Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 351 to 375

Top Producer for Informal Markets

• If it is a group, it has to have defined membership and roles within a properly constituted entity
• The project(s) must be owned and managed by at least 90% females
• Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a cohesive team for at least one year
• Deliver a product that is of high quality (and therefore attractive to consumers)
• Produce to sell to their local community
• Demonstrate a degree of innovation and creativity in improving farming methods
• Have a commitment to care for the natural resources and ensure sustainability of these resources, as well as demonstrate responsible use of production inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides and others.
• Demonstrate a good sense of record/bookkeeping (finances).

Top Producer for Household Use

• Produce sufficient to meet their immediate food security needs.
• Demonstrate innovation and creativity in improving food production.
• Have a commitment to care for the natural resources and ensure sustainability or these resources, as well as demonstrate responsible use of production inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides and others.
• If a surplus is made, it should be sold to the local communities.

(3) Yes, According to our Extension Officer the previous overall winner Ms Kero owns a farm at Westminster.

(a) Falls away

(b) Falls away

(b)(i)(ii) According to our Extension Officer Mr. Mothapo (082 509 6601) The
previous overall winner, Ms Kero owns a farm at Westminster and the farm
was purchased through Land Redistribution and Agricultural Development in 2005.

(iii) During 2008 she then moved to Bainsvlei farm as a caretaker as the farm in Westminster grazing land was not enough for her livestock. The department has lost contact with her; we do not know where she is except we heared she was expelled from the farm Bainsvlei.

(4) No, the Minister will not make a statement on the allegations except to indicate that the matter raised by the honourable member will be brought to the attention of the MEC for Agriculture in Free State.

QUESTION NO: 358

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 July 2009

QUESTION PAPER NO: 6

DATE OF REPLY: 15 July 2009

Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether he purchased a new vehicle on his appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether he inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle?

NW418E

Reply:

1. Yes

(a) In terms of the Ministerial Handbook as approved by Cabinet on 7 February 2007, "Departments may purchase official vehicle/s directly from manufacturers and/or their dealerships only when the currently provided official vehicle for that office has reached 120 000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first".

The vehicle for use in Cape Town was 9 years old and had reached 115 072 kms. The vehicle for use in Pretoria was 4 years old and had reached 137 194 kms.

(b) & (c)

(d)(i) & (ii)

QUESTION 358

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER 2009 [IQP No 09 -2009] SECOND SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT

Question ■ 358 for Oral Reply, National Assembly: Mr. P.J.C. Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs (Written Reply number 1321):

1. Whether the arbitration proceedings regarding the dismissal of a certain person (name furnished) have been concluded; if not, why not; if so,

2. whether the official received any pension and/or severance payment upon termination of service; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

3. whether any criminal charges have been laid against the official; if not, why not; if so (a) what charges, (b) when they were laid and (c) what was the outcome in each case? NW1669E

REPLY:

1. Yes, the dismissal of Dr. R.P. Mohlahlane was upheld via a settlement agreement dated 12 June 2009 and the termination date of his services remained 18 December 2008 as per the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.

2. In the terms of the settlement agreement the Department agreed to pay the official the equivalent of four months' salary based on R67 000 per month, less PAYE and UIF, on or before the end of June 2009.

To date no pension has been paid to the official as he has not completed the prescribed pension forms and no settlement amount has been paid as the tax directive requested from SARS by the Department was declined as the official is not registered as a tax payer with SARS.

3. This Department is unable to respond to this question as the Land Bank is pursuing the matter of criminal charges.

QUESTION NO: 359

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 July 2009

QUESTION PAPER NO: 6

DATE OF REPLY: 16 July 2009

Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

(1) Whether a function was held by his department to celebrate his appointment as minister; if so, (a) how much did the function cost, (b) what is the breakdown of the cost and (c) how many guests attended the function;

(2) whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests; if so, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs?

NW419E

Reply:

(1) No function was held by the Department to celebrate my appointment as minister.

(2) Not applicable.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO 361

(Internal Question Paper No 5 - 2009)

Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether a function was held by his department to celebrate his appointment as minister; if so, (a) how much did the function cost, (b) what is the breakdown of the cost and (c) how many guest attended the function;

(2) Whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests; if so, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these cost?

ANSWER

(1) No.

(2) Falls away.

QUESTION NO: 362

QUESTION PAPER NO 5: 3 JULY 2009

DATE SUBMITTED: 12 AUGUST 2009

MR A T FRITZ (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

(1) Whether she purchased a new vehicle on her appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether she inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle? NW422E

REPLY

(1) A new vehicle has not been purchased yet.

(2) An existing vehicle has been inherited and is utilised in Cape Town. However, in Pretoria, she is currently using a sponsored vehicle granted to her by the Department of Transport until the 31^st of July 2009 to allow the department to purchase a car for her as outlined in the ministerial hand-book.

(a) Mercedes Benz E350, 2007 model.

(b) Two (2) years old.

QUESTION NUMBER 362

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25)

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources: [Written Question No 1335]

(1) How many applications for (a) prospecting, (b) mining and (c) other types of applications were lodged with her department in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, for each type of mineral;

(2) how many applications for (a) prospecting, (b) mining and (c) other types of applications that were lodged with her department in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, for each type of mineral since 1 September 2009 have not been processed;

(3) how many applications for (a) prospecting, (b) mining and (c) other types of applications that were lodged with her department before 1 September 2009 in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, have not been finalised yet in each regional office? NW1684E

REPLY

1) In respect of (1) and (2) above, all applications for prospecting rights or mining rights must in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) be processed. Therefore we do not understand the question in relation to applications not being processed

2) See 1 above

3) Only those application which are within the prescribed timeframe and the conversion applications which still have to comply with the prescribed requirements have not been finalised

QUESTION NO: 363

QUESTION PAPER NO 5: 3 JULY 2009

DATE SUBMITTED: 12 AUGUST 2009

MR A T FRITZ (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

(1) Whether a function was held by her department to celebrate her appointment as minister; if so, (a) how much did the function cost, (b) what is the breakdown of the cost and (c) how many guests attended the function;

(2) whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests; if so, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs? NW423E

REPLY

(1) + (2) No function were held by the department.

QUESTION NO.: 363 (1336 Original number)

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 September 2009

Mr J Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

Whether Eskom initiated litigation and/or claims against coal suppliers (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1686E

REPLY

Yes. Eskom has instituted legal action in the form of arbitration proceedings against the relevant parties in respect of the financial prejudice suffered by Eskom. The cause of action relied upon by Eskom is in the main breach of contract, negligent misstatement, unjustified enrichment. A claim has been instituted in the sum of R80 877 425.31.

QUESTION No 364: NW424E

Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether she purchased a new vehicle on her appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether she inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle?

REPLY

(1) No

(2) No

QUESTION No 365: NW425E

365. Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether a function was held by her department to celebrate her appointment as minister; if so, (a) how much did the function cost, (b) what is the breakdown of the cost and (c) how many guests attended the function;

(2) whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests; if so, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs?

REPLY

(1) NO

(2) Not applicable

QUESTION: 366

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

(1) Whether he purchased a new vehicle on his appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether he inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle?

NW426E

RESPONSE

The Minister of Economic Development has not purchased a new vehicle on his appointment to office, nor did the Minister inherit an existing vehicle. For the period since his appointment to office, he has utilised vehicles made available through the Department of Transport, the Government Garage, car rental agencies and his private vehicle. The Minister requires the use of vehicles in the performance of his duties and any vehicle purchased will be done within the guidelines applicable to Members of Cabinet.

QUESTION: 367

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

(1) Whether a function was held by his department to celebrate his appointment as minister; if so, (a) how much did the function cost, (b) what is the breakdown of the cost and (c) how many guests attended the function;

(2) whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests; if so, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs? NW427E

RESPONSE

No.

Question no. 369

QUESTION PAPER DATE: FRIDAY, 03 July 2009

369. Mr S C Motau (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether a function was held by her department to celebrate her appointment as minister; if so, (a) how much did the function cost, (b) what is the breakdown of the cost and (c) how many guests attended the function;

(2) whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests; if so, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs?

Reply:

(1). No

(2). No

QUESTION NUMBER: 370

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 3 JULY 2009

MR DT GEORGE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FINANCE:

(1) Whether he purchased a new vehicle on his appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether he inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle? NW430E

Reply:

(1) Two new vehicles were purchased by the department for the Minister for use in Cape Town and Pretoria.

(a) No vehicles were inherited from the previous Minister of Finance. Vehicles were procured in keeping with the provisions of the Ministerial handbook (Chapter 5) approved by the Cabinet in February 2007: "Members at National level may be provided with one vehicle for use in Cape Town and one vehicle for use in Pretoria."

(b) The following cars were procured:

- Lexus GS 300 SE - Pretoria

- Audi A6 3.0T - Cape Town

(c) The cost of the vehicles:

- Lexus: R557,673.73

- Audi A6: R590,500.00

(d) (i) and (ii)

The accessories in excess of the vehicle's purchase price were:

- Lexus GS 300 SE: - Tracker – R 3,036.00 per annum

- Insurance – R17,469.58 per annum

- Audi A6: - Tracker – R 3,036.00 per annum

- Insurance – R19,897.35 per annum

(2) No, he did not inherit an existing vehicle.

QUESTION NUMBER: 371
DATE OF PUBLICATION 3 JULY 2009
Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) Whether a function was held by his department to celebrate his appointment as minister; if so, (a) how much did the function cost, (b) what is the breakdown of the cost and (c) how many guests attended the function;

(2) whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests; if so, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these costs?

Reply:

(1) No function was held to celebrate the appointment of the Minister.

(2) Please refer to question 1 above.

QUESTION NUMBER 371

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25)

Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources: [Written Question No 1366]

(1) Whether all areas of the Somkhele Colliery in KwaZulu-Natal were included in the Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPR); if not, why not; if so, when was the EMPR approved;

(2) (a) since 1 January 2009, how many times have inspectors from her department visited the mine and (b) what was the date of each visit;

(3) whether any directives have been issued against the mine for non-compliance on any matters related to the EMPR since it commenced operations; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1722E

REPLY

1) Yes.

2) Inspection was done this year.

3) No

QUESTION NUMBER 372

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 3 JULY 2009

Mr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) How many financial advisors have been sanctioned through the (a) imposition of a fine, (b) the suspension of a licence or (c) referral for criminal prosecution in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Service Act, Act 37 of 2002 ;

(2) how many sanctions were subsequently overturned in each category;

(3) whether an assessment of the impact of the legislation on the financial advisory services industry has been conducted (a) with regard to the phenomenon of disintermediation, (b) to determine the impact the legislation has had on the protection of consumers and (c) with regard to the cost of compliance; if not, why no if so, what are the relevant details? NW432E

Reply:

The Financial Services Board (FSB) is the regulator responsible for reporting on unlawful investment schemes, and has provided the relevant information to enable a response to these questions.

(1) (a) Penalties were imposed on 43 financial services providers during the 2008/2009 financial year for the late submission of annual statutory returns.

(b) As at 15 July 2009, 35 licenses are suspended. Of the 35 suspensions one was effected in the 2006/2007 financial year, 24 were effected in the 2008/2009 financial year and the balance of 10 during the current financial year. Of the 43 financial services providers on whom penalties were imposed (refer to paragraph (a) above) the authorisation of 2 were suspended and 2 were withdrawn.

(c) There were 65 cases which were referred to the prosecuting authorities since the FAIS Act took effect on 30 September 2004. These cases include 20 cases resulting from formal inspections

(2) No fines have been overturned. In a number of cases the quantum of the fine imposed has been reduced after evaluation of submissions by the licencees involved. Twelve (12) suspensions have been lifted as a result of having met the conditions.

(3) (a) No assessment of the impact of this Act on disintermediation in the financial advisory industry has been conducted since the Act took effect, given that the objective of this Act is to regulate financial service providers when rendering financial advise and intermediary services to consumers. Those persons that fail to obtain authorisation under the Act or who do not comply with the fit and proper requirements set by this Act are not allowed to provide such services.

(b) The Financial Services Board and National Treasury do monitor on an on-going basis to what extent this Act has improved the quality of consumer protection. To the extent that we have identified risks or weaknesses, we have amended the Act in 2008 to address those risks and/or weaknesses. Media and stakeholder feedback received during the last year indicate that the FAIS regulatory framework have indeed improved consumer protection.

(c) No, we have not made any cost assessment on the impact of this Act, as it is not clear what the benefits of such a complex exercise would be. The direct cost of compliance consists of a once-off application fee (dependent on the nature of the application) and an annual levy which currently amounts to a minimum of R2 345 for the smallest financial services provider. Such a levy assists in funding the operational costs of implementing the Act including the Office of the FAIS Ombud.

QUESTION NO.: 372 (1377 Original number)

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 September 2009

Mr J Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

Whether Eskom has any plans in place to address the water shortages identified by them (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what plans? NW1734E

REPLY

There is no water shortage being experienced at Medupi Power station; however, Eskom has undertaken substantive work in response to the water challenges in the Waterberg region.

Eskom has developed long-term planning scenarios for the next 50 years in an attempt to secure its water supply for existing and new power stations and associated developments such as coal mines. These scenarios have been shared with the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (DWEA) to assess the water resources' potential and bulk infrastructure requirements and timing to meet the power station's and associated development water requirements. Some of the immediate options to be implemented across all sectors include water conservation and water demand management, whilst the long term options include the desalination of water and sourcing water from the SADC region.

Medupi Power Station has adequate water supplies utilising the existing surplus of water from Matimba Power Station (Eskom Power Station) and an additional pipeline from the existing Mokolo Dam.

Eskom, along with DWEA, has been hard at work to ensure the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan as indicated above in response to the water challenges of the Waterberg area, not only for Eskom's requirements but for the region as well.

QUESTION 375

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

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 05-2009)

(1) Whether he a purchased a new vehicle on his new appointment to office; if so , (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d) (i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii)what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) Whether he inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model (b) how old is the vehicle?

NW435E

REPLY:

QUESTION NO. 373

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03 JULY 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)

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

(1) Whether he purchased a new vehicle on his appointment to office; if so, (a) why, (b) what make and model is the vehicle, (c) what did the vehicle cost and (d)(i) what accessories were included in excess of the vehicle's purchase price and (ii) what was the cost of such accessories; if not,

(2) whether he inherited an existing vehicle; if so, (a) what was the make and model and (b) how old is the vehicle?

REPLY:

(1) Not yet, however there is a process of purchasing two vehicles, one each for Cape Town and Pretoria.

(a) Pretoria: the then Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang was utilising her own personal vehicle.

Cape Town: the vehicle was purchased in 2001 and has developed multiple mechanical problems, hence the decision to replace it.

(b) and (c) Pretoria: Mercedes Benz E500 (cost R757,545.00)

Cape Town: Mercedes Benz E200 (cost R451,134.00)

(d) Navigation System for the Pretoria vehicle only, the cost of which is included in the figure indicated above.

(2) Please see (1) above.

QUESTION NO 361

(Internal Question Paper No 5 - 2009)

Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether a function was held by his department to celebrate his appointment as minister; if so, (a) how much did the function cost, (b) what is the breakdown of the cost and (c) how many guest attended the function;

(2) Whether there were any related costs for the travel and accommodation of guests; if so, (a) what were the costs and (b) what was the breakdown of these cost?

ANSWER

(1) No.

(2) Falls away.

QUESTION 359 FOR ORAL REPLY 4 NOVEMBER 2009

[WRITTEN REPLY 1327]

359. Mr S.J. Masango (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works:

(1) Whether any programmes are in place to meet the commitment of the President of creating 500 000 new jobs by the end of 2009; if not, why not; if so what programmes;

(2) Whether any mechanisms are in place to ensure that the Extended Public Works Programme assists the poor in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what mechanisms? NW1675E

REPLY

1. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) plans to create 500 000 work opportunities (WOs) through various programmes across the four sectors. In the Infrastructure Sector work creation will be through provincial roads, sanitation projects, electricity, contractor development etc.; Environment and Culture Sector, through Working for Water, Working on Fire, Working for Wetlands, Coast, Waste Management etc.; in the Social Sector, through ECD, HCBC, School Nutrition, Community Safety etc.; and in the Non- State- Sector, through programmes and projects under the Not- for- Profit Organisations (NPOs) and the Community Work Programme (CWP).

2. The Department of Public Work has secured the amount of R4.1bn over the MTEF as a wage incentive to be paid to participants in the EPWP. This is done to ensure that provinces, departments, municipalities, NPOs and the CWP maximise the creation of WOs for poor unemployed people. The Department of Public Works is also working with the War on Poverty (WoP) task team to ensure that proper targeting is adhered to. The WOP, together with Statistics South Africa, has compiled a list of the most deprived wards in South Africa. Those wards are subsequently profiled to determine the level of deprivation e.g. lack of ID, birth certificate, work opportunity etc.; the targeted household will then be referred to the implementing department.