Question & Replies No 201 to 225

2009-07-17

Search this file by selecting Ctrl + F on your keyboard

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

QUESTION 201

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13/10/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 21-2009)

Rev K R J Meshoe (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

Whether her department intends replacing outcomes-based education (OBE); if not, why not; if so, when? NO2109E

REPLY:

In July 2009 the Minister of Education appointed a team of curriculum experts to review problems with the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement. Over 500 written submissions were received on this matter and the Review Team conducted hearings and interviews with over 200 teachers. The recommendations of teachers and the Review Team are being considered by the Department of Education and the Minister will make a statement on the National Curriculum Statement and support for its implementation by the end of October 2009.

QUESTION No. 202: NW249E

Mr Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans to:

1. In respect of each specified aircraft in Squadron 21 of the SA Air Force, (a) how many (i) international and (ii) national flights were undertaken during the period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009, (b) in respect of each flight (i) what was the (aa) departure date and (bb) arrival date, (ii) who were the passengers on each flight, (iii) what was the (aa) total cost and (BB) breakdown of such costs in respect of each flight and (iv) what was the ( aa) total number of flying hours in respect of each flight and (e) what proportion of the total number of flying hours for fixed wing aircraft budgeted for in the 2008-2009 financial year does the total number of flying hours specified above represent?

REPLY:

21 Squadron Aircraft Type	No of Flights		Hours	Cost
21 Squadron Aircraft Type	National	International	Hours	Cost
Boeing BBJ	37	28	488.6	RM 9.77
Falcon F900	50	25	458.0	RM 7.68
Falcon F50	20	13	290.3	RM 4.54
Citation C550	33	16	225.5	RM 2.73
TOTAL			1 462.4	RM 24.72
PERCENTAGE OF FLYING HOURS			17.8%

QUESTION NUMBER: 202

DATE FOR PUBLICATION: 28 OCTOBER 2009

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 28 OCTOBER 2009

MRS D.M. Ramodibe (ANC) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:

(1) Why (a) did South Africa not submit the required country progress reports to the United Nations in terms of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in (i) 2001 and (ii) 2005 and (b) were country reports submitted late:

(2) Who is responsible for verifying the accuracy and relevance of information reflected in the country report:

(3) What measures are in place to ensure that (a) future reports are submitted timeously and (b) they meet all requirements as set out by the CEDAW Committee;

(4) What has been the progress in implementing the provisions of CEDAW?

NO2357E

REPLY:

As the Honourable MP Ramodibe will be aware, I have only assumed office as the Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities in May 2009, following the announcement by H.E. .President Zuma of the establishment of this Ministry.

When I arrived in Office, I was briefed by the former Office on the Status of Women that the South African CEDAW Report: Progress made on the implementation of the Convention for the period 1998 to 2008 has been submitted to the United Nations CEDAW Committee in January 2009, following its adoption by Cabinet in September 2008.

I have been made aware that this comprehensive report in effect covers the period 1998-2008 which also addressed the reporting backlog/requirements for 2001(second report), 2005 (third report) and the fourth report (due on 14 January 2009).

I am therefore in no position to render any explanation as to why Progress Reports on the implementation of CEDAW were not made in 2001 and 2005, which were under my previous colleagues. A new Director for the Office on the Status of Women was appointed in November 2007, who subsequently embarked on the development of this comprehensive report that addressed the backlog, as well as meeting the deadline of the fourth report which was due in January 2009.The next CEDAW report is due on 14 January 2012. It is our intention to meet this deadline timeously.

(2) Who is responsible for verifying the accuracy and relevance of information reflected in the country report;

Response

The CEDAW Report was drafted with the inputs from the various National Departments and Provincial OSW Coordinators, and the draft documents have been through a number of validation meetings, including a presentation of the draft to the Joint Monitoring Committee on the Improvement to the Quality of Life and Status of Women on the 16^th May 2008, as well as to the Women's Parliament held in the National Parliament in August 2008. In addition the report has been forwarded through the Social Cluster in August 2008 and presented to Cabinet in September 2008. Thereafter, the report was resent to all national departments and to Stats SA for verification of data. Following this process, the report was tabled before Cabinet for adoption on the 17 September 2008. This Cabinet approved document was launched in November 2009 under the lead of the former Minister in the Presidency, Dr. Manto Tshabala-Msimang, whereupon, the public was allowed the opportunity to input into the report. All amendments were subsequently made and the report was submitted through the Former Minister of Foreign Affairs to the UN CEDAW Committee.

Verification of data has been done through the relevant departments as well as through Stats SA.

(3) What measures are in place to ensure that (a) future reports are submitted timeously and (b) they meet all requirements as set out by the CEDAW Committee;

Response

As the honourable MP Ramodibe may be aware, there have been a number of challenges regarding the timeous submission of reports by the previous Office on the Status of Women, given its inadequate human capacity and limited financial resources.

However, I can with certainty inform the Honourable MP that following the organizational structure that we are putting forward for the establishment of the Department for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, special directorates focusing on compliance and reporting especially to sub-regional, regional, and international organizations on the progress made in implementing our global commitments will be established. These directorates will focus particularly on ensuring that South Africa meets its international targets and deadlines, thereby ensuring our compliance with our commitments, viz. to the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, the AU Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, the Beijing Platform for Action, the CEDAW, the MDGs and the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality 2005-2015.

(4) What has been the progress in implementing the provisions of CEDAW?

Response

South Africa has made tremendous progress in terms of implementing the articles of CEDAW. These achievements are outlined in the CEDAW Report which is currently on the government website for public perusal.

In addition, the report also highlights the challenges and gaps in implementation and puts forward recommendations in some regards towards addressing these. The CEDAW Reporting process has allowed us to analyze critically the situation of women in the country and every effort has been made to present a transparent and realistic picture of the achievements, best practices, challenges and ongoing commitments and measures needed to advance the cause of women. The report also provides a response to General Recommendations 12 and 19 of the CEDAW Convention on violence against women and girls.

As the report is too comprehensive to do justice to it in such an oral reply, I urge the Honourable Members of Parliament to read the report fully so that it will allow us to make informed decisions regarding women's empowerment and gender equality in the future.

QUESTION NO: 203

QUESTION PAPER NO 3: 19 JUNE 2009

DATE SUBMITTED: 22 JULY 2009

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

(1) (a) How many correctional centres are overcrowded and (b) with what percentage in each case;

(2) whether she has taken or intends taking any steps to relieve overcrowding in correctional centres; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW250E

(1) (a) As at 30 April 2009, 188 correctional centres were overcrowded.

(b) The percentage in each case is contained in the detailed list attached Here

(2) The Department of Correctional Services developed a multi-pronged strategy to alleviate overcrowding in correctional centres. This strategy consists of the following eight dimensions:

§ Managing levels of awaiting trial detainees (ATD's) through the Integrated Justice System Case Management Task Team and Inter-Sectoral Committee on Child Justice.

§ Managing levels of sentenced inmates through improving effective and appropriate use of conversion of sentences to community correctional supervision, release on parole and transfers between correctional centres to attempt to establish some degree of evenness of overcrowding.

§ Ensuring progress with DCS capital works programme to upgrade our facilities and to build new correctional centres that are both cost effective and rehabilitation oriented.

§ Encouraging debate in South Africa about reasons for incarceration as a sentence and encouraging an approach to appropriate sentencing that is focused on facilitating rehabilitation.

§ Enhancing community correctional supervision so that it can be better utilised as an appropriate sentence for less serious crimes.

§ Improving correction and development programmes within DCS to ensure enhanced facilitation of rehabilitation that targets offending behaviour in a manner which the Department has not previously undertaken.

§ Encouraging improvement of first and second levels of correction in families, social institutions as well as social and economic sector government departments respectively to decrease the rate of entry into the criminal justice system.

§ Encouraging community involvement in social reintegration of offenders back into their communities in order to assist in reducing levels of repeat offending.

QUESTION NO: 204

QUESTION PAPER NO 3: 19 JUNE 2009

DATE SUBMITTED: 24 AUGUST 2009

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

Whether, with reference to the replies to Question 13 on 17 March 2005 and Question 776 on 4October 2004, any progress has been made to ensure that all correctional centers conform to the regulations in respect of (a) floor space, (b) cubic capacity, (c) lighting, (d) ventilation, (e) sanitary installations and (f) general health conditions as published in the Government Gazette No 26626 of 30 July 2004; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW251E

REPLY

The department is engaged in upgrading and replacement programmes on its facilities to conform to the relevant statutory regulations. The new generation "blueprint" was developed to outline the minimum requirements for all sections of the correctional centre that are compliant with the National Building Regulations.

The following correctional facilities were either repaired and renovated or upgraded in the past 10 years with the primary aim of creating a conducive environment for those entrusted in the department's care in line with the designed accommodation capacity:

§ Klerksdorp

§ Pietermaritzburg

§ Qalakabusha

§ Ebongweni

§ Malmesbury

§ Emthonjeni

§ Voorberg

§ Kranskop

§ Obiqua

§ Wolmaransstad

§ Greytown

§ Brandfort

§ Hoopstad

§ Ventersburg

§ Virginia

§ Harrismith

The following facilities are currently under construction and on completion will comply with the National Building Regulations:

§ Kimberley

§ Van Rhynsdorp

§ Brandvlei Med. B

§ Warmbokkeveld

Tenders for Tzaneen Correctional Centre close at the end of June 2009.

The following facilities are under planning upgrading and replacement and will meet the necessary requirements at completion:

§ Standerton

§ Estcourt

§ Nongoma

§ Nkandla

§ Ingwavuma

§ Maphumulo

§ Parys

§ Burgersdorp

§ Calvinia

§ Zeerust

The status of the other facilities not mentioned does not necessarily mean that they do not comply, but are not verified at the moment. The Department plans to audit 50% of the existing facilities. Once the project is completed, the Department will put into place a comprehensive plan that will be aimed at addressing the identified challenges around compliance.

QUESTION No. 206

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

(1) Whether the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) is responsible for the management and administration of Marievale; if not, who is responsible for it; if so,

(2) whether residents are allowed to stay on in the houses; if so, for how long; if not, why not;

(3) whether alternative housing will be provided; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether she has been informed about the safety concerns and illegal occupation of some of the houses; if so, what steps are being taken in this regard;

(5) whether the SANDF provides daily transport to its members from Marievale; if not, why not; if so, (a) to which bases and (b) what do the monthly costs amount to?

REPLY

1. Yes, the SANDF is responsible for management and administration of Marievale.

2. There are two types of residents, those that are staying there illegally and those that are staying there legally or officially (SANDF personnel). The official residents are allowed to stay there as long as they are working in that environment. The illegal residents are to vacate the houses as soon as alternative accommodation has been identified.

3. The DoD and DPW in conjunction with the Ekurhuleni municipality are in the process of seeking alternative accommodation for these occupants. An inter Departmental Task Team has been established to address the situation

4. Yes, I have been informed about the total overview of the situation at Marievale Military Base

5. No military transport is provided due to the fact that the majority of members work at Dunnottar Military Base (1 Construction Regiment and 35 Engineering Regiment), which is a walking distance from Marievale Military Base:

QUESTION: 207

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 3-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 JUNE 2009

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

(a) How many land claim cases were reported in the previous five financial years, (b) how many farms are affected, (c) how many cases have been finalised, (d) what was the outcome in each case and (e) when will the outstanding cases be finalised? NW254E

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

(a) It is assumed that the Honourable Member is referring to land claims that were referred to the Land Claims Court. 174 cases were referred for the past five financial years, which includes the current financial year.

(b) Approximately 50.

(d) Please refer to Annexure.

(e) The finalisation of the outstanding cases are dependent on judicial and court processes as well as the complexity and merit of each case referred; therefore timeframes for finalisation cannot be predicted by the Commission in this regard.

ANNEXURE TO PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 207

(d) FINALISED LAND CLAIMS COURT CASES: PERIOD 2004 TO 2008

NO	CITATION	CASE NO	PROPERTY	OUTCOME
1	M M Khumalo vs Minister of Land Affairs & Others	LCC 109/ 1999	Unregistered state land	The claim was proved to be valid and DLA was ordered to compensate the claimant.
2	Richtersveld Community vs Alexcor Ltd & Others	LCC 151/ 1998	Richtersveld farm	Claimants proved to have had customary law interest in the land before dispossession including rights to mineral resources.
3	K Pillay & Others vs DLA	LCC 1/1999	The Pavillion (Cato Manor) City of Durban	It was proven that the sale made by claimants in 1958 was done by force due to racially discriminatory laws and practices.
4	Imizize Tribal Authority vs Hlolweni & Others	LCC 41/03	North Pondoland Bizana Municipality EC	Application to intervene by Imizize was dismissed followed by the application to appeal which was granted.
5	ChabaneJackson Hlaneki & Others vs DLA & Others	LCC 43/02	Unregistered state land	It was held that the Commission had no powers to adjudicate on the merits of the claim, followed by an application to appeal which was dismissed.
6	D & F Wevell Trust vs DLA & Others	LCC 81/04	Ntshingani farms	The DLA is bound by the signed sale agreements between itself and the applicant.
7	Mmule Molly Mphela vs Graham	LCC 66/01	R/e Farm Klaakdoningbuilt 542 Thabazimbi Limpopo	The claim was proved to be valid & restoration was granted and that compensation given at the time of dispossession was not just and equitable in terms of the Constitution.
8	Transvaal Agricultural Union vs DLA	LCC 091/03	Unregistered state land	Application for a declaratory order by TAU on the policies used by DLA in settling claims was dismissed.
NO	CITATION	CASE NO	PROPERTY	OUTCOME
9	Farjas (Pty)Ltd vs RLCC KZN	LCC 28/ 96	Farjas farm (Pietermaritzburg)	Application to set aside Commission's decision was granted.
10	Dhanpaul Singh & Others vs RLCC KZN	LCC 09/08	Cato Manor	Application for substitution and declaratory order in terms of section 2(1) were granted.
11	The Brownlee Congregation Church vs Minister of Land Affairs	LCC 21/97	Erf 481	The claimants were unsuccessful in their claim. The application for absolution from the instance was granted.
12	The Farmerfield CPA vs Minister of Land Affairs	LCC 35/97	Ptn 7 farm Klipheuvel 459	DLA order to expropriate the said farm for restoring claimant community.
13	Makuleke Community vs Pafuri Area of Kruger National Park	LCC 90/98	Unregistered northern area of KNP	Claimant community were granted an order restoring their land accordingly.
14	Haakdoornbult vs Mphela	SCA 553/05	Farm Haakdoorbult	The court upheld the claimants claim in that it complied with s2(1) of the Act.
15	Nkomazi Municipality vs Ngomane Communities	LCC 74/06	Malelane Town, Hectorspruit, Komatipoort and Marloth Park around Mpumalanga	Section 34 application to excise off the said properties in resolving the above claim was granted.
16	Popela Community vs Goedgelegen (Pty) Ltd	CCT 69/06	Boomplats currently known as Goedgelegen 566 L.T.	Declaratory order confirmed the claim to be compliant to section 2(1) of the Act.
17	RLCC: Mpumalanga vs Gabriel Petrus Minaar	LCC . 42/06	Various portions of farm Daisy Kopje 643 JT	RLCC's decision to gazette the applicant's property was set aside.
NO	CITATION	CASE NO	PROPERTY	OUTCOME
18	The Concerned Land Claimants' Organisation of Port Elizabeth vs the Comission/Minister of Land Affairs	CCT 29/06	Vacant land in the residential areas of Fairview and Salisbury Park (earmarked land) in Port Elizabeth.	Application by PELCRA is dismissed.
19	The Concerned Land Claimants' Organisation of Port Elizabeth vs the Commission vs Minister of Land Affairs	CCT 29/06	Vacant land in the residential areas of Fairview and Salisbury Park (earmarked land) in Port Elizabeth.	Application by PELCRA is dismissed.
20	Khosis Community vs Minister of Defence	SCA 665/2002	Lohatla Army Battle School (N Cape)	Appeal against an order by LCC that certain property claim cannot be restored- dismissed.
21	Mahlangu NO vs Minister of Land Affairs	SCA 572/2003	35 000 hectares 80km out of Pretoria	Appeal to SCA for an order that claimants can approach LCC direct – upheld matter referred back to LCC for adjudication on merits.
22	Abrams vs Allie NO	SCA 114/2003	Walmer Estate, Woodstock	Matter concerning a claim for restoration of land rights -Appeal upheld.
23	Richtersveld Community vs Alexcor NO	LCC 151/1998	Richtersveld	Action for order of restoration and compensation on a land claim involving mining company-Appeal upheld.
24	Khumalo NO vs Minister of Land Affairs	LCC109/ 1999	Nooitgedacht NO 1041	Claim for compensation in re: dispossession -Judgement for the plaintiff.
25	Mashilane Community vs Minister of Land Affairs	LCC 74 / 2003	Claremont 414/ Blyderivierpoort 595 Mpumalanga	Judgment for the Plaintiff .
26	Ratsegaai Community	LCC 88 /1998	Hartebeesfontein 431 JP and Koedoesfontein 432 JP	Application dismissed.
NO	CITATION	CASE NO	PROPERTY	OUTCOME
27	Vilakazi / Klingenberg NO	LCC 70 /2000	Mantonga 44 Transvaal	Application for rescission of a court order by consent dismissed.
28	K Pillay & Others	LCC1 /99	Sub 9 lot 2369 Westville KZN	Court found for the claimants on determination of dispossession / sale.
29	Hlaneki NO vs Commission no	LCC 43/2002	Unregistered state land	Leave to Appeal to SCA review order granted by LCC - application dismissed.

Question 206

28 OCTOBER 2009

206. Mr S L Tsenoli (ANC) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

What steps has he taken in local government to address the looming water crisis in light of climate change and urbanisation? NO2361

ANSWER

This matter is primarily being driven by the Department of Water Affairs and we are committed to supporting the Ministry of Water Affairs in ensuring that local government is on the fore front to implement possible recommended measures that will be arrived at as a result of cooperative discussions.

The Department has undertaken a study of bulk water and sanitation backlogs across the country. This study will assist us to prioritise support to particular municipalities.

Finally, the Department as also prepared an Urban Development Framework that outlines the challenges and opportunities associated with urbanization. Work is ongoing in this area and the House will be informed of progress in this regard.

QUESTIONS 207

FOR ORAL REPLY

21 August 2009

207. Mr E M Sulliman (ANC) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and

Administration:

(1) What progress has been made in the implementation of Thusong service centres as the primary vehicle for the implementation of development communication and information strategy;

(2) Whether his department will reach the target in 2014; if not, why not; if so, how? NO2362E

REPLY:

(1) Government has established almost 140 Thusong service centres as the primary vehicle for the roll-out of development communication and information strategy. These service centres provides community access to service delivery.

We have set ourselves a target of one (1) Thusong service centre per municipality by 2014. Judging from our performance thus far, we have reached almost 50% of the target.

(2) Yes, the programme appears to be on target to meet its target of one Thusong centre per municipality by 2014.

QUESTION 208

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 19 JUNE 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 3 OF 2009

208. Mr R B Bhoola (MF) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) How many (a) Indians, (b) coloureds, (c) blacks and (d) whites are employed in the (i) immigration and (ii) passport sections at the OR Tambo Airport;

(2) whether the Employment Equity Act, Act 55 of 1998, is being complied with; if not, why not; if so,

(3) whether her department is representing the diversity of South Africa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW255E

REPLY

(1) (i) The racial composition of Immigrations Services staff at OR Tambo is classified, here-under:

(a) Indians - 2

(b) Coloureds - 6

(d) Whites - 8

TOTAL: 272

(ii) All immigration officers deal with passport issues, as well.

2. The Department of Home Affairs complies with the provisions of Employment Equity Act, 1998 in that:

§ An Employment Equity Plan for the period 2008 to 2011, is in place, which is a requirement, in terms of the Act, in order to achieve reasonable progress towards employment equity in the Department.

§ The Department submits Employment Equity Report, annually, to the Department of Labour in compliance with Section 21 (2).

§ The Employment Equity Forum has been established.

§ Employment Equity Plan, and the Report have been displayed on notice boards. The plan, and the Report are, also, accessible to the public.

§ Acting Deputy Director – General: Human Resources is the designated Senior Manager responsible for monitoring, and evaluation of the Employment Equity Plan.

3. No. There are a number of challenges, including that of the high mobility of employees.

QUESTIONS 208

FOR ORAL REPLY

16 OCTOBER 2009

208. Mrs J M Maluleke (ANC) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

Whether targets for the employment of persons with disabilities will be achieved by 31 March 2010 as espoused in the JobAccess Strategy; if not, what factors are hindering the progress; if so, what actual percentage of people with disabilities is currently employed by his department? NO2363E

REPLY

1. If government departments continue at the current pace, it is unlikely that we will reach the 2 percent employment equity target for people with disabilities in the Public Service as set out to be achieved by 31 March 2010.

The current trends in the employment of people with disabilities within the Public Service reflect the following:

March 2002 - 0.11%

December 2005 - 0.16%

June 2009 - 0.22%

These figures indicate that there has been a 0.04 percentage point increase from 2005 to 2009, indicating a slow progress in the appointment of people with disabilities in the Public Service. With this kind of slow progress, it is very doubtful that the 2% target will be achieved by the expected time of 31 March 2010.

2. Factors that could be hindering progress in the employment of people with disabilities could be varied. In a study released by the Public Service Commission on Assessment on Disability Equity in the Public Service, January 2008, some barriers to employing people with disabilities that were highlighted include the following:

· Lack of employment equity plans

· Inadequate recruitment and retention strategies

· Links with organisations representing persons with disabilities not optimised

· Inadequate management information on persons with disabilities

· Lack of disability awareness in departments, and

· Poor accessibility for persons with disabilities

3. The current representation of people with disabilities within the Department of Public Service and Administration is 1.47%. This indicates that the department falls short of 0.53% to reach the set 2% target.

QUESTION NO.: 209

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 June 2009

Mr R B Bhoola (MF) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

How many (a) Indians, (b) coloureds, (c) blacks and (d) whites are employed by the SA Airways at the OR Tambo Airport? NW256E

REPLY

(a-d) The table below indicates the number of people per race group employed by South African Airways (SAA) at OR Tambo International Airport:

Race group	Number of people employed
Indians	37
Coloureds	59
Blacks	436
Whites	104

QUESTIONS 209

FOR ORAL REPLY

16 OCTOBER 2009

209. Mrs J M Maluleke (ANC) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

What is the actual breakdown of employment equity targets with regard to (a) men with disabilities and (b) women with disabilities? NO2364E

REPLY

The employment equity targets for people with disabilities in the Public Service are 2%; the time-frame for this to be achieved is 31^st March 2010.

This target is not broken down in gender terms.

QUESTION NO. 210 (written 1291 transferred)

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 17)

Questions Day: 21 October 2009

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

(1) Whether medical students receive any training with regard to the collection of evidence after a person has been sexually assaulted; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the duration of the training and (b) how many doctors in the public sector are qualified to conduct examinations of persons who have been sexually assaulted;

(2) whether any other departments were consulted with regard to the development of the training for medical students; if not, why not; if so, which departments?

NW1638E

REPLY:

(1) (a) Yes, all medical students receive training on basic Clinical Forensic Medicine which includes training in the skills to examine and to collect evidence. This training is done during the third year of their medical training. This is offered according to the respective curricula of the universities and the duration is not legislated but will be adequate for basic knowledge.

(b) All doctors in the public service, by virtue of their being qualified medical practitioners, can conduct examinations of persons who have been sexually assaulted and collect relevant specimens that can be used as evidence in court. The J.88 form is used for this purpose over and above the ordinary examination notes that would be written for a clinical examination of any user that presents to a health care provider in their routine work.

(2) The number of doctors and nurses in the public sector who have additional training and/or have qualifications to conduct examinations of persons who have been sexually assaulted are:

Course	Total trained doctors and nurses
1.Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Forensic Medicine (College of Pathology)	Numbers unknown but could be sourced from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa
2.Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Medicine ((NMMS)	26
3.Diploma in Forensic Nursing (UFS)	210
4.In-service training on Clinical Forensic Medicine (NDOH)	359
5.In-service training on "Caring for survivors of sexual assaults and rape" (MRC and NDOH)	198
TOTAL	793

QUESTION 210

FOR ORAL REPLY

TUESDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2009

210. Mrs. D F Boshigo (ANC) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

What strategies are in place to coordinate and align the needs relayed by communities to the community development workers with local governments and relevant departments? NO2365E

REPLY:

Individual community development workers write reports on the work they do in communities, for submission to their supervisors, who in conjunction with community development worker peer managers, consolidate all received reports into an integrated report. The consolidated report is shared and circulated to stakeholders including local government and other departments for the purpose of sharing information and for follow up on matters emerging from communities which require attention.

At provincial level, various forums such as IGR stakeholder forums have been established and are utilized as a platform to share views on the needs relayed by communities to community development workers and these stakeholder forums include provincial government departments.

QUESTION 211

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2009 [IQP No 4 -2009]

FIRST SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 211 for Written Reply, National Assembly: Mr. J H van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether an application for a subdivision by a certain person (name furnished) in respect of a certain farm (name furnished) in Underburg, KwaZulu-Natal, has been refused and subsequently approved; if so, why was the application (a) initially refused and (b) later approved;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW194E

REPLY:

1(a) Yes an application for subdivision was received by the Department in October 2007 and the application was declined in January 2008 as the subdivision was going to lead to fragmentation of agricultural land and would create non viable units. Proposed subdivision had the potential to create a precedent for other similar subdivisions within the district. The subdivisions had been seen as an activity which seek to isolate land portions within the area and are not encouraged by the Department, especially considering the fact that the majority of farms are of similar land quality. Thus the farm possesses no element of uniqueness to justify granting of subdivision. The proposed subdivision represents unnecessary fragmentation of agricultural land. The applicant applied for subdivision into four portions (Portion A-D, measuring 24, 84 ha, 22,53ha, 22.40 ha, 25.88ha respectively) and the remainder (68.02ha). The applicant was informed accordingly in January 2008. The Department discourages subdivision of agricultural land into non viable portions.

1(b) Yes an application was later approved because in April 2008, the applicant lodged an appeal and was successful. The Department considered the appeal due to the fact that the client submitted the conservancy agreement that was signed by the conservancy members and the conservancy mentioned that the minimum subdivision size within the vicinity is 30 hectares. The applicant amended his application form and sketch plan into 30 hectares as stipulated in the conservancy agreement. The Kwasani municipality and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife did not support the subdivision and granting of consent.

After approval by the Department, the Kwasani Municipality called the meeting to discuss the matter. The officials of the Department of Agriculture attended the meeting on the 17^th of February 2009 with Mr Stuart Falconer from the Kwasani Municipality. During the discussion, it was made clear that the Department of Agriculture took the decision based on the merits of an application and additional information that arose at that point in time and from agricultural point of view the proposal was going to be a better option to manage the alien invasive plants as they have infested the area in question and the land cannot be used for agriculture but better for conservancy.

The Department supports sustainable utilisation of natural resources and approval was based on the merits of an application.

(2). No

QUESTION 211

FOR ORAL REPLY

TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2009

211. Mrs. D F Boshigo (ANC) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

Whether his department provides community development workers with resources including stationary and equipment; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NO2366E

REPLY:

No, the Department of Public Service and Administration does not provide community development workers with resources.

Material resources for Community Development Workers are provided for from provincial budgets.

QUESTION 212

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2009 [IQP No 4 -2009]

FIRST SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question 212 for Written Reply, National Assembly: Mr. J H van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

(1) Whether an application for township establishment by a certain company (name furnished) in respect of properties in Sunnyvale, Uitenhage, has been refused and subsequently approved; if so, why was the application (a) initially refused and (b) later approved;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW195E

REPLY:

1(a) Yes, an application for subdivision and change in land use was received by the Department in March 2008 and due to scarcity of potential agricultural land, the application was declined as the property in which the development will occur is presently under dairy enterprise. The development would change agricultural character of the area and would lead to development of new residential node in an agricultural area and would set precedent for future development and lead to densification within the area. Considering that the property is presently under farming practices, the development would impact negatively on the overall agricultural production. The Department is not against the development but supports development which will not have a negative influence on its mandate to ensure food security in the country. The applicant was informed accordingly in November 2008.

In December 2008 the applicant requested for reconsideration of his application and Department re-assessed the application and was declined again as no new information was provided. The applicant was informed accordingly in March 2009.

1(b) Yes the application was later approved because the applicant requested for the third review in April 2009 and furnished the Department with new information. The Department supported the development in cognisance of the following:

· The development will expand existing irrigation pastures from 65 hectares to 108 ha, which support agricultural production and the area zoned for mixed use activities. The extension of the irrigated pastures is in line with the mandate of the Department.

· The dairy farming enterprise will continue and promote the mandate of the Department for food production.

· The development is based on the concept of new ruralism and offers the opportunity for rural development and economic stimulation, job creation, equity and ownership to previously disadvantaged individuals, training, education, expansion of existing agricultural industry and dairy farming and at the same time provide a stimulus for rural development

· Rehabilitation of the area and removal of alien vegetation

· Introduction of rural growth, BEE and support rural economy

· The property is within Kouga Spatial Development Framework (SDF) established in consultation with the Department and is earmarked for mixed use (Agriculture, tourism and rural residential).

· The Municipality supports the development and a positive Record of Decision (ROD) in terms of Environmental impact was obtained.

The Department supports compact integrated development plans while strengthening the use of natural resources for agricultural production towards enhancing the livelihood

of South African citizens.

(2) No

QUESTION NUMBER 212

WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2009

ê212. The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the Minister in the Presidency: Performance Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Administration in the Presidency:

(1) Why were certain complaints (details furnished) that were registered through the hotline not furnished with reference numbers;

(2) whether a complaint that is registered but not furnished with a reference number indicates that the tracking system may not track the processing of the complaint; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, when will these complaints so registered be furnished with reference numbers;

(3) whether the process of accessing and registering a complaint has been found to be dysfunctional; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NO2367E

i) The Presidential Hotline was launched as a Pilot project on 14 September 2009 and it was expected that problems would be encountered during this phase. The purpose of the Pilot phase was to identify such problems so that they may be detected and corrected before the official launch of the Hotline. At present we are very satisfied with the progress that has been made and can report that all major problems have been successfully addressed.

ii) Only of the day of the launch of the Pilot Phase of the President's Hotline, certain callers were not immediately issued with reference numbers due to the following reasons:

a. Call volumes were extremely high, which placed enormous pressure on the agents manning the President's Hotline in terms of interpreting the issues reported by callers and in capturing such details onto call logging system. The calls were however, manually captured and were then entered onto the call logging system after the Hotline had closed for the day.

b. The call logging system was initially slow due to the very high number of users accessing the system simultaneously, therefore the decision to log calls manually. System response has since been rectified and no problems are currently experienced in this regard.

iii) All calls that were manually logged on day 1 have been captured onto the call logging system and a system generated reference number has been allocated to the each call. The Hotline agents have been phoning callers to provide them with their reference numbers for calls logged manually, but in certain cases the Hotline agent have not been able to make contact with some of the callers.

iv) Notwithstanding the fact that certain callers may not have reference numbers for calls logged on day 1, the actual call can still be located on the call logging system via the caller's personal details, e.g. name and surname. In the case of follow-up calls made by such callers, the agent will locate the call on the system and will provide the caller with the original reference number.

(2)

As all calls have been transferred from the manual logs to the call logging system, all calls can be accessed and tracked via the system.

(3)

Neither the President's Hotline nor the system itself is dysfunctional in any way. It must be borne in mind that call volumes have been exceptionally high since the launch of the Pilot Phase on 14 Sep 09, thus resulting in many callers being unable to get through to the Hotline. The line itself is, however, fully functional and callers are requested to try calling at a later stage should they be unable to get through at a particular time. The call logging system is also fully functional and all calls can be accessed and tracked via the system.

Callers who are unable to reach the Hotline via the toll-free number, can use alternative access methods, i.e. the fax number, address or email address of the Presidency.

QUESTION NO 214

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 4 September 2009

Mr PJ Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister for Police:

(1) How many members of the SA Police Service were (a) criminally charged in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006, (iii) 2007 and (iv) 2008 and (b) found guilty of crimes in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007 and (iii) 2008;

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

NNW260E

REPLY:

(1)(a) The required statistics for (i), (ii) and (iii) are not readily available. To obtain the information would be time consuming and would necessitate the redeployment of police employees to verify every case that is relevant to the period in question. Redeploying personnel to carry out this task would be to the detriment of other essential duties or service delivery to the community.

(iv) The total number of members charged is not capped in calender years but in financial years, and the information available is for the financial year 2008/2009.

The total number of members charged in the financial year 2008/2009 = 669

(1)(b)(iii) Information on the outcome of criminal cases is not available. However, the

outcomes of disciplinary cases linked to these criminal cases are attached.

(2) No.

QUESTION NUMBER 214

WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2009

ê214. Mrs D Robinson (DA) to ask the Minister in the Presidency: Performance Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Administration in the Presidency:

Whether there are any plans to transfer the National Youth Commission, that was established in terms of the National Youth Commission Act, Act 19 of 1996, from the Presidency to the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO2369E

REPLY:

No, the National Youth Commission (NYC) will be disestablished and transferred to the National Youth Development Agency as per section 21 and 22 of the NYDA Act No 54 of 2008. The NYC will continue to report to the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation since administration of NYDA Act and NYC Act has been transferred to the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in terms of the Presidential Minute 702.

QUESTION NO 215

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 - 2009)

Date reply submitted: 3 August 2009

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

(1) How many reservists have been employed by the SA Police Service in each province (a) in 2007, (b) in 2008 and (c) during the period 1 January 2009 until the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) how many of these reservists in each case were from the commando's;

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

NW261E

REPLY:

(1) The following number of reservists have been employed by the SA Police Service in each province (a) in 2007, (b) 2008 and (c) during the period

1 January 2009 until March 2009.

Province	2007	2008	January 2009 until March 2009
Limpopo	2208	1020	119
Gauteng	4165	2988	709
Western Cape	4680	1913	467
Eastern Cape	3512	0	0
Northern Cape	1232	644	205
Mpumalanga	1319	401	190
KwaZulu-Natal	322	690	0
North West	1221	206	0
Free State	1180	6407	439
Total	19839	14269	2129

(2) The following number of reservists were from the commandos, the final operational Commando Unit closed down on 15 March 2008:

Limpopo	204
Gauteng	59
Western Cape	110
Eastern Cape	143
Northern Cape	157
Mpumalanga	239
KwaZulu-Natal	199
North West	175
Free State	147
Total	1433

(3) No

QUESTION 215

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL REPLY

TUESDAY, 19 September 2009

215. Dr H C van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

(a) Who is responsible for the financial management of Thusong Service Centres in every province?

(b) Which departments, nongovernmental organisations and other community organisations should be part of a Thusong Service Centre? NO2370E

REPLY

(a) Municipalities are responsible for overall management of the Thusong Centres and the Centre management staff. Funds for the construction/ and/ or renovations of the Thusong centres come from Municipalities. The operations and salaries of centre staff management and support comes from the same municipalities, however, in Mpumalanga, Free State and Northern Cape, the Offices of the Premier or Local Government pay for the salaries of Centre management staff. But overall departments are responsible individually for their staff and equipment; they also pay for the rental of their office space.

(b) Before a centre is established, there is public participation process, where communities give inputs on the possible site/s and services that are needed in that area. These will include services from all spheres of government, Parastatals, Non-Governmental Organizations and Community Based Organizations.

A decision on which departments, NGO's and other community organizations should be part of a Thusong centre is a product of this public participation process.

Question 216

28 OCTOBER 2009

216. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

Whether, in light of operation clean audit for local municipalities, he has taken any steps to ensure that Municipal Public Accounts Committees are functioning optimally; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NO2372E

ANSWER

Only recently have we made pronouncements on the establishment of Municipal Public Accounts Committees in municipalities. The department together with SALGA is developing a guiding framework for establishment of MPACS – (by November 2009).

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

ORAL REPLY

QUESTION NO 217

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 OCTOBER 2009.

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER N0.07 -2009)

DR A Lotriet (DA) to ask Minister of Arts and Culture:

1. Whether her department will take part in any ceremonies during the 2010 Soccer World Cup Tournament; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details,

2, whether all the different culture of South Africa will be represented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

3. what is the estimated cost involved In each of these activities?

REPLY

1. The department will not only take part but is an integral part of the planning and execution of All 2010 FlFA World Cup Ceremonies

2. The department theme is: Cultural Diversity: An African Experience- much of the participation will be determined by the applications received by the department. The department is working with all its stakeholders and provinces. The DAC will strive for inclusitivity, as this has been declared an African Cup African Artists will also be involved. The only constrain will be the budget.

3. The department is finalising the budget with the provinces and stakeholders.

QUESTION NO 217

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 11 AUGUST 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 26 JUNE 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 – 2009)

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

(1) Whether he met with the taxi industry on the bus rapid transport system as scheduled; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date, (b) who was present representing (i) his department and the Government and (ii) the taxi industry;

(2) whether a conclusion was reached on a way forward; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW264E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) Yes, Government had a formal engagement with the taxi industry on bus rapid transit (BRT) projects and other transport related matters. This followed the announcement by President Jacob Zuma in the State of the Nation Address on 03 June 2009 that the Department of Transport would convene such a meeting.

(a) The meeting took place on 11 June 2009 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

(b) (i) Government was represented by leaders from its three spheres, including the Minister of Transport, Deputy Minister of Transport, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport (National Assembly), the MEC for Transport and Roads, Gauteng Province, the MEC for Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape Province, the MEC for Transport and Public Works, Western Cape Province, the Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, City of Johannesburg, as well as senior officials from the Cities and Provinces.

The Department of Transport (DoT) was represented by Ms Mpumi Mpofu, Director-General, and senior DoT officials.

(b) (ii) More than 1 300 taxi industry members from national, provincial, regional and local structures attended the meeting. The meeting was publicly advertised and all taxi operators and their associations were free to attend.

Amongst those present from the taxi industry were the President of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and SANTACO's National Executive Council. Representatives of all provincial taxi councils were also present. The leadership of mother bodies, such as the National Taxi Alliance (NTA), was also represented.

(2) The meeting resolved that:-

ü a National Joint Working Group to deal with outstanding issues on the BRT projects and other matters of shared concerns would be established. The National Joint Working Group would be constituted by members of the taxi industry and Government;

ü the National Joint Working Group meetings would be convened during July and August 2009 and the work will continue for 12 months;

ü agreement on the agenda should be in place from the onset. Public transport and the taxi industry involvement in it will form part of the key agenda issues;

ü the Department of Transport would announce Government representatives to the National Joint Working Group and the taxi industry should indicate their representatives within seven days; and

ü Government would proceed with the implementation of the BRT system in the Phase 1A projects, while consultation with the taxi industry continues.

Question 218

218. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether he has visited the areas across the country, particularly in Mpumalanga, where protests related to service delivery have taken place; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether he has consulted the residents about their issues; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the exact issues of the residents and (b) how will these issues be addressed? NO2374E

ANSWER

(1) Protests have happened in more than 31 municipalities across the country since January 2009. I have not been able to visit all this areas personally, but through a process of interactive Local Government Assessments the Department visited all the municipalities together with provincial departments of Local Government and SALGA in the country. This process culminated into the Local Government Indaba from 21-22 October 2009 where we tabled a State of Local Government Report.

(2) The issues raised by communities vary, but there are some common issues which include:

§ Lack of communication between the Council and communities;

§ Acceleration of housing delivery and allocation i.e. In Mamelodi, Alexander, Harrismith, Bitou, Duncan Village and others;

§ Eradication of alleged corruption, nepotism and fraud i.e. in Lydenburg-Thaba Chweu municipality where the issue is about money that allegedly disappeared from municipal bank account;

§ Provision of water and electricity;

§ Demarcation into other provinces; and

§ High utility charges such as electricity.

All these issues are integral to the Turn-Around Strategy for Local Government that we will be finalizing in December 2009.

QUESTION NO 219

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 11 AUGUST 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 26 JUNE 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 – 2009)

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

(1) (a) What process was undertaken to ensure that the best bid was used for the supply of buses for transporting spectators at the 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament and (b) how has his department ensured that the manufacturing of these buses meets the deadline for the 2010 World Cup events;

(2) who will be tasked to operate these buses during this tournament;

(3) whether his department has any plans for these buses once the 2010 tournament is over; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW266E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) Following the announcement that South Africa had won the bid to host the 2010 FIFA™ World Cup Event, the former Minister of Transport committed to supporting the complete success of the event. The Department of Transport (DoT) has subsequently embarked on a process to facilitate the procurement of buses and coaches required for the 2010 FIFA™ World Cup.

During May 2008, the DoT issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the market for the supply of buses and coaches for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Event. The RFP required respondents to submit responses in two parts – technical and financial. The technical responses were evaluated first to determine the compliance to the technical aspects and only after completion of this exercise were the financial proposals considered.

On 04 December 2008, the DoT issued a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) document to short-listed parties. Proposals in response to the BAFO document were received from all short-listed bidders. An evaluation team convened to discuss

the contents of the proposals and clarification meetings were held with each of the bidders. Subsequently, a pro formascoring was conducted to enable the ranking for each bidder against each of the required vehicle types. Following this scoring process an Inter-Departmental Evaluation Committee was established to consider and approve the recommendations of the evaluation panels. The Inter-Departmental Evaluation Committee was chaired by the Director General: Transport and consisted of the Director-Generals of the Departments of Trade and Industry, Public Enterprises and the Deputy Director-General: National Treasury, as well as officials from the respective Departments.

(b) Both the RFP and BAFO documents specified delivery schedules for the supply of buses and coaches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Event. Preferred bidders confirmed their capacity and compliance with the delivery schedule.

(2) The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa ("PRASA") has been identified as the 2010 FIFA World Cup Inter-City Transport Delivery Agent. The Board of PRASA has approved the bidder's preferred bidder status and the process undertaken to date by the Department of Transport. Consequently, the DoT has handed over this procurement process to PRASA.

As such, Autopax (Pty) Limited, a subsidiary company of PRASA, will operate these buses during 2010 and will also be responsible for negotiating the final contract terms, as well as the ordering and payment of the buses and coaches. Both the DoT and National Treasury remain closely involved in this process and will monitor the progress up to the conclusion thereof.

(3) The role of Autopax is to remain as a provider of quality long-distance coach services and provider of rural services to communities that are currently isolated from the mainstream public transport routes, and to coordinate its services with Shosholoza Meyl passenger rail services. Given the population distribution of South Africa, there is a very significant need for long-distance, low cost transport for low income earners, general workers, work-seekers and traders. Long- distance rail has a role in providing access between provincial and major metropolitan centres that will enable these people to seek employment and so alleviate poverty, as well as promoting job creation in the rural areas by developing tourist activities.

A consolidated business and operational plan defining the financial implications for delivering on the requirements identified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup through Autopax, as well as the implications associated with operating the Autopax expanded fleet after the 2010 World Cup, has been concluded and submitted to National Treasury as part of the Government Guarantee application process. These requirements were aligned with the fleet estimates and the prices as determined in the BAFO process. The Department of Transport has been successful in securing National Treasury's support for a Government guarantee

and will utilise the business and operational plans of Autopax in approaching commercial banks for securing long term funding to support the operations.

Question 219

28 OCTOBER 2009

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

Whether his department has any plans in place to assist municipalities in reducing the debt owed to them; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO2375E

ANSWER

The department has established a Revenue Enhancement and Municipal Debt programme to assist municipalities in rolling out debt reduction campaigns. Currently, we are completing a debt profile for local government together with provincial departments responsible for local government and National Treasury.

This will assist us to better categorise the current debt. By December 2009 we should be able to have an accurate determination of how much is exactly owed by households, business and government. We will also be unveiling a national Revenue Enhancement Strategy to assist municipalities which is premised on, firstly, curbing the growth of the debt and thereafter the arrear debt.

QUESTION 220

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26/06/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 04-2009)

Mr GR Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

How much capital expenditure has been devoted to the construction of university residences in each of the past 15 years, (b) how much has been spent on maintenance of existing residences in each of these years and (c) what are the current (i) occupation rates for student and (ii) management capacity in residences in each university;
Whether his department will conduct an audit of university residences; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW267E

REPLY:

1. The Department of Higher Education and Training will, during 2010, be undertaking a study of student housing in the public higher education system. The study will focus on the system's need for additional student housing, and on the ways in which expansion could be financed. The Department will draw on lessons learned from the 2010/11 to 2011/12 residence expansion process funded by government, institutions and the private sector. The implementation of these expansion plans will lead to the number of student housing places rising by 7 000 by the 2011 academic year, from the current total of 100 000. This expansion programme includes provision for the major renovation of 2 000 existing residence places, primarily in smaller rural universities.

2. Yes and relevant details are provided above (referred to -1).

Question 220

28 OCTOBER 2009

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

(1) Whether he has commissioned a study to determine the effect of the increases in electricity tariffs on the financial viability of municipalities; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what effect;

(2) whether he or his department intends making an input to the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) on the latest request by Eskom for an increase; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO2376E

ANSWER

(1) We have not commissioned a study to determine the effect of electricity on the financial viability of municipalities. We do believe there will be an impact as municipal consumers. We will work with National Treasury to monitor the budgets of municipalities in terms of bulk electricity purchases and assist municipalities with adjustments should NERSA award the increase to ESKOM.

(2) My department is currently studying the ESKOM Multi Year Price Determination for the three year period (2010 to 2013) and will certainly make an input as part of government response led by Department of Public Enterprise.

QUESTION No 221: NW268E

Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What was the reason for deciding to conclude the contract for vehicles with a certain company (name furnished);

(2) whether the proposed contract with the said company has been concluded; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will it be concluded; if so, what are the relevant details

(3) whether she has taken any steps to ensure that the contractual negotiations with the said company were free of any irregularities; if not, why not; if so, what steps?

Reply

I will revert to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans on this matter as soon as I have acquainted myself with it.

QUESTION NO. 222

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 October 2009

The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the Minister in the Presidency: National Planning Commission:

Whether, with reference to the Green Paper on National Strategic Planning (details furnished), any measures are in place to provide for the eventuality where Cabinet amends or rejects the long-term plan devised and proposed by the National Planning Commission; if not, why not; if so, what measures will be put in place to resolve this dissension? NW2378E

Reply:

I request that this question be deferred until the report of the Adhoc Committee on National Strategic Planning is tabled. This is a necessary step because we should expect this report to make a series of recommendations on the efficacy and operations of the National Planning Commission.

It would be incorrect to either anticipate or prejudge the work of the Adhoc Committee.

Question 221

28 OCTOBER 2009

221. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

What is (a) the average percentage of revenue collected and (b) is the amount not collected by the Ekhuruleni Metro during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NO2377E

ANSWER

The unaudited figures indicates that the Ekhuruleni Metro's average percentage revenue collected is 78.5% (R10,907 bil) of the projected adjusted operating revenue of R13,902 billion at the end of fourth quarter (June 2009). {Source – MFMA Section 41 reports submitted to Nat Treasury.}

QUESTION NO 223

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 26 JUNE 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 – 2009)

Ms A M Dreyer (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) What (a) are the reasons, at each municipality in Gauteng, for the difficulties that the public experience in making appointments to test for driving licences at traffic centres and (b) is the average waiting period at each municipality in Gauteng for an appointment to test for a driving licence at traffic centres;

(2) whether his department has taken any steps to address the problem; if not, why not; if so, what steps have been taken at each of the traffic centres at each Gauteng municipality?

NW271E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) Gauteng has a centralised booking system for driver learner tests. The system was introduced to get efficiencies and to curb fraud and corruption. The system operates from the central call centre for the Province. It would seem that the call centre model is currently not the best option for the Province, because it takes too long to get a slot and also because of other related challenges. For example, driving schools have found a way of working through the system and call centre employees to make block bookings. Therefore, ordinary persons find it difficult to get a driver learner examination slot.

(a) and (b) Fall away.

(2) Yes, the Department of Transport (DoT) is planning to implement the Best Practice Model (BPM) at all Driving Licence Testing Centres, which will improve quality service to the public and reduce lead time for all the services, including learner and driver licence test bookings, vehicle registration and vehicles tests.

On the 6^th July 2009, the DoT had a meeting with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport in order to discuss effectiveness of the system and timelines for the implementation of the BPM. The roll-out in the Gauteng Province is expected later in the year.

QUESTION NO. 223

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 October 2009

ê223. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister in the Presidency: National Planning Commission:

(1) How does he reconcile his statement on budgeting with the purchasing of a motor vehicle of R1, 2 million.

DETAIL: With reference to his reply to written

REPLY:

I replied in writing (question 679) to the question regarding the acquisition of the vehicle. I took account of the numbers associated with the cost of the asset, namely, the asset depreciation compared to the value and I acknowledge that it is an error of judgement on my part. If the Honourable Davidson was in the House last week, he would have heard the President speak on this matter last week.

The Honourable Buthelezi also added his voice on the issue being overstretched and thoroughly milked – should we still pursue the milking of the udder?

QUESTION NO. 223

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 October 2009

ê223. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister in the Presidency: National Planning Commission:

(1) How does he reconcile his statement on budgeting with the purchasing of a motor vehicle of R1, 2 million.

REPLY:

The Presidency purchased the vehicle and I selected the colour and model. This was an error in judgement – I concur. However, I replied in writing (question 679) to the question regarding the acquisition of the vehicle.

If the Honourable Davidson was in the House last week, he would have heard the Deputy President speak on this matter, that the purchases were planned and budgeted for.

I will have to live with the decision, however, having run the numbers associated with the cost of the asset, namely, the asset depreciation considering that the vehicle is now 5 months old, has 6650 km's on the clock - returning the vehicle would unfortunately not be cost-effective.

QUESTION NO 224

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 4 September 2009

Ms D Robinson (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) (a) How many SA Police Services Trauma Counselling centres existed at police stations in each province as at the latest date for which information is available, (b) how many of these are fully functional, (c) what are their hours of operation, (d) how many counsellors are assigned to each of the centres and (e) what qualifications and experience does each of these counsellors have;

(2) whether members of the public who have been traumatised either through assault or abuse are referred to such counsellors; if not, why not; if so, who are the relevant counsellors;

(3) whether there is any counselling for the parents of children who have suffered abuse; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) what monitoring system is in place to ensure that these counselling services are implemented properly;

(4) whether there are any systems in place to give counselling to police officers on a regular basis; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether counsellors are paid a stipend; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW272E

REPLY:

(1) (a) to (c) The facilities for victims established at police stations by the SAPS are referred to as victim support rooms. There are 795 of these victim support rooms at present. The terms Atrauma room@ or Atrauma centre@ are commonly but incorrectly used. The SAPS adopted a manual for the implementation of the Victim Empowerment Programme, which provides guidance in this regard. The manual is being implemented at present. The provincial breakdown is provided below.

Total number of victim support rooms (VSR)

Component

Total

Eastern Cape

Free State

Gauteng

124

KwaZulu-Natal

156

Mpumulanga

North West

Northern Cape

Limpopo

Western Cape

174

TOTAL

795

Victim support rooms at police stations are functional on a 24-hour basis. Victim support rooms at satellite police stations and contact points are open for the same hours as at the police stations. As part of interdepartmental cooperation in implementing the Service Charter for Victims of Crime and so improving victims= services, some police stations are used as sites for victim centres where the SAPS and other departments jointly provide services or where a programme making use of volunteers is implemented. In these instances the facility may be referred to as a Victim Centre. The professional services rendered are supervised by the Department responsible for those services. For example, trauma counselling is provided and supervised by trained professionals employed or contracted by the provincial Social Services Department.

(d) to (e) The South African Police Service does not have the mandate or function to provide trauma counselling to members of the public. That function is included in the mandate of the national and provincial departments of Social Development/Services. In terms of the Minimum Standards for Services to Victims of Crime included in the Service Charter for Victims of Crime, the SAPS has the following responsibilities towards victims:

- To treat victims with respect and preserve their dignity when they report crimes

- To enable victims to provide information on their case

- To provide victims with information

- To protect victims from immediate harm at the scene of a violent incident

- To provide practical assistance, which includes referring victims to available services within the area. This includes referring victims to counselling services as needed

Services rendered at police stations and in SAPS Victim Support Rooms by SAPS members relate to these responsibilities and may include providing information on victims= rights and the investigative process, taking a statement or referring the victim for other services such as trauma counselling. SAPS members and volunteers who work with the SAPS are not trained as counsellors and may not provide counselling or debriefing. This is explained in more detail in (2) below.

(2) Yes, the South African Police Service (SAPS) refers traumatised members of the public for counselling services, where they are available. A national Directory of Services is published and regularly updated by the national Department of Social Development and includes listings of services available to victims. These directories are provided to police stations and must be available in the Victim Support Room at the police station or in the Community Service Centre in stations that do not yet have Victim Support rooms. In addition to the national directories, stations must also work with local and provincial stakeholders such as the provincial victim empowerment committees, to identify local victim service providers and maintain this information and make it available in the Victim Support Room. The Victim Empowerment Programme Manual, National Instructions for the Treatment of Victims of Sexual Offences (22/1998) and Domestic Violence (7/1999) and Service Charter for Victims of Crime all indicate that station managers must develop and keep a list of available services within the precinct to whom victims may be referred should the need arise. Trauma counselling can only be provided by trained professionals registered at the relevant professional body and supervised according to the requirements of professional bodies, for example the South African Council for Social Work Services and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (with regard to psychological services for chronic, long-term treatment). Counsellors are trained and registered social workers and psychologists. These professional service providers should ideally operate within a precinct and may be employed by government, the private sector or non-governmental organisations.

(3) (a) and (b).

Referrals are made for both direct victims and indirect victims (such as the parents of a child victim of abuse) if they need the service. Since trauma counselling is not a policing function, it is not incumbent upon the police to develop monitoring systems in this regard. However, it is important to note that the professional bodies require that such services be supervised by professionals and also that service providers are regularly debriefed. The Department of Social Development sets training standards for service providers and is responsible for regulating the provision of services under its mandate.

(4) Systems are in place for the provision of counselling services provided in the SAPS to SAPS members by the Employee Assistance Service (EAS). Trauma management as an internal service delivered to employees of the South African Police Service is directed by the National Instruction 18/98 (v0.03) which, in short, states that:

- All traumatic incidents must be reported by the commander within 12 hours of the incident. The employee may also report such an incident.

- Employees may receive trauma counselling in office hours and have the right to a confidential service that will not impact their career mobility.

- Trauma counselling is not compulsory but the reporting of the incident is compulsory.

- Members must make an informed decision when refusing trauma counselling.

- Trauma counselling is done by trained Employee Health and Wellness employees, who function as Social Workers, Psychologists, Psychometrists and Chaplains and have completed the trauma- counselling course prescribed by the South African Police Service.

- Supervisors and commanders are trained in initial debriefing (psychological first aid) to support employees directly after a traumatic incident.

- Trauma counselling is also available to the dependants of the employee in the SAPS.

- Trauma management extends not only to short-term trauma counselling. In the instances of high-risk units, a long-term trauma management support group intervention was implemented which addresses not only trauma but general stressors, bereavement, coping mechanisms, self-development and organisational coping mechanisms.

- Structures are also in place in the counselling of trauma counsellors.

- During functional training such as detective courses, field training officers and basic training, employees are also made aware of trauma exposure, traumatic symptoms and the management of trauma. Employees are informed of the support structures in place and how they can make contact with the Employee Health and Wellness trauma counsellors. Through these lectures, employees are also made aware of the victim=s experience of trauma and the correct manner of dealing with victims in a respectful and professional manner.

- The Employee Health and Wellness employees conduct station visits and presentations to sensitise employees about trauma management.

- The South African Police Service trauma counsellors will serve the community in terms of victim support in the case of major crisis incidents and major events. Operational plans per province are in place to deploy these trauma counsellors. Basic support will be provided and victims will be referred to external service providers for long-term trauma counselling.

(5) EAS members who provide counselling for SAPS employees are themselves employees of the Service and are paid salaries commensurate with their ranks. The use of volunteers in SAPS victim support programmes at police stations is provided for in the Manual for Victim Empowerment in the SAPS. The SAPS does not pay stipends to volunteers. However, there are instances where the provision of victim support services at a police station is the result of a partnership between the SAPS and other departments or service providers and where provision is made by one of the other parties to the partnership for the payment of stipends to volunteers. Such a volunteer would then render a service at a police station but under the supervision of a professional service provider, which could be a Department of Social Services or a Non-Governmental Organisation employed by the relevant Social Service Department to render such services.

QUESTION NUMBER: 224

DATE FOR PUBLICATION: 28 OCTOBER 2009

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 28 OCTOBER 2009

MRS C DUDLEY (ACDP) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES:

(1) Whether she has found that the measures taken by the Government against escalating incidences of domestic violence and violence against women have been effective in reducing such incidences; if not; why not; if so,

(2) Whether any additional measures will be considered in this regard; if not, why not; if so what measures.

RESPONSE

N02380E

REPLY:

(1) Good and promising measures have been developed in the country; innovative work has been done by civil society in collaboration with Government to find dynamic approaches to end violence against women and children. However identifying best practices is still a challenge because of the range of ways and the variety of contexts in which violence against women and children is manifested. The lack of resources committed to this work and especially to evaluating different initiatives compounds the challenge of generalizing about which approach works best.

(1) I personally do not think there is a need for more measures; good measures are there in place. What we need to do is to keep the implementation of legislation under constant observation and review. We need to continue to reform legislation, policies and strategies in the light of new information, understanding and research from monitoring and evaluation. We further need to ensure that the victims / survivors are not "re-victimised " through the legal and judicial processes.

Question 225

Monday, 26 June 2009

Mr DA Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

What are the skills, experience and academic qualifications of the recently appointed Head of Department of Education in the Free State?
What are the skills and experience of other candidates interviewed with the Head of Department of Education?
What process was followed to appoint the said Head of Department?
Does the Minister believe that the appointed person is the most qualified and skilled candidate? If so, can the Minister expand?
According to the Minister's definition what does "extensive experience entail"? NW258E

Answer:

1. From 2001 to 2006, Mr Ramathe Stanley Malope served as a Whole School Evaluation Supervisor at the Free State Department of Education Head Office in Bloemfontein. From January 2007 to September 2008, he was appointed Deputy Director for Human Resources: Supervision and Management at Fezile Dabi Education District. In October 2008, he was appointed by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture as Corporate Human Resource Manager at Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS), the position which he held until 31 May 2009.

He obtained his further Education Diploma in Education Guidance at Rand Afrikaans Universiteit in 1996, and in 1999, obtained his Bachelor of Education (Honours) at the same University. He also received his Human Resource Management Diploma (HRM-DIPL) from Business Management Training in 2002.

Mr Malope has also acquired a number of certificates from different institutions to further enhance his skills in various competencies, ranging from Computer literacy, Project Management, Financial Management for managers and Human Resource Management for supervisors.

2. Skills and experience of other candidates interviewed with the appointed Head of Department of Education

*No.*	*Name of applicant*	*Qualification*	*Current occupation*
1	Mr Sipho David Manese	ü Senior Teachers Diploma ü BA (Education) ü B.Ed ü M.Ed (Psychopedagogics) ü Ph.D (Psychopedagogics) ü Project Mngt Diploma ü Financial Mngt Diploma	Director: Maluti FET College Free State Department of Education
2	Mr France Ramokopu Sello	ü Grade 12 ü Junior Secondary Teachers Certificate ü BA Degree ü BA Hons ü Further Diploma in Educ Mngt ü Financial Mngt ü Masters in Business Admin	Director: Quality Assurance Free State Department of Education
3	Mr Thabo Pusetso Izaac Chele	ü Grade 12 ü Primary Teachers Diploma ü BA (Education) ü B.Ed (Hons) ü Masters Degree in Governance and Political Transformation (Thesis outstanding) ü Second Masters Degree in Public Mngt and Planning (Research methodology etc. outstanding)	Director Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District
4	Mr Anthony Ventura Bouwer	ü Ph.D ü Masters Degree ü B.Ed ü BA ü Higher Diploma in Education	Provincial Manager National Development Agency in the Free State
5	Mr Tebogo Nhlanhla Tlhaole Lioma	ü Grade 12 ü BA Degree in Admin ü Post Graduate Diploma in Indus-trial Relations ü Short series certificate in Personnel Mngt ü MBA	Deputy Director General: Corporate Services Free State Department of Education
6	Mr Motlhanke Joseph Phukuntsi	ü Grade 12 ü B.Comm	Acting HOD Free State Department of Education
7	Mr Khoarai Johannes Khoarai	ü Grade 12 ü Primary Teachers Certificate ü Secondary Education Certificate ü Diploma Physical Education ü BA ü B.Ed ü M.Ed – Didactics ü M.Ed – School Mngt	Deputy Director General Free State Department of Education
8	Ms Mpolai Jocoline Ntshingila	ü Grade 12 ü B.Comm ü Certificate in Small Business Consultancy ü MBA	Provincial Manager Small Enterprise Development Agency Bloemfontein
9	Mr Mbuyiselo Samuel Sani	ü Grade 12 ü Primary Teachers Certificate ü BA Degree ü Higher Education Diploma ü Master of Public Admin ü B.Ed ü National Diploma: Finance and Accounting (Public)	Chief Director: Corporate Services Free State Department of Tourism, Env & Econ Affairs

3. The post for HOD: Education was advertised in the City Press, Rapport and in the Sunday Times on 07 December 2008. The applications for the post closed on 07 January 2009.

Ten applicants were short-listed of which one withdrew (Ms Mpolai Jocoline Ntshingila) and nine were interviewed by a Panel duly constituted in terms of the Public Service Regulations.

Following the interviews, the Panel made a recommendation to the Executive Authority who subsequently appointed the current HOD.

4. Mr Malope's skills, competencies and qualifications alluded to in (1) above indicates that he met the requirements of the job

5. The public service circular on "Rigid Requirements stated in Advertisements" ref. 1/3/8/P dated 19/09/2002 sent to all heads of National and Provincial Departments and Organizational Components has reference:

a. "The Public Service Regulations, 2001 authorize executing authorities to determine the inherent requirements of the jobs and to state these as appointment requirements in advertisements, they have to do so in a way that will not unfairly discriminate against any group of candidate on the basis of subjective criteria such as race, gender, disability etc;

b. The above principle is enshrined in section 6 (1)of employment equity Act, 1998 and Chapter 1, part VII.C.1.2 of the Public Service Regulations, 2001;

c. By defining the inherent requirements of the jobs rigidly in the form of specific educational qualifications or years of experience, the result is often that potentially suitable candidates, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds are discouraged or excluded from applying. Such candidates might not possess the specific qualifications or have the required years of experience, but could have the required competencies by virtue of exposure to alternative courses and or practical work experience".

5. Mr Malope has been performing the work content attached to this post for over twenty (20) years, which according to Public Service Regulations, constitutes extensive experience.

Recognition of equivalent competency, as in the case of Mr Malope, has been taken into consideration;

Mr Malope has therefore completed a number of years of service and possesses a combination of actual service and appropriate experience for this position.

QUESTION NUMBER: 225

DATE FOR PUBLICATION: 28 OCTOBER 2009

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 28 OCTOBER 2009

REV. K.R J MESHOE (ACDP) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:

Whether she will take any steps to oppose attempts at decriminalizing prostitution in order to protect women and children from sexual abuse, human trafficking and drug trafficking; if not; why not; if so, what steps?

N02381E

REPLY:

The South African Law Commission has issued a discussion paper on the issue of decriminalization of prostitution. This issue can be looked at from two perspectives, namely:

· From a feminist point of view, decriminalizing prostitution renders the woman's body a commodity item. In other word, this leads to a formalization of the sexual exploitation of women's bodies in a transaction involving money.

· On the other hand, some women believe that decriminalizing prostitution or sex workers as we prefer to call them is inherent in safeguarding their human rights, the right to work as well as their rights in terms of employment and labour. This would mean that sex workers can be protected legally from violence, health issues as well as further exploitation.

In this regard, the Department has not done sufficient consultation on this matter with the women in society. As a result, the Department will seek to develop its perspective once we have undertaken these consultations in the near future in terms of what women themselves want / are saying about this issue. In addition, as we approach the 2010 Soccer World Cup there is a need to consult widely on the issue of prostitution and measures to end abuse and trafficking of women and girls for sexual exploitation.

2009-07-17

What's wrong with this page?