Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 126 to 150

Since sale and unbundling of their stake in Vodacom, Telkom's core strategy as communicated through the Circular and 2009 Annual Report distributed to all Telkom shareholders remain focused on defending and growing profitable revenues.

Similar to most incumbents globally Telkom is facing changing markets, decreasing margins, increased competition and regulatory pressures forcing them to refine their strategy i.e. pricing, network and business models that are designed to sustain and grow their competitive position within their respective markets.

Telkom has introduced price initiatives that include tariff rebalancing. They are putting emphasis on customer centricity i.e. building customer retention and loyalty. Their growth strategy includes fixed/mobile capability, broadband and converged services and geographic reach expanding beyond the South African borders. They believe that the aforementioned strategy will enhance their competitive edge and grow profitable revenues locally and internationally.

QUESTION 127

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 2-2002:

MOULANA M R SAYEDALI SHAH (DA) SAYEDALI SHAH

1. Whether the SA National Defence Force placed on advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

2. whether advertising from the SANDF will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, not; what are the relevant details?

-------ooo0ooo------- NW142E

REPLY

1. (a) Yes.

(b) Yes.

(c) No.

(d) No.

(i) (aa) Career Allaiance, City Press, Rapport, Mail & Guardian, Pretoria News, Sowetan, The Star, Sunday Times; and including the following regional papers: The Herald, Natal Mercury, Soutpansberger, Cape Argus, and the Diamondfield Advertiser.

(ii) (aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(iii) (aa) R1,894 259.85.

(bb) The advertisements were aimed at reaching most of the areas nationally and provincially in order to ensure as far as possible equitable dissemination of information in order to attract potential applicants.

2. The Department of Defence has no intentions of curtailing advertising from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined, this is due to the fact that the DOD has to continue with the rejuvenation of the department and also ensuring that it addresses the filling of critical posts.

QUESTION NO. 127

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2)

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

(1) Whether any research has been conducted regarding the prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) what were the findings, (c) who conducted the research, (d) which geographical areas did the research cover and (e) how many children were born with foetal alcohol syndrome in each of the past three financial years;

(2) whether his department has any educational programmes in this regard; if not, why not; if so, (a) what programmes, (b) in which areas are these programmes presented and (c) how much money was allocated towards these programmes in each province in each of the past three financial years?

REPLY:

(1) (a), (b), (c) and (d)

Yes, epidemiological studies were conducted in South Africa to determine the prevalence of FAS amongst the school-entry children (between 7 and 8 years). These studies were conducted in the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Gauteng Provinces between 1997 and 2001.

Gauteng Province

During 1999 – 2000, the National Department of Health collaborated with the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), and undertook a multi-collaborative project together with several agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta; the Kaiser Family Foundation, Washington DC; the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC); and the Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA). The study involved the epidemiological evaluation of FAS in four communities namely, Westbury; Lenasia South; Soweto; and Diepsloot.

Findings in Gauteng

The prevalence figures for FAS amongst school-entry children were 37/1000 (Westbury), 12/1000 (Lenasia South), 19/1000 (Soweto) and 0/1000 (Diepsloot) for the four communities. The combined data for Gauteng Province revealed a prevalence of FAS of 18/1000 (1.8%) school-entry children. Diepsloot had no cases of FAS amongst the 176 children screened. This figure was expected as Diepsloot was a recently established informal settlement, and women who gave birth to these children might have migrated from a rural setting to an urban environment whilst pregnant (It was assumed that traditionally, rural Black communities considered alcohol consumption by women of the child-bearing age unacceptable).

Northern Cape Province

During 1999 – 2001, another collaborative project was undertaken by FARR and the National Department of Health, together with several agencies including the CDC, SAMRC, the South African Wine Industry Trust (SAWIT). The project was conducted in De Aar. School-entry children (grade 1) from 7 primary schools (n=534), were screened for FAS.

Findings in Northern Cape

- 291 (54%) of the children had shown features of FAS;

- 45 (8.4%) of the children were diagnosed with FAS; and

- 22 (4.1%) of the children had shown several features of FAS (but insufficient to confirm a diagnosis).

De Aar revealed a prevalence of 103/1000 (10.3%), which makes it the most heavily affected community with FAS thus far investigated in South Africa.

Western Cape Province

The Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR) and the University of Cape Town in collaboration with researchers from the University of New Mexico/CASAA, USA undertook FAS investigations in Wellington, Western Cape Province.

indings in Western Cape

- All the school-entry children (grade 1) from 12 primary schools in Wellington (n=992), were screened for FAS. A FAS diagnosis was confirmed in 46 children, indicating a prevalence of 46.8 per 1000 (4.7%) school children examined;

- In rural school children (n=243) investigated, 28 (11.6%) were diagnosed with FAS;

- In urban school children (n=749), 18 (2.4%) were diagnosed with FAS; and

- In the second epidemiological study (n=849), 75 (8.8%) children were diagnosed with FAS. Thus the overall prevalence of FAS for Wellington between the years 1997 and 1999 was 66/1000 (6.6%) school-entry children.

These findings indicated a lack of understanding of the possible teratogenic effects of alcohol abuse during pregnancy. Although some women were aware of the harmful effects of alcohol on the unborn baby, full impact was clearly not understood. The need for appropriate education and prevention programmes were therefore emphasised.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that South Africa is at the forefront of other developing countries in terms of FAS research, care and prevention programmes. In this regard, further collaborative efforts from FARR, University of Pretoria and the Department of Health are in place to develop an integrated FAS prevention model.

The Department also prioritised to strengthen and support FAS prevention collaborative initiatives between the three spheres of government, academic and other non-governmental organisations. In this regard, a National FAS task team (comprising of the Cluster: Maternal, Child, & Women's Health; Directorates: Mental Health & Substance Abuse; Communication; Health Promotion; District Health Systems Development; Health Systems Research, Research Co-ordination & Epidemiology), Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), and the University of Pretoria (UP) is facilitating the FAS preventive initiatives, and supporting the provinces accordingly. In this regard, FARR was interviewed on FAS on Great Expectations, on e.TV, in 2008.

Another important collaborative event, facilitated by the University of Pretoria, was the FAS symposium that took place from 9 – 10 September 2008 in Cape Town. The objectives of the symposium were to:

Ø Share the latest results of FAS prevention research conducted in South Africa;

Ø Discuss preventive projects in South Africa; and

Ø Identify key interventions that could be integrated into national and provincial FAS prevention strategies.

The recommendations highlighted the importance of family planning and access to contraceptives to reduce FAS cases. Furthermore, prevention of FAS should focus on high-risk women who need help to control or stop their drinking before conception. At the ante-natal clinic, the midwife should be able to screen for 'problematic' drinking of the pregnant mother, and provide appropriate information and referrals.

Response to question 1(e)

Presently, there are no reliable figures available in the country in terms of number of children born with FAS each year. This is mainly due to the complex diagnostic process. However the data that has been received for 2007 and 2008 does confirm that Western Cape has a high number of FAS cases.

FARR, who works closely with the Provincial Department of Health, has also indicated plans for a FAS prevalence survey to determine any reduction in the rate.

(Currently FAS is not a notifiable condition in the country).

(2) (a) and (b)

The Department's educational approach to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is aimed at prevention programmes. These prevention programmes are presented in the health facilities, and mainly in those areas where the FAS research was conducted (Gauteng, Western Cape and Northern Cape). The Department is thus engaged in primary, secondary and tertiary FAS prevention strategies, and this is an integrated effort of the government structures and communities. The emphasis in the communities is that "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is 100% preventable!"

Primary prevention

Primary prevention strategies include the following capacity building programmes:

(i) Educating women (and their partners), families and communities about the dangers of alcohol intake during pregnancy through campaigns, educational material and radio talk shows.

For example:

- Radio talk shows were held on FAS from 9, 17-19 September 2008 with community radio stations;

- International FAS day was commemorated on 9 September 2008 at the Waterfront in Cape Town; and

- FAS was highlighted during the Sexual and Reproductive Health awareness campaign held in February 2009 in Limpopo.

- Continuing to support the Healthy Mother, Health Pregnancy initiative by FARR in the Northern Cape.

- Greater efforts are also intended for International FAS day in 2009 as this year marks the 10^th anniversary.

(ii) Encouraging establishment of support groups within communities.

For example:

- Dopstop in Western Cape and Northern Cape; and

- Supporting the Southern African Inherited Disorders Association (SAIDA) with FAS prevention programmes/activities – such as involvement with FAS coverage on 3 Talk on SABC 3 in 2008.

(iii) Increasing capacity, expertise and knowledge of FAS among health care professionals at all levels through training and workshops.

For example:

- By using the Medical Genetics Education Programme and Telemedicine facilities to train health professionals on common birth defects, including FAS;

- Supporting a FAS training workshop for professional nurses and Occupational therapists and Phsiotherapists that took place in Northern Cape in 2008;

- Highlighting FAS and maternal high-risk behaviour, as recommended during the FAS symposium, during the National Midwifery update scheduled for October 2009.

(iv) Introducing life skills programmes in schools, and engaging the youth in such programmes.

For example:

- National Youth Health Indaba held from 23-27 June 2008 in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Focus was on youth involvement in FAS preventive programmes.

(v) Most importantly, regulations relating to FAS health messages on container labels of alcoholic beverages have been passed in terms of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972. These Regulations were passed in August 2007, to be operative from February 2009. The messages directly relating to FAS are: "Drinking during pregnancy can be harmful to your unborn baby", "Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health" and "Alcohol is addictive".

Secondary prevention

Secondary prevention focuses on screening for early diagnosis and instituting measures to stop the progression of a disability. For example, the parents of a child with FAS are referred for counselling, and the child is referred for further neurodevelopmental evaluation.

Tertiary prevention

Tertiary prevention involves rehabilitation activities in an effort to return the affected child with FAS to a level of maximum usefulness by engaging in the following activities:

· Further counselling of families with FAS-affected children;

· Offer physiotherapy and occupational therapy to the child with FAS

· Provide appropriate school placement for the child;

· Follow up of at-risk families;

· Offer psychosocial support to FAS-affected families; and

· In severe cases of alcoholism, affected family members may be referred for rehabilitation.

Response to Question 2 (c)

Provinces were consulted with regards to the amount allocated for the educational programmes on FAS. It should be noted that FAS is within the provincial Maternal, Child and Women's Health (MCWH) and Mental Health and Substance Abuse programmes. Overall the responses indicate that due to the fact that the budget for these programmes are within the primary health care package, it was not easy for the provinces to determine exactly how much was allocated to FAS educational programmes. Furthermore some of these activities are part of bigger programmes, for example the Medical Genetics Education Programme (MGEP) under MCWH.

QUESTION NO. 128

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 of 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 February 2009

Mr I F Julies (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism:

(1) Whether his department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

(2) whether advertising from his department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW143E

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

128. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:

(1) Yes. DEAT placed advertisements in (a) newspapers during the period 01 January 2008 up to 22 February 2009. No advertisements were placed on magazines, radio and television stations. Hence (b), (c) and (d) fall away.

(i) (aa) City Press, Sunday Times, Mail & Guardian, Sowetan, Sunday World, Cape Argus, Weekend Argus, (bb) falls away.

(ii) (aa) and (bb) also fall away.

(iii) (aa) R 3 269 016.45 and (bb) recruitment of suitable candidates to vacant posts on the establishment and available tenders at DEAT.

(2) No. DEAT has not taken any decision in this regard.

QUESTION 128

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 6 October 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 OF 2009

Mrs M M Maunye (ANC) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether her department is experiencing an increase in applications for emigration documents as a consequence of the current economic recession; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the global economic situation has led to expatriates returning; if so, what are the relevant details?

NO1096E

REPLY:

(1) & (2) The Department of Home Affairs does not record the requested information, as the Department of Home Affairs' Movement Control System (MCS) only records the departures of persons from the RSA, through the Port of Entry they have departed. Places of destination, or, reason for the departure are not recorded. For this reason, it is, kindly, suggested that the Honourable Member directs her request for the information to the Honourable Minister of Finance, as this information is kept by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA).

QUESTION NUMBER 129

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 FEBRUARY 2009

DUE TO PARLIAMENT: 26 FEBRUARY 2009

Mr S J F Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) Whether the National Treasury placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

(2) whether advertising from the National Treasury will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW144E

Reply:

(1) (a) newspapers - Yes

(b) magazines - Yes

(c) radio - Yes

(d) television - Yes

(i)(aa) Government Gazette, Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times, City Press, Rapport, Business Day, Sowetan, Sunday World, Pretoria News and Star.

(bb) Financial Mail

(ii)(aa) 5 FM, SA FM, Metro, Ligwalagwala, Umhlobo Wenene, Inkwenkwezi, Phalaphala, Ukhozi and Mungana.

(bb) South African Broadcasting Corporation and E-Tv

(iii)(aa)

Public notices - R18 937.00

Recruitment - R3 970 869.09

Retail Bonds - R20 000 000.00

Tenders - R309 898.64

Total - R24 299 704.73

(bb) Public notices, recruitment, Retail Bonds and tenders.

The National Treasury advertised on print, radio and television for the purpose of creating and sustaining a culture of saving in South Africa. To this effect R20 million was spent and created a saving pool of
R811 million by end of February 2009. South Africa's savings rate is very low and now more than ever South Africans need to be reminded to save at all costs.

(2) Advertisement for recruitment and tenders will continue as they are part of strategic and operational efficiency of National Treasury.

QUESTION: NO 129

(Internal Question Paper No 2 – 2009)

Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation:

(1) Whether he is able to indicate the current status of all the stadia to be used during the (a) Confederations Cup and (b) 2010 FIFA World Cup; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether these stadia will be ready in time; if not, (a) which stadia will not be ready and (b) what are the reasons why they will not be ready in time;

(3) What was the (a) planned budget and (b) amount actually spent on each of the stadia that are being built or upgraded for the (i) Confederations Cup and (ii) 2010 FIFA World Cup as at the latest specified date for which information is available?

NW139E

REPLY:

Question 1

CONFEDERATIONS CUP VENUES UPDATE AS AT 31^ST MAY 2009

Most of the venues have experienced delays for various reasons – as a result all the venues will be completed later than the planned dates. However, all the venues will be ready for the Confederations Cup. As 3 of the venues are also used for rugby, there is a danger in the over-usage of the pitches, thus affecting the ability of the grass to grow sufficiently for the tournament.

Ellis Park

• All the construction works at the stadium have been completed.

• The venue is being used for rugby and football matches.

• A close-out report is being prepared.

Royal Bafokeng

• All the construction works at the stadium have been completed.

• A close-out report is being prepared.

Mangaung

• All the construction works at the stadium have been completed.

• A close-out report is being prepared.

Tshwane - Loftus

• The bowl and inner perimeter of the stadium have been completed.

• The pitch has been completed and is already being used.

• Areas that are outstanding are the toilets on the eastern side and snagging for all the works.

• The venue is being utilized for football and rugby games.

WORLD CUP VENUES

These venues are due for final inspection by FIFA in October 2009

• The major challenge facing these venues are cost overruns.

• The staff component in these venues is beginning to decline as the major works of the stadia are being completed.

eThekwini – Moses Mabhida

• Roof

o The compression ring is complete.

o The arch erection was completed in January and the cable net installation and the lifting were complete in April.

o The installation of the catwalk, of the membrane and of the arch cladding is still continuing.

• Amphitheatre

o Building work remains at 81% in the amphitheatre.

• Bowl

o Finishes and fit out are at 92%

o Internal finishes are at 51%

o External bowl finishes are at 50%

• External works and podium

o The underground storm water lines are 95% complete.

• The arch construction has been completed.

• All piling and ground beams have been completed.

• Overall, the project is 76% complete

• Cost overrun to end of project – R462m.

• The expected completion date is 30 Aug 2009.

• To be completed before the LOC/FIFA completion date of 30 October 2009

Polokwane – Peter Mokaba

• Steel roof structure construction is on programme.

• The project is 26 days behind schedule

• Pre-cast seating placement on programme, with minor delays on the western and southern sides.

• The procurement processes of the municipality are continuing to affect the appointment of subcontracts, even though some improvements have been observed. This affects the progress being made.

• The uncertainty about funding continues to affect the resourcing of the project and this adds to delays in the construction programme.

• Cost overruns to completion of R232 m.

• Overall progress is 70% complete.

• Projected completion date is end of August 2009.

Soccer City

• Pre-cast concrete works have been completed.

• Roof construction is nearing completion – 93%.

• Installation of cladding has commenced.

• Internal finishes are at 87% complete.

• Stadium seating is at 94% complete.

• Raking beams completed.

• Procurement of subcontractors virtually complete. Some minor items remain to be procured.

• Infrastructure & precinct projects have already started.

• High risk – unbudgeted items / cost overruns of R157m

• Project to be completed by 30 Oct 2009 FIFA/OC completion date

• Cost overruns are R439 m

• Overall progress is 89%

Mbombela

• This project was heavily affected by strikes in 2008, with the results that progress was delayed. In addition progress was affected by a rain storm at the beginning of 2009.

• The contract is currently 63 days behind the original programme due to low production levels affected by strike.

• The production and placement of pre-cast elements are still a concern, especially after the damage caused by a rain storm.

• The progress on the fitment on electrical and IT slowed down.

• The Host City should deal with the claim of the Contractor as a matter of urgency.

• The roof contractor has commenced with erection, still in the leaning curve but production will speed up.

• The current completion date for the roof is August 2009. The new contractual completion date is already under threat as a result of slow production rate of the pre-cast elements as well as the placement.

• The construction of the roof is underway and is expected to be completed in July 2009. The contractor is reworking the programme to meet this date.

• The overall completion is at 74.2%

• The project is within budget.

Cape Town - Green Point

• This programme has been very tight due to the problems experienced at the beginning, including court cases and environmental requirements.

• The roof structure has been completed.

• The placement of the roof membrane has commenced.

• Work on the precinct projects has commenced.

• Overall construction progress approximately 64%.

• Contractual completion date is 15 Feb 2010. Targeted completion date is still 14 Dec 2009.

• Costs continue to escalate at a high rate – escalations currently stand at R1.6 billion. The city has no plan in place to deal with the cost overruns.

• High risk – tight construction programme & late completion.

• The cost overrun R571 million.

Nelson Mandela Bay

• The pitch, plumbing & drainage, IT, fencing & gates have been completed.

• Stadium seats were completed end of March 2009.

• Works around the stadium are over 90% complete.

• Cladding is 99% complete.

• The installation of the membrane is 98% complete.

• Roof services are nearing completion.

• IT installation is 99% complete and commissioning is underway.

• VIP lifts have been installed and commissioning is underway.

• The concrete works on the drop-off zones and ramps have been completed.

• Stadium finishes have been completed.

• The overall completion is at 99%.

• The venue is to host its first match in June 2009.

• Cost overrun is R504m.

Question (2)

The table above indicates all the progress on each stadium. The key dates that are used to measure progress are October 2008 for the Confederations Cup venues and October 2009 for the World Cup venues. On these dates the final FIFA inspections take place. It was agreed from the start that Green Point stadium will be completed after this date due to the problems experienced at the start of the project.

Question (3)

Expenditure to date per venue

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 FEBRUARY 2009

Mr L K Joubert (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:

1. Whether his department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

2. Whether advertising from his department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW145E

REPLY

1.(a) Yes

(b) Yes

(c) Yes

(d) Yes

(i)(aa) The Star, Pretoria News, Cape Argus, Daily News, Diamond Field,

Advertiser, Isolwezwe, Beeld, Sowetan, Daily Sun, Mail and Guardian, The Citizen, Sunday Sun, Rapport, City Press, Sunday Times, Sunday World, Cape Times.

(i)(bb) The Umsobomvu Youth Magazine, Huisgenoot and Drum Magazines.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R684 000.00 - Promote the 2008 DoJ&CD Budget Speech.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R387 730.64 – Promote the Sheriff's Regulations.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R353 488.34 – Promotion of the Sexual Offences Act.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R1 445 835.13 – Presidential Pardons Process.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R666 539.22 - Poetic Justice to encourage you people to speak out against racism, xenophobia and related intolerance.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R1 336 203.86 – Invitations to the public to submit their ideas on improving the criminal justice system.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R144 449.81 – Invitation to stakeholders to participate in the National Forum Against Racism Workshops.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R161 450.86 – Invitation to invite community members to take part in the "Law on Call" radio show so that they can get clarity on legal issues that affect them.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R900 600.00 – Publication of the Victims Charter in 11 languages.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R238 339.41 – To inform the public about the Law Week Conference.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R272 716.94 – Invitation to scholars to participate in a Victims Rights Poster Competition and was aimed at creating awareness on the Victims Charter.

(ii)(aa)(bb) R2 028 706.60 – To inform the public about the Access to Justice Week from 18 – 23 August 200008.

2. No. The Department will not curtail any of its activities relating to informing the public about its activities and general Government work. The Honourable Members will appreciate that part of Government's objectives includes providing the public with all the necessary information so that they are informed properly of, inter-alia, their rights.

Question: 131

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

(1) Whether his department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

(2) whether advertising from his department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW146E

Reply:

Question 131:

(1) (a) Yes

(b) Yes

(c) Yes

(d) Yes

Specified date: January 2008 – Nov 2008 (latest updated and confirmed figures)

(i) (aa):

Continued on next page

Answer to Question 131 (continued from previous page)

(i)(bb):

(ii) (aa):

(ii)(bb):

Continued on next page….

Answer to Question 131 continued from previous page:

(iii) (aa) and (bb):

(2) The Department will continue placing advertisements relating to services and operations of the Department and which are in the interest of public education and information. Examples of these are: Vacancy Advertising (as and when there are vacancies), notices and tender adverts as well as advertising pertaining to Departmental events requiring public participation (e.g. Imbizo and public hearings).

QUESTION NO: 131

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 12 June 2009

QUESTION PAPER NO: 2

DATE OF REPLY:

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

(1) What had been the cost per annum of copper cable theft of Telkom business operations in respect of (a) loss, (b) replacement costs and (c) increased security measures in each of the past five years for which information is available;

(2) whether the protection of copper cable and response to theft is outsourced; if so, (a) what are the reasons for outsourcing these functions, (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 has had any positive effect on the number of cases of theft reported; if not,

(4) whether these companies have been held responsible for their non-performance; if not, why not; if so, what steps have been taken against them in each case;

(5) whether (a) the security measures put in place by her department have been effective in preventing copper cable theft and (b) her department considers ceasing outsourcing this function; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW141E

REPLY:

I have been advised by Telkom as follows:

Telkom, as a listed company, is very active in addressing any area of loss and will continue to explore ways of protecting its network against the scourge of cable theft.

1. During the following years Telkom has experienced losses due to cable theft:

These numbers are estimates and based on certain assumptions.

Telkom does not have accurate information available for 2004/5 and 2005/6 financial years.

2. Yes.

(a) The decision to use outside vendors was to get better services. The vendors have intelligence capacity and are specialised in curbing cable theft. The decision to use vendors has also assisted the Telkom Group to efficiently manage limited internal resources.

The outside vendors have always been working with the Telkom Network Protection Services. It is only the nature of their operations that has changed from reactive patrol to proactive operation. They look at the total network.

(b) Companies that have been contracted to deliver these services include the following:

· Royal Security (responsible for armed response)

· Enlightened (responsible for armed response)

· Sidas (responsible for armed response)

· Radio Surveillance Security Services (responsible for monitoring)

3. There has been positive impact in some regions. It is important to note that the impact of curbing copper theft varies from region to region.

4. In 2008/9 Telkom introduced an agreement that penalties are payable by companies who have failed to meet the (percentage) reduction in theft incidents and costs. The table below reflects the impact reduction in the regions.

5. (a) The security measures put in place by the Telkom Group have been effective bearing in mind that there have been increases in copper cable prices and contractor fees.

(b) The current contract with the security vendors expires in September 2009. Telkom is currently busy with a business decision that will best suite its strategy going forward.

QUESTION 131

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Tuesday, 6 October 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 OF 2009

Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

What progress has been made in (a) increasing efficiency, (b) speeding up the applications process and (c) reducing queues of foreign nationals applying for temporary permits?

NO1282E

REPLY:

(a) The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) primarily assists foreign nationals with the issuance of temporary permits as a client of a Refugee Reception Centre, or through application being made at a Permitting Office for enabling documentation. In both instances, the efficiency, and, or the application process, has been improved as part of the Department's overall transformation programme.

To this end, the Department is progressively expanding its footprint across the Republic with the establishment of additional offices during this current financial year, comprising of a permanent office in Musina, and a temporary office in Gauteng (Tshwane Show ground). This ensures that seven national service points are now provided for Refugee Status Determination. The management of these centres has also been improved, and the department recently commissioned job evaluation that resulted in senior appointments being made at the level of Director for the large centres, and Deputy-Director at the smaller centres. Operational efficiencies were also improved following a detailed study of process, and systems management. Training programmes for officials on Salary Levels 8- 13 have been instituted with a view to harnessing improved skills levels. Despite, all these measures, there is, still, a challenge in reducing the queries.

Similarly, the Department is also reviewing the efficiencies of Permitting Offices, particularly around the issuance of study and work permits. The decoupling of front and back offices processes is being evaluated as this would improve the management of applications, and limit possibilities for interference and, or, mismanagement to arise with such applications. Adherence to turnaround times for the management of Permit applications is, also, assessed on a weekly basis to ensure that service levels can be maintained.

(b) In respect of applicants applying for other temporary permits under the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002), a track and trace system is, currently, being piloted. This system is designed to keep clients informed on the process, and the outcome of their permit applications, ultimately, reducing the need to queue at domestic offices for enquiry purposes. A value-added benefit for the Department is that this system, also, provides a monitoring tool to assess whether service delivery timeframes are being adhered to.

Question no.132

QUESTION PAPER DATE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2009

Adv. HC Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

(1) Whether her department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

(2) Whether advertising from her department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

(1) (a) Yes, the department has placed advertisements in newspapers during the period 1 January 2008 to 15 February 2009 (latest date for which information is available).

(i) (aa) The advertisements were placed in the City Press and/or Sunday Times.

(bb) Not applicable

(ii) (aa) Not applicable

(bb) Not applicable

(iii) (aa) The total cost of all advertisments placed during the specified period is R4 637, 903, 75.

(bb) All advertisements were in respect of the Departmental vacancies. The purpose of placing such advertisements was to ensure that the vacant posts in the posts in the department are advertised to reach, as efficiently and effectively as possible, the entire pool of potential applicant, especially persons historically disadvantaged, in line with Part VII of Public Service Regulations, 2001.

(2) Advertisement will not be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined. There has not been any proclamation/directive to curtail advertising during this period. Further to this, the department is committed to providing continued and improved service delivery to the public and hence staffing matters will remain a crucial matter for the department prior and after the elections .

QUESTION NO. 132

DATE PUBLISHED: 12 June 2009

DATE SUBMITTED: 24 July 2009

132. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the President of the Republic:

Which Ministry will be responsible for the Border Management Agency he announced on 3 June 2009 in his State of the Nation Address? NW142E

REPLY:

The function of Border Management is currently coordinated by the South African Revenue Services and there is a discussion to review its place. The Security Cluster has tasked the Minister of State Security to co-ordinate this exercise. Once the Cluster has finalised its work, Cabinet will deliberate over this and the decision will be duly communicated.

QUESTION NO.: 133

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 February 2009

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

(1) Whether her department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

(2) whether advertising from her department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are

determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW148E

REPLY

(1)&(2) The Department of Public Enterprises participates in the National Energy Response Team, and has also been invited, with GCIS and other cluster departments, to place energy efficiency advertisements on radio, print and television. During this period, the DPE has been involved in content and messaging only. None of these adverts have been paid for by the Department.

QUESTION NO. 133

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2 of 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 12 June 2009

Mr PJC Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) In each of the past five years up to the latest date for which information is available, (a) how many suspected Abalone poachers have been arrested, (b) in each case (i) where was the suspected poacher arrested and (ii)how much abalone was retrieved by Enforcement Officials, (c) how many abalone poachers have been convicted, (d) what was the total value of abalone retrieved and (e) what was done with the Abalone retrieved;

(2) whether any new measures have been instituted to enforce closure of the abalone fishery; if not, why not; if so what measures?

NW143E

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

133. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1)(a) During the period March 2003 until January 2009, 1642 abalone poachers have been arrested. The breakdown of these arrests per year is provided in the table below.

(1)(b)(i) During the period March 2003 to January 2009 the majority of poachers were arrested in the Western Cape (1473), the Eastern Cape (89) and Gauteng (80),but arrests have also occurred in the Free State and Kwazulu-Natal.

(1)(b)(ii) The following graph and table indicate how much Abalone was retrieved by enforcement officials;

(1) (a) Yes

(b) Yes

(c) Yes

(d) Yes

(i) (aa) National

(bb) National

(ii) (aa) National African Language Services, National Commercial Stations, Regional and Community Radio

(bb) South African Broadcasting Corporation – Television (SABC-TV)

(iii) (aa) Total Advertisement Cost = R8 491 897-66 excluding VAT

(bb) To profile various programmes and products of the National Department of Public Works as well as to advertise for posts and vacancies (recruitment) in the Department. Advertisement in the form of notices and information bulletins is also regularly used to target affected communities about government programmes, services and events such as the Izimbizo government developmental communication forums.

(2) No. Government has issued communication guidelines to guide government

communication activities during the election period. In no way do the guidelines call for the total shut down of government communication activities. Government communication is essential to service delivery and is integral to the Batho-Pele ethos.

QUESTION NO.: 133

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 October 2009

Mr J H van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) Whether applications for pardon were submitted by certain persons (Mr Fusi Mofokeng and Tsholo Mokoena); if so, (a) when were the applications received and (b) what progress has been made;

(2) Whether he will make a statement on the matter?

NO 1733 E

REPLY:-

(1)Yes, I would like to inform the Honourable Member that the applications for pardon of the persons identified in this question were submitted and received by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

(a) The applications for pardon from these persons were received on the 30^th May 2008 by my Department. Their applications for pardon form part of the 2114 applications for 'Special Dispensation to Offenders Allegedly Convicted of Offences in Pursuit of a Political Objective'.

(b) All the applications, including the ones under question, were processed and are currently in the Office of the President. As the Honourable Member may be aware, the President was interdicted from processing the applications for pardon by the victims support groups Khulumani, Centre for study of Violence and Reconciliation and others in March this year. The matter was first heard in Gauteng North High Court and it is now going to be heard in the Constitutional Court on the 10^th November 2009. As the things are now, the President cannot make a decision on this issue until the Constitutional Court has ruled on the matter.

(2) Yes, I will make a statement on the matter. But firstly, it should be noted that the decision to pardon or not to pardon is, in terms of section 84(2)(j) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), a decision of the President. On the 21^st November 2007, the former President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki, in a Joint Sitting of Parliament announced a special dispensation of pardoning certain individuals who have been convicted of crimes before June 16 1999 in furtherance of their political objectives. He announced a "window of opportunity", for affected individuals to apply for a Presidential Pardon during the period January 15 to April 2008. Those are persons who were convicted for offences they believe were of the type considered by the TRC.

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 OF 06 OCTOBER 2009

MR N J KOORNHOF (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

Whether she held discussions with her United Kingdom (UK) counterpart to lift the recent announced visa requirements for South African citizens visiting the UK: if not: why not: if so what was the outcome of such discussions?

REPLY:

(1) No;

Immigration and matters related to the Visa Regime imposed by the Government of the UK fall within the ambit of the functions of my Honourable Colleague the Minister of Home Affairs.

QUESTION NO. 135

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2 of 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 12 June 2009

Mr PJC Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Whether any captains or owners of ships have been prosecuted for causing oil pollution in our territorial waters; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

NW145E

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

135. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

Yes. Illegal discharges of oil into South Africa's territorial waters are addressed through regulations promulgated under the Marine Pollution (Control and Civil Liability) Act, 1981 (Act No. 6 of 1981). The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is responsible for enforcing the Act and its associated regulations, and can therefore be approached to provide further details of cases. In most instances where transgressions have been detected, the responsible ship owner has paid an admission of guilt fine, thus avoiding the need for court prosecution.

QUESTION NO 136

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 FEBRUARY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2/2009)

Date reply submitted: 13 March 2009

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

(1) Whether the SA Police Service placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

(2) whether advertising from the SAPS will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW151E

REPLY:

(1) Yes. The electronic and printed media on all levels is used for the purpose of advertising. Therefore, it is impossible to list all the newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations where advertisements are placed. To obtain the information would be extremely time consuming and counter productive.

(2) No. The elections will not have any impact on the decision to advertise as it is driven by the operational and line function objectives of the SAPS.

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 12 June 2009

Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many vacancies were there as at 30 April 2009 for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Limpopo?

NW146E

REPLY

Acronyms: RO: Regional Office

DO: District Office

BP: Border Post

The number of vacant posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Limpopo Province as at 30 April 2009 – as per the table below:

The number of vacant posts relating to Immigration Services at each office in the Limpopo as at 30 April 2009 – as per the table below:

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 12 JUNE 2009

Mr J Terblanche to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many vacancies were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each Home Affairs office in the Western Cape as at 30 April 2009?

NW147E

REPLY

Acronyms: PMO: WC Provincial Managers Office: Western Cape

RO: Regional Office

DO: District Office

The number of vacant posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Western Cape Province as at 30 April 2009 – as per the table below:

The number of vacant posts relating to Immigration Services at each office in the Western Cape Province as at 30 April 2009 – as per the table below:

QUESTION 138

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 February 2009

Internal question paper no: 2

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

(1) Whether his department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

(2) whether advertising from his department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW153E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, DSD al Development through the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) placed advertisements (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 to 11 February 2009. It must be noted that the following advertisements and campaigns are in line with the Department's strategic and communication plan for the period under review, which were presented and approved during the presentation of the Budget Vote Speech.

(i) (aa) Source and (iii) (aa) cost combined in table below.

(i) (bb) Source and (iii) (aa) cost combined in table below.

(ii)(aa) Source and (iii)(aa) cost combined in table

Purpose of advertising

The aim of the Department is to ensure the provision of comprehensive, integrated sustainable and quality social developmental services against vulnerability and poverty, and to create an enabling environment for sustainable development. The Department plays a leading role in the implementation of the two Apex priorities, namely the War on Poverty and the extension of the Early Childhood Development programme to combat child poverty. Against this background it is important to bear in mind that the Department provides services to those who are vulnerable, including women, children, unemployed youth, people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, older persons and people with disabilities. The majority of these clients reside in rural areas where communication thorough regional and community radio stations is the only effective means of distributing and disseminating government information in local languages. As a result of the campaign, the number of registered ECD centres increased to 13 293, with 635 083 children benefiting directly from registered ECD centres. This number far exceeds the target set at the beginning of the campaign.

(d)

For the period under review the Department was engaged in developing new legislation and introducing new changes or regulations to the existing legislations such as amendments to the Social Assistance Act (age equalisation), the extension of the child support grant, provision of certain social grants to disabled refugees, allowing alternative identification for the purposes of applying for social grants, changes to the means test thresholds, social grant increases in April and October 2008, procedure and requirements for applying for the social relief of distress support, the Older Persons' Act No. 13 of 2006, the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Bill and the Children's Amendment Act No. 41 of 2007, to mention just a few.

It was crucial to communicate government services to the public, given the impact of the increasing price of commodities at household level. The Department had to inform its stakeholders and the public about these new changes as well as conduct public hearings as part of the legislative processes. It must be noted that 24% of the total expenditure on communication was in relation to the social security policy changes. However, this translates to about 0.01% of the entire social grants budget for 2008/9.

(iii) (aa) The total cost of all advertisements and campaigns conducted by the Department for the period under review is estimated at R 29 302 082.95.

(bb) The primary purpose of the advertisements and campaigns was to educate, inform and promote the services rendered by the Department. This includes important community mobilisation and supporting community initiatives on campaigns such Child Protection Week, anti-corruption measures relating to social grants, Integrated Community Outreach Programme and the SABC Career and Education Faire through which the Department recruits potential social work students with the view to address the shortage of social service professionals.

(2) Yes, DSD'S communication programme is guided by GCIS's Guidelines, which clearly guides government communications during the election period. The guidelines are informed by Government Communication Framework approved by the Cabinet in March 1999. To comply with these guidelines, the DSD has curtailed all advertisements and campaigns until after the elections. The following advertisements and campaigns have been put on hold:

· Social Grants Increases for 2009

· Age equalisation for 2009 especially for men over 61 years of age

· Changes to the social grants means test thresholds for 2009

· Further amendments to the Social Assistance Regulations

QUESTION 138

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 12 June 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 of 2009

Ms J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many vacancies for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) managers existed on
30 April 2009 at each office in Gauteng?

NW148E

REPLY

Acronyms: RO: Regional Office

DO: District Office

BP: Border Post

The number of vacant posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Gauteng Province as at 30 April 2009 – as per the table below:

The number of vacant posts relating to Immigration Services at each office in the Gauteng Province as at 30 April 2009 – as per the table below:

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER: 139

DATE OF PUBLICATION: August 2009

The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the Minister for: Planning

(1) Whether due to the creation of the National Planning Commission there will be an increased in the number of posts or positions in the Ministry in the Presidency; if not why not; if so (i) how many new positions in the Ministry in the Presidency will be created; (b) in which salary band will each of these new posts fall and (c) from which budget will these be funded?

Reply

The Green Paper on National Strategic Planning states that, if it is to deliver on the proposed outputs and products, quality institutions are needed. Among the institutions proposed is the National Planning Commission (NPC). This is a new institution and some new staff will be needed to support the work of the NPC. We expect the commissioners themselves to be part-time, but the precise composition of the planning function in the Presidency will only become clear when the consultations are completed and the final green paper is adopted by Cabinet. The number of positions and their salary levels will be finalized when the proposals around the establishment and operations of the NPC and the planning function in general are complete. The budget of the planning minister and that of the national strategic planning function currently form part of the budget of The Presidency.

Question 140

Mr L B Labuschagne (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

1. Whether his department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

2. Whether advertising from his department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Response:

1. the dti placed advertisements in different publications for the period January to December 2008. The table below gives details of these advertisements. The costs indicated in the table exclude departmental tenders and recruitment advertisements. See Tables here: http://www.pmg.org.za/questions/question140tables.pdf

2. The advertisements of the dti are project specific and aligned to the business plans of different programmes of the department.

During the election campaign period. the outreach programme of the department will retain its focus only on necessary communication related to key dtl programmes and will ensure that dti messages are not seen as promoting party political campaigning.

QUESTION NO 141

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 – 2009)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether his department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement;

(2) whether advertising from his department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW156E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) Yes, the National Department of Transport (DoT) placed advertisements (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period January 2008 to November 2008.

(a) and (b)

The breakdown of print media advertisements (newspapers and magazines) is as follows:-

(c) and (d)

The breakdown of advertisements that were done through the radio and on television during the period January 2008 to November 2008 is as follows:-

The Department of Transport (DoT) also placed advertisements on the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period January to November 2008. The purpose of placing these advertisements is to maintain consistent visible presence and also to maintain a constant ongoing reminder to build sustainable awareness of the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme. The cost of these advertisements amounted to R2.5 million.

Vacant posts in the DoT that were advertised in the print media during the period January – November 2008 amounted to R2,251,057.79.

The total cost of all the advertisements referred to above amounted to R11,023,543.68.

(2) All advertisements for 2008 to the end of the financial year March 2009 are on transport matters and relate to the Department of Transport's service delivery programmes. The Department has no mandate or obligation to work on any item regarding elections.

QUESTION 141

141. Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

Whether there will be a future shift in investment by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and Independent Development Corporation (IDC) from equities to rural infrastructure listed companies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

RESPONSE

The question of investment guidelines that covers rural infrastructure, as well as other priorities identified in government's programme will be reviewed, and results made public once a decision has been taken.

QUESTION NO: 142

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 OF 13 FEBRUARY 2009

MR A J LEON (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

(1) Whether her department placed an advertisement (a) in newspapers, (b) in magazines, (c) on radio and (d) on television during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) in which (aa) newspapers, (bb) magazines, (ii) on which (aa) radio stations and (bb) television stations did it appear and (iii) what was the (aa) cost and (bb) purpose of placing the advertisement?

(2) Whether advertising from her department will be curtailed from the day on which the election is declared to the day on which the results of the election are determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

(1) Except for employment adverts, there were no other adverts placed in the media by the Department and/or Ministry.

(2) Except for employment adverts, there are no plans to advertise during this period under review.

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 OCTOBER 2009

Prof L B G Ndabandaba (ANC) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:

What measures are in place to ensure an incremental and sustainable use of all official languages in courts to ensure universal access to justice and equality before the law?

NO1849E

REPLY:-

In its endeavor to meet its Constitutional obligations and provide access to justice for all citizens, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has committed itself to promote the utilisation of indigenous languages in courts in all the provinces. This process had already commenced in February 2009. At present there are currently 27 courts nationally where indigenous languages are utilised.

A detailed list of indigenous language courts is reflected as follows:-

QUESTION NO.: 143

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 February 2009

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

(1) Whether Eskom currently employs, and/or has in the past 5 years employed, staff who have received and/or are receiving helicopter training; if so,

(2) whether Eskom is paying for such helicopter training; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) has been the cost to Eskom of such helicopter training for every individual employee as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) are the minimum number of flying hours required by Eskom or any aviation institution to conduct the tasks for which Eskom's helicopter pilots are trained;

(3) whether any employee who has received helicopter training through Eskom has been involved in any flying or training incidents; if so, what (a) is the date on which every incident occurred and (b) was the nature of the incident(s);

(4) whether any injuries and/or deaths resulted from the incidents; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(5) whether Eskom has considered or is considering contracting the services of duly qualified and experienced helicopter pilots to fulfil tasks required by Eskom; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW158E

REPLY

(1) Eskom employs experienced pilots who, on joining Eskom Aviation are trained to be proficient on Eskom Helicopter Live-line Operations.

This training comprises on the job type conversions if necessary and annual recurrent training.

(2) Training for the experienced pilots in the employ of Eskom Aviation is undertaken using Company Helicopters and in-house flying instructors, and as such there is no direct cost incurred. Eskom paid for the ab-initio training of the 3 cadets.

a) The cost of training for each cadet was R700 000.00

b) Eskom requires pilots with at least 2000 hours to be appointed as live-line pilots

(3) One of the cadets was involved in a helicopter flying accident.

a) The accident occurred on 26 April 2008

b) The helicopter crashed and erupted into flames at Rand Airport in Germiston. An official report on the cause of accident has not been received from the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

(4) The pilot and her passenger died from burn wounds sustained from the crash.

(5) Eskom Aviation employs nine experienced live-line helicopter pilots with experience ranging from 2500 hours to 16000 hours.

QUESTION 143

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 2-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 12 JUNE 2009

143. Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

1) Whether he and/or his department has visited all farms which were claimed in each province; if so, (a) how many farms are productively utilised and (b) what are the agricultural products produced on each farm;

2) what steps will be taken with regard to farms that are not productively farmed?

NW184E

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

(1) Yes. Officials of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (Commission) visited all claimed farms where settlement was approved. An in loco inspection is normally carried out as part of our inspection process to determine the status of the farms before the final release of funds for acquisition of land. It is standard procedure that only farms which have valid claims against them are visited.

(a) & (b) Due to the magnitude of information requested, which the Commission is currently collating, the requested information will, with the indulgence of the Honourable Member, be made available as soon as possible.

(2) In terms of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP), focus will be placed not only on land acquisition, but also on the productive use and development of such land to promote sustainable livelihoods, economic infrastructure and production, and social cohesion and development. Land reform, including the restitution programme, will therefore be implemented in a manner that ensures that such farms are revitalised and realigned to the objectives of the CRDP. To this end, the Department has already formulated a strategy and has established a fully fledged branch and organisational arrangements in terms of which there will be dedicated capacity to address post-settlement challenges, within the context of our new approach.

The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform will therefore take the lead in the co-ordination and facilitation of an integrated implementation of the CRDP. In the medium-to-long term the best vehicle for this co-ordination will be the overarching Rural Development Agency.

QUESTION NO.: 143

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 1 OCTOBER 2009

Ms P Maduna (ANC) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:

Question 144

Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

What (a) is the total amount collected from fines that the Competition Commission has issued in relation to price fixing in the past 18 months, (b) (i) is the name of each company that has been fined and (Ii) was the amount each company has been fined and (c) (i) has the department done with this money so far and (ii) does the department intend doing with the rest?

Response:

(a) The total amount collected from fines that the Competition Commission has issued in relation to firms engaging in cartel behaviour (including price fixing, fixing of trading conditions and division of markets) for the period June 2007 to date is R226,277,325.

(b) (i) & (ii) The attached table sets out the names of and the amounts of penalties in relation to cartel conduct for the period 1 June 2007 to 18 February 2009 that each company has been fined.

(c) (i) & (ii) In terms of the provisions of section 59 (4) of the Competition Act, 1998 (Act No. 89 of 1998), the fine payable must be paid into the National Revenue Fund referred to in the provisions of section 213 of the Constitution.

Question no.145

QUESTION PAPER DATE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2009

145. Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

(1) How many solar water heaters have been installed as a result of the Government's plan to effect a mass roll-out of one million solar water heaters over three years;

(2) whether this number is in accordance with the projected target of 1 million solar heaters in three years; if not, what (a) plans are in place to change this and meet the targets set by the Government and (b) steps will be taken in this regard?

RESPONSE

(1) Up to end of January 2009, 1280 solar water heaters have been installed by CEF (500) and by Eskom (780) with the National Government Programme, however, many municipalities are going out with their own tenders in this regard and this figure therefore only represents the National roll out only.

(2) No, it not in accordance with the project target of 1 million solar heaters in three years.

(a) The following key constrains have been raised with plans to address these:

· Accreditation process

Testing capacity of the SABS and the backlog remains the greatest constraint to accredit suppliers to the Programme. Eskom is in the process of negotiating with international test organizations to facilitate the allowance of internationally tested systems on programme. Technical skills of SABS staff and retention of specialists are a concern.

· Processing and payment of submitted claims

Numerous customer claims received are incomplete or do not meet the requirements as set out on the programme manual. Customer education, assistance with completing the application forms guidance on the set requirements in necessary to ensure that claims received are complete. This will reduce processing turn-around time.

(b) Steps to be taken in this regard

· New developments and nonresidential proposals forms are drafted will be finalized.

· Continued drive to get more suppliers accredited and giving support to already listed suppliers. Supplier interactions are planned which includes workshops and meetings.

· Extensive marketing including an expo stand in major shopping centres

· Training and workshops for suppliers to assist the customer education.

· Training and workshops for suppliers to assist with the customer education.

· Regulations promulgated to ensure all new housing developments use either solar water heaters or geyser has a remote controlled device installed

QUESTION NO: 145

QUESTION PAPER NO 2: 12 JUNE 2009

MR J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

(1)

(a) How many inmates accommodated in correctional centres are physically disabled and (b) at which correctional centres are such inmates accommodated;

(2) whether the design of all correctional centres permit physically disabled inmates to participate in programmes and other activities of the correctional centres; if not, (a) why not; (b) at which correctional centres and (c) when will the design of such correctional centres be adapted to permit such participation? NW186E

REPLY

(1) (a + b) The number of physically disabled inmates at the correctional centres where they are accommodated at is contained in the tables below.

(2) The design of most correctional centres does not permit physically disabled inmates to participate in programmes and other activities of the correctional centres.

(a) The design can only be adapted during upgrading of a facility.

(b) The locality of the correctional centres will only be known after an audit of all facilities has been carried out. In terms of the strategic document of the department it is envisaged that 50% of all correctional facilities are to be audited in the current financial year.

(c) The designs will be adapted once the audit is completed and a Facilities Plan is approved and implemented to upgrade facilities.

QUESTION NO 145

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 15 October 2009

Ms A van Wyk (ANC) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) Whether he has performance agreements with his top management structures in the (a) SA Police Service, (b) Secretariat and (c) Independent Complaints Directorate; if so, what are these agreements based on; if not,

(2) whether such agreements will be developed and implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether these agreements have been signed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO1855E

REPLY:

National Commissioner B H Cele was appointed on 1 August 2009 as Head of the Department of Police. In terms of Chapter 4 of the Performance Management and Development System, the National Commissioner has 3 months in which to sign his performance agreement. The Performance Agreement for the National Commissioner has been developed and is based on the following: the strategic plan of the SAPS,performance agreements signed by the previous National Commissioner and Acting National Commissioner and the Performance Management and Development System. The agreement is in the process of being finalized and some amendments maybe made based on the outcome of the recent SAPS strategic management planning. This agreement will be finalized within the next three weeks. Once this agreement is finalized the National Commissioner will develop and implement Performance Management Agreements for SAPS senior management.

The Performance Agreement for the Secretary of Police was developed for a fixed term period in line with the fixed term contract signed by the Secretary of Police. The Performance Agreement is based on the Performance Management and Development System as well as the policy guidelines developed for the re-engineering and restructuring of the Secretariat of Police. The Agreement was signed on 1 September 2009. The Secretariat is currently involved in a restructuring exercise and revision of their five year strategic plan. Based on the outcome of these processes Performance Management Agreements will be signed with all senior management of the Secretariat.

The Executive Director of the ICD, Mr F Beukman was appointed on 7 August 2009 and as with the National Commissioner, Mr Beukman's Performance Agreement is in the process of being finalized. Mr Beukman's Agreement is based on the Performance Management and Development System, the policy guidelines on the restructuring of the ICD and 2008 Parliamentary Portfolio Committee's recommendations on the functioning of the ICD. The agreement will be finalized by 7 November 2009. Once this agreement is finalized the Executive Director will develop and implement performance agreements for all senior managers of the ICD.

QUESTION NO 146

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 15 October 2009

Mrs L S Chikunga (ANC) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) Whether he is investigating allegations regarding the manipulation of crime statistics; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) what plans does he have to address the manipulation of crime statistics?

NO1856E

REPLY:

(1) Yes. There are at least four cases that have been investigated by the Detective Services and Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD), respectively.

Some of the cases are in the process of being finalized and where necessary action will be taken against the relevant officials. It is not possible to reveal all the relevant details while the cases are still under investigation. However we can say that two cases have either been finalized or are close to finalization.

With regard to Mountain Rise Police Station, the ICD has completed its investigation and the matter has been handed over to the Provincial Commissioner. The Provincial Head of Detective Services has thus far finalized the investigation into 147 dockets most of which were not registered on the Crime Administration System (CAS) system. However there are still another253 dockets which are still being investigated before a final decision can be taken on disciplinary action.

SAPS in the Western Cape have also finalized their investigation into Lansdowne Police Station. After a thorough investigation of this station, the Station Commissioner was fired and the Detective Branch Commander resigned before being fired.

(2) When specific allegations regarding the manipulation of crime statistics surface, the National Commissioner refers the matter to the relevant provincial commissioner or through the Minister to the ICD for investigation.

A unit attached to Crime Intelligence Head Office is entrusted with perusing daily crime returns and media reports to check whether the cases had been correctly registered on the Crime Administration System (CAS). If errors are discovered, these are forwarded to the provincial commissioners for rectification. Members of this unit also visit police stations to check samples of dockets and the occurrence and incident book entries against the registrations on the CAS.

The results of these checks are communicated to the provincial commissioners for their information and the necessary corrective steps if such are deemed necessary. Members at the provincial offices have during the previous financial year also been trained to perform a similar task in their respective provinces to enhance the correctness of crime registration throughout the country and keep the provincial management components updated on the situation at station level. In addition, ongoing training interventions at different levels of policing are aimed at enhancing crime information management capacity down to station level, as well as awareness of the vital role of correct and complete information in combating crime.

The Ministry of Police is currently engaged in a process with Statistics South Africa to make use of their services in undertaking a thorough review of crime statistics management system within SAPS.

QUESTION NO. 146 (written 894 transferred)

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 AUGUST 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10)

Questions Day: 21 October 2009

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

(1) Whether his department has received any complaints about the efficiency of the Medicines Control Council (MCC) and its responsiveness to queries; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the complaints and (b) what is the extent of these complaints;

(2) whether his department has conducted an evaluation of the MCC's performance; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) Yes, the Registrar of Medicines has received many complaints about the efficiency of the Medicines Control Council (MCC).

(a) Complaints received relate to the delay in the registration of medicines for which applications have been submitted.

(b) Complaints have been received from various applicants within the pharmaceutical industry that have submitted dossiers for registration of medicines.

(2) Following recommendations from the Health Products Technical Task Team appointed by my predecessor, which amongst other tasks examined the problems in the MCC and its administrative component, the Medicines Regulatory Authority (MRA), we immediately embarked on a very substantial project to address the backlogs, to examine closely how we procure medicines in the country and to prepare a project plan to reform the MCC.

By theend of August 2009 we had already contracted 57 external staff full time or part time to assist the permanent personnel of the MRA:

· two Deputy Registrars (one of whom is a current director in MRA and the other, the project manager)

· a project manager, with administrative assistant

· an assistant project manager

· 12 Technical Assistants (pharmacists)

· 9 additional Evaluators (previous evaluators requested to assist once more)

· 24 Administration Clerks

· 2 IT Specialists

· 7 inspectors

The project team installed 10 new computers and monitors and three printers to facilitate the production of letters to applicants.

A significant failing in the MRA is that there is grossly inadequate tracking of the huge amount of paper associated with the applications. An Electronic Data Management System (EDMS) was started a long time ago with support of the European Union but stalled for some technical reasons. The EDMS will dramatically improve the ability to manage and track applications. The technical obstacles have been removed and the supplier has provided a new project timetable. The training of the staff began on 19 October 2009 and trouble-shooting will be conducted until final hand-over at the end of January 2010. The completion of the EDMS implementation and training will cost R1,368m.

Linked to using the EDMS is the need for user licenses. Through the project a total of 111 licenses are being procured to ensure sufficient user licenses for the EDMS to be of maximal benefit. The VAT inclusive price will be R2,79m (license and first year).

The backlog goes back as far as 7 years ago, with some applications not yet having even been "screened". Pharmacists have already completed all screening. Applications have been located, sorted and logged. Industry will be approached shortly to check that their records correlate with the new consolidated data set of applications in the MRA.

There are few full-time staff evaluators. Most are academics and experienced clinicians and pharmacists who have primary jobs elsewhere. MCC has approved a panel of 28 evaluators for this project. Some are current evaluators and others are people who used to evaluate and who have been roped in again to assist. The MRA is beginning to send out larger batches of applications for evaluation. Evaluation is in most cases a massive and time-consuming task. Each evaluation can take up to 20 hrs and invariably needs more than one evaluator to examine and make recommendations from different perspectives. Each application is peer-reviewed by four expert committees of MCC. Finalised documents are archived in a Registry.

Between the end of July and end of October it is expected that R13,5m will have been spent on this project. This comprises R7,6m on contracted additional personnel, R4,3m on equipment and supplies (including the IT contracts) and R1,6m on logistics. These resources have been generously provided by the UK Department for International Development specifically for this once-off project.

The Hon Member is aware that a review of the MCC was previously conducted by my predecessors and, as a result, a new Act was passed to expand the capacity of the MCC. As we have mentioned, part of the project also seeks to develop a detailed, costed project plan for the new public entity South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

This is also a direct follow-on from the TTT recommendations and essential to ensuring that the problems do not merely reoccur. We expect the first draft project plan by the end of October.

In summary by first week September:

1. A complete physical audit has been conducted of all outstanding applications.

- Audits completed in all units

2. Significant administrative and technical burden have been ameliorated:

a. Full updates evaluated in P&A (Post Reg) = 34

b. All backlog initial screening has been completed and screening is up to date: over 600 dossiers screened and letters sent to applicants

c. Pre-Registration responses to applicants = 175

d. Over 767 clinical evaluations finalised (means clinical is complete and has been given to Ops & Admin)

e. Ops & Admin unpacked 119 dossiers and allocated 69 to evaluators

f. Clinical trial correspondence sorted and classified = 1971

g. Registry:

i. 2500 documents filed in Registry

ii. 1545 Metrofile boxes prepared and collected

h. Inspectorate

i. 1707 applications audited(Names & Scheduling)

ii. 585 amendments processed

iii. 681 files updated

iv. 4 Wholesale inspection reports received

3. Over 400 generic applications provided with SPI recommendations

4. MCC official registration of applications:

a. 14 August 2009: 40 registered

b. 09 October 2009: 163 registered

QUESTION NO 147

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 15 October 2009

Mr G D Schneemann (ANC) to ask the Minister of Police:

Whether the SA Police Service has identified the (a) causes of and (b) solutions to the high suicide and family murder rate in the SAPS; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

NO1857E

REPLY:

(a) A number of psychological factors have been found to be associated with suicide. These include experiences such as separation from a partner, divorce, academic pressures, stress including post traumatic stress, shame, terminal illnesses and loss of jobs. This is to mention just a few cases.

The situation is no different for members of the SAPS than for the broader community. However SAPS members are also vulnerable to high stress levels and post traumatic stress suffered as a result of the type of work carried out by SAPS members.

Individuals in SAPS operate on multi-levels and therefore a combination of factors can lead to suicide. Identified factors for members in the South African Police Service include relationship or marital problems including divorce, financial difficulties, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety as well as other terminal and chronic illnesses. These factors have been identified as common across the years and literature does not suggest a single explanation to clarify the facets of suicide.

It is also significant to accept that the SAPS is but a micro-cosm of South Africa and therefore SAPS members will not be immune from community stressors, which also affect non-SAPS employees. These may range from crime, poverty, HIV/AIDS, the economic meltdown, inter alia.

(b) As part of the steps to address the suicide rate among SAPS members, the SAPS has an established Employee Health and Wellness (EHW), which provides support and equips members with coping skills in the form of support programs which are available to all SAPS members and their immediate families. The EHW is a dynamic multi disciplinary approach driven by integrated psychological, social and spiritual service experts who implement pro-active and reactive services in an integrated approach.

The EHW manages the National Suicide Prevention Program which entails a one day awareness raising workshop. The workshop is presented in four parts and focuses on the following: Suicide myths and warning signs, Intervention (what to do when one when is faced with a suicidal individual), On the scene intervention and stress reactions (what is stress, causes and consequences, bodily reactions etc). During these workshops members are constantly made aware of the responsibility that they have towards themselves and also towards their colleagues. Internal marketing in the form of publications are used regularly to equip members with the relevant information and the services which are available to support them in difficult situations.

In addition to this, trauma debriefing, initial debriefing training for commanders, psychotherapy and counseling by trained EHW personnel are offered to SAPS members. Support programs are presented throughout the year, where themes vary from financial management, alcohol dependency, life skills, stress management to colleague sensitivity. A well established HIV/AIDS program is operational in the SAPS. Here members are made aware of the effects of HIV/AIDS while they are also trained as peer educators to support and educate one another. A help-line, which is available 24 hours a day can be used by SAPS members and their immediate families.

Police family murders cannot be separated from other family murders committed by non police members within the broader society. Generally these crimes are commonly perpetrated by a male partner/spouse who kills the family and eventually himself.

Family killings, like all crimes of passion, are well documented. They always culminate in the death of the whole family. These crimes are commonly rooted in love triangles, major financial challenges, often linked with hopelessness. The dilemma of these tragedies is that no one survives to relate the reasons for the murders.

The police will invariably obtain on lookers accounts, from relatives of the deceased or neighbors who often paint a picture of the male being exceptionally possessive or suspicious minded, doesn't talk much (and therefore will not share much with relatives/friends about any problems confronting the family).

In addition these are not sudden difficulties as relatives will confirm that the family has been having long standing crisis linked with instability. In some cases the female will have obtained a protection order against the partner but will also make up with the partner in some cases.

One of the areas that requires further attention is how EHW can assist the department with the development of early warning indicators. This will enable colleagues and superiors to identify and pick up on possible early signs and to enable these colleagues and superiors to support and where necessary refer vulnerable members to the EHW.

QUESTION NO 148

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 FEBRUARY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2/2009)

Date reply submitted: 12 March 2009

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) (a) How many applications for a certificate of competence to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, were received in (i) 2008 and (ii) during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) how many of these applications in each of these years were (i) granted, (ii) rejected, (iii) taken on appeal and (iv) fully processed;

(2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

NW163E

REPLY:

(1)(a)(i) The South African Police Service received approximately 180 369 applications for competency certificates for the period of 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008.

The vast number of applications were submitted between 1 January 2008 and 31 March 2008 because it was the end of the third renewal period.

(1)(a)(ii) The South African Police Service received approximately 3 754

applications for competency certificates for the period of 1 to 22 January 2009.

The trend in the previous years indicate that a number of applicants are currently completing their training at accredited training institutions and will apply at the various police stations countrywide.

(1)(b) The applications for competency certificates were processed as follows:

(2) No.

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 12 June 2009

Ms A Mda (Cope) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether any steps were taken to improve the security of documents; if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether the sale of fraudulent passports were curtailed by such steps; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW189E

REPLY

(1) Yes. New measures have been implemented to secure the Identity Documents (IDs) issued by the Department. The ID work flow process has been re-engineered to ensure that all ID books are accounted for, and the changes are, also, ensured of responsibility and accountability for individual ID books.

The Track and Trace system enables the Department to track and trace an ID application from the time of acceptance, up until the ID book is collected by the applicant. It, also, helps to detect when an ID application, or book was tampered with, or got lost during processing. The system can identify, who was the last official, who dealt with the case.

On-Line Verification was implemented to ensure that the person who is applying for a re-issue of an ID is the correct person. The fingerprint, and the ID number are verified against the HANIS data base, before an ID application is accepted, and the ID book is issued. This prevents illegal applications being accepted at front offices.

The Department is, also, currently, looking at improving the current format of the ID book. New technology will be introduced to make the Identity Document more secure from tampering. The tampering with the photograph on the ID books, is one of the major causes of fraud and identity theft.

With regards to passports, a high security new passport was developed, and implemented with effect from 8 April 2009. The new passport incorporates a number of security features that make external reproduction by unauthorised individuals difficult. These features were developed in collaboration with State security agencies. In addition, production of our passports has moved to a new secure site at GPW, where there is tighter access control to the production environment. The Department has, also, streamlined the end to end passport process, incorporating more controls, and monitoring to ensure that fraudulent activities are detected and minimised. Live capture, and on-line verification of applicants are being rolled out to front offices.

The Department is, also, improving measures to secure our Birth, Marriages, and Death documents. There is a Birth, Marriages, and Death Process re-design, which is , underway, looking at the capturing of births, marriages, and deaths information at the front office, and, thereby, securing the accuracy of information required, as well as, improving the information system that is used to capture such required information.

In addition, efforts are, underway, to improve the security features on all certificates. Currently, the certificates have a watermark, a unique serial number, and the User-id of the official that issued the certificate, is reflected.

In terms of the late registration of Birth, the process has been de-linked from the Identity Document (ID) application process. The identity of, both, the informant, and the applicant is tested, and verified against the fingerprints database. There is a thorough screening process by specialised committees, which determine the validity of the application for the late registration of birth. The Track and Trace system for the late registration of birth has been implemented, to trace the application, from the time of acceptance, up until the finalization.

(2) No reports, compromising the new passport, have been received, thus far.

QUESTION NO 148

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 15 October 2009

Ms M A Molebatsi (ANC) to ask the Minister of Police:

When will certain specialised units such as the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) be reintroduced?

NO1858E

REPLY:

The policy on the re-establishment of these specialized units has been approved. The Ministry has directed SAPS to address the reintroduction of these units as a matter of urgency. SAPS are currently engaged in an audit of capacity that exists accompanied by a work study. This audit and work study will inform the department regarding the re-establishment of these units and ensure that once established they are capacitated with the necessary personnel and required resources.

It is not, at this time, possible to give an exact date by when the units will be established. However once the audit and work study is completed we will have a clearer picture of the timelines

QUESTION NO 149

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 FEBRUARY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2/2009)

Date reply submitted: 12 March 2009

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) (a) How many applications for the renewal of a licence to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, were received in (i) 2008 and (ii) during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) how many of these applications in each of these years were (i) granted, (ii) rejected, (iii) taken on appeal and (iv) fully processed;

(2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

NW164E

REPLY:

(1)(a) The South African Police Service (SAPS) received approximately 263 583 applications in 2008 and 15 825 applications in 2009 for the renewal of firearm licences.

The SAPS received a number of applications in the last few days before the extension of the renewal period that did not fully comply with the prescribed requirements. The applications were nevertheless accepted by the South African Police Service so that they could be processed within the prescribed renewal period. This had an impact on the total number of applications received.

(1)(b) The applications for the renewal of firearm licences were processed as follows:

(2) No.

¹

All renewal applications received for the period 2008/2009 have been fully processed on the Enhanced Firearms Register System. Contributory factors such as outstanding documentation from applicants, availability of applicants for safe inspections and the finalization of competency certificate applications result in a situation where a final decision could not be made on the outstanding applications during the same year. As the outstanding information is received, the applications are considered and finalized.

QUESTION NO: 149

QUESTION PAPER 2: 12 JUNE 2009

DATE SUBMITTED: 22 JULY 2009

MS B C BLAAI (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

Whether any study has been done to determine to what extent offenders who had left correctional service institutions have developed appropriate attitudes, successfully mastered new competencies and integrated back into society as productive and law-abiding citizens; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW190E

REPLY

No research has been done to establish the extent to which offenders have developed appropriate attitudes, successfully mastered new competencies and are successfully integrated back into society. The Department of Correctional Services' first efforts in establishing the success rate of its programmes has been committed to efforts aimed at developing a system to measure re-offending. In 2006 the Department of Correctional Services partnered with the Institute of Security Studies (ISS) to establish best practices in re-offending.

Subsequently, the Department of Correctional Services together with the South African Police Service Criminal Records Center is exploring the possibility of using the available information at Criminal Records Center to measure re-offending. The Department of Correctional Services is in this financial year committed to establishing a framework for measuring re-offending in consultation with the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS).

Various efforts are underway in order to evaluate some of the rehabilitation programmes.

QUESTION No. 149

Ms H.C. Mgabadeli (ANC) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

What plans are in place to ensure that the objectives of the September peace keeping month that are in line with building caring and prosperous societies are fulfilled?

REPLY

The SANDF has been deployed externally to the borders of South Africa for the past 10 years in the quest for peace, security and stability in the world and more specifically, Africa. These Forces have rendered and are still rendering and invaluable service in the stabilisation of security in various countries on the continent.

The SANDF is busy preparing to celebrate tenth anniversary of its involvement in Peace Support Operations with a SANDF Peace Support Missions Parade planned for 16 October 2009 in Bloemfontein with the Commander-in-Chief officiating at the occasion, address the soldiers, lay a wreath and present decorations and medals to deserving members.

As part of the African Union and SADC, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) continues to deploy forces in Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi for peace missions aimed at stabilising newly formed democracies.

QUESTION NO 150

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: WEDNESDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 – 2009)

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) What are the existing criteria for determining the vehicle categories for toll fees;

(2) whether motorbikes are a category on its own; if not, why not;

(3) whether the department will create a category for motorbikes; if not, why not; if so, when?

NW165E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) The classification system in use for determining the vehicle categories for toll fees is contained in the Schedule published in Government Gazette No 31882 of 13 February 2009. Vehicles are divided into the following classes:-

Class 1: Light Vehicles

Light vehicles are motor vehicles, other than heavy vehicles as defined in the Schedule, with or without a trailer, and include motorcycles, motor tricycles and motor cars.

Class 2: Medium Heavy Vehicles

Medium heavy vehicles are heavy vehicles, as defined in the Schedule, with two axles.

Class 3: Large Heavy Vehicles

Large heavy vehicles are heavy vehicles, as defined in the Schedule, with three or four axles.

Class 4: Extra Large Heavy Vehicles

Extra large heavy vehicles are heavy vehicles, as defined in the Schedule, with five or more axles.

(2) No, motorcycles are not a category of its own, as it is classified under Light Vehicles for toll tariff purposes.

(3) As mentioned above, no separate category for motorcycles is in use at this point in time. However, a separate category for motorcycles is under consideration as part of the Open Road Tolling (ORT) system to be introduced in 2010.

The South African Police Service will continue as in the past to address the proliferation of illegal firearms through day-to-day policing operations. As from the date the Firearms Control legislation came into force (1 July 2004) until 30 June 2009 the South African Police Service recovered a total of 104 880 illegal firearms which is a testimony of their commitment to react at all illegal firearms in circulation in South Africa.

QUESTION NO 150

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2 - 2009)

Date reply submitted: 20 July 2009

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) In respect of each year until the latest specified date for which information is available, how many (a) legal owners' licensed firearms and (b) illegal firearms have been handed in to the SAPS for disposal since the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, came into force;

(2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

NW150E

REPLY:

(1) (a) The following number of legal firearms have been handed in by legal firearm owners at the various police stations:

(b) An amnesty has been declared by the Minister for Safety and Security to cater specifically for the surrendering of illegal firearms to the South African Police Service. The amnesty period was from 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2005. During the period, a total of 33 823 illegal firearms have been surrendered to the South African Police Service for destruction.

2. Yes, The Firearms Control legislation make provision for legal firearm owners to in a responsible manner hand in obsolete, redundant or unwanted firearms to the South African Police Service for the necessary destruction. This ensure that legal firearm owners did contribute through preventative behavior that a total of 125 716 unwanted firearms did not end up in the hands of criminals in South Africa.

QUESTION No 150

Ms N.R. Mabedla (ANC) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether any progress has been made with regard to a separate dispensation for the Department of Defence that would allow it to deal with its own needs and unique security requirements; if not, why not; if so, what (a) progress and (b) is the timeframe for its implementation?

REPLY

Members of the interim National Defence Force Service Commission started their work on Friday, 02^nd October 2009. Their report is due on 15 December 2009.

I issued the following statement when the interim Commission was appointed on 21 September 2009:

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS, DR LINDIWE SISULU, MP

In recognition of the distinction between the rest of the Public Service and the Security and Intelligence Services, legislators have determined that the Labour Relations Act should not be applicable to the Defense Force, the National Intelligence Agency and the SA Secret Services. A basis in law was established and during my tenure as Minister of Intelligence, we crafted a separate dispensation for the Intelligence Services in appreciation and acknowledgement of the distinctive role they play in society. The Defense Force is not any different and Cabinet approved a new dispensation for them.

In addition, the Constitution enjoins us to develop the Defense Force into a disciplined, professional force precisely because of the role it plays as the last bastion to defend democracy and to protect our territorial sovereignty.

Armed with this knowledge and insight, I stated in my budget vote that one of the priorities of my tenure would be to review and improve the conditions of service of our soldiers. I have repeated this commitment in various platforms and audiences. The establishment of this Commission is the latest in a series of steps aimed at this objective.

In my budget vote I stated that:

"I want to assure the Defence Force staff that their conditions of service are a concern. We are seized with the matter and I would like to engage each one of them through the proper management structures to see how we can attend to these. We are acutely aware that the state of readiness of the SANDF depends primarily on the morale of our soldiers.

Having assessed our options, we are considering making a request for a separate dispensation for the Department of Defence that would allow us to creatively deal with our own needs and the specificities of our own unique security requirements."

I am of the considered view that a National Defence Force Service Commission must be established immediately to assist me to deal with these vitally important issues so that our national security is never compromised. This Commission will function on an interim basis until a permanent commission is established through legislation.

In appointing this commission, I am mindful of the provisions of the Constitution and section 2 of the Defence Act, 2002, which stipulates:

The Minister and any organ of state defined in section 239 of the Constitution, as well as all members of the Defence Force and any auxiliary service and employees, must, in exercising any power or performing any duty in terms of this Act, have regard to the following:

(a) The formulation and execution of defence policy is subject to the authority of Parliament and the national executive.

(b) The primary object of the Defence Force is to defend and protect the Republic, its people and its territorial integrity.

(c) The Defence Force must perform its functions in accordance with the Constitution and international law regulating the use of force.

(d) The Defence Force must have a primarily defensive orientation and posture.

(e) No member of the Defence Force may obey a manifestly illegal order.

(f ) Neither the Defence Force nor its members may, in the performance of their functions, prejudice a political party interest that is legitimate in terms of the Constitution, or, in a partisan fashion, further any interest of a political party.

(g) The Defence Force must respect the fundamental rights and dignity of its members and of all persons.

I have discussed this matter with the President in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force, and the Cabinet which endorsed the proposal to establish a National Defence Force Service Commission. Draft legislation, which will establish the Commission, is being prepared.

As the creation of the National Defence Force Service Commission does not fall within the provisions of sub-section 2(a) of the Act, as it does not relate to the formulation and execution of defence policy which is subject to the authority of Parliament and the national executive, I have decided to consult the Portfolio Committee on Defence and to seeks its guidance and assistance on the creation of this Commission, in view of the national importance of this issue.

I briefed this Committee on Tuesday, 15 September 2009 on my plans and undertook to discuss various aspects of this matter, including the composition of, and the appointment of the members of the Commission with the Portfolio Committee on Monday 21 September 2009.

I also have very wide general powers to do all things necessary for the effective defence and protection of the Republic and its inhabitants in terms of section 80 of the Act. This includes ensuring that the concerns of members of the South African National Defence Force are addressed satisfactorily. This will enable them to fulfill their constitutional and legislative functions. These are to maintain national security which reflects the resolve of South Africans to live as equals and as a nation, to live in peace and harmony, to be free from fear and want, and to seek a better life.

I must, therefore, make regulations regarding the conditions of service of members of the Defence Force and labour relations between members and the State as their employer, including the resolution of disputes and the establishment of mechanisms necessary for the regulation of the said labour relations and the administration and management of such matters in terms of section 82.

Given the enormity of this task, I am of the view that I need the guidance and assistance of an impartial commission as well as parliament to assist me to formulate appropriate regulations, which will regulate these matters, until such time as the Defence Act is properly amended to make provision for a permanent National Defence Force Service Commission, which will be responsible for considering the issues which affect members of the Defence Force.

The formal appointment procedures of the members and the commission's terms of reference are being finalised. The Commission will be able to commence its work immediately. Among other things, it will consider the following (courtesy of the Moseneke Commission)

- to investigate and make recommendations regarding remuneration and the conditions of service of members of the Defence Force

- to make recommendations to ensure that personnel procedures relating to recruitment, transfers, promotions and dismissals comply with the values and principles set out in sections 195, 198 and 200 of the Constitution and the provisions of the Defence Act and any other applicable laws and regulations;

The appropriate remuneration, allowances and benefits to be paid to members of the armed forces will require the following:

· An analysis of the purpose, duties, responsibilities, powers and activities attached to the various positions in the armed forces

· The evaluation and grading of all posts

· An analysis of existing conditions of service, salaries, allowances and other benefits before and after tax deductions, pertaining to the Defence Force

· A comparison with compatible positions elsewhere

· The conversion of existing remuneration structure(s) or system(s) to a 'total remuneration' system/structure

· A comprehensive implementation plan and costing for the conversion to the "total remuneration" structure; and

The Commission must interact with the Council of Defence and brief it on its work from time to time. It must also interact with the soldiers through the due protocols of the Defense Force and other relevant role players and interested parties. This will enable the commission to make appropriate recommendations to the executive.

The Commission will function until the Defence Act has been amended to create a National Defence Force Service Commission, or such other time as I may decide.

The allowances to be paid to the members of the Commission will be determined by me in consultation with the Minister of Finance.

I thank the portfolio committee for its guidance, support and solidarity. I hope that all the role players will work together in a constructive way to address the concerns of members of the Defence Force. In this way we shall achieve our objective of restoring the integrity and reputation of the South African National Defence Force as well as instill public confidence in our armed forces which perform outstanding work both nationally and internationally and which fills us with pride. I also want to thank the members of the South African National Defence Force for their patience, support and solidarity. It is in the light of the above consideration that;

I, the undersigned Lindiwe N Sisulu, MP, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, do, hereby, announce that I have decided to appoint a National Defence Force Service Commission (NDFSC), on an interim basis, consisting of:

1. Judge R Bosielo Chairperson

2. Gen B Holomisa

3. Mr R A Ismail

4. Mr P Groenewald

5. Ms H Mgabadeli

6. Prof R Christie

7. Dr A Mokgokong

8. Gen L Moloi

9. Bishop M Mpumlwana

10. Prof D Swartz

DATE SUBMITTED: 22 JULY 2009

Whether anything is being done to expunge the names of former offenders who have been rehabilitated fully from the register of criminal convictions in order to enable them to enter the formal job market; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NO1851E

REPLY:-

Yes. In order to create an efficient process to expunge the names of former offenders which have been rehabilitated from the register of criminal convictions (the official criminal record system as kept by the Criminal Record Centre of the South African Police Service), the provisions in the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act no. 51 of 1977) which provide for certain convictions to fall away, were amended during May 2009 by the putting in operation of sections 271B to E to provide for a wider category of convictions to be removed from a person's criminal record. Many convictions now fall within the ambit of the provisions of the Act and may be expunged from criminal records by way of an application in terms of the Act.

The Act regulates the expungement of certain convictions from a criminal record after a fixed period of 10 years has lapsed and the expungement of certain convictions obtained under legislation that was enacted before the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1993m took effect which would not have been considered to be offences in an open and democratic society.

In short, this process entails that if an applicant's conviction/s falls within the ambit of the provisions of the Act, the Director General of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development must issue a certificate of expungement indicating that the applicant's criminal convictions/s should be expunged. The certificate of expungement is forwarded to the Head of the Criminal Record Centre (CRC). The Head of the CRC then informs the applicant of the expungement of his/her criminal conviction/s. This process is administered by my Department and the South African Police Service.

For your information, I would like to advise the Honourable Member that the Director General has issued 1675 certificates of expungement since the relevant provisions came into operation between 6 May 2009 and 30 September 2009.

QUESTION No. 132

Mr L. Ramatlakane (COPE) to ask the minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

1. Whether she has reviewed her department's performance with regard to Public Service Commission report on non-compliance with Chapter 3 of Public Service Regulation which compels senior managers (SMSs) to declare all interests annually; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many did not declare their interests, (b) what are the names of noncompliant officials or SMSs, (c)what is each ones rank, (d) what actions have been taken in each case, (e) what was its outcome in each case;

2. Whether a lack of action indicates complacency by the executive authority; if not what is the position in this regard; if so what are the relevant details.NW1630E

REPLY

1. Yes, Financial Interests Disclosures, submitted to the former Minister of Defence after the cut-off date of 31 March 2009, have been reviewed. Out of 268 officials, more than 99% of officials complied with the requirements of the Public Service Regulations and 3 Brigadiers-General failed to disclose. Letters reminding noncompliant officials to submit, or to submit proof that they did submit their disclosures, have been issued. We expect these will be done.

2. No, if members do not respond to the reminders I will be left with no option but to charge them accordingly.

QUESTION NO. 145 (written 893 transferred)

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 AUGUST 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10)

Questions Day: 21 October 2009

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

(1) How many pharmacists (a) were registered with the SA Health Professions Council and (b) registered for community service in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether there is a recognised shortage of pharmacists; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what plans are in place to address this shortage?

REPLY:

(1) (a) 11 833

(b) (i) in 2007 – 472

(ii) in 2008 – 457 and

(iii) as at August 2009 – 450

(2) Yes. The Department of Health continues to make a case for increasing the production of health professionals with various key stakeholders including Deans of Health Science Faculties, Departments of Education and National Treasury and the Health Professions Councils.

Investigations into the funding of health sciences education and training, the clinical training needs of academic institutions and the current student carrying capacities of health science faculties in order to consider ways in which this capacity could be increased are being undertaken by the Health Sciences Review Committee. This Committee consists of the Departments of Health, Higher Education Training (DHET) and National Treasury and was set up to look at clinical science training and make recommendations to the Minister of HET. The Health Sciences Review Committee is also examining the utility of the Health Professions Training and Development Grant (HPTD) as well as its use to leverage improvements in the production of health science graduates.

Preliminary results of the study suggests that improvements can be made in providing resources for filling vacant practitioner posts; in utilising current infrastructural capacity; and in substantive investments in space, faculty and systems to support the expansion of health sciences in a planned way.