Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 1101 to 1125

The targets which have been set are as per the table below:

As mentioned above, SA's reputation rating is currently sitting at 55%, exceeding the target for the year. However, the full extent of the success can only be determined at the end of the year when the complete picture for the whole year is available.

Please refer to the IMC annual report which was tabled in Parliament for further details on the IMC successes.

[1] A 50% index rating is the entry point, the minimum reputation score a country needs to be safe in its reputation. 65% and above is regarded as good and what should be strived for.

[2] With effective leveraging, the FIFA World Cup in SA is expected to push SA higher up the rankings in 2010. In the years after 2010, the move up the ladder will realistically be slower

QUESTION 1111

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 4 September 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13 of 2009

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

How many vacancies were there as at 30 April 2009 for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in KwaZulu-Natal?

NW1374E

REPLY

Abbreviations: RO: Regional Office

DO: District Office

BP: Border Post

The number of vacant posts relating to Civic Services at each office in KwaZulu-Natal:

The number of vacant posts relating to Immigration Services at each office in
KwaZulu-Natal:

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 1111

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 4 September 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13 of 2009

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

How many vacancies were there as at 30 April 2009 for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in KwaZulu-Natal?
NW1374E

REPLY

Abbreviations: RO: Regional Office
DO: District Office
BP: Border Post

The number of vacant posts relating to Civic Services at each office in KwaZulu-Natal:

The number of vacant posts relating to Immigration Services at each office in
KwaZulu-Natal:

QUESTION NUMBER 1110

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 SEPTEMBER 2009

Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance :

(1) Whether there has been a ratings downgrade in the credit rating of State-owned entities (SOEs) by certain agencies (names furnished) since 1 January 2007; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what were the reasons given (a) for the downgrade and (b) by each rating agency for each SOE;

(2) whether the National Treasury has compiled a plan, policy or recommendations to avoid the possibility of downgrades in credit ratings for SOEs; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what are the cumulative cost of credit ratings downgrades of SOEs in every financial year since 2005-06 up to the latest specified financial year for which information is available?


REPLY:

(1) Yes. A list of the SOEs' credit rating downgrades since 2007 and the reasons for the downgrades, are reflected in Annexure A .

(2) Yes. The National Treasury ensures that the credit rating downgrading of SOEs are contained through:

· Minimising the likelihood of a sovereign credit rating downgrade as SOEs' credit ratings are benchmarked against that of Government;

· Exercising financial oversight over SOEs within the authority provided under the Public Finance Management Act;

· Co-ordinating of borrowing and market access by all Public Sector borrowers (Government and SOEs); and

· Reviewing SOEs' Treasury Operations against Treasury Best Practice Guidelines.

(3) Investor sentiment is not only driven by a credit rating action alone, but is also influenced by various other global and domestic economic, financial and political factors, of which the recent sub-prime crisis serves as an example. The degree of change in borrowing cost, due to a credit re-rating, can therefore not be isolated from the other factors mentioned above and it is therefore impossible to calculate cumulative cost of credit ratings downgrades of SOEs since 2005-06.

QUESTION NUMBER 1109

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 SEPTEMBER 2009

Mr M H Steele (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance

(1) Whether any studies have been undertaken to ascertain the efficiency and quality of

(b) The waiting time or queue time is currently measured manually and it is 1 hour on average. This is because taxpayers arrive at an uneven rate leading to peaks and troughs during the day. This means that during certain times of the day, the queues will be longer than normal; generally this is between 11:00 and 14:30. The waiting time during this period of the day is relatively higher than at other times of the day.

The times range from around 45 minutes to 1 hour during this period of the day when at other times of the day the waiting times range around 10 to 20 minutes.

We plan around those times to ensure that we match demand to supply but some of these peaks are difficult to predict from day to day. We are continuing to refine our capacity plans in this regard and the introduction of an electronic queue management system will further enhance our efforts.

(2) (a) There are plans to move to a different location once the lease expires. There is still one year remaining in the lease.

(b) The total size of the building is 4000 square meters. There are plans to create more space for the service area by converting some of the space that is currently used for back office functions. This will create more taxpayer counters on the first floor of the Pietermaritzburg office. The number of counters will then increase from 39 to 50 with a waiting area that can accommodate around 100 people. It is important to note that these changes will not be of a permanent nature as we anticipate moving to a different location in due course.

(c) Currently the KZN Midlands taxpayers have to travel to the Pietermaritzburg or Standerton offices to deal with their tax affairs. They also have an option of phoning the contact centre or accessing SARS services through our web based service offerings.

We are in the process of establishing service points in the KZN Midland through mobile units and sharing premises with other government departments such municipalities and community centres. This is a process that will unfold over a period of time as contained in our strategic plan.

QUESTION NO 1108

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 4 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 16 November 2009

Mr D C Smiles (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) In respect of each specified province, in each of the three most recent specified years for which information is available, how many charges of (a) assault, (b) rape, (c) theft, (d) murder and (e) intimidation on school grounds were reported to the SA Police Service;

(2) how many of these cases resulted in (a) charges being laid and (b) convictions being obtained?

NW1369E

REPLY:

One of the compulsory attributes on the Crime Administration System (CAS) relates to the types of premises on which crimes occur. This means that if crimes are committed on premises allocated for educational purposes (which inter alia includes colleges, schools and universities), that will be indicated. To obtain the information, an ad hoc request to the Information System Management component of the South African Police Service has to be submitted. This entails a lengthy process, as priority is always awarded to information requests from operational divisions which need information to plan their day-to-day activities. However, such a request has been submitted and as soon as the information is received from the Systems Management component, this will be supplied.

QUESTION 1107

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04/09/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12-2009)

Mr D C Smiles (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

In respect of each of the three most recent financial years for which information is available, what was the teacher learner ratio in each province? NW1368E

REPLY:

The leaner educator ratio for the three most recent financial years in each province:

QUESTION 1106

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04/09/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12-2009)

Mr D C Smiles (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(1) In each of the three most recent years for which information is available in each province, (a) how many incidents of (i) vandalism and (ii) theft of school property were reported and (b) what total amount was spent on (i) repairing the damage caused by these acts and (ii) improving security to prevent further incidents in each case;

(2) whether any strategies have been adopted to reduce (a) vandalism and (b) theft of school property; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1367E

REPLY:

1. In terms of the Public Finance Management Act, it is the responsibility of the Accounting officer of the Provincial Education Department to develop a risk assessment and mitigation strategy in regard to school property and other assets, and to manage these.

The department of Education therefore does not have the information requested, which should be obtained from the relevant Departments.

In terms of the Public Finance Management Act, it is the responsibility of the Accounting Officer of the Provincial Education Department to develop a risk assessment and mitigation strategy on the safety of school property.

2. A four - pronged strategy is used by the Department of Basic Education together with its provincial departments to address or limit vandalism and theft of school property. It does so by i) providing the required minimum security like fencing and security gates as stipulated in the Department's Minimum Norms and Standards for School Infrastructure, ii) deploying security personnel to schools, and iii) establishing sound working partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) which has seen the establishment of school safety teams and patrol of school vicinity which significantly reduces vandalism.

Question 1105

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 of 2009

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 September 2009

Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) How many tenders were received to build the polar vessel that will replace the SA Agulhas, (b) which (i) countries and (ii) companies did the tenders originate from, (c) when will the (i) tender be awarded and (ii) replacement vessel be ready for service, (d) what is the budget for building and equipping the replacement vessel, (e) what amount of this budget is for scientific equipment, (f) what will the range of scientific equipment aboard new vessel be and (g) what will be its purpose;

(2) whether any discussion are underway to transfer the ownership of the SA Agulhas to the Department of Science and Technology; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether only the new vessel will be the property of the Department of Science and Technology (DST); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) what was the research programme of the SA Agulhas (a) in the 2008-2009 financial year and (b) during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(5) whether any of the scientific equipment of the SA Agulhas will be (a) replaced and/or upgraded before it ceases service and (b) transferred to the replacement vessel; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

NW1366E

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

1105. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1)(a) Four Tenders were received after a pre-qualifying process that elicited 11 responses. After an evaluation of these responses against the published criteria, four shipyards were invited to submit formal Bids based on a Functional Specification prepared by the Department.

(1)(b)(i) & (ii)

· Astillero Barreras, Spain

· Damen Shipyards, Netherlands

· Keppelsingmarine, Singapore

· Stx Finland Cruise Oy, Finland

(1)(c)(i) The adjudication process has been completed and the Department has identified a Preferred Bidder. Contract negotiations commenced on 21 September 2009. The final award will be subject to successful contract negotiations, which are expected to be completed by the end of October 2009.

(1)(c)(ii) February 2012

(1)(d) ZAR 1,649,825,000.00

(1)(e) The percentage of the capital costs devoted to scientific systems is difficult to estimate because it comprises many subsystems, namely overside sampling equipment, the facilities required to launch and retrieve this equipment, dedicated laboratories and work areas and ships infrastructure.

To reduce mark up costs the Builder will provide a bare minimum of scientific equipment, sufficient only to demonstrate the vessel's ability to perform its scientific functions. This is estimated to be in the region of R 30 million. The remaining equipment supply will be purchased with funds outside of the capital build budget and prior to the vessel's arrival from the shipyard. Portable oceanographic equipment to be purchased will cost in the region of R 6 million, while seismic equipment will cost in the region of R 30 million. In addition, provision has been made to accommodate six purpose e-built, specialised container laboratories at an estimated cost of R 5 million.

The cost of equipment required to launch and retrieve the above (winches, cables, davits, cranes and A Frames) is estimated to be in the region of R 50 million.

The full infrastructural support for the research facilities includes 11 dedicated laboratories and large working areas totaling approximately 810 m². The laboratories require dedicated air, water, communications, stabilised electrical power and special fittings. The ship will also be larger as a result of including these spaces and infrastructure. While it is extremely difficult to place an accurate value on the cost to project of these facilities, it is estimated that if there were no research requirements, the project price would be reduced by R200 to R300 million.

(1)(f)&(g)(i) Water column sampling systems to 6,000 metres.

(ii) Vertical and towed plankton nets and small research trawls to 3,000 metres.

(2) Yes. Discussions between the two departments to implement the decision to transfer the logistical component of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) have commenced. The SA Agulhas is an integral part of the logistics. A number of other assets, e.g. the specialised vehicle fleet in Antarctica, etc. will also have to be transferred with the responsibility of the logistic component.

(3) The new vessel will be an asset of the state. Since the Department of Science and Technology will also be responsible for SANAP logistics. DST will have to manage (and maintain the asset (new vessel)) on behalf of the State as is the case with the SA Agulhas currently being managed by Department of Environmental Affairs.

Only (the responsibility for) the new vessel will be transferred to DST. The rest of the fleet of ships will remain the responsibility of Department of Environmental Affairs.

(4)(a) 2008/09 Financial Year:

· Underway measurements like atmospheric temperatures and pressures, ocean surface temperatures, and salinity. Atmospheric and ocean carbon dioxide fluxes are taken to and from Marion Island (April/May), Gough Island (September/October) and Antarctica (December 2008-February 2009). Ocean temperatures up to 750m (depth) are measured with expendable instruments and various scientific floats and drifters are deployed at selected positions.

· A 14 day dedicated oceanography cruise East of Marion Island. Oceanographic measurements across the Subtropical Convergence in the vicinity of Gough Island and south along 10° West longitude up to 55° South. Six day dedicated weather buoy deployment. Additional to the underway measurements as in 1 above, Current Temperature Depth (CTD) casts are carried out at selected positions along the Greenwich Meridian. Dedicated 25 day oceanography cruise from 2° West (SANAE Station) west to the South Sandwich Islands. Weather buoys are deployed at strategic positions.

· 2009: 01 April 2009 onwards

(4)(b) Same as 1 and 2 above

(5) The SA Agulhas is 30 years old. Most of what is regarded as ship–based science equipment such as winches, acoustics (echo sounders), thermosalinometer, etc, are not on par with modern systems anymore. These will not be upgraded, replaced or transferred.

'Mobile' scientific equipment such as portable CTD probes, nutrient analysers, salinometers and various seasoning equipment that are brought along for a particular cruise and removed afterward will be transferred.

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 4 September 2009

Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether, with reference to the expected increased tourist traffic for the Fifa 2010 World Cup Soccer tournament, her department will recruit and train additional immigration officials to process visitors on arrival and departure; if not, why not; if so, (a) what plans are in place in this regard and (b) how many additional officials will be recruited and trained;

(2) whether any budget has been allocated for (a) training and (b) salaries of such officials; if not, why not; if so, what are the amounts?

NW1365E

REPLY

(1)(a)&(b) Yes. A total of 143 critical posts have been advertised by the Chief Directorate: Port Control to improve immigration capacity at Ports of Entry. These additional recruited, and trained immigration officials will be deployed to support immigration operations at selected Ports of Entry during the FIFA 2010 World Cup, but will, also, ensure sustainable operations, and improved service delivery to the public, beyond the FIFA 2010 World Cup tournament.

(2)(a) & (b) An amount of ±R25,700,000.00 has been allocated for the filling of these positions, and training of the successful candidates.

QUESTION NO: 1103

DATE SUBMITTED:

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

With regard to the fax sent on the 24^th of August 2009 at 15:51 to the Area Commissioners in Barberton, Bethal and Witbank by the Regional Head of Corporate Services for Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region, NF Tseane, with the subject line: Request for release of shop stewards and transport for a meeting to address matters relating to OSD.

1. What is the policy regarding the use of state vehicles for union events?

2. What was the total cost to the tax payer for the use of these vehicles?

3. Whether any action will be taken against any Regional Commissioner; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

4. Whether any Popcru or other union events have been funded in any way by his department over the past five years; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW 1364

REPLY

1. Departmental Motor Transport is provided strictly for official purposes and may only be used by the Department of Correctional Services employees and contract workers (if stipulated in contract). The procedures are prescribed in the National Road Traffic Act, and regulations must also be adhered to.

2. The traveling costs according to the Office of the Regional Commissioner are as follows: R730.17 calculated at R1.91 tariff for the distance of 480 km.

3. No action is envisaged to be taken against the Regional Commissioner as the Department has taken steps to improve relations with the labour unions as a result of which the departmental members are assisted with transport to attend the departmental events.

4. No union activities have been funded by the Department over the past five years.

QUESTION NO: 1102

DATE SUBMITTED:

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

(1) Whether any (a) officials or (b) offenders have been diagnosed with influenza A (H1N1); if so, (i) how many and (ii) at which correctional center/s in each case;

(2) Whether her department has developed a strategy to deal with the possible outbreak and spread of the pandemic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1363E

REPLY

1. a) The officials of the Department consult their own medical doctors when they are sick and the Department does not keep records of their illness.

b) Currently there is no offender who has been diagnosed with Influenza A (H1N1) in any of the Correctional centres.

.

2. Yes, the department has developed guidelines to deal with the management of possible outbreak and spread of the Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in accordance with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines (Guidelines for Correctional Facilities on Novel Influenza A [H1N1] virus) and the Department of Health's Guidelines ( Revised Health Workers Handbook on Pandemic Influenza A [H1N1] 2009 "Swine Flu") that provides guidance specific for Correctional facilities during the outbreak of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. The above guidelines and related posters were disseminated to all the Regions for distribution and implementation. The major focus areas for both guidelines include the following:

· Signs and symptoms of infection

· General prevention recommendation for the facility

· Reduction of risks

· Rapid detection of cases

· Management and isolation of suspect and confirmed cases

· Protection of the health professionals/staff

· Surveillance and Notification

· Referral to the nearest designated public hospital should complications arise.

Health awareness is promoted amongst the officials through use of pamphlets and brochures.

QUESTION NO: 1101

DATE SUBMITTED:

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

(1) Whether a certain person (Mr. Shabir Shaik) was released on parole in terms of section 79 of the Correctional Services Act, Act 8 of 1959; if so, (a) when and (b) why;

(2) whether the said person is subject to any parole conditions; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the conditions and (b) who monitors his adherence to these conditions;

(3) whether the said person has broken his parole conditions; if so, (a) how many times and (b) what (i) was the nature of his infraction and (ii) action was taken against him in each case?

REPLY

(1) (a) Yes, Mr Shabir Shaik was released on 3 March 2009 in terms of section 79 of the Correctional Services Act, No 111 of 1998.

(b) Mr Shaik was diagnosed as being in the final phase of a terminal disease.

(2) Yes. Mr Shabir Shaik was ordered in terms of Section 52(1)(b) of the Correctional Services Act, No 111 of 1998 to comply amongst others, with the following conditions:

· He is currently under PHASE1 supervision with house detention

· To conduct himself properly at all times

· not commit any crime or offence of any kind

· allow officials of the Department of Correctional Services access to his property / residence for monitoring purposes

· obey all orders to report at places and times agreed upon with the Correctional Supervision official / Chairperson: Supervision Committee Durban

· not leave the magisterial district(s) of Durban without the approval of the Head Community Corrections / Chairperson : Supervision Committee

· If a reasonable suspicion exists that he is in possession of prohibited dependency producing substances which have not been provided on a doctor's prescription, he may be searched by a correctional official. This applies in respect of containers/ items which are in his personal possession

(b) Mr Shaik is monitored by the departmental officials from the Durban Community Corrections office.

(3)(a No, Mr Shaik has not violated any of his parole conditions.

(b)(i)and (ii) Falls away.