Questions & Replies: Defence & Military Veteran

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2014-03-03

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Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION 978 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

978. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether she received (a) an internal audit report and (b) a forensic report on alleged corruption in the Department of Military Veterans; if not, why not; if so, (i) what is the title of the report, (ii) what were the terms of reference, (iii) when was the report received and (iv) what were the main (aa) findings and (bb) recommendations of the report;

(2) whether she intends to table the reports in Parliament; if not, why not; if so, when? NW1128E

REPLY

(1) (a)&(b)

Yes I received a report on a forensic investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities at the Department of Military Veterans

(i) Forensic investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities at the Department of Military Veterans

(ii) To investigate the findings of the high level internal audit report

(iii) 25 July 2014

(iv) (aa) and (bb)

The Report shows several instances of non-compliance with DMV policies and provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, especially in respect of the requirement of ensuring a fair and transparent procurement system and the need to ensure that every official takes reasonable steps to avoid unauthorised, irregular and fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

In terms of the responsibilities of the Director-General as outlined in the PFMA, he is to be held responsible for the adverse findings listed in the Report in as far as they relate to the failure to maintain an appropriate procurement and provisioning system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective.

The nature of the findings of the Report are such that I have issued the DG with a final written warning and instructed him to return to work as of 1 August 2014, being the disciplinary action warranted in this instance. The DG's return to work is to be accompanied by an undertaking on his part to implement the findings of the Report with immediate effect. In particular steps must be taken to ensure that supply chain management and contract management in the department is brought in line with National Treasury prescripts. Certain officials are to face disciplinary action as a result of the findings outlined in the Report, whilst others are to face further investigation flowing from the recommendations of the Report. The contracts which formed the bases of the investigation will be further scrutinised by legal counsel before a decision on the way forward is taken.

The delivery of benefits to military veterans is a priority for me and all these actions are taken in an effort to strengthen service delivery by ensuring that services are correctly procured and well managed once procured.

(2) No, the report could be the subject of future litigation.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION 977 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

977. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether she received a report from the Ministerial Medical Task Team regarding the investigation into the optimal functioning of military hospitals; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the title of the report, (b) what were the terms of reference, (c) when was the report received and (d) what were the main (i) findings and (ii) recommendations of the report;

(2) whether she intends to table the report in Parliament; if not, why not; if so, when? N1127E

REPLY

(1) I received the Report of the Ministerial Medical Task Team on 21 April 2014. Upon receiving the report it became clear that there was a need to extend the mandate of the Team to allow them to do an assessment of the medical services provided to:

· our members at our bases (through visiting a few selected bases, with a specific focus on those bases where we conduct training);

· our members deployed at our borders; and

· our members deployed on peace keeping missions and as part of the Intervention Brigade in the Eastern DRC and in Darfur.

I expect to receive the completed Report on 30 September 2014.

(2) The main findings and recommendations of the Report will be shared with Parliament.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION 861 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

861. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether the research and development on the female court shoe conducted by Armscor has been completed; if not, why has it not been completed; if so, when was it completed;

(2) what (a) was the total cost and (b) is the breakdown of such costs in respect of the project;

(3) whether she will provide Members of Parliament with an opportunity to view the shoes in Parliament; if not, why not; if so, when? NW950E

REPLY

The objective of the research and development of the court shoe for female members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was to overcome poor fit, poor comfort and foot pathologies associated with their court shoe in order to address related health issues. Due to the diversity in shape, variability in foot sizes and specific foot characteristics identified in the SANDF population, commercially available uniform footwear does not accommodate the full spectrum of the female SANDF population. Commercial of the shelf uniform footwear excludes a significant portion of the female SANDF population. It was therefore necessary to perform substantial research to characterise the South African female foot and generate unique approaches in overcoming the stated and identified shortcomings of the court shoe. This research was performed by academically well qualified and experienced scientists that are well versed in the scientific domain of anthropometry (human body dimensions) and biomedical engineering.

The research and development of the female court shoe has not been completed. The project was planned over a five year period. However, limited funding (30% of the required funding) from the South African Military Health Service for the 2013/2014 year resulted in research finalisation during the 2014/2015 financial year. The project will be completed in March 2015.

(2) (a) The total planning cost of the research project is R 1 594 691.20 of which R 1 280 371.94 was spent to date.

(2) (b) Breakdown of costs in respect of the project as depicted in the table below:

Financial Year

Staff involved in project

Total work hours

Total work hour cost

Material Cost

Total (Excluding VAT)

2009/2010

4

290

R 203 290.00

R 7 236.32

R 210 526.32

Detailed analysis of anthropometric foot data was conducted by which the foot forms characteristic to the SANDF female population were identified. Advanced multivariate analysis techniques were employed.

Outcome: Characteristic foot forms of SANDF females.

Financial Year

Staff involved in project

Total work hours

Total work hour cost

Material Cost

Total (Excluding VAT)

2010/2011

2

200

R 155 600.00

R 126 000. 00

R 281 600.00

Computer Aided Design (CAD) software was employed to design the base size last that will accommodate the foot shape variances identified for the SANDF female feet. A literature review was conducted and discussions were held with SANDF specialists to identify biomechanical, shoe construction and user preferences and characteristics that must be implemented in the shoe design. Objective fit guidelines and a subjective perceptual questionnaire was compiled, a pair of lasts was manufactured followed by construction of a pair of shoes based on the lasts. (The last is an insert that represents the shape and size of a human foot and it is used in the production of shoes).

Outcome: Pair of lasts and shoes for the base size; objective fit guidelines; subjective perceptual questionnaire.

Financial Year

Staff involved in project

Total work hours

Total work hour cost

Material Cost

Total (Excluding VAT)

2011/2012

3

201

R 165 000.00

R 9 210. 53

R 174 210.53

An objective fit and subjective perceptual evaluation was conducted on SANDF personnel to verify the fit and characteristics of the base size shoe. Changes to the shoe design were recommended and implemented in a last design. Two pairs of lasts and shoes were manufactured for evaluation.

Outcome: Fit evaluation results and recommendations. Two pairs of last and shoes for the base size.

Financial Year

Staff involved in project

Total work hours

Total work hour cost

Material Cost

Total (Excluding VAT)

2012/2013

4

535

R 470 206.14

R12 250.00

R 482 456.14

A small scale base size fit evaluation was conducted followed by full size grading and manufacturing of a full size range of shoes. A large scale fit evaluation was conducted during which 2 shoe styles were evaluated to ensure acceptable accommodation for the full range of foot shape and size variances, as well as implementation of the best preferred heel height within biomechanical and orthopaedic constraints.

Outcome: Full size range of lasts and shoes for two styles of female court shoe.

Financial Year

Staff involved in project

Total work hours

Total work hour cost

Material Cost

Total (Excluding VAT)

2013/2014

2

130

R 122 983.90

R 8 595. 05

R 131 578. 95

A literature review and engagement with industry was conducted to provide inputs to footbed design. Modifications were made to the base size court shoe last to incorporate characteristics from both styles to ensure one uniform shoe style.

Outcome: Inputs to footbed design; final base size last and shoes.

Financial Year

Staff involved in project

Total work hours

Total work hour cost

Material Cost

Total (Excluding VAT)

2014/2015

3

252

R 262 810. 80

R 51 508 .46

R 314 319. 26

Planned work for this year includes a small scale fit evaluation to verify the final changes. The outcome will be inputs to the female court shoe specifications, delivery of a full range of lasts that can be used for industrialisation and rolling out of the female court shoe and will conclude the research and development of the project.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION 840FOR WRITTEN REPLY

840. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether an investigation has been launched into an alleged confrontation between the SA National Defence Force and the SA Police Service in Oudtshoorn in March 2014; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was the investigation completed, (b) what is the title of the final report of the investigation and (c) what were the main (i) findings and (ii) recommendations? NW927E

REPLY

(a) Yes, an investigation into the alleged confrontation that took place on 17 May 2014 has been launched by the South African Police Service (SAPS), while the SANDF conducted a fact finding mission into the alleged confrontation on 23 May 2014. This fact finding mission was finalised on 25 May 2014, and the three implicated members were charged according to the Military Discipline Code on the 04th of June 2014. (b) The SANDF final report is titled: "Fact finding mission: Oudtshoorn". (c) The case has yet to be finalised

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION 839 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

839. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether the Military Ombud submitted (a) an interim report and (b) a final report on alleged abuses at the SA Army Infantry School in Oudtshoorn; if not, why not; if so, in respect of each specified report, (i) what is the title of the report, (ii) what were the terms of reference, (iii) when was the report received and (iv) what were the main (aa) findings and (bb) recommendations;

(2) whether she intends to table the specified reports in Parliament; if not, why not; if so, when? NW926E

REPLY

(1) Yes an Interim report was received on 20 May 2013 and the final report was received on 13 December 2013. The Reports have been referred to the Chief of the South African National Defence Force for implementation of the findings and recommendations by the Minister.

(2) The Reports have been classified as confidential by the Military Ombud as there are currently a number of legal processes pending under the Military Discipline Supplementary Measures Act, 1999

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION 837 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

837. Ms J Steenkamp (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether a request by a certain person (details furnished) for a transfer is being considered; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) when was the request (a) lodged and (b)(i) approved or (ii) denied;

(3) whether she has found that the matter has been resolved; if not, why not; if so, (a) what action will be taken to resolve the matter and (b) what are the further relevant details? NW924E

REPLY

(1) Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) S. Gobindlal, requested to be transferred to the Area Military Health Unit Eastern Cape in Port Elizabeth. The member's request was considered, but could not be approved due to the lack of an equal level vacant and funded post at the Area Military Health Unit Eastern Cape.

(2) The request of WO1 Gobindlal was (a) lodged on 4 July 2013, and WO1 Gobindlal was informed of the interim outcome (including the reasons thereof)

(3) The matter is still under internal consideration

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION 835FOR WRITTEN REPLY

835. Ms J Steenkamp (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) In respect of the accident involving a main battle tank on or about 20 June 2014 in KwaZulu-Natal, (a) when did the accident occur and (b) what was the cause of the accident;

(2) whether the (a) transporter and (b) main battle tank will be (i) repaired or (ii) written off;

(3) whether the repairing or writing off of the main battle tank and transporter will incur any costs for her department; if not, in each specified case, why not; if so, in each specified case, (a) what costs will be incurred and (b) what is the breakdown of such costs;

(4) whether the accident is being investigated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW922E

REPLY

(1)&(2)

The accident occurred on 20 June 2014 at approximately 16:20 during a routine training exercise wherein Tank Transporter learner drivers take the convoy from Bloemfontein to Ladysmith and back to ensure that they can successfully negotiate dangerous mountain passes.

(3)&(4)

A Board of Inquiry (School of Armour no 06/2014) has been convened by the Officer Commanding School of Armour to determine the cause of the accident and has yet to be finalised.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION NO.: 828

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 JULY 2014

Mr K P Sithole (IFP) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether her department has any plans to build proper housing structures in Kennedy Road informal settlement in Durban; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW915E

REPLY

The Department has plans to build proper housing structures in Kennedy Road informal settlement in Durban.

The municipality is advanced with the planning process and approvals from statutory bodies are awaited. Environmental constraints as the informal settlement is close to landfill sites, grave site and worship sites. The total yield on the site that is available for development is 321 units.

The house construction will proceed once approval is obtained from the statutory bodies, including the pending retraction of the instruction to stop construction by AMAFA (The Heritage Department in KwaZulu Natal). The municipality has fulfilled AMAFA requirements and notice was given to AMAFA that work will commence on 1 August 2014 at Dodoma Avenue (Kennedy Road).

The remaining residents of the settlement will be relocated to other housing projects in the surrounding areas subject to negotiations with them.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 792FOR WRITTEN REPLY

792. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether (a) she, (b) the Deputy Minister, (c) the Director-General or (d) any of her staff (i) attended, (ii) accepted an invitation and/or (iii) received tickets to the 2014 Soccer World Cup in their official capacity; if so, what are the relevant details including the (aa)(aaa) names and (bbb) positions of those who attended and (bb) breakdown of the amounts spent by her department on (aaa) travel, (bbb) accommodation, (ccc) entertainment and (ddd) any further specified expenses;

(2) (a) what is the breakdown of the amount spent by her department on any persons accompanying (i) her, (ii) the Deputy Minister, (iii) the Director-General or (iv) any of her staff to attend the 2014 Soccer World Cup including (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation, (cc) entertainment and (dd) any further costs and (b) in each case, what is the (i) relationship and (ii) reason for accompanying the relevant person? NW879E

REPLY

(1) No

(2) N/A

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 743 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

743. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) How many (i) judgments and (ii) court orders were made against her department in the (aa) 2010-11, (bb) 2011-12, (cc) 2012-13 and (dd) 2013-14 financial years and (b) in each case, (i) how many of these (aa) were implemented and (bb) await implementation by her department and (ii) what was the nature of the (aa) judgment and/or (bb) court order? NW830E

REPLY

1(a)(b),(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)

No

Financial Year

No of judgments / Court order

(i)

2010/11

14

(ii)

2011/12

8

(iii)

2012/13

6

(iv)

2013/14

5

TOTAL

33

(i) (aa) and (bb)

All but one of the above court orders have been implemented, the said order is currently under appeal.

(ii) (aa) and ((bb)

Fourteen (14) of the court orders directed the Department to effect payment of awarded damages whilst the remaining nineteen (19) court orders related to re-instatement of employment contracts.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION 734 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

734. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) Have the artillery batteries on Robben Island been (i) maintained or (ii) restored or (iii) worked on over the past 10 financial years and (b)(i) who undertook the work, (ii) over what period was the work undertaken, (iii) at what cost was the work undertaken and (iv) what tender process was followed in respect of the artillery batteries on Robben Island? NW819E

REPLY

The artillery batteries on Robben Island do not belong to the South African National Defence Force, and the question should be directed to the Robben Island Museum and the Department of Public Works

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 727FOR WRITTEN REPLY

727. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether the Board of Inquiry (BOI 05/13-14) into the deaths of the SA National Defence Force members in Central African Republic has been completed; if not, when will the inquiry be completed; if so, (a) when was the inquiry completed and (b) what (i) is the title of the final report of the inquiry and (ii) are the main (aa) findings and (bb) recommendations of the inquiry? NW811E

REPLY

The report on Board of Inquiry (BOI 05/13-14) contains security sensitive information that pertains to operational matters that can only be disclosed in a closed session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) when it is duly convened.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 726 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

726. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 740 on 11 June 2013, what did the Board of Inquiry find were the (a) quantities and (b) types of items left behind by (i) the SA National Defence Force, (ii) the Operation Vimbezela Training Team, (iii) the 44 Parachute Regiment, (iv) the SA Special Forces and (v) any other specified formation in the Central African Republic;

(2) whether any effort has been made to retrieve these items; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW810E

REPLY

The operational report on the Central African Republic operation in question is classified. Only training equipment was left behind; the retrieval and transference back to South Africa would not be cost effective.

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

603. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) How many (a) international and (b) domestic hotel bookings were made by (i) her, (ii) her predecessors and (iii) departmental officials attending (aa) workshops, (bb) seminars, (cc) oversight visits or (dd) any other relevant meetings of the relevant portfolio committee from 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) in respect of each specified booking, what was the (a) date, (b) name of the hotel, (c) number of delegates, (d) cost of the hotel booking for each delegate and (e) the nature of the relevant portfolio business dealt with? NW686E

REPLY

SANDF

Answer 1:

(a) International bookings. No international bookings were made.

(b) Domestic bookings. (aa) Workshops: 00

(bb) Seminars: 00

(cc) Oversight visit: 02

(dd) Meetings: 28

Answer 2:

(a) International bookings. No international bookings were made.

(b) Domestic bookings. Attached is the table for specific domestic bookings from 01 April 2013 up to the latest specified date.

It must also be noted that some of our members used military accommodation. Only in a situation where accommodation is not available will our members be accommodated in hotels.

(2) SANDF specific domestic bookings.

S/No

Dates

Hotel Name

Number of delegates

Cost of Hotel

Nature of Business

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

1

14-16 October 2013

Adderley Hotel Cape town

1

R2560.00

Briefing to Portfolio Committee on Defence regarding the Annual Report and Quarterly Report

2

08-09 July 2014

Adderley Hotel Cape Town

1

R1280.00

Briefing to Portfolio Committee on Defence regarding the Annual Performance Plan FY2014

3

17-18 February 2014

Urban Chic Hotel Cape Town

1

R1280.00

Briefing to Portfolio Committee on Defence regarding the Third Quarterly Report FY13/14

4

29-30 July 2014

Adderley Hotel Cape Town

1

R950.00

Briefing to Select Committee on Security and Justice regarding Annual Performance Plan and Budget FY 2014

5

29 July 2014 – 01 Aug 2014

Letlametswe B&B

1

R760,00

Oversight visit – Potchefstroom unit

6

05-08 August 2014

City Lodge, Waterfront

1

R2 724.80

Oversight visit – Oudshoorn and Cape Town

7

20-23 August 2014

City Lodge, Waterfront

1

R2 724.80

National Assembly Oral Questions

8

08-10 July 2014

Glam Hotel

1

R1 798.00

Strategic and Budget plan presentation to Portfolio Committee on Defence

9

09 July 2014

Southern Sun

1

R1 395.10

APP presentation to Portfolio Committee on Defence

10

07-08 May 2014

Southern Sun

1

R1 495.00

Quarterly report to Portfolio Committee on Defence

11

16 October 2013

Garden Court

1

R937.00

Annual report to Portfolio Committee on Defence

12

08 October 2013

Southern Sun

1

R1 811.00

State of Border line presentation to Portfolio Committee on Defence

13

05-07 November 2013

Taj Cape Town

1

R1 600.00

Quarterly report to Portfolio Committee on Defence

14

07-09 May 2013

City Lodge, Goodwood, Cape Town

1

R1 999.90

Presentation of SANDF Annual Performance Plan to Portfolio Committee on Defence

15

14-16 October 2013

City Lodge, Goodwood, Cape Town

1

R2 330.40

SANDF Quarterly report presentation to Portfolio Committee on Defence

16

17-18 February 2014

Admirality House, Simon's Town

1

R 233.47

SANDF Delegate – Secretary for Defence. Briefing on Internal Reprioritisation activities

17

08-10 July 2014

Parliament Hotel, Cape Town

1

R1 400.00

Presentation of the SANDF Annual Performance Plan FY2014 to Portfolio Committee on Defence

18

14-16 October 2013

Southern Sun Newlands

2

R11 500.00

Briefing to Portfolio Committee on Defence regarding the Annual Report and Quarterly Report

19

11-12 March 2014

Romney Lodge

1

R1 190.00

APP presentation to Portfolio Committee on Defence

20

08-09 July 2013

The Glen Hotel

1

R950.00

Presentation of the SANDF Annual Performance Plan FY2014 to Portfolio Committee on Defence

21

18-19 June 2013

Parliament Hotel

1

R750.00

Briefing to Portfolio Committee on Defence regarding the Annual Performance Plan FY2014

22

14-16 October 2013

Townhouse Hotel

1

R2 490.00

Briefing to Portfolio Committee on Defence

23

08-09 July 2014

Southern Sun (Cape Sun)

2

R2 814.00

Presentation of the SANDF Annual Performance Plan FY2014 to Portfolio Committee on Defence

24

24 April 2013

Cape Town - Protea Hotel (Fire and Ice)

1

R1 250. 45

Directorate Facilities gave a presentation on Castle Control Board Annual Performance Plan 2013/14 to Portfolio Committee on Defence

25

7 to 8 May 2013

Cape Town – Townhouse Hotel and Conference Centre

1

R1 640. 00

Director Logistics Management attended a meeting concerning the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF's) Annual Performance Plan for the Financial Year 13/14

to Portfolio Committee on Defence

26

14 to 16 October 2013

Cape Town – Townhouse Hotel and Conference Centre

1

R2 180. 00

Director Logistics Management attended a meeting concerning the SANDF's Planning Instruction 07/13 where presentations were made to the Portfolio Committee to Portfolio Committee on Defence

27

5 March 2014

Cape Town - Southern Sun (Cape Sun)

1

R1 400. 00

Directorate Facilities gave a presentation of the State of Department of Defence facilities to Portfolio Committee on Defence

28

18 to 20 June 2014

Cape Town - Protea Hotel (Fire and Ice)

1

R2 621. 70

Briefing by Chairperson (Chief Logistics) of Castle Control Board to Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and to Portfolio Committee on Defence

29

01 to 02 July 2014

Cape Town - Southern Sun (Cape Sun)

1

R1 407. 00

Presentation by Chief Logistics to Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans to Portfolio Committee on Defence

30

02 July 2014

Cape Town - Southern Sun (Cape Sun)

1

R1 395. 00

Directorate Facilities gave a presentation on Castle Control Board Annual Performance Plan 2013/14 to Portfolio Committee on Defence

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

555. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

With respect to the Special Defence Account, what was the (a) total amount of fruitless and wasteful expenditure, (b) breakdown of the total amount of fruitless and wasteful expenditure in respect of each specified contract and (c) the reason for the fruitless and wasteful expenditure in respect of each specified contract (i) in the (aa) 2006-07, (bb) 2007-08, (cc) 2008-09, (dd) 2009-10, (ee) 2010-11, (ff) 2011-12, (gg) 2012-13 and (hh) 2013-14 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW637E

REPLY

The Department disclosed its irregular and wasteful expenditure in its respective Annual financial statements published in the Annual Report, which have been tabled in Parliament and are public documents.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 554 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

554. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether the (a) Auditor-General and/or (b) Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence conducted an investigation into the matter raised in paragraph 10.2 of the Report of the Auditor-General to Parliament on the Financial Statements and Performance Information of the Special Defence Account for the year ended 31 March 2014; if not, why not; if so, (i) why was the investigation conducted, (ii) when did the investigation (aa) begin and (bb) end, (iii) what is the title of the report of the investigation and (iv) what was the outcome of the investigation;

(2) was any action taken against any person(s) as a result of the investigation; if not, why not; if so, in each specified case, what (a) was the name of the person and (b) action was taken? NW636E

REPLY

The Honourable member should direct the question to the Auditor-General and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, respectively

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 553 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

553. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 84 on 3 March 2014, has she now been able to establish how many (a) flights and (b) ferry flights were undertaken by her predecessor using (i) chartered aircraft and (ii)(aa) Gulfstream Executive Jets and (bb) any other specified aircraft operated by the (aaa) SA Air Force and (bbb) SA Air Force Reserve in the (aaaa) 2009-10, (bbbb) 2010-11 and (cccc) 2011-12 financial years;

(2) what (a) was the cost and (b) is the breakdown of the cost for each specified flight in each specified financial year? NW635E

REPLY

No

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 541 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

541. Dr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†

(1) Whether a military tank that fell off a trailer during training caused any serious damage to the road surface in the Van Rheenen's Pass; if so, (a) what did the cost of the damage amount to and (b) who paid for it;

(2) (a) what did the recovery costs of the tank which had fallen off amount to for the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) and (b) who undertook the recovery ;

(3) whether any other tenders for the tank's recovery were called for; if not, why not; if so, (a) what tenders were received and (b) what did the tender price amount to;

(4) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW623E

REPLY

(1) No, the accident only caused minor surface damage

(2) (a)The recovery costs comprised only of fuel to the amount of R107 995.60 and allowances to the amount of R 12 164.40 afforded to officials ,(b) The vehicles were recovered using SANDF capabilities with minor initial assistance from civilian service provider to the amount of R 27 542.40

(3) No

(4) No

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 540 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

540. Dr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†

(1) Whether any official or officials of Armscor have been arrested in connection with fraud involving the repair of heavy military vehicles; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many officials have been arrested and (b) what post did each one hold;

(2) whether further investigation into alleged possible corruption at Armscor is taking place; if so, what progress has been made with this investigation;

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW622E

REPLY

(1) No.

(2) Yes. Armscor has instituted an investigation into the conduct of employees. The scope of the investigation was mainly focused on compliance with Armscor Policies, Practices and Procedures. Following the conclusion of the investigation, two (2) employees are undergoing a disciplinary process in this regard.

(3) No .

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 529 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

529. Dr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†

(1) Whether any steps have been taken to recover the salary and other benefits that have been paid unlawfully to a certain person (name furnished) since his sentencing on 7 December 1998 and who is currently serving a prison sentence;

(2) what steps are being taken to ensure that military regulations which specify that soldiers must inform their superiors of any criminal convictions are complied with and that no further salaries or benefits are to be paid to such a soldier;

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW611E

REPLY

(1)&(2)

A Board of Inquiry (BOI) has been convened to investigate all aspects pertaining to this member. The BOI, which is still in process, will make findings and recommendations with regards to the salary and benefits due to the member since his sentencing and the application of the relevant policy prescripts.

The member was discharged from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on 22 October 2013, and has since passed away.

(3) No

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION356 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

356. Mr J de Goede (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

In respect of the Presidential Medical Unit, (a) how many (i)(aa) personnel and (bb) medical personnel are employed and (ii) vehicles are allocated and (b) what was the (i) total amount spent and (ii) breakdown of such expenditure (aa) in the (aaa) 2009-10, (bbb) 2010-11, (ccc) 2011-12 and (ddd) 2012-13 financial years and (bb) from 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW410E

REPLY

The South African Military Health Service is responsible for the health and wellness of the serving President and Deputy President as well as former Presidents and Deputy Presidents and their dependents, as well as visiting Heads of State and Government visiting the RSA.

It is the responsibility of the Presidential Medical Unit to render and ensure the health support at all times.

Health support provides for day to day health support, as well as close support to the President and Deputy President within and outside the RSA.

The nature of the tasks performed by the PMU is as such that its strength/personnel can vary from time to time depending on the prevailing needs; and it will therefore have a permanent component as well as elements that are activated if and when necessary.

(a) (i) (aa) Personnel: 2009-10: 4

2010-11: 5

2011-12: 5

2012-13: 6

2013-date: 6

(bb) Medical Personnel: 2009-10: 38

2010-11: 40

2011-12: 61

2012-13: 70

2013-date: 70

(a) (ii) Vehicles allocated: 2009-10: 52

2010-11: 65

2011-12: 57

2012-13: 77

2013-date: 82

(b) (ii)

Cost item

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

Admin Expenses

R 4 190 644

R 8 281 256

R 8 926 003

R 10 951 719

9 967 188

Services

R 560 542

R 1 685 453

R 785 994

R 1 535 179

1 591 555

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION 355 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

355. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

How many personnel serving in the SA National Defence Force (a) have been convicted of a crime in a (i) civilian court and/or (ii) military court and (b) failed (i) junior staff courses and/or (ii) senior staff courses (aa) in the (aaa) 2010-11, (bbb) 2011-12 and (ccc) 2012-13 financial years and (bb) from 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW409E

REPLY

(a) (i) (aa) Convicted of a crime in civilian court:

(aaa) 2010-11 45

(bbb) 2011-12 56

(ccc) 2012-13 40

(bb) From 1 April 2013 39

(a) (ii) (aa) Convicted of a crime in military court:

(aaa) 2010-11 163

(bbb) 2011-12 138

(ccc) 2012-13 120

(bb) From 1 April 2013 134

(b) (i) & (ii) Joint Senior Command and Staff Programme

(aaa) In 2010-11: Four (04) learners failed, they repeated the modules and passed in 2012.

(bbb) In 2011-12: All learners completed the program successfully.

(ccc) In 2012-13: One learner did not complete the programme due to family challenges, came back this year to complete outstanding modules.

(bb) From 1 April 2013: No results. The course will end in November 2014.

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION 354 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

354. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

With reference to her reply to question 2397 on 12 December2013, (a) what is the name of each member of the medals committee at present and (b) what (i) amount was spent and (ii) is the breakdown of such expenditure in respect of each specified member in the 2012-13 financial year? NW407E

REPLY

(a) & (b) The required information is contained in the table below:

The remuneration payable to the members of the medals committee for the work performed for the three (3) parades was calculated based on the amounts and guideline approved by the Minister of Finance in terms of Treasury Regulation 20.2.2.

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY VETERANS: VOTE22

AMOUNT PAID PER MEDALS COMMITTEES MEMBER IN 2012.13 FINANCIAL YEAR

R

NAME

TOTAL AMOUNT PAID PER MEMBER

1. Mr H.E. Sindiso Mfenyana

67 347

2. Gen (Ret) Gilbert Ramano

85 554

3. Maj Gen (Ret) Zola Nqose

29 205

4. Mr James Ngculu

13 629

5. Brig Gen (Ret) Sams S. Komane

62 304

6. Brig Gen (Ret) Teddy T. Nqapayi

60 357

7. WO1(Ret) Linus Dlamini

58 410

8.Ms. Promise Khumalo

62 304

9.Mr T Kebotlahale

5 841

10. Adv. Lentswe Mokgatle

3 894

TOTAL PAID OR DISBURSED TO MEMBERS

448 845

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION 353 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

353. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What (a) amount was spent and (b) is the breakdown of such expenditure on the SA Military Health Services (SAMHS) facility at the President's private home in Nkandla (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12 and (dd) 2012-13 financial years and (ii) from 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) (a) what amount of her department's appropriation was spent on any other expenditure at the President's private home in Nkandla (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12 and (dd) 2012-13 financial years and (ii) from 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) in respect of each specified case, (i) what was the breakdown of the expenditure and (ii) from which line item was the expenditure taken? NW406E

REPLY

(1) The matter is currently being investigated by a Board of Inquiry convened by Chief of the South African National Defence.

(2) The matter is currently being investigated by a Board of Inquiry convened by Chief of the South African National Defence

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION 352 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

352. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

In respect of each specified rank group in the (a) Defence Force, (b) Regular Force and (c) Reserve Force, (i) what is the optimal average age, (ii) what is the actual average age and (iii) in respect of each specified rank group, (aa) how many personnel are older than the average age, (bb) how many personnel are younger than the average age and (cc) what is the total number of personnel? NW405E

REPLY

(a). Defence Force (Include both Regular and Reserve)

The response is based on the DOD Instruction: Pol & Plan No. 00080/2002, Policy for the Implementation of Inherent Rank-Age Requirements for the National Defence Force, Ref no: DS/CPP/DHR Plan/R/101/6/B, which was signed by Chief SANDF on 23 October 2003.

The Policy does not apply to Generals and Chaplains; and these ranks are therefore excluded from the statistics provided herein.

(b). Regular Force

Serial No

Rank

(i)Optimal average age

(ii)Actual average age

(aa) How many personnel are older than the average age

(bb)How many personnel are younger than the average age

a

b

c

d

e

1

Col

45

51

50%

43%

2

Lt Col

41

47

38%

57%

3

Maj

37

42

37%

56%

4

Capt

32

37

38%

58%

5

Lt

27

31

26%

67%

6

2Lt

24

26

25%

61%

7

WO1

45

51

52%

41%

8

WO2

40

47

42%

52%

9

SSgt

36

44

41%

53%

10

Sgt

31

41

48%

47%

11

Cpl

25

35

39%

60%

12

LCpl

25

32

33%

66%

13

Pte

25

30

30%

68%

Total Number of Regulars: 66 028

(c)Reserve Force

Serial

No

Rank

(i)Optimal average age

(ii)Actual average age

(aa)How many personnel are older than the average age

(bb)How many personnel are younger than the average age

a

b

c

d

e

1

Col

45

61

51%

42%

2

Lt Col

41

55

49%

48%

3

Maj

37

51

46%

51%

4

Capt

32

45

46%

52%

5

Lt

27

39

41%

55%

6

2Lt

24

37

46%

49%

7

WO1

45

59

51%

45%

8

WO2

40

55

41%

53%

9

SSgt

36

51

47%

49%

10

Sgt

31

46

42%

54%

11

Cpl

25

41

45%

49%

12

LCpl

25

36

49%

48%

13

Pte

25

33

39%

59%

Total number of Reserves: 21 564

Grand Total: 87 592

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION351 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

351. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) How many personnel in the (i) Regular Force and (ii) Reserve Force in the (aa) Defence Force and (bb) each specified (aaa) service and (bbb) division (aaaa) were approved by the recommended option 1 force design of the Defence Review of 1998 and (bbbb) currently serve and (b) what is the surplus/shortfall of personnel in each specified case? NW404E

REPLY

Details about the Force Design cannot be made available in the Public domain; and can therefore be discussed in a close session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 325 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

325. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What are the details of all flowers purchased by her department for each year between 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) what are the details of (a)(i) the address and (ii) the name of the office where the specified flowers were displayed, (b) for whose benefit were the flowers purchased and (c) what was the purchase value of the flowers for each office where it was displayed;

(3) in respect of flowers purchased for individuals, (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) relationship of the person to (aa) her and (bb) the Ministry and (b) what is the cost of each purchase;

(4) what are the details of any (a) contractual arrangements and (b) plans to purchase flowers in the future? NW406E

REPLY

The Departments of Defence and Military Veterans have requested more time to collate the necessary information. The apposite reply will be submitted as soon as this process is finalised.

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION 295 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

295. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) How many (i) flights and (ii) ferry flights were undertaken by and arranged for her in (aa) fixed wing aircrafts and (bb) helicopters (aaa) in the (aaaa) 2009-10, (bbbb) 2010-11, (cccc) 2011-12 and (dddd) 2012-13 financial years and (bbb) during the period 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what was the (i) total cost, (ii) cost in each specified financial year and period and (iii) cost for each specified (aa) flight and (bb) ferry flight? NW348E

REPLY

(a) & (b)

Given the challenges that have been persistently experienced in replying to similar questions in the past; I had towards the end of last year directed that the South African Air Force (SAAF) review and refine the entire system used to manage the information relating to the air transportation of VVIP's and to ensure the integrity and quality of all data.

The process is still on-going and a reply to the Honourable member's question will be provided as soon as this process is finalised.

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION 294 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

294. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether the (a) acquisition plan and (b) financial authority have been approved for Project Saucepan; if so, (i) when, (ii) what is the (aa) total cost and (bb) breakdown of such costs, (iii) what is the (aa) total life cycle cost and (bb) breakdown of such costs and (iv)(aa) how many vessels will be acquired and (bb) what is the unit cost for each vessel? NW347E

REPLY

(a) No, there was no approved Acquisition Plan; Project Saucepan was officially terminated on 15 January 2014 due to a requirement change initiated by the South African Air Force (SAAF) prior to the finalisation of the Concept Phase

(b) No the financial authority is obtained after the approval of the acquisition plan

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION 293 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

293. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether the (a) acquisition plan and (b) financial authority have been approved for Project Biro; if so, (i) when, (ii) what is the (aa) total cost and (bb) breakdown of such costs, (iii) what is the (aa) total life cycle cost and (bb) breakdown of such costs and (iv)(aa) how many vessels will be acquired and (bb) what is the unit cost for each vessel? NW346E

REPLY

(a) No

(b) The financial authority for the acquisition will be obtained after the approval of the acquisition plan

(b) (i) Not applicable

(b) (ii) & (iii) This can only be determined after the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase is completed and after all the offers have been evaluated and the selection of the preferred bidder is finalised.

(b) (iv) (aa) Three (3) Off-shore Patrol Vessels and three (3) In-shore Patrol Vessels.

(b) (iv) (bb) This can only be determined after the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase is completed and after all the offers have been evaluated and the selection of the preferred bidder is finalised.

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION 291 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

291. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What are the details of office furniture ordered and or purchased for the use of her and/or her staff since 1 May 2014;

(2) in respect of each piece of furniture, (a) what is the description, (b) what is the breakdown of the costs, (c) where will each piece of furniture be used and (d) who will use each piece of furniture;

(3) what are the details of furniture disposed of;

(4) in respect of each piece of furniture disposed of, (a) what is the description, (b) original purchase costs and (c) on what date was it purchased;

(5) (a) how was this furniture disposed of, (b) what disposal method was used, (c) what is the name and contact details of person/s to whom it was disposed and (d) at what price was it disposed of? NW371E

REPLY

(1) No office furniture has been ordered and or purchased for the use by the Minister and/or the support staff since 1 May 2014;

(2)-(5) Not applicable

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

257. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What are the details of motor vehicles ordered and/or purchased for her use since May 2014;

(2) (a) what is the (i) make, (ii) model, (iii) total cost and (iv) breakdown of the cost of each motor vehicle and (b) where will each motor vehicle normally be stationed? NW336E

REPLY

(1) & (2)

No motor vehicle was ordered and/or purchased for my use since May 2014

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION 249 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

249. Dr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†

(1) Whether the commission of inquiry into the Dakota air disaster of 5 December 2012, in which the aircraft crashed into Giant's Castle, has wrapped up its business; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings of the investigation;

(2) whether the aircraft in question had deviated from its flight route; if so, what was the reason for this;

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW300E

REPLY

(1) A Board of Inquiry (BOI) inquiry (and not a Commission of Inquiry) into the Dakota air disaster of 5 December 2012, in which the aircraft crashed into Giant's Castle was convened; and its currently in its final stages of completion.

The Aviation Safety Board will review the final outcome of the BOI in March 2014

(2) Publishing information on the specifics of the BOI would be inappropriate at this stage.

(3) No

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 237 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

237. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 229 on 18 March 2014 with regard to (a) how many (i) flights and (ii) ferry flights were undertaken by the President in (aa) fixed wing aircrafts and (bb) helicopters (aaa) in the (aaaa) 2009-10, (bbbb) 2010-11, (cccc) 2011-12, (dddd) 2012-13 and (eeee) 2013-14 financial years and (bbb) during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what was the (i) total cost, (ii) cost in each specified financial year and period and (iii) cost for each specified (aa) flight and (bb) ferry flight, she has requested from the Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence an opportunity to provide the information in a closed briefing of the Committee; if not, when will she make such a request; if so, what are the relevant details? NW315E

REPLY

No, I can only make such a request when the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) has been duly established.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 236 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

236. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

What was the (a) total amount spent and (b) breakdown of such expenditure on each specified (i) formation and (ii) aircraft in each specified formation in the (aa) preparation and (bb) execution of the SA Air Force flypast at President Jacob G Zuma's inauguration on 24 May 2014. NW314E

REPLY

The Department is still finalising audit process of the expenditure for the SA Air Force flypast at the inauguration of the President of the Republic on 24 May 2014. The information will be provided as soon as this process has been finalised.

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION 203 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

203. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether, with reference to her statement, dated 6 July 2013, on the procurement of aircraft to transport Very Very Important Persons (VVIPs), a new procurement process has been embarked upon for the air transportation of VVIPs; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether a decision has been made in respect of the lease contract for the air transportation of VVIPs; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what is the (a) total cost and (b) breakdown of such costs of (i) procuring aircraft and (ii) leasing aircraft for the air transportation of VVIPs? NW252E

REPLY

(1) Yes.

The need to augment the fleet of VVIP aircraft was registered in 2013; in accordance with the Defence Acquisition Policy (DAP 1000 as amended).

(2) No requirement for a lease contract has been considered.

(3)(i) An estimated cost will only be determined through the DAP 1000 at a later stage.

(ii) No cost breakdown studies or different contracting models were developed

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION 202 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

202. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

In respect of the Strategic Acquisition Master Plan, how many projects are (a) registered on the master plan, (b)(i) classified and (ii) not classified and (c) classified as (i) cardinal, (ii) non-cardinal, (iii) top secret, (iv) secret and (v) confidential? NW251E

REPLY

1 (a) 72 projects registered

1 (b) (i) All projects are classified

(ii) None

1 (c) (i) 32 Cardinal projects

(ii) 40 Non-cardinal projects

(iii) 1 Top Secret project

(iv) 3 Secret projects

(v) 68 Confidential projects

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION 167 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

167. Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What are the details of all the costs of the maintenance of the pot plants in her (a) departmental offices and (b) official residence (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12, (dd) 2012-13 and (ee) 2013-14 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2014;

(2) in respect of the pot plant maintenance, (a) what is the (i) address and (ii) name of the office where they were/are displayed, (b) for whose benefit are these pot plants, (c) what was/is the value of maintenance for each office and (d) what are the details of any contracts and/or plans for the maintenance of these pot plants in the future? NW215E

REPLY

(1) & (2)

No expenditure was incurred for the maintenance of the pot plants in the (a) departmental offices and (b) official residence of the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12, (dd) 2012-13 and (ee) 2013-14 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2014;

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION 134 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

134. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether disciplinary proceedings were instituted against a certain person (name furnished), with regard to the matter referred to in Note 10.2 of the Report of the Auditor-General to Parliament on the Financial Statements and Performance Information of the Special Defence Account for the year ended 31 March 2007; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW140E

REPLY

No disciplinary action was taken because there was no money due to any party that can be considered as a claim against a contract.

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION 133 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

133. Mr S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What are the details of all expenditure that was found to have been (a) irregular and (b) wasteful in her department for each year from 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) in respect of each such finding of (a) irregular and (b) wasteful expenditure, (i) what (aa) is the description thereof, (bb) is the value thereof and (cc) action has been taken against the persons accountable for such expenditure and (ii) how much thereof (aa) has been recovered and (bb) from whom? NW145E

REPLY:

(1)&(2) The Departments and entities under the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans disclosed their irregular and wasteful expenditure for the years 2009/2010; 2010/2011; 2011/2012; 2012/2013 in their respective Annual financial statements published in the Annual Reports, which have been tabled in Parliament and are public documents. The 2013/2014 Annual Reports will be tabled in accordance with normal parliamentary processes later this year.

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION 129 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

129. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) (a) Why has the Defence Review been delayed and (b) when will it be tabled in Parliament;

(2) whether any costs have been incurred as a result of the Defence Review; if so, what is the (a) total cost and (b) breakdown of such costs? NW135E

REPLY

(1) The Defence Review process has been finalised by the Department and its currently in the process of Cabinet approval; and it will be submitted to Parliament after Cabinet approval.

(2) The Defence Review Committee continues to be involved in the process of facilitating Cabinet approval, and a determination of the costs will be made after this process is concluded.

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION 128 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

128. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) In respect of (a) rape, (b) sexual assault, (c) sexual grooming, (d) sexual harassment, (e) incest, (f) child pornography, (g) child prostitution and (h) any other specified sexual offence within her department, how many cases were (i) reported, (ii) referred to court and (iii) resulted in a conviction in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12 and (dd) 2012-13 financial years;

(2) whether she has any plans in place to deal with incidences of (a) sexual offences and (b) sexual harassment in the military; if not, why not; if so, what plans? NW134E

REPLY

1 (i) Reported offences

S/n

OFFENCES

REPORTED PER FY

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

1

Rape

2

5

7

1

2

Sexual

Assault

13

11

21

9

3

Pornographic material

2

3

2

0

1 (ii) Cases referred

S/n

OFFENCES

REFERRED TO COURT PER FY

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

1

Rape

2

3

4

1

2

Sexual

Assault

11

7

17

6

3

Pornographic material

1

1

2

0

1(iii) Convictions

S/n

OFFENCES

CONVICTED PER FY

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

1

Rape

0

0

0

0

2

Sexual

Assault

4

2

8

0

3

Pornographic material

0

1

1

0

No record of the following offences:

1. Sexual grooming

2. Incest

3. Child pornography

4. Child prostitution

5. Sexual harassment

2. The Department of Defence (DOD) remains committed to eliminating all forms of sexual offences and harassment from occurring within the Department and the military by adopting a "Zero Tolerance" approach to any behaviour unbecoming of a member or Official.

To this end the Department has appropriate policies and procedures to effectively deal with the problem and prevent any recurrence. All Chiefs of Services and Divisions, and Senior Managers are accountable for preventing and eliminating any form of sexual offence and harrassment in the workplace as instructed by the Transformation Management Policy (JDP/PERS/00026/2006 [Edition 1]); and are encouraged to foster a culture that will lead to the creation of a workplace that is free of sexual harassment and intimidation, where employees respect one another's integrity and dignity, their privacy, and their right to equity in the workplace.

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION 127 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

127. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) In respect of (a) Project Assegai, (b) Project Hoefyster, (c) Project Porthole, (d) Project Swatch and (e) Project Vagrant, respectively (i) how long has each project been delayed, (ii) why has each project been delayed and (iii) what was the (aa) total financial cost and (bb) breakdown of the financial costs of the delay;

(2) whether there was a plan to overcome the delay in respect of each specified project; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW133E

REPLY

Projects Assegai, Hoefyster, Porthole, Swatch, and Vagrant form part of the Defence acquisition programme that contains security sensitive and possibly classified information that is to be presented to a closed session of Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Defence when it is duly convened.

Reply received: February 2014

QUESTION 121 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

121. Dr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:†

(1) Whether any medals will be awarded to the soldiers who were engaged in the Central African Republic (CAR); if not, why not; if so, when;

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

NW127E

REPLY

(1) Yes, medals will be awarded to soldiers who were engaged in the Central African Republic on 21 February 2014

(2) No

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION 105 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

105. Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether the SA National Defence Force is contemplating counter-insurgency operations in Mozambique in an effort to combat rhino poaching; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW110E

REPLY

No the South African National Defence Force is not contemplating any counter-insurgency operation in Mozambique as it has no mandate to conduct operations in that country.

The South African National Defence Force is as mandated by the South African Government facilitating the parallel process on rhino poaching within the Justice Crime Prevention Defence and Security Council of the Southern African Development Community.

(Suggested additional reply: PLO)

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION 101 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

101. Mr D Bergman (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What are the details of official credit cards issued to (a) her and/or (b) her staff;

(2) in respect of each credit card, (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) organogram position of the user, (b) what is the (i) maximum permissible value of each purchase and (ii) total credit limit of the card, (c) what are the details of permissible purchases for which the credit cards may be used and (d) may alcoholic beverages be purchased;

(3) in respect of purchases made with each credit card during the period 8 May 2014 and/or thereafter up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) organogram position of the user, (b) what is the (i) value of each purchase made, (ii) what are the details of each item purchased and (iii) for what purpose was each purchase made and (c) were any alcoholic beverages purchased; if so, (i) what are the (aa) details and (bb) value of these purchases and (ii) for what purpose was each purchase made? NW110E

REPLY:

Government/Official Credit Cards

(1) Neither (a) the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, (b) nor her staff have been issued with a government or official credit card. For this purpose the Department of Defence strictly adheres to the Cabinets Decision taken on 4 November 1998 whereby it was decided that "all Government credit cards issued to political office-bearers, Directors-General and any other affected officials at National, Provincial and Local levels of Government be withdrawn".

(2) & (3) N/A

Multi Service Aviation Cards are utilised by the Department of Defence (South African Air Force) for the purpose of aviation related expenses such as fuel, landing fees, parking fees, etc. These are not per se a credit card issue to an individual, as it is issued per aircraft registration number. Arrangements for aviation services are made by means of agents in different countries where services are required and payments in respect of the expenses incurred are done by the Department of Defence based on invoices submitted by the Aviation Agent which is appointed by means of an official contract.

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION 84 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

84 Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What are the reasons for not replying to question 214 since it appeared on the Internal Question Paper on 22 February 2013;

(2) whether she consulted the former Minister of Defence and Military Veterans in this regard; if so, on what date(s);

(3) whether the former Minister provided a response; if so, (a) what was the nature of the response and (b) on what date(s) was the response given?

NW85E

REPLY

(1) I have consistently received contradicting information from the Department in respect of this Parliamentary Question, and have resultantly not been able to assertively provide the requisite reply in this regard.

(2) No.

(3) No

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

69. Mr M H Hoosen (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) How many (a) international and (b) domestic flights were undertaken by (i) her and (ii) her predecessors using (aa) aircraft operated by the military, (bb) aircraft chartered by the military or (cc) commercial aircraft during the period 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) in respect of each specified flight, what was the (a)(i) date and (ii) place of (aa) departure and (bb) arrival and (b)(i) total cost and (ii) breakdown of such costs? NW75E

REPLY

Given the challenges that have been persistently experienced in replying to similar questions in the past; I have towards the end of last year directed that the South African Air Force (SAAF) review and refine the entire system used to manage the information relating to the air transportation of VVIP's and to ensure the integrity and quality all data.

The process is still on-going and a reply to the Honourable member's question will be provided as soon as this process has been finalised.

Reply received: April 2014

QUESTION 67 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

67. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether her department conducted an investigation into the matter raised in paragraph 10.2 of the Report of the Auditor-General to Parliament on the Financial Statements and Performance Information of the Special Defence Account for the year ended 31 March 2007; if not, why not; if so, (a) who conducted the investigation, (b) why was the investigation conducted, (c) when did the investigation (i) begin and (ii) end and (d) what was the outcome of the investigation;

(2) was any disciplinary action taken against any person(s) as a result of the investigation; if not, why not; if so, in each specified case, what (a) was the name of the person and (b) disciplinary action was taken? NW68E

REPLY

(1) No investigation was conducted by the Department regarding the payment of claims, because no claim was paid out at any stage during the financial year in question or thereafter.

(2) No disciplinary action was taken because there was no money due to any party that can be considered as a claim against a contract.

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION 61 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

61. Mr T W Coetzee (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) How much do her departments plan to spend on (a) advertising, (b) communication and (c) marketing between 1 January 2014 and 30 April 2014 (i) in total and (ii) as a breakdown of the amount;

(2) (a) what mediums are her departments going to use in each case and (b) who is the service provider to be used;

(3) what is the main message that her departments plan to communicate during this time? NW62E

REPLY

South Africa is celebrating 20 Years of Freedom in 2014, and government departments are mobilising South Africans around social cohesion for the momentous occasion.

Costs associated with advertising and communication plans to highlight 20 years of Freedom will be funded from the existing departmental budgets but in line with government's cost saving initiatives.

However, messaging around 20 years of freedom is funded in partnership other sectors, including civil society and business and will be wide-spread across community, national and regional media through print, broadcast and online.

Reports on the advertising expenditure of both the Departments of Defence and that of Military Veterans will be made available at the end of the financial year 2013/2014.

Reply received: February 2014

QUESTION 6 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

6. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) How many doctors employed by the SA Military Health Services (SAMHS) in non-clinical positions have been claiming (i) occupation-specific salary dispensation (OSD) clinical salaries and (ii) commuted medical overtime category 3 and (b) in each case, (i) what is the name of the doctor concerned, (ii) what position(s) do they currently occupy, (iii) from what date have they been claiming, (iv) what is the monetary value of their claims to date and (v) who authorised the claims? NW6E

REPLY

I am in the process of setting up a Task Team comprising of professionals in the medical fraternity that will investigate factors that are adversely affecting the optimum functioning of the Military Hospitals in the South African National Defence force.

The report of the Task Team will therefore inform a reply in this regard.

Reply received: February 2014

QUESTION 5 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

5. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) (a) Why was the decision taken to move the Air Defence Artillery School (ADAS) from its current base in Kimberley to a new base in Ermelo and (b) who approved the decision;

(2) whether an occupational health and safety report was conducted into the Ermelo base; if so, (a) what were the key findings of the report and (b) did the report find the base to be safe for occupation;

(3) do any of the buildings at the Ermelo base contain asbestos; if so, by what date will this be removed;

(4) what is the estimated (a) total cost and (b) breakdown of the costs of moving the ADAS to Ermelo;

(5) (a) what facilities are currently available at the (i) Kimberly and (ii) Ermelo bases and (b) what will it cost to improve the facilities at the Ermelo base and bring it up to the required standard? NW5E

REPLY

No decision was taken to move the Air Defence Artillery School (ADAS) from its current base in Kimberly to a new base in Ermelo.

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION 4 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

4. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) In respect of Project Hoefyster, what is the (a) acquisition cost, (b) estimated life cycle cost, (c) unit cost, (d) number of units, (e) project management cost and (f) project financial ceiling;

(2) what is the timescale for the (a) industrialisation, (b) production and (c) commissioning;

(3) (a) how many jobs will be created and (b) how is the number of jobs to be created calculated;

(4) whether the project has been registered as a sensitive project; if not, why not; if so, why? NW4E

REPLY

(1) The total cost authorised is R15 490 104 180 (including estimated future escalation, rate of exchange adjustments and VAT)

(2) and (4)

The information will be presented to the closed session of Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Defence when it is duly convened.

(3) Question should be referred to Denel Land System as the main contractor.

(4) Project Hoefyster is classified as a Cardinal project in terms of the policy of the Department of Defence.