Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries

2013-03-04

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Reply received: April 2013

QUESTION 542

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Question 542 for written reply: National Assembly, Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) When will the policy that will enable 30 fishing communities in coastal areas such as Kalk Bay, Hout Bay, Saldanha Bay, Struisbaai and Mossel Bay to obtain fishing rights by way of a cooperative management system be finalised? NW699E

Reply

The Small Scale Fisheries policy was approved in June 2012. Currently the department is finalising the development of the Implementation Plan that will assist in the allocation of fishing rights. The Small Scale Fishing rights allocation process will be rolled out in 2013. There are 124 identified fishing communities that will benefit from the allocation process

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION 541

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) How many people are currently employed in the freshwater fish industry?

(2) What is the total annual production of (a) trout, (b) salmon, (c) catfish, (d) freshwater crayfish and (e) tilapia species? NW698E

Reply

(1) There is approximately 671 full-time and 187 part-time jobs in the freshwater aquaculture industry.

The freshwater aquaculture production reported for 2011 was approximately 2 921 tons, with trout (1428 tons), catfish (160 tons), tilapia (100 tons) and freshwater crayfish (800 kg).

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION 434

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Mr A Watson (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(a) What are the names of all the (i) companies that manage state-owned farms, (ii) farms that they managed and,

(b) In each case, since 2007 (i) how much funding has her department given annually (ii) how many farms workers have been employed (iii) what has been the annual production per ha and (iv) what percentage of production has been exported NW698E

Reply

There are no companies that manage State Land or Financial Assistance Land (FALA) farms.

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION 431

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

MR A WATSON FROM DA TO THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

QUESTIONS

(1) (a) Which state-owned farms in each province are managed by a certain company (name furnished)?

(b) On what date was the specified company appointed in each case?

(ii) What percentage of annual production of these farms has been exported?

(iii) How many workers have been employed since the said company took over the farm management?

(2) What amount has her department given to each farm under the said company in each year since 2007?

REPLY:

(1) (a) There are no companies that manage State Land or Financial Assistance Land (FALA).

(b) In all Provinces State Land or Financial Assistance Land (FALA) are leased out on three year contract renewable upon adherence to regulations.

are no figures recorded.

(ii) No production exported from FALA farmers as they produce for local

usage only.

(iii) Each lessee utilizes family members to facilitate farm activities with added part time job opportunities varying from one farm to another, depending on enterprise at the time.

(2) Since 2007 the total allocation is R 5 773 129.00 mainly for infrastructure support associated with firebreaks and fencing. Since then collaboration efforts have been pursued with Provincial Department to facilitate funding when the need arises.

Reply received: May 2013

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 405

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Mr B M Bhanga (COPE) to ask Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

QUESTION

Whether her department has conducted any assessment of the findings of the recent study carried out by the University of Stellenbosch on the possible (a) long-term effects of donkey meat found in processed food products, (b) health threat to consumers and (c) implications for her department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW544E

Reply

(a) Slaughter of animals is regulated by the Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act 40 of 2000). Animals that can be slaughtered legally are listed in schedule 1 of this Act. Donkey is among animal listed in schedule 1 of the Act. As such, it has no other effects other than the general meat.

(b) All animals listed in schedule 1 shall be slaughtered at registered abattoirs, and shall be inspected as prescribed in the Act. Diseased animals are removed from the food chain to ensure they posed no health threat to consumers.

(c) The Cabinet has resolved to request the National Consumer Commissioner (NCC) to investigate the issues surrounding general mislabelling. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has decided to allow this process to unfold, and will, together with other relevant Departments, act on the finds and recommendations of the NCC, if necessary.

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION 384

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Mrs A. Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

QUESTION

(1) Whether (a) her department and (b) any entities reporting to it paid any bonuses to senior officials in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-2012 financial years; if so, in each specified case (aa) to whom and (bb) what amount was paid;

(2) whether the specified bonuses were performance-based; if not, what is the justification for each bonus; if so, in each case, from which budget were the performance bonuses paid;

(3) whether, in each case, (a) a performance agreement was signed with the official and (b) regular performance assessments were conducted; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW 531E

REPLY:

(1) (a)- yes

(a)(i)- 2009-2010 performance cycle - yes

See attached table

(a)(ii)- 2010-2011 performance cycle – no

(a)(iii)- 2011-2012 performance cycle – no (moderation not yet concluded)

(2) For the Department – Yes, the specified bonuses paid in the 2009-2010

performance cycle were performance based. The bonuses were paid from the

Department's budget.

(3) (a) Yes

(b) Yes

The Performance Management and Development System of Senior Management

Service (SMS) are prescribed in terms of Chapter 4 of the Public Service

Regulations, 2001 and Chapter 4 of the SMS Handbook, issued by the Minister

for the Public Service and Administration.

(1) (b) – Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) - yes

PPECB paid performance incentives to all its employees, including senior officials. Payments are governed by a policy and approved by the Board of Directors.

(b) (i) 2009/2010 – yes

(b) (ii) 2010/2011 – yes

(b) (iii) 2011/2012 - yes

Position	(aa) Incumbent	(bb) 2009-2010	(bb) 2010-2011	(bb) 2011-2012
CEO	L Mabombo	R116,764	-	-
CFO (acted as CEO in 2011-2012)	J Schwiebus	R79,718	R109,362	R210,695
Executive Statutory Operations	N Mnqeta	-	R76,172	R175,329
Executive Value Added Services	D Martin	R67,734	R92,924	R168,592
Executive Human Resources	Z Makhaye	R57,577	R84,355	R145,655
Head Legal and Secretariat	A Fortune	R57,577	-	-
Total		R379,370	R362,813	R700,271

(2) All bonuses are based on the outcome of formalized performance assessments that are done at least twice a year.

PPECB is a non-profit public entity. Provision for performance incentives is included in the budget but only payable after (1) concluded performance assessments with (2.) outcomes that meet specific criteria and (3.) approved by the Board of Directors. The process and criteria are formalized in the Performance Incentive Policy and Procedure.

(3) Performance agreements are signed with each employee, including senior officials, of the PPECB.

Performance assessments are done at end of September and end of March. Performance deliverables and criteria are set for an individual at the start of each cycle. The value of performance incentives are determined on a basis that is set out in PPECB's Performance Incentive Policy. The incentives payable are approved each year by the Board of Directors.

(1) (b) – Marine Living Resource Fund (MLRF) – no performance bonuses were paid

(2) N/A

(3) N/A

(1) (b) - Ncera Farms – no performance bonuses were paid

(2) N/A

(3) N/A

(1) (b) – Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) – yes (b) (i) 2009/2010 – yes (b) (ii) 2010/2011 – yes See attached table
(b) (iii) 2011/2012 performance cycle – no (2) Performance bonuses paid from the OBP salary budget.
(3) Legend
*	Performance agreement signed, performance assessment not conducted due to retirement of resignation. Board discretion to pay bonus.
**	Performance agreement not signed in both years 2009/10 and 2010/11 thus not rated. Settlement agreement.

(1) (b) – National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) – yes

(b) (i) 2009/2010 - yes

(aa) Title	(bb) Bonus Amount in thousands
CEO	322
CFO	16
Senior Manager – MERC	260
Senior Manager – Statutory Measures	187
Senior Manager – Agribusiness	93
Senior Manager – Agritrust	140
Senior Manager – Human Resources	116

(b) (ii) 2010/ 2011 - yes

(aa) Title	(bb) Bonus Amount in thousands
CEO	324
CFO	248
Senior Manager – MERC	182
Senior Manager – Statutory Measures	159
Senior Manager – Agribusiness	127
Senior Manager – Agritrust	127
Senior Manager – Human Resources	191

(b) (iii) 2011/2012 - yes

(aa) Title	(bb)Bonus Amount in thousands
CEO	237
CFO	180
Senior Manager – MERC	140
Senior Manager – Statutory Measures	140
Senior Manager – Agribusiness	140
Senior Manager – Agritrust	140
Senior Manager – Human Resources	140

(2) It was performance bonus, from finance budget

(3) (a) The performance agreement were signed with official

(b) Three evaluations were conducted during the following periods: April – July, August – November, and December – March.

(1) (b) Agricultural Research Council (ARC) - Yes

(b) (i) 2009/2010 performance cycle - No

(b) (ii) 2010/2011 performance cycle – Yes

Title	(aa) Name	(bb) Amount
President and CEO	Dr SR Moephuli	-
Executive Director	Mr MT Netsianda	R55739
Chief Financial Officer	Mr GM Maluleke	R55739
Executive Director R&D	Mr M Jeenah	R105639

(b) (iii) 2011/2012 performance cycle - No

(2) The bonuses were performance based in accordance with the ARC Performance Management and Development System as approved by the Council (Board).

(3) (a) All executive managers signed performance contracts.

(b) Performance reviews are held regularly.

Reply received: May 2013

Reply received: March 2013

QUESTION 315

QUESTION 315 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MR R B BHOOLA (MF) ASKED THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

What incentives has she put in place to address the challenges confronted by dairy farmers? NW394E

REPLY

The Department has established and maintains a National Dairy Recording and Improvement Scheme in terms of the Animal Improvement Act, 1998(Act 62 of 1998) that provides for the collection, processing and interpretation of breeding, production and milk quality data in accordance with international standards. This information enables milk producers to take strategic decisions to improve both the livestock and fodder flow programs to produce milk more efficiently.

This scheme has been extended to the developing sector where the department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) covers the cost of participation in the National Scheme as part of the strategic deliverables to assist new farmers. Participants receive technical advice from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) who are the managers of the scheme.

In addition, DAFF has developed a National Smallholder Dairy Development Strategy to serve as a guideline for local government when considering dairy as a food security intervention.

This strategy will be reviewed during 2014/15 to ensure relevance

Reply received: April 2013

QUESTION 530

Q 530 Mrs. A. Steyn to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Did her department recover the R151 878 cost of return trips to Sweden (details furnished) from her as recommended by the Public Protector; if not, why not? NW687E

REPLY

A. As previously indicated, arrangements have been made for recovery of the funds.

Reply received: April 2013

QUESTION 529

Q 529 Mrs. A. Steyn to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Will she provide a costed list of items contained in the food parcels which were distributed by her department during the recent farm labourers' strike in the Western Cape?

A. Food Parcels were managed by Service Providers

Reply received: April 2013

QUESTION 528

Q 528 Mrs. A Steyn to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Will she make the Council for Higher Education's report regarding the current accreditation of agricultural colleges available to the public; if not, why not?

A. No. The Council for Higher Education falls under the Department of Higher Education and Training, and their report will therefore be managed by that Department.

Reply received: April 2013

QUESTION 436

MRS A STEYN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

QUESTION 436

What was the finding of her department's investigation into the death of 700 head of cattle in Mpumalanga during the period 1 July to 31 December 2012? NW587E

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

RESPONSE:

There was no sign of any infectious disease causing the mortalities. The general condition of the animals affected was very poor; this together with the cold spells may have resulted in these mortalities.

The Mpumalanga investigation report is attached

Reply received: April 2013

QUESTION 426

MRS A STEYN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

QUESTION 426

(1) How many cases of African Horse Sickness (AHS) were reported (a) in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012 and (b) since 1 January 2013;

(2) is her department aware of cases where fully vaccinated horses died of AHS; if so, how many cases were reported since 2011;

(3) what is her department doing to prevent the outbreak of AHS? NW576E

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

RESPONSE:

1. (a) (i) 2011 (1 September 2010 to 31 August 2011 = 2011 season): 743 outbreaks

(ii) 2012 (1 September 2011 to 31 August 2012 = 2012 season): 90 outbreaks

(b) 2013 (1 September 2012 to current (mid-March 2013) = 2013 season: 190

outbreaks.

2. No vaccine is 100% effective and the reaction of individual horses to the vaccine might differ due to the ability of their individual immune systems to react to the vaccine. Most horses that were vaccinated with the registered vaccine, stored and used under the prescribed conditions, will be protected sufficiently to prevent disease or if disease occurs, enough protection will be given to cause mild symptoms only. If horses are not vaccinated in time or only vaccinated after outbreaks have started, more disease and deaths will occur. Reports received from the Eastern Cape indicated that owners in the area mostly affected by the outbreak refused to vaccinate their horses.

The DAFF database does not distinguish whether the AHS occurred in vaccinated or non-vaccinated horses. It is therefore not possible to give figures of the number of deaths in vaccinated horses.

3. The department provides advice and awareness though the Provincial Veterinary Services on vaccination schedules and precautions that can be taken to limit outbreaks as well as information on outbreaks that have occurred.

Reply received: April 2013

QUESTION 425

Question 425 for Written Reply: MRS A STEYN (DA) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

How does the Minister intend to ensure that farmers stay competitive in light of rising administered prices, in particular the 8% annual increase in electricity?

REPLY:

The Minister is currently consulting with Agri-Sector Unity Forum (ASUF) comprised of leaders of the following organizations: African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA); Agri SA; TAU SA; National African Farmers Union of South Africa (NAFU SA); South African Agricultural Processors Association (SAAPA); and Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) on key issues affecting the profitability and competitiveness of the sector.

Reply received: March 2013

QUESTION 290

QUESTION 290 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MRS A STEYN (DA) ASKED THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) How many legal matters were dealt with by her department (a) in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2012;

(2) What is the current status of each case? NW366E

REPLY

(1) (a) (i) 518

(ii) 551

(b) 409

The above information is at 19 February 2012

(2) Work in progress

Reply received: March 2013

QUESTION 289

QUESTION 289 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MRS A STEYN (DA) ASKED THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(a) How many cases of African armyworm have been reported and (b) where in each case? NW365E

REPLY

Major army work infestation has been reported in the Free State-27 farms: North West-20 farms: Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, North Cape and Western Cape 1 Farm

Reply received: February 2013

QUESTION 134

QUESTION 134 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MR. S ESAU (DA) (DA) ASKED THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

1) How many legal matters were dealt with by her department (a) in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 financial years and (b) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

2) (a) how many of the specified legal matters were dealt with by (i) the State Attorney and (ii) private attorneys during specified periods and (b) what are the reasons why her department was not represented by the State Attorney in each specified case;

3) What total amounts were paid by her department to (a) the State Attorney and (b) private attorneys during the specified periods? NW140E

REPLY

(1) (a) (i) 851

(ii) 518

(iii) 551

(b) 409

(2) (a) (i) - All the litigation matters and a few non litigation matters were dealt with by the State Attorney.

(ii) The department is in the process of verifying whether private attorneys have been utilised.

(b) This shall be answered only once the verification in (2)(a)(ii) has been completed.

(3) (a)

FINANCIAL YEAR	AMOUNT PAID
2009/2010	R 1 674 359
2010/2011	R 1 921 888
2011/2012	R 1 290 374
2012/2013	To be advised

The following amounts were paid by the Marine Living Resources Fund to the State Attorney:

FINANCIAL YEAR	AMOUNT PAID
2009/2010	R 2 225 963.95
2010/2011	R 416 780.31
2011/2012	R 1 856 130.05
2012/2013	R 1 840 408.69 *

(b) This shall be answered only once the verification in (2)(a)(ii) has been completed.

eply received: February 2013

QUESTION 101

QUESTION 101 FOR WRITTEN REPLY MR D J STUBBE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

1) Whether (a) her department and (b) any entities reporting to it paid any bonuses to senior officials in December 2012; if so, in each specified case, (i) to whom and (ii) what amount was paid;

2) whether the specified bonuses were performance-based; if not, what is the justification for each bonus; if so, in each case, from which budget were the performance bonuses paid;

3) Whether, in each case, (a) a performance agreement was signed with the official and (b) regular performance assessments were conducted; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW107E

REPLY:

No bonuses were paid to senior officials of DAFF or any entity in December 2012

Reply received: March 2013

QUESTION 68

QUESTION 68 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MRS A STEYN (DA) ASKED THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1)(a) How many tickets did (i) her department and (ii) any of its entities purchase to attend business breakfasts hosted by a certain newspaper (name furnished) (aa) in the (aaa) 2010-11 and (bbb) 2011-12 financial years and (bb) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and

(b) What was the total cost in each case?

REPLY

(1) The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries purchased 25 tables seating 10 persons per table to attend the business breakfast hosted by The New Age and SABC2 during the period 1 April 2012 up to date. No tickets were purchased during the 2010/11 or the 2011/12 financial year.

(b) The cost amounted to r178 267.50

Reply received: February 2013

QUESTION 60

QUESTION 60 FOR WRITTEN REPLY MRS. A STEYN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 350 on 6 November 2012, what (a) are the findings of this report and (b) action is her department taking to handle each of the concerns raised;

(2) Whether she will table the report in the National Assembly; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW13-64E

REPLY

1) (a) A draft report by the World Organisation for Animal health (OIE) ws provided to the Department for perusal for factual correctness. The corrections were subsequently sent back to the OIE to allow them to finalise the report which will be re-forwarded to the Department.

(b) The Department intends to consult openly on the findings from the evaluation. This consultation will include the Provincial Departments as well as all stakeholders. To address the concerns in the report, ac action plab with strict timelines will be developed,

2) The report together with all the actions that will be taken will be shaped with all the stakeholders with interest on the subject.

eply received: February 2013

QUESTION 59

QUESTION 59 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MRS A STEYN (DA) ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

1) Whether there is a shortage of vaccines as a result of manufacturing difficulties experienced by Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) vaccines are in short supply and (b) are the further relevant details;

2) what measures have been put in place to ensure sustainable (a) manufacturing and (b) supply of vaccines? NW63E

REPLY

1. Yes, there has been a recent shortage (within the last month) of a few freeze dried products but all other vaccines are available.

(a) Mainly the freeze dried viral vaccines.

(b) This is because the freeze driers are being repaired.

2. The National Treasury has allocated funds for modernizing and upgrading the facility over the MTEF.

(a) An upgrade plan for a new Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant facility is in progress. The current facility is undergoing partial renovation.

(b) New equipment has been procured and some were delivered already and are awaiting installation. The freeze driers are being repaired.

Reply received: March 2013

QUESTION 58

QUESTION 58 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MRS A STEYN (DA) ASKED THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Question (1) What (a) number of food parcels has the Department distributed during the recent farm worker strikes in the Western Cape and (b) was the total cost? NW62E

DAFF's response:

1 (a) The department distributed a total of 7500 food parcels.

1 (b) The total cost for the food parcels was R10 056 191.25

Question 2 (a) Which (i) persons and (ii) organisations were tasked with the distribution of the food parcels and (b) what were the costs involved in each specified case?

DAFF's response:

2(a) (i) PEULWANA Agricultural Financial Services was tasked with the responsibility of procuring and facilitating the distribution of food parcels. The agency worked in collaboration with local NGOs to assist with the distribution of the parcels.

2 (b) (ii) PEULWANA is DAFF's implementing agent for MAFISA as well as Food Security Production Intervention (FSPI). The agency has been requested to handle the project on the distribution of food parcels within the scope of FSPI programme. The DAFF paid 5% management fee amounting to R 478 866.25, including logistics.

Question 3 (a) where and (b) to whom were food parcels distributed? NW62E

DAFF's response:

3 (a) The food parcels were distributed at all areas affected by the strike in the Western Cape

3 (b) The parcels were distributed to households at all areas affected by the strike.

Reply received: March 2013

QUESTION 45

QUESTION 45 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, MR. P. VAN DALEN (DA) ASKED THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES:

Whether she met with representatives of certain companies (names furnished) during January 2013; if so, what was the purpose of the meeting? NW48E

REPLY

The Minister has no recollection of meetings with Walmart and Ocean Fresh (LOHNRO), nor any of their subsidiaries, during January 2013.

However, if she has met with any of their subsidiaries, she has done so unknowingly.

2013-03-04

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