2015-03-23

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Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1941

1941. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether any (a) military aircraft and/or (b) chartered aircraft were used to transport the President, Mr Jacob G Zuma, to and from the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in Russia in May 2015; if not, in respect of each specified aircraft, why were such aircraft not used; if so, in respect of each specified aircraft, what aircraft were used;

(2) what was the (a) total cost and (b) breakdown of such costs of each specified aircraft used to transport the President to and from Russia? NW2165E

REPLY

As previously indicated and in response to repeated similar questions, the Ministry and the department deems all information relating to movement of the President and relevant operational planning requirements as security sensitive. This information will not be made public and will be submitted to Parliament through a parliamentary channel that protects such information.

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1904

1904. Mr A M Figlan (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) Who are the current chief financial officers of (i) her department and (ii) the entities reporting to her and (b) what is the qualification of each chief financial officer? NW2125E

REPLY

Department of Defence

(a) Mr Eric Siphiwe Sokhela,

(b) B.Comm (Accounting) degree and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

Department of Military Veterans

(a) Post of Chief Financial Officer is vacant; Mr B Engelbrecht is currently appointed as Acting CFO,

(b) Masters in Commerce

ARMSCOR

(a) Mr JG Grobler

(b) CA (SA), MBL and MCom (Tax)

Castle Control Board

(a) Mr M Ngewu

(b) BSc (Chemistry)BComm (Financial Accounting ) and BCompt (Hons)

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1869

1869. Mr D J Stubbe (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Since 1 January 2015, has her department installed generators at any of (a) its offices or (b) the offices of the entities reporting to her as a result of load shedding; if so, what is the total cost of the (i) installation and (ii) running of these generators? NW2090E

REPLY

Department of Military Veterans

(a) NO

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1856

1856. Mr J J McGluwa (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether the submission of her department’s annual report, including annual financial statements, was delayed due to the suspension of the (a) Director-General, (b) Deputy Director-General and (c) Chief Financial Officer; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2077E

REPLY

The tabling of the Department of Military Veterans annual report for 2013/14 delayed due to the following:

2014/15 annual financial statements were submitted on 31 May 2015.
The 2013/14 annual financial statements were submitted on 30 May 2014 in accordance with legislation. The audit for 2013/14 took place in the absence of the CFO who was on sick leave and who later was placed on special leave. Some of the information within the Finance domain couldn’t be provided due to unavailability of the CFO.

The office was manned by junior officials who indicated that the CFO was key to provide certain information and/or documents. CFO couldn’t be located.

AGSA presented the draft audit report to the DG as the Accounting Officer in August 2014 upon return from special leave. Numerous delays were noted where AGSA’s external pre-issuance reviewer was on long leave who delayed the provision of adequate reviews on the DMV report.

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1855

1855. Mr J J McGluwa (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) How many accounts were settled by her department within (a) 30 days, (b) 60 days, (c) 90 days or (d) more than 90 days (i) in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2015;

(2) what were the mitigating circumstances for accounts beyond 30 days;

(3) (a) on how many accounts has payment been suspended and (b) how long have these accounts been suspended? NW2076E

REPLY

Department of Military Veterans

Serial	Period	(i)2014/15	(ii) 2015/16
a	0 – 30 Days	10,795	987
b	31 – 60 Days	1,413	367
c	61 – 90 Days	242	4
d	90 Days plus	236	39

(2) The need for additional personnel has been identified as a critical requirement that must be augmented with commensurate infrastructure.

(3) (a) None

(b) Not applicable

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1854

1854. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

What (a) are the categories of expenditure incurred for Subsistence and Travel (S&T) for each of her department’s programmes (i) in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2015 and (b) cost containment measures have been instituted to contain S&T costs, as per directive of the National Treasury, with respect to the (i) size of delegations, (ii) flight class and (iii) class of hotel room? NW2075E

REPLY

Department of Military Veterans

Serial	Category	2014/15			2015/16
		Prog 1	Prog 2	Prog 3	Prog 1	Prog 2	Prog 3
1	T&S DOM: ACCOMMODATION	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S DOM: SPECIAL DAILY ALLOW	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
2	T&S DOM: FIXED DAILY ALLOW	Y	Y	Y	N	N	N
3	T&S DOM: FOOD&BEVER	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S DOM: INCIDENTAL COST	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S DOM: CAR RENT	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S DOM: KM ALL(OWN TPT)	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S DOM: KM ALLOWANCE SMS	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S DOM: OTR TRNS PROVID	Y	Y	Y	N	N	N
	T&S DOM: AIR TRANSPORT	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S DOM: ROAD TRANSPORT	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S FORGN: DAILY ALLOWANCE	Y	Y	Y	N	N	N
	T&S DOM NON EMPL: ACCOMMODATION	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S DOM NON EMPL: FOOD & BEVER	Y	Y	Y	N	Y	Y
	T&S DOM NON EMPL: INCIDENTAL COST	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S:DOM NON EMPL: TRANSPORT	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	T&S FOR NON EMPL: ACCOMMODATION	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	T&S:FOR NON EMPL:TRANSPORT	N	Y	Y	N	Y	N

(b)

(i) Size of delegation is limited to the EXCO consisting of the DG, DDG CS, DDG SES, A/DDG ESM, A/CFO, DIA and the Director in the Office of the DG. Where necessary, additional officials may be tasked to form part of a delegation and is approved by the DG.

(ii) Flight class is limited to economy class with the exception of the DG who flies business class.

(iii) Class of hotel room is restricted to a maximum cost of R1,300 inclusive of dinner, bed, breakfast and parking unless otherwise authorised by the DG, by invoking para 4.16 of National Treasury Instruction 01 of 2013/2014.

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1853

1853. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) (a) What measures has her department put in place to correct matters that led to her department receiving a disclaimer in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) for each measure, what (i) resources will be used and (ii) time frames have been set to rectify such matters;

(2) why has the Auditor General’s Opinion been removed as a performance indicator in the current annual performance plan in comparison with the previous year? NW2074E

REPLY

(1) (a) No disclaimer in the 2014/15 FY

For 2013/14:- Engagement with Department of Defence to address the opening balances is underway, while the appointment of service providers to address asset management and internal controls are also underway.

(i) Service providers, DMV officials, Office of the Accountant General, National Treasury;
(ii) two (2) years

(2) Auditor General opinion: - included in the 2014/15 APP. It will appear in the Errata for APP 2015/16.

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1852

1852. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Of the 22800 verified military veterans, (a) how many (i) qualified for and (ii) have received benefits, (b) what was the nature of the available benefits and (c) how many beneficiaries belonged to Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA), Azanian National Liberation Army (AZANLA), SA Defence Force (SADF), the former Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei (TBVC) states armies and the SA Cape Corps (SACC);

(2) how many veterans (a) received benefits before regulations gazetted by her department on 19 February 2014 came into effect and (b) belonged to MK, APLA, AZANLA, SADF, TBVC and SACC respectively? NW2073E

REPLY

1. (a) (i) and (ii) the table below indicates how many Military Veterans including dependants where applicable who successfully applied and received the benefits.

(b) The lists of benefits applied for and received were the following:

SN	BENEFIT	TOTAL
A	Compensation to military veterans who sustained disabling injuries or severe psychological and neuro-psychiatric trauma or who suffer from a terminal disease resulting from their participation in military activities;	23
B	Dedicated counselling and treatment to military veterans who suffer from serious mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder or related conditions;	1343
C	Honouring and memorialisation	318
D	Education	3 650
	Training and skills development	2 450
E	Facilitation of employment	1700
F	Facilitation of business opportunities	97 [co-operatives]
G	Transport	0
H	Pension	0
I	Health care	13 973
J	Housing	2 Rescued houses - 9
K	Burial support	353

(c). At present the National Military Veterans Database does not categorise military veterans according to their former forces. The SITA is assisting the Department to include some fields in order to categorise delivery of benefits.

1. (a). Beneficiaries benefitted prior to the promulgation of the Regulations

SN	BENEFIT	TOTAL
a	Health Care	4719
b	Education;	200
c	Burials	152
d	Memorialisation (MK)	318
e	Housing	2

(b). Information on their former force during the said period is not available per benefit.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION 1534 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1534. Mr B M Bhanga (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

How many reservists are employed by the SA National Defence Force by (a) race and (b) occupation? NW1745E

REPLY:

1. The total number Reserves in the SANDF is 22 576.

(a) The racial mix is as follows:

Race	Number	Percentage
African	16 055	71
Asian	192	1
Coloured	2 858	13
White	3 452	15
Unknown (not captured)	19	-
Total	22 576	100

(b) The Reserves are employed in the following Services and Divisions:

Service/Division	Number
SA Army	14 637
SA Air Force	976
SA Navy	1 106
SA Military Health Service	2 832
Joint Operations Division	1 739
Logistic Division	551
Legal Services Division	216
All other (not captured)	519
Total	22 576

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1453

1453. Ms P T van Damme (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) How many invoices from private contractors to her department currently remain unpaid for longer than 30 days and (b) in each case, what (i) are the details of the (aa) contractor and (bb) services provided and (ii) what is the (aa) date of the invoice and (bb) reason why the invoice was not paid within 30 days? NW1666E

REPLY

Department of Military Veterans

(a) Invoices from private contractors to her department currently remain unpaid for longer than 30 days: Approximately 2100

(b) in each case, what (i) are the details of the

(aa) contractor: Travel With Flair

(bb) services provided: Travel Agency Services

(ii) what is the

(aa) date of the invoice: It ranges from July 2014 to April 2015

(bb) reason why the invoices was not paid within 30 days?:Lack of capacity to ensure adequate segregation of duties

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1417

1417. Mrs A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Does her department have a Regulatory Burden Reduction strategy in place; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the strategy? NW1630E

REPLY

Department of Military Veterans

The Department of Military Veterans does not have the Regulatory Burden Reduction Strategy (RBRS) in place. The Department only started rolling out benefits to military veterans fully after the approval of Regulations on Military Veterans Benefits (MVB) in February 2014.

During the implementation process the Department is experiencing compliance burden and complexity to Military veterans Act, 18 of 2011 and the MVB Regulations, 19 February 2014. The process of amending the Act is underway and the Compliance Unit within the Department will be developing the RBRS.

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1383 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1383. Ms S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) What number of (i) financial, (ii) forensic and/or (iii) other investigations that were commissioned by her department have been completed since 1 April 2013 and (b) in each case, what are the relevant details on the (i) investigation including a synopsis of the facts and findings of each case, (ii) persons or third parties responsible for each investigation, (iii) total cost to date of each investigation and (iv) appropriate steps taken against officials and third parties implicated of wrongdoing in the findings of the investigations? NW1595E

Department of Military Veterans

During this period there were a total of 11 cases of misconduct reported and finalised as per the following breakdown:

One (1) case of insubordination and dereliction of duties: the case was withdrawn after the manager who reported the case left the Public Service thereby abandoning the case.
One (1) case of gross dishonesty and abuse of position involving R54 533.00: the implicate official was found guilty and dismissed in a formally constituted disciplinary hearing (financial misconduct).
Five (5) cases of dereliction of duties and negligence which emanated from the forensic investigation conducted by the Price Waterhouse Coopers: four implicated official were issued with written warnings and one was issued with a final written warning.
One (1) case of gross negligence and gross absenteeism: the implicated official was found guilty and dismissed in a formally constituted disciplinary hearing.
Two (2) cases of assault, one of common assault: the two implicated officials were put through corrective discipline and referred to Employee Health and Wellness for counselling. The second case was of serious assault of a heavily pregnant woman: the implicated official was found guilty and dismissed in a formally constituted disciplinary hearing; and
One (1) case of derivative misconduct: the implicated official was issued with a written warning.

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1349

1349. Ms N I Tarabella Marchesi (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

In respect of each specified SA Air Force Reserve Squadron, (a) what is the (i) total budget and (ii) breakdown of the budget and (b) how many flying hours have been allocated in the 2015-16 financial year? NW1561E

REPLY

(a) (i)

Rm30 has been allocated for the SA Air Force Reserve Squadrons in the 2015-16 financial year

(a) (ii) and (b)

The breakdown per squadron is being finalised since the South African National Defence is engaging National Treasury through the Secretary of Defence to clear a finding by the Auditor-General on the calculation and approval of flying hours

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION 1318 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1318. Ms T Stander (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

REPLY

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) never conducted unilateral rhino poaching interventions before F/Y 2011/12. Before then the South African National Defence Force was only involved in practical training of anti-rhino poaching intervention in the Kruger Nation Park before FY 2011/12,

Amount spent into rhino poaching are as follows:

d. FY 11/12 R2 996 783

e. FY 12/13 R4 928 305

f. FY 13/14 R5 746 416

g. FY 14/15 R0

The reason for zero expenditure during FY 14/15 is because the operation ceased on March 2014,

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION 1222 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1222. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) How many members of the SA National Defence Force received treatment with anti-retroviral drugs and (b) what was the (i) total expenditure and (ii) breakdown of such expenditure of (aa) departmental funds and (bb) donor funds by her department on procuring anti-retroviral drugs (aaa) in the (aaaa) 2009-10, (bbbb) 2010-11, (cccc) 2011-12, (dddd) 2012-13 and (eeee) 2013-14 financial years and (bbb) since 1 April 2014? NW1428E

REPLY

It is important to highlight that the information currently available does not distinguish between members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and their dependents; and it is therefore not a definitive representation of the prevalence of HIV within the SANDF.

What the information shows however is the progress made by the SANDF in supporting members and their dependants, and in the process help de-stigmatise HIV and AIDS.

N.B It is important to note that its difficult to separate the funds that were utilised to procure ARVs over the period of enquiry as a percentage of the drugs were procured via the United States National Institute of Health (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) as part of the research project, Phidisa. ARVs were also procured from the operating budget of the SAMHS that included optional funding (or a conditional grant) given to the SAMHS by National Treasury for the management of HIV and AIDS.

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 1221

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

Whether the Presidential Boeing Business Jet, Inkwazi, was recently serviced; if not, why not; if so, (a) why was the aircraft serviced and (b) what was the (i) total cost of servicing the aircraft and (ii) breakdown of such costs?

REPLY

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION 1119 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1119. Ms JF Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(a) What amount did (i) her department and (ii) state entities reporting to her spend on each newspaper subscription in each month (aa) in the (aaa) 2011-12, (bbb) 2012-13 and (ccc) 2013-14 financial years and (bb) during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) how many copies of each newspaper were ordered on each day of the week (i) in each specified financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW1284E.

REPLY

Castle Control Board

The Castle Control Board has not subscribed to any newspaper for the last three financial years.

ARMSCOR

(ii) Armscor spent the following amounts on newspaper subscription

(aaa) 2011-12 – R11 489

(bbb) 2012-13 – R11 648

(ccc) 2013-14 – R15 495

(bb) 1 April 2014 - 31 March 2015 – R16 617

(i) Copies of each newspaper ordered on each day of the week

	2011-12 Copies per day	2012-13 Copies per day	2013-14 Copies per day
BEELD (MON-FRI)	18	16	20
BUSINESS DAY (MON-FRI)	15	18	20
CITIZEN (MON-FRI)	1	1	1
MAIL & GUARDIAN (FRIDAY’s)	10	12	15
PRETORIA NEWS (MON-FRI)	15	17	18
SOWETAN (MON-FRI)	12	13	11
STAR (MON-FRI)	17	17	17
The NEW AGE (MON-FRI)	2	3	3
THE TIMES (MON-FRI)	1	1	1
CITY PRESS (SUNDAY)	1	1	1
SUNDAY INDEPENDENT	1	1	1
SUNDAY SUN	1	1	1
SUNDAY TIMES	1	1	1
SUNDAY WORLD	1	1	1
BEELD (SATURDAY)	4	3	3
CITIZEN (SATURDAY)	1	1	1
PRETORIA NEWS SATURDAY	3	2	2
STAR SATURDAY	2	2	2

(ii) Copies of each newspaper ordered for 1 April 2014-31 March 2015

	1 April 2014 – 31 March 2015 Copies per day
BEELD (MON-FRI)	17
BUSINESS DAY (MON-FRI)	15
CITIZEN (MON-FRI)	2
MAIL & GUARDIAN (FRIDAY’s)	14
PRETORIA NEWS (MON-FRI)	16
SOWETAN (MON-FRI)	11
STAR (MON-FRI)	14
The NEW AGE (MON-FRI)	3
THE TIMES (MON-FRI)	1
CITY PRESS (SUNDAY)	1
SUNDAY INDEPENDENT	1
SUNDAY SUN	1
SUNDAY TIMES	1
SUNDAY WORLD	1
BEELD (SATURDAY)	3
CITIZEN (SATURDAY)	1
PRETORIA NEWS SATURDAY	2
STAR SATURDAY	2

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION 1084 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1084. Mr M H Hoosen (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

What amount did (a) her department and (b) entities reporting to her spend on advertising in The New Age newspaper in the (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13 and (iii) 2013-14 financial years? NW1249E

Reply

Department of Defence

(a)

(i) NIL

(ii) NIL

(iii) NIL

Department of Military Veterans

(a)

(i) NIL

(ii) NIL

(iii) NIL

ARMSCOR

(b)

(i) NIL

(ii) NIL

(iii) NIL

Castle Control Board

(b)

(i) NIL

(ii) NIL

(iii) NIL

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1002. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

What was the (a) total amount spent and (b) breakdown of such expenditure on each specified (i) formation and (ii) aircraft in each specified formation in the (aa) preparation and (bb) execution of the SA Air Force fly past at the inauguration of the President, Mr Jacob Zuma, on 24 May 2014? NW1162E

REPLY

The SA Air Force (SAAF) flypast at President Jacob G. Zuma’s inauguration on 24 May 2014 was executed at no additional cost to the state. The whole activity was executed as a SAAF force preparation exercise.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION 1001 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1001. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether South African Special Forces were deployed in the Kingdom of Lesotho in (a) August 2014 and/or (b) September 2014; if not, why not; if so, why was Parliament not informed;

(2) what is the total number of South African Special Force operations of which Parliament was not informed (a) in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13 and (v) 2013-14 financial years and (b) from 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW1161E

REPLY

Information on operational matters can only be disclosed in a duly convened closed session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION 1000 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1000. Mr S. Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) What is the total number of training opportunities that were offered by foreign states in respect of each (service, (b) division and/or (c) any other specified formation of her department in the period 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014;

(2) in respect of each specified foreign state, what is the total number of training opportunities that were (a) offered, (b) accepted, (c) declined and (d) not responded to?

NW1160E

REPLY

and (2):

The table below indicates the number of training opportunities offered to the Department of Defence (DOD) , accepted, declined, not responded to, as well as the number of foreign courses attended and the total number of DOD members who attended foreign courses.

2014	Number of Training Opportunities Offered to the DOD	Number of Training Opportunities Accepted	Number of Training Opportunities Declined	Number of Training Opportunities Not Responded to	Number of Foreign Courses Attended	Number of Students who Attended
Africa	18	6	6	6	5	10
Rest of the World	125	52	47	26	40	139
Total:	143	58	53	32	45	149

Clarification

Foreign training opportunities from various countries are generally offered to the DOD and not to a particular Service, or Division. Such training opportunities vary from peace-support training, military education, training and development programmes, as well as seminars. Training opportunities are offered in various languages, such as English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese etc.

The training opportunities vary in duration from as short as one week, to as long as a one year. Where a training opportunity is offered in a foreign language, the course is to be preceded by a foreign language course as well, which in some cases, may be as long as one year in itself.

The training opportunities being offered by countries are also categorised in terms of cost to the DOD, for example, some opportunities are offered at no cost to the DOD, some at minimal cost to the DOD and some at full cost to the DOD. Not all training opportunities offered to the DOD are relevant to the DOD, as DOD doctrine and main equipment generally differ from other countries.

In many cases, training opportunities are offered at short notice, or are received at a very late stage, not allowing for sufficient time to respond and obtain Ministerial authority.

All of the above factors have an influence in determining the utilisation of training opportunities offered to the DOD.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION 895 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

895. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

What amount was spent by (a) her department and (b) state entities reporting to her on (i) tickets and (ii) sponsorships on The New Age Breakfast Briefings for the last three financial years? NW1044E

REPLY

Department of Defence

The Department of Defence has not spent any amount on (i) tickets to the New Age Breakfast Briefings (ii) and paid for the Stakeholder management interaction for the New Age Business Briefing held in February 2013 (2012/13 Financial year).

Department of Military Veterans

The Department of Military Veterans has not spent any amount on (i) tickets to the New Age Breakfast Briefings (ii) sponsoring for the New Age Business Briefings.

ARMSCOR

The Armscor has not spent any amount on (i) tickets to the New Age Breakfast Briefings (ii) sponsoring for the New Age Business Briefings.

Castle Control Board

The Castle Control Board has not spent any amount on (i) tickets to the New Age Breakfast Briefings (ii) sponsoring for the New Age Business Briefings.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION 860 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

860. Mr J J McGluwa (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether her department or the entities reporting to her provides any type of sponsorships; if not, what is her department’s position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the details of each sponsorship, (b) what is the value of each sponsorship, (c) when were each of these sponsorship deals undertaken and (d) when will each of the sponsorship deals end;

(2) whether her department or any of the entities reporting to her intends to enter into any type of sponsorship deal or contract in the (a) 2015-16 and (b) 2016-17 financial years; if not, why not; if so, (i) with whom will each sponsorship deal or contract be made, (ii) what will the terms of each of the sponsorship deals or contracts be, (iii) when will each of the sponsorship deals or contracts (aa) commence and (bb) end and (iv) what is the value of each of the sponsorship deals or contracts? NW1009E

REPLY

Department of Military Veterans

(1) NONE

(2) (a) 2015 -16: NO

(b) 2016-17 NO

ARMSCOR

Armscor does not have and has not provided any sponsorships
) Currently, Armscor does not have any intentions to enter into any sponsorship

Castle Control Board

(1) The Castle Control Board (Castle Control Board) occasionally sponsor access tickets (R30 per adult and R15 per student ticket) when approached by charity organizations.

(a) Nature and value of sponsorships:

Free ticket prizes valued at R210 for a Water Works competition run for Water week awareness (2 sets of 2 adults and 3 children);

(2) The CCB is expecting approaches for nominal sponsorships and will consider them favorably if they are in line with our strategic objectives and meritorious for (a) 2015-16 and (b) 2016-17 financial years.

(i) The sponsorship beneficiaries are not know upfront (ii) if sponsorships do materialize, they would be ad-hoc, small and in the form of venue hire discounts or complementary tickets (iii) these will happen throughout the year (aa) but commence at the beginning of the Financial Year (bb) and end as soon as the event or function is over (iv) We do not foresee the total annual in-kind sponsorship to deserving organizations.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION 848 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

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

(1) Does she intend to recall any able retired SA National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to assist in the Kruger National Park against rhino poaching; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the relevant details;

(2) will she consider deploying more SANDF personnel to secure South Africa’s border with Mozambique in the Kruger National Park; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the relevant details? NW997E

REPLY

The recalling of any abled retired personnel is the prerogative of the Chief of the South African National Defence.

Yes as soon as the appropriate force levels become available one (1) sub-unit will be deployed to the northern part of the Kruger National Park.

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION 824

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

(1) Whether any United Nations (UN) military equipment was brought into the Republic by road from Zimbabwe (a) in (i) 2012, (ii) 2013 and (iii) 2014 and (b) since 1 January 2015; if so, regarding each specified year, (aa) what equipment, (bb) how much of each type of equipment, (cc) what was the reason that it was brought into the Republic and (dd) what was the final destination of the equipment;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW971E

REPLY

(1)(a)(i) to (iii)

No, there was no United Nations military equipment that was brought into the Republic by road from Zimbabwe during this period.

(b)

Since 01 January 2015 – the only movement of military equipment within borders of RSA from the Beitbridge border post to Durban harbour was during the period 25-27 February 2015. The request came from Zambian High Commission on 16 February 2015.

(aa) Non-lethal Equipment – Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes Benz Zitros,

Armoured Personnel Carriers, generators, mattresses and ablution equipment.

(bb) 52 vehicles (no figures for generators, mattresses and ablution equipment).

(cc) Transporting of equipment within borders of RSA.

(dd) Central African Republic.

(2) No

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION 760 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

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

(1) Whether her department is employing mechanics from Cuba; if not, why not; if so (a) how many mechanics were employed, (b) for what purpose, (c) over what period and (d) at what cost;

(2) whether her department has (a) commenced or (b) plans to commence training (i) doctors or (ii) other specified health professionals in Cuba; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW908E

REPLY

The Department of Defence has concluded a technical support agreement with the Cuban Armed Forces to assist with the preservation and repair of old/unserviceable prime mission equipment in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as part of arresting the decline. The agreement also provides for skills transfer and training of our engineers.

Ninety-three (93) Cubans are currently employed in the Department of Defence.

In line with the recommendations of the Defence Review 2014 (DR 14) the SANDF is in the process of implementing interventions for the achievement of set milestones. In order to achieve Milestone 1, which is to address the decline in critical capabilities through immediate and directed interventions, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is compelled to capacitate its members in the professional and technical environment to ensure that they are competent to execute tasks and responsibilities coupled to this milestone.

To capacitate SANDF members in the professional and technical environment, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Government of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and the Government of the Republic of Cuba whereupon it was agreed that a team of specialists from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba will be seconded to the RSA with the main objective and focus being to assist the Department of Defence to achieve milestone 1 of the Defence Review, and with skills transfer.

The low levels of serviceability of the SANDF’s prime mission equipment have a huge impact on its combat readiness, and thus impeding on the execution of the SANDF’s constitutional mandate. It is from this point of view that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba will bolster the Department’s effort towards the fulfilment of its mandate by laying the foundation for the provisioning of combat ready forces to safe guard the RSA borders and its territorial integrity, whilst also laying the foundation of social development in terms of skills transfer.

The Cubans arrived in the RSA over the period 26 January to 09 February 2015 and employed for a period of up to twelve months.

The allocation for the employment of the Cubans is Rm13.8 for the current Financial Year. Paid up to date amounts to Rm8.3.

Yes the department has commenced training doctors in Cuba:

Twenty five (25) members have been sent to study medicine in Cuba, and are currently learning Spanish language and will commence with medical studies from September 2015 onwards.

There are no members sent to study other health care related courses at this stage.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

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

(1) Are any members of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) currently under suspension; if so, (a) how many and (b) in each case, (i) for what duration, (ii) what is each SANDF member’s (aa) name and (bb) what are their rank and (iii) where are they stationed;

(2) (a) how many of the suspended members are still receiving salaries and (b) in each case, what are their salaries? NW851E

REPLY

(1) and (2)

There are currently seventeen (17) members suspended with full pay and twelve (12) members suspended without pay. The names cannot be disclosed as the internal processes have yet to be finalised.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

669 - Dr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) is still providing training in terms of the National Youth Services Programmes; if so, in each year since the start of the programme, (a) to which organisations or groups, (b) when is the training being provided, (c) to how many members of each organisation is training being provided, (d) where is training taking place, (e) what is the full curriculum of the training, (f) what are the costs linked to the training and (g) who is responsible for the cost;

(2) what criteria are applied in determining which organisations or youth should receive training by the SANDF;

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW800E

REPLY

1. The following programmes are being supported by the Department of Defence.

Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP) for Department of Rural Development and Land Reform ( DRDLR)

a. Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR)

b. Training is provided three times per year at SA Army and SA Navy facilities. The first intake undergoes the training programme between Jan and June of each year at the SA Army facilities, 3 SAI Bn (Kimberley); and the second and third intake undergoes the training programme between July to December – the second at 3 SAI Bn, and the third at SAS Saldanha (Saldanha).

c. Altogether the DOD has capacity to train 3400 youth. The annual planned training figures are 1200 twice per year at the SA Army facility, 3 SAI Bn; and 1000 once per year at the SA Navy facility, SAS Saldanha. The actual figures of the different intakes for the past years are as follows (all intakes were for the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform):

i. 2011

(1) 1st intake: 500 at De Brug, Bloemfontein.

(2) 2nd intake: 1000 at SAS Saldanha.

ii. 2012

(1) 3rd intake: 973 at 3 SAI Bn, Kimberley.

(2) 4th intake: 903 at SAS Saldanha.

(3) 5th intake: 1015 at 3 SAI Bn, Kimberley.

iii. 2013

(1) 6th intake: 974 at 3 SAI Bn, Kimberley.

(2) 7th intake: 599 at 3 SAI Bn, Kimberley.

(3) 8th intake: 595 at SAS Saldanha.

iv. 2014

(1) 9th intake: 1020 at 3 SAI Bn, Kimberley.

(2) 10th intake: 633.

(3) 11th intake: 352.

d. At 3 SAI Bn (Kimberley) and at SAS Saldanha in Saldanha.

e. The training consists out of two components, namely a pre assembly and medical selection phase of three weeks; and a Leadership Development Training phase of twelve weeks. The pre-assembly and medical phase is supported by the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) of the SANDF. The curriculum of the Youth Leadership Development Training phase consists of the following:

i. Social cohesion.

ii. Management of personal finance.

iii. Ethics.

iv. Personal development.

v. Effective communication and writing of curriculum vitae.

vi. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

vii. Hygiene.

viii. Mess etiquette.

ix. Fire fighting.

x. Water orientation.

xi. Leadership and management programme.

xii. Leadership games.

xiii. Community projects development.

xiv. Discipline in the form of drill.

xv. Medical training and Buddy Aid.

xvi. Physical Training.

xvii. Combatting HIV/Aids, spiritual development and ethical conduct.

xviii. Educational tour.

f. The following Leadership Development Training Programmes were presented at the cost as indicated:

i. FY 2011/12. Two programmes were presented at De Brug Training facility (Bloemfontein) and SAS Saldanha respectively at a total cost of RM8,1.

ii. FY 2012/13. Three programmes were presented at Kimberley (two), and Saldanha (one) respectively at a total cost of Rm61,9.

iii. FY 2013/14. Three programmes were presented at Kimberley (two), and Saldanha (one) respectively at a total cost of Rm65,9. The cost also includes the partial payment of the 2014/15 year course that started in the previous financial year.

iv. FY 2014/15. Three programmes were presented at Kimberley (two), and Saldanha (one) respectively at a total cost of Rm45,1.

v. FY 2015/16. Three programmes are scheduled at Kimberley (two) and Saldanha (one) respectively at an estimated cost of Rm60.

g. Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) is responsible for the operating costs associated with the programmes. The agreement is based on a cost-recovery system. The fund expended is paid to the Department of Defence by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.

Youth Leadership Camps for the Department of Social Development (DSD)

a. Department of Social Development.

b. Training is provided during school vacation period, November to December.

c. Planned figures are 1000 youth per training programme.

d. The first camp in 2013 took place at the SA Army Combat Training Centre (CTC) at Lohatla and the second camp in 2014 at 3 SAI Bn in Kimberley.

e. Curriculum of the Training

i. The life skills training is mainly facilitated by DSD appointed facilitators.

ii. The SA Army unit provides the physical training, and command and control over the youth participants.

iii. The Curriculum. Subjects covered include inter-alia: “It’s in your Hands” (taking responsibility), a debate on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Group Dynamics, Patriotism and Social Transformation, my place in society-“ Where do I stand”, Sexual and Rights Awareness, Performing Arts, Exhibition Session(guest speaker), cultural nights (guest speaker), Programme on Substance Abuse, Job Preparedness, Asset Based Community Development, project management, dramas, Youth Clubs, Provincial Action Plans and Camp and reflecting on a Nelson Mandela Musical.

f. Costs linked to the Training

i. FY 2013/14 -Rm2,8.

ii. FY 2014/15 - Rm2,4.

iii. FY 2015/16, the DSD request for the youth camp is yet to be received.

g. Who is Responsible for the Costs. Department of Social Development (DSD) is responsible for all costs associated to the camps, on a cost-recovery basis, being paid to the Department of Defence.

Youth Leadership Development Programme for Department of Rural Development at Thaba Nchu NARYSEC College.

a. As from March 2015 the pre-assembly and medical selection phase held previously at the SANDF bases, will be conducted by DRDLR at the Thaba Nchu NARYSEC College.

b. The SANDF/ SA Army will be support with up to 34 (thirty four) members for control purposes for the three weeks pre-assembly phase; and SAMHS will do the pre-medical and post counselling phase at Comprehensive Health Assessment (CHA) centre in Tempe Bloemfontein.

c. The Youth Leadership Development Training phase of the scheduled NARYSEC intakes in 2015/16 is planned to be executed at the training facilities: 3 SAI Bn in Kimberley and at SAS Saldanha in Saldanha.

Criteria applied in determining which Organisations or Youth should receive Training by the SANDF. The Department of Defence provide support to the Government initiative on youth empowerment and respond to requests from other state Departments to provide such support. All training is preceded by the signing of an MOA between the Ministers concerned. Thereafter an Implementation Protocol (IP) and Course Specific Contract (CSC) is signed by the ministers and the DGs respectively, before the training is executed. Based on the IP between the two Ministers and the CSC between the DGs, the costs are determined and agreed by the DOD, and carried by the requesting departments. The selection of the youth who undergo the SANDF leadership programme is done entirely by the requesting department

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

669 - Dr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(2) what criteria are applied in determining which organisations or youth should receive training by the SANDF;

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW800E

REPLY

1. The following programmes are being supported by the Department of Defence.

Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP) for Department of Rural Development and Land Reform ( DRDLR)

a. Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR)

b. Training is provided three times per year at SA Army and SA Navy facilities. The first intake undergoes the training programme between Jan and June of each year at the SA Army facilities, 3 SAI Bn (Kimberley); and the second and third intake undergoes the training programme between July to December – the second at 3 SAI Bn, and the third at SAS Saldanha (Saldanha).

c. Altogether the DOD has capacity to train 3400 youth. The annual planned training figures are 1200 twice per year at the SA Army facility, 3 SAI Bn; and 1000 once per year at the SA Navy facility, SAS Saldanha. The actual figures of the different intakes for the past years are as follows (all intakes were for the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform):

i. 2011

(1) 1st intake: 500 at De Brug, Bloemfontein.

(2) 2nd intake: 1000 at SAS Saldanha.

ii. 2012

(1) 3rd intake: 973 at 3 SAI Bn, Kimberley.

(2) 4th intake: 903 at SAS Saldanha.

(3) 5th intake: 1015 at 3 SAI Bn, Kimberley.

iii. 2013

(1) 6th intake: 974 at 3 SAI Bn, Kimberley.

(2) 7th intake: 599 at 3 SAI Bn, Kimberley.

(3) 8th intake: 595 at SAS Saldanha.

iv. 2014

(1) 9th intake: 1020 at 3 SAI Bn, Kimberley.

(2) 10th intake: 633.

(3) 11th intake: 352.

d. At 3 SAI Bn (Kimberley) and at SAS Saldanha in Saldanha.

e. The training consists out of two components, namely a pre assembly and medical selection phase of three weeks; and a Leadership Development Training phase of twelve weeks. The pre-assembly and medical phase is supported by the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) of the SANDF. The curriculum of the Youth Leadership Development Training phase consists of the following:

i. Social cohesion.

ii. Management of personal finance.

iii. Ethics.

iv. Personal development.

v. Effective communication and writing of curriculum vitae.

vi. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

vii. Hygiene.

viii. Mess etiquette.

ix. Fire fighting.

x. Water orientation.

xi. Leadership and management programme.

xii. Leadership games.

xiii. Community projects development.

xiv. Discipline in the form of drill.

xv. Medical training and Buddy Aid.

xvi. Physical Training.

xvii. Combatting HIV/Aids, spiritual development and ethical conduct.

xviii. Educational tour.

f. The following Leadership Development Training Programmes were presented at the cost as indicated:

i. FY 2011/12. Two programmes were presented at De Brug Training facility (Bloemfontein) and SAS Saldanha respectively at a total cost of RM8,1.

ii. FY 2012/13. Three programmes were presented at Kimberley (two), and Saldanha (one) respectively at a total cost of Rm61,9.

iii. FY 2013/14. Three programmes were presented at Kimberley (two), and Saldanha (one) respectively at a total cost of Rm65,9. The cost also includes the partial payment of the 2014/15 year course that started in the previous financial year.

iv. FY 2014/15. Three programmes were presented at Kimberley (two), and Saldanha (one) respectively at a total cost of Rm45,1.

v. FY 2015/16. Three programmes are scheduled at Kimberley (two) and Saldanha (one) respectively at an estimated cost of Rm60.

g. Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) is responsible for the operating costs associated with the programmes. The agreement is based on a cost-recovery system. The fund expended is paid to the Department of Defence by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.

Youth Leadership Camps for the Department of Social Development (DSD)

a. Department of Social Development.

b. Training is provided during school vacation period, November to December.

c. Planned figures are 1000 youth per training programme.

d. The first camp in 2013 took place at the SA Army Combat Training Centre (CTC) at Lohatla and the second camp in 2014 at 3 SAI Bn in Kimberley.

e. Curriculum of the Training

i. The life skills training is mainly facilitated by DSD appointed facilitators.

ii. The SA Army unit provides the physical training, and command and control over the youth participants.

iii. The Curriculum. Subjects covered include inter-alia: “It’s in your Hands” (taking responsibility), a debate on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Group Dynamics, Patriotism and Social Transformation, my place in society-“ Where do I stand”, Sexual and Rights Awareness, Performing Arts, Exhibition Session(guest speaker), cultural nights (guest speaker), Programme on Substance Abuse, Job Preparedness, Asset Based Community Development, project management, dramas, Youth Clubs, Provincial Action Plans and Camp and reflecting on a Nelson Mandela Musical.

f. Costs linked to the Training

i. FY 2013/14 -Rm2,8.

ii. FY 2014/15 - Rm2,4.

iii. FY 2015/16, the DSD request for the youth camp is yet to be received.

g. Who is Responsible for the Costs. Department of Social Development (DSD) is responsible for all costs associated to the camps, on a cost-recovery basis, being paid to the Department of Defence.

Youth Leadership Development Programme for Department of Rural Development at Thaba Nchu NARYSEC College.

a. As from March 2015 the pre-assembly and medical selection phase held previously at the SANDF bases, will be conducted by DRDLR at the Thaba Nchu NARYSEC College.

b. The SANDF/ SA Army will be support with up to 34 (thirty four) members for control purposes for the three weeks pre-assembly phase; and SAMHS will do the pre-medical and post counselling phase at Comprehensive Health Assessment (CHA) centre in Tempe Bloemfontein.

c. The Youth Leadership Development Training phase of the scheduled NARYSEC intakes in 2015/16 is planned to be executed at the training facilities: 3 SAI Bn in Kimberley and at SAS Saldanha in Saldanha.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

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

Whether any employees in her department have been on suspension with full salary since 1 January 2014; if so, (a) how many employees and (b) what is the total cost thereof? NW613E

REPLY

Department of Military Veterans

Yes

(a) There are two (2) officials currently on suspension with full salary since 01 January 2014.

(b).The total costs can only be determined when the ongoing internal processes have been finalised.

Department of Defence

Yes

(a) There are nineteen (19) officials currently on suspension with full salary since 01 January 2014

(b) The total costs can only be determined when the ongoing internal processes have been finalised.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

501. Dr M J Cardo (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

How many flights were undertaken by the President using aircraft (a) operated by the (i) SA Air Force’s Squadron 21 (VIP Squadron) and (ii) SA Air Force Reserve Squadron or (b) chartered by the SA Air Force in (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) from 1 April 2014 up to the latest date for which information is available?

REPLY

I cannot reply to the question as the information asked for is by nature sensitive as it pertains to the movement of the State President. I will provide the information in a closed briefing of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence when it is duly convened.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

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

(1) What is the status of a certain person (name and details furnished) who applied more than seven months ago to be registered as a military veteran, in accordance with the Military Veterans Act, Act 18 of 2011;

(2) what (a) has been the cause of the delay in respect of this application and (b) why has the specified person not been advised of the (i) status and (ii) progress of the said application? NW502E

REPLY

(1) The process towards Mr. Beckett’s registration has been concluded and he has been accordingly advised.

(2) Mr. Beckett was informed in correspondence that the process for listing on the database takes a while.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

392. Mr M S Mbatha (EFF) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

How does her department intend to fund the number of services being promised to military veterans, including large numbers of old defence force soldiers and those from the struggle military wings? NW454E

REPLY

Military veterans Benefits (services) are legislated in Section 5 of the Military veterans Act 18 (2011). The DMV is legally obliged therefore, to provide Benefits to military veterans in partnership where this is necessary, with service delivery Departments.

National Treasury allocated for the first time, Benefits provisioning financial resources to the DMV. This is now an annual practice.

Unlike their counterparts in statutory forces, combatants of liberation forces did not receive remuneration for military service, neither were they able to plan for retirement. Many of them currently live in abject poverty. The DMV is currently prioritising these military veterans for access to Benefits. Destitute World War 2 military veterans (approximately 500 still alive and in their 80s and 90s) are also prioritised for socio-economic support services.

Skills Development and Business Development and Empowerment Programmes as well as Heritage, Memorialisation, Burial Support and Honouring, the Department of Military Veterans shall provide funding through the allocated funds to the Chief Directorate.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

391. Mr MS Mbatha (EFF) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether her department has begun implementing the SA National Defence Force Education Trust which was established in October 2013 to assist dependents of members with bursaries who died in combat; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the source of the funding and (b) what are the further relevant details? NW 453E

REPLY:

Yes, the Department has implemented the SA National Defence Force Education Trust; the first bursaries were awarded for the 2014 academic year.

The Trust is funded with donations received from local entities who are mainly in the private sector.

(b) Further relevant details are the following:

To date twenty donors have donated five million and fifteen thousand Rand to the Trust and a further one million Rand has been pledged. Fundraising will continue in 2015.
In the first two years of the existence of the Trust a total of ninety one bursaries (thirty nine in 2014 and fifty two in 2015) have been granted.

The total value of the bursaries awarded for 2014 and 2015 amounts to one million two hundred thousand Rand.
The beneficiaries that are being assisted cover various levels of study from school to tertiary institution.

Not only the dependents of SANDF members who have died in combat are beneficiaries to the Trust, but also the dependents of SANDF members - Regular Force or Reserve Force - who have died or were severely injured, in the execution of their military duties, subsequent to 27 April 1994, qualify for assistance (eg members who have died in military aircraft accidents).

The dependents of civilian members of the Department of Defence killed or severely injured subsequent to 27 April 1994, whilst deployed in operations with the SANDF, also qualify for assistance.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

256. Mr W M Madisha (Cope) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether the necessary service level agreements with the Department of Human Settlements, both nationally and provincially, had been finalised by her department in 2014, opening the way for the amount of R72 million, allocated by the National Treasury to provide 505 houses to military veterans, to be used for the expeditious construction of the houses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW279E

REPLY

Yes. The Memorandum of Understanding with the National Department of Human Settlements (DHS) was signed in 2012. All Provinces have also since signed Service level Agreements with the Department of Military Veterans (DMV).

Building of houses for military veterans has already commenced in the Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. All other Provinces are currently finalizing processes for urgent construction of houses for military veterans.

The DMV and DHS are jointly monitoring delivery on houses of military veterans.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION 229 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

229. Mr R P Ramakatsa (EFF) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

Whether any South African armaments companies have business in Nigeria; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

The question should be directed to the Minister in Presidency, who is the Chairperson of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) as the authority responsible over trade in in conventional arms

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION 205 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

205. Mr R P Ramakatsa (EFF) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Did her department have sufficient evidence to charge Lieutenant-Colonel Christine Anderson in respect of the landing of guests of the Gupta family at Waterkloof Air Force Base; if not, why was such person charged in the first place; if so, why were the charges dropped;

(2) whether the claims of the said person of being in possession of text messages directly linking a certain person (name furnished) to the illegal landing have been investigated; if not, why not; if so, how far is the investigation? NW222E

REPLY

According to the representatives of member the matter has not been finalised, and I cannot therefore not reply to this question as it may have implications on any possible litigation action.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION 168 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

168. Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) With reference to the reply of the Minister of Communications to question 1031 on 27 November 2014, what was the total amount that (a) her department and (b) each of its entities (i) spent on and/or (ii) budgeted for advertising for each month between 1 January 2013 and 31 July 2014, excluding expenditure transferred through the Department of Communications for advertising;

(2) does such figure for each month represent the (a) total value of advertising that appeared in the media in that month, (b) amount paid in that month for advertising that may have appeared previously or (c) amount paid in advance for advertising that appeared at a later date;

(3) in each specified case, what amount did (a) her department and (b) each of its entities spend on advertising in (i) print, (ii) radio, (iii) television, (iv) online and (v) outdoor;

(4) in each specified case, what is the breakdown of advertising by (a) her department and (b) each of its entities in terms of (i) name of and (ii) amount spent on each (aa) publication, (bb) radio station, (cc) television station, (dd) website and (ee) billboards location in each province?

REPLY

(1)-(4)

The information requested is available in the Department’s Annual Reports for the 2012/13 and 2013/14 financial years that were Tabled in Parliament; while the information falling within the 2014/15 financial year will be tabled according to the timelines prescribed by the relevant regulatory framework.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION 41 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

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

Whether her department has prepared a position paper on demilitarised finance officials; if not, why not; if so, (a) who is the author of the position paper, (b) what is the title of the position paper, (c) when was the position paper completed and (d) what (i) were the complete recommendation of the report and (ii) progress has been made in implementing each specified recommendation? NW42E

REPLY

Yes the Department of Defence has prepared a position paper on the demilitarized finance officials in the Finance Division
Position Paper on service benefits of demilitarised finance officials of the Department of Defence
During 2014
(i) and (ii) Consultation with the National Treasury and the Department of Public Service and Administration are still ongoing in that regard

latory framework.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION 39 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

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

With respect to each Board of Inquiry convened in the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) when was the board (i) convened and (ii) its business completed, (b) what were (i) the particulars of the matter under investigation and (ii) the main (aa) findings and (bb) recommendations and (c) what was the title of the final report of the Board of Inquiry? NW40E

REPLY

Boards of Inquiry are convened to inquire into any matter concerning the Department, any employee thereof or any member of the Defence Force or any auxiliary service, any public property or the property or affairs of any institution or any regimental or sport funds of the force.

In light of the above the Hon member is requested to narrow the scope of the question to specific subject matter and period.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION 38 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

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

(1) Whether a Kondor-E Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on or about 19 December 2014 for the (a) Department of Defence and/or (b) any other (i) government department or (ii) state institution;

(2) whether, in respect of the satellite, (a) the radar imaging antennae deployed, (b) communication links were established and (c) telemetry (i) was or (ii) is being received;

(3) what is the identified purpose of the satellite with respect to the (a) Department of Defence and/or (b) any other (i) government department or (ii) state institution;

(4) what is the (a) total cost and (b) breakdown of such costs in relation to the satellite?

REPLY

Defence Intelligence reports directly to Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI), and I am therefore not in a position to comment on reports that fall within the domain of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence.