Question & Replies No 1251 to 1300

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08/1251

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QUESTION NO: 1251

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21 OF 01 AUGUST 2008

MR A J Leon (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

PQ: 1251: Mr A J Leon to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs

What amount was spent by officials of her department on (a) hotel accommodation, (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs (i) in 2007-08 financial year and (ii) during the period from 1 April 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW1999E

REPLY:

(i) During 2007/08 financial year, the Department of Foreign Affairs has spent its budget as follows:

(a) Hotel accommodation : R101, 394, 331.00

The expenses include accommodation, and restaurant expenses.

(b) Transport costs : R157, 832, 032.00

(ii) During the period from 1 April to 31 July 2008, the Department of Foreign Affairs has spent its budget as per line as follows:

(a) Hotel accommodation : R14, 439, 523

QUESTION NO. 1252

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 1 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21)

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

What amount was spent by officials of her department on (a) hotel accommodation, (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs (i) in the 2007-08 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

NW2000E

REPLY:

The table below indicates the situation in this regard

	2007/08 Financial Year	2008/09 Financial Year
	Amount	Amount
Hotel Accommodation	R15 013 393.00	R3 590 664.00
Restaurant	R2 798 072.00	R927 432.00
Travel	R72 187 126.37	R36 473 619.00

QUESTION NO.: 1253

Mr AC Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Housing:

§ What amount was spent by officials of her Department on

(a) Hotel Accommodation

(b) restaurants expenses and

(i) in the 2007 -08 financial year and

(ii) during the period 1 April 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

REPLY

The Department has constitutional and statutory responsibilities towards the Portfolio Committee and other Parliamentary structures, whenever their presence is required. In the period under question, the department has appeared before Parliament structures no less than 51 occasions. The staff attends Minmec meetings, which is also a statutory requirement. A departmental team is permanently based in the Eastern Cape, acting on a Cabinet instruction for a special intervention. In addition, the officials of the Department of Housing are responsible to regularly travel to all nine provinces to check on progress made with the implementation of housing projects, meet with Provincial Housing Departments. These responsibilities of the National Department of Housing means that officials would travel and sometimes stay overnight in hotels and that costs would be incurred.

Total expenditure incurred during 2007/08 on hotel accommodation, restaurants and travel costs amounted to R 27 754 161.46

DOMESTIC

FOREIGN

(a)(i) Accommodation R 5 762 905.68

(b)(i) Daily allowance

and incidental costs R 639 594.95

(c)((i) Travel costs R 16 916 483.88

Total R 23 318 984.51

(a)(i) Accommodation R 2 005 885.54

(b)(i) Daily allowance

and incidental costs R 291 068.15

Total R4 435 176.95

Total expenditure incurred from 1 April 2008 to 05 August 2008 on hotel accommodation, restaurants and travel costs amounted to R 10 159 539.93. The amount comprises:

DOMESTIC

FOREIGN

(a)(ii) Accommodation R 1 888 273.70

(b)(ii) Daily allowance

and incidental costs R 253 359.41

(c)(ii) Travel costs R 6 046 885.52

Total R 8 188 518.63

(a)(ii) Accommodation R 1 592 478.48

(b)(ii) Daily allowance

and incidental costs R 122 075.98

(c)(ii) Travel costs R 256 466.84

Total R 1 971 021.30

1254. Ms S J Loe (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

What amount was spent by officials of his department on (a) hotel accommodation, (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs (i) in the 2007-08 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

NW2002E

REPLY 1254: The Minister of Labour replied-:

(i) 2007-08 financial year

(a) Hotel accommodation: Domestic (includes meals) - R16 700 058.06

Hotel accommodation: Foreign - R1 582 040.42

(b) Restaurant expenses: Domestic - R1 251 035.64

Restaurant expenses: Foreign - R137 720.64

{Road Transport- R63 482 772.74}

{Air Transport - R18 375 939.35}

{Railway Transport- R2 000.00}

Travel costs: Foreign - R2 952 377.33

(ii) 1 April - 31 July 2008

(a) Hotel accommodation: Domestic (includes meals) - R2 644 934.16

Hotel accommodation: Foreign - R2 059 179.02

(b) Restaurant expenses: Domestic -R481 336.80

Restaurant expenses: Foreign - R44 033.82

{Road Transport R19 449 564 06}

{Air Transport R2 183 709 .64}

Travel costs: Foreign - R629 852.23

The amount for domestic expenditure was spent mainly in order to achieve the following objectives:

Inspection and Enforcement Services carried out by Inspectors to ensure that employers and employees comply with labour legislation.
Occupational Health and Safety to promote health and safety in the workplace by regulating dangerous activities and the use of plant and machinery.
Employment Services to facilitate access to employment and income generating opportunities for the under- and unemployed by implementing a range of policies and programmes.
Training of staff to ensure that relevant skills are available for implementing legislations.

The amount for foreign expenditure was spent mainly in order to achieve the following objectives:

International Labour Matters to represent government at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC), African Union Labour and Social Affairs Commission, and the SADC Employment and Labour Sector.

QUESTION NO 1259

QUESTION 1259 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: 2008-11-05: MR J P I BLANCHÉ (DA): EXPENDITURE ON HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, RESTAURANT EXPENSES AND TRAVEL COST IN 2007/08

“MR J P I Blanché (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

What amount was spent by officials of his department on (a) hotel accommodation, (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs in (i) in the 2007/08 financial year and (ii) during the period 01 April 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?”

NW2007E

Reply:

(a) Hotel accommodation:

(i) 2007-08 : R 8,985,429.60

(ii) 2008-09 : R 4,808,259.83

(b) Restuarant expenses

(i) 2007-08 : R 1,142,181.58

(ii) 2008-09 : R 1,169,962.79

(i) 2007-08 : R 21,537,352.67

(ii) 2008-09 : R 13,570,000.59

QUESTION 1260

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper:1 August 2008

Internal question paper no:

Mrs J A Semple (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

What amount was spent by officials of his department and reporting entities on (a) hotel accommodation, (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs (i) in the 2007-08 financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2008 up to the latest specified date* for which information is available? NW2008E

REPLY:

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (DSD)

The amounts spend by DSD on restaurant expenses, travel cost and hotel accommodation in 2007-08 financial year and 1 April 2008 until September 2008 are as shown below:

Item	(i) 2007-08 FY R’000	(ii) 2008/09 FYuntil September 2008 R’000
(a) Accommodation	R 10,733	R 10,908 *
(b) Restaurant expenses Foreign travel meals	DSD entered into contracts with travel agency who settled the accounts on behalf of the department and then sent accounts to the department. The restaurant expenditure was included in the accommodation amount. R 1,310	DSD entered into contracts with travel agency who settled the accounts on behalf of the department and then sent accounts to the department. The restaurant expenditure was included in the accommodation amount. R 1,021
(c) Travel cost	R 24,086	R 9,832

Accommodation in respect of meetings and workshops held by the Department is booked via Rennies Travel therefore the accommodation cost is also allocated to T&S accommodation and the cost of the venue is allocated to venues and facilities.

Accommodation and travel Expenses (1April 2007 – 31 March 2008)

Item	(iii) 2007-08 FY R’000	(iv) 2008/09 FY September 2008 R’000
Hotel accommodation	10,733	10,908
Restaurant expenses	Domestic travel included in hotel accommodation	Domestic travel included in hotel accommodation
Foreign travel	1,310	1,012
Travel costs	24,086	9,832
Air travel	18,307	7,731
Car rental	2,634	1,701
Km	177	205
Road transport	2,788	166
GG cars	180	29
Railway	-

REPLY:

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NDA)

Accommodation and travel (1April 2008 – 30 September 2008)

Accommodation	R 505 708
Air Faires	R 969 366
Car rentals	R 246 311
Milage reimbursement	R 688 354
Total Travel and Accommodation	R2 409 739

Accommodation and travel Expenses (1April 2007 – 31 March 2008)

Accommodation	R 3 446 536
Air Faires	R 840 943
Car rentals	R 304 616
Milage reimbursement	R 1 323 481
Total Travel and Accommodation	R 5 915 711

REPLY:

SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIAL SECURITY AGENCY (SASSA)

Accommodation and Travel (1 April 2007 to March 2008)

(a)Hotel Accommodation	R 21 542 321.47
(b)Restaurant expenses Included in (a)
(c ) Travel Costs	R 66 280 949.37

Accommodation and Travel (1 April 2008 to 30 September 2008)

(a) Hotel Accommodation	R 18 121 685.95
(b) Restaurant Expenses included in (ii)(a)
(c) Travel Costs	R 16 165 936.16

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY: Question 1263

Dr. P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

What amount was spent by officials of his department on (a) hotel accommodation. (b) restaurant expenses and (c) travel costs (i) in the 2007/08 financial year and (ii)

during the period 1 April 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information Is available? NW2011 E

Response:

a) The officials spent the amounts as indicated below on. (a) Hotel accommodation and

2007/2008

2008/2009 (up to June 2008)

TOTAL

a) Hotel accommodation

7,990.083

1,669,907

9,659,990

b) With regard to restaurant expenses, it should be noted that officials are allowed to claim under the item called Subsistence and Travel which includes daily allowances, as per DPSA prescribed tariffs, lunch, dinner and parking.

2007/2008

2008/2009 (up to June 2008)

TOTAL

Travel and Subsistence allowance (inclusive of Domestic and International allowances)

5,332,082

2,449,731

7,781,813

c) (i)(ii) Travel costs in the 2007/2008 financial year and the period 1 April 2008 up until 30 June 2008

2007/2008

2008/20092008/2009 (up to June 2008)

TOTAL

Travel cost (air fare)

Ground Transport

42,698,962

6,024,344

14,036,901

1,469,075

56,735,863

7,493,419

QUESTION NO 1265

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 1 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21)

Mrs D van der Walt (DA) to ask the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry:

---00O00---

REPLY:

For the purpose of the reply to the Honourable Member’s question, I wish to provide the following information:

	TRADING ACCOUNT	EXCHEQUER ACCOUNT
(i) Financial year 2007/2008

a) Hotel Accommodation	30,545,150.03	53,361,028.71
b) Restaurant Expenses:	10,651,101.01	25,626,101.23
c) Travel Costs	79,511,076.94	186,422,759.37

(ii) During period of 1 April 2008 to date

a) Hotel Accommodation	10,800,455.86	18,928,723.47
b) Restaurant Expenses:	3,797,208.48	9,023,958.76
c) Travel Costs	31,247,228.21	77,280,346.90

Question 1266

Mr L B Labuschagne (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

Whether his department has prepared any response to the recommendations of the International Panel on Growth (details furnished) regarding (a) Trade and Competition Policy, (b) Industrial Policy and (c) Black Economic Empowerment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?NW2014E

Response:

the dti has provided a response to the recommendations of the International Panel of Experts to the Presidency and National Treasury. The department commented on the areas discussed by the Panel that fall within the mandate of the dti namely, Trade Policy, Competition Policy, Industrial Policy and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE).

The analysis conducted on the economy broadly concurs with the department’s assessment that the growth acceleration observed since 2004 cannot be sustained if it is to continue to be based on consumer demand. Consequently, the country will need to accelerate the growth of its tradable sectors to rapidly increase exports earnings. It is for this reason that we have identified the need for increased focus on increasing the production capacity of the economy (interventions to increase efficiency and performance of the production factors).

The diagnosis on the constraints to the growth of the economy by the International Panel of Experts are very similar to those identified under ASGISA. The key question is whether their package of policy suggestions is sufficient to overcome these constraints and reverse the declining relative contribution of the tradable sectors to employment.

The policy recommendations of the International Expert Panel are still under discussion within government as a whole and the dti will be actively involved in these deliberations.

QUESTION NO: 1267

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21 OF 01 AUGUST 2008

MR LB LABUSCHAGNE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

(1) Whether the (a) commission of appointment of a certain person (name and details furnished) has been cancelled or withdrawn and (b) Ambassador acted on instruction in (i) closing the consulate and (ii) terminating the appointment of the said person: if not, what is the position in this regard: if so, what was the date of the instruction:

(2) Whether the failure to request the renewal of the said person’s documentation reflected on the said person’s personal abilities; if so,

(3) Whether this was discussed with the said person, if not, why not; if so (a) what are the relevant details and (b) why was the renewal of the exequatur not requested;

(4) Whether the closure of the consulate was because Venice and its area of jurisdiction no longer required a South African Honorary Consulate; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) Whether the Euro 800 000 training programme obtained by the said person was implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) (a) The Exequatur was not cancelled or withdrawn. It expired in terms of Italian Protocol guidelines.

(bi) Due to the expiration of the Exequatur the opportunity was used to reconsider

the number of Honorary Consuls in Italy.

(bii) N/A

(2) No

(3) As the Exequatur expired a letter signed by Ambassador Shope was forwarded to the Honorary Consul 3 March 2008 thanking him for his services.

(a) Letter attached

(b) The Missions in Rome and Milan, after careful consideration, are of the opinion

that there are too many Honorary Consuls in a small country such as Italy.

(4) Due to the close proximity of the Mission in Milan to Venice, this area can easily

be serviced from Milan.

Since details of the programme are not provided, there is no certainty that this programme was properly in the domain of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

QUESTION NO: 1268

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21 OF 01 AUGUST 2008

Quote:

Mr LB Labuschagne (DA) to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs:

(1)(a) How many honorary consuls does South Africa have?

South Africa has 86 honorary consuls/honorary consuls-general and 6 vacant posts

(b) where do they serve; and

See ANNEXURE A

(c) how are they evaluated;

There is no single defined mechanism to assess the performance of honorary consuls.

(2) whether honorary consuls have any input into the evaluation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

Not applicable in the absence of a defined mechanism to assess honorary consuls. Honorary consuls are, however, free to raise matters within the scope of their assignments with the heads of controlling missions.

(3)(a) how many honorary consuls and consulate have been

(i) appointed,

Since 2003 41 honorary consuls have been appointed (33 new ones and 8 replacements in post where honorary consuls have retired, resigned or passed away)

(ii) established and

33 new honorary consulates were established since 2003

(iii) closed down in the past five years and

4 honorary consulate were closed down since 2003 (Liège in Belgium (2003), Venice in Italy (2008), Bamako in Mali (2002) and Colombo in Sri Lanka (2006).

(b) where were these consuls appointed;

See ANNEXURE B

(3) whether a certain person’s (name furnished) terms of reference were discussed with him concerning any shortcomings; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Please refer to reply of Question 1267.

QUESTION NO. 1269

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 1 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21)

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether electric shock treatment (EST) is practiced at state mental facilities; if not, on which date was this practice terminated; if so, (a) at which institutions and (b) what percentage of the health budget is used to fund EST;

(2) whether any abuses have been reported; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2017E

REPLY:

(1) Electric Shock Treatment, currently referred to as Electro Convulsive Treatment (ECT), is practiced in some state health establishments designated for care, treatment and rehabilitation for mental health care users in terms of the Mental Health Care Act No. 17 of 2002.

(a) The facilities are as follows:

PROVINCE	NAME OF FACILITY
Free State	Universitas Tertiary Hospital
Eastern Cape	Fort England Hospital
Limpopo	Mankweng Hospital
North West	Witrand Hospital
KwaZulu Natal	Town Hill Hospital King George Hospital
Gauteng	Tara Hospital Sterkfontein Hospital Weskoppies Hospital Chris Hani Hospital
Western Cape	Valkenberg Hospital Stikland Hospital Lentegeur Hospital

(b) There is no separate budget to fund ECT. The budget for mental health services is integrated into the general health budget. The cost for Electro Convulsive Therapy has not been determined.

(2) No abuses were reported to the National Department of Health. Electro Convulsive Therapy is regulated through the Mental Health Care Act No. 17 of 2002 and its Regulations. Section 33 of the regulations provides conditions within which Electro Convulsive Therapy may be conducted.

QUESTION 1271

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 8 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2008

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

Whether her department pays for the printing costs of the annual reports of all agencies, councils and commissions reporting to her; if not, who pays for the printing of these annual reports; if so, what were the associated costs of this in each year from 1994 to 2008?

NW1236E
REPLY

No. The Department of Home Affairs is only responsible for paying printing costs for its own Annual Report and that of the Government Printing Works, as its annual performance is incorporated in the Department of Home Affairs’ Annual Report. Printing costs of the Annual Reports for entities reporting to me, i.e. the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Film and Publication Board (FPB) are paid by themselves as budgeted for in their own budget allocations.

The Department of Home Affairs:

Unfortunately, records reflecting the printing costs regarding the Department’s Annual Report are only available from the 2001/02 financial year – as per the table below:

Financial year    Printing costs    Number of copies
2001/02
Reprint    R44,706,02
R28,309,79    1800
1000
2002/03    R92,952,00    6000
2003/04    R118,070,94    3000
2004/05    R141,802,21    3000
2005/06    R169,555,60    5000
2006/07    R257,062,20    5000
2007/08    R275,973,80    3000

QUESTION NO.: 1271

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

Mr P D Dexter (Cope) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:

Since the start of the recession, how many jobs have been (a) lost and (b) created? NW1618E

REPLY

Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) figures are the basis of tracking employment in the economy. There are two surveys, namely the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) and the Labour Force Survey (LFS). These surveys reflect net employment, i.e. the difference between new jobs created and jobs lost.

The LFS is a household-based sample survey of both formal and informal labour activities of individuals above the age of 15 whereas the QES is a survey of enterprises in the formal non-agricultural business sector.

The data does not allow for a separation of jobs created and lost by sector, but rather for net changes in employment by sector. Certain sectors would therefore reflect net job losses and others net job gains. The aggregate data in turn reflects the net figures for the economy as a whole. The data reveals that job losses have been widespread across the economy. However, the government’s response to the crisis, in particular the impact on the construction sector of pressing ahead with much needed infrastructure investment has been acting to counter the employment losses from the recession, although not sufficiently to outweigh them.

Much depends on the dates over which employment figures are compared and which survey is used.

The contraction of the economy started in the fourth quarter of 2008. The most significant impact was felt during the first two quarters of 2009.

Labour Force Survey

The following are the key findings of the LFS since the beginning of the recession, that is, from the fourth quarter of 2008.

For the six month period since 1 January 2009 to end June 2009, the position is as follows. At end December 2008, total employment stood at 13 844 000. By the end of June 2009, total employment was 13 369 000 which indicates 475 000 net job losses over the six-month period.

At the end of the third quarter of 2008 on 30 September 2008, ie the date prior to the contraction of the economy as measured by quarterly GDP figures, total employment stood at 13 655 000. By the end of June 2009, total employment was 13 369 000 which indicates 286 000 net job losses over the nine-month period.

Compared for a 12 month period, the total employment at the end of June 2008 was 13 729 000 and at the end of June 2009, it was 13 369 000 which indicates 360 000 net job losses over the 12 month period.

Quarterly Employment Survey

The following are the key findings of the QES since the beginning of the recession, that is, from the fourth quarter of 2008.

For the six month period since 1 January 2009 to end June 2009, the position is as follows. At end December 2008, total employment (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) stood at 8 512 000. By the end of June 2009, the corresponding employment was 8 259 000 which indicates 253 000 net job losses (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) over the six-month period.

At the end of the third quarter of 2008 on 30 September 2008, ie the date prior to the contraction of the economy as measured by quarterly GDP figures, total employment (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) stood at 8 492 000. By the end of June 2009, the corresponding figure stood at 8 259 000 which indicates 233 000 net job losses (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) over the 12 month period.

Compared for a 12 month period, the total employment (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) at the end of June 2008 was 8 457 000 and at the end of June 2009, it was 8 259 000 which indicates 198 000 net job losses (excluding agriculture and the informal economy) over the period.

QUESTION NO 1272

QUESTION 1272 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: DR R RABINOWITZ (IFP): PERCENTAGE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT SPENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN 2007- 08 FINANCIAL YEAR

Dr R Rabinowitz to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:

(i) What percentage of the Gross domestic Product was spent on research and development in the 2007-08 financial year;

(ii) Whether this figure is (a) higher or (b) lower than (i) the figure in 2006-07 financial year and (ii) the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average.

(iii) (a) how much has the international funding for research and development grown in the said financial year and (b) what percentage of all Black researchers in South Africa are (i) male (ii) female?

NW1593E

REPLY:

1. The 2007/08 R&D Survey is still being conducted and the measurement for percentage Gross Domestic Product (GDP) spend on Research and Development (R&D) for that year is not yet available.

i. The latest measurements that are available for the Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) as percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is 0.92% for 2005/06, which indicates an improvement from 2004/05 of 0.87%. Currently the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is working with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Statistics South Africa (STATSSA) to finalise the 2006/07 survey report for publication. The R&D survey involves collection of primary data, which consists of actual expenditure for the foregoing year, from the private sector, not-for-profit organisations and the public sector bodies such as universities, science research councils and government departments. These measurements therefore have a lag of six months to a year, and the DST publishes the results immediately upon conclusion of the due process of approval.

Table A: South Africa GERD/GDP measurement 2003-2006


	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06
Gross expenditure on R&D – GERD (R’ millions)	R10,082	R12,010	R14,149
GERD as a percentage of GDP	0.81%	0.87%	0.92%

ii. Compared to the corresponding measurement period, South Africa’s GERD/GDP percentage for 2005/06 is lower than the average of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) of 2.25%. Few OECD countries have the R&D intensity of less than 1%. Leading countries such as Finland, Japan and Korea have R&D intensity in excess of 3%. The OECD average is reported to have increased to 2.26 according the 2008-01 edition of the Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Diagram A: South Africa GERD/GDP comparison to OECD (Source: OECD’s Main Science and Technology Indicators 2008-01)

iii. International funding for local R&D activities increased by up to 67% from 2003/04 into 2004/05, and then had a slower growth of only 5% between 2004/05 and 2005/06. Funding for local R&D activities comes from a variety of sources, and, as with the international funding, the funds are utilised by local R&D performers such as private sector business, higher education institutions, not-for-profit organisations and the government. A large percentage of international funding was channelled to R&D activities of private sector businesses.

Table B: International funding of local R&D activities

R&D performers receiving International Funding (R millions)	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06
Private sector businesses	*R656	*R1,280	R1,197
Government	R216	R312	R313
Not-For-Profit Organisations	*	*	R102
Higher Education Institutions	R224	R241	R306
Total: International funding for R&D in SA	R1,096	R1,833	R1,918
% of international funding to GERD	10.9%	15.3%	13.6%
* Includes Not-for-Profit

iv. The R&D survey 2005/06 reported that the total number of researchers in South Africa was 29,264, of which 32.9% (9,636) are classifiable as Black people. Of the 9,636, up to 59.6% are classified as males and 40.4% as females. It should be noted that the number of researchers exclude doctoral and post-doctoral students.

Table C: Number of researchers in South Africa (Source: R&D survey 2005/06)

Classification	Number of researchers by gender		% of researchers by gender		Totals by race
Classification	Male	Female	% Male	% Female	Totals by race
African	3,740	2,347	61.4%	38.6%	6,087
Coloured	752	577	56.6%	43.4%	1,329
Indian	1,253	967	56.4%	43.6%	2,220
Total Black	5,745	3,891	59.6%	40.4%	9,636
White	12,041	7,587	61.3%	38.7%	19,628
Totals	17,786	11,478	60.8%	39.2%	29,264

QUESTION 1273

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 08 AUGUST 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 22-2008

MR P J GROENEWALD (FF PLUS) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE

How many (a) vacant posts for medical (i) doctors and (ii) nursing sisters are there at each military (aa) hospital and (bb) sickbay and (b) medical (i) doctors and (ii) nursing sisters are employed at each military (aa) hospital and (bb) sickbay?

-------ooo0ooo------- NW1927E

REPLY

VACANT POSTS (a) at Military Hospitals (aa)

Hospitals (aa)	Doctors (i)			Nursing Personnel (ii)
Hospitals (aa)	Medical officers	Medical Specialists	Medical Registrar	Professional	Enrolled
a	b	c	d	e	f
1 Mil Hosp	57	6	5	64	110
2 Mil Hosp	16	1	2	37	124
3 Mil Hosp	32	11	2	10	34
Total	107	18	9	111	268

VACANT POSTS (aa) at Military Health Care Centres/“Sickbays”(bb)

Military Health Care Center (bb)	Doctors (i)			Nursing Personnel (ii)
Military Health Care Center (bb)	Medical officers	Medical Specialists	Medical Registrar	Professional	Enrolled
a	b	c	d	e	f
AMHU Western Cape	10	0	0	3	5
AMHU Eastern Cape	5	0	0	1	9
AMHU Northern Cape	3	0	0	4	6
AMHU Free State	4	0	0	2	7
AMHU North West	3	0	0	2	10
AMHU Kwa-Zulu Natal	4	0	0	7	5
AMHU Limpopo	6	0	0	9	7
AMHU Gauteng	1	0	0	15	9
AMHU Mpumalanga	4	0	0	1	2
Total	40	0	0	44	60

Health Care Personnel AVAILABLE (b) at Military Hospitals (aa)

Hospitals (aa)	Doctors (i)			Nursing Personnel (ii)
Hospitals (aa)	Medical officers	Medical Specialists	Medical Registrar	Profes-sional	Enrolled
a	b	c	d	e	f
1 Mil Hosp	60	44	25	195	239
2 Mil Hosp	34	19	11	82	58
3 Mil Hosp	3	6	5	54	51
Total	97	69	41	331	348

Health Care Personnel AVAILABLE (b) at Military Health Care Centres/“Sickbays”(bb)

Military Health Care Centre (bb)	Doctors (i)			Nursing Personnel (ii)
Military Health Care Centre (bb)	Medical officers	Medical Specialist	Medical Registrar	Profes-sional	Enrolled
a	b	c	d	e	F
AMHU Western Cape	10	0	0	36	25
AMHU Eastern Cape	2	0	0	21	5
AMHU Northern Cape	3	0	0	33	13
AMHU Free State	2	0	0	15	5
AMHU North West	3	0	0	27	10
AMHU Kwa-Zulu Natal	4	0	0	20	17

Health Care Personnel AVAILABLE (b) at Military Health Care Centres/“Sickbays”(bb) (continue)

Military Health Care Centre (bb)	Doctors (i)			Nursing Personnel (ii)
Military Health Care Centre (bb)	Medical officers	Medical Specialist	Medical Registrar	Professional	Enrolled
a	b	c	d	e	F
AMHU Limpopo	5	0	0	38	17
AMHU Gauteng	10	0	0	49	28
AMHU Mpumalanga	0	0	0	14	6
Total	39	0	0	217	101

QUESTION 1274

WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 08 AUGUST 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 22-2008

MR P J GROENEWALD (FF PLUS) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE

1. Whether the investigation into certain helicopter crash (details furnished) has been finalized; if not, why not; if so, what are the findings of the investigations;

2. whether any steps have been taken against the crew; if not, why not; if so, what steps were taken against each crew member;

3. what did the damage to the helicopter amount to;

4. whether anybody will be held responsible for the damage; if not, why not; if so, who;

5. whether he will make a statement on the matter?

-------ooo0ooo------- NW1928E

REPLY

1. Yes, the Board of Inquiry has been finalised. The finding was that the negligence by the commander of the helicopter caused the accident.

2. The actions taken against the crewmembers were divided into two categories, namely legal and flight safety. The commander of the helicopter was brought before a Court of a Senior Military Judge and found guilty. In terms of flight safety, action was taken against both crewmembers. The commander in particular lost a number of competencies and had to under-go comprehensive retraining.

3. The estimate damage to the helicopter was Rm1.4.

4. To be answered by the Minister of Defence.

5. No.

QUESTION NO: 1275

Mr P J Groenewald (FF) to ask the Minister of Housing:

(1) What amount did her department (a) budget and (b) spend on the construction of new houses in North West in the (i) 2004-05, (ii) 2005-06, (iii) 2006-07 and (iv) 2007-08 financial years and (c) in what areas was this money spent;

(2) Whether there was any over- or under spending of the budget; if so, what were the reasons for this in each case;

(3) Whether any problems are mentioned in the project reports of the various project managers in North West; if so, (a) what are these problems and (b) what corrective steps are being taken in each case;

(4) Whether she will make a statement on the matter?

REPLY

1 The following amounts were granted to the North West province for the (i)2004/05; (ii) 2005/06; (iii) 2006/07 and 2007/08 financial years:

Financial year	Total Funds available R‘000	Amount spent R’000
2004/05	513 737	371 933
2005/06	609 795	615 412
2006/07	699 915	696 544
2007/08	875 178	*785 516

* The figure for the 2007/08 financial year is in the process of being audited due to the fact that the audit report has not been issued as yet.

1. Project-Linked Subsidies	7. Developer Driven Individual Subsidy
2. Consolidated Subsidies	8. Individual subsidies
3. Institutional Programme	9. Extended Benefit Scheme
4.Hostel Upgrading Programme	10.Social Housing Prorgramme
5. Rural housing Programme	11.Integrated Human Settlement Programme
6. Peoples Housing Process Programme	12. Operational Capital Programme

QUESTION NO. 1276

(Internal Question Paper No 22 – 2008)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

With regard to each of the municipal managers suspended from office in each of the past three years up to 1 July 2008, (a) what are their names, (b) in which municipality do/did they serve, (c) why are they suspended, (d) how long have they been suspended and (e) what (i) is their salary and (ii) remuneration have they received during their suspension?

ANSWER

The Department of Provincial and Local Government, in collaboration with the provinces, is gathering the required information. The detailed answer to this question will be provided to the Honourable Member as soon as the required information has been collated.

QUESTION NO. 1277

(Internal Question Paper No 22 - 2008)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial, Local Government:

What are the (a) educational qualifications. (b) number of years spent in local government. (c) number of months spent in the current position, by each (i) municipal manager, (ii) chief financial officer currently employed in each municipality?

ANSWER

The Honourable Member will note that information has been obtained from Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Limpopo and Western Cape provinces. The outstanding Information from Kwa Zulu Natal and North West province will be made available to the Honourable Member as soon as it has been received.

See the tables here:
http://www.pmg.org.za/docs/2008/questions/Q1277tables.pdf

http://www.pmg.org.za/docs/2008/questions/Q1277tables2.pdf

QUESTION NO 1278

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22)

Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry:

(1) Whether her department has taken any steps to mitigate the flow of partially treated sewage into the Kamfer Dam in Kimberley; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any tests have been conducted to ascertain whether the water quality in the dam is responsible for the ill-health of some flamingos that nest around the dam; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1961E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1) Yes. Various meetings and site visits with Sol Plaatje Local Municipality and other stakeholders took place to address the problem. Sol Plaatje LM is the owner and operator of the Homevale Waste Water Treatment Works, which is authorized to release sewage into Kamfers dam (a natural pan) after treating it to required standards. Short term crisis interventions are underway with good progress made on various components at the plant, which has to operate above its design capacity, due to increased sewerage inflow. Medium and long term solutions are addressed and are in integrated planning stage. DWAF is fully involved in the implementation process of the agreed upon actions. We receive regular progress reports and do regular site visits.

(2) The effluent from the Homevale WWTW is monitored and tested on a regular basis by DWAF. Based on the circumstances, we are in process with other role-players in the implementation of a monitoring programme of the water in Kamfers dam, which, as a natural pan, is a closed system with no water use out of it.

DWAF itself does not have the expertise, nor the normal mandate, to determine the possible impact of water quality on ill-health of the flamingos. Such a study is currently being undertaken by scientists of parties such as Department of Tourism, Environment and Conservation(DTEC), Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa(WESSA) and Birdlife SA. DWAF however remains informed on all progress and findings to see how it should react and/or intervene.

QUESTION NO. 1279

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 08 Aug 2008

Mr I F Julies (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism:

Whether any vessel operated by Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) have been on lease to business entities; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the names of all the business entities to which MCM vessels have been leased since the acquisition of the vessels, (b) how were each of the vessels used by the private entities, (c) when did each business entity start using the vessels, (d) when did each cease to use the vessel, (e) how much revenue has been earned thus far by MCM from the lease of these vessels, (f) how much was earned from each individual lease and (g) how is this practice justified in view of the purpose that these vessels should ensure law enforcement along the coastline?

NW1962E

MR I F JULIES (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1279. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:

No. No vessels operated by Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) have been leased to business entities. Chartering of vessels may be considered if they are not engaged in operational activities at that time.

(a) Falls away.

(b) Falls away.

(d) Falls away.

(e) Falls away.

(f) Falls away.

(g) MCM vessels are not leased. Chartering may be considered if the vessels are not engaged in operational activity during that period. The Sarah Baartman is the only patrol vessel that is chartered, while the research vessels may be chartered if there are no scheduled surveys during that time.

QUESTION NO 1280

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER : 8 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22/2008)

Date reply submitted: 21 October 2008

Ms D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) How many SA Police Service members in each province have successfully completed the Street Survival learning programme since its inception;

(2) whether the successful completion of this program is compulsory for all police officers; if not, why not; if so , what performance management tools are in place to ensure that all SAPS members are attending this programme;

(3) whether any person is held accountable for a member’s non-attendance of this training ; if not, why not ; if so , who?

NW1973E

REPLY:

(1) STATUS OF MEMBERS TRAINED IN THE STREET SURVIVAL COURSE UP TO END 31 JULY 2008

Operational members are subjected to tactical training and the street survival programme is aimed at ensuring their readiness to respond to operational challenges.

A total of 72 149 members have undergone the Street Survival Programme between 1 September 2005 until 31 July 2008. Of these members, 38 075 are those who did it as part of the Basic Training Learning Programme and 34 074 are functional members from the provinces:

PROVINCE/ BASIC TRAINING

1 Sept 2005-

31 May 2007

1 June 2007 -

31 July 2008

TOTAL

GAUTENG

1 745

3 016

4 761

KWAZULU-NATAL

4 399

8 187

12 586

EASTERN-CAPE

2 651

890

3 541

PROVINCE/ BASIC TRAINING

1 Sept 2005-

31 May 2007

1 June 2007 -

31 July 2008

TOTAL

NORTHERN CAPE

273

309

582

FREE STATE

1 870

1 917

NORTH WEST

1 406

115

1 521

LIMPOPO

861

567

1 428

MPUMALANGA

750

282

1 032

WESTERN CAPE

3 590

3 116

6 706

BASIC TRAINING

28 344

9 731

38 075

TOTAL

45 889

26 260

72 149

The SAPS also made it compulsory for members deployed in medium and high risk operations to participate in shooting practices at least once per quarter.

It is an obligation for all members of the SAPS who have completed basic police training, irrespective of where they are deployed, to participate in annual shooting practice. This is an additional form of street survival training.

(2) Yes, the course is compulsory for all police officials appointed in terms of the South African Police Act, 1999 (Act no 68 of 1995). This includes trained police members who are posted in administrative positions. These members are still being utilized for operational duties such as policing during emergencies or policing of major events. The Division Career Management is still in the process of developing the performance management tool for this purpose.

Skills Development Facilitators and Provincial Training Managers must ensure that all members as indicated above are trained in the Street Survival course.

(3) Yes, this is a command and control issue and thus all immediate commanders are responsible to ensure the participation of members in the scheduled shooting practices.

The SAPS at all levels is utilizing shooting ranges at their disposal in compliance with the Firearm Control Act to maximize their efforts to ensure operational readiness of all the functional personnel.

QUESTION NO. 1281

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 08 August 2008

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

(a) What was the tonnage of the West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) quota rolled-over from the (i) 2005-06 to the 2006-07 and (ii) 2006-07 to the 2007-08 fishing season, (b) which WCRL right holders were the recipients of each specified season’s quotas rolled-over, (c) what were the reasons given by WCRL right holders for not landing their full WCRL allocations during the 2006-07 fishing season, (d) what was the total tonnage of the WCRL quota set aside for small scale fishers’ subsistence relief during the 2006-07 fishing season, (e) what is the tonnage or percentage of quota that will be set aside from the WCRL’s total allowance catch for traditional WCRL fishers under the small scale fisheries policy and (f) by what date will the draft small scale fisheries policy be made available for public comment?

NW2019E

MR L W GREYLING (ID) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1281. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:

(a)(i) 857.4 tons

(a)(ii) 23.8 tons

(b) The 2005-06 recipients were those who were granted long term rights late in the 2005/6 fishing season. Roll-overs for 2006/07 season were granted to those who were inconvenienced by labour unions strikes and systems over-haul that resulted in delays in the issuing of fishing permits by the Department.

(c) A variety of reasons were given, including bad weather; fish being in a reproductive state or in a condition where they were shedding their protective shells; fish processing establishments advising rights holders to slow down the product supply due to holding capacity limitations and influx of product; low catch rates; problems relating to catching agreements; tax-related delays; and death of the original right holder.

(d) There was no specific tonnage set for small scale fishers’ subsistence relief during the 2006-07 fishing season. The request by the fishers was accommodated within the 300 tons that was originally set aside for recreational fishing.

(e) No decisions have been taken on resources to be harvested by the sector.

(f) The draft policy can only be made available for public comment once it has been finalised.

Question 1282

Mr. LW Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) (a) What is the purpose for hiring certain consultants (name furnished) to build support for nuclear energy and (b) what budget have they been given to run this exercise;

(2) whether the public will participate in the decision regarding the expansion of nuclear energy; if not, why not; if so, when;

(3) whether the public relations exercise conducted by the said consultants constitute such public participation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2020E

Reply:

(1) (a) The consultants were not hired to build support for nuclear energy, but were hired to undertake research into the current levels of awareness, perceptions and attitudes towards nuclear and related issues (e.g. climate change) amongst key stakeholder groups and the population at large. The purpose of this research is to promote an open and honest discussion around nuclear to ensure that the public are well informed about the pros and cons of nuclear and why the South African government has chosen to use nuclear as part of the energy system. Parallel to the research in public perceptions is the development of a nuclear vocabulary in the eleven official languages to ensure that public discourse on nuclear related issues is accessible to all South Africans.

(b) DPE has set aside a budget of R4m to undertake the research, develop the nuclear vocabulary and develop the communications strategy. This is an 8 month project, covering 6 provinces.

(2) The Nuclear Energy Policy and Strategy for South Africa was published for public comment from 15 August to 17 October 2007, after being approved by Cabinet for consultation. It has since been approved, in its amended form by Cabinet on 11 June 2008.

(3) As already indicated, this research is not intended to be a public consultation process on nuclear policy.

Question 1283

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

Whether the failure to reach an agreement between members of the World Trade Organisation in July 2008 will have any effect upon the present agreement on tariff structure reached between South Africa and other members of the Southern African Customs Union; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?NW2021E

Respond:

As there was no agreement on the Non-Agricultural Market Access modalities during the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Mini-Ministerial meeting in July 2008, there are no WTO requirements to revise the tariff commitments made during the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. The South African tariff bindings agreed upon in the Uruguay Round are still applicable to the current SACU tariff structure. However, if there is agreement on the industrial tariff modalities in the WTO, South Africa’s tariff structure will need to be brought in line with that outcome.

Question 1284

Dr P J Rabie (DA ) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

Whether the failed negotiations around free trade at the World Trade Organisation in Genève in July will have a negative effect on South African exports in the coming year?NW2022E

Respond:

It is worth noting that the ability to export is affected by a variety of reasons linked to demand, competitiveness, global production chains, exchange rates etc.

As there was no agreement on any tariff reduction modalities at the last World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting, South African exports will continue to encounter the same tariff barriers in foreign markets.

The short term effect of the current impasse on exports will therefore be neutral.

Question 1287

Mr L B Labuschagne (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(1) Whether South Africa made a commitment in the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Talks in 1994 to reduce tariff bands to six; if so, (a) what reduction has taken place and (b) how many bands prevail currently;

(2) Whether these bands are going to be reduced; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the schedule?NW2025E

Response:

(1) During the Uruguay Round (1994), South Africa made commitments to have WTO tariffs in 7 tariff bindings namely:

• Free of duty for goods not manufactured in the Southern Africa Customs Union;

• 5% and 10% ad valorem on primary products;

• 15% and 20% ad valorem on intermediate products;

• 30% ad valorem for manufactured and consumer products;

• 30% ad valorem for textiles;

• 45% ad valorem on clothing and footwear, and

• 50% ad valorem on built-up motor vehicles.

With the implementation of the WTO tariff commitments that started at the end of the Uruguay Round, the number of tariff bands was reduced from over 100 in 1994 to 7 bands in 2006. These are set at levels of 0, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40.

(2) The 7 tariff bands will be retained as most tariff lines fall within these bands. The current tariff review process underway at the Department of Trade and Industry is aimed at:

· Developing a clear and simple tariff structure that reduces the incidents of tariff dispersion across bands. This will be managed with minimum disruptions and adjustment costs. A simpler tariff structure should offer a positive signal to exporters.

Question 1288

Mr L B Labuschagne (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

Whether a new chairperson for the Board of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) has been appointed; if not, why not?

Respond:

the dti has begun the process of appointing a new chairperson as well as additional members of the Board. However, the appointment of the Seda Board of Directors including the chairperson requires ratification by Cabinet. the dti has concluded the nomination process and recommended candidates will be forwarded to Cabinet for consideration in due course.

QUESTION NUMBER 1289

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 AUGUST 2008

Dr S M van Dyk (DA ) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) Whether the Land Bank bore 40% of agricultural debt five years ago; if not, what was the percentage; if so, what has given rise to commercial banks currently financing about two thirds of this debt;

(2) whether his department will be financing the Land Bank’s losses with taxpayers money; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) (a) what measures will he introduce in order to reinstate the Land Bank as a solvent financial institution; (b) what future role does he envisage for the Land Bank with regard to (i) small, (ii) medium, (iii) large and (iv) emerging farmers and (c) how will the Land Bank obtain cover so as to protect itself from the credit-worthiness of its various clients? N2027E

REPLY:

(1) In 2003 the Land Bank’s share of the total agricultural debt amounted to 57%. At the end of 2007 this share reduced to 41%. However, on average the size of the Land Bank’s Loan Book remained constant at R17 billion. This trend demonstrates that the financial sector has increasingly assumed its rightful role in the financing of agriculture. Nothing in the objects of the Land and Agricultural Bank Act suggests that government ever intended the institution to remain the dominant lender to the agricultural sector.

No. Government’s immediate priority is to stabilise the financial position of the Land Bank which was achieved through the provision of a R1.5 billion guarantee. The R700 million recapitalisation of the Land Bank was ring- fenced for loans to emerging farmers. Any further recapitalisation will be informed by the government’s policy to refocus the mandate of the Land Bank in providing financial support to emerging farmers and land reform.

QUESTION NUMBER 1290

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 AUGUST 2008

Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

(1) Whether company tax increased by 81,7% from 2003 to 2006; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the reason for this;

(2) whether the taxation of lower and middle income groups has decreased since 1999 as a result of inflation while higher income groups have been paying more taxes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(3) whether this contributed to the drop in savings and productivity; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether the current tax surplus is the result of an increased tax burden against a lower rate of increase in expenditure and not the result of a drop in government spending; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether a tax surplus plays a negative role in the economy because money which would otherwise have promoted productivity and job creation is needlessly withdrawn from the economy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? N2028E

REPLY:

(1) This question is not clear, does it refer to the corporate income tax rate or corporate income tax revenue. From the percentage quoted it would appear that the reference is to corporate income tax revenue. However, for the sake of completeness replies to both interpretations will be provided.

The headline corporate income tax rate has been reduced from 40% in 1994/95 to 35% in 1995/96, 30% in 1999/00, 29% in 2005/06 and 28% in 2008/09.

On the other hand nominal corporate income tax revenues increased from R55.75 billon in 2002/03 to R119.0 billion in 2006/7, a cumulative percentage increase of 113.5% or 20.9% per year. Thus, corporate income tax revenues increased whilst the headline corporate income tax rate decreased. During this period the cumulative percentage increase in total nominal tax revenues amounted to 75.9% or 15.2 % per year.

It should be noted that these figures and percentage included inflation. Much of the increase in nominal tax revenues has been due to higher economic growth, higher commodity prices and improved tax administration and tax compliance.

(2) The relative tax burden of all individual taxpayers; low, middle and high income earners have reduced since 1999/00. The top marginal income tax rate for individuals decreased from 45% in 1999/00 to 42% in 2000/01 and to 40% in 2002/03. During this period the personal income tax brackets were increased significantly, which more than compensated for fiscal drag.

The table below illustrates the percentage increase in the personal income tax brackets between 2002/03 and 2008/09. The top personal income tax bracket increased from R240 001 in 2002/03 to R450 001 in 2008/09 a cumulative increase of 87.5%. During this period the bottom income tax bracket increased by 181.3%. The primary rebate increased by 59.3% which resulted in a similar increase in the income tax threshold for individuals aged younger than 65 years (the level of annual income below which no income tax is payable), from R27 000 to R43 000 per annum. For individuals aged 65 years and above the income tax threshold increased by 61.8%, from R42 640 to R69 000 per annum.

2002/03		2008/09		Marginal PIT rates	Brackets & Thresholds: Cumulative % increase. 08/09 vs. 02/03
0	40,000	0	112,500	18%	181.3%
40,001	80,000	112,501	180,000	25%	125.0%
80,001	110,000	180,001	250,000	30%	127.3%
110,001	170,000	250,001	350,000	35%	105.9%
170,001	240,000	350,001	450,000	38%	87.5%
240,001	and more	450,001	and more	40%
Rebates
Primary	4,860		7,740		59.3%
Secondary	3,000		4,680		56.0%
Tax thresholds
Below age 65	27,000		43,000		59.3%
Age 65 and >	42,640		69,000		61.8%

(3) As indicated in the reply to question 2 the personal income tax relief was across the board, for all income groups. In addition the income tax free interest income tax thresholds, intended to encourage individuals to save, have also been increased during this period.

The above suggest that the disposable income of most taxpayers should have improved during this period, their individual tax burdens having decreased. This should have contributed positively towards savings, productivity and individual work effort. The decline in savings by households during this period must be due to factors other than changes in personal income taxes.

(4) The budget surplus we experienced is a result of the strength of economic growth over the past five years, supported by higher commodity prices. Structural factors, including increased investment and macroeconomic stability, has boosted the ability of the economy to grow, while cyclical factors such as (higher) commodity prices, have also been in our favour. As a result tax revenues were much more robust, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the fiscal position.

To view the growth in tax revenues as a continuous increase in the tax burden of the economy would not be correct. The increase in the Tax/GDP ratio is in part the result of cyclical factors (National Treasury estimates place this at 1.8 per cent of GDP in 2007/08) and is likely to stabilise or even reverse as the economic cycle changes. The nominal tax relief over the last five years to both individuals and corporations amounts to over R90 billion. Tax relief over and above the R90 billion might have resulted in a pro-cyclical fiscal policy that could have exacerbated economic volatility, leading to higher interest rates and lower growth over the long-term. Some of these cyclical revenues have been invested in the form of higher capital spending and increased government savings.

Between 2003/04 and 2007/08 real growth in non-interest expenditure has averaged 9.2 per cent per annum. This is evidence of strong growth in the budgets of government departments. Given that this strong growth in public expenditure coincided with an improvement in the fiscal balance, from a deficit of -2.3 per cent in 2003/04 to a surplus of 0.8 per cent in 2007/08, it is clear that the improvement in the fiscal position cannot be the result of excessive conservatism on the expenditure side of the budget.

(5) A budget surplus acts as a countercyclical stabiliser in support of long term sustainable growth, employment creation and reduces risks.

A budget surplus does not contribute negatively to the economy. To the contrary, it enhances the ability of the economy to grow sustainably by supporting domestic savings, managing current account risks, and reducing inflationary pressures on the economy.

A more rapid pace of spending might have worsened capacity constraints in the private and public sectors, resulting in higher inflation and interest rates, a stronger currency and lower investment. The end result would be deterioration in our ability to sustain growth in spending.

When we strip out of the revenue numbers what we estimate to be the effect of commodity prices and other cyclical factors, we find that our cyclically adjusted budget balance remains at about -1,2% of GDP. So compared with a more normal revenue growth rate, fiscal policy has remained expansionary.

At the same time, we have taken into account that some of the revenue overruns might be of a temporary (cyclical) nature, and not likely to be sustained over a long period. Our improved fiscal position will enable us to be more counter-cyclical and support the economy through spending if the current economic weakness continues. This financial capacity to avoid boom and bust cycles will support investment spending, continued advances in public services to the poor, employment and the sustainability of our economic growth path.

QUESTION NO. 1291

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 08 August 2008

Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism:

(1) Whether the dates of issue and expiry and the identity number of the buyer is printed on the green “Wild Card” for access to national parks; if not, what procedure is used in determining the validity of such a card;

(2) (a)(i) why the rules that apply within the Kruger National Park appear in fine print, (ii) who sees to the enforcement of these rules, (b) who enforces the traffic rules, (c)(i) how many members of staff employed in the camp administration section of the Kruger National Park have been trained in effecting changes to bookings and financial adjustments on computer, (ii) how many complaints has his department received regarding the incompetence of camp administration staff and (iii) what action he will take in this regard and (d) what percentage of visitors to national parks during the period 1 December 2007 to 31 July 2008 were (i) South African and (ii) foreign tourists;

(3) whether preference is given to foreigners; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether (a) poor South Africans and (b) South African pensioners receive any financial discount for bookings in national parks? NW2029E

DR S M VAN DYK (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1291. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:

(1) The date of issue or expiry and the name of the card holder are not printed on the Wild Card. The Wild Card is a smart card and all details of the card holder are contained on the chip as well as on the central server of the technology service provider. This information is checked at the point of entry by inserting the card into the credit card terminal that reads and then displays the required information and that information can then be compared to the persons ID document in order to verify ownership of that card.

(2) (a)(i) The management of Kruger National Park is of the view that the rules are legible enough since there were no complaints in this regard.

(ii) The Kruger National Park’s Protection Services.

(b) The Kruger National Park’s Protection Services.

(c)(i) The status as at 31 March 2008 confirms that 139 were trained and have passed. Training continues as new staff members join and retraining does happen after in-house assessment have been conducted.

(ii) From April to July 2008, 18.

(iii) Assessments will continue and if negligence is discovered disciplinary procedures will be taken.

(d)(i) 74.5% South African and 25.5% foreign tourists for the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008 and 82.7% South African and 17.3% foreign tourists for the period 1 April 2008 to 30 June 2008.

(3) SANParks does not accord preferential treatment to any of its clients. All clients, local and international are treated equally.

(4) (a) and (b) Yes, various mechanisms exist to provide equitable access to South African National Parks. These range from seasonal discounts, senior citizen discounts as well as specific promotions such as the South African National Parks Week in which free access is offered over specific periods. The People and Conservation division also host school groups throughout the National Parks through initiatives such as the Kids in Parks Programme. In terms of accommodation, SANParks offers a variety of options ranging from Budget to Luxury accommodation.

QUESTION 1293

“Mrs A M Dreyer (DA) to ask Minister of Arts and Culture:

(1) What is the current status of the Paardekraal Monument in Krugersdorp;

(2) Whether it falls under the National Heritage Body; if not, who is the managing body for this monument?”

NW2031E

REPLY:

(1) The site was declared under the old National Monument Council (NMC) Act, of 1969. In terms of the transitional provisions of the National Heritage Resources Act, 25 of 1999, all the sites and monuments that were declared under NMC Act, are relegated into grade II and they fall under provincial competencies until they are re-graded. This therefore, means Paardekraal is under the control and the management of the Provincial Heritage Resources Agency of Gauteng.

(2) The monument falls under the management of the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority of Gauteng. They are managing it in terms of the changes in the Act (NHRA, 25, 1999)

QUESTION NO. 1297

DATE PUBLISHED: 01 August 2008

DATE SUBMITTED: 12 December 2008

Dr J T Delport (DA) to ask the President of the Republic:

(1) Whether he has received the Pillay report on corruption in the Eastern Cape Administration from the Office of the Premier; if so, (a) when, (b) what was the content of the report and (c) what steps were taken to address the matter raised in the report; if not,

(2) whether he has taken note of the existence of the report; if not, why not?

NW2035E

REPLY:

The Commission of Inquiry into the Financial Management of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration (the Pillay Commission) was appointed by the then Premier of the Eastern Cape in accordance with the exercise of her powers under section 127(2) (e) of the Constitution.

In accordance with this provision, and under the auspices of the Provincial Commissions Act, 1994 (Act No. 3 of 1994), the Pillay Commission reported to the Premier of the Eastern Cape and not to the President of the Republic.

The then President did take note of the existence of the Report, as well as the fact that the matter was being handled at the Provincial level.

QUESTION 1298

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 08/08/2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION 22-2008)

Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Education:

(1) a) How many temporary teachers are currently employed in each province, b) for how long has each teacher been appointed and c) what are the reasons for each teacher not being employed permanently;

(2) Whether her department has taken any steps to reduce the number of temporary teachers by making them permanent employees; if not, why not; if so, what steps?

NW 2036E

ANSWER:

(1) (a and b) In July 2008 there were 31,949 temporary teachers employed by provincial education departments. One in three temporary teachers was employed in KwaZulu-Natal.

Table 1: Temporary teachers in each province by years of service

Province	>2yrs	2-3 yrs	4-5 yrs	6-10 yrs	11-15 yrs	16-20yrs	>20 yrs	Total
EC	4,065	871	7	40	79	2	2	5,066
FS	2,441	83	4	17	102	142	262	3,051
GP	2,115	33	12	6	18	19	11	2,214
KZN	10,436	256	84	130	647	93	31	11,677
LP	2,083	49	0	5	0	1	3	2,141
MP	1,245	151	44	14	181	176	148	1,959
NC	897	17	3	14	34	20	10	995
NW	713	97	8	24	401	169	101	1,513
WC	3,328			5				3,333
Total	27,323	1,557	162	255	1,462	622	568	31,949

Source: Persal (July 2008)

(1) (c) In the case of the 27,323 (86%) temporary teachers who have been in service for under two years, the reason is that they fill substantive posts that are in the process of being filled through the advertisement of vacancy lists. In regard to the remaining 4,626 (14%), I have directed the DoE to establish why they have been employed in such a capacity for over 2 years.

(2) Yes, under labour law (section 6B of the Employment of Educators Act that came into effect in 2005), no temporary educator can be employed in the same substantive and vacant post for more than two years. The employment of temporary teachers is best understood in the context of the annual process followed to determine the number of posts available to each school.

· Every provincial education department finalizes its post-provisioning consultations by 1 September and provides each school with final staff establishments by 30 September.

· In September school principals verify staff establishments and inform PEDs whether teachers will retire or resign from their posts during the final part of the year.

· This information informs the process of appointment of teachers to vacant posts at the beginning of a new academic year.

· The appointment process is normally in the form of requested internal and cross transfers, placement and absorption of educators additional to establishment, or the selection of temporary educators (new entrants, and those with a break in service).

· In a new year PEDs adjust the staff establishments of schools after a proper analysis of the 10th day snap survey. Temporary educators are then appointed on fixed contracts (1 January – 31 December) as required.

· PEDs finalize a list of all educator vacancies by 30 April of each year. If a teacher has been employed on a temporary contract for more than 2 years, any new contract must be converted from temporary to permanent. This measure only applies if an educator is in a substantive and vacant post and is qualified to teach in the learning areas/grades specified.

· This conversion from temporary to permanent must be supported by the School Governing Body (SGB), with the approval of the Head of Department, and is implemented by 1 July of each year.

· The rest of the vacancies are advertised in an open vacancy list for filling on 1 January of the next school year.

· There will always be temporary educators employed in schools. However, at any given time temporary educators should not make up more than 10% of total educator posts in a PED.

A recent DoE presentation to the Education PC in the National Assembly on 27 May 2008 indicated that there are currently 433,280 posts of which 62,616 are vacant. The percentage of vacant posts (that may or may not be occupied by temporary teachers) was 15.5% in 2006 and 14.5% in 2008.

Table 2: Educator posts and vacancies, 2006-2008

	2006			2007			2008
Province	Number of posts	Number of Vacancies	%	Number of posts	Number of Vacancies	%	Number of posts	Number of Vacancies	%
EC	75,744	11,769	15.5	70,608	6,640	9.4	70,007	7,330	10.5
FS	27,690	4,368	15.8	27,764	3,737	13.5	28,644	3,401	11.9
GP	51,724	6,106	11.8	58,793	3,737	6.4	60,035	8,748	14.6
KZN	85,213	10,912	12.8	93,324	6,847	7.3	93,174	13,550	14.5
LP	70,307	10,930	15.5	73,516	15,797	21.5	66,542	12,560	18.9
MP	34,053	6,922	20.3	40,853	7,101	17.4	41,882	7,958	19.0
NW	38,291	7,784	20.3	27,355	176	0.6	27,583	1,727	6.3
NC	7,925	1,150	14.5	9,759	1,049	10.7	10,718	1,727	16.1
WC	33,924	6,099	18.0	31,134	4,938	15.9	34,695	5,615	16.2
Total	424,871	66,040	15.5	433,106	50,022	11.5	433,280	62,616	14.5
Note: “The above vacancies are not entirely vacant. They are occupied by temporary educators “

Source: DoE presentation to the PC on Education, 27 May 2008.

According to the ELRC’s study of teacher mortality in 2005, there was a monthly average of 61,206 temporary teachers in 1997 and 34,110 in 2003. The main reason offered for this 44% (27,096) decline in the number of temporary teachers between 1997 and 2003 was “an ongoing process of appointing temporary educators as permanent during the period under review and a trend for advertised permanent posts to be filled with temporary educators”.[1] The ELRC mortality study was based on an extensive review of Persal records.

There has been an 11% (2,161) decline in the number of temporary teachers between 2003 (34,110) and 2008 (31,949).

QUESTION 1299

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 08/08/2008

(INTERNAL QESTION PAPER 22-2008)

Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Education:

(1) (a) How many teachers currently employed by her department have not been trained in the National Curriculum Statement in each province and b) what are the reasons for these teachers not receiving required training;

(2) Whether her department has taken any steps to ensure that these teachers receive the required training in the future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW 2037E

REPLY:

(1) The DoE does not employ teachers. The provincial departments of education employ teachers and are responsible for teacher training.

(2) The DoE is responsible for training provincial subject advisers and monitoring provincial curriculum workshops. Over a number of years the DoE has conducted curriculum workshops in all 8 learning areas and 29 subjects. In most provinces subject advisers train teachers, but in some provinces the training is outsourced to tertiary institutions or other service providers. Curriculum workshops are not compulsory. Teachers at all public schools are invited to attend curriculum workshops and provincial departments indicate that most teachers attend training.

Question 1300

Mr E W Trent (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(1) (a) What was the nature of each project that was agreed to and that has materialised regarding German Submarine Consortium in the Eastern Cape and nationally, (b) what (i) was and (ii) will be the total value of the National Industrial Participation obligation, and (c) what (i) was and (iii) will be the dates applicable for each milestone in each project in terms of (aa) investment and (bb) sales;

(2) Whether the obligations in terms of (a) investments and (b) sales have been met by the company involved; if not, how large was the shortfall; if so, what is the amount;

(3) Whether any of the companies or their sub-contractors have deviated from their original commitments; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) Whether any penalties (a) have been and (b) will be imposed against the companies or their sub-contractors; if so, what are the relevant details?NW2038E

Response:

the dti reports annually to Parliament on the total value of the National Industrial Participation obligations. Information on specific obligations is available in the National Industrial Participation Annual Reports submitted to Parliament by the department. Members are welcome to consult these Annual Reports for information on the obligations.

[1] Mobile Task Team for the ELRC, “Educator Attrition and Mortality in South Africa” (March 2005), p. 22.

Question & Replies No 1251 to 1300

QUESTION NO 1272

QUESTION NO. 1279

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2008

QUESTION NO. 1281

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2008

Reply:

QUESTION NO. 1291

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 22 of 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 08/08/2008

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