Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 951 to 975

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2009-09-16

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QUESTION NO. 975

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 August 2009

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

(1) Whether, with reference to the report of the Auditor-General to Parliament on the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism's handling of confiscated abalone (details furnished), efforts are being made by her department to implement measures to ensure that the reported cases of confiscated abalone are followed up timeously; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether efforts are being made to ensure that coordination between her department and other relevant government departments regarding the handling of confiscated abalone is formalised; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether efforts are being made to ensure that norms and standards are developed for the handling of confiscated abalone; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether efforts are being made to ensure that the tender contracts for the processing of confiscated abalone are renewed or awarded timeously; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details? NW1176E

MR G R MORGAN (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

975. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) Yes. A database has been developed that monitors inter alia the origins of the confiscated abalone; the SAPS case number where applicable; the exhibit register (SAP 13); the bin number in which confiscated abalone samples are stored; the date of confiscation; seal number; and the weight of the confiscated abalone.

The Auditor-General's Report to Parliament, which covers the period from December 2000 – July 2007, highlighted certain gaps in the department's historical records. The department had already take steps prior to the publication of the report to implement measures to ensure that the reported cases of confiscated abalone are followed up timeously.

(2) Co-ordination already exists in the form of a formal memorandum of understanding between Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and South African Revenue Services (SARS) for co-ordination on handling of confiscated abalone at ports of entry. Co-ordination also exists with South African Police Services (SAPS) since the law requires that confiscated and abandoned abalone be registered in the SAPS 13 exhibit register before disposal by DEAT. In addition, discussions are taking place with SAPS to formalise the working relationship between the two departments.

(3) Norms and standards for handling of confiscated abalone have been developed and will be incorporated into a departmental policy that will be finalised by November 2009. The contents of this policy will be communicated to the relevant stakeholders, including SAPS and SARS.

(4) Yes. The current tender contracts for the processing of confiscated abalone expire in October 2010, and steps are already underway to ensure the timeous awarding of new contracts so as to ensure that there is no disruption in the processing, marketing and selling of confiscated abalone.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO 974

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11)

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

(a) Which municipalities currently have a section 19(3) notice in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, issued against them by her department, (b) when was the notice issued in each case, (c) why was it issued and (d) what has been the response from each municipality as at the latest specified date for which information is available? NW1175E

REPLY:

(a) My Department has issued notices and directives to various municipalities in terms of Section 19(3) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No.36 of 1998). The reply to the above question is applicable to only the North West, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Limpopo and the Western Cape regions. The Kwa Zulu-Natal and Free State Regions responses will be submitted later. The relevant details in this regard are indicated in Table 1, attached as Annexure A.

(b) Refer to Annexure A - date issued column

(c) Refer to Annexure A – reason column

(d) Refer to Annexure A – response from municipality column

ANNEXURE A

Table 1: Section 19(3) Notices and Directives issued to Municipalities


a)Region

b)Municipality

c)Date Issued

d) Reason

e) Response from Municipality

North West

Madibeng Local Municipality

20/04/2009

The notice was issued as a result of investigations conducted at the Brits Waste Water Treatment Works, the findings of which included the following:

Inadequate maintenance which led to critical processes being by-passed.

There were contaminated scum dams. The sludge in the dams had to be classified immediately and appropriately disposed of.

Lack of chlorine testing

Current staffing levels on site were acutely inadequate and not in line with Regulation 2834

Lack of training and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety

No response to date




Eastern Cape

OR Tambo District Municipality

(ORT)

23/10/2008

Non-compliance with the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) due to the state of the Mthatha City wastewater collector sewers, pump stations and wastewater treatment works.

Response from ORT was to attend co-governance meetings and to commission contractors to repair / refurbish failed pump stations with the R10 million funds granted by Province; however no formal response to directive was received until DWA forced ORT to submit an action plan. Following the Drought Disaster Declaration and further deterioration of services in other Local Areas of ORT, DWA & Province have committed to assist ORT in developing a wider action plan that addresses rehabilitation, delivery, resource conservation, planning, technical & institutional capacity, and sustained management

Kou-Kamma Local Municipality

19/02/2009

Non-compliance with the National Water Act, 1998 due to the state of sewerage infrastructure at Louterwater, Tweeriviere, Rivonia, Kareedouw, Coldstream, Sanddrift and Kwaaibrand.


An action plan was submitted indicating the state of sewage infrastructure, cost of repair, commitment of funding from Province & support from DBSA and time frames to restore infrastructure. Work is progressing well.


Gauteng

Lekwa Local Municipality

Morgenson


31/08/2009

Untreated effluent discharged into streams

No response yet.

Seme Local Municipality

Amersfoort

04/09/2009

Untreated effluent discharged into streams

No response yet.

Midvaal Local Municipality

10/06/2009

20/08/2009

Sewage treatment works (various) are not operating efficiently and lack of interest to rectify the situation

Responded on the letter of 10 June 2009, but the response was unsatisfactory, therefore the letter of 20 August 2009. The municipality was made aware that the Green Scorpions are prosecuting Municipal Managers in this regard (Beeld, 19 August 2009). A meeting was called for the 28th of August 2009 but cancelled a day before.

Mogale Local Municipality (Mogale/ Krugersdorp)

12/08/2009

Non-compliance of waste water treatment works

No response yet.

Westonaria Local Municipality

(Westonaria)

13/07/2009

Replacement of damaged sewage pipe-line.

Municipality indicated they will comply with notice and have appointed consultants

Emfuleni Local Municipality

Vanderbijlpark

25/08/2009

Final effluent from Rietspruit waste water treatment works not complying to discharge specifications as per License

Poor response – operations persist in a non-compliance state. The Department has instituted legal proceedings.

Ekurhuleni

Springs

03/06/2009

Sewage spill into a water resource ( Blesbokspruit)

No response yet.

Ekurhuleni

Springs

26/08/2009

Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Blesbokspruit

No response yet.

Ekurhuleni

Springs


28/08/2009

Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Blesbokspruit

No response yet.

Dipaleseng Local Municipality

Balfour

26/08/2009

Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Suikerbosrand

No response yet.

Lesedi Local Municipality

Heidelburg

26/08/2009

Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Suikerbosrand

No response yet.

Phumelela Local Municipality

Warden

27/07/2009

Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Wilge

No response yet.

Dihlabeng Local Municipality

Bethlehem

27/07/2009

Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Wilge River

No response yet.

Maluti A Phofung

Harrismith, Qwa-qwa

23/07/2009

Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Wilge River

No response yet.

Mafube Local Municipality

Frankford

07/10/2004


Sewage spill into Wilge River

Municipality sent letter and committed to addressing the problems.

Mafube Local Municipality

Frankford

07/09/2005


Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Wilge River

No response yet.

Mafube Local Municipality

Frankford

10/07/2009


Sewage spill into Wilge River

No response yet.

Mafube Local Municipality

Frankford


10/07/2009

Sewage spill into a water resource

No response yet.

Mafube Local Municipality

Frankford

27/07/2009

Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Wilge River

No response yet.



Mafube Local Municipality

Frankford

04/08/2009

Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Wilge River

The Municipality sent a letter on 17/08/2009 acknowledging problem and committing to addressing the issues

Mafube Local Municipality

Frankford

21/08/2009

Discharging of non-compliant effluent into Wilge River

No response yet

Mpumalanga

Kungwini Local Municipality

05/06/2009

Alleged sewage pollution of the Bronkhorstspruit river

The Municipality strongly objected to the pollution however did confirm that sewage waste from the suction tankers are discharged into the bulk sewer system.

Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality

05/06/2009

Operating a sewage works without an authorization

The Municipality has not responded to the Notice. The Department did send a reminder letter on the 17/08/2009 to urge the Municipality to respond.

Umjindi Local Municipality

09/02/2009

Non-compliance to the general effluent standard on pH, phosphates 20% of the time, nitrates 10% of the time, ammonia, faecal coliforms.

The Municipality has made funds available for the planning and design of new inlet works for 2008/9. The Ehlanzeni District Municipality is to appoint a contractor to refurbish anaerobic and aerobic reactors. Umjindi is planning to stop uncontrolled discharging of industrial effluent into the municipal sewer line. Municipal ordinances are to be investigated and improved. Letters have been sent by the Municipality to instruct industries to install oil traps.

Bushbuckridge Local Municipality

12/02/2009

Unlawful discharge of sewage effluent and non-compliance to the effluent discharge standards

The Municipality is upgrading and refurbishing the Mkhuhlu Sewage Treatment Works and Hoxani Treatment Works respectively. The contactor has been appointed to refurbish Thulamahashe and Dwarsloop works.



Nkomazi Local Municipality

11/02/2009

Operating a sewage works without authorization and non-compliance to the general effluent standard on phosphates, nitrates, ammonia, faecal coliforms.

The Municipality would put an effluent water quality monitoring program in place, flow meters replacement and the calibration thereof. An application for water use license would be submitted.

08/04/2009

Overflow of sewage from the emergency dam at the pump station

The Municipality has not responded to the Notice.

Mbombela Local Municipality

09/02/2009


Non-compliance to the general effluent standard on pH, phosphates, nitrates, faecal coliforms.

The Municipality is upgrading the treatment plant and refurbishment work is taking place, a consultant has been appointed


Emalahleni Local Municipality

20/11/2008

Pollution from the Bankenveld pump station

The Municipality planned to upgrade pumps, build a stormwater diversion system and installation of a back-up generator and early warning system

08/04/2009

Raw sewage from Klarinet pump station ext 2 polluting Brugspruit river

The Municipality acknowledged receipt of notice.


Emakhazeni Local Municipality

09/02/2009

Failure to comply with condition of exemption (authorization)

Change of administration delayed application for a license

08/04/2009

Machado pump station not working, manhole overflowing leading to pollution of Eefues River

Confirmation of appointment of BTW Consulting (Pty) Ltd to compile authorizations and assist the Municipality with complying with legislation.

Govan Mbeki Local Municipality

08/04/2009

Unlawful discharge of sewage effluent from the Leandra Sewage Treatment Works into the River

The Municipality has submitted a Technical Report for the upgrading of the Leandra Sewage Treatment Works to DWA. The anoxic mixer was repaired and the chlorinator's diaphragm was replaced.

Delmas Local Municipality

10/02/2009

Unlawful discharge of sewage effluent from the Delmas Sewage Treatment Works into the Bronkhorstspruit River

The Municipality committed to submission of the water use authorization. The Municipality would be approving by-laws to control the discharge by industries into the bulk sewer lines. The Botleng Sewage Works is to be upgraded during 2009/10 and thus sewer would be re-directed to address the hydraulic overloading at the Delmas Sewage Treatment Works.

Greater Tubatse Local Municipality

13/01/2009

Unlawful discharge of sewage effluent from the Steelpoort Sewage Treatment Works into the Steelpoort River

The Municipality is engaging the Greater Sekhukhune as the Water Service Authority and a remedial action plan (that includes amongst others repair works for the Sewage Treatment Works and disinfection of the final effluent) has been developed.

Northern Cape

Sol Plaatjie

3/09/2008

Poor operation and maintenance of the Homevale wastewater treatment works resulting in non-compliance to effluent discharge standards

Emergency maintenance works have been implemented in order to ensure that the works functions at the design capacity 30 Ml/day. A water use license application has been submitted for the upgrading of the works to a capacity of 50Ml/day. A medium to long-term intervention plan has also been completed.

Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality

12/06/2009

Poor operation and maintenance of the Sannieshof wastewater treatment works resulting in non-compliance to effluent discharge standards

An additional oxidation dam has been constructed as part of the short-term intervention. A Task Team has been formed and an action plan is being compiled by the municipality in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality

20/07/2009

Poor operation and maintenance of the Vryburg wastewater treatment works resulting in non-compliance to effluent discharge standards

An action plan has been submitted by the District Municipality

Limpopo

Vhembe District Municipality

27/11/2008

Untreated sewage effluent from Makhado sewage works was flowing into the Vleispruit River which is a tributary of the Litshovhu River. A directive was issued to Vhembe DM to stop the flow of untreated sewage effluent to the water resource and to submit a plan to address the treatment process and infrastructure failure within 30 days of receipt of the directive.


The Municipality appointed a PSP to conduct a feasibility study on the upgrading of the wastewater treatment works.

Western Cape

No formal directives in terms of Section 19(3) have been issued to any Municipality at present. However, many letters referring to Section 19(3) have been issued.

Not Applicable

Letters are being issued to the Municipalities mostly for pollution incidents and also for non-compliance of effluent being discharged into water resources.

In most cases the Municipalities respond within the time given, indicating their plan of action. However, this usually entails short terms measures to address the immediate crisis. Most Municipalities have been budgeting to address the longer term underlying problems such as upgrading and extension of infrastructure.

Question 971

Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(1) Whether he has found that black economic empowerment (BEE) has had any impact on ordinary business people; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether only certain people have benefited from BEE; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether he intends enhancing the confidence of the small, medium and micro enterprises in government programmes, including BEE and broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Response:

(1) BBBEE as a policy has evolved since its adoption by government, and now the emphasis is on ensuring the broadest possible beneficiary base of marginalized people, enterprises and regions in our country. It is the dti's view that as the implementation framework and guidelines for BBBEE including the Codes of Good Practice and sector transformation charters have been established and became clearer,compliance with BBBEE policy and legislation is gradually on the increase. Consequently, ordinary business people are benefiting by virtue of the preferential procurement and enterprise development elements of the score-card on which the Codes of Good Practice are based. However, much more needs to be done in this regard, and this is one of the key priorities of the dti in the immediate period ahead.

In addition, BBBEE legislation envisages a leading role for the State and public entities. Two key public entities of the dti, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), play a critical catalytic role in promoting BBBEE, and the revised National Treasury's Preferential Procurement regulations' promise to substantively benefit black owned small and medium enterprises.

2) At the beginning, the beneficiaries of black economic empowerment were a few high profile individuals. Since the emphasis on broad-based BEE through the introduction of the Codes of Good Practice, other elements of the policy other than Ownership and Management Control are being actively promoted, namely, Procurement, Enterprise Development, Skills Development, Employment Equity and Socio- Economic Development.


All these elements provide a balanced score-card which seeks to ensure the broadest possible beneficiary base, including ordinary black people who are employees or entrepreneurs in different sectors of the economy.

This shift is gradually becoming a trend as reflected in the recently concluded BBBEE deals by some major corporates, i.e. SASOL, VODACOM, Barloworld, and SAB, which are broad-based in structure. These BBBEE deals include ordinary employees, broad-based schemes, cooperatives, members of communities, youth, women, and the general public. We are confident that these deals will translate into meaningful participation of black people in the economy. Their impact must be measured in terms of the number of skills facilitated, enterprises and job opportunities created, which would be in line with the country's priorities.

(3) the dti's view is that the confidence of small, medium and micro enterprises will be enhanced by clear policies and transparent and consistent rules, as well as effective implementation. the dti has a leading responsibility in this regard, and it is seized with seeking to continuously improve products and services to support SMMEs. The Small Enteprise Development Agency (seda) has been successfully established, with a presence in all provinces and key municipalities, and its focus is now on the quality and reach of its products and services; its coordination with other agencies of the dti offering support to SMMEs, such as Khula Enteprise Finance Ltd and South Africa's Micro-Finance Apex Fund, as well as with provincial departments and agencies responsible for SMME support.

Improved compliance with BBBEE legislation and the Codes of Good Practice in both the private and public sectors will strengthen the supportive environment for the growth of the SMME sectors. For this reason, the monitoring and evaluation of BBBEE is a key priority in the work of the dti in this area in the immediate period. Specifically, preparations are advanced for the establishment of a Presidential Advisory Council on BBBEE, as provided for in the BBBEE Act No 53 of 2003.

As already indicated, Preferential Procurement and Enterprise Development elements of the BBBEE score-card hold major potential to contribute to the growth of the SMME sector. To this end, work has been underway in government led by the dti to establish a framework for targeting particular products and services for preferential procurement from SMMEs, and for promoting the payment of SMME suppliers within the statutory 30-day period, to enable the cash flow in their businesses.

QUESTION 967

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 AUGUST 2009

967.Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

(a) How many claims in the restitution process were settled by financial compensation, (b) what percentage was this in total claims settled and (c) what percentage was for (i) urban and (ii) rural claims?

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

(a) 52 614 claims as at 31 July 2009.

(b) 69 percent.

(c)(i) 91 percent.

(ii) 9 percent.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION 966

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 AUGUST 2009

966. Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

(a) Whether any land claims that were gazetted were later found to be invalid; if so, how many in each province and (b) how many claims were de-gazetted?

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

(a) Yes. Please refer to the table hereunder which indicates the number of gazetted land claims per province that were found to be invalid.

Province

(a) Gazetted land claims found to be invalid

Free State

3

Northern Cape

1

Eastern Cape

1

Gauteng

2

North West

7

Mpumalanga

3

Western Cape

1

Limpopo

11

KwaZulu-Natal

1

TOTAL

30

(b) 29 claims were de-gazetted.


QUESTION 965

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 AUGUST 2009

965. Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

(1) Whether any movable assets were bought through the Settlement Land Acquisition Grant (Slag) and other land reform programmes; if so, what is the total value of such acquisition;

(2)whether his department keeps a register for all movable assets bought through the Slag and other land reform programmes; if not, why not; if so,

(3) whether this register is available to the public; if not, why not; if so, how regularly is it updated?

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS)

Settlement Land Acquisition Grant (SLAG) &

Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD)

(1)

Yes.

R68 937 934.47

Yes. However, for SLAG and LRAD projects, movable assets were purchased by the beneficiaries themselves, with their grants and were transferred together with the land.

(2)

Yes.

No, since assets that are purchased through

SLAG and LRAD are transferred directly to the

beneficiaries together with the land.

(3)

Yes. The PLAS movable asset register is available on request and is updated upon acquisition of movable assets.

No register is maintained of assets purchased by beneficiaries with their LRAD and SLAG grants.

QUESTION NUMBER 964

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 AUGUST 2009
Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) With regard to the macroeconomic policy response as set out in the framework for South Africa's response to the international crisis, (a) what (i) fiscal and (Ii) monetary measures will be taken and (b) how will these be combined;

(2) What resources wilt be made available for industrial policy interventions;

(3) Whether he intends providing tax relief for (a) low-income workers. (b) the poor and

(c) companies in distress; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) Sustained public spending and a flexible approach to monetary policy have enabled South Africa to weather the global crisis relatively well compared to many other countries. While there are Indications that the South African economy might have reached the bottom of its sharp downturn, the road to recovery will be slow and gradual as the world recovers from the worst economic crisis in 80 years.

(a) (i) The 2009 Budget made provision for a counter cyclical fiscal response to the economic crisis to cushion the impact of the crisis on demand. Revenue receipts have been severely affected by the slowing economy, but growth in public spending has been sustained to build on the public-sector investment programme already under way, to expand labour-intensive 'employment progrmmes. to broaden social security benefits, to continue to invest in education, health and other public services, and to support well-targeted industrial development. Provision was made for consolidated non-interest government expenditure to grow by 5.1 per cent a year in real terms over the next three years. Our budget deficit estimate for 2009/10 was revised to 3.8% of GDP, a swing of nearly 5 percentage points, and the public sector borrowing requirement was sharply increased to reflect the policy intention to raise borrowing from domestic and foreign sources to support demand in the economy as a whole. The latest revenue data suggests that tax receipts will be at least R60 billion below target this year, which will result in a considerably higher fiscal deficit than originally expected. Full details will be published in the Medium-term Budget Policy Statement on 27 October 2009. Government is mindful of the difficulties of raising large amounts of debt in the present environment, and that maintaining a prudent level of borrowing and keeping borrowing costs and inflation low is critical to sustaining South Africa's developmental objectives. For these reasons areas need to be identified where spending efficiencies and better public services can be achieved.

(ii) The South African Reserve Bank has responded to the crisis by easing the repo rate by 500 basis points to 7% between December 2008 and August 2009. CPI inflation has been above the 3-6% target range for 28 months since April 2007. More recently, inflation pressures have moderated along with the widening output gap and the decline in commodity prices. CPI inflation fell to 6.7% in July 2009 from 8.1 % in January and the SARB expects it to return to the 3-6% target range in the second quarter of 2010. Real interest rates are close to zero when calculated using actual inflation and this should provide support to household consumption and investment in the second half of the year

(b) Fiscal and monetary policy measures, which have resulted in a much wider budget deficit and lower interest rates, are working in tandem to support domestic demand and investment in the economy.

An important part of the crisis response has been to ensure that Development Finance Institutions are providing financial and technical support for public sector investment taking into account both immediate and long term needs (see details below)..

(2) The final regulations with respect to the previously announced industrial policy tax Incentives will be published soon. This Incentive will provide for additional deductions for qualifying manufacturing companies amounting to tax relief of R5.6 billion over a three to five year period. Qualifying criteria will include energy efficiency, business linkages, skill training and job creation. The Department of Trade and Industry's budget for transfers and subsidies has increased by 70% since 2006107 and 30% since last year to R5.3 billion in 2008/09. In particular the amount allocated to public corporations and private enterprises has more than doubled since 2006/07 to R3.88 billion in 2008/09,

The global economic meltdown prompted government to request the DFls to consider mitigating the effects of arising diminished access to finance, The Development Bank of Southern Africa's (DBSA) capital structure will be enhanced by increasing its callable capital from R4.8 billion to R20 billion. This will effectively help the DBSA to leverage on its borrowing up to R140 billion. The Industrial Development Corporation (lDC) intends to inject more than R70 billion into the economy over the next five years, of which R6.1 billon is set aside to assist distressed companies through the financial crisis. Further, the government has increased the guarantee to the Land Bank from R1.5 billion to R3.5 billion and will convert it Into capital injections over next four years,

(3) Tax relief measures:

(a) As part of the support measures agreed to by all social partners the taxation of withdrawals from retirement savings as a result of involuntary retrenchments (including severance/retrenchment packages) will qualify for favourable tax treatment.

The first R300 000 lump sum payment from retirement savings prior to retirement and as a direct result of involuntary retrenchment will be tax free. This is the same tax treatment of lump sum payments upon retirement. However, it should be noted that a lifetime aggregation principle will apply: once the R300 000 tax free amount has been "used~ any additional lump sums whether received as a result of a retrenchment or upon retirement will be tax at higher marginal rates.

(b) Any additional tax measures to support poor households will only be announced in the Budget in February 2010. However, income support to households will be maintained through the provision of social grants to qualifying recipients. These are the most effective and targeted support measures for those in need. The expanded public works programme should help to provide additional job opportunities. For those who have lost their jobs, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) provides a crucial means of support. Claims hit their highest level in July with new claims amounting to 85 562, up 38% from 61 965 in July 2008. Additional measures like the proposed training layoff scheme provide a layer of protection for workers, giving firms an alternative to retrenchments during the recession.

(c) Any additional measures relating to company taxes will only be announced in the Budget in February along with other tax proposals. Qualifying companies in distress will be considered for support measures through a facility to be managed by the Industrial Development Corporation (lDC).

QUESTION NO 963

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: THURSDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 – 2009)

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

(1) Whether any officials working for the Arrive Alive campaign have been caught and charged for drunken driving during the period 1 January 2007 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, how many officials were (a) caught and (b) charged for drunken driving in each province;

(2) whether any action was taken against these officials; if not, why not; if so, (a) what action and (b) what was the action taken against each individual in this regard;

(3) whether any costs were incurred with regard to officials caught and charged for drunken driving by (a) his department and (b) each provincial department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1162E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) The National Department of Transport has no record of any official in its employ that has been caught for driving whilst having a blood-alcohol level higher than the permitted level and that can in any way be linked to the Arrive Alive Campaign.

The National Department of Transport does not employ provincially-based staff for the purpose of the Arrive Alive campaign.

(a) and (b) Fall away.

(2) (a) and (b) Fall away.

(3) (a) and (b) Fall away.

QUESTION 962

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 August 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2009

Ms J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) (a) How many security guards are employed at each office of her department in each province and (b) which security companies are used at each of these offices;

whether any mechanisms are in place to prevent these security guards from
(a) requesting or taking bribes from people in queues and (b) handling any official documentation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1161E

REPLY

(1)(a) & (b) The number of security guards employed at each office of the Department of Home Affairs in each Province as well as the security companies utilised – as per the table below:

Province and Office

Number of security guards

Security Company

Northern Cape

7

Kimberley

2

Fidelity Security Services

Upington

1

Fidelity Security Services

Kuruman

1

Fidelity Security Services

Pampierstad

1

Fidelity Security Services

Jan Kempdorp

1

Fidelity Security Services

De Aar

1

Fidelity Security Services

Free State

39

Provincial Manager's Office

2

SSE Security Services

Ficksburg

2

SSE Security Services

ThabaNchu

2

SSE Security Services

Koffiefontein

2

SSE Security Services

Ladybrand

2

SSE Security Services

Botshabelo

4

SSE Security Services

Bloemfontein

6

SPE Security Services

Brandford

1

Molefe Security Services

Welkom

2

Davidson Security Services

Bothaville

1

Davidson Security Services

Kroonstad

2

Davidson Security Services

Heilbron

2

Davidson Security Services

Bultfontein

2

Davidson Security Services

Parys

2

Davidson Security Services

Wesselsbron

2

M2M Security Services

Viljoenskroon

2

Motheo Security Services

Phuthaditjhaba

2

Fidelity Security Services

Bethlehem

1

Fidelity Security Services

Western Cape

58

Fidelity Security Services

Cape Town

4

Fidelity Security Services

Bellville

3

Fidelity Security Services

Wynberg

3

Fidelity Security Services

Langa

1

Fidelity Security Services

Paarl

1

Fidelity Security Services

Worcester

1

Fidelity Security Services

Malmesbury

1

Fidelity Security Services

Vredendal

1

Fidelity Security Services

Khayelitsha

4

Fidelity Security Services

Caledon

1

Fidelity Security Services

Nyanga

4

Fidelity Security Services

Mitchell's Plain

2

Fidelity Security Services

Grabouw

1

Fidelity Security Services

Somerset West

1

Fidelity Security Services

George

3

Fidelity Security Services

Beaufort West

2

Fidelity Security Services

Oudtshoorn

1

Fidelity Security Services

Plettenberg Bay

1

Fidelity Security Services

Nyanga Refugee Reception Office

23

Fidelity Security Services

Eastern Cape

49

Fidelity Security Services

Mthatha

6

Fidelity Security Services

Mqanduli

2

Fidelity Security Services

Qumbu

2

Fidelity Security Services

Tsolo

2

Fidelity Security Services

Ngcobo

4

Fidelity Security Services

Elliot

3

Fidelity Security Services

Cala

3

Fidelity Security Services

Dutywa

2

Fidelity Security Services

Butterworth

4

Fidelity Security Services

Nqamakwe

2

Fidelity Security Services

Centane

2

Fidelity Security Services

Willowsvale

3

Fidelity Security Services

Elliotdale

1

Fidelity Security Services

Lusikisiki

2

Fidelity Security Services

Bizana

2

Fidelity Security Services

Port St Johns

2

Fidelity Security Services

Ngqeleni

2

Fidelity Security Services

Libode

2

Fidelity Security Services

Flagstaff

3

Fidelity Security Services

Kwazulu-Natal

37

Fidelity Security Services

Thekwini

8

Fidelity Security Services

Ugu

1

Fidelity Security Services

Umgungundlovu

2

Fidelity Security Services

Amajuba

2

Fidelity Security Services

Commercial Road

2

Fidelity Security Services

Prospecton

2

Fidelity Security Services

Pinetown

3

Fidelity Security Services

Tongaat

2

Fidelity Security Services

Kokstad

1

Fidelity Security Services

Ixopo

1

Fidelity Security Services

Nongoma

1

Fidelity Security Services

Mthubathuba

1

Fidelity Security Services

Empangeni

3

Fidelity Security Services

Eshowe

1

Fidelity Security Services

Vryheid

1

Fidelity Security Services

Ladysmith

1

Fidelity Security Services

Durban Harbour

1

Fidelity Security Services

Bamshela

1

Fidelity Security Services

Harding

1

Fidelity Security Services

Umzimkhulu

1

Fidelity Security Services

Richards Bay

1

Fidelity Security Services

Gauteng

149

Fidelity Security Services

Provincial Manager's Office

2

Fidelity Security Services

Area Manager: West

2

Fidelity Security Services

Soweto

4

Fidelity Security Services

Carletonville

2

Fidelity Security Services

Randfontein

2

Fidelity Security Services

Krugersdorp

2

Fidelity Security Services

Roodepoort

3

Fidelity Security Services

Wynberg

4

Fidelity Security Services

Johannesburg

7

Fidelity Security Services

Market Street

7

Fidelity Security Services

Heidelberg

3

Fidelity Security Services

Vereeniging

3

Fidelity Security Services

Randburg

4

Fidelity Security Services

Vanderbijlpark

4

Fidelity Security Services

Crown Mines Refugee Reception Centre

30

Fidelity Security Services

Sebokeng

4

Fidelity Security Services

Area Manager: East

2

Fidelity Security Services

Alberton

3

Fidelity Security Services

Kempton Park

3

Fidelity Security Services

Benoni

3

Fidelity Security Services

Pretoria

9

Fidelity Security Services

Boksburg

2

Fidelity Security Services

Brakpan

3

Fidelity Security Services

Marabastad

11

Fidelity Security Services

Nigel

3

Fidelity Security Services

Germiston

5

Fidelity Security Services

Edenvale

3

Fidelity Security Services

Centurion

5

Fidelity Security Services

Soshanguve

3

Fidelity Security Services

Cullinan

4

Fidelity Security Services

Akasia

4

Fidelity Security Services

Ga-Rankuwa

1

Fidelity Security Services

Moretele

2

Fidelity Security Services

North West

23

Provincial Manager's Office

2

Thulanang Security Services

Molopo

2

Thulanang Security Services

Lehurutshe

1

Thulanang Security Services

Ganyesa

1

Thulanang Security Services

Taung

2

Thulanang Security Services

Itsoseng

2

Thulanang Security Services

Atamelang

1

Thulanang Security Services

Klerksdorp

4

MBS Security

Lichtenburg

1

MBS Security

Wolmaranstad

1

MBS Security

Rustenburg

2

Atlie Project

Mogwase

1

Atlie Project

Moretele

2

Atlie Project

Brits

1

Atlie Project

Mpumalanga

17

Nelspruit

4

Double Barrel Security

Witbank

4

Double Barrel Security

Ermelo

4

Double Barrel Security

Eerstehoek

3

Double Barrel Security

Mhala

2

Double Barrel Security

Limpopo

19

Double Barrel Security

Provincial Manager's Office

2

Double Barrel Security

Polokwane

2

Double Barrel Security

Giyani

4

Double Barrel Security

Mokopane

2

Double Barrel Security

Thohoyandou

2

Double Barrel Security

Makhado

1

Double Barrel Security

Dzanani

2

Double Barrel Security

Molemole

1

Double Barrel Security

Lephalale

1

Double Barrel Security

Tzaneen

2

Double Barrel Security

(2)(a) Currently, there is limited capacity to prevent private security guards from taking bribes from people in queues. The Department is installing integrated electronic security systems in all its offices with Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV). These will be monitored by Departmental security personnel in the control rooms. These systems have, already, been installed in twenty seven (27) frontline offices, and four (4) of the Refugee Reception Centres. Due to a lack of capacity, there are no Departmental personnel, yet, to monitor these systems. Additional installations are envisaged to continue over the next three years, and the Department will appoint its own security supervisors, during this period, to manage security, at all its offices, which will be periodically vetted.

(2)(b) Security guards are barred, in terms of their job descriptions, to handle official documentation. In instances where it emerged that official documentation was handled by a security guard, the Department has instructed the service provider to have the specific security guard permanently removed from rendering services at any office of the Department.



QUESTION 962

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 August 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2009

Ms J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) (a) How many security guards are employed at each office of her department in each province and (b) which security companies are used at each of these offices;

whether any mechanisms are in place to prevent these security guards from
(a) requesting or taking bribes from people in queues and (b) handling any official documentation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1161E

REPLY

(1)(a) & (b) The number of security guards employed at each office of the Department of Home Affairs in each Province as well as the security companies utilised – as per the table below:


Province and Office

Number of security guards

Security Company

Northern Cape

7

Kimberley

2

Fidelity Security Services

Upington

1

Fidelity Security Services

Kuruman

1

Fidelity Security Services

Pampierstad

1

Fidelity Security Services

Jan Kempdorp

1

Fidelity Security Services

De Aar

1

Fidelity Security Services

Free State

39

Provincial Manager's Office

2

SSE Security Services

Ficksburg

2

SSE Security Services

ThabaNchu

2

SSE Security Services

Koffiefontein

2

SSE Security Services

Ladybrand

2

SSE Security Services

Botshabelo

4

SSE Security Services

Bloemfontein

6

SPE Security Services

Brandford

1

Molefe Security Services

Welkom

2

Davidson Security Services

Bothaville

1

Davidson Security Services

Kroonstad

2

Davidson Security Services

Heilbron

2

Davidson Security Services

Bultfontein

2

Davidson Security Services

Parys

2

Davidson Security Services

Wesselsbron

2

M2M Security Services

Viljoenskroon

2

Motheo Security Services

Phuthaditjhaba

2

Fidelity Security Services

Bethlehem

1

Fidelity Security Services

Western Cape

58

Fidelity Security Services

Cape Town

4

Fidelity Security Services

Bellville

3

Fidelity Security Services

Wynberg

3

Fidelity Security Services

Langa

1

Fidelity Security Services

Paarl

1

Fidelity Security Services

Worcester

1

Fidelity Security Services

Malmesbury

1

Fidelity Security Services

Vredendal

1

Fidelity Security Services

Khayelitsha

4

Fidelity Security Services

Caledon

1

Fidelity Security Services

Nyanga

4

Fidelity Security Services

Mitchell's Plain

2

Fidelity Security Services

Grabouw

1

Fidelity Security Services

Somerset West

1

Fidelity Security Services

George

3

Fidelity Security Services

Beaufort West

2

Fidelity Security Services

Oudtshoorn

1

Fidelity Security Services

Plettenberg Bay

1

Fidelity Security Services

Nyanga Refugee Reception Office

23

Fidelity Security Services

Eastern Cape

49

Fidelity Security Services

Mthatha

6

Fidelity Security Services

Mqanduli

2

Fidelity Security Services

Qumbu

2

Fidelity Security Services

Tsolo

2

Fidelity Security Services

Ngcobo

4

Fidelity Security Services

Elliot

3

Fidelity Security Services

Cala

3

Fidelity Security Services

Dutywa

2

Fidelity Security Services

Butterworth

4

Fidelity Security Services

Nqamakwe

2

Fidelity Security Services

Centane

2

Fidelity Security Services

Willowsvale

3

Fidelity Security Services

Elliotdale

1

Fidelity Security Services

Lusikisiki

2

Fidelity Security Services

Bizana

2

Fidelity Security Services

Port St Johns

2

Fidelity Security Services

Ngqeleni

2

Fidelity Security Services

Libode

2

Fidelity Security Services

Flagstaff

3

Fidelity Security Services

Kwazulu-Natal

37

Fidelity Security Services

Thekwini

8

Fidelity Security Services

Ugu

1

Fidelity Security Services

Umgungundlovu

2

Fidelity Security Services

Amajuba

2

Fidelity Security Services

Commercial Road

2

Fidelity Security Services

Prospecton

2

Fidelity Security Services

Pinetown

3

Fidelity Security Services

Tongaat

2

Fidelity Security Services

Kokstad

1

Fidelity Security Services

Ixopo

1

Fidelity Security Services

Nongoma

1

Fidelity Security Services

Mthubathuba

1

Fidelity Security Services

Empangeni

3

Fidelity Security Services

Eshowe

1

Fidelity Security Services

Vryheid

1

Fidelity Security Services

Ladysmith

1

Fidelity Security Services

Durban Harbour

1

Fidelity Security Services

Bamshela

1

Fidelity Security Services

Harding

1

Fidelity Security Services

Umzimkhulu

1

Fidelity Security Services

Richards Bay

1

Fidelity Security Services

Gauteng

149

Fidelity Security Services

Provincial Manager's Office

2

Fidelity Security Services

Area Manager: West

2

Fidelity Security Services

Soweto

4

Fidelity Security Services

Carletonville

2

Fidelity Security Services

Randfontein

2

Fidelity Security Services

Krugersdorp

2

Fidelity Security Services

Roodepoort

3

Fidelity Security Services

Wynberg

4

Fidelity Security Services

Johannesburg

7

Fidelity Security Services

Market Street

7

Fidelity Security Services

Heidelberg

3

Fidelity Security Services

Vereeniging

3

Fidelity Security Services

Randburg

4

Fidelity Security Services

Vanderbijlpark

4

Fidelity Security Services

Crown Mines Refugee Reception Centre

30

Fidelity Security Services

Sebokeng

4

Fidelity Security Services

Area Manager: East

2

Fidelity Security Services

Alberton

3

Fidelity Security Services

Kempton Park

3

Fidelity Security Services

Benoni

3

Fidelity Security Services

Pretoria

9

Fidelity Security Services

Boksburg

2

Fidelity Security Services

Brakpan

3

Fidelity Security Services

Marabastad

11

Fidelity Security Services

Nigel

3

Fidelity Security Services

Germiston

5

Fidelity Security Services

Edenvale

3

Fidelity Security Services

Centurion

5

Fidelity Security Services

Soshanguve

3

Fidelity Security Services

Cullinan

4

Fidelity Security Services

Akasia

4

Fidelity Security Services

Ga-Rankuwa

1

Fidelity Security Services

Moretele

2

Fidelity Security Services

North West

23

Provincial Manager's Office

2

Thulanang Security Services

Molopo

2

Thulanang Security Services

Lehurutshe

1

Thulanang Security Services

Ganyesa

1

Thulanang Security Services

Taung

2

Thulanang Security Services

Itsoseng

2

Thulanang Security Services

Atamelang

1

Thulanang Security Services

Klerksdorp

4

MBS Security

Lichtenburg

1

MBS Security

Wolmaranstad

1

MBS Security

Rustenburg

2

Atlie Project

Mogwase

1

Atlie Project

Moretele

2

Atlie Project

Brits

1

Atlie Project

Mpumalanga

17

Nelspruit

4

Double Barrel Security

Witbank

4

Double Barrel Security

Ermelo

4

Double Barrel Security

Eerstehoek

3

Double Barrel Security

Mhala

2

Double Barrel Security

Limpopo

19

Double Barrel Security

Provincial Manager's Office

2

Double Barrel Security

Polokwane

2

Double Barrel Security

Giyani

4

Double Barrel Security

Mokopane

2

Double Barrel Security

Thohoyandou

2

Double Barrel Security

Makhado

1

Double Barrel Security

Dzanani

2

Double Barrel Security

Molemole

1

Double Barrel Security

Lephalale

1

Double Barrel Security

Tzaneen

2

Double Barrel Security


(2)(a) Currently, there is limited capacity to prevent private security guards from taking bribes from people in queues. The Department is installing integrated electronic security systems in all its offices with Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV). These will be monitored by Departmental security personnel in the control rooms. These systems have, already, been installed in twenty seven (27) frontline offices, and four (4) of the Refugee Reception Centres. Due to a lack of capacity, there are no Departmental personnel, yet, to monitor these systems. Additional installations are envisaged to continue over the next three years, and the Department will appoint its own security supervisors, during this period, to manage security, at all its offices, which will be periodically vetted.

(2)(b) Security guards are barred, in terms of their job descriptions, to handle official documentation. In instances where it emerged that official documentation was handled by a security guard, the Department has instructed the service provider to have the specific security guard permanently removed from rendering services at any office of the Department.

QUESTION 960

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 August 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2009

Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether a new site for the Nyanga refugee centre has been identified; if not, why not; if so, (a) where is the new site, (b) when will a public announcement be made on the locality of the new site and (c) how will the public be informed of the locality of the new site;

(2) (a) what is the current situation on the move to the new site and (b) when will the intended move take place;

(3) whether interim arrangements will be made in order to still assist asylum seekers as well as people wanting to renew their permits; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b)(i) how and (ii) when will this be communicated to the public;

(4) whether she will take steps to reduce the (a) high vacancy rate and (b) absenteeism rate at the Nyanga refugee centre; if not, why not; if so, (i) when and (ii) what steps?

NW1159E

REPLY

(1)(a) Yes. The new premises are in Maitland, Cape Town.

(1)(b) Clients will be kept informed as the process to relocate the Centre unfolds. Other stakeholders are being informed on an ongoing basis through meetings. The last such meeting took place on 23 September 2009.

(1)(c) The public will be informed through adverts on regional radio stations, and in regional newspapers, the distribution of pamphlets and posters, as well as, through NGO's operating in the refugee environment.

(2)(a) The Cape High Court has given the Department a reprieve from
30 September 2009, until 23 October 2009, to ensure that the new premises are refurbished, and renovated in time.

(2)(b) The relocation has, since, taken place, and the office is in a new site.

(3)(a) No. Everything has been relocated to the new office.

(3)(b)(i) & (ii) As per (1)(b) and (1)(c) above.

(4)(a)(i) & (ii) Yes. Capacitating of Immigration Services is a strategically driven process, informed by specific transformation requirements that are identified through the restructuring of critical service delivery points, including Refugee Affairs. Where possible, critical placements are addressed by the re-allocation of available human resources. Where suitable candidates are not available, the normal recruitment procedures will be undertaken, once the migration process from the Department's old structure to the new structure is completed by the end of November 2009. Additional posts can only, then, be created on the new structure.

(4)(b)(i) & (ii) All officials at the Nyanga Refugee Reception Centre attended a course on the management of absenteeism. Further, the issue of absenteeism is, also, being addressed through disciplinary measures.

QUESTION NO 958

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: THURSDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 – 2009)

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

(1) Whether the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has a record on the maintenance and state of each rolling stock item; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many are not in a functioning condition and (b) what plans are in place to repair this situation;

(2) whether any processes and procedures are in place to ensure that all rolling stock is in a safe and fully functioning condition; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1157E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(1) (a) and (b)

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), with regards to its Metrorail coach fleet, has a record on the maintenance and state of each rolling stock item. The system used for this purpose is computerised and is called the Facilities Maintenance Management System ('FMMS'). The FMMS is used to configure and control all asset movements, asset performance and incident logging. It is also intensively used to do all preventive and corrective maintenance activity planning, resource balancing and job costing through the work feedback system. All of the above are used to manage the fleet performance.

There are currently 108 metro commuter coaches withdrawn from service due to wreckage, burnings and vandalism. Of the 108 coaches, 30 were classified as beyond economical repair. The under frames of 14 of these are repairable and will be upgraded on the 10M upgrade program. The balance of 16 coaches is totally irreparable and will be proposed for scrapping. In the last 14 months, PRASA, through its contractors, repaired 112 accident wrecked and 111 heavy repair coaches, therefore returning 223 coaches back to service.

With regards to Shosholoza Meyl, the fleet size being transferred from Transnet to PRASA is currently being verified, and should it be found that some vehicles are in a non-functioning condition, plans will be compiled to address this where needed. All Shosholoza Meyl's active fleet of locomotives and coaches are in a safe and fully functional condition and this is captured daily on the SAP computerized maintenance management system. A computerized maintenance management system of coaches is being transferred from Transnet together with the fleet and maintenance staff to PRASA. For the maintenance of the rolling stock, a maintenance plan is compiled which is then submitted to the maintenance depots for execution of the maintenance. This maintenance is recorded on the SAP system. Apart from the heavy overhaul at accredited suppliers and routine depot maintenance, Shosholoza Meyl trains are inspected prior to every departure as well as after every trip for safety and comfort checks. This is also recorded on the SAP system.

(2) PRASA's maintenance strategy requires all coaches to be road and service worthy at all times. Therefore, the maintenance activities focus on reducing safety, operational and financial risks.

PRASA also has a quality management system in line with the ISO 9000 guidelines for such systems. This system has reached maturity in the Metrorail environment. The work procedures applicable to the rolling stock maintenance are reviewed by the maintenance engineering specialists before distribution through a controlled process through the configuration office.

QUESTION 957 (WRITTEN REPLY) TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2009

MR JJ MC GLUWA (ID) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS

(1) What is the residential capacity of (a) Acacia Park, (b) Laboria Park, (c) Pelican Park and (d) any other places of accommodation for parliamentarians and sessional officials;

(2) Whether these residences are fully accommodated; if not, (a) how many people are in each and (b) what is the number of available accommodation;

(3) (a) how many of the occupants of these residences are not Members of Parliament and (b) in what capacity do they reside there;

(4) Whether any of these residents are employed by political parties; if so, (a) how many and (b) by which parties?

REPLY:

(1) (a) 536; (b) 65 ; (c) 108) and (d) none.

(2) There are no vacant units for Members of Parliament, but there are a few vacant flats and one bedroom units earmarked for sessional officials.

(3) (a) In Acacia Park there are two hundred andthirty three (233) occupants that are not Members of Parliament.

(4) There are four (4) officials assisting Members of Parliament with disabilities residing at Acacia Park.

QUESTION 955

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 AUGUST 2009

955. Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

(1) Why has a certain farm (details furnished) not been purchased by his department;

(2) whether the matter with regard to the sale of the farm will be settled; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) with what outcome?


THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

(1) The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) has commissioned a valuation on the property, and will commence negotiations with the land owner as soon as the valuation report is finalised.

(2)(a) & (b) Yes. The DRDLR will finalise the acquisition process as soon as negotiations are concluded with the land owner.

QUESTION 954

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 AUGUST 2009

954. Mrs P de Lille (ID) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

(1) Why has a certain land claim (details furnished) not been settled;

(2) whether this land claim will be settled; if not, why not; if so, when?


THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

(1) The two claims referred to have not yet been settled due to serious challenges facing the Regional Land Claims Commissioner: Western Cape (RLCC:WC) in securing land for the respective claimant families. The extent of land which was lost by both families is estimated to be around twenty (20) hectares making it difficult to find land of similar extent which would be available for restitution.

(2) Yes. The land claim will be settled once the RLCC:WC, in consultation with the interested parties in the respective claims, have formulated and finalised settlement agreements which are just and equitable to the claimant families. The RLCC:WC is currently involved in productive negotiations with the claimants towards the achievement of this objective.

QUESTION NO 952

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 JUNE 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11)

952. Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) Which service level contracts and tenders have been awarded to a certain company (name furnished) since 1 January 2002 and (b) what was the financial value of each (i) service level contract, (ii) tender and (iii) extended service level contract awarded;

(2) whether each of the service level contracts and tenders awarded to the said company were advertised; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) (a) how many other applications were received for each of the service level contracts and tenders awarded to the said company and (b) from whom were these applications received;

(4) whether, with regard to a tender awarded to a certain company (details furnished), advertisements were placed to invite tenders; if not, on what basis was this company awarded a tender; if so, what are the relevant details of each advertisement? NW1150E

REPLY:

(1)(a) The tender was advertised and awarded to Resolve Group (Pty) Ltd in 2006 for repositioning the Human Resources Chief Directorate in My department

(1)(b)(i)

and

(1)(b)(ii) R16 192 896.00

(1)(b)(iii) R 9 000 000.00

(2) Yes. The tender was advertised in the Government Tender Bulletin dated 30 June 2006.

(3)(a) There were nine (9) applications received who bided for the tender.

(3)(b) Requisite Business Solution

Limuvune-Pe Corporate Joint Venture

Umbono Consortium

QUESTION 953

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 AUGUST 2009

953. Mr S Z Ntapane (UDM) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

(a) What were the catering costs for his department's Comprehensive Rural Development Programme launched in Muyexe on 17 August 2009, (b) how many people were catered for and (c) how was the extent of the catering calculated?

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

(a) R64 000.00.

(b) 500 guests.

QUESTION NO. 952

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 August 2009

Mr L.W. Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) Which service level contracts and tenders have been awarded to a certain company (name furnished) since 1 January 2002 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what was the financial value of each (i) service level contract, (ii) tender and (iii) extended service level contract awarded;

(2) whether each of the service level contracts and tenders awarded to the said company were advertised; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) (a) how many other applications were received for each of the service level contracts and tenders awarded to the said company and (b) what are their names;

(4) whether, with regard to a tender awarded to a certain company (details furnished), advertisements were placed inviting tenderers; if not, on what basis was this company awarded a tender; if so, what are the relevant details of each advertisement?

MR L.W. GREYLING (ID) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

952. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1)(a) The following service level contracts and tenders were awarded to the Resolve Group since
1 January 2002 to date:

(i) Service level contracts - in compliance with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) Supply Chain Management (SCM) policy:

1. Assist in allocation of large pelagic fishing rights (including appeals)

2. Allocate permits for boat-based whale watching and white shark cage diving activities

3. Support to the Department while litigation is in process in terms of Long-Term Commercial Fishing Rights Allocation Management (LTRAMP)

(ii) Tenders – awarded in compliance with DEAT SCM policy:

4. Rendering of support to assist on the appeals process for the issuing of commercial fishing rights

5. Fishing rights advice to the Department

6. Project management advice to the Department in allocation of fishing rights

7. Performance reviews for the commercial fishing sectors

(iii) Extended service level contracts - None

(1)(b) (i) Service level contracts - in compliance with DEAT SCM policy:

1. Value R 564 437

2. Value R 1 200 000

3. Value R 200 000

(ii) Tenders – awarded in compliance with DEAT SCM policy:

4. Value R 3 534 647

5. Value R 7 664 448

6. Value R 3 120 752

7. Value R 9 493 532

(iii) Extended service level contracts - None

(2) All the tenders were advertised in the state tender bulletin as required by the DEAT SCM policy. The other three service level contracts were awarded in terms of single source selections, approved by the Director-General, which are not required to be advertised.

Conditions under which single source selection is appropriate:

Paragraph 5.10.5.2 of the Supply Chain Management Guide to accounting officers issued by National Treasury states that, "Single source selection may be appropriate only if it presents a clear advantage over competition:

a) For tasks that represent a natural continuation of previous work carried out by the firm

b) Where rapid selection is essential (for example in an emergency operation)

c) For very small assignments, or

d) When only one firm is qualified or has experience of exceptional worth for the assignment.

(3) (a) Service level contracts – none (single source approval)

Tenders:

1. Assisting in the appeals process for the issuing of commercial fishing rights – Eight (8)

2. Fishing Rights Advisory Unit to the department – Eight (8)

3. Project management advisory on allocation of fishing rights to the department – Four (4)

4. Performance reviews for the commercial fishing sectors – Four (4)

(3) (b) 1. Assisting in the appeals process for the issuing of commercial fishing rights:

(i) KPMG

(ii) Deloitte & Touche

(iii) Chamleonaire

(iv) Fisher Hoffman PKF

(v) PriceWaterhouseCoopers

(vi) Ngubane & Co

(vii) Tau Vilakazi Attorneys

(viii) Obed Mnguni

2. Fishing Rights Advisory Unit to the department:

(i) SAB&T

(ii) FAUU Trading

(iii) Tshetlha Business

(iv) Molekoane Business

(v) Deloitte & Touché

(vi) Rivononingo Vonani

(vii) KPMG

(viii) BASISANI

3. Project management advisory on allocation of fishing rights to the department:

(i) Imbumba Management Services

(ii) Cyber Knowledge Systems

(iii) Deloitte & Touché

(iv) Rainbow Nations Crime Solutions

4. Performance reviews for the commercial fishing sectors:

(i) SAB&T

(ii) Solar Project Management

(iii) ENS in Consortium with Matiwane GIE.

(iv) Yarona Project Management Consultants

(4) In terms of Chapter 4 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) ("NEMA"), the Director-General is empowered to appoint an independent institution for conciliation and/or mediation in the case of broad environmental matters. The contract was awarded in compliance with DEAT SCM policy and in terms of single sourcing selection as approved by the Director-General.

QUESTION NO. 951

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 August 2009

Mr L.W. Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether a certain person (name furnished) recused himself from a certain bidding process (details furnished); if so, what were his reasons for doing so;

(2) who were the Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) officials responsible for appointing the Bid Committee which presided over and approved the awarding of the Performance Review service level contract/tender to a certain group (name furnished);

(3) who was the most senior MCM official responsible for signing off on behalf of the Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF) to finance this tender to this group?

MR L.W. GREYLING (ID) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

951. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) No. The certain person mentioned was not involved at all in the process relating to the awarding of the Performance Review contract. He was therefore not part of the evaluation or the decision-making process and therefore not required to recuse himself.

(2) The Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) officials are appointed to the Bid Committee by the Director-General.

(3) The contract was signed by the Acting Deputy Director-General.

QUESTION 956

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 AUGUST 2009

956. Mr M H Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

(a) How many State-owned farms are on lease to farmers, (b) what is the monthly rental per farm and (c) what are the terms of the leases?


THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

(a) 1 808.

(b) Rentals are calculated on monthly, six-monthly and annual bases. The lease amounts vary from R1.00 (per lease unit on a farm or per hectare per month) to R2, 100 million (per annum).

(c) Lease terms vary in duration from six months to three years for short term leases, and up to 99 years for long term leases.


(c) Catering was determined by the number of invitations accepted.

QUESTION 966

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12-2009]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 AUGUST 2009

966. Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

(a) Whether any land claims that were gazetted were later found to be invalid; if so, how many in each province and (b) how many claims were de-gazetted?

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

(a) Yes. Please refer to the table hereunder which indicates the number of gazetted land claims per province that were found to be invalid.

Province

(a) Gazetted land claims found to be invalid

Free State

3

Northern Cape

1

Eastern Cape

1

Gauteng

2

North West

7

Mpumalanga

3

Western Cape

1

Limpopo

11

KwaZulu-Natal

1

TOTAL

30

(b) 29 claims were de-gazetted.

QUESTION 961

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 August 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2009

Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether, with regard to the Nyanga refugee centre, any mechanisms are in place to ensure that refugees are assisted in an organized manner; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) what is the reason for her officials not being able to (a) assist and (b) manage the entrance to the centre;

(3) whether any action will be taken to upgrade the current filing system from which applications can be tracked and followed up on and to ensure that it becomes more workable and efficient; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1160E

REPLY

(1) Yes. The following arrangements are in place at the centre to manage the large number of people who visit the office:

(i) The office is supposed to open is at 07:00 to segregate the crowd into queues according to the specific service(s) they require, namely:

· First time applications for asylum (Countries of origin are allocated specific days for the taking in of new applications)

· Extension of section 22 (asylum seeker) permits

· Refugee Identity Card Applications

· United Nations Travel Document applications

(ii) The queues are supposed to be directed to designated areas according to the specific service(s) required. Women and children should be prioritised in the queues. However, due to the long queues of first time applicants, and limited office space, queues, sometimes, extend outside the premises. All new applicants for asylum are issued with Section 22 permits on the same day, but many others may not make it to the registration desk, due to the length of the queue.

(iii) In terms of the Cape Town High Court ruling in June 2009, the Department was ordered to vacate the premises by the end of September 2009. However, the High Court has given the Department a reprieve from
30 September 2009, until 23 October 2009 to vacate the premises.

(2) Management of the entrance, to the centre, has been outsourced to a private security company. The staffing capacity at the centre is inadequate to deal with the large crowds. The Department is considering appointing additional workers to assist with managing the entrance, and assisting people in the queues.

(3) Yes. The Department is in the process of overhauling its refugee management system including, the current filing system. The Department has invited service providers to tender for the creation of a master file system that will link all Refugee Reception Centres across the country.


QUESTION 973

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 28 August 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 of 2009

Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) What (a) was the rate of absenteeism in her department (i) in (aa) 2006, (bb) 2007, (cc) 2008 and (ii) during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) were the main reasons for and (c) effects of these absenteeism during the said periods in each case;

(2) whether she has taken any steps with regard to absenteeism in her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1173E

REPLY

(1)(a)(i) The absenteeism rate, based on the number of work days lost through absence, taking into consideration the number of employees and the total number of days to be worked by all employees, is as follows:

(aa) 2006 - 1.74%.

(bb) 2007 - 2.59%

(cc) 2008 - 2.12%

(1)(a)(ii) The absenteeism rate in the Department from 1 January 2009 to 31 August 2009 stands at 1.51%.

(1)(b) The following were the main reasons for absenteeism as observed by the Department:

§ Personal problems

§ Unsupportive work environment

§ Addiction to alcohol and / or narcotics

§ Lack of motivation

§ Ill health

(1)(c) The Department has observed that the following effects can be attributed to absenteeism:

§ Disruption in service delivery

§ Shortage of staff at working stations / service counters

§ Work overload to employees present at work

§ Poor image to the Public due to slow service delivery

§ Increased conflict with Management on attendance issues and work performance

§ Reduced work performance

§ Decline in staff morale who witness ongoing absenteeism

§ Cost of alternative Labour Sources

§ Increased overtime

(2) Yes. Since the beginning of the 2009/10 financial year, a total of 916 supervisors attended a compulsory course (which was presented by the Department) on Absenteeism Management. These supervisors were instructed to monitor absenteeism meticulously and to take disciplinary action against officials who do not comply with the current policy regarding all aspects of leave.



QUESTION NO 959

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: THURSDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 – 2009)

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

(a) What number of positions (i) were vacant, (ii) have been advertised and (iii) have been filled at the Maritime Authority in the past 12 months up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) what was the reason for the number of vacant positions and (c) when will the vacant positions be filled?

NW1158E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) furnished the following information:-

(a) (i) The number of positions that were vacant in the past 12 months is 47.

(ii) The number of positions that have been advertised internally in the past 12 months is seven and those that have been advertised externally are 13.

(iii) The number of positions that have been filled in SAMSA in the past 12 months is 27, of which:-

· 10 internal promotions (four are upgraded positions); and

· 17 external appointments, consisting of:-

Ø eight are technical surveyors/inspectors (two of whom are on short term contracts);

Ø four corporate services specialists, and

Ø five senior managers (two of whom are on short term contracts of less than a year and two are females on permanent contracts).

(b) The reasons for the vacant positions vary. There have been four dismissals, 11 resignations and 12 surveyor/inspector positions have been advertised. In previous attempts other advertised positions were not filled due to either remunerative packages not being competitive and/or no suitable candidates found.

(c) Some of the vacant positions will be filled by the end of this financial year (2009/10), whilst others are being reorganized to align with the new mandates and corporate plans and will be filled next year.