Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 276 to 300

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2009-07-17

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

QUESTION NO 276

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 2009

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

Mr S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether he will review regulations for carrying passengers, in particular sections 231-233 in Part IV of the Road Traffic Regulations which deal with the manner in which children are counted; if not, why not; if so, when;

(2) whether he will review the mass of a passenger with his personal effects, which is currently taken as 68 kilograms; if not, why not; if so, when;

(3) whether he intends introducing severe penalties in respect of offences in which children are transported illegally; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW329E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) The Department of Transport (DoT) is not yet reviewing the provisions dealing with the manner of counting of children transported in a motor vehicle. However, the Department has enhanced the requirements regarding the transportation of children in motor vehicles by requiring that when transported in a motor vehicle fitted with seatbelts, such children should be seated on the seats fitted with seatbelts.

The Department will in the near future look at the entire provisions dealing with the transportation of school children in any motor vehicle.

(2) The DoT has held discussions with various role-players in the transportation industry regarding the increase of the current mass of passengers together with their personal effects. The increase in the current mass requirement has to be supported by the motor vehicle manufacturers changing the vehicle permissible mass carrying capacity to ensure that such vehicles are designed to carry the possible increase of such mass. Since, any increase in the mass alone will result in overloaded vehicles and further damage to the road infrastructure.

(3) The Department of Transport is currently not looking at introducing any stiffer sentences in this regard. However, we will be increasing law enforcement, targeting such illegal transportation.

QUESTION NO.: 276

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 OCTOBER 2009

Mrs D R Tsotetsi (ANC) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

How many of the fifteen companies which receive financial support from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) are owned by previously disadvantaged women and people with disabilities? NO2601E

REPLY

Since April to September 2009 the IDC has approved almost R 1 billion to 15 distressed firms from a dedicated facility that is in line with the Framework Agreement. These interventions are estimated to have saved over 3,000 direct jobs in six provinces.

Seven of these companies have black representation in ownership of between 20-100%; one has female representation of 8%. One company had shareholders which consist of a community trust and a workers' trust. Women form part of the beneficiaries of these trusts.

IDC support to enterprises owned by previously disadvantaged women and people with disabilities are also financed from other general and dedicated funds, details of which are as follows:-

The IDC advises that in the 2009 financial year, over 120 financing approvals (60% of IDC total) benefitted black empowered businesses. From April 2009, up to the end of September, the IDC had approved more than 70 transactions. Of these companies, 8 had more than 15% shareholding by black women.

As part of its commitment to assist entrepreneurial development, the IDC launched the Transformation and Entrepreneurship Scheme (TES) in the 2009 financial year. This R1 billion fund consists of the Women Entrepreneurial Fund (R400m), People with Disabilities Fund (R50m), Equity Contribution Fund (R150m), Development Fund (R250m – workers), and Community Fund (R150m). The purpose of establishing these funds is to increase access to finance to marginalised groups that still have difficulty in gaining access to capital in general and equity in particular.

QUESTION NO 277

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 S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether he will institute an independent audit of all airports under Airports Company of South Africa's (ACSA) control to ensure that (a) all vacancies are filled, (b) all firefighters in Grade 1 receive the necessary training in order to fulfil the base requirements for extinguishing advanced aircraft fires and rescue, (c) all firefighters are trained regularly in the use of issued equipment, (d) the equipment at each airport is serviceable, compatible and meets international standards, (e) all firefighters are accredited and recognised as a designated service under the Fire Brigade Services Act, Act 99 of 1987, in order to be International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant and (f) that the use of firefighters for the purpose of directing aircraft to their respective parking bays be reviewed; if not, why not, in each case; if so, when, in each case;

(2) whether our airports can guarantee the safety of passengers in the event of an aircraft emergency?

NW330E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) The South African Civil Aviation Authority's (SACAA) audits verify that the staff complement of fire fighters per shift is compliant with operational requirements. The Airports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA) has increased its head count to ensure a full complement of trained fire fighters per shift to mitigate against the high mobility of staff in this sector.

(b) All firefighters appointed in the Grade 1 level are subjected to aircraft technical training, which includes aircraft construction and fire fighting procedure, prior to being deployed on a shift basis to the operational sector of the fire services. These fire fighters are also subjected to radio telephony training, as well as other aviation specific training requirements which are not applicable to municipal fire fighters.

(c) All fire fighters are trained and tested regularly on the use of issued equipment and records are maintained in respect of specific training of each fire fighter. Training is conducted at regular intervals, which includes daily, weekly and monthly practical exercises. This is verified by the SACAA by means of unscheduled audits as well as during licensing audits.

(d) Serviceability of vehicles and the required equipment is formally recorded. These records are being monitored by the SACAA through an independent auditing thereof during inspections and licensing audits. Extensive records are also kept of all external services and maintenance. The equipment at each ACSA airport is compatible with and meets international standards.

(e) There is currently no airport fire service designated under the Fire Services Act, 1988 (Act No 99 of 1988). The services provided by ACSA fire fighters are, however, compliant with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as confirmed by the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme.

(f) This function is not under review as the utilisation of fire service personnel for aircraft marshalling is currently regarded as part of the functions of that cadre. It gives them exposure to aircraft construction and manoeuvrability as well as to observe the emergency exits of the different types of aircraft. As part of the marshaller's function, aircraft refuelling operations are observed for safety compliance and fire prevention.

(2) As is the case world-wide, no airport can absolutely guarantee the safety of passengers in the event of an aircraft emergency. However, risk mitigation measures are being employed in line with international best practice. Airports under the control of ACSA have in place a robust Aerodrome Emergency Management System (AEMS), which is in line with international best practice and compliant with ICAO standards and recommended practices. The AEMS provides for a coordinated response for all emergencies, which includes periodic testing, full scale exercises once every two years and partial exercises annually. The full scale exercises include a comprehensive simulation for testing all capabilities and facilities, which involve the entire aviation community, the local authority and state agencies. Recent audits and tests by the SACAA confirmed that all the role players are fully prepared to adequately respond to an aircraft emergency.

QUESTION NO: 278

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION:

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

Whether he will review the housing needs, allocations, lists and qualifications of all those who 'applied for RDP houses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

Housing Needs

No. The Government remains committed towards housing assistance to household who cannot independently resolve their own housing needs. The bulk of housing funding allocation is still channelled towards the upgrading of informal settlements as the highest priority.

The Government is, however, in the process to broaden the application scope of the National Housing Programmes as part of the implementation of the mandate contained in the Comprehensive Plan for the Creation of Sustainable Human Settlements, also referred to as the "BNG" policy framework. In this process and to achieve a holistic planning and development orientation a framework for the establishment of a National Housing Demand Database was approved and submitted to the provincial departments.

The main objective of the National Housing Demand Database is to establish a single integrated database from which all housing departments will draw housing need data. The establishment of the actual housing demands per development or region may warrant investigations into the possible enhancement of the definition of the housing needs and such will be subject to the normal policy decision-making process.

Allocations

No. The principles for the allocation of housing opportunities created through the various National Housing Programmes remain the unchanged. Applications are still considered on the basis of first came first served and in terms of compliance with the standard qualification criteria.

Allocations for housing opportunities in informal settlement upgrading projects differ in that the development is planned with and for the specific inhabitants of the relevant area.

The implementation of the National Housing Demand Database will further enhance the allocation process in that developers will be able to establish needs and invite prospective housing subsidy applicants to apply for subsidies where housing opportunities are available from the data base.

Lists

No. It is assumed that this sub-section of the questions relate to so called "waiting lists".

Although the introduction and maintenance of housing demand lists or ~waiting lists" is not prescribed by national policy, all such existing municipal and provincial lists were incorporated, or are in the process of being incorporated, into the National Housing Demand Data Base.

Qualification Criteria

No. The qualification criteria to obtain access to the housing assistance measures instituted by Government are not under review at this moment.

It is important to note that in addition to the general qualification criteria, each National Housing Programme is governed by programme specific criteria, tailored to achieve the goals of the relevant programmes. The current qualification criteria of the various National Housing

Programmes are regarded adequate and effective. However as policy evolves and new programmes are developed that warrant changes to the existing criteria, such will be subject to the normal policy decision-making process before approval and implementation.

QUESTION 279

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 4-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 JUNE 2009

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

Whether he intends to transfer and formalise the transfer of rural communal land to the people, thereby giving them title deeds or ownership of land in traditional communities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW332E

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

The Communal Land Rights Act, 2004 (Act No. 11 of 2004) has been challenged for constitutionality. We will study the judgment and make a decision thereafter.

4 NOVEMBER 2009

QUESTION NO.: 279

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 OCTOBER 2009

Mr S B Huang (ANC) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

Whether, in light of the signs that the economy is recovering from the international economic crisis, his department is preparing to make use of the accompanying opportunities of such recovery; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NO2604E

REPLY

Yes, the Department, working with other departments in government, is preparing to utilise the opportunity to prepare for economic recovery.

Recessions tend to weaken the productive base of economies. In the face of chronic demand shortages, firms have no incentive to invest in productive capacity and they tend to "scrap" existing capacity to meet whatever little demand exists. On the labour market front, the drop in aggregate demand leads to a drop in the demand for labour. The longer the recession runs, the greater the labour market damage: workers lose their productive capabilities and their skills and become discouraged from seeking jobs-the recession thereby creates a structural unemployment problem out of what was initially a cyclical problem.

The key interventions, details of which in respect of (a) to (d) were provided to the National Assembly on 28 August 2009, include:

(a) the training layoff scheme, intended to build skills during the period of industrial slack;

(b) support to distressed sectors and companies that are intended to address some of the structural problems of the companies concerned;

(c ) competition measures to address collusive practices in a number of sectors, in order to ensure that competition is enhanced, with the benefits that accrue in the long-term to the economy;

(d) addressing the problems of customs fraud that has eroded the market- share of legitimate manufacturers and retailers. The success of this effort will help to spur domestic economic activity;

(e) local procurement promotion to provide a long-term reorientation of

state procurement and provide the spur for private companies to invest in new capacity;

(f) local economic development initiatives to help generate strong growth and job creation.

QUESTION NO: 280

QUESTION PAPER NO 4: 26 JUNE 2009

DATE SUBMITTED: 12 AUGUST 2009

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

(1) Whether her department has paid a certain company (name furnished) for any services rendered; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any official of her department (a) serve in the board of this institution and (b) is remunerated for serving in its board;

(3) whether such official(s) declared membership of the board to her department; if not, why not; if so, what is the position in this regard? NW333E

REPLY

(1) The department has no dealings with Inqaba Yesizwe CC and no payments were thus effected.

(2) The department is not aware of any official serving on the board of this institution.

(3) Not applicable.

Question 281

28 OCTOBER 2009

281. Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 909]

(1) Whether his Director-General signed a performance contract with him; if not, why not; if so, when;

(2) whether all senior managers in his department signed performance contracts with the Director-General; if not, (a) which senior managers did not sign, (b) for what reason and (c) when will it be done; if so, on which date did each senior manager sign a performance contract? NW1065E

ANSWER

(1) No, the Director-General left the Department on 30 June 2009. The Acting Director-General however signed a Performance Agreement on 1 July 2009.

(a) Director: Youth HIV and Aids Programmes/Director: Local Government Organisational Development Systems. (b) Resignation/Maternity leave. (c) October 2009 for senior manager, who was on maternity leave, the other 103 Performance Agreements were signed by senior managers on dates varying between 1 April to 31 July 2009.

QUESTION NO: 282

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 June 2009

QUESTION PAPER NO: 4

DATE OF REPLY: 16 July 2009

Dr P W Mulder (FF Plus) asked the Minister of Communications:

Whether, in the light of the financial difficulties in which the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) finds itself, consideration will be given to rather limiting the payment of bonuses to senior managers of the SABC than increasing television licences; if not, why not; if so, what measures have been introduced to take the necessary steps?

NW335E

REPLY

I have been advised by the SABC as follows:-

With reference to the issue of bonuses, no profits were declared in the 2008/2009 financial year therefore no bonuses will be paid to the executive management of the SABC.

The issue of performance bonuses is intrinsically separate and not dependent on the collection or even increase in television license fees.

In terms of the Broadcasting Act, No 4 of 1999, as amended, television licence revenue may be used only for funding the SABC's public service mandate and not for operational costs, under which bonuses fall. This entails broadcasting in all 11 official languages on radio and television and providing everything from news, information and cultural programmes to religious, music and educational programmes to sports coverage and entertainment for its multi-lingual, multicultural audiences.

This expanding public service mandate coupled with the rising cost of collecting television licence fees and the increasingly competitive environment the SABC operates within is seriously impacting on its financial affairs. Optimal TV licence revenue is essential if the broadcaster is to fulfil its public service mandate.

A failure to implement regular tariff increases will result in the value of television licence revenue continuing to decline in real terms, at an increasing rate. Had the SABC been allowed annual inflation-related tariff adjustments since 1998, the current R225.00 fee would now have been R426.00, which would be R201.00 (89%) more than at present.

In the nine years since 1998, the SABC has received only a single TV licence tariff increase in 2004. The fee at the time was increased by 8%, from R208.00 to R225.00 per annum.

Again, as indicated above, television licence revenue cannot be used for staff salaries, bonuses or any other purpose except public broadcasting.

Question 282

282. Ms M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 925]

(1) Whether, with reference to the salary negotiations between the SA Local Government Association (Salga) and municipal workers, municipalities will receive additional funding; if not, how will the salary increase be funded; if so, (a) who will provide the additional funding and (b) what will be the impact of the allocation of additional funding;

(2) whether implementation of the salary increase will result in further strains on service delivery; if not, (a) why not and (b) from which municipal budgets will funds be allocated to fund the increase in salaries and wages; if so, (a) what action will be taken to reduce the impact on service delivery as a result of the increase of salaries and wages, (b) from which municipal budgets will funds be allocated for the increase and (c) who mandated Salga to negotiate up to a 13% salary and wage increase? NW1081E

ANSWER

(1) Municipalities do not, as a norm, get funding for salaries from National Fiscus. They fund these from their own revenue. There is no evidence of necessity for additional funding than what Municipalities have budgeted for in this respect.

The increases are funded from the general revenue of each municipality.

(2) (a) Strains that may be there on service delivery would not have been caused solely by salary increases. The inadequate nature of the Equitable Share, as it relies on 2001 Census data, contribute to a greater degree to the insufficient funding of local government. (b) As indicated above, Municipalities budget, normally under personnel administration, for salary increases and that is the budget they use for this purpose. (c) To start with, the agreement is not a direct 13% as the question says but a 10.5% normal increase with a non - pensionable allowance of 2,5%. There is a huge financial difference between the two with 13 % the bill would have gone up by R5,522,400.000 while the current formulation makes a saving of R162,000,000 as the bill increases by about R5,360,400,000. The sum total of the current formulation is an overall average increase of about 11.75%.

SALGA followed a vigorous mandating process with its members, the Municipalities on every step of this sensitive matter. Key highlights of such mandating process were, where 66% of its members agreed to the mediators proposal where the increases had to be 11.5% for 2009/2010, CPI + 2010/11 and CPI 2011/12.

When that did not result in an agreement and a strike ensued, a revised Mediator Proposal was for payment of 11.5% with an additional 1.5% in January 2010. SALGA again sought a mandate and a majority responded favorably thereto.

Of the 283 Municipalities, only one has applied for exemption from the provisions of this agreement on basis that it may not afford to pay same. All others have not. Lastly and by comparison, Local government salary increases were at 8.3% in 2008/09 while other employers were at double digit percentages.

A comparison of local government and Public Service for 2008/09 ( 8.3% Local Government and 10.5% Public Service) and 2009/10 ( average 11.75% local Government and 11.5% public Service reveals that local government salaries are conservative by about 1%. The minimum wage for both is fairly comparable.

QUESTION NO. 283 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 5 of 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 3 July 2009

Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether, with reference to the beaching of false killer whales on Kommetjie beach on 30 May 2009, any reasons for the beaching have been established; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) how many of the false killer whales (a) were beached, (b) died on the beach naturally, (c) were euthanized and (d) were returned to the sea;

(3) whether anything could have been done to save more of these animals; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) (a) how many staff from Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) were involved in the operation and (b) who led the MCM response team;

(5) whether any systems or responses will be developed to ensure that a greater number of animals are saved if similar beachings occur in the future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW316E

MR M J ELLIS (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

283. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) Although autopsies and several other tests were conducted on carcasses of the beached whales, the results are inconclusive. In this case, as elsewhere in the world, it is a combination of factors that gives rise to such occurrences.

(2)(a) 55 whales were beached

(b) 5 died on the beach naturally

(c) 36 were euthanized

(d) 14 were returned to the ocean.

(3) The saving of stranded whales depends on many factors, including ultimately weather and sea conditions. During this period, weather conditions were particularly poor, with a cold front arriving that morning, giving rise to dangerous sea conditions. As a result, several people were injured and others had to be rescued by the NSRI during the operation. At this point, the beach was closed by the City of Cape Town's Disaster Management. Given all these factors, including the fact that the whales, after 7-8 hours of being returned regularly to sea in such conditions, could not (a) swim and (b) breathe normally on their own and (c) (more importantly) maintain a vertical orientation, the decision was made that nothing further could be done for the animals without unnecessarily prolonging their suffering.

(4) Approximately 15 members of staff from MCM, led by Mr. M. Meyer, were involved in the operation. In addition to the MCM contingent, research collaborators from external institutions were in attendance or consulted.

(5) Yes, the Department is engaging with all stakeholders to develop a Policy and Response Strategy drawing on experiences both nationally and internationally (Australia and New Zealand). This will form a framework for South Africa's responses during such occurrences. Designs of specialized equipment have been obtained from New Zealand and Australia, where mass beachings occur more frequently than in South Africa.

QUESTION NO 284

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 3 JULY 2009(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 5 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 11 September 2009

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

Whether any SA Police Services Trauma Counselling centres at police stations in each province have been closed down in each of the past three years up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which centres and (b) why?

NW336E

REPLY:

(a) and (b)

No. The SAPS has not closed down any facilities for victims at police stations and have in fact increased such facilities. Please note, however, that facilities for victims at police stations are referred to as Victim Support Rooms. The use of the term Atrauma counselling centres@ is incorrect as SAPS is not responsible for trauma counselling to victims. The responsibility for trauma counselling is included in the mandate of the Social Development Department and its provincial counterparts, as reflected in the South African Service Charter for Victims of Crime.

The Service is steadily increasing these facilities and currently have 795 Victim Support Rooms. The number per province are provided below. These facilities should not be designated as Trauma Counselling Centres, as the South African Police Service does not have a mandate to provide trauma counselling to the public.

TOTAL NUMBER OF VICTIM SUPPORT ROOMS (VSR)

COMPONENT

TOTAL

Eastern Cape

92

Free State

50

Gauteng

124

KwaZulu-Natal

156

Mpumalanga

58

North West

39

Northern Cape

44

Limpopo

58

Western Cape

174

TOTAL

795

Question 284

28 OCTOBER 2009

284. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 1003]

Whether any municipalities were placed under administration (a) in (i) 2006, (ii) 2007 and (iii) 2008 and (b) during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (aa) which municipalities, (bb) what are the reasons for being placed under administration in each case and (cc) what actions has been or will be taken against officials and councillors for creating this situation in each case? NW1226E

ANSWER

In 2006 no municipality was placed under administration; and

In 2007, 5 municipalities were placed under administration that included Amajuba District Municipality, Umzinyathi, Newcastle, Uthrecht and Oudtshoorn Local Municipalities; and

For the year 2008, five municipalities were placed under administration that included Xhariep District Municipality, Ditsobotla, Mohokare, Mbombela and Mkondo Local Municipalities; and (b)(aa) 1 January 2009 to date, seven municipalities were placed under administration that included Ngaka Modiri Molema and Alfred Nzo District Municipalities, Kou-Kamma, Mnquma, Pixley ka Seme, Lekwa and Nokeng Tsa Taemane Local Municipalities.

The cross cutting reasons were challenges in terms of (1) Governance that included political infightings, conflict between top management and councillors, HR management; (2) Financial - that included fraud and misuse of municipal funds and property, lack of proper financial systems, revenue collections, A-G disclaimers; and (3) Service delivery related to section 152/153 of the Constitution that clearly set out the service delivery obligations of municipalities.

Actions taken in each municipality ranged from taking away executive powers of the officials in the municipalities, suspensions to dismissals of officials in certain municipalities.

QUESTION 285

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03/07/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 05-2009)

Mr DA Kganare (COPE) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
  1. (a) How many educators have been trained in the use of computers, (b) who trained them, (c) when they were trained, (d) how was the service provider appointed and (e) who paid them for training;
  2. whether these service providers are accredited; if not, why were they were appointed;
  3. when will the (a) roll-out of providing each educator with a laptop resume and (b) last educator get a laptop? NW337E

REPLY:

1.(a)

Teacher training in ICT

• training in basic ICT skills 52 915

• the use of ICT training for administration 31 091

• teacher training in ICT integration 23 980

• training in technical support 22 361

• teachers offering Computer Applications Technology 1 578

1(b)

Provinces are responsible for teacher development in schools. Each province has an ICT in Education Teacher Development Programme. They make use of a range of in-house e-learning specialists, Higher Education Institutions (Universities and universities of Technology), NGOs such as School Net SA and private sector such as Microsoft 'Partners in Learning' and Intel 'Teach to the Future 'and EduNova.

1(c)

Central to the implementation of ICT is the continuous development of managers, administrators and teachers. The National Department of Education is responsible for policy and support to provinces. In this regard the Department of Basic Education has implemented the following teacher development and support processes to support the attainment of the e-Education goals:

· Guidelines for teacher training and professional development in ICT were published (Department of Education, 2007). This document presents an important milestone, in that it attempts to adequately address the ICT training needs of teachers and managers.

· Module 12 of the Principals' ACE was developed by the Department of Education and focuses on the management of and with ICT in schools. The programme is currently being piloted with 400 school principals;

· An interactive CD containing Subject advisors training in the use of ICT was developed. This forms the basis for a programme for the integration of ICT into teaching and learning and the support thereof for Subject Advisors;

· Partnership programmes for the development of ICT skills of teachers through the Microsoft's Partners in Learning, Intel's Teach, the School Net SA Teacher Development Framework, and other programmes; and

· The Thutong Educational Portal was developed to provide a platform for teachers to access resources, communicate, collaborate and contribute to the resource pool of the portal.

1(d)

Provincial Education Departments remunerate service providers that have been tendered.

2.

All service providers employed by provinces are at least accredited through the ISETT SETA. Teacher development is a continuous process.

3 (a)

The implementation of the teacher laptop initiative began 1 July 2009.

3 (b)

The initiative is phased in over two years according to the seniority of the educator. As this is a condition of service, it will continue indefinitely since we have teachers entering the profession on a daily basis.

QUESTION NO.: 286

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 June 2009

Ms N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:With reference to a report in a certain newspaper (details furnished), (a) what is the estimated cost of the damage that has been caused to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)building, (b)(i) who was responsible for guarding the building and (ii) why was the vandalism not prevented, (c) why had the NPA not taken occupancy of the building and (d)(i)how much money was paid in rates and taxes while the building was unoccupied and (ii) who paid for these expenses?

NW284E

REPLY

(a) The estimated cost of the damage caused by vandals to Innes Chambers is unknown.

(b)(i) The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) assumed responsibility for guarding the building.

(b)(ii) Security guards were posted at the main entrance and the parking area of the building. The vandals apparently gained access to the building via an adjourning building. One suspect was arrested by the South African Police Service and charged, but the case was subsequently withdrawn.

(c) The building was procured by the Department of Public Works (DPW) in 2004 on behalf of the NPA. The building was to be refurbished by the Department of Public Works. The understanding was that the NPA would be the sole occupants of the building once the tenants of the then soon to expire leases had vacated the building by 31 March 2005. This did not happen and the financial institution that occupied the ground and first floors of the building vacated the premises only in January 2009. Due to the restrictive conditions of the extended lease agreement with a financial institution entered into by the Department of Public Works, no renovations/ refurbishments of the building could take place. Challenges with the registration of the quantity surveyors initially appointed further delayed the process. The result was that the building only became available early 2009 for the tenant installation to proceed.

Budget constraints during the 2009/10 financial year are now preventing the matter going out to tender. A request for funding has been submitted to National Treasury via the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development as part of the MTEF process. The outcome is awaited. In the absence of such funding, refurbishment at the Innes Chambers cannot commence.

(d)(i) The building has not been occupied by the NPA. As a consequence, the NPA has paid no municipal charges in respect of this building. It was not possible to determine from the Department of Public Works whether it paid such rates and taxes in respect of this building or the amount involved.

However, please note that a claim for municipal services dated 11 May 2009 was received from the Department of Public Works. All such claims are referred by the NPA to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development as the Department holds and administers the budget. The Department of Justice & Constitutional Development is in contact with DPW's Johannesburg Regional Office to assist in determining from the Municipality the origin of these claims.

(d)(ii) The Department of Public Works is responsible for the payment of municipal rates and taxes until the building is handed over to the user department. It is therefore requested that the Honourable Member approach the Department of Public Works for this information.

QUESTION 287

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 3 July 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 5 of 2009

Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) What is the current status of the special exemption permits for Zimbabweans that were announced recently;

(2) whether the Government will introduce these permits; if not, why not; if so, when?

NW339E

REPLY

(1) Whilst the special dispensation for Zimbabwean nationals has been announced in the media, the Department of Home Affairs is, currently, investigating the technicalities surrounding the implementation, thereof. Consultations are also taking place within the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster.

(2) A formal briefing session with Cabinet will take place, as soon as, the Department is ready to introduce the special dispensation for Zimbabwean nationals.

QUESTIONS 277

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

21 August 2009

277. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and

Administration:

(1) Whether his Director-General signed a performance contract with him; if not, why not; if so, when;

(2) Whether all senior managers in his department signed performance contracts with the Director-General; if not, (a) which senior managers did not sign, (b) for what reason and (c) when will it be done; if so, on which date did each senior manager sign a performance contract? NW986E

REPLY:

(1) Yes, the Director-General's performance agreement was signed on 29 August 2009.

(2) Almost all Senior Management Service members have signed their performance agreements with only three remaining which will be finalized as soon as they report back to work from the conference they are attending.

Question 287

28 OCTOBER 2009

287. Mr T Botha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 1029]

(1) Whether the monitoring of intergovernmental relations and the performance of provincial government had allowed his department to discover problems early enough for quick and timely remedial actions; if so, (a) which problems were discovered in each province through the monitoring programmes and (b)(i) how, (ii) when and (iii) to what extent were these problems corrected and resolved; if not,

(2) whether he has taken any steps to ensure the value of having such a monitoring service in his department; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW1267E

ANSWER

The Constitution gives national government the power to monitor the performance of provinces and municipalities, intervene when it is necessary to correct institutional failures, and a duty to support these spheres to develop their capacity. We recognized that this area was not fully exercised to enable us to better monitor and support provinces with challenges they encounter.

The Department will be partnering with both the Ministry on Performance Monitoring to build a stronger system of intergovernmental supervision. Part of the problem has been that there has been no national legislation regulating monitoring and intervention powers and this has led to inconsistent approaches, with no clear links between monitoring frameworks and programmes of support.

The expanded mandate of the department to focus on cooperative governance means that we will be presenting a Green Paper on Cooperative Governance during the course of next year. This Green Paper will propose how improved monitoring of provinces will be conducted in respect to intergovernmental performance.

Preliminary performance indicators for the practice of effective intergovernmental relations have been drafted, and these will be further developed in relation to the strengthening of sector coordination and oversight. The 'voluntarism' in the IGR system has allowed for the situation where provincial 'discretion' in the management of government budgets and programmes has allowed for a problematic in how monitoring of performance is intergovernmentally conceptualized.

QUESTION 288

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03/07/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 05-2009)

Mr MH Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

1. Whether her department has, in terms of section 45(1) of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, Act 32 of 2007, applied for clearance certificates for all educators from the Registrar of the National Register for Sex Offenders; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the total number of educators whose particulars are contained in the register and (b) how often does her department apply to the Registrar for clearance certificates for educators? NW340E

REPLY:

1.

My Department has not, in terms of section 45(1) of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, Act 32 of 2007, applied for clearance certificates for all educators from the Registrar of the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The reason for not applying for clearance certificate is that the office of the Registrar for the National Register for Sex Offenders is currently capturing court orders that have been issued since June 2008. These orders are with regards to sexual offences committed by employees working directly or indirectly with children.

Only when the electronic capturing of court orders has been completed, will the office of the Registrar for the National Register for Sex Offenders start screening the orders in relation to which Department the offenders are employed.

Thereafter, the relevant Departments will be contacted and supplied with clearance certificates application forms that they have to complete on behalf of those employees that have committed sexual offences and returned to the above-mentioned office.

(b) Not applicable

(c) Not applicable

Question 288

28 OCTOBER 2009

288. Mr T Botha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 1030]

Whether the management, coordination and monitoring of the effectiveness of the integrated implementation of the urban renewal programme has resulted in improvements in the urban landscape; if not, why not; if so, (a) what improvements were achieved, (b) what monetary support was given to each approved site and (c) to what extent had the programme achieved its objectives? NW1268E

ANSWER

(a) (c) Certainly the urban renewal programme made its impact in the urban landscape. The anchor projects were identified to attract and mobilise a range of multi-sectoral developments with government creating enabling conditions. Let me cite two of the projects as examples that improved the urban landscape and demonstrate of programme achievements.

In Alexandra a London Road and Bridge project is an example:

Vehicle and pedestrian connectivity both within Alexandra and to the greater regional economy has substantially improved through the construction of major roads and bridges. Some 95% of the formal road infrastructure has been upgraded and tarred, with 22 km of sidewalks (pavements) created and paved. The construction of London Road linking Alexandra to both the N3 and M2 highways in particular and the upgrading of the road network in general have increased the linkage into the regional economy of sidewalks (pavements) created and paved. The construction of London Road linking Alexandra to both the N3 and M2 highways in particular and the upgrading of the road network in general have increased the linkage into the regional economy.

The Khayelitsha Central Business District is also a case in point.

The 17 500m² retail centre was completed in December 2006 at a total capital cost of R86,5 million. This project is establishing a mixed-use, viable and vibrant Central Business District (CBD) for the residents of Khayelitsha, in which the local community participates and is empowered to take up economic opportunities.

(b) Significant funding from various sources including Municipal Infrastructure Grant, Neighborhood Partnership Grant, European Union contributed in monetary terms to the programme.

QUESTION NO 289

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER : 3 JULY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 5 – 2009)

Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Police:

Whether the Independent Complaints Directorate received any complaints against the police for not investigating attacks on foreigners; if so, how many?

NW341E

REPLY:

The IDC did not receive any complaints against the SAPS for failing to investigate attacks on foreigners.

Question 289

28 OCTOBER 2009

289 Mr T Botha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 1031]

Whether his department's programmes of support and capacity building to local government over 15 years have achieved the objective of sound Intergovernmental fiscal relations; if not, why not; if so, what are the statistics informing his response? NW1269E

ANSWER

Intergovernmental fiscal relations (IGFR) is one part of the larger framework of Intergovernmental Relations.

The department had and has a number of programmes to mention a few – Masakhane Campaign, Project Viability, Project Consolidate, Municipal Infrastructure Programme, MIG, Local Government Equitable Share, 5 Year Local Government Strategic Agenda, Operation Clean Audit and the Revenue Enhancement and Debt Collection Programme.

The Department is presently preparing a discussion document on key reforms that need to addressed in the area of IGFR. Key challenges in this regard include:

  1. Resource allocation does not take spatial differences & realities into account, e.g. topography, vastness
  2. Vertical allocation: steady increase, but limited slice of the national fiscus to local government
  3. Misaligned budgeting and planning across the three spheres of government
  4. Equitable share and its formula does not address the real needs of small, rural municipalities with limited revenue base
  5. Grants coordination, management and compliance is weak. Limited provincial role.

Some areas of proposed reform include:

  • Consider long term fiscal planning (5-15 years) to be balanced with the current skills base; this will give even greater predictability to local government
    • DORA: Address non-compliance; review grant conditionalities & improve coordination
    • Explore specific target financial instruments to support (smaller rural) municipalities with a limited revenue base

    QUESTION NO.: 290

    DATE OF PUBLICATION: 03 June 2009

    Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

    (1) What were the reasons for the delay in concluding a power purchase agreement between Eskom and the Independent Power South Africa (Ipsa) gas-generated electricity plant;

    (2) whether the agreement will be signed shortly; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details;

    (3) whether these delays have created a negative perception amongst independent power producers; if not, why not;

    (4) whether she will introduce measures to ensure that such delays do not take place in future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW342E

    REPLY

    (1-2) A country dialogue relating to the price path and affordable electricity prices into the future is currently underway in South Africa. The lack of a sustainable funding solution, which includes a long-term price path, does not only affect Eskom, but also the ability of many non-Eskom generators to secure financing as revenue security is also crucial to their funding model.

    In this context, Eskom supports Independent Power Producers (IPP), but cannot commit to these transactions until such time as an appropriate funding framework and enabling environment have been agreed with and is endorsed by all appropriate stakeholders.

    Independent Power South Africa (IPSA) is one of many participants in the Medium Term Power Purchase Programme (MTPPP) implemented by Eskom.

    Eskom remains committed to the MTPPP programme and is willing to conclude power purchase agreements with successful bidders, provided that Eskom can fully recover the costs over the life of such agreements, that the forecasted costs for each financial year are recovered and that it is supported by the funding model.

    (3) Eskom is aware of the risks associated with the delay in the signing of agreements. To mitigate the risk, Eskom will endeavour to keep all participating IPPs abreast of all developments.

    (4) A process is at an advance stage to ensure that a supportive enabling environment is in place for Eskom to expedite IPPs. The Department of Energy is finalising the regulation, whilst the Regulator is finalising the cost recovery mechanism. Eskom, working with other key stakeholders is finalising the funding solutions.

    Question 290

    28 OCTOBER 2009

    290. Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 1057]

    (a) Which local municipalities are being considered for becoming metros, (b) what are the considerations in each case, (c) what are the processes for affecting such a change and (d) for when is it planned in each case? NW1317E

    ANSWER

    I am aware that the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has taken a decision last year considering the municipalities of Mangaung, Buffalo City and Msunduzi as metros by year 2011. As part of the engagements with MDB, we are assessing the circumstances closely and will make a statement when appropriate and necessary.

    QUESTION NUMBER: 291

    DATE FOR PUBLICATION: 3 JULY 2009

    DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 6 August 2009

    MR JJ McGULWA (ID) TO ASK THE MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY: PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION AS WELL AS ADMINISTRATION IN THE PRESIDENCY:

    (1) (a) when will the hotline be set up in the Presidency, (b) what is the estimated cost of the hotline and (c) what is the (i) total number of staff to be employed for the hotline and (ii) cost of the staff for the hotline;

    (2) Whether this hotline will be toll-free from a cell phone; if not, why not; of so, what are the relevant details?

    EW343E

    REPLY:

    Question 1

    (a) when will the hotline be set up in the Presidency?

    1st September 2009

    (b) What is the estimated cost of the hotline?

    Initial costs including 1st level SITA support Staff (until the end of the Financial Year): ±R4million

    (c) Total Number of Staff to be employed for the Hotline?

    (i) 21

    (ii) Cost of the staff for the Hotline: ±R1,5 million

    Question 2

    Whether this hotline will be toll-free from a cell phone; if not, why not; of so, what are the relevant details?

    At this stage, the Hotline will only be toll free from a landline and discussions in terms of broadening this option are still underway.

    QUESTION NO. 292

    DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: ((3: July 2009)

    (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.5-2009)

    Mrs D van der Walt (DA) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture

    1. Whether the "Flag in Every School" project launched in September 2005, has been complete; if not, (a) Why not and (b) when is it anticipated to be completed; if so, how many schools in(i) rural areas. (ii) urban areas and (ii) farm schools received (aa) flags and (bb) flagpoles;

    2. what was .the cost of providing these items to these schools; Friday. 3 July 2009

    3. where any provincial government has committed themselves to funding and/or running this project; if not ; Why not; if so, (a) which provincial government and (b) what are the relevant details;

    4. Whether any steps: were taken to lobby assistance from the private sector and/or civil society organisations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

    (NW347E)

    REPLY:

    QUESTION NO: 293

    QUESTION PAPER NO 5: 3 JULY 2009

    DATE SUBMITTED: 12 AUGUST 2009

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

    (1) How many inmates applied to be released on medical parole (a) in 2007, (b) in 2008 and (c) in each month during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

    (2) how many such applications were refused by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards;

    (3) how many inmates who applied to be released on medical parole and whose applications were refused had subsequently passed away? NW348E

    REPLY

    Inmates do not apply for placement on medical parole. Each case is considered on its own merit. However, the following number of cases was considered by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards for the periods specified.

    (1) (a) 89

    (b) 183

    (c) January 2009 : 14

    February 2009 : 35

    March 2009 : 28

    April 2009 : 23

    May 2009 : 13

    June 2009 : 26

    (2) 108 placements on medical parole were refused.

    (3) The information with regard to those who subsequently passed away is not readily available, however a task team is accessing this time consuming aspect.

    QUESTIONS 293 FOR ORAL REPLY 20 OCTOBER 2009

    293. Dr HC van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration

    (1) How many (a) chief executive officers (CEOs) has the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) had since it registration in 1999 and (b) applications were received for the post of CEO in response to the advertisement of 9 June 2009;

    (2) Whether the vacancy has been filled; if not, (a) who are the persons short-listed for the position, (b) what is each candidate's (i) experience and (ii) qualifications and (c) when will the position be filled; if so, (aa) who has been appointed and (bb) what is the (aaa) experience and (bbb) qualification of the incumbent;

    (3) Whether merit was the only criteria by which the successful candidate has been appointed; if not, what other criteria was used? NW1378E

    REPLY:

    (1) (a) The State Information Technology Agency had employed 14 Chief Executive Officers since its inception in 1999, including those who operated in acting capacity.

    (b) Yes applications were received in response to the advertised position of Chief Executive Officer of SITA.

    (2) The vacancy has not yet been filled as we are in the process of finalizing the selection; it may therefore not be advisable to disclose the names of the short-listed candidates since the recruitment process is still in progress. As soon as the process is completed information will be made available to that effect.

    QUESTION NO: 294

    QUESTION PAPER NO 5: 3 JULY 2009

    DATE SUBMITTED: 12 AUGUST 2009

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

    (a) How many inmates were released on medical parole in (i) 2007, (ii) 2008 and (iii) each month during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) what was the illness or condition suffered by such inmates and (c) how many of these parolees have subsequently passed away? NW349E

    REPLY

    (a) (i) 78

    (ii) 150

    (iii) January 2009 : 11

    February 2009 : 8

    March 2009 : 15

    April 2009 : 12

    May 2009 : 13

    June 2009 : 16

    (b) The diagnosis is done by a Medical Practitioner which varies from individual to individual and cannot be specified for each and every case.

    (c) 123

    Question 295

    28 OCTOBER 2009

    295. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 1118]

    (1) With regard to a certain tender (details furnished) for the management of 21 water and 10 waste water treatment facilities and associated bulk infrastructure, what is the average lead time for (a) advertising, (b) receiving, (c) accepting and (d) finalizing tender bids;

    (2) whether there are any reasons for the lead time of the said tender being short; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

    (3) (a) who were the bidders for the said tender, (b) to whom was the said tender awarded, (c) who are the (i) owners/directors and (ii) subsidiaries of the successful bid company and (iii) owners/directors of these subsidiaries, (d) what are the details of the contract of the said tender and (e) what is the total amount of this contract? NW1383E

    ANSWER

    I am currently verifying the details associated to this question and will be ready to provide a comprehensive response once completed and satisfied in due course.

    QUESTION NO: 295

    QUESTION PAPER NO 5: 3 JULY 2009

    DATE SUBMITTED: 12 AUGUST 2009

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

    Whether her department intends providing any special facilities to enable inmates to view the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament; if not, why not; if so, (a) what facilities, (b) at which correctional centres, (c) at what cost and (d) which company will provide such facilities? NW350E

    REPLY

    The department will not provide any special facilities for enabling inmates to view the 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournament; however, offenders will be able to watch matches which form part of the day to day programme viewing on television sets which are currently provided in cells and are available in all correctional centres.

    QUESTION NO. 297

    (Internal Question Paper No 5- 2009)

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

    Whether his department is playing a role in the planning for disaster management of the host cities for the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament; if not; why not; if so; what are the relevant details?

    ANSWER

    Yes, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is playing a role in the planning for disaster management of the host cities for the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament through the National Disaster Management Centre (NOMC) as part of the Safety and Security Workstream of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

    The involvement of the NDMC revolves mainly around the strategic level and not so much at a tactical and/or operational level.

    The NOMC is supporting the provinces and host cities in developing disaster management plans as well as contingency plans for identified risks related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Tournament.

    QUESTION NO 298

    DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 11 AUGUST 2009

    DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 03 JULY 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 5 – 2009)

    Mr S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

    (a) When was a certain tender (details furnished) for managing the October transport month campaigns, marketing and communications activities advertised in the Government Tender Bulletin, (b) how many respondents submitted tenders, (c) who were the respondents, (d) what was the value of each of their tenders, (e) who was the successful tenderer and (f) for what period was the tender awarded?

    NW354E

    REPLY:

    The Minister of Transport:

    (a) The tender in question (Bid No DOT/25/2008/com.) was advertised in the Tender Bulletin on 19 September 2008.

    (b) Upon advertising of the tender, a compulsory briefing session was held and only fourteen (14) companies responded or submitted proposals.

    (c) See below the schedule of respondents:-

    NO

    BIDDERS

    PRICING

    1.

    Puisano Business Development Group (Pty) Ltd

    R 14,332,871.12

    2.

    VWV Group (Pty) Ltd and Asiboni Mbala Events (Pty) Ltd (Joint Venture)

    R 21,010, 669.96

    3.

    Therisano Marketing & Life Skills Specialists

    R 27,377,100.00

    4.

    AWA World Media (Pty) Ltd

    R 30,497,520.00

    5.

    Pinduwa Media (Pty) Ltd

    R 35,000,000.00

    6.

    Gearhouse SA (Pty) Ltd (Joint Venture) with Agile Media and Meta4 Marketing

    R 74,566,852.80

    7.

    Threedot Creative Communication and Marketing

    R 455,088.00

    8.

    Brand Partners (Pty) Ltd

    R 43,199,500.00

    9.

    Puledi Construction

    R 45,322,000.00

    10.

    Mmuki Transport and Construction

    R 390,055,980.00

    11.

    Waldo Giyani Transport

    R 482,400.00

    12.

    Trinity Media Solutions (Pty) Ltd

    R 13,655,000.00

    13.

    MTKR Marketing and Communications

    R 23,655,000.00

    14.

    D J Vibes Entertainment CC

    R 538,354.00

    (d) Please refer to (c) above.

    (e) Puisano Business Development Group (Pty) Ltd was the successful bidder based on the points scored against the evaluation criteria for functionality and price.

    (f) The duration of the tender was for one (1) month – October 2008.

    Question 298

    28 OCTOBER 2009

    298. Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 1172]

    Whether his department uses temporary employment services and/or labour brokers; if so, (a) why, (b) how many positions have been filled by temporary employment services in the (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08 and (iii) 2008-09 financial years, (c) what percentage of the total staff complement did temporary employment services contribute in each of these years and (d) how much money has been spent on temporary employment services in each year? NW1507E

    ANSWER

    (a) Temporary support staff is appointed through temporary employment services in cases where permanent staff is on long leave due to incapacity, maternity leave, special leave, etc and in cases where support staff is temporarily needed for special projects.

    (b) None, temporary staff is not appointed in permanent positions since their services are only needed for specific periods and projects.

    (c) Not applicable.

    (d) 2006/07 R1 441 609

    2007/08 R2 110 401

    2008/09 R2 552 027

    QUESTION NO 299

    DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03 JULY 2009

    (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 5)

    299. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

    (1) Whether steps are being taken to warn water users about the risks of cyanobacteria in dams; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

    (2) whether warning signs are posted at the entrances to dams with dangerous levels of cyanobacteria; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

    (3) whether any legal action has been brought against her department for (a) not warning users about cyanobacteria or (b) not acting to ameliorate the presence of cyanobacteria; if so, what are the relevant details;

    (4) whether any studies have been conducted locally into the link between cyanobacteria and (a) Alzheimer's disease and (b) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; if so, what are the relevant details;

    (5) whether she has been informed of studies elsewhere that suggest a link between cyanobacteria and these diseases; if so, what steps will she take in this regard?

    NW355E

    REPLY:

    (1) The Departmental website (specifically under Resource Quality Services) contains information on cyanobacterial blooms, identification thereof, how to avoid contact with contaminated water, how to treat water that may contain toxins and other relevant information that can be accessed by any member of the public. In addition, the National Eutrophication Monitoring programme (NEMP) monitors the trophic status of 106 dams country-wide and the results are published in an annual eutrophic assessment report.

    The implementation manual for this monitoring programme (the NEMP) specifically states the development of a framework to enable an early warning system for algal (and specifically cyanobacterial) blooms as one of its objectives, and this has been attained at some dams, such as Roodeplaat and Hartebeespoort. The Department is committed to solve issues such as time delays between water analyses and the release of results, as well as the lack of formal communication structures, in order to ensure that this can be done for all dams where blooms frequently occur.

    (2) To date, warning signs are being posted at two dams when cyanobacterial blooms occur Hartebeespoort Dam (Northwest) and Nahoon Dam (Eastern Cape). However, several challenges exist in order to roll this out to other dams, including resistance from the local authorities or surrounding communities due to possible loss of revenue if dams can not be used for recreational activities.

    (3)(a)

    and

    (3)(b) The Department, is not aware of any legal action brought against it for not warning users about cyanobacteria or not acting to ameliorate the presence of cyanobacteria.

    (4)(a)

    and

    (4)(b) Although there are no known studies currently available within South Africa, several epidemiological studies were conducted in other parts of the world, such as Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the USA. There are evidence linking the toxins produced by these bacteria to adverse health effects in humans, but most of the research provides low levels of evidence, in that it does not take into account individual exposure, exposure levels and also does not include associated control groups.

    Therefore, a significant amount of research is still required in order to confirm whether the presence of cyanotoxins does indeed cause diseases like Alzheimer's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The Department is fully supportive of research in this area, and will use scientifically proven findings to inform policies and frameworks with regard to eutrophication.

    (5) Refer to (4) above

    NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

    QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

    QUESTION NUMBER: 300

    DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 JULY 2009


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

    (1) (a) How many posts (i) exist and (ii) are currently vacant at Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) AND (b) with regard to each such vacant post, (i) what is the salary rank and (ii) how long has the post been vacant;


    (2) how many posts (i) exist and (ii) are currently vacant at Stats SA for each of the post past five financial years up to 31 March 2009?


    CLICK HERE FOR: REPLY

    QUESTIONS 294 FOR ORAL REPLY

    20 OCTOBER 2009

    294. Dr HC van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration

    (1) What are the most common complaints received by (a)(i) national and (ii) provincial government departments in respect of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), (b) how many complaints have been received since its registration in each year up to the latest date for which information is available and (c) (i) how and (ii) when have these complaints been addressed? NW1379E

    REPLY:

    The most common complaints received by government departments at national and provincial level in respect of the State Information Technology Agency are mainly procurement and pricing related issues.

    On procurement the following details are provided:

    · Allegation of corruption

    · Allegation of violation of SITA procurement provisions

    · Allegation of poor coordination between SITA and the client departments

    · Management of project specifications

    On pricing the following details are provided:

    · That SITA is more expensive than the IT industry directly approached by departments

    · That price negotiation processes with suppliers is a loose arrangement

    We are currently reviewing the SITA business in general and that will address these issues.

    Some of the changes to SITA business processes have been communicated in the handbook presented to this honorable House when the Medium-Term-Budget Policy Statement was tabled by the Minister of Finance yesterday.

    We will soon provide major developments as we present the turn-around strategy for SITA processes.

    Question 299

    28 OCTOBER 2009

    299.Ms M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 1194]

    Whether, in each of the 216 municipalities in the country, in each of the past three years, the mayors of each municipality purchased a new official vehicle; if not, what vehicle is each mayor using; if so, (a) what is the (i) make, (ii) model and (iii) year and (b) at what (i) cost and (ii) what accessories, including extras, were included at an additional cost? NW1533E

    ANSWER

    Due to the extensive information required, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is currently conducting research in this respect and details regarding the above question will be provided to the Honourable Member once the required information has been obtained.

    Question 280

    28 OCTOBER 2009

    280. Ms M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: [Written Question No 890]

    (1) Whether any assessments were done by him or his predecessor on municipalities around the country; if so, (a) what was the nature of each assessment, (b) when was each done, (c) what was the cost involved in each assessment, (d) who were the stakeholders in each assessment and (e) what steps were taken regarding the (i) outcomes and (ii) recommendations of each assessment;

    (2) whether opposition parties were involved in (a) previous and (b) current assessments; if not, why not; if so, which opposition parties? NW1043E

    ANSWER

    (1) Yes. (a) The then dplg undertook assessments on the status of Local Government prior to the inception of Project Consolidate in 2004 and the 5 year Strategic Local Government Agenda in 2006. These previous assessments relied on information gathered by existing reporting systems and therefore were unable to unearth the acuteness and scope of challenges at Municipal level.

    On the 7th of July 2009 I wrote a letter to provincial MECs responsible for Local Government, communicating the need to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the state of governance and service delivery in municipalities. These assessments focussed on the following categories:

    · Governance;

    · Financial Management;

    · Service Delivery;

    · Labour related matters.

    The following elements were identified as key to the assessment process:

    · The provinces must lead the process;

    · Provincial Task Teams must be established to undertake the assessment;

    · The assessment must take place through interactive sessions and direct engagements, and not through desktop research;

    · All key stakeholders at municipal level must be engaged with: caucus/councils, senior management, unions, traditional leaders, opposition parties and communities;

    · A report must be submitted on the engagements covering the underlying causes of the challenges and weaknesses in governance and service delivery, as well as the development of a support plan that identifies the actions and required support measures from national and provincial government, and other stakeholders; and

    · The report with recommendations must be signed off by the Provincial Executive Council and finally be submitted to the National Minister.

    (b) From late July 2009 until the end of August 2009, teams composed of officials from COGTA and the Provincial Departments of Local Government visited the provinces to conduct in-depth municipal assessments per province. In the case of the North West, an assessment was already completed during March and April 2009 by the Task Team lead by myself, while the Western Cape commenced with their assessment only in September 2009.

    (c) The assessments were conducted within the normal budget for interaction between the three (3) spheres of government. No external service providers were used during these assessments.

    (d) All key stakeholders at municipal level were engaged e.g. caucus/councils, senior management, unions, traditional leaders, opposition parties and communities.

    (e)(i) Reports compiled by each provincial team and the provincial departments were submitted to COGTA. Theses reports investigated the underlying causes of the challenges and weaknesses of governance and service delivery in terms of the institutional capacity and capability financial challenges and the political environment. Provinces also reported on the State of Local Government in each province and the process undertaken at the COGTA Technical Minmec held on 22 September 2009. These Reports are now being assessed and consolidated into a draft report by COGTA. A National Indaba on Local Government was held on 21 and 22 October 2009. At this Indaba government a draft 'State of Local Government Report was presented.

    (e)(ii) The outcomes of these provincial municipal assessments will culminate in the development of a national Local Government Turn Around Strategy (2009-2011). The turn around strategy will be based on objective conditions and evidence-based assessment that highlights weaknesses and challenges and what needs to be done to reverse the dire situation in our municipalities. COGTA will partner with key stakeholders to develop and implement the Turn Around Strategy. The National Indaba on Local Government received inputs for the Turn Around of Local Government.

    (2) (a) Not applicable. (b) Provincial assessment teams were specifically requested to engage with all key stakeholders including opposition parties.