Telecommunications & Postal Services

2015-04-09

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Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO: 1545

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 April 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 11

DATE OF REPLY:

Dr H C Volmink (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

(1) With reference to his reply to question 1212 on 14 April 2015, what is the projected cost of implementing the 112 emergency number through the establishment of (a) two emergency centres nationally and (b) an emergency centre in each province;

(2) Would it be possible to implement the 112 emergency number in just one province; if not, why not; if so, what would be the cost of just one provincial centre?

NW1756E

REPLY

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(1) (a) The projections for the project costing to implement 2 emergency centre's in the country was done in 2012. At that time the cost for the first financial year was projected at R124m which would increase based on CPI, excluding the capital cost of R24m for set up.

(b) No exercise was conducted to determine the cost implications to establish an emergency centre in each province.

(2) Since the 112 centre is the only entry point for all emergency calls in the country, there is a risk to establish only 1 centre for the country. Should this centre go down for any reason, it would result in the total communications emergency being down. Therefore, it is not advisable to have a single centre to service the entire country and no cost was done.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO: 1457

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 April 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 10

DATE OF REPLY:

Ms T E Baker (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

How many invoices from private contractors to his 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? NW1670E

REPLY

There are thirty nine (39) invoices from private contractors that are currently unpaid that are over thirty (30) days.

(b)(i)(aa) Two (2) invoices are owed to La Traviata Catering, and

Thirty seven (37) invoices are are owed to Travel Adventure International

(b)(i)(bb) Two (2) invoices were for catering services, and

Thirty seven (37) invoices were for travel and accommodation bookings

(b)(ii)

(aa) date of invoice	(bb) reason for non payment
2015/01/26	Awaiting submission of deviation forms
2015/01/26	Awaiting submission of deviation forms
31/08/2014	Invoice outstanding. Need TAI to send invoice for payment.
22/09/2014	Fruitless & Wasteful Expenditure. Waiting for information from Travel Adventures International
08/10/2014	Services rendered without an order being obtained by the travel agent.
23/10/2014	Services rendered without an order being obtained by the travel agent.
23/10/2014	Services rendered without an order being obtained by the travel agent.
24/11/2014	Services rendered without an order being obtained by the travel agent.
27/11/2014	Services rendered without an order being obtained by the travel agent.
15/12/2014	Services rendered without an order being obtained by the travel agent.
17/12/2014	Services rendered without an order being obtained by the travel agent.
31/12/2014	Services rendered without an order being obtained by the travel agent.
11/12/2014	Invoice outstanding. Need TAI to send invoice for payment.
11/12/2014	Invoice outstanding. Need TAI to send invoice for payment.
11/12/2014	Invoice outstanding. Need TAI to send invoice for payment.
11/12/2014	Invoice outstanding. Need TAI to send invoice for payment.
11/12/2014	Invoice outstanding. Need TAI to send invoice for payment.
31/01/2015	Fruitless & Wasteful Expenditure. Waiting for information from Travel Adventures International
31/01/2015	Query on the invoice due to incorrect detail by the Responsibility Manager
05/02/2015	Services rendered without an order being obtained by the travel agent.
25/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
25/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
26/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
26/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
26/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
27/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
27/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice outstanding. Need TAI to send invoice for payment
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification
28/02/2015	Invoice being delayed due to certification

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO: 1421

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 April 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 10

DATE OF REPLY:

Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

Does his department have a Regulatory Burden Reduction strategy in place; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the strategy NW1634E

REPLY:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

The department does not have a regulatory burden reduction strategy in place.

The department is of the view that regulatory interventions in markets are an issue of critical importance in modern economies. Regulation is a fundamental policy tool that creates incentives and disincentives and has a great impact on citizens’ behaviour and interaction. The policies embedded in legislation and regulation is informed by studies which provide evidence for such policy decisions. Regulation in the electronic communications market is aimed at facilitating competition, ensuring adherence to standards, and consumer protection. While the extent of regulation varies across countries, it is commonly accepted that some degree of regulation is essential for a properly functioning society and economy. [1] The rationale for market regulation for example continues in South Africa due to concerns about monopolies and the promotion of competition.

The constitution provides for the establishment of the ICASA Regulator. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, following the most recent amendments, enables ICASA to do regulatory impact assessments as part of its functions that also ensures that regulation is only done when necessary, but also to ensure economic balance for implementing regulations by industry.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO: 1387

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 April 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 10

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

(a) What number of (i) financial, (ii) forensic and/or (iii) other investigations that were commissioned by his 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?

NW1599E

REPLY:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(a) (i) None

(ii) One (1)

iii) One (1)

(b) (i) Forensic Investigation: Following a Ministerial Imbizo in Nkowankowa, held on 21 June 2013, the Department ( of Communications as it was ) was alerted to possible improprieties relating to the costs and appointment of service providers regarding this event. The project manager for the event was implicated herein.

Other Investigation: Audit on the filling of various positions during the 2009/10 financial year emanating from the recommendations of the Auditor-General and Public Service Investigation Report. The findings indicated invalidity of delegations of authority, non-adherence to recruitment and selection procedures, and improper awarding of salary levels.

(ii) Forensic Investigation: Nexus Forensics Services was appointed to conduct the forensic investigation.

Other Investigation: The Departmental Internal Audit Unit conducted the investigation.

(iii) Forensic Investigation: Nexus Forensic Services was paid a total of R 488 442.89

Other Investigation: Nil

(iv) Forensic Investigation: The Project Manager was dismissed.

Other Investigation: Disciplinary action was taken against two senior officials. One dismissed, and the other one matter still ongoing.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO: 1328

QUESTION PAPER NO.: 10

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 April 2015

DATE OF REPLY:

QUESTION:

Mr C Mackenzie (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:

With reference to the Orange Grove Post Office, situated at number 70, 6th Street Orange Grove, which has rotten and fallen gutters and crumbling walls, (a) what is the frequency of maintenance inspections on post office buildings owned by the SA Post Office and (b) which department is responsible for these inspections;
When (a) was the Orange Grove Post Office last inspected, (b) was any maintenance last performed on the above mentioned Post Office, (c) will these gutters be repaired and (d) will the walls at the entrance be repaired?

REPLY:

I have been advised by the South African Post Office as follows:-

Background

The Orange Grove Post Office building is in a poor condition. The South African Post Office Property Division started with a program of upgrading buildings during the 2013/2014 financial year. However during the first quarter of the 2014/2015 financial year this project was abandoned due to financial constraints. This building was however on the schedule for upgrades and the estimated cost for the upgrade amounts to R280k.

1(a) Buildings are not inspected on a set frequency schedule. Maintenance issues are reported and based on the frequency and severity of the request, a comprehensive evaluation is done which then results in the compilation of a list of upgrade specification.

1(b) The Property Division of the South African Post Office is responsible for these inspections and it is conducted by Department of Works Inspectors.

2(a) Yes, Orange Grove Post Office was inspected during May 2014 to compile specifications for the publication of a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

2(b) Normal maintenance like leaking taps, blocked drains etc, is done on an ad hoc basis.

2(c) & (d) The gutters, walls and roof will be repaired when the upgrade is done.

Orange Grove Post Office is on a priority list of outlets that will be attended to as soon as funds for upgrades are available.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO: 1261

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 April 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 10

DATE OF REPLY:

Ms D Carter (Cope) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

(1) Whether his department had investigated why the SA Post Office (SAPO) has not been settling its accounts with service suppliers and vendors for over 9 to 10 months; if not, why not; if so, what was the outcome thereof;

(2) What has he found to be the implications of this situation for the (a) SAPO and (b) economy if suppliers of services and goods and vendors refused to transact business with the SAPO? NW1469E

REPLY:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

The Department is aware of the financial challenges facing South African Post Office which have led to late payments of service providers and suppliers. SAPO has subsequently been placed under Administration. The purpose of the Administration is to ensure that SAPO is stabilised, that measures to ensure financial sustainability are implemented and a turnaround strategy is implemented. In the intervening period, SAPO has entered into various payment plans with its service providers and suppliers to ensure that some payments are made within the available resources. Further, Government has permitted SAPO to approach banks to raise operational financing which will once done, resolve the matter of non-payment of service providers and suppliers.

(a) The situation for SAPO has been severe in that service providers and suppliers have in some instances withheld services which action has had a detrimental impact on the operations of the organisation.

(b) The expected economic impact likewise should be drastic in that service providers are adversely affected by the non-payment and their capacity to stay in business seriously compromised.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 1230

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 09

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr C MacKenzie (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

(1) With reference to his reply to question 288 on 17 March 2015, (a) how many of the 14 employees charged and of the six convicted of criminal offences are members of a union and (b) which union does each of these employees belong to;

(2) (a) how many of the 180 employees internally charged and found guilty are members of a union and (b) which union does each of these employees belong to?

NW1437E

REPLY:

I have been advised by South African Post Office as follows:

SAPO does not charge employees according to union membership.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 1212

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 09

DATE OF REPLY:

Dr H C Volmink (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

Whether it is possible to implement the 112 emergency number on a provincial basis; if not, why not; if so, will he consider investigating this as an option?

NW1418E

Yes, it is possible to implement the 112 emergency number on a provincial basis, as the technical solutions uses GIS Mapping to locate the position of callers in the event of an emergency. This establishment would require 9 provincial 112 centres, with failure over capabilities in the event of any centre's becoming non functional.

This avenue has been explored as an option; however this implementation would prove to be more costly than having 2 emergency centres with redundancy capabilities.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 1210

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 09

DATE OF REPLY:

Dr HC Volmink (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunication and Postal Services:

What (a) total amount has been spent on the (i) public emergency communications centres and (ii) implementation of the 112 emergency number, as described in the Electronic Communications Act, Act 36 of 2005 and (b) was the money spent on;
What is the current status of the pilot call centre facility in the Strand in the Western Cape;
(a) on what date did the pilot project start and (b) for how long was the pilot project operational;
What were the lessons learnt from the pilot project;
Whether there are long term plans to implement the 112 emergency number throughout the country; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1416E

REPLY:

(a) Funding was only spent on the pilot project in the Strand, and the Transaction Advisory services for the project to be implemented as a PPP. The fund for the pilot for the 2008/2009 year was R24.9m and R27m for the 2009/2010 financial year.

Except for the pilot project, no other funds were spent on any other public emergency communications centres.
R5.8m was lost spent on the Transaction Advisory (TA) services for the project. National Treasury will not allow a Department to run a Public Private Partnership (PPP) unless the project is registered with their PPP unit, and a TA is appointed. The TA’s are experts in the PPP process from feasibility, PPP financial modelling all through the appointment of the Private Partner. As such, it was compulsory for the Department to make uses of the professional skills of a TA for the 112. The TA conducted and produced the feasibility study that determined that the project was indeed a PPP. They then developed the Request for Quotation (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP) tender documents in line with Treasury requirements, PPP regulations. The value adds is that they understand the PPP regulations as specialists. For reason or another the tender was cancelled twice the LoA one being in 2013 where the funds were reprioritised for DTT call centre.

The pilot centre facility in the Strand has been closed.

(a) The pilot project started in 2003 and ended in 2010, which is 7 years.

The main lessons learnt are that there is a need for such a service, and that the 112 is required to eliminate the multiplicity of emergency numbers in the country. Emergency organisations prefer to control their own emergency calls, however welcomes the 112 national service to act as a filter for all non emergency calls thus reducing the emergency response times.

Currently there are no long terms plans to implement the 112 emergency services, the Department intends to resuscitate the process in the future.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 1158

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 9

DATE OF REPLY:

Mrs M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

How many sick leave days were taken by employees of his department in the 2013-14 financial year and (b) what was the total cost thereof in rand?

NW1358E

REPLY:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

1576.5 days

R2 606 000

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 1123

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 09

DATE OF REPLY:

Ms K de Kock (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

(a) What amount did (i) his department and (ii) state entities reporting to him 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?

NW1288E

REPLY:

I have been advised by the Department and Entities that report to me as follows:-

DEPARTMENT:

(i) (aaa)

May 2011	R45 328.70
June 2011	R138 941.19
July 2011	R45 958.64
August 2011	R92 459.80
September 2011	R90 291.53
October 2011	R93 379.11
November 2011	R91 471.78
December 2011	R94 877.18
January 2012	R77 839.65
February 201	R93 751.77
March 2012	R96 676.60

(i) (bbb)

April 2012	R95 475.80
May 2012	R96 126.73
June 2012	R96 257.49
July 2012	R96 185.44
August 2012	R97 387.46
September 2012	R98 917.88
October 2012	R95 023.21
November 2012	R97 387.46
December 2012	R95 885.40
January 2013	R78 783.12
February 2013	R95 885.40

(b) (i) (aaa) (bbb)

The newspaper supplier was appointed on a 2 year contract for the period 2011/12 – 2012/13.

The quantity amounts are estimated based on an average per month in this period. The monthly quantity amounts vary based on a number of weeks in a month ie. When the department was closed during the holidays and the Month of February.

Newspapers and Magazine

Days

Quantity per month

Business Day

Pretoria News

Sowetan

Citizen

Times

Beeld

The Star

City Press

Sunday Times

Sunday World

Financial Mail

Mail and Guardian

Sunday Independent

Cape Times

Cape Argus

New Age

Fin Week

2530

638

792

594

1276

594

1254

116

530

264

1144

116

Please note that there was no supply of Newspapers between during March 2013 – August 2013

(i) (ccc)

September 2013	R2 445.50
October 2013	R5 677.42
November 2013	R37 352.92
March 2014	R20 728.31

(i) (ccc)

Newspapers and Magazines

Publications

Days

Quantity per month

Business Day

Pretoria News

Sowetan

Citizen

Times

Argus Saturday

The Star

City Press

Sunday Times

Sunday World

PTA News Sat

Financial Mail

Mail and Guardian

Sunday Independent

Cape Times

Cape Argus

New Age

Sunday Argus

Economist

Sunday Sun

735

215

792

605

146

390

605

(ii) N/A

(bb) (i)

May 2014	R68 390.59
September 2014	R55 228.56
October 2014	R35 430.20
November 2014	R18 610.61
December 2014	R19 445.36
January 2015	R18 782.00
February 2015	R34 820.90
March 2015	R19 636.00

(bb) (ii) N/A

(b)(i) (bb) May 2014 - Current

Newspapers and Magazines

Publications

Days

Quantity per month

Citizen

Sowetan

Times

New Age

Business Day

Financial Mail

Star

Mail & Guardian

Cape Times

Citizen (CPT)

Sowetan (CPT)

Times (CPT)

New Age (CPT)

Business Day(CPT)

Financial Mail (CPT)

Cape Argus

Mail & Guardian (CPT)

Saturday Star

Sunday Times

Sunday Independent

Sunday Tribune

Sunday World

City Press

286

260

Entities:

(1) Broadband Infraco

(a)(ii)

Item	Period	Expenditure	Quantity
aaa	April 2011 – 31 March 2012	R0.00	0
bbb	April 2012 – 31 March 2013	R0.00	0
ccc	April 2013 – 31 March 2014	R1 584.00	15 copies weekly

(aaa) 2011-12 = R0.00
(bbb) 2012-13 = R0.00
(ccc) 2013- 14 =R1 584.00

(b) Three (3) copies a day.

(2) Sentech SOC Ltd

Monthly spend
Newspaper	(aaa) 2011-12	(bbb) 2012-13	(ccc) 2013-14	(bb) April 2014 to date
The Star	R1 052. 00	R1 303. 00	R1 312. 00	R128. 00
Business Day	R744. 00	R983. 00	R459. 00	-
Sowetan	R1 063. 00	R1 404.00	R656. 00	R97. 00
Mail & Guardian	R192. 00	R254. 00	R118. 00	-
The Mercury	R134. 00	R193. 00	R141. 00	-
Daily Despatch	R156. 00	R159. 00	R100. 00	-
Others (Publications, Journals for Advertisements)	R14 657. 00	R18 766. 00	R882. 00	-
Total	R17 997. 00	R23 063. 00	R3 668. 00	R226. 00
Annaul Spend	R71 305. 00	R94 256. 00	R44 017. 00	R2 709. 00

Weekly copies
Newspaper	(aaa) 2011-12	(bbb) 2012-13	(ccc) 2013-14	(bb) April 2014 to date
The Star	8	9	8	2
Business Day	2	2	1	-
Sowetan	8	8	4	2
Mail & Guardian	2	2	335	-
The Mercury	2	2	1	-
Daily Despatch	2	2	1	-
Others (Publications, Journals for Advertisements)	9	7	7	-

(3) South African Post Office SOC Ltd

The South African Post Office procures and sells newspapers through its outlets. In the past Executives and Business Unit heads that were entitled to receiving newspapers would pick them up and record them under their cost Centre’s as consumables. There is no clear categorization of newspapers subscription. Since last year November there is a moratorium on Executives receiving newspapers.

(4) Sate Information Technology Agency SOC Ltd

(aa) Monthly Spend
Newspaper	(aaa) 2011-2012	(bbb) 2012-2013	*(ccc) 2013-2014	(bb) April 14 to date
The Star	800.00	800.00	850.00	-
Pretoria News	475.00	500.00	525.00	-
Business Day	1440.00	1480.00	1500.00	-
Sowetan	300.00	300.00	350.00	-
The Citizen	180.00	195.00	195.00	-
Mail & Guardian	750.00	800.00	800.00	-
	3 945.00	4 075.00	4 220.00

Annual Spend R 47 340.00 R 48 900.00 R 37 980.00

(aa) Numbers of copies per day
Newspaper	(aaa) 2011-2012	(bbb) 2012-2013	*(ccc) 2013-2014	(bb) April 14 to date
The Star	10	10	10	-
Pretoria News	5	5	5	-
Business Day	4	4	4	-
Sowetan	5	5	5	-
The Citizen	3	3	3	-
Mail & Guardian	5	5	5	-

*- Covers the first nine months of the financial year, i.e. April to December 2013

(5) National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA)

(ii) (aaa) 2011-12 financial year

Period / month	Budget	Expenditure
1 January 2011	-	-
1 February 2011	-	-
1 March 2011	-	-
1 April 2011	-	-
1 May 2011	-	-
1 June 2011	-	-
1 July 2011	-	-
1 August 2011	R 3,311.04	R 3,311.04
1 September 2011	R 5,168.40	R 5,168.40
1 October 2011	-	-
1 November 2011	-	-
1 December 2011	-	-
1 January 2012	-	-
1 February 2012	-	-
1 March 2012	-	-

(bbb) 2012-13 financial year

Period / month	Budget	Expenditure
1 January 2012	-	-
1 February 2012	-	-
1 March 2012	-	-
1 April 2012	-	-
1 May 2012	-	-
1 June 2012	-	-
1 July 2012	-	-
1 August 2012	-	-
1 September 2012	-	-
1 October 2012	R 13,064.58	R 13,064.58
1 November 2012	-	-
1 December 2012	-	-
1 January 2013	-	-
1 February 2013	-	-
1 March 2013	-	-

(ccc) 2013-14 financial year

Period / month	Budget	Expenditure
1 January 2013	-	-
1 February 2013	-	-
1 March 2013	-	-
1 April 2013	-	-
1 May 2013	-	-
1 June 2013	-	-
1 July 2013	-	-
1 August 2013	-	-
1 September 2013	-	-
1 October 2013	-	-
1 November 2013	-	-
1 December 2014	-	-
1 January 2014	-	-
1 February 2014	-	-
1 March 2014	-	-

(bb) during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available The entity did not subscribe to any newspapers during the 2014/15 financial year.

(b) (i) In each specified financial year and

2011-12

Business day: One copy daily

Mail and Guardian: One copy daily

Star: Three copies daily

Sowetan: Three copies daily

Sunday Times and the times: Three copies daily

2012-13

Business day: One copy daily

Mail and Guardian: One copy daily

Star: Three copies daily

Sowetan: Three copies daily

Sunday Times and the times: Three copies daily

2013-14 None

(ii)During the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

None

(6) USAASA

The table below provides information on the amount spent on newspaper subscriptions and number of copies subscribed for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2015

Period	Newspaper	Number of Copies	Amount
2011/12
2012/13	Sowetan Newspaper	1 x copy – 6 months subscription	R448-20
2012/13	Mail and Guardian Newspaper	1 x copy – 6 months subscription	R523 - 98
2012/13	The Star Newspaper	1 x copy – 6 months subscription	R783 - 90
2013/14	Mail and Guardian Newspaper	1 x copy – 6 months subscription	R1,249 – 92
2013/14	The Star Newspaper	Mail and Guardian Newspaper	R1,524 - 25
2014/15	None	No subscription	None
TOTAL			R4, 530 - 25

(7) ZA Domain Name Authority

ZaDNA did not subscribe to any newspaper or publication during the period.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 1088

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 09

DATE OF REPLY:

Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

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

NW1253E

REPLY:

The Department (DTPS)

(i) R 73 625.16

(ii) R 756 932.64

(iii) R 509 716.80

(b)(i - iii) Broadband Infraco

Item	Period	Expenditure
I	April 2011 – 31 March 2012	R0.00
Ii	April 2012 – 31 March 2013	R337 612.80 (8 insertions)
Ii	April 2013 – 31 March 2014	R0.00

Sentech SOC Ltd

South African Post Office SOC Ltd

(i) Nil

(ii) Nil

State Information Technology Agency SOC Ltd (SITA)

(i) Nil

(ii) Nil

National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA)

(i) Nil

(ii) Nil

USAASA

(i) Nil

(ii) Nil

ZADNA

i) Nil

(ii) Nil

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 899

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 8

DATE OF REPLY:

Ms L V James (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

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

NW1048E

REPLY:

The Department (DTPS)

b) zaDNA

Broadband Infraco

R 40 000 on tickets
Nil

SAPO

Sentech

Nemisa

USAASA

2013 – R7130.70

2014 – R9950.00

2015 – R9950.00

SITA

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 864

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 8

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr. A R McLoughlin (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

Whether his department or the entities reporting to him provides any type of sponsorships; if not, what is his 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 his department or any of the entities reporting to him 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?

NW1013E

REPLY:

I have been advised by the Department and Entities that report to me as follows:-

DTPS (Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

None. The Department donates to projects that further the work of the Department.

N/A

.zaDNA (ZA Domain Name Authority NPC)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Since 2012/13, .zaDNA sponsors the iWeek event annually. It is an annual event of SA Internet service providers (ISPs) under the banner of ISPA (ISPA.org.za). zaDNA sponsors iWeek because the ISPs are its key customer as zaDNA regulates their registration of .ZA names by local and international ISPs.

In addition, in 2013 during the ICANN Durban conference, zaDNA was awarded an ICANN award jointly with the ZA Central Registry (ZACR) for registry service excellence. zaDNA and ZACR agreed to use the whole amount to sponsor Chesterville High Durban project, which included the launch of a dedicated school’s website under the www.chestervillehigh.durban URL, and the purchase of a suitable annual hosting package from Telkom.

iWeek event – R 100 000

chestervillehigh.durban project - $5000

iWeek event – 2012/13

chestervillehigh.durban project - 2013

Has no commitment to fund iWeek annually, but decides each year whether or not to sponsor the event.

If zaDNA continues to sponsor the Chesterville High School project, it is anticipated that the sponsorship will not go beyond 2017.

BBI (Broadband Infraco)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

None. Provides short term sponsorship to three industry related conferences.

R0.00

None

SAPO (South African Post Office)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

E-Rural Access, implementation partner Dept of Rural Development and Land Reform;

Poverty Alleviation and Digital Literacy, implementation partner Humana People to People;

Student to Government, implementation partners SALGA, Development Bank SA, LG Seta and Microsoft SA.

E-Rural Access – R2.4 million

Poverty Alleviation and Digital Literacy – R1.8 million

Student to Government – R3.3 million

E-Rural Access – 2011

Poverty Alleviation and Digital Literacy – 2011

Student to Government – 2011

E-Rural Access – 2014

Poverty Alleviation and Digital Literacy – 2014

Student to Government – 2014

NEMISA (National Electronic Media of South Africa)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

None, Nemisa is a non-profit entity dependent on fiscal allocation and would not have the resources to enter into any form of sponsorship agreements.

N/A

USAASA (Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa)

(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)
None	None	N/A	N/A

SENTECH

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

University of Pretoria and University of Witwatersrand.

University of Pretoria – R 1 000 000.00

University of Witwatersrand –

R 1 000 000.00

University of Pretoria – 2015/16

University of Witwatersrand – 2015/16

University of Pretoria – 2019/20

University of Witwatersrand – 2019/20

SITA

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

DOD & Military Veterans golf day – Brand Promotion;

Eastern Cape ICT Summit – Brand & Services promotion;

The IEC for the 2014 National & Provincial Elections – Public Relations;

Topco Media’s 11th Top Women in Business & Government Awards – Public Relations;

Cybersecurity Symposium – Brand & Services Promotion ;

SAPS Excellence Awards – Brand Promotion;

IT Leaders Africa – Brand & Services promotion; and

SA Airforce golf day – Brand promotion.

DOD & Military Veterans golf day –

R 3000.00

Eastern Cape ICT Summit – R366 000.00

The IEC for the 2014 National & Provincial Elections –

R 3 000 000.00

Topco Media’s 11th Top Women in Business & Government Awards – R 150 000.00

Cybersecurity Symposium –

R 300 000.00

SAPS Excellence Awards –

R 100 000.00

IT Leaders Africa – R 167 000.00

SA Airforce golf day – R 5000.00

DOD & Military Veterans golf day – 3 October 2014

Eastern Cape ICT Summit – 22 October 2014

The IEC for the 2014 National & Provincial Elections – 7 April 2014

Topco Media’s 11th Top Women in Business & Government Awards – 14 August 2014

Cybersecurity Symposium – 1 March 2015

SAPS Excellence Awards – 13 March 2015

IT Leaders Africa – 18 March 2015

SA Airforce golf day – 10 April 2015

DOD & Military Veterans golf day – 3 October 2014

Eastern Cape ICT Summit – 24 October 2014

The IEC for the 2014 National & Provincial Elections – 30 June 2014

Topco Media’s 11th Top Women in Business & Government Awards – 14 August 2014

Cybersecurity Symposium – 3 March 2015

SAPS Excellence Awards – 13 March 2015

IT Leaders Africa – 19 March 2015

SA Airforce golf day – 10 April 2015

DTPS (Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services)

None. The Department donates to projects that further the work of the Department.

.zaDNA (ZA Domain Name Authority NPC)

(a)

(b)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)(aa)

(bb)

(iv)

Has budgeted R 50 000 iWeek sponsorship for 2015/16 and a decision regarding sponsoring the Chesterville High School project in 2015/16 and 2016/17 will be made once ZACR provides the details for the project.

No decision has been made to sponsor iWeek in 2016/17.

The iWeek sponsorship agreement is with ISPA, and the Chesterville High School project sponsorship is with ZACR.

The iWeek sponsorship entitles zaDNA to become an iWeek partner with a privilege of hosting its own domain name events during iWeek. The sponsorship also allows zaDNA to 3 to 5 paid-for accommodation slots at the iWeek event.

zaDNA has not yet concluded an agreement with ZACR regarding sponsoring the Chesterville High School project going forward. Once an agreement is concluded, it is anticipated that the key sponsorship terms will require the sponsorship to be used to fund the School’s IT hosting costs.

The iWeek project commenced in 2012/13 and the Chesterville High School project began in 2013/14.

There is no undertaking to sponsor iWeek every year. Accordingly, zaDNA decides annually whether or not to sponsor iWeek. No decision has been made yet for the Chesterville High School project to continue the sponsorship, but indications are that zaDNA may continue the sponsorship for the next 2-3 years.

iWeek – the value varies annually. For 2015/16, the budgeted amount is R 50 000. In last 3 years, zaDNA paid

R 100 000 for each year.

Chesterville project – the value will be known once zaDNA concludes an agreement with ZACR.

BBI (Broadband Infraco)

(a)

(b)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)(aa)

(bb)

(iv)

BBI intends to continue with annual short term contracts for industry related conferences which lasts for the duration of the event for 2015/16.

BBI intends to continue with annual short term contracts for industry related conferences which lasts for the duration of the event for 2016/17.

With SITA, Mybroadband, Internet Service Providers and Informa Telecoms.

Brief Terms and conditions

General – This Agreement including Annexure A and B constitutes the sole record of the agreement between the Parties in regard to the subject matter hereof. No Party shall be bound by any representations, express or implied term, warranty, promise or the like not recorded herein or reduced to writing and signed by the Parties or their representatives. No alterations to, variation or agreed cancellation of this Agreement shall be of any force or effect unless it is expressed in writing and mutually agreed and signed in acceptance by both Parties or their authorised representatives. The relationship between the Sponsored and the Sponsor shall be non-exclusive for the entire duration of this Agreement. Neither Party will have authority to act for or incur any obligation on behalf of the other, and will not make any representation of having such authority.

Towards end of the year between September and November.

SITA –

R 300 000, Mybroadband – R 230 000, Internet Service Providers (iWeek) –

R 68 000 and Informa Telecoms – R 110 000.

SAPO (South African Post Office)

(a)

(b)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)(aa)

(bb)

(iv)

SAPO is currently not in a position to participate in any sponsorship deals as it is involved in the Strategic Turnaround Programme (STP) that is aimed at improving its financial and business position, from a loss-making to a profitable entity.

SAPO is currently not in an position to participate in any sponsorship deals as it is involved in Strategic Turnaround Programme (STP), that is aimed at improving its financial and business position, from a loss-making to a profitable entity.

None

NEMISA (National Electronic Media of South Africa)

(a)

(b)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)(aa)

(bb)

(iv)

N/A

USAASA (Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa)

(a)

(b)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)(aa)

(bb)

(iv)

There are no plans to provide any sponsorship to anyone or any organisation.

N/A

SENTECH

(a)

(b)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)(aa)

(bb)

(iv)

The existing sponsorships run into aforementioned years. (University of Pretoria and University of Witwatersrand)

University of Pretoria and University of Witwatersrand.

Carry out programmes for undergraduate and post graduate students through the Sentech Broadband Wireless Multimedia Communications Chair. Conduct research in the identified fields according to the academic policies and procedures of the University. Support Sentech's Internal programmes through accreditation.

University of Pretoria – 2015/16 to 2019/20

University of Witwatersrand – 2015/16 to 2019/20

University of Pretoria – 2015/16 to 2019/20

University of Witwatesrand – 2015/16 to 2019/20

The existing sponsorships run into aforementioned years

State Information Technology Agency (SITA)

(a)	(b)	(i)	(ii)	(iii)(aa)	(bb)	(iv)
Yes	Yes	This has not been determined yet.	This has not been determined yet.	This has not been determined yet.	This has not been determined yet.	This has not been determined yet.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO: 748

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 7

DATE OF REPLY:

Mrs M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

Does the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) have a disaster recovery policy; if not, (a) does SITA plan to develop such a policy and (b) by when; if so, (i) what are the relevant details,(ii) when was this policy developed, (iii) how frequently is it revised and (iv) by whom?

REPLY:

I have been advised by SITA as follows:-

SITA has an Enterprise Information Security and a Business Continuity Management Policy which addresses Disaster Recovery Planning.

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

The policies were developed in 2008.

The policies are reviewed every five (5) years. The policies were last reviewed in 2013.

The policies were reviewed by an internal team of subject matter experts and the revised policies were approved by the SITA Board of Directors on 6 March 2014.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO: 747

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 7

DATE OF REPLY:

Mrs M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

Have any of the State Information Technology Agency’s client departments’ systems, at all spheres of government, suffered data (a) damage or (b) loss through hostile attacks on these systems during the past 12 months, if so, (i) what were the dates, (ii) which client departments and (iii) what were the extent of the (aa) damage or (bb) loss incurred;

What steps have been taken (a) to repair or retrieve the damaged or lost data and (b) to prevent recurrence of hack attacks?

REPLY:

I have been advised by SITA as follows:-

(a) According to the information at SITA’s disposal no system or database administered by the agency on behalf of a client department suffered data damage through hostile attacks during the past 12 months.

(a)Not applicable

(b) Various security measures including firewalls, inverse proxy, network intrusion prevention software, malware inspection software and antivirus software have been implemented in the systems and infrastructure managed by SITA on behalf of client departments. The increasing sophistication of cybercriminals has resulted in a race to implement security measures ahead of the latest developed attacks.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO: 746

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 7

DATE OF REPLY:

Mrs M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

Does the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) administer the (a) Information and communications technology (ICT) system and/or (b) database that supports the administration of the Department of Basic Education, if so, (i) was this database subjected to an attack by hackers within the past six months and (ii) what are the (aa) dates and (bb) extent of the information loss or damage caused by this, or these, hack attacks;

(2) What remedial steps are being taken to (a) retrieve the lost or damaged data and (b) prevent similar attacks recurring?

NW894E

REPLY:

I have been advised by SITA as follows:-

(1) (a) Yes

(b) Yes

(i) No an incident occurred in January 2015 and was reported in the media as a “hacking” incident although it was a hardware failure.

(ii) (aa) Not applicable

(bb)Not applicable

(2) (a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 696

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 07

DATE OF REPLY:

Dr M J Cardo (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services: [Interdepartmental transfer from Public Service and Administration on 13 March 2015]

Has the State Information Technology Agency awarded any contracts to the (a) Information and Communication Technology Works and (b) Simunye Consortium since 1 January 2009; if so, (i) were the contracts subject to a tender process, (ii) what was the value of the contracts, (iii) what services were to be delivered in terms of the contracts and (iv) were the terms of the contracts fulfilled by the signatories to the contracts? NW844E

REPLY:

I have been advised by State Information Technology Agency (SITA) as follows:

In 2012, SITA entered into a contract with Information and Communication Technology Works for a period from 01 January 2012 to 31 October 2013.

In 2012, SITA entered into a contract with Simunye Consortium for a period from 01 August 2012 to 30 July 2014.

Both contracts were not as a result of a tender process. The service providers were appointed as sole source since they developed the applications after being awarded tenders through a competitive tender process by National Treasury. They were only service providers at that time that had knowledge of the applications that needed to be maintained.

The value of the contracts were as follows:

Information and Communication Technology Works was R49 355 196, 48

Simunye Consortium was R32 959 224.

Information and Communications Technology Works was contracted to provide Product Maintenance and Functional Support Services for Oracle; E-Business Suite of the Integrated Financial Management System; Development of a formal skills development and knowledge transfer Programme; Execution of skill development transfer programme, and; Provision of business resources to SITA Supply Chain Management and Human Resource as and when required.

Simunye Consortium was contracted to provide Product Maintenance and Functional Support Services for Integrated SAP Human Resources Module of the Integrated Financial Management System; Development of a formal skills development and knowledge transfer programme, and; do enhancements to the solution if so required.

For both contracts, the terms and conditions of the contracts were fulfilled. Services were managed on an ongoing basis by SITA, and monthly reports were produced outlining services delivered during each month.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 585

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 6 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 05

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr C Mackenzie (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

(1) In which telecommunications companies does the Government hold shares;

(2) What is the (a) number and (b) current market value of these shares;

(3) What has been the (a) dividend pay outs of each of these shareholdings in the past three financial years and (b) where are these dividends deposited;

(4) What has been the return investment of these shareholdings in each case? NW666

REPLY:

I have been advised by the Vodacom and Telkom as follows:

(1) Government has shares in the following telecommunications companies, Telkom (39.76%), Vodacom 13, 91%) and Broadband Infraco (74%).

(2) The share values and dividend are declared in the annual reports as they fluctuate on daily basis in the listed companies

(3)The dividends are paid to the National Revenue Fund.

(4) Rate of Return depends on the initial investment and periodic investment /disinvestment that are made.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO: 584

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 6 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 5

DATE OF REPLY:

Mrs M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

What (a) were the dates of the meetings of the National Broadband Advisory Council since its inception in 2014, (b) has been on the agenda of each of these meetings, (c) decisions were taken at each meeting, (d) programme of action is in place, (e) progress has been made to date and (f) is the cost to his department of this council?

NW665E

REPLY:

(i) 04 March 2014

(ii) 24 April 2014

(iii) 24 June 2014

(iv) 21 August 2014

(v) 27 November 2014

The Department has delivered presentations on the work it has undertaken on the four pillars of South Africa Connect.

The NBAC meetings have also been used as a forum for information sharing where various presentations on technology trends have been received from industry players.

(c) The NBAC is not a decision making body for the Department. It is a Council that advises the Minister on key principles that should inform the implementation of the Broadband programme. Its function is also to identify the policy gaps and to recommend remedies to the Minister.

The Department has made a number of presentations to the NBAC where it outlined its approach towards the implementation of South Africa Connect. The NBAC has also received presentations from industry players covering areas such as policy alignment and telecommunication technology trends and options for broadband. The next step is for the NBAC to develop a work plan that synthesizes the information into a series of advisory reports for the Minister’s consideration. The work plan will focus on the policy gaps and make recommendations on policy remedies.

The NBAC submitted a report outlining the broad principles that should guide the rollout of broadband in South Africa. This report was submitted on 3 February 2015.

Members of the NBAC are remunerated in terms of Treasury Regulation 20.2.2. The cost incurred to date including travelling and accommodation, venue and refreshments for meetings, remuneration for NBAC members is R86 334.00.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 583

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 6 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 5

DATE OF REPLY:

Mrs M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

(1) What are the dates of each meeting of the National Cyber Security Advisory Council (NCSAC) since its inception in 2013;

(2) Who is the chairperson of the NCSAC;

(3) (a) on what dates has he (i) met or (ii) addressed the NCSAC and (b) what issues were discussed at each meeting;

(4) What (a) is the NCSAC’s programme of action and (b) progress has been made on each of its activities to date;

(5) (a) what is the cost to his department of this NCSAC and (b) to whom does the council report?

NW664E

REPLY:

The NCSAC met three (3) times is 2013, once (1) in 2014 and once (1) in 2015. The meeting dates were as follows:

21 October 2013
23 October 2013
27 November 2013
30 February 2014
29 January 2015

The Chairperson of the NCSAC is Dr Barend Taute, Manager; ICT Contract R&D at the CSIR Meraka Institute.

The Minister has met with the NCSAC on two occasions, 15 October 2013 and on 13 May 2014. The first meeting was the inauguration of the NCAC and the second meeting discussed the work plan submitted by the NCAC.

The NCSAC has a work plan which focuses on:

Governance
National Coordination and Cooperation
Cybersecurity Structures
Legislation
International Cooperation
Culture of Cybersecurity / Awareness

(b) (i) The NCSAC met with the Cyber security Response Committee to discuss their mandates and collaboration.

(ii) The NCSAC has made inputs into the ICT Policy Review process.

(iii)The DTPS has solicited the NCSAC input on Cyber security implementation Plan.

(a) R112 290 per annum.

(b) Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 537

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 6 March 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 5

DATE OF REPLY:

Ms V van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

1. Whether any employees in his department have been on suspension with full salary since 1 January 2014, if so how many employees and

2. What is the total cost thereof?

NW617E

REPLY:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

Yes, two employees

R 514 052

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 418

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 February 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 4

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr C MacKenzie (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

Whether a certain person (name furnished) of the SA Post Office (SAPO) has been suspended; if so, (a) what is the term of this suspension and (b) is this with full salary;

Whether any disciplinary or other proceedings have been instituted against the specified person; if so, when will these proceedings be finalised;

Whether the specified person has been contracted to provide any services to the SAPO while this suspension is in force; if so; (a) what is the value of the contract(s) and (b) what amount has been paid to the specified person since the start of the suspension;

Has (a) the specified person and (b) any (i) entities or (ii) companies in which such person has a financial interest been contracted by the SAPO to provide services; if so, what (aa) are the names of these entities, (bb) is the nature of the contract(s) and (cc) amount has been paid to the (aaa) specified person and (bbb) specified (aaaa) entities and/or (bbbb) companies?

NW494E

REPLY:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:-

Mr Jan Ras resigned from SAPO as of 31 December 2014
No
No
Mr Ras has no contract to provide any services to SAPO. Further, SAPO is unaware of any entities in which he might have financial interests.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO: 417

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 February 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 4

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr C MacKenzie (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

(a) when was the automated conveyor system installed at the International Mail Centre situated at Jet Park, Johannesburg and (b) what was the cost of this system;

Was this system procured through a tender process, if so, (a) what is the tender number, (b) when was the tender published, (c) what was the value of the tender and (d) whom was the tender awarded to?

NW493E

REPLY:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:-

(a) The Automated Conveyor System was installed in 2009

(b) The cost was R16 million

The system was procured through a tender process.

(a) The tender number 35/ Conveyor System/2006/BL

(b) The tender was published in 2008

(d) Tender was awarded to Ram-Tech Systems.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO: 416

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 February 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 4

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr C MacKenzie (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

How many (a) persons are employed at the International Mail Centre situated at Jet Park in Johannesburg and (b) of these employees are (i) management, (ii) permanent, (iii) casual or temporary, (iv) employed by the SA Post Office and (v) employed by third parties;

(a) How many posts are currently vacant, (b) in what categories are these vacant posts in each case and (c) what steps are being taken to fill these vacancies?

NW492

REPLY:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:-

(a) People employed at the Jet Park International Mail Centre =237

Management =5
Permanent =211
Casual =21
Yes, all employed by SAPO
Third Parties=0

(a) Vacant Positions =44

(b) These vacant positions are in the following categories:

Control Administrative Officer=1

Part Time Drivers =4

Process Supervisor=1

Mail Processor=4

Administrative Officer=3

Driver EMS=7

Part Time Mail Processor=8

Mail Processor=4

Business Analyst =1

Systems Coordinator=1

Process Analyst=1

Quality Officer=1

Data Controller=1

Marketing Officer=1

Business Development Officer=2

Customer Service Consultant=3

Manager=1

(c) The South African Post Office is currently under Administration and the output will be a new business model that will determine the operational structure of the Post Office. This in turn will determine what if any positions are still regarded as vacant.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO: 369

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 February 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 2

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr. M G Lekota (Cope) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

Whether his department was investigating all public sector contracts signed with a certain company (name furnished), thereby taking into account the real and potential loss to taxpayers due to the company’s track record (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

Whether he will make a statement on why his department continued to do business with the specified company considering the problems it has had with the company since 2007?

REPLY

No, as it is not the mandate of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (the Department).

The Department currently does not have a contract with Gijima, however, it participates in a transversal contract entered into by the Department of Public Service and Administration and Gijima on behalf of all government Departments for Senior Management Service competency assessments.

To date the Department has paid R 142 443.87 to Gijima for the period 01/06/2011 to 20/02/2015.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO: 289

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 February 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 2

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr C MacKenzie (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

(1) (a) How many (i) post offices or (ii) postal centres were vandalised or damaged during the four months long illegal strike that ended in December 2014, (b) in each case (i) what was the (aa) name and (bb) location of the (aaa) post office or (bbb) postal centre and (c) what was the estimated cost of the damage or loss in each case;

(2) was any other SA Post Office (SAPO) property, including (a) equipment or (b) vehicle (i) damaged or (ii) destroyed during the four months long illegal strike; if so, (aa) which property and (bb) what was the total cost of the damage;

(3) is (a) insurance or (b) other cover in place to compensate for the loss suffered as a result of the strike; if not, how much will be borne by the SAPO as a (i) loss and (ii) written off? NW313E

REPLY:

I have been informed by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-

(1)(a)(i)(ii) A total of 235 incidents occurred during the strike in question.

In certain cases, these incidents resulted in multiple claims, i.e. one incident could have resulted in damage to property (building), equipment as well as vehicle. Below is a summary of the number of assets damaged during these incidents per category as defined.

Please further note that the cost of the damage as indicated below only relate claims that have been confirmed by an assessor and also accepted by South African Special Risk Insurance Association (SASRIA). SASRIA has accepted but not settled all the claims. This therefore does not reflect the final cost of all damages. The final cost of all damages will only be confirmed once all claims are finalised, that is the claim is lodged, assessed, cost confirmed and approved by SASRIA.

REPORTED INCIDENTS PER CLAIM I INSTANCE
	Reported Incidents per Claim/Instance	SASRIA Accepted claim cost
Malicious Damage to equipment	34	R1,384,052.41
Malicious Damage to Building	97	R1,384,052.41
Malicious Damage to Vehicles	60	R2,946,376.38
TOTAL	191	R4,330,428.79

Table 1: Total assets damaged during the SAPO strike

(1)(b) These properties are spread across the country. A list of buildings damaged during the strike is attached in Annexure A.

(1)(c) Refer to (1)(a) above and Table 1.

(2) Yes, a number of properties, vehicles and equipment were damaged. Full details are contained in Annexure A, B, and C.

For property and total cost of damage, refer to 1(a) and Annexures B and C which provides a list of equipment (assets) and vehicles that were damaged during the strike.

(3) Yes, the South African Post Office (SAPO) is insured against strike related incidents under the South African Special Risk Insurance Association (SASRIA) policy. There is no excess payable by SAPO as all claims are settled in full by SASRIA. All claims lodged so far have been accepted by SASRIA.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO: 288

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 February 2015

QUESTION PAPER NO: 2

DATE OF REPLY:

Mr C MacKenzie (DA) to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

(1) How many (a) SA Post Office (SAPO) employees have been charged with criminal offences as a result of the four months long illegal strike that ended in December 2014 and (b) of these employees are (i) permanent and (ii) temporary employees;

(2) Have any SAPO employees been charged with internal disciplinary offences; if so, how many of those cases have been (a) finalised and (b) what penalties were applied in each case;

(3) Have any SAPO employees been dismissed as a result of a (a) criminal conviction or (b) disciplinary action? NW312E

REPLY:

I have been informed by the South African Posta Office as:

(1)(a) Fourteen (14) employees were charged and six (6) were convicted to 12 months imprisonment each, or a fine of R6000.00 by the Pretoria Criminal Court. Their internal disciplinary hearings are still pending.

(1)(b) Of these employees;

Six (6) are permanent employees
Eight (8) are temporary employees

(2)(a) & (b) Yes, 180 employees were on 18 February internally charged for the disruption of operations on 15 January 2015 at Cape Mail. All employees were found guilty and received a Final Written Warning.

(3)(a)&(b) Not yet, the company internal processes are still underway.

Reply received: March 2015

2015-04-09

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