Questions & Replies: Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries

The above statutory measures were published in the Government Gazette on 09 March 2012 (Government Gazette Notice No. 35109).

(2) Whethershe has verified the status of SAPPA among pecan product producers before approving its proposed levy; if so, what are the relevantdetails;

The standard operating procedure is that whenever a directly affected group wishes to apply for the introduction or establishment of a statutory measure in any particular industry, such application is lodged through the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) in accordance with the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996 (Act No. 47 of 1996)

Upon receiving the application, the NAMC conducts its own investigation, notifies all directly affected groups and invites comments from all directly affected groups on the proposed statutory measures. All aspects relating to the suitability, relevance, status, and capacity of the proposed statutory measure(s) administrator are also investigated at this stage. It is only after the NAMC has satisfied itself that the level of support for the proposed statutory measures is sufficient and that the introduction of the statutory measures will not negatively affect the objectives of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996 (Act No. 47 of 1996), that it makes a recommendation to the Minister for approval.

The status of the administrator of the statutory measures (SAPPA) among pecan product producers has been verified and the following is placed on record:

SAPPA is a voluntary membership organisation which serves everyone that shows interest in the growing, use and marketing of pecans. SAPPA is a directly affected group in the context of the MAP Act. The Association was formed in 1992 at a meeting of 75 growers and has grown steadily and reached a 300 membership mark in 2011. It is estimated that there are about 500 to 600 pecan producers and that there are many new entrants who planted trees that are not yet in production as a pecan tree takes seven to eight years to bear fruit. In 2011, there were ten processors and exporters of pecans that were members of SAPPA, and 11 processors in the market that were not members of SAPPA. SAPPA believes that the interests of all pecan industry stakeholders are interdependent of one another and that satisfying the interests of these stakeholders is important to the success of the industry as a whole.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 1662

Question 1662 for National Assembly, Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether her department conducts regular testing for rabies in animals; if not, why not; if so, (a) how regularly is testing conducted and (b) what number of animals was (i) tested and (ii) inoculated (aa) in the (aaa) 2009-10, (bbb) 2010-11 and (ccc) 2011-12 financial years and (bb) since 1 January 2012;

(2) what (a) number of animals tested positive for rabies in each specified (i) province and (ii) municipality and (b) actions were taken in each case;

(3) whether her department conducts education drives about rabies (a) infection and (b) transmission; if not, why not; if so, (i) what kind of information is provided, (ii)(aa) how and (bb) in which municipal areas is the information distributed and (iii) what are the further relevant details? NW1998E

REPLY:

(1) Diagnostic techniques for rabies have been standardised internationally. Currently there is no rabies screening test for live animals. As there are no specific and constant clinical signs for rabies, accurate diagnosis can only be made after death, in the laboratory, involving techniques undertaken on the brain tissue of an animal suspected of having suffered from rabies. Hence, animals suspected of having rabies, are euthanized. The test that is recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) is the fluorescent antibody test, which is performed on dead brain tissue.

Rabies can therefore currently not be diagnosed/tested for in live animals. Serological tests that are undertaken are simply being used to check vaccination responses prior to international animal movement or trade, as prescribed by the OLE.

(aaa) 822 515 animals were vaccinated during 2009.

(bbb) 754 728 animals were vaccinated during 2010.

(ccc) 590 455 animals were vaccinated during 201 1.

(ddd) 40 605 animals were vaccinated during January 2012.

(2) The number of animals that tested positive for rabies are as follows:

Following rabies outbreaks, the Provincial State Veterinary Services contacts their human health counterparts to assist with proper education in the affected area. Ring vaccination within the rabies infected area is then conducted.

(3) As rabies is a zoonotic disease (a disease that is transmissible from animals to humans), education is ongoing in close collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH). At National level, bilateral meetings are held between the animal and human health sectors to plan events, such as World Rabies Day. Rabies campaigns are aimed at sending out the same message from both the animal health and human health sectors in order to prevent confusion. Especially children are being targeted with regards to education. Recently, the use of a colouring book was designed, which warn kids on how to react around dogs in order to prevent being bitten, and also provides information on what to do should you get bitten. Rabies campaigns are also organised and held at Provincial level.

In response to the recent media publications, the Department has also had a few media clips on rabies including in our internal news publication. The Department also has a pamphlet which is generally used in campaigns by the different provinces and welfare organisations, as well as distributed at Agricultural shows; this pamphlet is available in a number of languages (Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, IsiZuIu and IsiXhosa - as attached). The Department also recently updated their 'Guideline for the Medical, Veterinary and Allied Professions' manual (cover attached) and printed over 5000 copies which have been distributed to all veterinarians in the country (including our private colleagues) as well as shared with the DOH and the Medical Practitioners.

Each year in September (28th), the world celebrates/commemorates a World Rabies Day where a number of activities are planned by both National and Provincial Veterinary services

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 1660

Question 1660 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether, in respect of each fishery sector, her department maintains a register of every (a) fishing right and (b) permit allocated; if not, why not; if so, for each fishery sector, what are the (i) names, (ii) addresses, (iii) units per (aa) total allowable catch (TAC) and (bb) total allowable effort (TAE) allocated and (iv) what was the actual catch of each recipient in (aa) 2009, (bb) 2010, (cc) 2011 and (dd) since 1 January 2012? NW1996E

REPLY:

Yes. According to Section 12 of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act 18 of 1998) the Department shall keep a register of all rights of access granted or issued, which register shall be available to the public for inspection. Rights Registers for each of the 22 commercial fishing sectors are available and contain names, addresses, units per TAC and TAE allocated and other contact details. Rights Registers can be requested from the Department's Fisheries Branch and are also available from the departmental website at www.daff.gov.za and can be downloaded from the following link on the website:

http://www.nda.agric.za/doaDev/fisheries/03_areasofwork/resourcemanagement.html

Furthermore, a list of permits issued as per the Marine Administration System (MAST) is also available and can be requested from the Department's Fisheries Branch. With regard to the catches of each of the Right Holders for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 to date, the department can make the information available through the submission of a request in terms of PAIA (Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act 2 of 2000). A Right Holder's catch information is privileged and the Department needs to request the Right Holder's consent before catch information is released. A third party requesting catch information of Right Holders should complete a PAIA request form which should be submitted to the Department's Fisheries Branch in Cape Town for processing.

Reply received: July 2012

Question 1622

Question 1622 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr. BM Bhanga (COPE) asked to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

What has she found to be the impact on (a) food security and (b) hunger of vulnerable people in the seven provinces and particularly the Mount Frere district where tractors were not distributed?

Reply:

In order to give a perspective of the interventions by government to alleviate poverty in the country a map is attached as a reference. The map indicates interventions through War on Poverty (WOP by the office of the Presidency), Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP by Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, DRDLR), Household Food and Nutrition Security Programme (HFNSP by Department of Social Development, DSD) and Small Holder Farmer Development Programme (SHFDP by Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, DAFF). The integrated approach has been adopted in order to ensure sustainable development and equitable allocation of resources. DAFF is leading the process with regard to planning, coordination and monitoring and evaluation and most importantly provision of support services that require national competence. The implementation of these programmes is done through the Integrated Food Security Strategy adopted and approved by cabinet in 1997. All these programmes contribute towards the attainment of national Outcome 7 which reads as follows: VIBRANT, EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL COMMUNITIES AND FOOD SECURITY FOR ALL.

With reference to the question, it would be proper to indicate that DAFF undertook an assessment with regard to status of machinery and found that lack of access to machinery and farming equipment was one of the constraints facing rural communities and small holder farmers. DAFF intervention in this regard is to enhance access to mechanisation inputs and services. The supply of tractors is one of the strategic interventions undertaken to ensure equitable allocation of resources to poorly resourced communities including small holder farmers and is funded through a national programme. All provinces have each been given a budget allocation for the purchase of tractors. The Mount Frere area under Mzimvubu is part of the area prioritised for a food security programme by the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The intended output is increased access to the mechanisation programme and the targeted impact is improved efficiency in food production in various projects around the country. The distribution of tractors is done in accordance with the provincial schedule. The national department is aware that initial process for tractor distribution has not taken off smoothly. That is being attended to through a national food security forum which meets monthly and which includes all key departments (Health, Basic and Higher Education, Correctional Services, Social Services, DAFF's SOE's and provinces. The programme is still at its infancy stage. However, it would suffice to indicate that agricultural activities have increased in areas like OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo municipalities since the introduction of tractors. The data for agricultural activities would be reported through performance reporting that takes place on an annual basis.

In view of the challenges with regard to procurement, a decision has been made that provinces will procure tractors through their own systems in order to accommodate provincial specific conditions. Another important intervention has been a request sent to Statistics South Africa to include questions on food access on its General Household survey published annually.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1588

QUESTION 1588 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MR T D LEE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

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? NW1916E

REPLY

(a)(i) 2009-10 Motor vehicle, Pretoria R 9 150-00

(b)(i) 2010-11 Motor vehicle, Pretoria R11 750-00

Motor vehicle, Cape Town R 2 350-00

(c )(i) 2011-12 Motor vehicle, Pretoria R 4 000-00

Motor vehicle, Cape Town R 3 150-00

(a)(b)(c)(ii) All traffic fines are redirected to the driver's name, therefore no traffic fines are paid by the Department

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 1573

QUESTION 1573 FOR WRITTEN REPLY, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: MR B.M. BHANGA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

How many agricultural schemes that were initiated by development co-operations are still operational in Limpopo? NW1898E

REPLY:

In 2001 Executive Council of the Province took a decision that the Agricultural Rural Development Corporation (ARDC) be dissolved. Around 2006, some irrigation schemes which were initiated by the ARDC were then transferred to the communities. While those other schemes which were not transferred to communities, were then transferred to Limpopo Department of Agriculture (LDA) by April 2006.

The tables below provides the list of those projects and their status then:

Projects handed to communities

2. Projects transferred to the Limpopo Department of Agriculture (April 2006 )

NB : Currently the Limpopo Agricultural Development Corporation (LADC) is only managing Ventecco Tea Estate and Intergrated Poultry Project. The rest of the projects are the Hubs from the shareholder (LDA).

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 1552

Question 1552 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether the Government has accredited the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) certification programme; if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether her department coordinates compliance of the MSC's certification requirements for the hake trawl industry; if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusion reached;

(3) whether her department enforces the MSC's requirements of placing independent observers on hake fishing trawlers to ensure compliance; if not, why not; if so, how many observers have been placed on hake fishing trawlers since January 2012;

(4) whether failure to place independent observers on hake fishing trawlers will compromise the hake trawl fishery's MSC certification for (a) harvesting hake and (b) entry to European markets; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what measures has her department implemented to ensure compliance;

(5) (a) what was the gross revenue generated for South African hake to European markets (i) for the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) from 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) how many jobs are supported by this industry? NW1872E

REPLY:

(1) No. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)'s Certification Program is an ecolabel that recognizes and rewards sustainable fishing practices by giving access to seafood products to specific markets while meeting specific stringent sustainable standards. The label indicates that seafood with this mark comes from a fishery that is certified for its well-managed and sustainable fishery practices. Therefore, Government is not responsible for accreditation.

(2) No. South African Deep Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA), as the client of MSC is responsible for coordinating compliance with MSC Certification requirements.

(3) The Department has in the past deployed scientific observers on hake vessels in compliance with MSC certification requirements. The previous contract for this outsourced service came to an end on 31 March 2011. A process is underway to advertise a new tender and appoint a service provider within three months.

(4)(a) Harvesting Hake

The MSC is not a regulatory body, but an eco-labelling body, certifying sustainability of the fishery in question. The MSC therefore does not govern the harvesting of national resources, including hake.

(4)(b) Entry to European markets

European consumer pressure demands MSC-certified fish. Compromising MSC certification of the hake trawl fishery would certainly compromise entry to European markets. The draft report of the recent MSC surveillance audit for the South African hake deep-sea trawl fishery has raised four new conditions, two of which relate directly to scientific observers. To maintain MSC certification for the hake trawl fishery the Department is required to re-instate the scientific observer programme within the period of one year, and this process is currently underway as indicated in (3) above.

(5)(a) The approximate gross revenue generated for South African hake to Europe were as follows (please note that the figures are per calendar year and not per financial year):

2008 R1.62 billion

2009 R1.7 billion

2010 R1.9 billion

(5)(b) At the moment the South African deep sea trawling sector (Hake) supports approximately 6500 jobs

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION1547

Question1547 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether an interdepartmental harbours steering committee has been established to implement the findings and recommendations of the Harbour Feasibility Study; if not, why not; if so, (a) who was appointed to the committee, (b) what are their qualifications and (c) what is the committee's terms of reference;

(2) What were the reasons for (a) the delay in establishing the committee and (b) implementing the recommendations of the feasibility study? NW1867E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, a interdepartmental harbours steering committee has been established.

(a) The current interdepartmental Harbour Steering Committee, which consists of members from Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF), Department of Public Works (DPW) and National Treasury (NT) is responsible for the implementation of the Harbour Feasibility Study.

The following are the members:

· Fred Johnson : Regional Manager, DPW

· Anselm Umoetok – Director: Portfolio Performance Management for Defence & Social Services, DPW

· Ossie Lamb – Deputy Director: Property Management, DPW

· Lucas Williams : Director: Socio – Economic Development, DAFF

· Desmond Marinus – Technical Harbour Manager, DAFF

· Gillian Wilson: Chief Director: Public Finance, NT

· George Tembo: Director: Public Finance, NT

· Nominee from Premier Zille

(b) Their positions are as mentioned in (a).

(c) The committee's terms of reference is attached.

2 (a) The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism was vested to establish this committee; however it was only transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on 1 April 2010, when this function was legally handed over to Agriculture.

(b) A Technical Assistance Unit (TAU) has been appointed to draft the implementation plan and costing.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1504

Question 1504 for written reply, National Assembly, Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether any support is being given to poultry producers to help them improve efficiencies and to counteract the growing importation of poultry from elsewhere at prices considerably lower than those prevailing in the South African poultry industry; if not, why not; if so, (b) inefficiencies are being addressed, (c) progress is being achieved and (d) further assistance is being considered to enable South African poultry producers to be as competitive as their counterparts elsewhere in the world? NW1777E

REPLY:

Yes. The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC), made a preliminary determination on 30 January 2012 that imports of certain types of poultry meat (whole birds and boneless cuts) originating in Brazil are being dumped on the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) market. Additional duties, ranging between 6.53% and 62.93%, have been implemented on the import of the mentioned poultry products from Brazil.

A detailed investigation, involving all interested parties, will be made by ITAC prior to making a final determination.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with theSouthern African Poultry Association (SAPA) for further assistance to the Developing Poultry Farmer's Organisation's (DPFO) affiliates. The focus is on the improvement of poultry production through farmer development to ensure sustainability of the industry. Since its inception in 2008 the DPFO has grown significantly and it is now a highly structured entity whose focus is to enlist, develop and empower members and facilitate and coordinate training and marketing of poultry products. Critical measures relating to compliance to health and bio-security related measures are also addressed.

In addition, DAFF is directly involved in providing technical advice. This is done in cooperation with a SAPA official who has been specifically designated for this sector. This advice is additional to the extension services rendered by different provinces. The DAFF also coordinates a National Poultry Sector Working Group (NPSWG) that includes representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, National Agricultural Marketing Council and (DPFO), the Provinces and SAPA.

(b) The major inefficiencies are production efficiencies and resource allocation efficiencies. The MoU through its training initiative seeks to train developing poultry farmers to improve production efficiency. Production efficiency is also being addressed at different poultry production fora. In a concerted effort to upscale the skills of the farmers, the DAFF also funds poultry farmers from all nine provinces to attend of the annual Avi Africa conference where they have the opportunity to participate in relevant efficiency sessions and to interact with the entire poultry supply chain by way of a major industrial exhibition.

(c) Through the llima/Letsema and Mafisa programmes the Department has been able to increase poultry production. However, it is expected that through the recent signing of the MoU with SAPA, emphasis will be put on the improvement of poultry production and farmer development to ensure sustainability of the industry and more specifically, the Developing Poultry Farmer sector. As initially indicated the DPFO from a governance point has taken shape. The focus now will be on eroding production and resource allocation inefficiencies. Addressing these inefficiencies will ensure that South Africa increases productivity and becomes more competitive.

(d) The roll out of the poultry training programme will take place over the next two years and it is expected that the training will enhance production efficiency. In parallel, there are initiatives within different provinces to enhance efficiencies within the value chain of poultry industry.

These initiatives include the set up of poultry abattoirs and the construction of feed mills. It is expected that such initiatives will assist in reducing production costs and further stimulate production in areas where these are set up. The Gauteng Provincial government through its Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is already spearheading these initiatives within its boundaries.

Additionally, with the roll out of the Zero Hunger Programme, poultry farmers will be able to participate in government off-take markets. This will enable farmers to increase their production in a demand driven environment. It is anticipated that the increase in poultry production will lead to a situation where South Africa becomes self sufficient in poultry. Such self-sufficiency will allow South Africa to reconsider its stance on poultry meat import quotas.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1453

Question 1453 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr E.H. Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) When was the current Director-General of her department appointed;

(2) Whether the Director-General was appointed in a permanent capacity; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1730E

REPLY:

(1) 16 September 2010

(2) The Director-General was appointed by Cabinet for a period of five (5) years. As stipulated in the SMS Handbook, issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration, the appointment of Head of Departments is effected on a minimum probation period of 12 calendar months unless the Executive Authority directs otherwise.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1432

Question 1432 for Written Reply: National Assembly, Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether her department is currently involved in any court cases; if so, (a) how many and (b) what is the (i) reason for, (ii) case number of and (iii) current status of each specified case? NW1708E

REPLY:

(1) (a) There are thirty eight (38) civil cases, three (3) labour matters and four (4) motor vehicle accidents.

(b) (i) Reasons depend according to the circumstances of the case. Please see attached Annexure A.

(ii) Please see attached annexure A

(iii) Please see attached annexure A

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1431

Question 1431 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether she has been informed that the foot-and-mouth disease barrier fence in KwaZulu-Natal has been damaged; if not, what is the position in this regard;

(2) whether her department has conducted any investigations into the dilapidation of the fence; if not, why not; if so, what (a) is the name of the official who conducted the investigations and (b) were the findings;

(3) whether any officials were charged with (a) misconduct and (b) negligence following the investigations; if not, why not; if so, (i) what (aa) is the name, (bb) are the qualifications and (cc) is the designation of each specified person and (ii) what action has been taken in each case;

(4) when will the erection of a new fence be completed;

(5) whether her department has a detailed (a) strategy and (b) communication plan to manage foot-and-mouth disease; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW1707E

REPLY

(1) Maintenance of the Foot and mouth disease (FMD) fence inside the FMD controlled area is the responsibility of the Veterinary Services of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province Department of Agriculture. The Protection Zone fence (or red line fence as it was commonly known) has not been in place for a while and its effectiveness is questionable.

The national Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is responsible for the major disease control fence along the international borders. The disease control fence between the Republic and Mozambique is maintained by veterinary officials under the employ of DAFF. The status of this international disease control fence is in a satisfactory condition.

(2) As indicated above, the fence in the FMD controlled area is the Provincial Veterinary Services responsibility.

(3) As indicated above, the fence in the FMD controlled area is the Provincial Veterinary Services responsibility.

(4) The fence is only one aspect of the FMD control. The FMD control measures have three main pillars:

Animal Identification and Movement control: all cloven hoofed animals in the FMD controlled area must be individually identified and movements thereof monitored. These are not allowed to move out of the controlled area unless going for direct slaughter. Only animals in the protection area may be allowed to leave following a rigorous quarantine and testing programme prior to the movement. The Department is moving away from relying on fences to control the movement but is strengthening its inspection and recording system (stock cards and registers) to enable the officials to know, at (almost) all times how many animals are in their controlled areas and where these animals are (who the owner is).

Inspections: according to the FMD control protocol, cattle in the protection area must be inspected every 2 weeks. Animals are brought to the dip tank where they are inspected for signs of presence of FMD and at the same time stock cards and registers checked and updated. The number of animals presented for inspection is also recorded as well as the owners. The official is expected to follow up on any owner who does not present his animals or whose animal numbers have discrepancies.

Vaccination: cattle in the Protection Area (where vaccination is practised) must be vaccinated at least every 6 months. At the moment we import vaccine from Botswana since the OVI is not producing any vaccine.

(5) The Department has a Foot and Mouth Disease Control Protocol which is currently under revision to be in line with the OIE guidelines. The draft is attached.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1427

Question 1427 for Written Reply: National Assembly, Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether, she has appointed any advisors since assuming office: if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many has been appointed, (b) in each case, (i) what are their names, (ii) qualifications, (iii) annual remuneration package and (iv) duration of employment;

(2) Whether she currently employs any advisors; if not; why not; if so, (a) how many, (b) in each case, what are their (i) names, (ii) qualifications, (iii) annual remuneration package and (iv) duration of their employment contract and (c) how are the appointments justified? NW1703E

REPLY:

(1) Yes

(a) Five (5) (Only 2 per period)

(b)

(i), (ii) (iii) and (iv) See inserted table

(2) Yes

(a) Two (2)

(b)

(i), (ii), (iii)and (iv)- See inserted table

(c) The appointment of Special Advisors is regulated in terms of the Ministerial Handbook, and in terms of Section 12a of the Public Service Act of 1994.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1404

Question 1404 for Written Reply: National Assembly, Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether his department has made any donations to a certain rural development initiative (name furnished); if so, (a) on what dates, (b) what amount was donated, (c) which areas of the country will benefit from this donation and (d) what are the relevant details? NW1657E

REPLY:

a) No donation was made. The Minister pledged directly to the community as part of the CASP and Illima programmes of the Department. These were planned and budgeted for, and also approved by Parliament.

b) Nil

c) None

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 1401

QUESTION 1401 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MR P VAN DALEN(DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) (a) With reference to her reply to (a) question 1694 on 12 July 2011 and (b) question 456 on 14 May 2012, what is the detailed expenditure breakdown for the Ministry sub-programme under Programme 1: Administration, specifically for goods and services, in the (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09, (iii) 2009-10 and (iv) 2010-11 financial years;

(2) (a) how much money was paid out directly to (i) her, (ii) her Deputy Minister and (iii) any other specified person for expenses incurred (aa) during, (bb) before and (cc) after travelling and (b) what is the detailed breakdown of these expenses;

(3) as part of the expenditure detailed above, for each flight undertaken by (a) her, (b) her Deputy Minister and (c) any other specified person accompanying them in each of the abovementioned years, (i) what was their destination, (ii) which airline did they use and (iii) what was the cost of the ticket in each case? NW1651E

REPLY:

(1) Detailed expenditure breakdown for the Ministry specifically for goods and services is as attached:

(2) i) Payments to the Minister are currently the subject of an investigation by the Public Protector, referred to that office by the Honourable Member. Pending the conclusion of the investigation and the report of the Public Protector, the matter will not be commented on.

ii) The Deputy Minister received the following S&T payments and reimbursements for expenses incurred before, during and after travelling:

2010/11 R 12 333.96 (S&T foreign meals)

Total R 12 333.96

iii) No other persons are specified.

(3) (a) Travel arrangements of the Minister are also the subject of the Public Protector investigation, and full information has been provided to her office in this regard.

(b) The attached flights were undertaken by the Deputy Minister in the period specified:

(c) No other persons are specified.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1365

Question 1365 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr. M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether her department has taken any steps to deal with the concerns expressed by the fishing community of the Southern Cape with regard to the allocation of chokka quotas; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1613E

REPLY:

The Department is not aware of any concerns expressed or raised by any of the fishing communities of the Southern Capewith regard to the allocation of chokka quotas. The Department would gladly act on the matter if it was brought to its attention.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1362

Question 1362 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs A Steyn ( DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 446 on 12 April 2012, her department has provided extension workers to work with communities on the irrigation schemes; if not, why not;

Answer:

Yes. Extension officers are employed to provide agricultural technical assistance, facilitation of resources and partnerships and mobilisation of the beneficiaries in their various agricultural extension wards. There are extension officers working with communities at the department funded irrigation schemes and provinces like the Free State have further employed irrigation specialists, soil conservation / Land Care technicians and engineers to further provide specialised advisory services to farmers on irrigation schemes.

(2) What input is expected from the beneficiaries in each case;

Answer:

Beneficiaries are expected to provide their needs which will be taken into consideration when implementing and developing irrigation projects. Beneficiaries are expected to further provide 1) water rights (if any), 2) labour (as own contribution), 3) land, 4) agricultural input supplies after a certain number of years (when the grant exit) and 5) management inputs.

( 3) Whether small-scale farmers are expected to pay for (a) seed, (b) planting and (c) any other products or services as part of their contribution to the schemes; if not, why not; if so (i) how are the amounts determined, (ii) who receives the income and (iii) how is the income audited;

Answer:

(a) No. Small-scale farmers are not expected to pay for production inputs given by government because this is a grant. The production input support is determined by the requirement in the business plan and these production inputs will be given as a grant for the first three to four years depending on the profitability of the farmer. The grant support on irrigation lands include:

(b) Mechanization for planting for the first year, or for the first three to four years depending on the profitability of the farmer.

(c) Contribution by beneficiaries through labour: from implementation up to completion, during harvesting, marketing and transportation of the goods.

(i) The grant amount given depends on the nature of the project and the business plan.

(ii) The farmer/beneficiaries receive the income from sold goods.

(iii) All Close Corporations (CC's), Companies and other legal entities are audited in terms of the relevant legislation. Where there is a dispute the department provides legal support to ensure that the financial records are audited at all times.

(4) Whether her department has entered into public-private partnerships with regard to any of the schemes; if not, why not; if so, (a) which scheme and ( b) what are the terms of agreement;

Answer:

The irrigation schemes are currently revitalised and rehabilitated through the provincial departments of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has sourced finance from national Treasury for this function and provides the required support and technical assistance to the provinces. Further more, provinces have also leveraged private partnerships in ensuring successful farming around the irrigation schemes. In Kwazulu Natal, the department works with the cotton growers association to support smallholder cotton farmers in the Makhathini irrigation scheme. In the Free State, the department has entered into partnership with African Spirit, a consortium of black farmers in grains and vegetables on the Oppermans irrigation and in the Western Cape, the department leverage on the partnership that exist between Lower Olifants River Water Users Association (LORWUA)and the Department of Water Affairs to benefit small holder farmers in the Ebenhaeser irrigation scheme. The Eastern Cape has facilitated the partnership between the co-operatives in the schemes and well established commercial entities mainly for dairy and fruit.

(5) Whether (a) training and (b) skills transfer form part of the revitilisation programme; if not , why not ; if so, what are the relevant details? NW 1606 E

Answer:

Yes. Needs based accredited and non-accredited training and skills transfer form part of the programme. Farmers also benefit from training provided by other institutions and commodity organizations and skills transfer is taking place.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1358

Question 1358 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs J D Kilian (COPE) ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) (a) How many employees in her department from the post level of deputy director to director general who have been appointed on a (i) permanent and (ii) contract basis have (aa) been suspended on full salary pending investigations or disciplinary action for periods exceeding three months, (bb) resigned before the relevant investigations or disciplinary actions were concluded and (cc) were dismissed following due process and disciplinary hearings in the (aaa) 2009-10 and (bbb) 2010-11 financial years and (b) what is the total accumulated amount paid in salaries and benefits to the suspended persons during their period of suspension;

(2) whether criminal charges were laid by her department against any persons following investigations or disciplinary hearings where fraud or corruption was found to have taken place; if not, why not; if so,

(3) whether, subsequent to findings of fraud and corruption, any amounts have been recovered in terms of the relevant provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999; if so, what total amounts were recovered; if not,

(4) how does she intend to comply with national legislation which was promulgated to prevent corrupt practices and compel authorities to report corrupt practices to law enforcement agencies;

(5) how many persons from the post level of deputy director to director general have been found guilty of gross financial misconduct or negligence and dismissed?

NW1601E

REPLY:

(1)(a)(i)(aa) = None

(ii)(aa) = None

(1)(a)(i)(bb) = None

(ii)(bb) = None

(1)(a)(i)(cc) = None

(ii)(cc) = None

(1)(b) = None

(2) = None

(3) = None

(4) The Ministry and the Department complies with all national legislations

(5) = None

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1221

QUESTION 1221 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, DR D T GEORGE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

What amount has her department spent on (a) catering and (b) entertainment (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012? NW1418E

REPLY:

Amount spent on Catering and Entertainment for the Department is as follows:

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1188

Question 1188 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether her department intends to deploy its patrolling and research vessels operationally; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the (i) patrolling and (ii) research schedules for each vessel;

(2) whether her department has contracted (a) staff and (b) technicians from the (i) SA Deep Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA) and (ii) Smith Amandla to man the vessels; if not, why not, in each case; if so, in each case (aa) why, (bb) how many staff members, (cc) what is the monthly cost with regard to each (aaa) staff member and (bbb) ship;

(3) whether she has found that the guidelines of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999, had been adhered to in contracting the staff; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether her department has the capacity to (a) export fish, (b) allocate (i) quotas and (ii) Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for next year's cycle; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether the Government intends to become a signatory to the Port State Measures Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSM) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations; if not, why not; if so, how does her department intend bringing South Africa in line with its recommendations? NW1384E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, we do intend to deploy our research vessels operationally. The proposed schedule for each vessel is attached.

(2) Yes, personnel have been contracted by SADSTIA to perform specialist functions. The cost of these is R1.2 million for a period of three months.

(3) It appears that procedures may have not been followed with regards to the above. The matter is under investigation.

(4) a) The Department does not export fish.

b) The department has the capacity to allocate quotas and TAC for the next year's cycle.It is intended to carry out the required research, surveys and stock assessments in all the relevant sectors.

(5) The Government intends to be a signatory of Ports States Measures by accession. The process of consultation has been initiated within government and other relevant stakeholders. A high level delegation will be representing the country at the 30th Session of the Committee of Fisheries taking place in Rome in July this year (2012) and this matter will be pursued further at this meeting. Cabinet will be approached to grant approval for accession once all the processes and regulatory requirements are fulfilled.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1187

Question 1187 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether she has instituted an independent committee to investigate a certain tender (details furnished) as promised at a press conference on 21 March 2012; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a)(i) relevant details, (ii) terms of reference and (iii) time frames for the (aa) establishment and (bb) duration of the investigation and (b) estimated costs associated with the investigation;

(2) whether she has asked the President to establish a commission of inquiry into the said tender as she had mentioned to the Portfolio Committee on 24 Apri1 2012; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has called on the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate corruption within the Department of Fisheries as announced during her Budget Vote speech on 3 May 2012; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether the SIU investigation will include the said tender; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether she is committed to investigating corruption within her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1383E

REPLY:

(1) No. The investigation referred to at the press conference did not relate to any specific tender, but to the procurement processes within the Fisheries Branch. A preliminary investigation is being undertaken (see part 3) to determine the need for and the best body to undertake further work. The time frames are indeterminate, and there are no costs to the Department for this.

(2) No. As indicated in (1) above, the enquiry is a general one and not related to a particular tender.

(3) Yes.

(4) The tender has been cancelled.

(5) Yes. The SIU has started preliminary investigations. A wider Committee of Enquiry or Commission of Enquiry will be appointed as per the advice of the SIU. This is proof of the Minister's commitment to route out corruption.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1173

Question 1173 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) How many animal health practitioners have been appointed in each province and (b) what are their primary functions; (2) whether the job descriptions of animal health practitioners include basic primary animal health care; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what is the role of the State in the prevention of animal diseases? NW1366E

REPLY

(1) There is currently no "occupation" of Animal Health Practitioner in the State Service therefore no officials are employed with such occupation classification in any of the provinces. The following professions are involved in veterinary services at various levels

- Veterinarians (Vets)

- Animal Health Technicians (AHTs)

- Meat Inspectors (MIs) and

- Veterinary Technologist (VTs)

Furthermore, it must be noted that Veterinary Services are concurrent competencies of the National and Provincial spheres of government. The numbers of officials employed as well as their functions are dictated by the provincial governments. Notwithstanding the above, according to our figures there are currently 235 Veterinarians, 1154 Animal Health Technicians, 97 Meat Inspectors and 68 Veterinary Technologists appointed.

(b) The generic primary functions are

1) State Veterinarian – Animal Health/ Disease Control

2) State Veterinarian – Export Control

3) State Veterinarian – Veterinary Public Health

4) State Veterinarian- Veterinary Laboratory

5) Animal Health Technician – Animal Health/ Disease Control

6) Meat Inspector – Veterinary Public Health

7) Veterinary Technologist – Veterinary Laboratories

(2) The Job Descriptions of certain of the above professions include primary animal health care.

(3) The role of the State in the prevention of animal diseases includes the following:

· Implementation of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1934);

· Maintaining a reliable disease surveillance system for effective early diagnosis of disease;

· Control of the importation of all animals and animal products into the country;

· Control and maintenance of the international border fence;

· Control of the movement of animals and animal products;

· Vaccination of animals against controlled diseases;

· Liaison with international organisations on animal disease control and obtaining the disease status of countries for trade purposes; and

· Veterinary Public Health

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1172

Question 1172 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is conducting research into the effectiveness of vaccines that are currently available in South Africa; if not, why not; if so,

REPLY

i) Yes.

(a) for which diseases?

i) FMD virus

(b) Which research results are available?

i) FMD-evaluation of efficacy of vaccine imported from Botswana Vaccine Institute.

(c) What recommendations have been made to improve the quality of available vaccines?

i) Recommendations are made to DAFF on the minimum dosage of vaccine to be used in vaccination programmes.

(d) Which vaccines are currently being researched for each specified disease?

i) FMD

ii) Blood vaccines

a. Anaplasmosis

b. Redwater (African)

c. Heartwater

d. Redwater (Asiatic)

iii) Rift valley

iv) Malignant Catarrhal fever

v) Lumpy skin disease

vi) African Swine Fever

vii) African Horse Sickness

viii) Rift Valley Fever

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1171

Question 1171 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether her department commissioned any investigations during the past five years for which information is available into the effectiveness of vaccines produced by Onderstepoort Biological Products; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) which vaccines were investigated and (c) what were the findings of the investigations? NW1364

REPLY

The department has not commissioned any investigations into the effectiveness of vaccines produced by theOnderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) because it has not been necessary to do so. Vaccine production at the OBP is done according to international standards. In terms of the registration requirements, the safety and efficacy of OBP vaccines is guaranteed. The system at Onderstepoort Biological Products is international Standard Organisation (ISO) certified and the latest certification was in 2008. OBP vaccines which are sold internationally particularly in Africa are allowed to participate in a proficiency testing program of PANVAC. To date there has never been any reports of lack of efficiency and concerns on safety of these vaccines.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1127

Question 1127 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether her department had any (a) functions or (b) departmental public meetings in the Cederberg Municipallty (Wuppertal) during the period 1 August to 31 December 2011; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, (i) how many, (ii) what was the (aa) purpose and (bb) cost of each event and (iii) who were the speakers at each event;

(2) whether her department covered the (a) accommodation and (b)(i) travel and (ii) subsistence costs of the speakers; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, in each case, what is the breakdown of the cost that has been incurred with regard to each person;

(3) whether all expenditure for the specified meetings was incurred in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999; if not, how were the expenses authorised; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether any (a) T-shirts and (b) gifts were distributed; if so, (i) what (aa) T-shirts and (bb) gifts were distributed and (ii) at what cost;

(5) whether the T-shirts distributed were bright yellow, featuring (a) the coat of arms of the Republic, (b) President's photo on the front and (c) green and black slogans on the back (details furnished); if not, how was this conclusion reached in each case; if so, in each case, how does this fall within her department's (i) strategy and (ii) programme? NW1317E

REPLY:

1. (a) Yes

(b) (i) One event was held at two different venues (Wupperthal and Clanwilliam)

(ii) Public Participation and Community Outreach

(iii) R184 378.97(Sound System, T-shirts and catering for 1000 people)

(iv) Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson was the key note speaker at both venues; however she was delayed with the volume of questions from the community in Wuppertal. The Minister then delegated the Director: Stakeholder Engagement to address the community in Clanwilliam.

2. (a) No

(b) No

(c) No

3. Yes.

4. (a) Yes

(i) 1000 departmental T-shirts were distributed

(ii) R85 500

(b) No

5. (a) Yes

(b) Yes

(c) Yes

(i) Strategic Goal 4 and 6 in the Department Strategic Plan 2011/12 to 2014/15

(ii) Same as above

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1084

Question 1084 for written reply: National Assembly, Mr E H Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1)(a) What are the (i) yearly rental and (ii) floor space of the (aa) current and (bb) previous premises occupied by her department's head office and (b) when (i) was the current building occupied and (ii) does the current lease expire;

(2) whether her department publicly invited tenders prior to the leasing of the current premises; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) where was it published and (c) which (i) companies and (ii) properties were shortlisted;

(3) what (a) floor space was offered and (b) annual rental was tendered (i) by each shortlisted company and (ii) with regard to each shortlisted property? NW1272E

REPLY:

(2) The National Department of Public Works is the custodian of office accommodation in the Public Service and is therefore responsible for the invitation of tenders in terms of its internal procurement prescripts.

(3) See paragraph 2 above.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1053

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 399 on 13 April 2012, the tractors form part of the initial 70 tractors per province project; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1237E

REPLY:

The tractors form part of the initial 70 tractors per province project, below is an update table on the number of tractors distributed to date:

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 986

Question 986 for written reply: National Assembly, Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether her department has funded any planting programmes in the (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11 financial years; if not, why not; if so, (i) how many programmes in each (aa) province and (bb) municipality, (ii) what was the budget for each programme and (iii) what is the breakdown of the cost;

(2) Whether any service providers have been contracted to facilitate the planting programmes; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many, (b) which specified companies and (c) what was the financial value of each contract;

(3) Whether the companies contracted to facilitate planting programmes were invited through an open tender process; if not, how were the companies contracted; if so, (a) when and (b) where were invitations to tender advertised;

(4) Whether her department had put monitoring mechanisms in place to evaluate contracted companies' performance; if not, why not; if so, how were the programmes monitored;

(5) Whether planting took place during the recommended period for planting for specified crops in each case; if not, why not, in each case? NW1163E

REPLY

Question 1 (a) (b) (i) (aa) (bb) (ii) (iii)

See attachment A.

Question 2 (a) (b) (c)

See attachment A.

Question 3 (a) (b) (c)

See attachment A.

Question 4

The planting programmes were monitored by the Project Leaders (Agricultural Technicians) at district level, and the monitoring and evaluations teams within provinces. DAFF also through its CASP Chief directorate monitors and verify the implementation of programmes in provinces. The DAFF officials in provinces also has the responsibility to monitor and verify implementation of programmes within provinces.

Question 5

For many provinces planting took place within the planting season and in Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape provinces some planting took place outside the planting season due to the fact that the expected rain did not come, and when it came it took longer than anticipated.