Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 201 to 250
2008-11-26
[PMG note: Any gaps in the numbering are due to the replies not being provided yet]
Question 203
Mrs G.K. Tseke (ANC): NO2358E
What timelines have been set for the ratification of the South African Development Community Protocol on Gender and Development?
Response
South Africa signed the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development on 17 August 2008 during the SADC Heads of State Summit held in Sandton, Johannesburg. The SADC Protocol was submitted to Cabinet for approval for ratification processes through National Parliament. On 10th March 2009, Cabinet approved the process for ratification. A letter was forwarded by the Former Minister in the Presidency, Dr. Manto Tshabala-Msimang to the Former Speaker of the National Assembly with a request for submission of the Protocol for ratification. However, the process was temporarily halted given the national elections held in April 2009. The process is being revived and I will be tabling the Protocol on Gender and Development to Cabinet in the near future, given that there are new members in the Executive since April 2009. Once this process is completed the Protocol will be submitted to National Parliament for ratification. It is my intention to submit the Protocol to Parliament before the end of this financial year.
QUESTION NO: 205
QUESTION PAPER NO 3: 19 JUNE 2009
DATE SUBMITTED:
MR J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
Whether any former officials of her department who have resigned or have been dismissed are still occupying departmental accommodation; if so, (a) at which correctional centers, (b) how many former officials are occupying such accommodation, (c) for how long have they been occupying such accommodation and (d) what steps have they been taken to evict such former officials? NW252E
REPLY
| REGION | At which correctional centers? | How many former officials are occupying such accommodation? | For how long have they been occupying such accommodation? | What steps have they been taken to evict such former officials? |
| Gauteng | Pretoria | 1 | 1 year | The ex-official was appointed by the Department of Labour in Pretoria and she applied for extension which was approved by Area Commissioner for a period of three months with market related prices (Single Quarters). |
| Leeuwkop | 2 | Since 2008/02/28 | The official was informed to vacate but was then hospitalised and released in the first week of November 2009 and the Department is currently tracing him since he has not returned to the official accommodation, but his children are still living there. | |
| Since 2009/04/30 | Registered with Legal Services | |||
| Boksburg | 1 | 6 months | The official to adhere to the procedures of the Department, and his services were terminated on the 23 February 2009 and He continued to occupy official accommodation. The official was instructed to vacate the official accommodation within 24 hours from receipt of the mentioned letter which stipulates (A Order Chapter 7) that an official who resigns or are dismissed must vacate official quarters on their last working day. This matter was referred to Legal Services, Regional Office for their intervention and advice. The response is awaited from the legal services. | |
| Johannesburg | 1 | Since 2006/11/07 | The official was notified to evacuate the official residence; however she refused and made a representation to the former minister. The official was informed that she had to vacate the official accommodation and failure to do that the Area commissioner must follow legal steps at his disposal. The official still refused to respond to this instruction to which an application for eviction was lodged through the office of the State Attorney, 07/17757. She was then served with the eviction order to vacate on 7 March 2008 however she appealed against the decision. It has now been indicated that the Registrar has not yet set the matter down for hearing. | |
| Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West | None | None | None | None |
| Free State & Northern Cape | Groenpunt | 2 | Since 2008/08/24 | The official was dismissed. The dismissal was confirmed by GPSSBC. The official refuses to vacate the departmental accommodation. Matter has been referred to Regional Legal Services for advice on how to implement the evacuation. |
| Since 2009/05 | The official has retired, but has been allowed with cost paid in advance, to occupy the departmental accommodation until end of school term for his children since he is from Transkei and will be relocating with his family at end of November 2009. | |||
| Western Cape | Allandale | 1 | Since 2009/04/28 | The application for an eviction order was submitted to the State Attorney on 2009/06/26, who acknowledged receipt thereof on 2009/07/02. |
| Breede River | 1 | Since 2008/02/12 | Arbitration in favour of the official. Matter is currently on review in Labour Court. DCS requested assistance from the State Attorney whether DCS can continue with eviction order. An amount of R32000.00 was deducted from the official's pension. | |
| Pollsmoor | 7 | Since 2007/05/31 | Awaiting arbitration award. Eviction in process with State Attorney. | |
| Since 2007/12/03 | Judgment in Labour Court on 4 August 2009 – arbitration award set aside. Agreement that will evict after Labour Court case. | |||
| Since 2007/06/29 | Matter on review at Labour Court. On roll for 27 October 2009. | |||
| Since 2007/07/17 | Matter on review at Labour Court. Eviction opposed at Wynberg Magistrate Court. (Continue 8th September 2009) | |||
| Since 2008/12/18 | Eviction opposed at Wynberg Magistrate Court. Continue 8th September 2009) | |||
| Since 2008/06/10 | Eviction in process with State Attorney | |||
| Eastern Cape | St. Albans | 1 | Since 2007/11/09 | Internal efforts to evict the former official could not yield any positive results. Matter is already referred to the State Attorney to commence with legal eviction procedures / processes. The formed official's pension pay out was withheld with the view that should he lose the arbitration the Department is able to recover the rental from his payouts for the period that the former official occupied official accommodation. |
| East Londen | 1 | Since 2009/01/30 | The former official was given up until 31 August 2009 to vacate the official accommodation. Should he fail to cooperate, the matter will be referred to the office of the State Attorney for commencement of the legal eviction processes. | |
| Kwazulu-Natal | Ncome | 1 | Since March 2009 | The official was dismissed in March 2009. Since then, he has been away from where he used to stay (official housing). He was visited in the rural areas but could not be found. The house still has the official's furniture and the management is still tracing the official. |
| Glencoe | 1 | 30 June 2009 | The official retired on 30 June 2009 but is still occupying the official accommodation. He is paying rent in terms of the applicable policy. |
QUESTION NO. 213
(Internal Question Paper No 4 – 2008)
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:
Whether any municipalities are currently under investigation by his department or the provincial governments; if so, (a) how many, (b) which municipalities, (c) why are they being investigated in each case and (d) how many of these municipalities have had forensic audits conducted?
ANSWER
According to the information provided by the following three provinces the situation regarding investigations which have been conducted, is as follows:
(a) (b) (c)
| Province | Number of Municipalities | Names of Municipalities | Reasons for Investigations |
| Eastern Cape | 7 | Kouga | Land Sales and procedures applied |
| Nkonkobe | Procurement, asset management and MIG Projects | ||
| Ukhahlamba | Causes of the bankrupt state of the municipality | ||
| Camdeboo | Councillor remuneration | ||
| Sundays River Valley | Councillor remuneration | ||
| Ingquza Hill | Nepotism in the appointment of staff and procurement | ||
| Alfred Nzo | Irregular tender procedures | ||
| Western Cape | 1 | George Municipality | Over a period of time complaints have been received from various sources regarding the conduct and the decisions of the George Municipality. The Provincial Minister of Local Government and Housing requested information on all issues from the municipal manager in terms of section 106 (1) (a) of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000). These issues have since been responded to by the municipality and some of them are currently being dealt with. |
| Kwazulu- Natal | 35 | Matatiele | Matter finalised. The former Mayor repaid monies owing and the criminal/civil claim matters have been resolved out of court. |
| Uthukela | Department received an inadequate response and verification of implementation of recommendations in the forensic report indicated that no action had been taken by the Municipality. | ||
| Imbabazane | Council has partially implemented recommendations in forensic report. | ||
| Nongoma | Council has partially implemented recommendations in forensic report. | ||
| Ubuhlebezwe | Council has partially implemented recommendations in forensic report. | ||
| Hibiscus Coast | Matter finalised. All issues to be addressed through the internal audit function of the municipality. | ||
| uMvoti | Matter finalised. Disciplinary action instituted by council but official resigned prior to disciplinary hearing. Criminal case lodged. Civil recovery matter being pursued by individual whose house was sold. | ||
| Impendle | Council has partially implemented recommendations in the forensic report. Outstanding matters to be addressed through the intervention in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution already instituted by Cabinet as a result of non-performance by the municipality. | ||
| Ulundi 1 | Council has not addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and matters remain outstanding. | ||
| Ezinqoleni 1 | Council has partially addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding. | ||
| Mtubatuba | Matter finalised. Council has implemented recommendations in the forensic report. | ||
| Umzinyathi | The municipality has partially addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding. | ||
| Newcastle 1 | Matter finalised. Specific disciplinary action taken against officials and councillors. | ||
| Umgungundlovu 1 | The municipality has not addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding. | ||
| Uthungulu (Ntambanana) | Matter finalised. The Councillor was removed from office and a criminal case lodged. | ||
| Umtshezi | Matter finalised. Council has implemented recommendations in forensic report. | ||
| Richmond | Matter finalised. The Municipality has implemented recommendations in forensic report. | ||
| Ilembe 1 | Submission of the report was pending as a result of a court case and the report required amendment. Report is to be referred to council. | ||
| Umuziwabantu | The municipality has partially addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding. | ||
| Newcastle 2 | The municipality has not addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding. | ||
| Ezinqoleni 2 | Investigation underway. | ||
| Ulundi 2 | Investigation underway. | ||
| Ilembe 2 | No formal response has been received from the municipality. | ||
| Umkhanyakude | The municipality has partially addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report. | ||
| Mkhambathini | Investigation report referred to the Municipality. | ||
| Msunduzi | The municipality has not addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding. | ||
| Dannhauser | Final investigation report to be forwarded to municipality within the next two weeks. | ||
| Utrecht | Section 139 intervention instituted and administrator and special panel appointed by MEC have assumed responsibility to implement the recommendations contained in report. Final reports from intervention teams expected within two weeks. | ||
| Umlalazi | Field work finalised. Final investigation report expected in two weeks. | ||
| Umgungundlovu Review of PWC Report | The municipality has not addressed recommendations arising from the investigation report and certain matters remain outstanding. | ||
| Umgeni | Field work finalised. Final investigation report expected in two weeks. | ||
| Amajuba & Umzinyathi District and Newcastle Municipalities (Uthukela Water) | Matters being addressed through a Section 139 intervention already initiated at the parent municipalities of Amajuba, Umzinyathi and Newcastle Municipalities. There was also a report to the Portfolio Committee. | ||
| Edumbe | Field work finalised. Final investigation report expected in two weeks. | ||
| Zululand District | New investigation. Field work commenced and investigation underway. | ||
| Various Municipalities: Free Basic Electricity | Field work finalised. Final investigation report expected in two weeks. |
(d) The Province of the Eastern Cape has indicated that there are 3 municipalities that in which forensic audits were conducted, and the Province of KwaZulu-Natal has indicated that all the investigations which had been conducted were forensic in nature. No forensic audits were conducted in the Western Cape.
The member will be provided with the outstanding information once it is received from the other six provinces.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
WRITTEN TO ORAL REPLY
QUESTION 220
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/06/09
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 04-2009)
Mr GR Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
How much capital expenditure has been devoted to the construction of university residences in each of the past 15 years, (b) how much has been spent on maintenance of existing residences in each of these years and (c) what are the current (i) occupation rates for student and (ii) management capacity in residences in each university;
Whether his department will conduct an audit of university residences; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW267E
REPLY:
The Department of Higher Education and Training will, during 2010, be undertaking a study of student housing in the public higher education system. The study will focus on the system's need for additional student housing, and on the ways in which expansion could be financed. The Department will draw on lessons learned from the 2010/11 to 2011/12 residence expansion process funded by government, institutions and the private sector. The implementation of these expansion plans will lead to the number of student housing places rising by 7 000 by the 2011 academic year, from the current total of 100 000. This expansion programme includes provision for the major renovation of 2 000 existing residence places, primarily in smaller rural universities.
Yes and relevant details are provided above (referred to -1).
QUESTION 230
WRITTEN REPLY
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 29 FEBRUARY 2008
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 5-2008
ADV H C SCHMIDT (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFNCE
Whether the Government intends (a) selling, (b) donating and or (c) making available in any way (i) serviceable aircraft, (ii) unserviceable aircraft, (iii) aircraft spare-parts and or (iv) sections of unusable aircraft currently or previously in use by the SA Air Force to (aa) other countries, (bb) private entities and or (cc) public entities; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (aaa) to which countries, (bbb) when, (ccc) under what conditions and (ddd)(i) when and (ii) why will such aircraft parts be disposed of?
-------ooo0ooo------- NW695E
REPLY
DMD a division of Armscor Business (Pty) Ltd is mandated to sell armaments disposed off by the DOD. DMD currently has the following disposed off DOD equipment or aircraft available:
(i) Serviceable aircraft.
Boeing 707 Aircraft. Marketing efforts for the sale as a commercial aircraft (after removal of all military equipment is completed). It is estimated that the aircraft could be sold within the next financial year.
(ii) Unserviceable aircraft.
Alouette Aircraft. The aircraft will be offered on open tender to private entities as soon as the complete system is disposed of by the South African Air Force. It is estimated that this will be completed within the next two financial years.
Cheetah C sytem. The system is being marketed on a Governme nt-to-Government basis, to NCACC approved end-users. The current target market is a South American country. It is estimated that such a transaction could take up to three financial years to complete, due to the complexity of the system as well as the prospective buyer's budget cycles.
Impala Aircraft. Marketing efforts are underway with Brazil as the possible end-user. The transaction could be completed within the next financial year.
In all cases where DOD armaments or controlled equipment are offered to any countries, prior approval is obtained from the SA National Conventional Arms Control Committee.
(b) and (c)
While all armed forces must maintain their equipment components and parts of military supply systems in a perpetual state of operational readiness to ensure the sovereignty of their nation, the equipment must be supported in an operational state throughout its life cycle, constant additions are being made to these equipment components and parts therefore, additional costs also need to be taken into account such as the acquisition of spare parts. These costs often exceed by far the initial purchase cost of the weapon system or aircraft in this instance. Armed forces must concurrently realize savings by avoiding duplication of equipment components and parts and, simplifying administration, as a result the Department of Defence has mandated in its Department of Defence Instruction (DODI) 5/2000: Policy and Process on the Disposal and Alienation of DOD Moveable Assets.
DISPOSAL PROCESS
Disposal. Is the process of decision-making on how to do away with obsolete, redundant and unserviceable stores and equipment from the Department of Defence (DOD). The outcome is usually one of interdepartmental transfers, sales by means of Armscor (Category 1 materiel), auction or tender, or destruction or donations depending on which method is to the best advantage of the state depending on the specific type of materiel and situation. Sometimes the cannibalization is also an outcome, which includes recycling and conversion into a new product.
Defence Materiel (Category 1 Materiel) is normally obtained by means of an acquisition process purchased from the Special Defence Account, which may involve requirements planning, operational research, technology acquisition, design and development, operational qualification, quality assurance, industrialization, commissioning, maintenance and disposal. Defence Materiel Disposal (DMD) a division of ARMSCOR Business (Pty) Ltd is mandated through the ARMSCOR Act of the South African Government, to dispose of all surplus and redundant military equipment on behalf of the Department of Defence.
No method of alienation, which is in conflict with the domestic South African legislation or, regulation is to be authorized. Furthermore, all treaties and conventions signed and ratified by the government must be honoured. Disposal and alienation authorities are to formally consult with professional authorities in the country should the department's own knowledge base be insufficient regarding the laws, regulations, and treaties influencing methods of alienation (Refer to section 231(4) of the National Constitution).
In view of the above question, decisions to alienate category 1 materiel are the responsibility of the following entities:
Services and Divisions. In terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) principle of delegating responsibility and holding people to account, it was identified that Product System Managers (PSMs) are accountable for ensuring that the stores and equipment, including military vehicles and equipment under their control, are managed economically at optimal levels. This may include disposal decisions of aircraft equipment by the South African Air Force. The requirement for disposal normally arises because of redundancy, obsolescence, or unserviceability of DOD moveable assets. This requirement should be identified and the request to dispose initiated by the PSMs.
Chief of Logistics. Is responsible for coordinating disposal policies and procedures, where the PSMs have forwarded request for disposal. Once determination by Chief Logistics' Disposal Investigation is made that redundancy, obsolescence, or unserviceability of DOD moveable assets are classified as category 1 materiel, such shall be conveyed to ARMSCOR for disposal to the best interest of the state.
ARMSCOR (Defence Materiel Disposal). Shall dispose all category 1 materiel of the DOD. Disposal actions on category 1 materiel can be referred to ARMSCOR as the only single authority in this matter.
QUESTION 231
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Monday, 25 February 2008
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 of 2008
Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether her department is currently making use of the services of an international task team to assist with its turnaround strategy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many persons are employed by the task team, (b) what is the annual cost of the task team, (c) what mandate was given to this task team, (d) in what section are they employed, (e) for how long will her department still use the task team, (f) what is the estimated future cost of the task team and (g) why are (i) local consultants not being used and (ii) highly paid officials in her department unable to perform the turnaround tasks now being done by these consultants?
NW696E
REPLY
(1) No. The team of consultants in the Department cannot be viewed as an "international
task team", as overseas consultants, in the team, constitute a negligible number.
A total number of 107 consultants are currently being utilised.
For a comprehensive breakdown of all costs associated with the Turnaround Project, please refer to the tables below:
| Description | Budget Allocation (million) | Expenditure as at 31-03-2008 (million) | Budget Allocation (million) | Total Budget (million) | Total Expenditure as at | ||
| 2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | ||||
| Consultants | R147,310 | R146,022 | R255,305 | R64,104 | - | R466,719 | R146,022 |
| DHA | R34,719 | R2,039 | R55,346 | R246,591 | R323,246 | R659,902 | R2,039 |
| Total | R182,029 | R148,061 | R310,651 | R310,695 | R323,246 | R1,126,621 | R148,061 |
(c) The mandate of the turnaround project is to transform the Department into a modern, efficient, cost-effective service organisation responsive to the needs of South African citizens, residents and visitors to our country
(d) The consultants are deployed in all the Branches and Business Units of the Department.
(e) It is anticipated that the consultants will be utilised until the end of the 2009/10 financial year.
(f) Please see the table as mentioned in point (b) above.
(g)(i) & (ii) The minority of international consultants, in the team, merely complements the majority of the local consultants, in conjunction with the Departmental staff, on a daily basis, on all the projects, as project sponsors, team leads, or team members, with their wealth of international experience on Home affairs related matters.
QUESTION NO. 237
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 FEBRUARY 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 4)
Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether the Chief Financial Officer of her department received a performance bonus in 2007; if so, (a) how much and (b) why was the performance bonus awarded?
NW702E
REPLY:
Yes.
(a) R20,274.03.
(b) For his performance as evaluated by the Accounting Officer when measured against a set of pre-determined indicators.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NO. 238 (written 1400 transferred)
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 18)
Questions Day: 21 October 2009
Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether all primary health care (PHC) facilities are managed by the provincial governments; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any steps are being taken to bring all PHC facilities under the authority of their respective provincial governments; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1755EREPLY:
The following information was obtained from the Provinces:
EASTERN CAPE
(1) The transfer of PHC services provided by the Twenty one (21) local, four (4) district and one (1) metropolitan municipalities to the Department in line with the National Health Council's directive of November 2005 has not been completed in the Province due to resistance from organized local government (SALGA). The Department continues to provide PHC services in partnership with these municipalities through annual service level agreements.
(2) The Department in consultation with the MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, met with the Provincial Executive Committee of SALGA Eastern Cape on 20 August 2009, where it was agreed that the provincialisation of PHC services would be revived. It was further agreed that a joint task team that was previously established to drive the provincialisation of PHC services would be re-convened in order to finalise the preparation processes.
The task team is currently engaging in the process of collecting data related to human resources, assets, finance and PHC services. It is envisaged to transfer services in phased approach
FREE STATE
(1) Yes, all Primary Health Care facilities in the Free State Province are managed by the Province.
(2) Falls away.
GAUTENG
(1) No. The Gauteng Province manages its own facilities and municipalities also do the same.
(2) Irrespective of who provides the services, bringing the PHC facilities under the authority of the provincial government would require willingness by municipalities to either transfer their PHC facilities to province as a donation, lease their PHC facilities to province, or lastly sell their PHC facilities to province.
KWAZULU/NATAL
(1) Not all Primary Health Care services are managed by the Provincial Government.
The Province commenced negotiations with Municipalities, Unions and SALGA in June 2007, good progress was made in that Transfer Documents were generally accepted. Excluded from this process however, were eThekwini Metro, and the two aspiring Metros of Msunduzi and uMhlathuze. Visits to all Districts to explain the transfers to affected personnel were undertaken in 2007.
National SALGA made a presentation to the National Health Council requesting that the process of transfer be halted. This request was turned down. And SALGA generally withdrew from the processes.
The legal challenge from a Union in the Free State received the judgement that if the transfers were within the legal framework of the Labour Relations Act the process can continue. However the Municipalities and SALGA generally claimed victory from the court case.
Generally no progress has been made since December 2007, due to the fact thatSALGA's (now Kwanaloga in this Province) stand point is that the interpretation of the National Health Act is flawed and that local municipalities are in a better position to deliver these personal health services. SALGA sent out an advisory telling Local Municipalities not to sign any agreement with Province; this put a stop to any negotiations between the two parties.
(2) In 2008, negotiations stalled due to the above reasons.
The Kwanaloga embargo on the negotiations held and in spite of the individual approaches to Municipalities, the Province had not been able to obtain any written agreement on transfer.
The negotiations for Service Level Agreements with Municipalities will stipulate the time period for transfer. One Municipality has agreed to transfer the personal health service to Province at the commencement of the next municipal financial year in June 2010; after intervention from the MEC for Health.
Individual approaches are in the process of being made to every Municipality by Districts and the Provincial representatives. There have been some municipalities that have expressed an interest but to date there are not firm Transfer Agreements signed.
Department of Health is in the process of re-establishing engagement with Heads of Departments of Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs and Kwanaloga.
MPUMALANGA
(1) The following table reflects the situation in this regard
| Status Quo per District | PHC facilities managed by the provincial department | If not, what is the position in this regard | If so, what are the relevant details |
| Nkangala District 5 out of 21 PHC facilities are managed by provincial government. Outstanding= 16 Delmas Sub-District (Victor Khanye Local Municipality) has 3 PHC facilities which are managed by the province | Yes | N/A | Botleng Clinic, FC Dumat Clinic And Botleng Ext. 3 clinic are managed by Provincial Department in (Victor Khanye Local Municipality) Delmas |
| Emalahleni Sub –District Has six (6) local municipality PHC facilities not managed by the province | N o | The arranged meetings for verification of personnel and assets did not materialize due to a circular by SALGA to this municipality to put the process in abeyance until further notice by SALGA National Office. | - |
| Emakhazeni Sub - District Has two (2) local municipality PHC facilities managed by the province | Yes | N/A | - |
| Steve Tshwete Sub district Has 10 PHC facilities which are managed by the local municipality | No | Verification of personnel and assets were completed, however the process was halted by SALGA circular, until further notice by SALGA National Office | |
| Gert Sibande District 13 out of 31 Local Municipality PHC Facilities are managed by Provincial government Outstanding = 18 | No – Only Lekwa and Msukaligwa have been taken over. | Albert Luthuli; Govan Mbeki and Mkhondo municipalities on hold in view of directive issued by SALGA to those municipalities indicating the process of Provincialisation must be stopped | Job offers were made for Govan Mbeki. SALGA needs to withdraw its directive for the department to continue with the Provincialisation process |
| Ehlanzeni district 9 out of 13 Local Municipality PHC Facilities have been Provincialised Outstanding = 4 | No-.Only Nkomazi, Thaba Chweu and Umjindi sub-districts are already taken over | Mbombela sub-district has not been taken over yet | The process to be continued at Mbombela sub-district. |
(2) The following table reflects the details in this regard
| District | Steps to bring PHC facilities under the authority of provincial governments; | If not, why not | If so, what are the details |
| Delmas Sub-District (Victor Khanye Local Municipality) | Yes | - | All PHC facilities managed by Provincial Department. Human resources fully under Provincial Government. The Verification process of assets and one mobile unit's completed. Meetings still arranged between Provincial Government and Local Municipality to address issues and other grey areas around the costs of buildings and land (Botleng & Botleng Ext. 3 Clinics) and rental of FC Dumat Clinic, security issues, etc. |
| Emalahleni Sub – district | Yes | - | The provincial intervention was sought from the Provincial Coordinator and it was reported that SALGA National did not support the process which put the situation on hold since SALGA circular is still standing to this Municipality until further notice |
| Emakhazeni Sub – district | Yes | - | All PHC facilities managed by Provincial Department. Human resources fully under Provincial Government. The Verification process of assets and one mobile unit's completed. Meetings are still ongoing between the Provincial Government and Local Municipality to address issues and other grey areas around the costs of buildings and land (Waterval Boven Gate, Machadodorp, Emthonjeni Sakhelwe, Belfast Gate and Siyathuthuka Clinic), security issues, etc. |
| Steve Tshwete Sub district | Yes | - | The verification of personnel and assets were completed respectively, however a provincial intervention was sought from the Provincial Co-ordinator and it was reported that SALGA National did not support the process which put the situation on hold since SALGA circular is still standing to this Municipality until further notice |
| Gert Sibande district | Yes | - | Still waiting for SALGA to give a directive to continue with the process. Job offers were made to Govan Mbheki. |
| Ehlanzeni district | Yes, the Provincialisation process is still in progress in Mbombela | - | - |
NORTHERN CAPE
| Question | Status | Provincial position | Relevant details |
| Are all PHC facilities managed by the provincial government | No | The provincial department of health has taken a decision since 1999 to provincialize all PHC (Personal health care) managed by both the B and C municipalities. | John Taolo Gaetsewe and Namakwa health districts are totally provincialized – PHC facilities are managed by the provincial department of health. The service is still delivered from the same facility used by the municipality as a clinic. As the department revitalizes PHC clinics, the old buildings no longer suitable to be used as clinics are vacated and can be used by the municipality as offices. |
| Are any steps being taken to bring all PHC facilities under the authority of their respective Provincial Government Department? | Yes | After the Provincial Cabinet endorsed the decision to provincialize all PHC, this was communicated to all municipalities, relevant stakeholders (staff unions) including provincial SALGA. Recruitment of staff is done by the provincial health department. |
Progress to date
Although many small and big municipalities including district municipalities transferred their Personal Health Services (PHC) back to the provincial department of health, the following are outstanding:
| District | Municipality | Prof. nurse | Asst nurse | Clerk | Others | Total |
| Pixley ka Seme | Emthanjeni | 0 | 1 nutri Asso | 0 | 3 G/A | 4 |
| Ubuntu | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 G/A | 2 | |
| Siyanda | Tsantsabane | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 G/A | 5 |
| !Kai Garib | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 G/A | 5 | |
| //Khara Hais | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 G/A | 4 | |
| Kgatelopele | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 G/A | 3 | |
| Frances Baard | Phokwane | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 G/A | 3 |
| Sol Plaatje | 8 | 2 E/N | 4 | 10 G/A | 24 | |
| Total | 15 | 4 | 4 | 27 | 50 | |
Sol Plaatje municipality has the most professional staff for this process and this poses a challenge given that the transfer of services did not enjoy support from stakeholders (staff) despite interactions and explanations given to affected staff.
NORTH WEST
(1) Some of the Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities are still managed by Municipal structures. These are:
- Four (4) Clinics Madibeng Municipality (Oukasie, Haartebees, Damonsville, Madibeng clinics)
- Four (4) Clinics in Rustenburg Municipality (Anna Legoale, Karlienpark, Boitekong Sunrise park)
- Two (2) Clinics in Kgetleng Municipality (Swartruggens and Borolelo)
- Matlosana, Merafong and Tlokwe.
- Ramotshere Local Municipality has been requested to Provincialize the service, but to date has not complied; they are awaiting the finalisation of a dispute raised by SALGA on the matter.
· All primary health care facilities in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District are managed by the provincial government.
· The Provincial government is responsible for the following:
- provision of medication
- training of all staff (including Municipal staff)
- payment of telephones, rentals, utilities, waste management etc
- maintenance of all facilities
- purchasing and maintenance of equipment
- monitoring through DHIS and Clinic Supervision Manual
(2) Steps that are being taken include:
· The matter has been referred to the Districts Health Council.
· The matter receiving attention at SALGA meeting.
· Premier gave directive to Municipalities to finalize process by end of financial year 2006
· Memorandum of Agreement signed between Executive Mayors and Member of Executive Council was signed in 2006.
· All Municipalities have signed off fixed assets to Provincial Government.
· Schedules for transfer of assets compiled and signed off by joint management team (Sub District and Municipality).
· Job Offers were issued to Municipal staff, after an intensive consultation process and, most have been transferred to Province with the exception of few management cadre and professional nurses.
· The Provincial Head Office has set up a Task Team to deal with Provincializing of PHC Services and several meetings have taken place for sufficient consensus on the matter.
· There are few Municipalities that are still not on board and the matter is handled by the Departments of Local Government and Health.
WESTERN CAPE
(1) Primary Health Care services in 5 of the 6 Districts in the Western Cape have been provincialized and managed by the provincial Department of Health by the respective District Managers.
(2) The only District where PHC services are still delivered by both Provincial and Local government departments, is in the City of Cape Town (CocT) - which is the only Metro Municipality. The Provincial Cabinet has endorsed a decision to provincialize the PHC services in the CoCT. The main reason for not having implemented such a decision is the lack of Provincial funds to substitute the contribution made by the CoCT (approximately R20 0million ) towards funding PHC services.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. 239 (written 1401 transferred)
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 18)
Questions Day: 21 October 2009
Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether all primary health care (PHC) facilities are subject to minimum standards; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will these standards be implemented; if so, (i) what are these standards, (ii) when will these standards come into effect, (iii) who evaluates each of these standards, (iv) how often are evaluations carried out, (v) what action is taken against any one of the PHC facilities which does not meet the minimum standards and (vi) when last was each facility evaluated;
(2) whether there are international standards stipulating minimum standards at PHC facilities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1756EREPLY:
(1) The Department of Health across all spheres of government remains committed to the provision of Primary Health Care services (PHC) through a functional District Health System (DHS). PHC facilities (fixed, mobile clinics including community health centres) form the platform for the delivery of PHC within the DHS. In addition, by September 2001, after an extension process of consultation and engagement with different stakeholders, a comprehensive and integrated package of essential PHC was made available for the entire population
Norms and Standards
A national task team of the National Department of Health was set up in the late 1990s to produce a set of norms and standards. In consultation with various stakeholders across public, private and development sectors a set of norms and standards for the provision of PHC service for the Republic was produced in 2000.
Implementation of the Norms and Standards
The provision of quality health care is fundamentally a constitutional mandate. To this end, the national strategic plan and provincial annual performance plans have reaffirmed the importance of quality health care provision..
The provision of PHC services in the Republic is aligned to the prescribed norms and standards. Since 2001, with the production of an essential package for comprehensive and integrated PHC services, norms and standards have continued to guide the implementation of the PHC package of service. South Africa has an experience of 10 years of providing comprehensive and integrated PHC services.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Assurance
Provinces have set up various mechanisms and structures to assure quality. There are provincial and district PHC coordination structures which support PHC facilities. There are also national, provincial and district quality assurance structures and human resources to strengthen the provision of quality health services at facility and community levels.
Provinces have further dedicated and appointed clinic supervisors to monitor the performance of PHC facilities across the country. In line with the relevant provisions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), provinces and districts have put in place quarterly performance reviews. It is through the mechanism that gaps in the provision of service delivery had been identified and corrective measures had been put in place. In order to strengthen quality monitoring, an indicator has been developed to measure the rate of clinic supervisory per facility. The data for this indicator is captured on monthly basis in the national DHS.
(2) In a further effort to strengthen quality monitoring, the Department complied with the provision of the National Health Act 61 of 2003 by establishing the Office of Standard Compliance. This Office had begun a process of reviewing norms and standards across levels of care, particularly for district hospitals and primary health care services so as to develop core standards for health facilities across the country and sectors. The review has followed the World Health Organisation (WHO) framework. The WHO framework consists of 7 domains namely safety, clinical care, governance, access to care, infrastructure and environment, patient experience of care, and public health. A set of "core standards for health facilities in South Africa" has since been launched in 2008
QUESTION 240
WRITTEN REPLY
DATE OF PUBLICATION: MONDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 2008
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 4-2008
MOULANA M R SAYEDALI-SHAH (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE
How many (i) SA National Defence Force issue weapons (by type), (ii) items of SANDF equipment such as vehicles, tanks and planes and (iii) items of SANDF computers, cell-phones, safes and any other equipment have been (aa) lost, (bb) stolen and (cc) recovered in the past 24 months and (b) how many members of the SANDF have been (i) suspended and (ii) dismissed as a result of the above-mentioned losses?
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REPLY
| S/Nr | Description | aa. Lost | bb. Stolen | cc. Recovered | Total |
| 1. | Weapons | 3 | 66 | 12 | 57 |
| Weapons (R4 Rifle) | Nil | 35 | 12 | 23 | |
| Weapons (Bruno Rifle) | Nil | 10 | Nil | 10 | |
| Weapon (R5 Rifles) | Nil | 7 | Nil | 7 | |
| Weapons (Z88Pistol) | 1 | 8 | Nil | 9 | |
| Weapons (9mm Pistol) | 2 | 6 | Nil | 8 | |
| 2 | Vehicles/Tanks/ Planes | Nil | 44 | Nil | 44 |
| Sadans | Nil | 31 | Nil | 31 | |
| SAMIL | Nil | 3 | Nil | 3 | |
| 3 T Dina | Nil | 1 | Nil | 1 | |
| E 20 Buses | Nil | 7 | Nil | 7 | |
| Trailer | Nil | 1 | Nil | 1 | |
| Engine | Nil | 1 | Nil | 1 | |
| 3. | Computers | Nil | 120 | 1 | 119 |
| Desk Tops | Nil | 70 | Nil | 70 | |
| Laptops | Nil | 34 | Nil | 34 | |
| Printers | Nil | 1 | Nil | 1 | |
| Fax Machine | Nil | 1 | Nil | 1 | |
| Projectors | Nil | 1 | Nil | 1 | |
| Computer Screens | Nil | 2 | Nil | 2 | |
| Cartridges | Nil | 2 | Nil | 2 | |
| 4. | Cell phones | Nil | 9 | 1 | 8 |
| 5. | Safes/Other Equipment | 2 | 208 | 32 | 178 |
| 6. | Suspended | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Dismissed | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
QUESTION 246
WRITTEN REPLY
DATE OF PUBLICATION: MONDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 2008
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 4-2008
MOULANA M R SAYEDALI-SHAH (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE
Whether SA National Defence Force (SANDF) staff that were involved in arms deal contracts may not be employed within the period of eight years by the seller of the arms without written consent of the Chief of the SANDF; if so,
whether a certain person (details furnished) worked for a certain company (name furnished) within the eight-year ban period; if so,
whether he received written consent from the SANDF chief to do so; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
whether any action has been taken against any party, including the said person, in relation to this alleged breach of supply contracts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
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REPLY
Yes. In accordance with the Corvette Supply Umbrella Agreement Contract No. 112 /1, page 52 paragraph 19.2 (a); SANDF staff that were involved in the acquisition of the corvettes may not be employed by the seller (German Frigate Consortium) without the consent of the Chief of the National Defence Force or his deputy within a period of 8 years after the effective date of contract.
Yes. Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Kamerman began working for the Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS) within the 8 year ban period.
The Rear Admiral did not have the official consent from the Chief of the South African National Defence Force.
No action has yet been taken against the said Rear Admiral. The Umbrella Agreement to the Supply Terms does not make provision for legal action against an individual member of the DoD who takes up employment with the seller. The legal relationship is between the seller (German Frigate Consortium) and the buyer (Armscor and or the South African Government).