Discussion of the Budget

Meeting report

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
24 February 1999
DISCUSSION OF THE BUDGET

Document handed out:
Answers to Questions Asked: Portfolio Committee: 17 February 1999: DCS Budget for 1999/2000 (see appendix)

SUMMARY
The committee approved, after a question and answer session with the Department of Correctional Services, a formal resolution adopting the 1999/2000 budget for this department.

MINUTES
Chairperson L Hani of the ANC welcomed Mr Hardy Fourie, Mr Chris Koch, and Mr Watson Tshivhase of the Finance Department from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) back to this committee. Chairperson Hani explained that the three representatives from DCS were present to provide clarity by answering questions posed by members based on their presentation to this committee on 17 February 1999.

Mr Fourie first presented corrections to some of the figures that his office provided during last week’s presentation. Under the category of previous allocation for prison services, boards, and council, the amount of R2.23 presented last week should be changed to R5.07. Under the category of current allocation for safe detention, the amount of R40.28 presented last week should be changed to R40.29. Under the category of previous allocation for safe detention, the amount of R40.02 presented last week should be changed to R37.17. Under the category of current allocation for management services, the amount of R5.12 presented last week should be changed to R5.05. Under the category of previous allocation for management services, the amount of R5.19 should be changed to R4.66. And finally, under the category of current allocation for Minister and top management, the amount of R2.24 presented last week should be changed to R2.30.

Mr L Chiba of the ANC said that when he calculated the cost of the 144 thousand prisoners per day, plus the cost of parolees, he finds a problem when he breaks down the figures. He finds a shortfall of approximately R748 million. Either he is wrong or something is wrong with the per capital cost per day breakdown. Mr Koch referred the committee to Annexure E of the briefing booklet provided to the committee and explained all of the figures in each column. He explained the estimations and increases included in the budget and showed how the calculations worked out to explainable totals.

Mr Nel of the ANC asked DCS if they could foresee any problems with implementing this proposed budget. He recounted the situation with the Witness Protection Bill that was passed at a great speed only to find out last week from Justice that budget implications will delay the Bill’s implementation. Mr Fourie explained that the budget cycle accounts for the timing of the implementation of programs. Although there are unforeseeable things that can happen in the future, Mr Fourie said that his office sees no problems at this time.

Mr Chiba said that he accepts DCS’s explanation that there is no air-tight scientific formula available when drafting estimated budget figures but he still sees a ten thousand prison population difference between figures on the budget briefing booklet and the overhead graph being shown to the committee at that moment. He detects a R295 million shortfall in the budget. Mr Fourie explained that by managing the process, DCS has manipulated the figures by factoring in amnesty programs and changes in the justice system. DCS is grappling with estimating these future figures. Mr Fourie then announced to the committee the Police, Welfare, and Justice Departments are together forming a workgroup with Mr Fourie as the chairperson with the goal of creating an integrated justice system.

Mr Chiba asked DCS what they would do if they were unable to reduce the number of prisoners from 154 thousand to 144 thousand through the electronic monitoring program. Will DCS come back to this committee later this year and ask for more money? Mr Fourie agreed with Mr Chiba but pointed out that his office is confident that with the relationship between all the different departments working together, the electronic monitoring will work. He also emphasised that South Africa cannot afford so many prisoners and needs to work towards the success of the electronic monitoring program.

Mr Oosthuizen of the NNP commented to the rest of the committee that if they only concentrate on the fallibility of the projected budget figures then the committee will never move forward. He said that the committee must allow a margin of forecast and accept the figures presented.

Mr Chiba acknowledged Mr Oosthuizen’s point but added that if these figures do fail, DCS will have turmoil. Mr Chiba then asked DCS to explain the allocation of funds to the creation of a youth policy for the sentencing of young prisoners when funding had been allocated last fiscal year for the establishment of the same program. Mr Fourie explained that the establishment of the youth policy had been delayed and DCS is still looking to hire someone with international best practices experience. Two bids were presented and subsequently rejected this past year because they lacked the best practice experience.

Mr Chiba also asked why the cost of materials and training had decreased by such a high amount from last year’s budget. Mr Fourie explained that the expectations for needed lecture materials has decreased and the amount from this past year has been rolled over to this year because, like the youth policy, it is not yet off the ground.

Mr Chiba asked then about the money allocated for the appointment of an advisor for the Minister of DCS. He wanted to know if DCS did not already have the adequate expertise to advise the Minister. Mr Koch explained that last year’s budget provided for two advisors but since that time, the Minister had resigned along with his advisors. However, Mr Fourie added that no new advisors have been hired because the new Minister indicated that he does not need any at this time.

Chairperson Hani asked what happens if the Minister changes after the upcoming elections and what impact will a change in advisors have on this budget. Mr Tshivhase replied that all these concerns have been taken into account within the budget.

Mr Nel asked for clarification on the sports section of the budget. He asked if DCS has liaised with the Sports Development Program that South Africa has embarked upon. He also asked what was the relationship between sports and recreation training in the budget. Mr Koch explained that the sports section of the budget goes mainly to the holding of departmental championships for different sports. The transport, accommodations, and food are paid out of this part of the budget for such events. The equipment for sports (rugby balls, footballs) is also a small part of the sports budget. As for the liaison between DCS and the Sports Development Program, Mr Fourie said that he prefers to respond to that question in writing and will have a response to this committee by next Monday.

Mr Nel asked about the HIV/AIDS portion of the budget. He asked what is envisioned under this area of activity and why the administration is the highest part of this area, with hardly any funds for personnel. Mr Koch explained that HIV/AIDS used to be budgeted under Medical Services but the issue has become so large that a separate office has been established now. Administration costs are currently high because it is a new office and the program is still being created.

Mr Nel asked for an explanation on the aid to offenders section of the budget and its relation to resettlement. Mr Koch explained how gratuities are paid to prisoners for payment for the work they perform while in prison. Also, when prisoners are released, when prisoners do not have money for a ticket home, they are given a small amount. As for resettlement, this is a certain component of pre-release where DCS helps prisoners look for jobs.

Mr Nel asked for an explanation of the environmental management section of the budget. Mr Koch replied that these funds are used for cutting lawns and cleaning the grounds. Some equipment, such as lawn mowers and weed eaters, is also purchased using these funds.

Mr Nel then asked for an explanation of the relationship between handcraft development and the training of offenders. He also wanted to know if there is coordination between DCS and the Department of Arts and Culture in this area. Mr Koch explained that the handcraft development program is a new program created last year. Pottery and knitting are two examples of the crafts being taught in this program. Mr Fourie requested that his office respond in writing to this committee regarding the coordination between DCS and the Department of Arts and Culture.

Mr Nel then asked what constitutes effectiveness services in the budget. Mr Koch said that this includes inspections, work study and the evaluations of every staff post. Mr Fourie added that internal audits are also part of this budget.

Mr Oosthuizen asked what happens if DCS runs out of space for prisoners. With the decrease in capital expenditure by 38.29 percent, will a budget crisis result? He commented that DCS seems to be relying heavily on the success of electronic monitoring. Mr Koch explained that the budget for capital expenditures and fees includes the construction of four new prisons over a two year period. Mr Oosthuizen asked though where in the budget are funds provided for the upkeep of existing buildings. Mr Koch replied that it is under the line for public works.

With no further questions from the committee, Chairperson Hani asked the different parties to state their reactions to this budget.

Ms Seaton presented the views of the IFP. She said that she is perturbed by the budget cuts but accepts the figures proposed. She commended the work conducted by DCS this year to ensure that the right amount of funds are allocated this year.

Mr Chiba presented the views of the ANC. He, too, appreciated the efforts of the DCS staff and the high quality written responses provided to this committee. He then proposed that this committee support a resolution adopting this budget.

No other parties were present to provide their position on this budget so the committee voted on a formal resolution to adopt this budget. The committee unanimously agreed upon the resolution. Chairperson Hani thanked the DCS representatives and then adjourned the meeting.

Appendix
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ASKED: PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE: 17 FEBRUARY 1999: DCS BUDGET FOR 1999/2000

INDEX

A QUESTIONS ON PROGRAMMES
A1.ADMINISTRATION
A2.INCARCERATION
A3.DEVELOPMENT OF OFFENDERS
A4.COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS
A5.INTERNAL CHARGES

B QUESTIONS ON STANDARD ITEMS
B1.PERSONNEL EXPENDITURE
B2.ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE
B3.STORES AND LIVESTOCK
B4.EQUIPMENT
B5.LAND AND BUILDINGS
B6.PROFESSIONAL AND SPECIAL SERVICES
B7.TRANSFER PAYMENTS
B8.MISCELLANEOUS EXPENDITURE

C QUESTIONS ON PER CAPITA COSTS OFOFFENDERS

D QUESTIONS ON ELECTRONIC MONITORING

E QUESTIONS ON OTHER ISSUES
I

A QUESTIONS ON PROGRAMMES
A1. ADMINISTRATION
1.IS DCS PREPARED FOR THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM WITH REGARD TO COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND/ OR COMPUTER SERVICES?

Yes - The project to enable the Department to be Year 2000 compliant had already been established two years ago end the relevant costs budgeted for in the previous and current MTEF.

2.ON THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM, ARE ALL THE MODELS AND SYSTEMS ALREADY TESTED FOR CQMPLIANCE AND IF NOT, WHAT IS THE SET DEADLINE FOR THIS?
Yes, DCS is in process to change all relevant systems. Full compliance is expected before 31 December 1999.

3.WHY IS THERE AN INCREASE IN THE BUDGETARY PROVISION FOR MINISTER AND MANAGEMENT?
Provision has now been made for the component of the lnspecting Judge.

4.ARE THERE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE BUDGETARY PROVISION FOR THE INSPECTING JUDGE?
Partly. Total need for 1999/2000 was obtained - we are currently busy finalizing final budget allocation. The tariffs payable to the prison visitors was compiled and referred to the Public Service Commission for approval. When approved, formal implementation will go ahead.

5.WHAT IS BUDGETED FOR UNDER SPORT?
All the costs related to the official departmental championships in the various recognized sports.

A2. INCARCERATION
6.WHY IS THERE SUCH A LARGE INCREASE IN THE BUDGETARY PROVISION FOR PRISON SERVICES, BOARDS AND COUNCILS?
Mainly due to carry-through costs of salary improvements, as well as the implementation of the new Parole Boards which necessitated the appointment of more personnel.

7.WHAT IS INCLUDED UNDER PERSONAL CARE?
·Bedding of prisoners.
·Clothing of prisoners
·Hygiene - cleaning aids, toothbrushes, razors, etc.

8.WHY IS HYGIENE IN CERTAIN PRISONERS NOT UP TO STANDARD?
Poor management - not DCS policy. Such cases must please be reported for immediate rectification.

9.WHAT IS SAFE DETENTION?
Refers to the actual custodial services delivered by the warders to keep prisoners in safe custody. This includes warders on watch towers, warders taking prisoner spans out, warders locking keys in sections and all other warders watching and helping with physical care of prisoners.

10.WITHIN SAFE DETENTION, ARE PRISONERS BEING ALLOWED TO BE SEEN BY THEIR FAMILIES?
Yes. Prisoners are allowed to receive visitors according to their various classifications.

12.ARE PRISONERS BEING INTERROGATED WITHIN PRISONS AND/OR COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS?
No - if such cases are known, immediate reporting thereof is requested.

13.WHY ARE THERE MORE PERSONNEL ALLOCATED AND BUDGETED FOR UNDER THE PROGRAMME: INCARCERATION?
The personnel establishment of the programme: Incarceration is the largest due to the fact that it consists of all custodial personnel responsible for guarding offenders and providing nutritional and medical services to offenders, thus delivering/ contributing to the Departments core function of safe detention of people entrusted to the Department's care.

15.IS THE PROJECTED OFFENDER POPULATION BASED ON A SCIENTIFIC MODEL?
Projections are provided by means of a model used by the chief directorate Offender Control which is based on actual trends in the past. Though it is not scientific, the department is currently busy in establishing such a model, which can in future be used with more efficiency.

A3. DEVELOPMENT OF OFFENDERS
16.WERE THERE AN INCREASE ON THE BUDGETARY PROVISION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF OFFENDERS?
Yes - increase of 5. 94%.

17. WHAT IS EMPLOYMENT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT?
Represents activities which is essential for effective operation of our department, which also enables prisoners to obtain certain skills that can be use upon their release. This includes the following services:

·Plant and animal production,
·Maintenance to buildings,
·Production workshops,
·Laundries,
·Handcraft industries,
·Repair of departmental equipment.

18.WHAT IS PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT?
Represents activities which contributes to the rehabilitation and personal development of prisoners and includes the following:
·Psychological services,
·Social services,
·Religious care,
·Education and training

19.WHO AND HOW MANY HAS BENEFITED FROM EMPLOYMENT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT?

20.WHAT IS RELIGIOUS CARE AND ON WHAT IS FUNDS SPENT?
Represent costs of departmental chaplains to deliver religious care services to prisoners. Also provides for certain costs of voluntary workers (Article 7) to help with the delivery of religious services.

21.WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BUILDING SERVICES AND BUILDING AND CIVIL WORKS?
Building services represents the operational costs of the component at Head Office who is controlling and monitoring all the building services in DCS. The actual minor building works are done under the activity building and civil works and includes services such as building of walls and other small capital projects.

22.WHAT IS DAY-TO-DAY MAINTENANCE?
Represents maintenance services such as the replacement of light bulbs and reparation of broken taps - must not exceed R3 000 (More than that must be done by Department of public Works)

23. WHAT IS REPAIR OF DEPARTMENTAL EQUIPMENT?
Reparation of broken departmental equipment such as lawnmowers and hand radios are done in workshops to safe expensive private repair costs. This also helps the prisoners to obtain certain skills.

24.WHAT IS POWER, WATER AND SANITATION?
Represents costs for charcoal to heat up boilers for hot water; as well as provision of water services on areas such as prison farms were dams are available.

A4. COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS
25.WHY IS THERE AN INCREASE ON THE PROGRAMME: COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS?
The increase of R 64, 673 million (34,13%) on the programme: Community Corrections is mainly ascribed to the following:

·Carry-through costs of salary improvements of the 1998/99 financial year;
·Allocation of funds for the financing of 196 additional posts for monitoring officials, and
·Allocation of funds for the implementation of the first phase of Electronic Monitoring of probationers and parolees.

26.HOW AND ON WHAT IS THE FUNDS SPENT UNDER THE ACTIVITY RESETTLEMENT?
Represents a fixed component of personnel to help prisoners to obtain work prior to their release, as well as to help them in obtaining permanent accommodation so that they can be released. Also responsible for liaison services with public and the community to help with the resettlement of prisoners.

27. HOW AND ON WHAT IS THE FUNDS SPENT UNDER THE ACTIVITY CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES?
Provision of programmes to help probationers and parolees with problems such as alcoholism and child abuse.

28.WHAT TYPE OF PERSONNEL ARE WORKING ON COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS AND WHAT ARE THEY DOING?
There are 2 100 financed posts for 1999/2000 which will be utilized as follows:
·Males-
·Females-

29.WHY, IN TERMS OF THL GOAL OF THE DEPARTMENT TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF THE PRISON SYSTEM, IS ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE BUDGET ALL OCA TED TO COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS? WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO INCREASING THIS AMOUNT?
The allocation for the programme: Community Corrections amounts to R 254, 156 million (5, 56 %) of the total allocated budget. This is R 64, 673 million more than the allocation in the 1998/99 financial year of R 189, 483 million, which represented 4,36% of total budget.

The barriers withholding the Department from increasing the allocation and thereby creating the opportunity to move more offenders out of the prison system are amongst others:

·Unwillingness of courts to use Community Corrections as an option when sentencing offenders; and
·Lack of infrastructure - monitoring personnel vehicles, offices, etc.

The full implementation of Electronic Monitoring of probationers and parolees will continuously increase allocations within this programme, also reducing the incarceration costs on the programme: Incarceration.

30. WHAT IS THE % INCREASE IN THE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAMME OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS:

1995/96

1996/97

1997/98

1998/99

1999/2000

Voted Amount

R '000

65 935

R '000

92 759

R '000

103 817

R '000

189 483

R '000

254 156

% Increase

12%

40, 68%

11, 92%

82, 52%

34, 13%

A5. INTERNAL CHARGES
31.WHAT IS INTERNAL CHARGES?

This concept of internal charges is used to allocate expenditure correctly when one programme/ sub programme of a budget vote supplies a service or product to another programme/sub programme. To eliminate double provision, the total of internal charges payments must be deducted from the total estimates to ensure that only the net cash requirements of the spending agency is submitted to Parliament for appropriation.

B QUESTIONS ON STANDARD ITEMS

B1. PERSONNEL EXPENDITURE

B2. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE
32.WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADMINISTRATION AND EQUIPMENT?
Before clarifying the difference between Administration and Equipment, the difference between the programme : Administration and the standard item : Administrative Expenditure must be pointed out:

·The programme : Administration consists of three sub-programmes, namely Minister, Management and Corporate Services with the aim to conduct the overall management of the Department as well as to render auxiliary services associated with the Department's aim.

·The Standard item: Administrative expenditure includes the following:

-Subsistence expenses, e.g. subsistence allowance, parting allowance, etc.;
-Transport expenses, e.g. Government Garage transport, private motor car transport, public transport, cartage, etc.;
-Communication expenses, e.g. postal services, telephone services, etc.;
-Study expenses, e.g. class and bursary fees, etc.;
-Entertainment expenses, e.g. Commissioner -, Departmental -, other, etc.;
-Compensative expenses, e.g. transfer costs, eventual travel expenses, etc.

·Expenditure with regard to the standard item: Equipment includes the following:

-Purchasing of capital equipment, e.g. Transport conveyances, durable machinery, computer equipment, etc.;
-Purchasing of other equipment, e.g. Office and labour saving equipment, communication equipment, domestic furniture, training aids, etc.,
-Hiring of equipment, e.g. photo copying machines, etc.

B3.STORES AND LIVESTOCK

33.WHAT IS BUDGETED/INCLUDED UNDER THE STANDARD ITEM: STORES AND LIVE STOCK?
The following items are budgeted for under the standard item : Stores and Livestock:
·Energy sources & lubricants, e.g. firewood, petroleum products, electricity, etc.;
·Printing and stationery, e.g. rubber stamps, printing, stationery, video cassettes, photographic material, etc.;
·Books, magazines and newspapers, e.g. official - and other publications, etc.;
·Rations;
·Seeds, plants and trees;
·Packing material;
·Building material;
·Medicine and veterinary remedies, e.g. purchasing of medicine, etc.;
·Cleaning agents;
·Ammunition and explosives;
·Clothes for prisoners;
·Bedding;
·Uniforms;
·Livestock.

B4.EQUIPMENT

B5.LAND AND BUILDINGS

34.DO THE STANDARD ITEM LAND AND BUILDINGS INCLUDE THE BUlLDlNG OF NEW BUlLDlNGS OF NEW BUILDINGS / PRISONS?
No, the standard item : Land and buildings does not include expenditure for the building of new buildings/ prisons. Funds for such purposes are budgeted for under Vote 27: Department of Public Works.

The only expenses budgeted for under Vote 8: Department of Correctional Services is for the hiring of show space at exhibitions and the hiring of ground for repeater stations (mast poles).

B6. PROFESSIONAL AND SPECIAL SERVICES

B7. TRANSFER PAYMENTS

B8. MISCELLANEOUS EXPENDITURE

C QUESTIONS ON PER CAPITA COSTS OF OFFENDERS

35.15 CAPITAL (BUlLDlNG COSTS) INCLUDED IN THE BUDGETED PER CAPITA COST OF PRISONERS?
No. The budgeted per capita cost of R80, 82 only represents the operational costs budgeted on Vote 8. The budget for the capital projects is allocated on Vote 27: Department of Public Works.

36.WHY IS THERE A DIFFERENCE IN THE PER CAPITA COSTS OF PRlSONERS (R80,82) AND OFFENDERS ON COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS (R9.54)?
Prisoners are detained inside prisons with daily custodial services delivered such as nutrition and development programmes (low member to prisoner ratios). On Community Corrections the offenders are not in prison and only monitored once in a while (high member to offender ratios), there for resulting in a much lower expenditure level.

37.IS THERE ANY OTHER COSTS EXCEPT THE CAPITAL COSTS THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THE PER CAPITA COSTS OF PRISONERS?
No. There are no more hidden costs somewhere else.

D QUESTIONS ON ELECTRONIC MONITORING

38.IF ELECTRONIC MONITORING IS IMPLEMENTED, HOW WILL THE SYSTEM BE USED EFFECTIVELY IN AREAS WHERE THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY AND TELEPHONES?
Alternative technology would be used in such cases. Battery operated systems is available.

39.WHAT IS MEANT BY THE STATEMENT THAT ELECTRONIC MONITORING WILL REDUCE THE PRISONER POPULATION, BUT WON'T SOLVE OVER POPULATION IN PRlSONS?
Electronic monitoring will reduce prisoner population, but due to the fact that there is already currently an overpopulation of approximately 47%, the reduced population will still represent an overpopulation of about 39% in the 2001/2002 financial year.

40.ARE THERE PRISONERS THAT CAN BE PLACED ON ELECTRONIC MONITORING WHO DON'T YET QUALlFY?
If Cabinet approves new legislation in terms of Electronic Monitoring, a large number of prisoners would qualify for this system.

41.WILL MORE PRISONERS BE TAKEN OUT OF PRISONS WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING?
Yes

42.WILL THERE STlLL BE OVER POPULATION IN PRISONS WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING?
Yes please refer to question 39.

43.WHAT IS MEANT BY THE STATEMENT THAT NO PRISONERS ARE RELEASED WITHOUT FIRST BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE AN ADDRESS WHERE HE/SHE CAN BE MONITORED, AND TO WHAT TYPE OF PRISONER IS THIS APPLICABLE ON?
There must be an address (place of accommodation) were a person can be identified and monitored. Addresses are needed in cases were prisoners are being considered for early releasing in terms of parole supervision.

44.ARE PRISONERS STILL RELEASED IF THEY HAVE A RELEASE DATE, BUT NOT AN ADDRESS WHERE THEY CAN BE MONITORED?
Yes - in such cases they are being released unconditionally.

45.HOW ARE DCS ENSURING THAT GIVEN ADDRESSES ARE CORRECT AND THAT THE CORRECT PERSON WILL BE MONITORED?
All addresses are being checked by monitoring officials prior to release.

46.WILL PRISONERS BE RELEASED IF THEIR HOME IS AN INFORMAL "SHACK". THIS QUESTION IS BASED ON A CASE IN THIS REGARD AT PIETERMARITZBURG PRlSON?
Yes - just as long as it is a place where the person can be identified. Any such cases known is in contradiction to DCS policy and must please be reported.

E. QUESTIONS ON OTHER ISSUES

47.WHAT IS SPECIAL FUNCTIONS?
Special functions is a responsibility on the Financial Management System (FMS) under which certain funds (of which the specified allocation per province were not known at the point in time during which distribution of funds were initially done) are allocated in order to balance the allocated budget.

This actually represents unallocated funds which will be correctly allocated by 1 April 1999.

48.WHAT IS BEING BUDGETED FOR UNDER THE RESPONSIBILITY "SPECIAL FUNCTIONS"?
Funds were allocated under the Responsibility" Special Functions" due to the fact that, at the time of the allocation of funds to the various provinces, the following issues were still outstanding:
·The appointment of personnel to fill current vacancies of approximately 3 000 posts.:
The Department is still in process to determine the allocation of personnel once they have completed there basic training, after which the funds will be shifted to the relevant provinces;
·Other funds due to non finalization of re-prioritizing

1998/ 99 Budget Allocation: Answers To Questions by Portfolio Committee

These questions on Budget Allocation were raised in the Correctional Services Portfolio Committee meeting of 11 March 1998

WHAT IS THE % INCREASE IN THE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAMME

1994/951995/961996/971997/981998/99
R '000 R'000 R'000 R'000 R'000
58 87065 93592 759103 817189 483 Voted Amount
0 12% 40,68% 22,92% 82,52% % Increase

TOTAL DIRECT PERSONNEL RELATED EXPENDITURE
1997/98
R'000
2 772 558

1998/99
R'000
3 490 711

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE OLD AND OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT IF THEY ARE REPLACED BY NEW EQUIPMENT?
IF IT IS BEING SOLD-WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MONEY RECEIVED?
The Department approaches other Government Departments with a list of all the old equipment. If a need for the equipment exists, it is transferred according to logistical procedures to the respective Departments. If no need is registered by other Departments, the equipment is sold by means of tender, in which case the money received is paid directly into the State Revenue Account. In cases where the equipment is useless, it is destroyed and written off.

4.WHAT IS THE FULL PROCEDURE WITH REGARD TO THE APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTANTS?
·The need for a consultant is registered by the main user by means of task directives/ specifications.
·The commissioner certifies that proficiency does not exist within the Department to execute the task or services.
·The Department then goes out on tender according the specifications stipulated by the main user (Advertising in the Tender bulletin).
·The response on the tender are evaluated according to laid down criteria.
·The tender is then awarded to the successful applicant by the delegated Department/State tender board.

5.WHAT IS BEING BUDGETED FOR UNDER THE RESPONSIBILITY "SPECIAL FUNCTIONS"?
Funds were allocated under the Responsibility" Special Functions" due to the fact that, at the time of the allocation of funds to the various provinces, the following issues still outstanding was:

·R 447,000 million for overtime remuneration: As the Department and unions have not come to an agreement regarding the payment of overtime remuneration for the 1998/99 financial year;
·R 146,203 million for equipment: The allocation of funds to the various provinces were not completed due to outstanding details from Provinces regarding their needs for equipment for 1998/99;
·R 114,791 million for the appointment of additional personnel: The Department is still in process to determine the allocation of personnel after which the funds will be shifted to the relevant provinces
·R 35,679 million for the training and retraining of personnel for which a National Business Plan was not finalized at that time (This amount included personnel and operating expenditure);
·R 30,000 million for the implementation of a Standby Allowance for all members on Standby duty on which the policy was not finalized at that stage; and
·R 10,350 million for the activity: Building Services that could not be allocated to the provinces due to certain policy changes and function shifts within the chief:
Directorate Industries which was not finalized.

6.DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE ESTIMATED INCOME FOR 1998/99:
R 69,825 MILLION.
PRISON LABOUR
Hiring out of prisoners to perform different duties3 799 298.31

FARM PRODUCTS
Selling of surplus products to members and the public 1 348 606.69
such as:
· Vegetables;
· Fruit;
· Milk,
· Meat, etc.

LABOUR WORKSHOPS2 466 897.96
Levies workshop2 368 771.46
Scrap iron 50 363.42
condemned equipment 831.12
Sale: empty bags & holders 46 931.96

PRISON INCOME11 867 713.14
·Hairdresser437 981.00
·Fines11 174 015.64
·Parole fees1 465.56
·Unclaimed property & cash81 340.40
·Prohibited immigrants/hostages172 910.54

MEMBERSHIP FEES 41 397 872.89
Transport 1 340 011.77
Advances & loans 480 903.45
Official fines 58 396.25
Witness fees 1 551.37
Tenancy: accommodation 29 963 763.48
Club & sport equipment 61 228.32
Miscellaneous interest 9 492 018.25

ADMINISTRATION FEES 4 032 939.62
Insurance fees 4 000 061.69
Handling fees 2 016.86
Typing of trial minutes0
Waste paper 30 861.07

INCOME OTHER
Other income such as:4 911 330.69
Refunds of previous years overpayments (expenditure);
Recovery of study loans; and
Interest on loans.
TOTAL 69 824 659.30

7.CONSULTANTS TO BE APPOINTED FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF THE DEPARTMENTS MEDICAL SCHEME FOR PERSONNEL IN ITS PRESENT FORMAT.
7.1An amount of R 2,000 million is budgeted for this consultant service which is estimated to be completed in three phases:
·It is estimated that Phase 1 will be completed in four (4) months which will consist of recommendations and assistance in the implementation of alternative measures/policies/ agreements/ benefits to the current system within the parameters of the present financial constraints;
·Thereafter, the consultant will facilitate in recommendations during discussions with employee organizations; and
·Finally, in Phase 3 general assistance by the tenderers, for a fixed period of twelve(12) months after completion of such an investigation will be done in an attempt to rectify the problem areas and implement possible recommendations made.