Question & Replies No 26 to 50

2009-03-23

Search this file by selecting Ctrl + F on your keyboard

[PMG note: Replies are inserted as soon as they are provided by the Minister]

QUESTION NO.: 26

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 06 February 2009

Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(a) How many members of the South African Airways cabin crew have been (i) arrested, (ii) charged with and (iii) suspended for suspected drug trafficking during each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what are the relevant details in each case? NW28E

REPLY

(a)(i-iii)(b)The table below indicates the relevant information in each case for past five years

Date	Number of Cabin crew	Nature of offence	Status
07-Jul-05	one	One cabin crew member was arrested and suspended for trafficking 4.00 kg of cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport	An employee was dismissed
01-Sep-05	one	A cabin crew member was arrested and suspended – (information unavailable) at Perth International Airport, Australia	An employee was dismissed
Date	Number of Cabin crew	Nature of offence	Status
27-Jan-06	one	A cabin crew member was arrested and suspended for trafficking 3.00 kg cocaine at London's Heathrow Airport	An employee was dismissed
10-Apr-06	one	A cabin crew member was arrested and suspended for trafficking 3.00 kg of marijuana at Heathrow Airport in London	An employee was dismissed
19-Jan-09	one	A cabin crew member was arrested and suspended for trafficking +/- 20kg of marijuana & cocaine at Heathrow Airport, London	A cabin crew is currently on suspension and will be appearing in an internal disciplinary hearing soon.

QUESTION NUMBER 26

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 June 2009

DR D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

Whether the rate of transfer duty applicable to transfers of residential property will be reviewed; if not, why not; if so, what is the timetable for this review? NW28E

Reply:

As a general rule proposed changes to taxes are announced at the time of the annual Budget, normally in February of every year. It is therefore not appropriate to make any new tax announcements, unless it is to explain further any proposals made in the 2009 Budget Review. Since no changes to transfer duties were announced in the 2009 Budget, there are no new announcements to be made.

QUESTION NO.: 26

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 August 2009

1001.Mr J Selfe (DA) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) Whether a certain person (name furnished) has applied for a presidential pardon; if so, (a) when was the application received and (b) on what grounds was the application based;

(2) whether he has responded to the application; if not, when is it expected that he will respond to it; if so, (a) when and (b) what was the response to the application;

(3) whether it is policy to grant pardon to people who have been convicted of serious offences and who have shown no remorse; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1224

Details of person referred to: Schabir Shaik

(1) The Honourable Member is requested to refer the question to the Presidency, as the constitutional power whether or not to grant a pardon and the arrangement, determination and control of the processes attendant upon the discharge lies with the President of the Republic of South Africa and not the Minister.

QUESTION NUMBER: 28

DATE PUBLICATION: 8 JUNE 20009

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 23 JUNE 200

MRS P C DUNCAN (DA) MINISTER OF WOMEN, YOUTH, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:

(1) What (a) is the Minister's policy and (b) does she envisage its impact should be by way of the budget and programmes in respect of women, youth, children and people with disabilities?

Reply:

1) Honourable Member Deorge, please note that theoverall mandate of the Ministry is to ensure that Government translates its Constitutional, political and global commitments into measurable and meaningful programmes thereby promoting and protecting human rights, human dignity freedom and development for all, therefore, it is important to ensure that we institute development programmes to redress poverty, underdevelopment, violence against women, children and persons with disabilities, marginalisation of people and communities and other legacies of apartheid and discrimination.

2) The strategic thrust of the Ministry broadly is to advance policy analysis, formulation and management; achieve measurable integrated co-ordination, while mainstreaming gender, children's rights, youth and disability considerations into government programmes, projects, policies and its day to day work.

3) The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) gives clear guidance regarding the state's position on issues affecting women, youth, children and persons with disabilities. It also states that legislative and other measures may be taken in order to achieve equality and to protect or advance all people who were historically disadvantaged by discrimination.

4) The work of Ministry will be guided by the current national policies and other relevant Acts for women Youth, Children and Persons with Disabilities. A range of international and regional instruments and agreements inform the work of the Ministry. The Ministry will launch the Empowerment Fund for Women and the Skills Development Fund for People with Disabilities before the end of the current financial year

NW30E

END

NW31E: MRS P C DUNCAN (DA)

1) What will the Minister's department policy be by way of the budget and programmes in respect of Youth, Children and People with Disabilities?

Reply:

1) Honourable Member Duncan, the main thrust in this respect, is to ensure that the promotion and protection of human rights and human dignity of Youth, Children and Persons with Disabilities, the same as with Women, will be vigorously advocated by the Ministry.

2) Of course Honourable Member Duncan, we will need resources to ensure that the Ministry is fully functional, effective and efficiently in carrying out its mandate. The Ministry will also ensure that, in carrying out its Constitutional Mandate and other obligations such as the Regional and International obligations will embark on effective programmes and projects.

NW30E

End

QUESTION NO. 29

(Internal Question Paper No 1- 2009)

Mr S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government: (1) Whether municipalities are allowed to host end-of-year functions; If not, why not; it so,

(2) whether any council resolutions for these functions were passed; If not, why not; if so, (a) which municipalities passed such resolutions, (b) what was the detail of each resolution passed, (c) which municipalities hosted end-of-year functions and (d) how much did each municipality spend on its end-of-year-function?

ANSWER

The information which the Honourable Member requires is not readily available within the Department. The Provincial Departments of Local Government are regarded as best placed repositories of such Information. Therefore, they have been requested to furnish us with the details. The Information will be passed on to the Honourable Member as soon as it has been received.

QUESTION NUMBER: 29

DATE PUBLICATION: 13 JUNE 20008

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 2008

MRS P C DUNCAN (DA) MINISTER OF WOMEN, YOUTH, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:

1) What will the Minister's department policy be by way of the budget and programmes in respect of Youth, Children and People with Disabilities?

Reply:

QUESTION No. 30

Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

Whether her department commissioned a certain television show (name and details furnished); if not, who commissioned this show; if so, (a) what is the purpose of commissioning the show, (b) how much (i) is each television channel paid for broadcasting the series and (ii) has been (aa) budgeted and (bb) spent on this show, (c) from which budget was this amount allocated and (d) what is the running period of the show?

Reply

In view of the fact that the Honourable Member lodged an official complaint with the Public Protector on this matter, I am unable to provide him with the information until the investigation is completed.

It must be pointed out for the record that the programme has been running for the last 18 months. It is interesting that the conscientious member is only now complaining about it.

QUESTION NO. 30

(Internal Question Paper No 30- 2009)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

What was the (a) total amount of debt owed to municipalities as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) breakdown of this amount in terms of (i) rates and taxes, (ii) water, (iii) electricity and (Iv) other items as at that date? NW32E

ANSWER

ANALYSIS OF DEBT OWED TO MUNICIPALITIES FOR ALL PROVINCES PER CATEGORY - 31 MARCH 2009
Province	Water	Electricity	Property rates	Other	Total
Eastern cape	1 166 525	410,815	862, 632	1,352,512	R3,792,484
Free State	1,533,219	328,462	806, 741	1,157,881	R3,826,303
Gauteng	8,737,171	3, 515,919	5,711,0286	6,947,516	R24,911 ,634
kwaZulu Natal	1, 831,573	780, 596	3,112,995	1,294, 157	R7, 019, 321
Limpopo	396, 772	89, 487	207,023	818,125	R1,511,407
Mpumalanga	370, 654	196,963	367,182	679,117	R1,613,916
Northern Cape	293,744	140,799	159,131	436,346	R1,030,020
North West	1,029,974	438, 680	519,918	2,086,110	R4 074 682
Western Cape	2,623, 548	589, 605	1,431,149	1,273, 610	R5,917,912
TOTAL	R17,983,180	R6,491,326	R13,177,799	R16,045,374	R53,697,679

Source: Municipalities MFMA Section 71 reports 31 March 2009

(a). The total amount of debt owed to municipalities as at 31. March 2009 stood at R53, 697,679.

(b). i) Rates and Taxes contribute 25% (R13. 177,799) of the total debt.

ii) Water constitutes the highest at 33% (R17, 983,180) of the total debt.

iii). Electricity constitutes 12% (R6. 491,326) of the total debt.

iv). Other items constitute the second highest at 30% (R16. 945.377) of the total debt.

QUESTION: NO. 30

Mrs. G K Tseke, MP (ANC) to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation:

1. What were the trends in terms of girls' and women's participation in sport in the past three years?

2. Whether his department has any sustainable programmes in place to ensure greater participation of girls and women in sport and recreational activities; if no, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) To uncover the trends of girls' and women's participation in sport, SRSA commissioned a survey in 2006 of gender related participation trends in all nine provinces and within a number of sports federations. The survey revealed the following positive trends:

a. An increase in female participation in traditionally male-based sports.

b. Women and girls have moved from a relatively sedentary lifestyle to more active participation in sport due to an increase of opportunities for participation, and a number of women and sport campaigns.

c. The nature and scope of media coverage reporting the participation of girls and women in sport has increased, and the focus has shifted from the participants physical attributes to their technical sporting skills.

d. Levels of girls' participation at the school level, a major delivery agent, have increased.

e. There is evidence supporting the development of a "sub-culture" of girls in traditionally male-based sports.

f. In impoverished communities more women than men volunteer to assist in the delivery of SRSA projects.

g. More women are aware of agents lobbying for gender equity in sport and recreation.

Unfortunately the following negative trends were also uncovered in the survey:

a. Patriarchal ideology, cultural constraints, lack of time and poverty continue to impact negatively on girls' participation, especially in traditionally male-based sports.

b. There is still a lack of appropriate facilities, safety and equipment which impact negatively on sustained participation and service-delivery, especially in the rural areas.

c. The under-representation of women in decision-making positions contributes to contribute to gender stereotyping (by men and women), the absence of supportive networks, inadequate capacity building and ignorance.

d. In comparison to men, girls and women as athletes and female sport participants are relatively under-resourced in all aspects – human, physical, financial, information resources and the availability of time.

e. Women's traditional lack of access to formal education has resulted in them being relatively dependent on courses and programmes offered by various stakeholders, as well as in-service training, as opposed to formal education.

(2) Yes, the department does have sustainable programmes in place where the participation of girls and women in sport is actively encouraged and this is intensified during women's month (August) each year. Initiatives include:

a. The Siyadlala programme which encourages and supports women and girls participation. Statistics on participation levels are gender-specific to monitor the participation levels of women and girls.

b. Capacity building programmes specifically targeted at girls and women in schools and communities. These programmes include development in coaching, technical officiating, administration and institutional capacity, with the specific focus of later recruiting the successful participants.

c. The School Sport programmes which encourage 50:50 gender participation in all school sport competitions.

d. Monitoring and evaluating the participation levels of women and girls in 10 key sports federations. Where necessary interventions are made to encourage women and girls continued participation and access to sport and recreation.

e. Commencing with a national audit of facilities with reference to equitable access and needs-based provision for different sexes, age groups, socio-economic status, ability and skill levels.

f. Creating channels for horizontal and vertical communication between stakeholders and different levels of governance.

QUESTION NO. 31

(Internal Question Paper No 31- 2009)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Whether any municipalities were under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available: if so, (a) which municipalities and (b) what was the main reason for imposing administration in each case?

Answer

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO. 31 (Internal Question Paper No 31- 2009)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

Whether any municipalities were under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (a) which municipalities and (b) what was the main reason for imposing administration in each case?

ANSWER

Name of municipality	Year of Intervention	End of intervention	Nature of Problem
Eastern Ca pe
1. Alfred Nzo DM	1 April 200	Still under intervention	Financial, service delivery and governance
2. Kou-Kamma LM	1 April 2009	Still under intervention	Financial and governance
Mpumalanga
1. Pixley ka Seme Local Municipality	2 March 2009	Still under intervention	Governance, financial and administration
Mkhondo Local Municipality	1 July 2009	Still under intervention	Financial and service delivery

Categories of the nature of problems experienced by municipalities

1. Governance	Political infightings, conflict between top management and councillors, HR management
2. Financial	Fraud and misuse of municipal funds and property, lack of proper financial systems. revenue collections, A-G disclaimers, lack of compliance in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act
3. Service delivery	Related to section 152/153 of the constitution that clearly set out the service delivery obligations of municipalities

QUESTION 31

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25/08/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 11-2009)

31.Ms N Gina (ANC) asked the Minister of Basic Education

Whether her department has rolled out the nutrition programme to high schools; if not, why not; if so, (a) to how many and (b) to which high schools? NO1104E.

REPLY:

Yes. The Department of Education has extended the school nutrition programme to quintile 1 secondary schools with effect from April 2009.

(a) The programme reaches 796 129 learners in 2 723 Quintile 1 secondary schools. Plans are afoot to further extend the programme to learners in Quintile 2 and 3 secondary schools in 2010 and 2011 respectively, subject to the availability of funds.

(b) All Quintile 1 high schools. The names of these schools are obtainable from the Department of Education' Education Management Information System (EMIS) and is accessible on the website (http//:www.education.gov.za).

QUESTION NO: 32

32. Mr J P I Blanché (DA) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

Whether, in light of the announcement by a certain company (name furnished) that the mine is considering closing its operations in Boksburg, her department has taken any steps to ensure that rehabilitation of the dumps, railway line and other site operational areas (a) are adequately funded, (b) are in progress and (c) will remain in progress until finalised; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

REPLY

East rand Propietary Mines (PTY) Ltd (ERPM) was requested to amend the Environmental Management Programme (EMP) approved in terms of the repealed Minerals Act, 1991 to bring it in line with the Mineral Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 to enable the Department to quantify the liability and to determine if the determine if the liability is funded.

A revised EMP was received and evaluated and the mine has been requested to top up their financial provision to cover the liability. The Department is still in the process of acquiring the shortfall amount. The Department will not approve the EMP for the said mine prior to receipt of acceptable financial provision for rehabilitation covering the current liability.

(b) & (c) ERMP has embarked on and is expected to continue to re-process and concurrently rehabilitating their dumps in East Rand. The mine is liable for rehabilitating; managing residual and latent impacts until such time that they have satisfied the requirements of section 43 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002, wherafter a closure certificate can be issued.

QUESTION 32

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08/06/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 01-2009)

Mr DC Smiles (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education :

1. Whether her department received reports from any of the provincial departments indicating shortages of staff and equipment at special schools in the 2008-09 financial year; if so, (a) from which provinces, (b) which special schools had such needs and (c) what was the extent of the shortages in each province;

2. Whether any corrective measures have been implemented to address the shortages; if so, what are the relevant details; if not;

3. Whether any corrective measures will be implemented in the future; if not, why not; if so, what measures? NW34E

REPLY:

The Department of Basic Education is in possession of a special schools audit report of 2002 as well as reports from provinces in response to the findings of the audit. A further situational analysis was conducted in the second half of 2008 to establish the type of assistive devices required by special schools per province, using a sample of 30 special schools, this as part of the Department's tender on material and assistive devices, tender EDO 374. A report has been developed and will be published. In addition, provinces such as the North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo have conducted their own situational analyses of special schools to identify needs.

a) The audit report of 2002 was conducted in all special schools across provinces.

b) The list of special schools that were identified to be in need of more resources is attached.

c) The table below (Table 49 from the audit report of 2002) shows types of equipments and the count of what was available at the time of the audit.

Table 49: Number of items of furniture and equipment available for school management and administration per province

Prov	Braille Printer	Chairs	Com- puter	Cup-boards	Desks/ Tables	Dupl. Machine	Fax	Intercom	Internet	Photo Copiers	Scanner	Tele Phone	Thermo form	Type Writer	Other
EC	2	2419	172	218	908	13	35	22	17	61	14	112	3	52	15
FS	1	1112	76	115	735	14	19	13	15	27	10	109	1	14	13
GP	5	4405	420	655	2971	45	93	103	78	141	46	623	3	63	96
KZN	1	1414	150	398	1205	15	55	31	28	63	12	178	4	47	55
LP	8	731	105	172	498	9	17	7	18	31	12	78	6	54	11
MP	1	432	53	76	196	7	13	5	5	19	2	49	0	15	0
NC	0	248	24	85	196	0	8	2	5	11	3	51	0	3	7
NW	2	899	60	107	422	8	16	8	12	36	12	50	0	27	14
WC	3	3358	274	591	1267	23	71	103	64	106	34	455	6	126	127
Total	23	15018	1334	2417	8398	134	327	294	242	495	145	1705	23	401	338

Approved Tender Number EDO 374 for the procurement of resources and assistive technology for a limited number of institutions by the Department of Basic Education provided a window of opportunity for Provincial Departments of Education to fast-track the procurement of equipment and assistive devices, using the 2008 MTEF allocations. KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Western Cape have already submitted requests to the Department of Basic Education to participate in the national tender for procuring assistive devices and other equipments for their special schools. From the national tender, 7 special schools are in the process of receiving assistive devices.

The Department is currently engaged in monitoring the supply, installation and training of end-users of equipment and assistive devices procured for schools through tender EDO374. Two provinces, namely the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, filled several posts in the financial year 2008/9, utilizing available budget from their 2008 MTEF allocations. Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West are in a process of advertising posts to strengthen districts and schools. The Department is also coordinating and monitoring provincial business plans for implementing the 2008 MTEF funding for Expansion of Inclusive Education. As a way forward, the Department will develop a manual that will be used by provinces when they procure material and assistive devices.

QUESTION 33

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 6 February 2009

Internal question paper no: 1

Mrs J A Semple (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether the guidelines for assessing disability with regard to disability grants have changed in the past twelve months; if not, why not; if so, (a) when did they change, (b) what were the changes and (c) how were the relevant assessors informed? NW38E

REPLY:

The guidelines for assessing disability for the purposes of application for a disability grant have not changed in the past twelve months.

Subsequent to the approval of the definition of disability by Cabinet in 2005, the Department developed the Harmonized Assessment Tool (HAT) for adult disability grants and Free Health Care in 2006. It was approved by Cabinet in 2007. In 2008 the Department undertook training of assessors.

The Harmonized Assessment Tool cannot be implemented without amending the Social Assistance Act to incorporate the new definition of disability. The Amendment Bill is ready and will be submitted to the next Parliament for finalisation.

QUESTION NO.: 33

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 June 2009

Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

(1) What was the annual cost of copper cable theft from (a) Eskom and (b) Transnet in each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available in respect of (i) loss, (ii) replacement costs and (iii) increased security measures;

(2) whether the protection of copper cable and action to combat theft thereof is outsourced; if not, why not; if so, (a) why are these functions outsourced and (b) what are the names of the companies that have been contracted to deliver these services in each case;

(3) whether the outsourcing of these services impacted on the number of reported thefts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether these companies have been held responsible for their non-performance; if not, why not; if so, (a) what steps were taken against these companies in each case and (b) did it include ceasing the outsourcing of this function;

(5) whether the security measures put in place by her department have been effective in preventing copper cable theft; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details? NW35E

REPLY

(1) Detail of annual cost of cable theft from Eskom and Transnet in each of the past five years.

Eskom:

(a) Table 1: indicates annual cost of cable theft from Eskom in each of the past five years.

Year	Material loss incurred	Replacement cost	Mitigation-Security Cost
04/05	R 16,9 million	R28,2 million	R25,9 million
05/06	R 16,0 million	R21,9 million	R18,4 million
06/07	R 11,0 million	R27,3 million	R9,7 million
07/08	R 10,5 million	R21,5 million	R14,5 million
08/09	R 14,8 million	R38,7 million	R18,2 million

(3) This integrated approach has contributed positively towards reducing losses as indicated in the table above.

(4)(a-b) The parameters of non-performance and redress measures are specified in the contracts entered into with each service provider and the necessary steps are taken in the event of such incidences. To date, contracts have not been terminated due to non-performance.

(5) The Department does not specify security measures for SOE, however, the SOE are encouraged to develop their own systems to combat incidents such as cable theft.

Transnet:

(b) Table 2: indicates annual cost of cable theft from Transnet in each of the past five years.

Year	Material loss incurred	Replacement cost	Mitigation-Security Cost*
04/05	R 3,3 million	R 8,4 million	R 86,4 million
05/06	R 3,6 million	R 9,0 million	R 86,5 million
06/07	R 7,3 million	R 18,4 million	R 76,0 million
07/08	R 8,9 million	R 22,2 million	R 91,9 million
08/09	R 12,0 million	R30,1 million	R 116,0 million

* The amounts in this column are the cost of security of the entire cable network and not only the stolen portion. The business loss due to the cable theft represents a greater monetary loss than the actual replacement cost of the cable. Furthermore, the security cost covers the cost of protecting other assets.

(2)(a-b)The protection of copper cables is outsourced in order to enhance the existing physical conventional guarding and other security measures in place. Names of companies that are providing security services at Transnet cannot be made public for commercial reasons and to protect the companies involved and their modus operandi from the crime syndicates which operate in South Africa.

(3) This integrated approach has contributed positively towards reducing losses as indicated in the table above. However, the impact varies from place to place – the biggest challenge is in the Gauteng Central Region, where more sophisticated methods are used in cable theft.

(4) (a-b) The parameters of non-performance and redress measures are specified in the contracts/ MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) entered into with each service provider and the necessary steps are taken in the event of such incidences. The MOA also makes provision to claim direct losses should the contractor be found to be negligent, and ultimately, to terminate services of contractors due to breach of signed agreements. Transnet does not intend to terminate the outsourcing of this function; however, incompetent contractors could have their contracts terminated for non-performance.

(5) The department does not specify security measures for SOE, however, SOE are encouraged to develop their own systems to combat incidents such as cable theft.

QUESTION 34

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 6 February 2009

Internal question paper no: 1

Mrs J A Semple (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether his department or the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has instituted any investigation into a case of disability grant fraud against a certain person (details furnished)*; if so, (a) what were the findings of such investigation, (b) when will they be available, (c) what efforts are being made to recover any monies that were paid out fraudulently and (d) when will criminal charges be laid; if not,

(2) whether he is considering such an investigation; if not, why not; if so, when? NW39E

*(Mr. A Brijal: ID 6810115164085)

REPLY:

Source: South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

(1) Yes, the investigation was conducted into allegations of disability grant fraud against Mr. Brijlal. Mr. A Brijlal had been a recipient of disability grant for a period from February 1999 to March 2007. He was examined by two doctors namely; Drs. G Narainsamy and K Naidoo, prior to the approval of his grant and was found to be permanently disabled as he apparently suffered from TB of the spine.

(a) In February 2007, SASSA received a telephonic report about Mr Brijlal who was receiving disability grant yet he did not have a disability. The caller further alleged that Mr. Brijlal also received income from a non-governmental organization, Victims Outreach Information Centre (VOICE), which he used as a front. SASSA immediately launched the first investigation, which was conducted by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) on behalf of SASSA. The investigation included re-examination of Mr Brijlal to verify the allegations.

Statements from the doctors, Drs. G Narainsamy, and K Naidoo, were obtained. Dr. Naidoo, who conducted the initial examination on Mr. Brijlal indicated that he would only have given such a diagnosis based on previous medical records or evidence from the application of treatment received prior to his examination. Subsequently, Mr. Brijlal was re-examined by Dr. K Singh, a district surgeon at Addington Hospital in Durban. Dr. Singh found Mr. Brijlal to be fit but noted that he had a kyphosis (bending) of the spine, which could have resulted from amongst other things, previous Tuberculosis. The disability grant was therefore terminated in March 2007 in line with the doctor's assessment. The SIU investigation report concluded that there was no civil or criminal liability on the part of Mr. Brijlal, hence no further action was taken.

In August 2007, SASSA received a letter from the whistle blower, who indicated that he was concerned with the manner in which the matter was investigated by the SIU. Officials at SASSA explained to the whistle blower that SASSA has no case against Mr. Brijlal as he was not found to have defrauded the grants administration system. The whistle blower persisted until in May 2008 when SASSA re-opened the investigation to determine whether there were any critical facts that the SIU might have omitted during the initial investigation.

The second investigation by the SASSA team confirmed findings made by the SIU. The second investigation could also not reveal any breach by Mr. Brijlal when he applied for a disability grant. Furthermore, the review of the medical assessment reports did not reveal anything that suggests that Mr. Brijlal could have made false representation when he applied for a disability grant.

(b) The dossier of findings is available from the SASSA team.

(c) No monies will be recovered from Mr. Brijlal as he did qualify for a disability grant for the period for which he was paid as the medical assessment indicated that his disability was permanent.

(d) Given the above facts, SASSA concluded that no charges could be brought against Mr. Brijlal as he was not found to have breached any of the requirements for applying for a disability grant. A letter to this effect was sent to the whistle blower explaining the findings and SASSA's resolution.

(2) Yes, the investigation was conducted and concluded in 2008.

QUESTION 34

34. Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(1) (a) What is the (i) total weight and (ii) value of (aa) all metal, (bb) copper, (cc) copper alloy and (dd) aluminium that was exported from all ports in each of the past five years and (b) what proportion of this was (i) newly mined and (ii) scrap metal and (c) to which countries were these metals exported;

(2) Whether any income in the form of export duties was derived out of these exports; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether (a) copper, (b) copper alloy and (c) aluminium are imported; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why and (b) how much in each case?NW36E

Response:

(1) (a) Based on statistics available from Customs and Excise, the total weight and value of all metal, copper, copper alloy and aluminium that was exported from all ports in each of the past five years is as follows:

Exports		2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
All Metals	Value (R bill)	56,257	57,709	66,325	86,277	114,429
All Metals	Total Weight (Tons)	10,448,360	15,112,831	12,259,182	11,304,438	10,391,800
Copper	Value (R bill)	1,181	1,866	4,004	5,223	5,687
Copper	Total Weight (Tons)	70,619	92,500	135,451	130,817	113,934
Copper Alloy	Value (R bill)	0,24	0,44	0,52	1,06	0,83
Copper Alloy	Total Weight (Tons)	21,498	15,965	24,771	28,986	20,634
Aluminium	Value (R bill)	9,778	10,819,233	13,169,011	16,572,326	16,720,892
Aluminium	Total Weight (Tons)	164,689	243,424	205,533	157,239	179,053
Scrap Metal	Value (R bill)	2,595	4,166	7,581	11,144	17,312
Scrap Metal	Total Weight (Tons)	858,499	1,200,963	1,360,915	1,713,665	2,709,309
(b) In reply to the second part of the question, the proportion of scrap metal to all metals during 2008 was 26, 07%. Currently, the largest export destinations for scrap metal have been Malaysia, India, South Korea, China, Taiwan and the EU.
( (2) As export duties are not applicable and cannot be levied by Customs and Excise, no income was received by the South African Revenue Services in the form of export duties.
(3) Based on statistics provided by Customs and Excise, imports for copper, copper alloy and aluminium have been as follows:

Imports		2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Copper	Value (R million)	777,300	947,000	1,762,400	2,093,900	2,434,800
Copper	Total Weight (Tons)	39,425	36,000	40,528	45,550	37,481
Copper Alloy	Value (R million)	312,900	246,300	259,000	335,000	399,400
Copper Alloy	Total Weight (Tons)	608	483	673	8,023	1,037
Aluminium	Value (R million)	811,000	1,040,100	1,423,900	1,710,200	2,201,700
Aluminium	Total Weight (Tons)	31,323	49,781	65,619	69,710	49,644

The main reasons for such imports are that South Africa does not produce certain grades of alloys and the sizes of certain aluminium sections needed are wider than what local producers can extrude.

QUESTION NUMBER 35

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 6 FEBRUARY 2009

DR D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) Which macroeconomic variables are informing the tax policy in response to the prevailing economic outlook?

(2) whether the needs of any specific sector of the economy are receiving priority; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether any steps will be taken to rationalise the tax regime; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether the tax revenue forecast has been adjusted; if not, why not; if so, in what way? NW40E

REPLY:

(1) I note that these questions were posed five days prior to the 2009 Budget, during which most or all of the answers were provided. I refer the Honorable member to chapter 2 of the 2009 Budget Review, which provides details on the key macroeconomic assumptions informing the fiscal framework for the 2009 Budget. This analysis and these projections are based on the latest available global and domestic statistics. They draw on global trends as published by international agencies, such as the latest update of the World Economic Outlook published by the IMF.

(2) As announced in the 2009 Budget and in chapter 4 of the 2009 Budget Review, the implementation of the Minerals and Petroleum Royalties Act will be delayed until 1 March 2010. This concession will provide relief of R1.8 billon to the mining industry for the year 2009/10 and should go some way in assisting marginal mines. No sector is prioritised outside the framework of our industrial policy, as led and implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry. The President has also established a Presidential Task Team that will report on the nature and type of other support measures as may be agreed with business, labour and community representatives – this is expected to be done within the fiscal framework published in the Budget Review.

(3) The tax policy and tax administrative reforms may be found in Chapter 4 and Annexure C of the Budget Review. Our tax proposals build on the policy and administrative reforms over the past decade, which have contributed to a more equitable and efficient tax system. There is no need to rationalise the tax regime.

(4) As announced in the 2009 Budget, projected tax revenues have been adjusted downwards due the contraction in global and domestic economic activities. The 2009 Budget Review provides greater detail in this regard.

QUESTION NO 35

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 - 2009)

Date reply submitted: 3 August 2009

Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) What progress has the SA Police Service made with regard to the implementation of the new Second Hand Goods Act, Act 6 of 2009;

(2) whether all the police stations are mobilised and capacitated to start implementing the Act; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) how many second hand goods licences were issued in each province in each of the past five years;

(4) whether there is a database of (a) legal and (b) illegal scrap yards; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether any illegal scrap yards were closed in each of the past five years; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many and (b) where was each such scrap yard situated?

NW37E

REPLY:

(1) The process of implementing the Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009 (Act No 6 of 2009), is dependent on the Second-Hand Goods Regulations that must be promulgated as provided for in the Act.

The Second-Hand Goods Regulations need to provide for a wide range of businesses and the role players in the second-hand industry must also be consulted on these Regulations. These role players include charities, general dealer associations, a second-hand bookdealer association, a second-hand jewellers' association, an antique dealers' association, second-hand vehicle associations and recycling associations, to name but a few.

Information sessions were held with the above associations directly after the President assented to the Act and once industry feedback has been consolidated, draft regulations will be completed.

After promulgation, a period will be allowed for the various associations to become accredited with the South African Police Service, before the process of registration will commence.

(2) The South African Police Service developed a Resource Allocation Guide (RAG) in order to capacitate all the various police stations with the necessary resources to effectively implement the Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009.

It is foreseen that the RAG will be revisited after completion of the Second-Hand Goods Regulations in order to ensure that sufficient resources are available to implement the content of the Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009.

It must be recorded that the various police stations are capacitated with resources to implement the existing legislation. Such resources have already been integrated within the mentioned RAG.

(3) An electronic database for second-hand goods licences issued per police station per year does not exist at present. The respective police stations are using a manual system to record Second-Hand Goods licences.

A request to obtain the manual data has been submitted to the respective police stations. The results will be available by 1 August 2009. An uncertified estimated total of 17 413 second-hand goods licenses were issued nationwide over the past five years.

It must be recorded that the South African Police Service is currently developing an electronic database to deal with the identified shortcomings and to enhance the implementation of the Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009.

(4)(a) An electronic database of legal and illegal scrap yards within the various provinces does not exist at present. An uncertified estimated total of 2 969 scrap yards exist countrywide.

(4)(b) An electronic database of illegal scrap yards within the various provinces does not exist at present.

(5)(a) A total of 179 illegal scrap yards were closed.

(5)(b) A breakdown of the above figure is as follows:

-2 Elliot

-1 Zamdela

-12 Randfontein

-1 Lulekani

-3 Ikageng

-1 Ashton

-4 Uitenhage

-2 Barrage

-1 Acornhoek

-1 Mhluzi

-3 Klerksdorp

-6 Atlantis

-5 Humansdorp

-2 Villeria

-1 Jouberton

-7 Bishop Lavis

-2 Cradock

-2 Cleveland

-4 Stilfontein

-1 Bonnievale

-3 Algoa Park

-1 Edenpark

-24 Rustenburg

-1 Darling

-2 Mount Road

-1 Kameelsdrift

-3 Tlhabane

-2 Ceres

-1 Citrusdal

-1 Moroka

-9 Vryburg

-1 Grassy Park

-4 Mamelodi-East

-5 Potchefstroom

-1 Kensington

-14 Langlaagte

-3 Coligny

-2 Kleinvlei

-7 Benoni

-1 Mafikeng

-1 Laaiplek

-1 Lomanyaneng

-2 Laingsburg

-1 Atamelang

-6 Ladysmith

-12 Madikwe

-2 Manenberg

-2 Muizenberg

-1 Oceanview

-2 Philippi

-2 Ravensmead

-3 Worcester

QUESTION NO 36

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: MONDAY, 22 JUNE 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: MONDAY, 08 JUNE 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 – 2009)

Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

Whether he has returned the gifts (details furnished); if not, (a) why not and (b) when he intends returning it; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW38E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

Yes, I have returned the gifts in question - the Honourable Member's attention is directed to the media statement (see the Website: www.info.gov.za) issued on 19 May 2009 on the voluntary returning of the gifts that I received from Vukuzakhe emergent contractors.

QUESTION NUMBER 37

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 6 FEBRUARY 2009

DUE TO PARLIAMENT: 13 MARCH 2009

DR D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) With regard to the implementation of the Pension Funds Second Amendment Act, Act 39 of 2001, how many surplus apportionment schemes have been (a) approved and (b) remain outstanding;

(2) whether any specific steps are being taken to hold to account those funds whose schemes have not been submitted; if not, why not; if so, what steps?

NW42E

REPLY:

(1) A significant number of the approximately 13 500 registered retirement funds are dormant, and the FSB has initiated a project to get these funds deregistered. Consequently, the surplus schemes to be submitted are significantly less than previously estimated by the FSB.

To date, according to the FSB, the actuarial surplus schemes amount to R18,7 billion, of which R15,7 billion has been approved for distribution.

Stand-alone funds

The bulk of the surplus is in stand-alone funds. The latest estimate by the FSB of the number of stand-alone funds that ought to submit surplus apportionment schemes is approximately 7 800.

Up until 31 January 2009 a total of 7 213 surplus submissions have been made to the FSB. Of these, 649 surplus apportionment schemes have been approved and 5 915 nil schemes have been noted.

Umbrella funds

These multi-employer funds are mostly defined contribution arrangements with little or no surplus.

As each participating employer in an umbrella fund has to comply with the surplus legislation, the number of submissions is significantly higher than for stand-alone funds.

Up until 31 January 2009, a total of 11 925 surplus submissions have been made to the FSB. Of these, 374 surplus apportionment schemes have been approved and 10 762 nil schemes have been noted.

For the balance of submissions, more information has been requested, as the Registrar of Pension Funds has to be satisfied that the submission complies with the Act.

Number of surplus apportionment schemes outstanding

The latest estimate available to the FSB indicates that approximately 500 to 600 surplus apportionment schemes remain outstanding.

Bargaining Council Funds

Retirements funds established through bargaining council arrangements were only brought under the auspices of the Pension Funds Act following the promulgation of the 2007 Amendment Act.

The surplus apportionment dates of these funds will be determined upon finalization of their registrations.

(2) The following steps are taken by the FSB to ensure compliance:

· The Registrar of Pension Funds is issuing a Directive to make funds aware of the legislative requirement to make a surplus submission, especially nil schemes, following the promulgation of the 2007 Amendment Act.

· The Chief Actuary regularly interacts with the major administrators to request updated information of the surplus submissions relating to funds under their administration.

· Where a fund has a surplus available for apportioning, the Registrar is actively appointing ad hoc specialist tribunals to complete the surplus exercise. This has occurred in no less than 317 stand-alone funds, and 136 participating employers of umbrella funds. The remedy of appointing a tribunal is not available to nil schemes.

· The Registrar may revert to levying penalties in respect of funds who fail to submit schemes or who fail to respond to queries.

· Many of the processes relating to the day-to-day running of funds, such as section 14 transfers and some rule amendments, are placed on hold until the Registrar is satisfied that the fund has complied with the surplus legislation. In many cases, this serves as an incentive for funds to expedite the process.

· The implementation of a risk-based supervision approach penalizes funds that fail to make surplus submissions, hence influencing the assessed risk of the funds in question.

· As a last resort, once all other remedies have been exhausted, the Registrar may also remove and / or replace boards of trustees.

· Complications arise in the case of dormant funds and / or funds without properly constituted boards. The Registrar deals with these based on the guidance of its own legal advisors.

QUESTION NO 37

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: MONDAY, 22 JUNE 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: MONDAY, 08 JUNE 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 – 2009)

Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

Whether he intends retaining the current Director-General; if not, (a) why not, (b) who will be appointed, (c) from what date and (d) what are the reasons for appointing this person?

NW39E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

Yes.

(a), (b), (c) and (d) Fall away.

QUESTION 38

Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(a) What was the total cost of the advertisement placed by his department in a certain newspaper (name furnished) on Monday, 26 January 2008 and (b) what was the purpose of placing the advertisement? NW45E

NW82E

REPLY :

(a) I kindly request the Honourable member Ms. Dreyer to provide me with a copy of the advertisement referred to herein so that I can be in a better position to provide an informed response to the question.

QUESTION NO 38

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: MONDAY, 22 JUNE 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: MONDAY, 08 JUNE 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1 – 2009)

Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(a) What are the priorities for his department, (b) what are the plans and strategies for each priority and (c) what is the budget for each of these?

NW40E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

The Department of Transport's (DoT) (a) priorities, (b) plans and strategies for each priority and (c) budget for each of these are broadly covered in the DoT's Strategic Plan: 2009/10 – 2011/12. The Strategic Plan will be tabled in Parliament in accordance with the Treasury Regulations before the Department's Budget Vote (Vote 33), which is scheduled in the National Assembly on Friday, 03 July 2009.

I will also, during my Budget speech, present further details of our priorities and plans.

QUESTION 40

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 1-2009

MR E W TRENT (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE

1. Whether a certain company (name furnished) was a sub-contractor for the frigate / corvette consortium contract; if so,

2. whether, in respect of the first two ships that were delivered, the work of the said company was audited and accepted as satisfactory in accordance with the specification of the said subcontract; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the audit and its outcome;

3. whether any penalties have been imposed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

4. whether any remedial action has been taken; if not, why not; if so, what action?

-------ooo0ooo------- NW49E

REPLY

1. Yes. Siemens South Africa was subcontracted by Siemens Germany to conduct specific work on the corvettes.

2. Yes. The work delivered by the company was subjected to the full Department of Defence acquisition. It met the required specification baseline.

3. No. There was no need to impose penalties because the work delivered was found to be satisfactory.

4. No, because the work delivered was in accordance with the set specifications.

QUESTION NO: 43

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 01 OF 08 JUNE 2009

MR K MUBU TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

Whether former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide remains resident in South Africa; if so, (a) Where is he currently living and (b) (i) what budget was allocated for the maintenance of his household in each of the financial years that he has been resident in South Africa and (ii) how is this budget broken down for (aa) security, (bb) household running costs, (cc) vehicles, (dd) staff and other specified costs?

REPLY:

a) The Former President is currently residing in Gauteng, South Africa

b) (i) The South African Government generally owns the accommodation and assets provided for utilisation with regard to the residence in Gauteng of former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide and the costs related thereto, like those of Cabinet Ministers, are integrated into the operations of Government. The South African Government budgets for these services to former president Jean-

Bertrand Aristide are equivalent to those provided to a South African Cabinet Minister.

(ii) (aa) – (dd) The monthly costs related to his accommodation, transport, office staff and security are similar to the cost associated to a South African Cabinet Minister

QUESTION NO 44

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: INTERNAL PAPER

"MS A.M. Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(I) "Whether the National Research Foundation (NRF) monitors the status of the university accounts of students enrolled for masters and doctoral degrees; if not , why not; if so, what are the relevant details?"

REPLY

1. The National Research Foundation supports post graduate students in two ways, through:

Free standing scholarships programmes in which the students apply and compete individually; and

Grant-holder linked bursaries. The grant-holder is provided with a number of bursaries which he or she can use within the students bursary rules.

2. Every grant, including scholarships, is made via an award letter, subject to a number of conditions – called the Conditions of Grant (CoG).The CoG state for example that:

2.2 The grant can only be used for the purpose intended.

2.3 Progress must be reported annually.

2.4 The grant cannot be used for illegal purposes.

2.5 High Ethical standards must be met.

2.6 Intellectual Property (IP) must be used according to the IP Act.

2.7 Raw data must be shared.

3 Money is only released once these conditions have been accepted by the grant-holder (or scholarship holder) and the Director of Research for the host institution.

4 This latter point is important as the Institution is responsible for ensuring that the Conditions of Grant are upheld. It is the institution's financial policies that govern expenditure.

5 Annually, the NRF requires all NRF beneficiaries (universities and science councils) to audit all the grants and scholarships provided by the NRF. This audit becomes part of the NRF audit.

6 Finally, the NRF has the right to walk in and demand further information if deemed necessary.

QUESTION NO. 44

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1)

Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

How many nurses aged (a) 65 years and older, (b) 60 to 64 years, (c) 55 to 59 years, (d) 50 to 54 years, (e) 40 to 49 years, (f) 30 to 39 years and (g) 29 years and younger are currently employed in the public sector in each province?

NW46E

REPLY:

The following nurses are employed in the public sector, per province in their respective age groups-

Age Groups- Nurses	Western Cape	KZN	Gauteng	Mpumalanga	Northern Cape	Limpopo	North West	Eastern Cape	Free State
Number of Nurses Aged 29 years and younger	1172	4155	5205	1434	86	1632	539	2189	89
Number of Nurses Aged 30 to 39 years	2723	9259	6168	2758	466	4464	1932	3750	1379
Number of Nurses Aged 40 to 49 years	4386	8117	6768	2372	867	2924	2421	5016	2516
Number of Nurses Aged 50 to 54 years	1520	2914	3506	612	264	2390	971	2841	1220
Number of Nurses Aged 55 to 59 years	917	2244	1401	435	281	1124	626	1811	598
Number of Nurses Aged 60 to 64 years	312	1100	787	156	113	463	237	782	235
Number of Nurses Aged 65 and older	13	267	203	29	7	0	27	161	18
Grand Total	11043	28056	24038	7796	2084	12997	6753	16550	6055

Question 45

45. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(1) Whether there is (a) a code of conduct prescribing standards of behaviour for officials during visits to businesses (details furnished) and (b) rules regarding the issuing of warnings and fines; if not, why not; if so, in each case,

(2) whether he will furnish Ms A M Dreyer, MP, with a copy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW56E

Minister of Labour Replied:

45 (1) The Minister of Labour may, in terms of section 33 of the Labour Relations Act, appoint persons as the designated agent(s) of a bargaining council. This is currently dealt with as an administrative matter and the Department of Labour does generally not involve itself in the operational aspects of enforcement of bargaining council agreements.

Bargaining Councils are governed by registered employer organisations and registered trade unions whose representatives on the council have responsibility for oversight of the activities of bargaining councils. The Department of Labour has, however, obtained some examples of codes of conduct for agents and one belonging to the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight Industry, and is attached for the information of the Honourable member.

45 (2) There are no specific rules regarding the issuing of warnings and fines by bargaining councils. In terms of section 33A of the Labour Relations Act, a collective agreement concluded by the parties to a bargaining council may authorise a designated agent to issue a compliance order requiring any person bound by that collective agreement to comply with the agreement within a specified period.

Collective agreements specify the times by which levies must be paid to the council and therefore set the framework for the enforcement process, including the issuing of compliance orders. Where there is non-compliance by persons covered by the agreement, councils are entitled to refer such matters to arbitration. An arbitration award issued by a commissioner is final and binding and may be enforced as if it were an order of the Labour Court (section 143 of the LRA).

Compliance orders and enforcement arbitration awards are therefore not issued at will, but are governed by the LRA and by the relevant provisions of collective agreements.

QUESTION NO. 45

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1)

Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(a) What were the reasons for under spending the funds allocated for new vaccines (details furnished) intended to reduce infant and child mortality, (b) what is the cost of each new vaccine, (c) how many more children could have been vaccinated, had all the allocated funding been spent and (d) what steps have been implemented to ensure that under spending does not happen again?

NW47E

REPLY:

(a) Reports suggesting underspending on these drugs is erroneous and it is a misinterpretation of information with limited insight in the issues which pertain to the immunisation programme.

It is true that National Treasury allocated R50 million for the 2008/09 financial year from the Adjustment Budget. However, the implementation of new vaccines is not just about purchasing the two vaccines: Rotavirus and Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccines. Implementation of the new vaccine affects the whole health system, putting extra demands on resources and requiring additional equipment and systems.

Implicit in this is that the R50 million could not all be spent on purchasing the new vaccines. A major area of expenditure is the cold chain capacity. Therefore, the National Department of Health recommended to the provinces that half of the money allocated by National Treasury from the Adjustment Budget be spent on increasing cold chain capacity. Only half of this money was to be used to purchase the new vaccines to allow provinces to start from the 1^st of April 2009 with the new vaccines.

It should be noted that the two new vaccines come as single doses as opposed to the traditional vaccines which come as 10 dose vials. This has huge implications for the cold chain space and increases the demand on cold chain space by more than 300%. It is for this reason that the immunisation programme has put concentrated efforts on increasing cold chain capacity. An additional budget of over R17 million which formed as part of the contract with the suppliers is currently being spent on supplying facilities all over the country with new vaccine fridges.

As of the 12^th of June the National Department of Health can report that all provinces, except Western Cape and Free State, are implementing the Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine and thus all public health facilities in the seven provinces should have this vaccine. Our records and those of the supplier of the new vaccines indicate that by the end of March 2009 vaccines worth R47 million had been ordered by the 7 provinces. Thus we say that the report in the newspaper on under spending on new vaccines is erroneous.

Due to logical challenges and other requirements, Rotavirus vaccine will only be introduced from the 1^st of August 2009 nationwide.

Free State and Western Cape have not yet implemented the new vaccine. Whilst the Western Cape has promised to start in July 2009, there is still no indication from Free State as to when they intend to implement. The National Department of Health is currently working with the provincial Departments to ensure that funds allocated by the National Treasury for the new vaccines are used for this purpose.

(b) The cost of the two new vaccines is as follows:

· Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine costs R253.00 a dose.

· Rotavirus vaccine costs R104.00 a dose.

(d) This question is now not applicable based on the response to question (a) above.

QUESTION NO.: 46

1161 Mrs N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:

Whether his department uses temporary employment services and/or labour brokers; if so, (a) why, (b) how many positions have been filled by temporary employment services in the (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08 and (iii) 2008-09 financial years, (c) what percentage of the total staff complement did temporary employment services contribute in each of these years and (d) how much money has been spent on temporary employment services in each year?

NW1496E

REPLY:-

The Department does use temporary employment services. In most cases, temporary officials are held against vacant posts pending their filling. In some cases, and in respect of specialized services, contracted officials are employed for a limited period to work on a specific project.

(a) The number of positions filled in this way for the respective years

i. 2006-07 289

ii. 2007-08 175

iii. 2008-09 264

(b) The percentage of the total staff complement

i. 2006-07 1.6 %

ii. 2007-08 1.0 %

iii. 2008-09 1.6 %

i. 2006-07 R 34 962 772

ii. 2007-08 R 61 104 652

iii. 2008-09 R 89 329 692

QUESTION NO 47

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 FEBRUARY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1/2009)

Date reply submitted: 12 March 2009

Ms D Kohler‑Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) Whether any criminal charges have been laid against a certain Divisional Commissioner of Protection and Security Services with regard to his alleged involvement in a motor vehicle accident (name and details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the said Commissioner is facing any internal disciplinary hearings; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the result of the said Commissioner's blood alcohol test is available; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will the result be available; if so, what was the result;

(4) what are the reasons for the said Commissioner not being suspended pending the outcome of the investigations;

(5) whether any progress has been made with regard to this case; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW59E

REPLY:

(1) Yes. Reckless and negligent driving, Sandton CAS 1063/08/2008.

(2) Disciplinary steps will be considered pending the outcome of the criminal case.

(3) Yes. The case is sub judice, therefore the result cannot be revealed.

(4) After considering the merits of the case, it was decided not to suspend him.

(5) The case is still being investigated. As soon as the investigation has been completed, it will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution for a decision.

QUESTION NO. 47

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1)

Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) How many doctors (a) graduated and (b) applied for community service in each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether his department experiences any problems with regard to the process of allocating community service posts; if so, what problems?

NW49E

REPLY:

(1) Medical students are required to perform medical internship before they are allowed to perform Community Service. Since 2005 medical internship was extended to 2years.

(a) The following table reflect the numbers of graduates that applied and were placed into medical internship

YEAR	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
NUMBER	1391	1561	1422	1336	1315

(b) The following table reflect the number of medical doctors that applied and were placed into community service

YEAR	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
NUMBER	1134	1324	1224	295	1020

(2) Yes. Many Community Service doctors demand placement in urban provinces like Gauteng, KwaZulu/Natal and Western Cape for a variety of reasons. It remains a challenge to place doctors in rural health facilities, despite incentives to attract them to these facilities.

QUESTION NO 48

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 FEBRUARY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1/2009)

Date reply submitted: 12 March 2009

Ms D Kohler‑Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

Whether there are any limitations to a VIP Protection Unit officer's right to (a) exceed the legal speed limit and (b) use warning lights and/or sirens; if not, why not; if so, (i) what are the relevant details and (ii) what measures are in place to determine whether officers have legitimately or illegitimately exceeded the speed limit and/or used warning lights and sirens in any particular instance?

NW60E

REPLY:

(a) Yes.

(b) Yes.

(b)(i) As detailed in sections 58 and 60 of the Road Traffic Act, 1996.

(b)(ii) The discretion of a member's judgement is evaluated on a complaint being received. Members are personally responsible for traffic fines. All complaints received from the public are fully investigated and feedback is given to the complainant and remedial steps are taken against the member.

QUESTION NO. 48

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1)

Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether a White Paper for a national health system will be released; if not, why not; if so, when;

(2) whether the proposal has been submitted to Treasury for costing; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what were the findings?

NW50E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, we will soon publish a draft discussion document for all stakeholders to give their inputs and comments on the proposals for a national health insurance system. The intention is to release a draft White Paper on the proposals for a national health insurance system as soon as we possibly can.

(2) The policy framework document for the implementation of a national health insurance system for South Africa has not been submitted to Treasury for costing. The intention is for the team that is working on the proposals to also prepare detailed costing estimates for the proposed national health insurance system prior to engagement with other government departments.

QUESTION NO 49

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 FEBRUARY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1/2009)

Date reply submitted: 12 March 2009

Mr R J King (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) Whether, with reference to a certain incident (details furnished), any VIP Unit officers are under investigation as a result of the incident; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) (a) why was video footage of the incident confiscated by the officers and (b) under what legal provision were the officers operating when the footage was confiscated;

(3) whether any of this footage was tampered with or altered; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, under what legal provision?

NW61E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, Benoni CAS 45/1/2009 and 46/1/2009.

(2)(a) Preservation of crime scene and obstruction of police officers in the execution of their duty.

(2)(b) Section 13(11) of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995) authorizes any police officer to preserve a crime scene.

(3) No.

Question 49

Ms S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(1) In each of the three most recent years for which information is available, how much money was (a) available during the year for distribution to (i) arts, culture and heritage, (ii) charity and (iii) sports organisations and (b) actually paid out by the National Lottery Distribution Trust;

(2) (a) who are the current members of the Board and (b) what amount was paid out (i) in total and (ii) to each board member in each of these years in salaries, stipends or any other specified allowances?NW51E

Response:

The details below reflect information for the last three consecutive years.

1 (a) AVAILABLE (R'000)

	2007	2008	2009
Arts	598,366	837,764	949,806
Charities	961,659	1,346,407	1,526,474
Sport	470,144	658,243	746,276
Misc	106,851	149,601	169,608
Total	2,137,020	2,992,015	3,392,165

1 (b) PAID (R'000)

	2007	2008	2009
Arts	82,322	96,398	168,481
Charities	409,435	326,568	480,878
Sport	291,832	211,207	298,269
Misc	9,000	-	950
Total	792,589	634,173	948,578

2 (a) BOARD MEMBERS

Foster JA

Axten N

Fakude-Nkuna N

Makgothi H

Thomas S

Negota G

2 (b) (i) TOTAL EMOLUMENTS (R'000)

2007	1,187
2008	4,562
2009	1,820

2 (b) (ii) INDIVIDUAL EMOLUMENTS (R'000)

Foster JA	2007	2008	2009
Basic Salary	587	660	750
Home owner allowance	13	19	28
Annual bonus	56	50	55
Travel allowance	186	182	182
Medical Aid	19	21	25
Pension Fund	82	82	92
Entertainment Allowance	2	2	2
Out of office allowance	-	-	12
Total	945	1,016	1,146

2007 (R'000)

	Meeting attendance	Reimbursive expenses	Total
Axten N	57	6	63
Fakude-Nkuna N	65	-	65
Makgothi H	27	-	27
Thomas S	66	5	71
Negota G	16	-	16
Total	231	11	242

2008 (R'000)

	License evaluation	Meeting attendance	Reimbursive expenses	Total
Axten N	444	26	4	474
Fakude-Nkuna N	385	81	-	466
Makgothi H	202	23	2	227
Thomas S	528	15	-	543
Negota G	-	13	3	16
Total	1559	158	9	1726

2009 (R'000)

	Retrospective hourly rate change adj.	Meeting attendance	Out of office allowance	Total
Axten N	72	36	-	108
Fakude-Nkuna N	123	65	22	210
Makgothi H	87	47	22	156
Thomas S	73	60	-	133
Negota G	23	10	22	55
Total	378	218	66	662

QUESTION NO 50

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 FEBRUARY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1/2009)

Date reply submitted: 12 March 2009

Mr R J King (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

With reference to the protection provided by the VIP Protection Unit, (a) how much has been spent per province on providing protection in each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) what determines the number of vehicles assigned to a VIP convoy, (c) how much was spent on these vehicles every year and (d) how much credible intelligence has been received in recent years that any protectees have faced sufficiently serious threats to warrant significant protection?

NW62E

REPLY:

(a) to (d) Please see attached Annexure A

Reply to question 50 approved by Minister.

ANNEXURE A

(a)

A) EXPENDITURE VIP PROTECTION SERVICE ALL INCLUSIVE
PROVINCE	04/05	05/06	06/07	07/08	08/09 ‑ END JAN '09
HEAD OFFICE (PPU+VIP NATIONAL+HQ+CAT)	R 98,285,734.00	R 100,841,579.00	R 142,400,009.00	R 165,365,702.00	R 169,691,341.00
WESTERN CAPE	R 21,188,225.00	R 24,378,710.00	R 1,507,362.00	R 5,333,754.00	R 5,662,983.00
GAUTENG	R 35,286,552.00	R 40,039,748.00	R 12,190,050.00	R 13,170,137.00	R 13,969,253.00
KWAZULU‑NATAL	R 41,328,668.00	R 32,448,254.00	R 25,407,921.00	R 27,185,570.00	R 26,282,173.00
LIMPOPO	R 4,564,571.00	R 6,956,043.00	R 8,796,674.00	R 8,813,543.00	R 8,926,162.00
MPUMALANGA	R 3,882,660.00	R 5,936,393.00	R 7,817,474.00	R 10,599,628.00	R 11,418,300.00
NORTHERN CAPE	R 4,336,689.00	R 5,198,655.00	R 6,249,487.00	R 7,503,265.00	R 6,830,585.00
NORTH‑WEST	R 4,814,628.00	R 6,668,215.00	R 9,046,546.00	R 10,838,690.00	R 11,818,500.00
EASTERN CAPE	R 6,753,591.00	R 11,451,049.00	R 13,841,631.00	R 15,695,088.00	R 16,107,296.00
FREE STATE	R 2,706,609.00	R 4,920,905.00	R 7,174,348.00	R 8,739,484.00	R 8,722,891.00
TOTAL	R 223,147,927.00	R 238,839,551.00	R 234,431,502.00	R 273,244,861.00	R 279,429,484.00

(b)The Risk Management System defines the risk levels for the provision of VIP Protection and concomitant protection packages into three sections: Low ‑ MEC's, Medium ‑ Government Ministers and Premiers, High ‑ President, Deputy President, Former Presidents, however from time to time the levels of security need to be increased.

(c)

C) EXPENDITURE VIP PROTECTION SERVICE VEHICLES
PROVINCE	04/05	05/06	06/07	07/08	08/09
HEAD OFFICE (PPU+VIP NATIONAL+HQ+CAT)	R 24,329,027.00	R 19,556,620.00	R 8,932,986.00	R 6,054,097.00	R 18,946,981.00
WESTERN CAPE	R 418,156.00	R 308,568.00	R 42,837.00	R 143,673.00	R 186,604.00
GAUTENG	R 521,887.00	R 703,119.00	R 229,121.00	R 365,223.00	R 439,468.00
KWAZULU‑NATAL	R 451,312.00	R 406,799.00	R 597,126.00	R 581,123.00	R 540,265.00
LIMPOPO	R 196,465.00	R 187,775.00	R 290,465.00	R 429,530.00	R 516,945.00
MPUMALANGA	R 380,585.00	R 242,720.00	R 457,531.00	R 576,656.00	R 610,849.00
NORTHERN CAPE	R 146,503.00	R 205,824.00	R 191,945.00	R 346,028.00	R 443,325.00
NORTH‑WEST	R 162,815.00	R 341,757.00	R 376,408.00	R 437,230.00	R 511,423.00
EASTERN CAPE	R 687,280.00	R 325,838.00	R 556,458.00	R 676,427.00	R 782,513.00
FREE STATE	R 102,409.00	R 165,556.00	R 284,124.00	R 462,002.00	R 318,188.00
TOTAL	R 27,396,439.00	R 22,444,576.00	R 11,959,001.00	R 10,071,989.00	R 23,296,561.00

(d) All threats identified or verified by the relevant Intelligence Services are regarded as sufficient for SAPS to act appropriately.

QUESTION NO: 30 PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 OF 06 OCTOBER 2009

Mr K Mubu (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(a) When will the South African Development Agency be established,

(b) at what (i) cost and (ii) capital outlay and

(d) who is intended to benefit from it?

Reply:

(a) Planning around the establishment of the South African Development Partnership Agency (SADPA) is currently at the conceptual development stage.

(b) The planning processes with respect to the costing and capital outlay for the agency will commence after Cabinet has approved the conceptual framework for the establishment of the Agency.

(c) The purpose of the Agency will be based on the principle of it being a tool to advance South Africa's International Relations and Developmental Partnership agenda, specifically with respect to the objectives of the Consolidation of the African Agenda and in advancing South-South and North-South Cooperation.

(d) The intended partnerships to benefit from the Agency will be determined by the conceptual framework for the Agency and informed by South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation agenda.

QUESTION NO: 29

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 OF 06 OCTOBER 2009

Mr K Mudu (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

Whether her department has any plans to (a) establish/open new diplomatic missions or (b) close existing missions abroad; if so (i) where, (ii) when, (iii) at what cost and (iv) for what reasons, in each case

REPLY

In respect of part (a), (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) of the question the following:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has no plans to establish/open any new missions in the current financial year.

In respect of part (b), (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) of the question the following:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has no plans to close any of its existing missions in the current financial year.

2009-03-23

What's wrong with this page?