Science & Technology

2014-03-03

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Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO. 3023

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 NOVEMBER 2014 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28-2014) QUESTION 3023 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: DR A LOTRIET (DA): IMPLEMENTATION OF THE USE OF OFFICIAL LANGUAGE POLICY ACT

"3023. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

Whether, with regard to the implementation of the Use of Official Language Policy Act, Act 12 of 2012 and since the reply of the Minister of Arts and Culture to question 990 on 6 June 2013, her department implemented the Act, if not, when will the Act be implemented, if so, which languages have been adopted as official languages of her department?

NW3667E"

REPLY:

The Department of Science and Technology has not yet implemented the Use of Official Languages Act. An extension was requested from the Minister of Arts and Culture. The Department of Science and Technology has published its draft Language Policy for public comment, with the closing date for comments the end of November 2014.

The Language Policy will be implemented by 1 April 2015. The proposed languages are, English, isiZulu and Sepedi, but where local work necessitates the use of other official languages, those will be added.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO. 2749

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 NOVEMBER 2014: QUESTION PAPER 27-2014

"2749. Mr MH Hoosen (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

Did (a) her department and/or (b) any entities reporting to it owe money to any Gauteng municipalities at the end of 2013-14 financial year; if so, in respect to each specified municipality (i) what is the name of the municipality, (ii) what was the total amount owed, (iii) what was the nature of the debt, (iv) for how long has the debt been outstanding and (v) what plans are in place to recover the debt owed to the municipality by (aa) her department and/or (bb) any entities reporting to it?"

NW3398E

REPLY:

(a) No.

(b) Yes.

Name of entity	(i)	(ii)	(iii)	(iv)	(v)
Name of entity	(i)	(ii)	(iii)	(iv)	(aa)	(bb)
National Research Foundation (NRF)	City of Jo'burg	1 333 961	Rates and taxes	13 years	N/A	Amount owed was paid off in August 2014
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)	City of Tshwane	175 564.41	Rates and taxes	Less than 30 days	N/A	Amount owed was paid off in April 2014
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)	N/A	Nil	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)	N/A	Nil	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Name of entity	(i)	(ii) (R'000)	(iii)	(iv)	(v)
Name of entity	(i)	(ii) (R'000)	(iii)	(iv)	(aa)	(bb)
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)	N/A	Nil	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
South African National Space Agency (SANSA)	N/A	Nil	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO. 2612

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 NOVEMBER 2014: INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 27-2014

"2612. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

NW3251E

REPLY:

(a) The Department of Science and Technology spent R540 263,20 in the 2011/12 financial year.

(b) The Department of Science and Technology spent R130 000,00 in the 2012/13 financial year.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO. 2529

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2529) sick leave utilisation

"2529. Mr A M Figlan to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

How many work days has her department lost to (a) sick leave and (b) strike action in the (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13 and (iii) 2013-14 financial years?"

NW3061E

a) The department lost work days due to employees utilising sick leave as follows:

i) In the 2011-12 financial year 1875 work days.

ii) In the 2012-13 financial year 1822 work days.

iii) In the 2013-14 financial year 2438 work days.

b) None of the department's employees participated in strike action in the three mentioned financial years.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2486

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 7 NOVEMBER 2014 INTERNAL PAPER NO 25 - 2014

"Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1. (a) With reference to the reply by the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services to question 1282 on 7 October 2014 and her reply to question 225 for oral reply on 14 October 2014, what is the status of the Houwteq Test Facility near Grabouw and (b) is the specified facility functional to the extent that satellites can be tested there; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

2. Does her department have any premises available in order to upgrade the specified facility; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW3082E

REPLY:

1. (a) The Houwteq Test Facility is an assembly, integration and testing (AIT) facility managed by Denel, an entity of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). The facility has not been used or maintained in the past five years.

(b) In its current state, the facility is not functional. In order to fully perform its functions, it needs to be upgraded to the latest International Organisation for Standardisation level allowable for satellites to be assembled, integrated and tested.

2. There are no other AIT facilities in the country and we intend to upgrade our own. Future plans could include expansion of the facility if necessary as the site could accommodate such expansions. There is currently an upgrade plan in place, which will enable the delivery of, the current satellite development project, ZA-ARMC1.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2485

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 7 NOVEMBER 2014 INTERNAL PAPER NO 25 - 2014

"Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

With reference to her reply to question 225 for oral reply on 30 October 2014, what is the detailed nature of the discussions being held between her Department and the Department of Public Enterprises regarding the Houwteq Test Facility?

NW3081E

REPLY:

The Houwteq Test Facility belongs to Denel, an entity of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). Having been under utilised in the past 15 years, the facilities have deteriorated with the resultant degradation of capabilities to support the new satellite programme. Some components of the Howteq facility are still intact, and can be used for future satellite applications.But some need urgent upgrade given the advanced stage of planning and contracting for the new satellite programme (ZA-ARMC1).

Following a meeting between the Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Denel Group Chief Executive Officer, the Group Financial Director and the Chief Operating Officer, it was agreed that the discussion regarding the management of Howteq facility should happen at a ministerial level between the DST and the DPE. It is envisaged that this bilateral will determine the suitable management model taking into consideration what would be in the best interest of the country (and the national space programme).

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO. 2434

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 7 NOVEMBER 2014; QUESTION PAPER 25-2014

"2434. Mr W Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(a) What was the total remuneration of (i) board members, (ii) non executive directors and (iii) executive directors of each entity reporting to her in the (aa) 2011-2012, (bb) 2012-13 and (cc) 2013-14 financial years and (b) how many times did each board meet in the specified financial years?"

NW3033E

REPLY:

The response to the Parliamentary question is provided in the table below:

Entity	(a)			(b)
Entity	(aa) 2011-12 (R')	(bb) 2012-13 (R')	(cc) 2013-14 (R')	(b)
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)	(i) 765 802	(i) 850 000	(i) 897 600	(aa) four times
	(ii) Nil	(ii) Nil	(ii) Nil	(bb) four times
	(iii) 765 802	(iii) 850 000	(iii) 897 600	(cc) four times
Council on Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)	(i) 5 811 000	(i) 7 488 000	(i) 9 573 000	(aa) four times
	(ii) 524 000	(ii) 739 000	(ii) 832 000	(bb) five times
	(iii) 5 287 000	(iii) 6 749 000	(iii) 8 741 000	(cc) five times

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)	(i) 2 838 579	(i) 2 889 297	(i) 3 177 891	(aa) four times
	(ii) 327 832	(ii) 237 859	(ii) 360 259	(bb) four times
	(iii) 2 508 747	(iii) 2 651 538	(iii) 2 817 632	(cc) four times
National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)	(i) 1 254 102	(i) 1 232 580	(i) 127 940	(aa) eight times
	(ii) 200 883	(ii) 174 096	(ii) 127 940	(bb) nine times
	(iii) 1 053 219	(iii) 1 058 484	(iii) Nil[1]	(cc) twelve times
National Research Foundation (NRF)	(i) 2 451 285	(i) 2 684 367	(i) 3 158 852	(aa) five times
	(ii) 151 285	(ii) 216 367	(ii) 528 852	(bb) seven times
	(iii) 2 300 000	(iii) 2 468 000	(iii) 2 630 000	(cc) five times
South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)	(i) 868 253	(i) 1 039 731	(i) 1 140 386	(aa) three times
	(ii) 190 588	(ii) 271 657	(ii) 320 384	(bb) three times
	(iii) 677 665	(iii) 768 074	(iii) 820 002	(cc) three times
South African National Space Agency (SANSA)	(i) 2 119 013	(i) 1 935 724	(i) 2 191 288	(aa) five times
	(ii) 690 620	(ii) 330 655	(ii) 473 846	(bb) five times
	(iii) 1 428 393	(iii) 1 605 069	(iii) 1 717 442	(cc) four times
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)	(i) 3 788 000	(i) 3 926 000	(i) 3 222 000	(aa) five times
	(ii) 1 998 000	(ii) 1 873 000	(ii) 1 285 000	(bb) four times
	(iii) 1 790 000	(iii) 2 053 000	(iii) 1 937 000	(cc) ten times

[1] The post was vacant

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO. 2367

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.25-2014

"2367. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) Is her department doing research on (a) the (i) proposed hydraulic fracturing of shale gas in South Africa and (ii) potential negative environmental impact that hydraulic fracturing might have in the designated areas in the country and (b) technologies to prevent the potential negative impact on the environment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant (aa) details and (bb) findings of each of these research projects?

NW295E

REPLY:

(a) On the country's efforts to consider hydraulic fracturing of shale gas for improved energy security, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has amongst other things focused on promoting independent research and exploring co existence with astronomy research. The independent research, depending on its focus (water, environment, pollution, seismicity etc), may be conducted by relevant government/independent agencies. The research findings will then be used to inform future amendments of the current technical regulations.

i. Yes, the DST has commissioned the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) to put together a panel of experts in defining the hydraulic fracturing research plan. This commissioned work has a number of work packages looking at various aspects of hydraulic fracturing in collaboration with other international experts.

ii. Yes, the abovementioned research plan (that is under development) is preceded by desktop research which will indicate potential vulnerabilities and possible interventions for consideration. Furthermore in a move to protect designated areas, government has ensured key resources and areas are protected. The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) has declared water a controlled activity in terms of Section 38 of the National Water Act. The DST has protected the astronomy research area through the Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act.

(b) The work undertaken by the experts mentioned in paragraph (a) (i) above will provide a sense of technology challenges, recent advancements and recommend mitigating measures where gaps still exists.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO. 2341

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (7-11-2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25 - 2014)

"2341. Mr J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(a) In the (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13 and (iii) 2013-14 financial years, (aa) how many times has her department received a request from the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in accordance with section 184(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, to provide a report on measures taken by her department towards the realization of the rights in the Bill of Rights concerning housing, health care, food, water, social security, education and the environment and (bb) how many times did her department submit such a report to the SAHRC in this regard and (b) in each case, was the report (i) made readily available to the public or (ii) tabled in Parliament?"

NW3148E

REPLY:

(a) REQUESTS RECEIVED FROM SAHRC

2011/12 FINANCIAL YEAR REQUESTS RECEIVED
Number of Requests received from SAHRC	Number of times such reports submitted to SAHRC
0	0

2012/13 FINANCIAL YEAR REQUESTS RECEIVED
Number of Requests received from SAHRC	Number of times such reports submitted to SAHRC
0	0

2013/14 FINANCIAL YEAR REQUESTS RECEIVED
Number of Requests received from SAHRC	Number of times such reports submitted to SAHRC
0	0

(a) REPORTS

2011/12 FINANCIAL YEAR REPORTS
Reports made readily available to public	Reports tabled in Parliament
0	0

2012/13 FINANCIAL YEAR REPORTS
Reports made readily available to public	Reports tabled in Parliament
0	0

2013/14 FINANCIAL YEAR REPORTS
Reports made readily available to public	Reports tabled in Parliament
0	0

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2295

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 7 NOVEMBER 2014 INTERNAL PAPER NO 25 - 2014

"Ms JF Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

a) Will the Technology Innovation Agency electricity theft detection device, Saggitarious Serpentariou, be made available for purchase and

b) When will this device be made publicly available?"

NW2730E

REPLY:

a) The theft detection device will be made available to the public. It is envisaged that Eskom and the Municipalities around the country will integrate the device into the prepaid meter boxes that are to be rolled out.

b) The device is currently undergoing a number of tests as outlined below. The estimated duration of the development is about 6 months (from November 2014 to May 2015).

i. SABS Testing:

Pilot/Field Testing: The device will be installed and tested in a real life environment where it will be monitored to verify whether it is fully functional and effective.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION No. 2228

"2228. Ms SP Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

Whether the revised framework for scientific endeavour in marine, Southern Ocean and Antarctic research has been finalised; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was the specified framework finalised and (b) when will it be presented to the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology? NW2773E

REPLY

No, a strategic framework for scientific endeavour in marine, southern ocean and Antarctic research has not yet been finalised. The Department intends finalising a marine and Antarctic strategy by 31 March 2015. During 2013/14, research plans for the marine and Antarctic regions, respectively, were produced. Currently these are being used to develop the consolidated Marine and Antarctic Research Strategy jointly by the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Environmental Affairs.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2191

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (31 OCTOBER 2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1-2014)

2191. Ms SP Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) What are the details of all expenditure stated in her department's annual report of the 2013-14 financial year and (b) whose travel expenditure was procured irregularly to the value of R6, 8 million;

(2) (a) Has the R15,3 million irregular expenditure of the 2012-13 financial year recovered, (b) what investigations took place in this regard, and (c) were there any disciplinary actions as a result? W2735E

REPLY:

(a) Details of irregular expenditure stated in the department's annual report for 2013-14
Description of irregular expenditure	Amount
Goods and services with a transaction value of above R500 000 were procured as emergency. Auditor General did not agree with the reasons provided.	689 500.00
Goods and services with a transaction value of above R500 000 were not procured by means of competitive bidding. The transaction was partially paid, the amount paid was regarded as irregular.	103 485.00
Information Technology services with a transaction value of above R500 000 were not procured through State Information Technology Agency.	849 254.40
Goods and services with a transaction value of above R30 000 were procured without obtaining three quotations.	851 419.97
Goods and services procured without complying with the requirements of Preferential Procurement policy Framework Act.	545 728.00
The department incurred travel and subsistence expenditure with an invalid contract. The contract was not signed by both parties.	6 848 400.11
Goods and services were procured from thirty six suppliers without obtaining valid tax clearance certificates	7 022 594.00
TOTAL	16 910 381.48

(b) The irregular expenditure of R6, 8 million was not incurred as a result of specific official's travel, it was considered irregular as result of the contract between the department and the service provider that was not signed by both parties. All expenses in relation to the contract with the service provider were considered irregular.

(a) No.

(b) To determine the validity and the causes of irregular expenditure.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2190

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (31 OCTOBER 2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23-2014)

2190. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

What is the detailed breakdown of the R2,3 million spent by her department on what was referred to as other consumables in the 2013-14 financial year? NW2734E

REPLY:

The detailed breakdown of R2, 3 million referred to as other consumables in the 2013-14 financial year is a follows:

Item	Description	Amount	Annual Financial Statements (AFS) classification
CONSUMABLES SUPPLIES:GIFTS AND AWARDS	This item is used to classify promotional items that should serve the purpose of promoting the image of the department, the State or project. This item include tracksuits, T-shirts and other promotional items purchased to promote the image of the department during events.	1 427 361.28	The item does not have a specific Standard Charts of Accounts (SCOA) classification in the AFS template hence it is referred to as other consumables.
CONSUMABLES: AUDIO VISUAL	This item is used to classify audio visual materials, including, videos, and audio tapes during live streaming and recording, and sound and public address systems during the department's events such as National Science Week.	825 269.51	The item does not have a specific SCOA classification in the AFS template hence it is referred to as other consumables.
CONSUMABLES:SECURITY ACCESS CONSUMABLES	This item is used to classify materials purchased to repair damaged security equipment such as security doors and other security related equipmens not provided for elsewhere in SCOA.	15 557.44	The item does not have a specific SCOA classification in the AFS template hence it is referred to as other consumables.
CONSUMABLES: BAGS AND ACCESSORIES	This item is used to classify refuse bags, paper towels, plastic dustbins and other disposable items not separately provided for elsewhere in SCOA.	14 859.14	The item does not have a specific SCOA classification in the AFS template hence it is referred to as other consumables.
Total		2 283 047.37

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO. 2189

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (31 OCTOBER 2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2189): NUMBER OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE APPLIED FOR THE PRE-APPROVAL OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) ACTIVITIES AND WHAT THE EFFECT OF THIS INCENTIVE HAS BEEN ON THEIR RESEARCH INTENSITY

"2189 DR A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) With regard to the tax incentive provided for in section 11D(1)(d) of the Income Tax Act, Act 58 of 1962, (a) how many companies applied for the pre-approval of research and development activities since the introduction of this tax incentive in each financial year and (b) what has the effect of this incentive been on the research intensity of companies;

(2) Does her department provide feedback on why applications get rejected; if not why not;

(3) Is there an appeal process in place should a company's application get rejected; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of this process?

REPLY:

(1) The R&D tax incentive was introduced in November 2006 but the pre-approval process aimed at providing certainty to taxpayers, only started on 01 October 2012. The R&D tax incentive is provided in terms of Section 11D of the Income Tax Act, Act 58 of 962. The definition of R&D for the purpose of this section is provided for in section 11D(1)(a)-(b) or up to (c) in the amended version effective January 2014. There is no section 11D(1)(d). Over the last three financial years since the introduction of a pre-approval process, the number of companies that have applied are as follows:

(a) 2012/13 (01 October 2012 - 31 March 2013): 288 companies

2013/14 (April 2013 – March 2014): 240 companies

2014/15 (April 2014 to 31 October 2014): 97 companies

(b) To date, the DST has not done an analysis of the effect of the incentive on research intensity of beneficiary companies that applied under the pre-approval procedure. Relevant data to determine research intensity in companies receiving the R&D incentive is still being collected and starting this year, 2014 companies will be providing information to DST on progress of the approved projects and what impact the incentive had on their R&D. To date, 30 companies have provided the required information. DST is analysing the information provided and will incorporate the findings and analysis in the 2014/15 Report to Parliament.

(2) Yes, companies receive a letter indicating which projects have been approved and which have been rejected. Reasons are provided for all the rejected projects to indicate why they are not approved.

(3) There is no appeal process, primarily because Section 11D of the Income Tax Act does not provide for an appeal. Companies can take the department on review should they wish to challenge any decision for non-approval. However, the Department of Science and Technology has put in place measures that will minimise the likelihood of going to the courts for mediation. The R&D tax incentive guidelines which have been published for public comment and to be discussed with companies before the end of November 2014 will provide more clarity in terms of what activities are likely to qualify for the incentive to enable companies to submit applications in line with the requirements of section 11D of the Income Tax Act.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2188

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 31 OCTOBER 2014 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23-2014

"2188 Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

With regard to the 24 institutions that were not awarded a rebate for intellectual property prosecution and maintenance costs from the Intellectual Property Fund, (a) what were the reasons for not awarding these institutions a rebate, (b) what is the value of each rebate not awarded and (c) what will be done by her department to ensure that the National Intellectual Property Management Office is properly funded in the 2014-15 financial year?"

NW2732E

REPLY:

(a) The twenty four (24) institutions that applied, during the 2013-14 financial year for a rebate from the Intellectual Property (IP) Fund for costs incurred for IP prosecution and maintenance during 2012-13, were not awarded a rebate during the 2013-14 financial period due to financial constraints experienced by the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO). This obligation was, however, rolled over into the 2014-15 period (see part (b) below).

(b) Guideline 2.2 of 2013 ("Guidelines for Operation of the Intellectual Property Fund") provides for "UP TO fifty percent (50%) of the IP prosecution and maintenance costs incurred by an institution in the previous financial period for ALL IP within the institutions IP portfolio, provided it was generated following a R&D activity conducted using public funds, subject to funds being made available by National Treasury".

Following a detailed review, the 24 applying institutions were found to be eligible for a rebate, which rebate was based on the availability of funds from National Treasury and determined to be 44.5% of costs incurred.

(c) The Department of Science and Technology has prioritised the sourcing of funding for the NIPMO. Prioritisation has included the sourcing of funding internally within the Department through, for example, the Adjusted Estimates of National Expenditure, and externally through the submission of a detailed Medium Term Expenditure Framework request (for the period 2015-16 to 2017-18) to National Treasury.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2186

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 31 OCTOBER 2014 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 23-2014)

"MS J F TERBLANCHE (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) What (a) is the detailed breakdown of the funding of R95 million that the Technology Innovation Agency invested towards the Animal health Innovation programme and (b) progress has been made by this programme?

(e.g: NW2729E)

REPLY:

(1) (a) TIA, through the Animal Health Technology Innovation Programme (AHTIP) initiative, funded a portfolio of 30 projects to the cumulative value of R95 081 894. The breakdown of the total investments is presented in the table below.

*Institution*	*# of Projects*	*Total Funding Disbursed*
Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP)	13	38 927 117.00
University of Pretoria (UP)	13	33 821 714.00
CSIR	3	18 076 348.00
ARC	1	4 256 715.00
Total	30	95 081 894.00

(b) The progress made under this programme includes:

· Thirty Animal Health Technology Innovation Programme (AHTIP) projects on the development of alternative products and technologies in the following focal areas, African Horse Sickness, Avian Influenza, Blue Tongue, Rift Valley Fever, and Heartwater, have been funded. (These diseases negatively impact on both established and emerging farmers, as well as on the country's export opportunities, thus causing serious losses in rand value and revenues);

· Two of the AHTIP projects managed by Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) have successfully completed animal trials and are waiting to submit the data and product dossier for registration;

· A partnership has been established with Western Cape Veterinary Service and Rainbow Chicken to conduct field trials on the avian influenza diagnostic kit;

· 10 students at Honours, MSc, PhD or Post-doctoral levels have been recruited to AHTIP projects. In addition, five interns have been placed at the CSIR and University of Pretoria to work on the AHTIP projects; and

· The AHTIP has attracted co-investment of R5.7 million from the National Research Foundation to fund human capital development in the animal health area and R1.52 million from OBP to fund technology development work of projects funded under the programme.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2185
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 23-2014)
"2185 Ms J F Terblanche to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

With regard to the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) spending R24 million of the R27 million spent by her department on consultants in the 2013-14 financial year, (a) why is the TIA spending so much on consultants, (b) what is the name of each consultant used, (c) what services did each of the consultants offer respectively and (d) what was the cost of each of the consultants used?" NW2728E

REPLY:

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) spent a total of R27 965 000 on consultants, contractors and agency I outsourced services (page 199 of DST's Annual Report for 2013/14) categorised as follows (page 200 of DST's Annual Report for 2013/14):

Service	2013/14 cost R'000
Business and advisory services	7 272
Legal cost	2 708
Contractors	4 445
Agency and support/outsourced service	13 540

The DST's financial statement is exclusive of the details of the financial statements of entities (accounting entities) that fall under the executive authority of the Minister.

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) - the "controlling entity" - and its controlled entities and associates (TIA and its entities together are defined as the "economic entity") spent a total of R26 116 000 in consulting and professional fees, of which R23 836 000 was spent by TIA as the controlling entity (page 104 of the TIA's Annual Report for 2013/14).

a) TIA's spending on consultants in the 2013114 financial year addressed support in operational requirements, including undertaking a benchmarking exercise; conducting a forensic audit and addressing the disciplinary actions that arose as a result thereof; requirements for evaluation of new projects where external experts are used to provide technical expertise advice; assistance provided with skills development initiatives, and on-going fund management requirements, including external audits for investee companies.

It should be noted that the budget for 201 411 5 has been significantly reduced to an allocation of R6 million; this allocation incorporates internal audit; audit of investee companies, and consultants for the organisational design process.

b) The details of the consultants used are attached hereto as Annexure A.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2091

DAETE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2014: INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21 - 2014 QUESTION 2091 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: DR A LOTRIET (DA): INSTALLATION OF THE MEERKAT RADIO SATELLITE DISHES

2091 Dr A Lotriet to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

With reference to her department's 2013-14 annual report, have the remaining three MeerKAT radio satellite dishes been installed by the set date of June 2014; if not, (a) why not, (b) who is the contractor that was appointed to install the satellite dishes, (c) why were these three radio satellite dishes not installed during the 2013-14 financial year and (d) when will these remaining three radio satellite dishes be installed; if so, are they functional?

NW2559E

REPLY

No, the remaining three MeerKAT antennas have not been installed by June 2014.

a) The stated date of June 2014 was an indicative date, estimated prior to the awarding of the MeerKAT contract. A schedule for antenna delivery could only be baselined once a contract had been negotiated and agreed to with the contractor.

b) The main contractor is a South African company Stratosat Datacom (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with a US company GDSatcom (General Dynamics Satellite Communications).

c) The reasons for the delay in the MeerKAT antennas are as follows.

i. The contractor required more time up-front for planning purposes than anticipated.

ii. The tender award was delayed until the site bid was finalised and the antenna contract was signed on 31 July 2012.

iii. The NUMSA strike is classified as a Force Majeure event for which a contractor can claim extension - the strike lasted for a month, but due to the disruption in supplies and time to start-up operations again, the net effect was a 2 month delay.

iv. GDSatcom has found it more difficult to get local industry up to speed on antenna manufacturing than expected.

d) A recovery plan has been agreed to with the contractor that still ensure the original target of having all antennas installed by the end of 2016. In terms of the recovery plan, the first four antennas will have been installed by 31 March 2015. The negotiated schedule as of October 2014, is as follows:

Milestone Completion Contractual Milestone Projected Completion

Antenna #1 installed: 2 Dec 2013 27 March 2014*

Antenna #4 installed: 31 Oct 2014 31 March 2015*

Antenna #7 accepted: 20 Mar 2015 23 May 2015

Antenna #16 accepted: 16 June 2015 30 Sep 2015

Antenna #32 accepted: 20 Nov 2015 28 Mar 2016

Antenna #64 accepted: 19 Sept 2016 8 Dec 2016**

^*Installed means installation completed. Accepted means the installed antenna have passed acceptance testing to the satisfaction of SKA SA.

**The contractor claimed two months delay for Force Majeure arising from the NUMSA strike. The above then represents a schedule slip of 1 month on final delivery, which is within the original schedule contingency negotiated.

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO. 2090

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2014: INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 21-2014

"2090. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

With regard to Programme 2: Research, Development and Innovation as mentioned in the 2013-14 annual report of her department, (a) why did her department achieve only 38.5% of the set targets and (b) what strategies has her department put in place to ensure better performance in the 2014-15 financial year?"

NW2558E

REPLY:

(a) Programme 2 planned deliverable for 2013/14 financial year

Programme 2 had a total of 13 aggregate indicators during the 2013/14 financial year of which five (5) were fully achieved, five (5) partially achieved and the remaining 3 not achieved at all.

Not achieved targets : (i)The approval of guidelines and practice notes to the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development (IPR-PFRD Act), due to capacity constraints at the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO); (ii) the awarding of rebates to 24 institutions for intellectual property (IP) prosecution and maintenance costs from the IP Fund, due to a lack of funds during the 2013/14 financial year; and (iii) the gazetting of regulations for the Astronomy Advantage Area, due to the fact that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) had not concurred with the draft regulations.

Partially achieved targets: (iv) Of the planned 20 research and development initiatives, one (1) was not implemented due to delays in obtaining data from relevant sources for developing the solar energy technology roadmap.

With regard to the four (4) MeerKAT antennas planned for installation, only one (1) was installed. The MeerKAT schedule was tight and under pressure, and the planned number of antennas installed by the contractor did not meet contractual specifications. The 2nd antenna is in progress and will be installed by 30 December 2014. The plan agreed to between the SKA project and the supplier is intended to have all four (4) antennae installed before the end of March 2015. Most technical risks are well covered, but the schedule remains under pressure. Recently, late delivery penalties were imposed on the contractor as per contractual obligations. High-level meetings were also held with the top management of the contractor to ensure that the four antennae are installed before the financial year ends.

In relation to number of new collaborative partnerships with private sector, only two of three planned technology solutions (Resyn technology) and collaborative partnerships (Mycotoxin Project) respectively could not be supported due to financial constraints arising from the funding commitments in relation to the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB).

Four of the planned nine concept documents (the Nuclear Energy Research Development and Innovation Strategy, Energy Storage Roadmap, the Solar Energy Technology Roadmap and the Energy Grand Challenge) were not finalised, because further consultation with key stakeholders was needed.

(b) Department strategies to address the unachieved targets of 2013/14 financial year

As part of responsible management, the department took a decision to track progress on targets that were not achieved during the previous year. In addition, the Executive Committee of the DST has adopted the following strategies to ensure better performance in the 2014-15 financial years:

· All departmental Programmes have developed an action plan to identify key milestones per quarter, with a view to identify early warning signs against those targets that are at risk of not being achieved.

· Progress with regard to the implementation of the action plan is regularly and rigorously monitored by the Monitoring and Evaluation unit of the Department in collaboration with the relevant Programmes and reported to the Executive Committee as part of the quarterly report.

The following are the activities done by Programme 2 to ensure effective performance:

· Capacity constraints at NIPMO have been addressed in a phased manner with most critical posts already filled and others in the process of being filled. The obligation to award the 24 identified institutions with rebates was rolled over and paid in the 2014/15 financial year.

· As for the gazetting of regulations on the Astronomy Advantage Area, concurrence has been obtained from ICASA and National Treasury, and draft regulations have been developed and are being vetted by the Department's legal services before being published for public comment. As for the MeerKAT, all other elements of the planned infrastructure, except for the 3 dishes, are on schedule.

· The Nuclear Energy Research Development and Innovation Strategy, Energy Storage Roadmap and the Solar Energy Technology Roadmap, the Energy Grand Challenge concept notes are all in the process of being finalised.

· Regarding the Mycotoxin and the Resyn projects, the Department will not be able to fund them based on funding constraints. Finally increased attention to contract and project management has also resulted in enhanced financial and non-financial monitoring of contracts and projects undertaken by external stakeholders.

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION NO. 2089

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2089) staff retention strategy

"2089 Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1) What is her department's staff retention strategy in light of the high percentage of resignations and expiry of employment contracts;

2) Have the resultant vacancies been filled, if not, by when will the vacancies be filled?

NW2557E

1) The department has an approved retention strategy. In the previous financial year 2013/14 the turnover rate in my department was 12% of which the bulk was due to expiry of short term employment contracts. The department does not experience a high turnover due to resignations. The department does not have a retention strategy, however, every effort is made to create a positive working environment and to offer development opportunities to our staff

2) All the positions have been advertised and most of the vacancies have been filled. It is difficult to indicate when all the vacancies will be filled due to difficulty in recruiting for positions in top management, critical and scare skills. However, I can assure you that my department will fill all vacant positions to ensure that my department meets its strategic objectives.

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION NO. 2086

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 October 2014 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 20-2014

"2086. Ms JF Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1) Why was the management of the S.A. Agulhas II transferred to the Department of Environmental Affairs;

2) Was the transfer due to a lack of financial resources; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

3) Can her department and entities reporting to her still use the research facilities on the S.A. Agulhas II? NW2553E

REPLY

1) The management of the S.A. Agulhas has always been with the Department of Environmental Affairs and has never been transferred to the Department of Science and Technology;

2) No, it has not been due to lack of financial resources as the acquisition and operation of the S.A. Agulhas II has always been managed by the Department of Environmental Affairs;

3) Through negotiations with the Department of Environmental Affairs, the South African research community is provided with access to the research facilities on the S.A. Agulhas.

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION NO. 2078

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21 -2014)

"2078. Mr C D Matsepe (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(a) How many copies of her Department's annual report for the (i) 2012-13 and (ii) 2013-14 financial years were produced and (b)(i) at what cost were these reports produced and (ii) to whom were these reports circulated?"

REPLY:

(a)(i) 1 500 copies of the Department of Science and Technology's 2012/13 Annual Report were produced.

(ii) 1 500 copies were produced for the 2013/14 financial year.

(b)(i) The production cost of the 2012/13 Annual Report was R303 141, including VAT, and the production cost of the 2013/14 Annual Report was R314 469, including VAT.

(ii) The reports were circulated to Parliament, National Treasury, the Auditor-General, legal deposit libraries and government departments.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2023

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2014: INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21-2014

"2023. Mr N P Khoza to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1) (a) What is the kind of Science and Technology future her department is aiming for when the majority of poor African children are learning in schools that have no laboratories and (b) what interaction is there with the Minister of Basic Education to address the shortcomings in Science and Technology teaching and learning in schools?"

NW2440E

REPLY:

1 (a)

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) aims for a knowledge-economy in which high-level science and technology skills drive research, development and innovation. This is pursued with postgraduate students originating from all schools, with or without laboratories, many of which use alternatives like micro-laboratory kits and mobile laboratory sets.

1 (b)

The Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Basic Education have a collaboration agreement which was signed in 2004. In the 2014/15 financial year, the two departments together with the Department of Higher Education and Training (i) have developed the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) support framework; and (ii) are collaborating towards the review of the National Strategy for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (NSMSTE). In February 2014, the DST adopted a framework for supporting basic education, which is already being implemented.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO 2022

"2022. Mr NP Khoza (EFF) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

"Whether she has found that the Government is taking adequate steps to produce enough researchers to be able to be at the forefront of science and technology innovation in Africa; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) amount has been set aside for research and development in the field of science and technology innovation and (b) steps her department is taking to develop and attract young black Africans in the area of research?"

NW2439E

REPLY

While Government has strategies and initiatives to produce researchers with sufficient skills and knowledge to enable South Africa (SA) to remain at the forefront of science and technology innovation in Africa, these cannot be said to be adequate. A lot still needs to be done, not only to remain at the forefront in Africa, but to be at the forefront globally, in some research areas and particularly in the research areas of our geographic advantage.

Several reports (Africa Innovation Outlook – 2012, Global Research Report – 2010, and UNESCO Institute for Statistics Information Bulletin) confirm that South Africa leads the continent in, for example, (i) the largest proportion of researchers per employed population in Africa, (ii) spending on research and development in US dollar terms (based on purchasing power parity), and (iii) the number of internationally recognised research outputs. South Africa comes a close second to Tunisia on the highest Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

While South Africa is at the forefront of R&D in Africa, a lot needs to be done to stay ahead as other countries in the continent are significantly increasing their R&D budgets. It is important to stress, though that as important as it may be for South Africa to comparative strengths to contribute to the continent's development by supporting other African countries in developing their science and technology systems.

(a) Amount set aside for research and development in science and technology innovation

Apart from the operational and running costs, over 90% of the DST's budget goes towards supporting R&D activities through both parliamentary grants and contact funding to DST entities. In the years 2013/14 to 2015/16, the DST's budget allocation is set to increase from R6.1b to R7.4b.

The Department has prioritised support for the development of research. In his regard, the total grants (both parliamentary and contract) to the National Research Foundation to support human capital development and research increased by 37% between 2012/13 and 2013/14 from R2.3b to R3.1b. These investments are set to continue, barring any budget cuts.

In addition, through its international Cooperation and Resources Programme, the Department leverages international support for South Africa's research. In one specific programme, the European Union (EU) Framework Programme 7 (FP7) and 2013. The Department intends to increase its benefit from the new EU – funded Horizon 2020 programme over the next six years.

(b) Steps the Department is taking to develop and attract young black Africans in the area of research

Annually the Department publishes career booklets to promote interest and participation in R&D careers. This targeted at both school learners and University students. This is an addition to a number of other science engagement and promotional activities such as the National Science Week (NSW), Olympiads and Competitions.

The Department provides bursaries, scholarships and fellowships to postgraduate students. In 2015/16, significantly improving the number of funded students and the average per capita bursary values.

To increase the numbers of black and women students, the Department developed the Ministerial Guidelines for improving Equity in the Distribution of Bursaries and Fellowships. The guidelines set clear equity targets for the NRF in terms of the percentage of students which should be funded (blacks (80%) and women (55%) by 2016.

The Department has a number of programmes aimed at developing young black and women researchers. These include programmes such as the Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship, Thuthuka, and the Research Career Advancement Fellowships.

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION NO 1953

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 OCTOBER 2014 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19-2014).

Mr JJ Mc Gluwa (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1. Did she stay at the Sun City Hotel in the North West during the Gupta wedding, if so, (a) who paid for the accommodation and (b) what was the cost?

(NW2336E)

REPLY:

1. No

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION NO 1896

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 OCTOBER 2014 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19-2014

"1896 Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

In view of the fact that up to a third of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is going to be retrenched, what (a) is the exact number of staff that will be retrenched, (b) are the specific reasons for the retrenchments, (c) role did the budget cuts play in the retrenchment decision, (d) process was followed to keep staff members informed of the decision and (e)(i) processes and (ii) criteria will be used to determine who the affected staff members will be?"

NW2278E

REPLY:

The Honourable Member, Dr Lotriet, states that '...the fact that a third of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is going to retrenched...' This statement is incorrect; as of the date of response, no decision has been taken by the Technology Innovation Agency's (TIA) Board on the number of TIA employees that will be retrenched.

a) At this time, there has been no determination as to the exact number of TIA staff members that will be retrenched.

b) The consultation process in regards to the TIA's organisational design is in progress. At this stage, two organisational designs have been communicated to TIA's staff for discussion as part of the consultation process. The reasons for the restructuring communicated to all staff members are as follows:

· Administration costs of almost 50% of the allocated Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF);

· Overlaps in functions;

· Ineffective structure;

· Significantly reduced MTEF allocation.

c) The TIA's budget allocation was reduced by National Treasury by R330 million over the 2014/15 – 2016/17 MTEF. The reduction in the TIA's MTEF allocation is one of the factors influencing the TIA's restructuring process.

d) All staff members were formally informed, both verbally and in a notice letter, of the Board's decision to initiate a restructuring process in accordance with Section 189A of the Labour Relations Act. Information sessions were held with staff to provide additional information and to clarify uncertainties.

e) The processes and criteria, to be used to determine affected staff members will be, are as follows:

(i.) Consultation facilitated by a Commissioner of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

(ii.) The criteria to be used to determine the affected staff members will be determined as part of the consultation processes.

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION NO 1754

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 SEPTEMBER 2014, INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18-2014

"1754. Mr A M Shaik Emam (NFP) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1) Whether her department intends to open science centres in rural areas in the 2014-15 financial year; (a) how many such centres will be opened, (b) in which provinces will they be located and (c) under which (i) district or (ii) local municipality will they be located?

NW2124E

REPLY

1. It is not part of the Department of Science and Technology's 2014/15 plan to establish or open any new science centre. However, the Department is continuing with the work started in the 2013/14 financial year to establish a science centre in Cofimvaba (Eastern Cape) as part of the Department's pilot programme called "Technology for Rural Education and Development". Currently, the Department funds programmes that provide operational support to more than 30 science centres spread across all nine provinces.

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION NO. 1745

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 SEPTEMBER 2014, INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18-2014

"1745 Ms D Carter (COPE) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) Whether her department has totally abandoned the prestige Joule electric car project as well as the prestige Pebble Bed Modular Reactor project after nearly R7 billion was spent on each project; if not, what is the current status of each project; if so, (a) why was so much injected into these projects without them achieving the desired outcome and (b) what are the further relevant details?"

NW2111E

REPLY:

Joule

1. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and its agencies (Innovation Fund and Technology Innovation Agency) invested a total of R128 million towards the research, development and pre-commercialisation requirements of the Joule. An additional R119 million was invested by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in pre-commercialisation activities. To take the project to commercialisation, major capital investments and government policy interventions were required.

The government agencies responsible for the commercialisation and industrialisation actions for the Joule decided, after review and evaluation, not to proceed with the commercialisation phases. The decision was based on a number of factors, including TIA's and the IDC's unsuccessful efforts to raise a capital investment of R10 billion (2011 figures); the failure to attract a strategic equity partner for the initiative, and the low adoption rate of electric vehicles globally.

As part of these developments, the DST contributed to the Department of Trade and Industry's (the dti) development of the electric vehicle roadmap that seeks to develop the country's technical capabilities and provides different investment incentives for the electric vehicle industry. Further, using the assets and know-how from the Joule project, the TIA has set up a product development and testing platform at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University to support local component manufacturing. The tangible assets (Joule prototype cars and battery testing infrastructure) are part of the uYilo Mobility programme together with relevant experts. Some of the Joule experts are also employed by Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) under the fuel cell powered vehicle key programme.

REPLY:

PBMR

2. The Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) Pty Ltd is an entity under the executive authority of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE,the Department of Science and Technology did not spend any funds on the PBMR.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO. 1641

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1641) VACANT POSTS IN THE DEPARTMENT

"1193 Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(a) Which posts in her department are vacant in the (i) highly skilled, (iii) highly skilled supervision and (iii) senior and top management levels and (b) in each case, what has been the duration of the vacancy?

NW1431E

(a) (i) Highly skilled.

Assistant Director: Cluster Administration.

Assistant Director: Administration.

Assistant Director: Monitoring and Evaluation.

Assistant Director: Information Technology Infrastructure.

Assistant Director: Help Desk Support.

Deputy Director: Innovation Partnerships and Projects

Deputy Director: Astronomy Desk.

Deputy Director: Race, Gender and Disability.

(ii) Highly skilled supervision

Deputy Director: Financial Accounting.

Deputy Director: Records Management.

Deputy Director: Information Technology Security.

Deputy Director: Business Analyst.

Deputy Director: Strategic Partnerships.

(iii) Senior and Top Management levels.

Deputy Director-General (DDG): Institutional Planning and Support.

Head: National Advisory Council on Innovations (DDG level).

Chief Financial Officer (Chief Director level).

Director: Management Accounting.

Director: Human Resources Sourcing and Maintenance.

Director: Global Projects.

Director: Sustainable Human Settlements.

(b)

Position	Months vacant

Assistant Director: Cluster Administration.	6
Assistant Director: Administration.	3
Assistant Director: Monitoring and Evaluation.	1
Assistant Director: Information Technology Infrastructure.	9
Assistant Director: Help Desk Support.	5
Deputy Director: Innovation Partnerships and Projects.	1
Deputy Director: Astronomy Desk.	9
Deputy Director: Race, Gender and Disability.	2
Deputy Director: Financial Accounting.	6
Deputy Director: Records Management.	2
Deputy Director: Information Technology Security.	4
Deputy Director: Business Analyst.	9
Deputy Director: Strategic Partnerships.	2
Deputy Director-General (DDG): Institutional Planning and Support.	6
Head: National Advisory Council on Innovations.	19
Chief Financial Officer (Chief Director level).	8
Director: Management Accounting.	6
Director: Human Resources Sourcing and Maintenance.	5
Director: Global Projects.	10
Director: Sustainable Human Settlements.	18

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO 1519

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 SEPTEMBER 2014: INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16-2014

"1519 Ms T STANDER (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entities reporting to her sponsored any political party (i) advertisement, (ii) events and/or (iii) paraphernalia in the (aa) 2011-12, (bb) 2012-13 financial years; if so, (aaa) for which political party and (bbb) what was the monetary value of the sponsorship in each case?"

NW1889E

REPLY:

(a) The Department and (b) the entities reporting to the Minister did not sponsor any political party (i) advertisement, (ii) events and (ii) paraphernalia in the (aa) 2011/12 and (bb) 2012/13 financial years.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO 1489

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (18 September 2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16 - 2014)

"Mr MW Greyling (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) What is the quantum of funds spent by her department on all advertising for each financial year between 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available

(NW1855E)

REPLY:

The expenditure on all advertising for each of the financial years between 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date is as follows:

Item	2010/11 R'000	2011/12 R'000	2012/13 R'000	2013/14 R'000	2014/15 Expenditure as at 31/08/2014 R'000
Advert: Promotional Item	793	15	99	875	197
Advert: Marketing	11,858	13,006	14,235	13 508	5 104
Advert: Recruitment	1,097	801	496	1,772	37
Advert: Tenders	450	214	129	311	140
Total	14 198	14 036	14 959	16 466	5 478

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO. 1456

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 164: TRAVEL AGENTS USED BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE APRIL 2012 AND QUANTAM OF FUNDS SPENT

"1456. Mr G MACKAY (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(a) Which travel agents has her department used during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what is the quantum of funds spent with each of the specified travel agents in the period?

NW 1822E

REPLY:

(a) Travel with Flair

(b) Quantum of funds spent

Travel Agent	Financial year	Amount
Travel with Flair	April 2012 to March 2013	R 2 804 411, 26
Travel with Flair	April 2013 to March 2014	R 2 905 122, 12
Travel with Flair	April 2014 to August 2014	R 1 331 245, 67

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO. 1283

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (5 SEPTEMBER 2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1283): PROCESSING OF COMPANY APPLICATIONS FOR THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAMME

"1283 DR A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) What is the average time it takes for a company to be informed whether its application for approval for the Research and Development (R&D) tax incentive programme has been successful or not;

(2) (a) how many companies have applied for approval for the R&D tax incentive programme from 1 January 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) with regard to these applications, (i) how many have been successful, (ii) what have been the main reasons for unsuccessful applications and (iii) what is the breakdown in industry sectors of the (aa) successful and (bb) unsuccessful?

REPLY:

(1) The turnaround time for providing a decision to companies varies and is far from ideal. Factors that impact on turnaround times include the quality of information submitted by companies, the nature of the R&D project(s) and the complexity of assessment and adjudication processes that must be followed. In addition the DST received 182 applications with 1591 projects in the month of October 2012 alone (the date on which the pre-approval process was introduced). This resulted in a build up of a backlog which had a knock on effect on applications for the subsequent years. The DST has put in place measures to address the backlog so that the turnaround time can be a maximum of 120 days from the date of receipt of the application starting in the 2015/16 financial year.

(2) (a) The system of assessing the R&D tax incentive programme changed in October 2012. The pre-approval process only applies from 1 October 2012 onwards. Between 1 January 2012 and 30 September 2012 (the pre-existing process) 188 companies submitted their forms to DST. From 1 October 2012 to 31 August 2014: 535 companies applied for pre-approval of these:

(b) (i) 89 companies have had all of their applications approved, 63 companies have a combination of successful and unsuccessful projects, 180 companies were unsuccessful with all their projects and 203 companies are still to be adjudicated.

(ii) The main reasons for unsuccessful applications are that companies fail to demonstrate that their projects:

· Constitute systematic, investigative or systematic experimental activities for which the results are uncertain as required by Section 11D(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act.

· Activities would develop or significantly improve any invention, design, computer program or knowledge as required by Section 11D(1)(b) of the Income Tax Act .

· Activities are innovative as required by Section 11D(9) of the Income Tax Act.

(iii) Breakdown in industry sectors

Industry Sector	Total Number of companies that applied =(A)+(B)+(C)+(D)	(iii)(aa) Number of companies with all projects successful (A)	(iii)(bb) Number of companies with all projects unsuccessful (B)	Number of companies with both successful and unsuccessful projects (C)	Number of companies still to be adjudicated. (D)
Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing	24	9	1	0	14
Mining and Quarrying	30	8	5	8	9
Manufacturing	238	47	65	39	87
Electricity, Gas and Water Supply	12	2	3	3	4
Construction	6	0	3	0	3
Wholesale & Retail Trade	5	0	0	0	5
Transport, Storage & Communication	28	3	10	3	12
Financial Intermediation, Real Estate & Business Services	187	19	93	10	65
Community, Social and Personal Services	5	1	0	0	4
TOTALS	535	89	180	63	203

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO. 1193

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 AUGUST 2014: (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12-2014): MINISTERIAL SPECIAL ADVISORS

"1193. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1) Whether (a) she and (b) the Deputy Minister has each employed a ministerial special advisor; if so,

2) (a) what is the name of the special advisor, (b) when was the advisor appointed, (c) what are the duties of the advisor, (d) at what post level was the appointment made (e) what is the salary level of the advisor, (f) what is the duration of the employment contract entered into with the advisor and (g) why was it necessary to appoint the advisor?

NW1431E

1. (a) Yes.

(b) No.

2. (a) Dr L Msengana-Ndlela and Dr K Mokhele.

(b) Dr L Msengana-Ndlela was appointed on 1 July 2014, Dr K Mokhele was appointed 1 August 2014.

(c) The appointment of special advisors to executive authorities is regulated by section 12A of the Public Service Act, 1994 and the dispensation approved by the national Cabinet in terms of section 12A. Dr L Msengana-Ndlela and Dr K Mokhele act in an advisory capacity and have been appointed in terms of the Public Service Act (section 12 A (1)):

· To advise the Executing Authority on the exercise or performance of the Executing Authority's powers and duties;

· To advise the Executing Authority on the development of policy that will promote the relevant department's objectives; or

· To perform such other tasks as may be appropriate in respect of the Executing authority's powers and duties.

(d) The Ministerial Handbook together with Cabinet approved dispensation provides guidelines for the determination of the salary level of the Special Advisors. It should be indicated that the salary scales of individual is an employee and employer confidential agreement. The information is however accessible through the Audit process.

(e)The salary of the advisor is available for audit purpose.

(f) The duration of the contract has been agreed upon between the Special Adviser and the Executing Authority. Regardless of the contract period, the contract will terminate at the end of the month following the month that the Executive Authority vacates office for any reason.

(g) To advise the Executing Authority on the:

· exercise or performance of the Executing Authority's powers and duties;

· To advise the Executing Authority on the development of policy that will promote the relevant department's objectives; or

· To perform such other tasks as may be appropriate in respect of the Executing authority's powers and duties.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO. 975

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 22 AUGUST 2014; QUESTION PAPER 5-2014

"975 Ms JF Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

With regard to the formation of the new National Research Foundation (NRF) board, when will the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology be consulted about the candidates for the board?"

NW1125E

REPLY:

The National Research Foundation Act, 1998 (Act No 23 of 1998) as amended by the Science and Technology Laws Amendment Act, 2014 (Act No. 7 of 2014) does not require the Minister to consult the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology on the candidates anymore.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION 974

"974. J F TERBLANCHE to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(a) What will be spent in the 2014-15 financial year to ensure the proper functioning and preservation of collections at museum that fall under the custodianship of her department?

NW1125E

REPLY

QUESTION 974 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: MS JF TERBLANCHE (DA): 2014-15 SPENDING: PROPER FUNCTIONING AND PRESERVATION OF COLLECTIONS AT MUSEUMS FALLING UNDER THE DST

(a) No museums fall under the custodianship of the Department of Science and Technology. Nonetheless, the Department believes the preservation of collections at museums to be important, and has budgeted R4 million in 2014/15 and also in 2015/16 for this purpose.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION NO 816

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (25-07-2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 06 -2014)

"816. Dr A Loriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

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?

NW903E

REPLY:

1. Neither the Minister, the Deputy Minister, the Director-General or any of their staff accepted or received tickets to the 2014 Soccer World Cup.

2. Not applicable.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION NO. 767

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER (25-07-2014)(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 06-2014)

"767. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(a) How many (i) judgements 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) awaiting implementation by her department and (ii) what was the nature of the (aa) judgment and/or court order?".

NW785E

REPLY:

1(a)(i): The following judgements made against the department during the financial years hereunder:

(aa) 2010 - 11: 0;

(bb) 2011-12: 0;

(cc) 2012 -13: 0;

(dd) 2013-14: 1 (Stuart Lyewellyn Morgan v Minister of Science and Technology and Ralph Richard Sasman).

1(a)(ii): The following court orders were made against the department during the financial years hereunder:

(aa) 2010 - 11: 0;

(bb) 2011 - 12: 0;

(cc) 2012 - 13: 0;

(dd) 2013 - 14: 0.

1(b)(i)(aa): 1 judgement has been implemented and no court orders were implemented (i.e. 0).

1(b)(i)(bb): No judgments are awaiting implementation (i.e. 0) and no court order are awaiting implementation(i.e. 0).

1(b)(ii)(aa): In Stuart Lyewellyn Morgan v Minister of Science and Technology, and Ralph Richard Sasman it was a judgement by default against the defendants for the payment of R25 609.67.

1(b)(ii)(bb): No details as to the nature of court orders as there were no court orders.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO 704

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 JULY 2014 INTERNAL PAPER NO. 6 - 2014

"704 Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1) (a) Whether her department has implemented any of the recommendations contained in the review report of the panel appointed by her predecessor, Mr Derek Hanekom, to conduct an external institutional review of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in November 2012; if not, why not; if so, (a) which recommendations and (b) what is the status of the implementation of the recommendations?

NW788E

REPLY:

1) (a) In response to the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Review, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), together with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), developed actions to address the 12 recommendations made in the Review report.

(b) Both the DST and the TIA have responded to all the Review recommendations.

See the link: http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw704-140902recomend

QUESTION 627 NO. 05-2014

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (25 JULY 2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 05 – 2014)

"627. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

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

(2) In respect of each specified booking, what was the (a) date, (b) name of 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?

NW 710E

REPLY

(1) (a) International

i	(aa) Workshops	(bb) Seminars	(cc) Oversight Visits	(dd) Portfolio Committee
i	None	None	None	None
ii	(aa) Workshops	(bb) Seminars	(cc) Oversight Visits	(dd) Portfolio Committee
ii	None	None	None	None
iii	(aa) Workshops	(bb) Seminars	(cc) Oversight Visits	(dd) Portfolio Committee
iii	2	None	None	None

(1) (b) Domestic

i	(aa) Workshops	(bb) Seminars	(cc) Oversight Visits	(dd) Portfolio Committee
i	None	None	None	None
ii	(aa) Workshops	(bb) Seminars	(cc) Oversight Visits	(dd) Portfolio Committee
ii	None	None	None	None
iii	(aa) Workshops	(bb) Seminars	(cc) Oversight Visits	(dd) Portfolio Committee
	16	1	3	8

2. Details of the bookings see the link: http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw627-140911destination

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO.598

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 July 2014 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.05-2014): PRIVATE COMPANY CONTRACTED TO MAINTAIN POT PLANTS IN THE DEPARTMENT

"598 DR A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1) Whether, with reference reply to question 191 on 1 July 2014, a private company is contracted to maintain pot plants in the building of her department, if so, (a) which company, (b) what is the duration of the contract and (c) what is the total cost of the contract;

2) Has the same company been contracted for more than one year; if so, for how many years?

NW681E

REPLY:

1 (a) The company that is contracted to maintain pot plants in the Department of Science and Technology is Mindset Trading 30 (PTY) LTD.

(b) The contract is for a period of one year (April 2014 to 31 March 2015).

2. The company has not been contracted for more than one year.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION No. 597

"597. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology?

1. Whether any of the neutron monitors in (a) Hermanus, (b) Potchefstroom and (c) the SA National Antarctic Expedition (Sanae) base in Antarctica have been upgraded since they were assembled; if not, why not; if so, when;

2. Are there any plans to upgrade the neutron monitors, if not, why not; if so, when, in each case?

NW680E

REPLY

1. The neutron monitors at (a) Hermanus, (b) Potchefstroom and (c) SANAE IV have not been upgraded. They have not been upgraded because the analysis of the data generated from different instruments in concert produces enhanced scientific yield. The only thing that needs to be maintained is the expertise and capacity to develop and adapt the use of the current instruments.

2. There are currently no plans to upgrade any of the monitors. Scientists involved in the discipline have indicated that the only major requirements are in data computing capacity. The DST has the National Equipment Programme that is implemented by the National Research Foundation, and which can be used by the scientific community should there be a need to upgrade any research infrastructure.

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION No. 366

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 March 2014 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 06 - 2014

"366. Dr JC Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

Whether the National Research Foundation in collaboration with dentists has done any research on the water quality in Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp to determine whether uranium deposits coming from the Wonderfontein Spruit are feeding into the Mooi River?

NW420E

REPLY:

No research has been funded or conducted by the National Research Foundation (NRF), in collaboration with dentists that looks specifically at uranium and water pollution.

The Water Research Commission (WRC), a close partner of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on issues of water research, development and innovation, has supported research activities to determine the water quality and the levels of uranium and heavy metal pollution in the Wonderfontein Spruit and Mooi River. A number of articles and reports were published by the WRC on this subject. There is, however, no specific collaboration with dentists mentioned in these studies. All of these documents are freely available on the WRC website and can also be found via an internet search on their titles (listed in Appendix 1).

Appendix 1: Question 366

The WRC documents most relevant to answering Question 366 are listed below:

· Uranium pollution of the Wonderfonteinspruit, 1997-2008, Part 1: Uranium toxicity, regional background and mining-related sources of uranium pollution; Winde F: 2010/04/28

· Uranium pollution of the Wonderfonteinspruit, 1997-2008, Part 2: Uranium in water – concentrations, loads and associated risks; Winde F: 2010/04/28

· Overview of the influences of mining-related pollution on the water quality of the Mooi River system's reservoirs, using basic statistical analyses and self organised mapping; Barnard S; Venter A; Van Ginkel CE: 2013/10/11

· Tier 1 risk assessment of selected radionuclides in sediments of the Mooi River catchment; Wade PW; Woodborne S; Morris WM; Vos P; Jarvis NV; 2008/01/11.

· Heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) in mudfish and sediments from three hard-water dams of the Mooi River catchment, South Africa; van Aardt WJ; Erdmann R: 2004/04/01

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION No. 361

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 March 2014 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 06 - 2014

"361. Mrs JF Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

1) What is his department's involvement with the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) project;

2) Is the National Research Foundation involved in the project; if so, what are the relevant details?"

NW415E

REPLY:

1. The involvement of the Department of Science and Technology (DST)

in the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) project in South Africa, has been through:

i) its entity – the National Research Foundation (NRF) – where one of its officials served on the Steering Committee of iBOL.

ii) funding via the South African Biosystematics Initiative (SABI) for a third barcoding workshop that was held from 30 September to 1 October 2010.

The DST formed a new programme in 2011 called the Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme (FBIP) by consolidating various biodiversity programmes it had been supporting previously. The iBOL activities are part of this new programme. The mission of the FBIP is to enable the generation and dissemination of foundational biodiversity information that is needed and used for the Green Economy and for decision-making to ensure sustainable livelihoods in South Africa. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) manages the overall implementation of the programme while the National Research Foundation (NRF) takes care of the project proposal review and grant allocation processes of the FBIP.

Under FBIP, researchers are invited to submit proposals for either large integrated projects (not limited to barcoding), which are funded up to R2 million per annum for 3 years, or for small grants of up to R100 000 per annum. For example, in 2013, one large integrated project on marine biodiversity was selected for funding, and this project includes barcoding of marine species.

2. The National Research Foundation is involved in barcoding activities in the country through its entity, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) where South Africa's fish species are currently being barcoded. Furthermore, the NRF and the South African National Biodiversity Institute acted as receiving institutions where a document supporting the establishment of a barcording programme in South Africa was submitted. In addition, a number of key individuals from the two institutions were nominated to serve as members of the interim Steering Committee appointed to implement the initial phases of the strategy for establishing iBOL in South Africa.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO 348

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (17 JUNE 2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 02 -2014)

348. Mr K S Mubu (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) What are the details of all flowers purchased by her department of each year between 1 April 2009 up to 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 is 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 costs of each purchase;

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

NW430E

REPLY:

1. Details of flowers purchased

Financial Year	Amount
2009/2010	None
2010/2011	None
2011/2012	None
2012/2013	R12842.00
2013/2014	R 395.00

2. Details of address, name of office, whose benefit and the value are here on this link: http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw348-140915names

3. Details of the names, relationship to Minister, relationship to Department, cost of each purchase are here on this link: http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw348-140915department

4. (a) There is no contractual arrangements to purchase flowers by the Department.

(b) The Department purchase flowers as and when there is need to do so.

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO. 316

DATE OF PUBLICATION INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (27-06-2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 02 - 2014)

316 MR K S Mubu (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

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 the 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 the 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? NW397E

REPLY

1. None

2. (a) None (b) None (c) None.

3. None.

4. (a) None (b) None (c) None.

5. (a) None (b) None (c) None (d) None.

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO. 282

DATE OF PUBLICATION INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (27-06-2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 02 - 2014)

282 MR K S Mubu (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

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

2) (a) What is the make (i), (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? NW362E

REPLY

1 None.

2 a (i) None a (ii) None a (iii) None a (iv) None.

b. None.

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO.191

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (17-06-2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 01 -2014)

"157. Ms TZ Hadebe (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

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) 2009-2010-11,(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 the maintenance of these pot plants in future?"

NW241E

REPLY:

1(a) The expenditure incurred for the maintenance of indoor plants supplied to the DST building is broken down as follows:

(i) (aa) 2009-2010-11 (R487,710.12).

(cc) 2011-2012 (R225,796.47).

(dd) 2012-13 (R240,555.96).

(ee) 2013-2014 (R120,278).

(ii) 1 April 2014 (R90,000).

1(b) Auxiliary Services would like to indicate that the department does not supply indoor plants to the Official Residence of the Minister and that this function lies with the Department of Public Works.

2(a)(i) The indoor plants are currently procured for the Department of Science and Technology, located at Building 53, CSIR Campus, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria.

(ii) The indoor plants are displayed at the reception area, pause areas, open plan areas and cellular offices.

(b) All DST officials benefit from indoor plants.

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO 157

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (17 JUNE 2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1-2014)

"157. Ms LV James (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(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 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?"

NW171E

REPLY:

Financial Year	(a) Irregular expenditure	(b) Wasteful expenditure
2009/2010	0.00	0.00
2010/2011	1 366 439.78	55 000.00
2011/2012	1 507 193.07	R60 220.00
2012/2013	569 354.00	0.00

(a) Irregular expenditure			(b) Wasteful expenditure
(i) (aa) Description	(bb) Value	(cc) Action taken	(i) (aa) Description	(bb) Value	(cc) Action taken
2009/2010			2009/2010
Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable

2010/2011			2010/2011
Non compliance with procurement processes	641 147.68	None	Official of the department passed away while he is still busy with a training paid by the department.	55 000.00	None
Non compliance with procurement processes	725 292.10	None

2011/2012			2011/2012
Non compliance with procurement processes	1 146 850.87	None	Foreign guests failed to attend a workshop arranged by the department.	60 220.00	None
Non compliance with procurement processes	324 751.00	None
Non compliance with procurement processes	35 591.20	None

2012/2013			2012/2013
Non compliance with procurement processes	86 070.00	None	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Non compliance with procurement processes	95 646.00	None
Non compliance with procurement processes	88 678.00	None
Non compliance with procurement processes	298 960.00	None

(a) Irregular expenditure		(b) Wasteful expenditure
(ii) (aa) How much has been recovered?	(bb) from whom?	(ii) (aa) How much has been recovered?	(bb) from whom?
2009/2010		2009/2010
None, there was no loss to the department.	None	Not applicable	Not applicable

2010/2011		2010/2011
None, there was no loss to the department.	None	None	None

2011/2012		2011/2012
None, there was no loss to the department.	None	None	None

2012/2013		2012/2013
None, there was no loss to the department.	None	Not applicable	Not applicable

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO 125

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (17-06-2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 01 -2014)

"125. Mr G Mackay (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(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 permissible purchases for which the credit cards may be used and (d) may alcoholic beverages be purchases;

(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?" NW136E

REPLY:

1. (a) There is no official credit card issued to the Minister.

(b) There are no official credit cards issued to the Minister's staff.

2. (a)(i) Not applicable	(ii) Not applicable
(b)(i) Not applicable	(ii) Not applicable
(c) Not applicable	(d) Not applicable
(a)(i) Not applicable	(ii) Not applicable
(b)(i) Not applicable	(ii) Not applicable
(iii) Not applicable
(c)(i)(aa) Not applicable	(bb)(ii) Not applicable

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO. 92

DATE OF PUBLICATION INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (17-06-2014) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 461-2013)

92. Mr C Mackenzie (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(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? NW136E

REPLY

1) a) (i) (aa) none ,(bb) none or (cc) none(Naledi Pandor), and

(ii) (aa) none,(bb) none or (cc) 15(Derek Hannekom).

b) (i) (aa) none ,(bb) none or (cc) none(Naledi Pandor); and

(ii) (aa) none,(bb) none or (cc) 74(Derek Hannekom).

2) Please see the link for reply: http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw92-140702international

Reply received: February 2014

QUESTION NO. 47

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 February 2014; QUESTION PAPER NO. 1 - 2014

"47. Dr JC Kloppers-Lourens to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(1) How much does his department 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 is his department going to use in each case and (b) who is the service provider to be used;

(3) what is the main message that his department plans to communicate during this time?"

NW48E

REPLY:

(1) The Department of Science and Technology has spent/plans to spend the following amounts on advertising, communication and marketing for the period 1 January 2014 to 30 April 2014:

(a)Advertising	(b) Communication	(c) Marketing
R139 800,00 February	no funds allocated under this item	R153 900,00 February
R40 116,60 February	no funds allocated under this item	R113 822,73 February
R20 000,00 February	no funds allocated under this item
		R47 504,61 March
		R125 902,16 March

(i) The total amount spent and to be spent is R641 046,10.

(ii) The breakdown for the advertising, communication and marketing is provided for above in (a), (b) and (c).

(2) (a) The Department of Science and Technology plans to use media that have the widest possible reach to the majority of South Africans, namely radio, print media, online media and social media. There are, however, no costs associated with social media.

(b) The DST uses registered service providers with regards to media houses. For the period in question, the SABC, Independent Newspapers, Two Touch Media, Scifest Africa and Oasis have been contracted as service providers.

(3) The key message for the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial meeting, which was held from 9 to 10 February 2014, was based on the theme of the meeting: "BRICS science, technology and innovation cooperation: A strategic partnership for equitable growth and sustainable development".

Key messages in promoting science and technology were the use of science and technology for socio-economic development, as well as highlighting our investment in and building of world-class STI infrastructure in South Africa. The focus during the period in question will be on the launch of the first dish of the MeerKAT, the 64-dish precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope.

During February and March, the Department will be highlighting the message of human capital development when the Deputy President officiates at the announcement of the 54 additional Chairs in the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), and the announcement of five new Centres of Excellence in:

· Minerals and Energy;

· Scientometrics and STI Policy

· Food Security,

· Child development and Livelihoods; and

· Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.

2014-03-03

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