executive, one director, four deputy directors, one assistant director (vacant advertised on 4 March 2012), and one personal assistant;
(ii) Functions
- To assist the department to demonstrate good governance, operational efficiencies and effective control practices.
- To assist with the achievement of the strategic objectives by linking the risk-based audit plan to the Department's risk assessment.
- To provide reasonable assurance and support to the Director- General in his management responsibilities in attaining the strategic objectives of the department
- To assist the Audit Committee in the effective discharge of its fiduciary duties
(2) Yes, all internal audit reports are presented to the Audit Committee, which meets four times a year. The Audit Committee also tracks management's progress in addressing the audit findings.
(3)(a) and (b)The Minister meets annually with the chair of the audit committee to discuss various audit matters. However, she has not specifically discussed the internal audit reports with the audit unit but has delegated this function to the Accounting Officer, who is the Director- General. The Accounting Officer has discussed the audit findings with the audit unit.
(i) The meetings took place on the following dates: 25 May 2010; 27 July 2012, 9 November 2010, 22 February 2011, 30 May 2011, 29 July 2011, 27 October 2011 and 23 February 2012.
(ii) The Accounting Officer discusses any high-risk findings with the Minister, which ensures that they receive priority attention and corrective measures are developed.