Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 1451 to 1500

2008-11-27

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[PMG note: Any gaps in the numbering are due to the replies not being provided yet]

QUESTION 1452

DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 22 AUGUST 2008 [IQP N28 -2008]

Question 1452 for Written Reply, National Assembly: Dr. S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs:

(1) Whether she will request the Competition Commission to investigate irregular competition and price increases in processed agricultural products; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the uncertainty regarding finalisation of land restitution and dealing with land reform is having a negative effect on the production and supply of livestock, crop harvesting, market gardening and forestry produce; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2196E

REPLY:

1. The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs appointed the Food Pricing Monitoring Committee in January 2003 in terms of Section 7 of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act No 47 of 1997 to investigate price formation in food value chains, particularly basic foodstuffs. The Committee was tasked to engage, during its investigations, with food industries value chains and regulators like the Competition Commission in conducting its investigations and to further make its findings public. The first task of the Committee was to conduct an investigation to determine the competitiveness of production and food processing operations and price formation mechanisms within the food value chains. The view was that the conclusion of the investigation will provide recommendations on required productivity improvements in identified areas of market inefficiencies and distortions; identify incidents of predatory pricing and monopolistic tendencies, as well as collusive, discriminatory or otherwise unfair practices.

Following were the Terms of Reference for the Food Pricing Monitoring Committee:

ü Monitor the pricing of basic foodstuffs

ü Investigate any sharp or unjustified food price increases

ü Determine the competitiveness of production operations

ü Investigate price formation mechanisms within the value chains of basic foodstuffs by analyzing each supply chain in terms of the following aspects:

· Number of producers, processors and traders and the level of concentration at each node

· Extent of vertical/horizontal integration and competition/concentration in the supply chain

· Do a gross margin analysis at each node of the supply chain

· Establish the magnitude of differences between urban and rural pricing structures and the causal factors thereof;

· Identify major cost drivers in each food product's supply chain

· Make recommendations on an appropriate environment for optimal food pricing

ü Recommend required productivity improvements.

ü Review the effectiveness of government systems of research, monitoring and

information dissemination on food prices and policy.

ü Establish and maintain a national food price monitoring database.

ü Monitor by using the existing system (e.g. early warning unit) the regional (SADC)

food situation and its possible impact on the national food security.

ü Investigate incidents of predatory pricing, discrimination, collusive, unfair business practices and monopolistic tendencies within the basic food supply chains in collaboration with the Competition Commission.

The committee concluded its work and generated some recommendations that were tabled and approved by cabinet. As part of the recommendations, it was approved that the Minister establishes a permanent Food Pricing Monitoring Unit (FPMU) within the National Agricultural Marketing Council to track food prices on a permanent basis. The FPMU is now fully functional and is working closely with the Department of Agriculture and the Competition Commission on matters pertaining to any irregular practices by agro-industries in broad. Since the release of the Food Price Monitoring Committee report, a number of investigations were launched on the food industries such as the baking, dairy, silo, fertilizers, etc. It must therefore be noted that the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs has established a permanent and automatic system that is geared towards investigating any ant-trust practices in industry within the agro-industry complex.

2. The answer for redistribution will be 'No'; thus land reform does not have negative effect on the production and supply of livestock, crop harvesting, market gardening and forestry produce

QUESTION 1453

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 24-2008]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 22 AUGUST 2008

1453. Dr S M van Dyk (DA ) to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs:

(1) (a) How many farmers have not yet been notified that there is a land claim on their farm and (b) how many claims have already been published in the Government Gazette;

(2) whether all farmers on whose property land claims have been instituted will be notified of such claims; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the relevant details? NW2197E

THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS:

(1)(a) The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights is currently finalizing further mapping and research on the outstanding land claims. Therefore, in instances where properties have not yet been gazetted, farmers would not yet have been notified.

(b) 57 827.

(2) Yes.

(a) As soon as the land claims have been gazetted.

(b) In terms of section 11(6) of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994.

QUESTION NO. 1455

(Internal Question Paper No 24 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) (a) In which way is his department assisting the first 150 municipalities to develop and implement anti-corruption strategies as promised in the 2008 state of the nation address and (b) what do the strategies entail;

(2) whether all 150 municipalities have been identified; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

ANSWER

(1) (a) The 150 municipalities are provided assistance, in partnership with the provinces, to develop fraud and corruption prevention plans.

(b) This entails the development of systems, policies and procedures aimed at preventing corruption in respect of particular risk areas.

(2) Yes. The 150 municipalities were identified in consultation with the provinces.

QUESTION NO. 1457

(Internal Question Paper No 24 – 2008)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:

(1) Whether he or his department will take any steps to (a) reduce the debts owed to municipalities by government departments and (b) ensure the timeous payment of municipal accounts by government departments; if not, why not; if so, what steps;

(2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

ANSWER

(1) (a) and (b) Yes.

Section 38(1)(f) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999), provides that the accounting officer of a national or provincial government department must settle all contractual obligations and pay all money owing, including intergovernmental claims, within the prescribed or agreed period. Further, item 8.2.3 of the National Treasury Regulations that were issued in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, provides that all payments due to creditors must be settled within 30 days from the receipt of an invoice.

Also, section 64(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003), provides that the accounting officer of a municipality must immediately inform the National Treasury of any payments for municipal tax or municipal services by government departments that are regularly in arrears for periods of more than 30 days.

The National Treasury administers of the above-mentioned legislation. The Department of Provincial and Local Government is in the process of ascertaining the following from the National Treasury:

· the extent of compliance by government departments, trading entities and constitutional institutions with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, regarding the payment of debts owed to municipalities; and

· the extent of compliance by the accounting officers of municipalities regarding the reporting to the National Treasury of any outstanding payments by any organ of state that are regularly in arrears for periods of more than 30 days in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003.

The Department of Provincial and Local Government intends making use of the responses from the National Treasury to develop a targeted approach to assist municipalities in recovering such outstanding debts.

(2) Yes. A statement on the matter will be made only after the relevant information has been obtained from the National Treasury, and after a strategy has been developed to deal with the debts owed to municipalities by government departments and the timeous payment of such debts by these institutions.

QUESTION NO. 1458

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)

Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

Whether any of the experts who conduct testing/analysis of any drugs at the Medicines Control Council withheld their reports (a) in 2006, (b) in 2007 and (c) during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) when did this happen, (ii) what were the reasons for the reports being withheld, (iii) how many reports were withheld, (iv) what was the name of each product and (v) how was the situation resolved?

NW2166E

REPLY:

Neither my Department nor I are aware of reports that were withheld by experts of the Medicines Control Council.

QUESTION NO. 1459

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)

Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) (a) What criteria was used in determining the single exit price (SEP) (i) in 2004, (ii) in 2005, (iii) in 2006 (iv) in 2007 and (v) during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what were the reasons for changing the criteria;

(2) whether the SEP has been increased every year since 2004; if not, why not; if so, what was the average increase?

NW2167E

REPLY:

(1) (a) The SEP is the sum of the manufacturer price, logistics fee and VAT.

(i) In 2003 manufacturer price less rebates, discounts and any other incentive scheme was used to determine the SEP. The logistics fee was reported by the manufacture after negotiations with logistics service providers.

(ii) The same criteria used in 2004.

(iii) The same used in 2005.

(iv) The same used in 2006.

(v) The same used in 2008.

(b) The criteria have never been changed since the Medicine Pricing Regulations define how the SEP must be calculated.

(2) The SEP must be reviewed annually in terms of the Medicine Pricing Regulations. In 2005 the SEP increase could not be implemented due to the legal challenges against the regulations. The SEP increase calculated in 2006 took into account the 2005 period. The pharmaceutical industry suggested in their submission to the Pricing Committee that the 2007 SEP increase should be implemented at the same time as the international benchmarking process. Late in 2007 the industry withdrew this suggestion and wanted the SEP increase to be implemented. Hence the 2007 price was implemented in March 2008.

QUESTION NO. 1460

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)

Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether, since 2003, any new scheduling of medicines were published; if not, (a) why not, (b) who is responsible for scheduling medicines and (c) what action has been taken against these individuals; if so, (i) on what date were the schedules published and (ii) which medicines were scheduled;

(2) (a) how many (i) medicines are on a waiting list to be scheduled and (ii) what are the names of these medicines and (b) how long has each medicine been registered?

NW2168E

REPLY:

(1) (a) Since 2003, the Minister of Health has published the scheduling of medicines as per Government Notice No R.491, Gazette Number, 31010 and Government Notice No R.935, Gazette Number, 31387.

(b) The Medicines Act, i.e. The Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965, requires that the Minister of Health may, on recommendation of the Medicines Control Council (MCC), from time to time by notice in the Government Gazette, amend any Schedule prescribed under the Act by inclusion therein, deletion there from or in any other manner of any medicine or other substance.

(c) (i) The Amendment to the Schedules - Government Notice No 491 was published on 25 April 2008 and Government Notice No R.935 was published on 5 September 2008.

(ii) The Amendment to the Schedules - Government Notice No 491 of 25 April 2008 published the following substances:

· Ephedrine

· Pseudoephedrine

· D-nor-Pseudoephedrine

· 1-Benzylpiperazine (BZP)

· Government Notice No R. 935 of 5 September 2008 scheduled and also rescheduled various substances subject to particular conditions (Document is attached).

(2) (a) (i) During last year (2007), the MCC received 1113 applications. Following the outcome of the screening process of the applications, 995 Full applications were received. All of the 2007 Full applications have been issued a scheduling status.

During this year (2008) up to September the MCC received 621 applications. To date only 29 Full applications were received of which 28 will be tabled at the next Expert Scheduling Committee meeting of 5 November 2008, for recommendation to the following MCC meeting scheduled for 5 December 2008.

According to the current scheduling administrative process, only one application is on a waiting list for scheduling. All applications for scheduling are tabled at the Expert Scheduling Committee within 3 months from date of receipt of the Full application.

(ii) Regretfully, the names of these medicines that have not yet received a Scheduling resolution letter, cannot be made available as per the provisions of Section 34 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Confidentiality clause).

(b) Since 1965, the MCC has registered 11 600 medicines and has cancelled the registration of 920 applications. The registration status of each medicine remains active until such time as either the Company or the Medicines Control Council cancels the registration of the specific medicine. Owing to capacity constraints re-registration every 5 years has not yet been implemented.

QUESTION 1461

Mr E WTrent (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(a) What arrangements have been or are being considered regarding the maintenance of the narrow gauge railway line between Port Elizabeth and the Langkloof and (b) what progress has been made in this regard? NW2202E

REPLY:

(a-b)Transnet Freight Rail maintains the Narrow Gauge line with two track maintenance teams operating between Port Elizabeth and the Langkloof line. The team is responsible for track, bridge and mechanical maintenance as well as managing the contract for the control of vegetation growth.

QUESTION 1463

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 25-2008]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 AUGUST 2008

1463. Mr A H Nel (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs:

What is the status of the claim of a certain person (name and details furnished)?

NW2204E

THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS:

The claim lodged by the late Mr Mogdien Hendricks (husband of Ms Fareda Maart) is part of the Port Elizabeth Phase 2 (223) claims, which were grouped together in order to speed up the efficient and effective settlement of claims in that area. These claims were submitted to the Office of the Chief Land Claims Commissioner for approval. However, approval was not granted due to the wrong Consumer Price Index (CPI) used by the valuer to determine the monetary values of the claims. Unfortunately, the valuer passed away before correcting the valuation. As a result, the Commission had to appoint a new valuer to restart the valuation process.

The valuation has been completed and the claim is now at the referral stage for approval in terms of section 42D of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994.

QUESTION 1465 (WRITTEN REPLY) FRIDAY, 29 AUGUST 2008

MR. L.K JOUBERT (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS

1. Whether the Minister has considered or will consider secured parking for Members of Parliament's motor vehicles at the Acacia Park Parliamentary Village; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

1. Yes, the possibility of securing vehicle parking at Acacia Park is under investigation.

Further details on the investigation will be provided as and when they emerge in future.

QUESTION NO 1466

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: WEDNESDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 29 AUGUST 2008 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 – 2008)

Mr S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

Whether an overloaded heavy vehicle can reduce the payload by removing chains, spare wheels, canvas covers as opposed to the physical cargo being carried in order to bring the payload within tolerances allowed; if not, why not; if so, what is the policy in this regard?

NW2207E

REPLY:

1.1

The Minister of Transport:

Most freight transport operators, who are trying to optimise the productivity of their vehicle fleets, aim to minimise the unladen mass of their vehicles (which includes accessories) in order to maximise the payload. However, there are various "accessories", such as spare tyre(s), chains and canvas covers that are necessary to ensure the safe transport of the load. In some cases, judgement by the operator is required in deciding, for example, whether to carry one, two or even three spare tyres (depending on the transport route and the condition of the road). In other cases, there are minimum requirements for securing a load. The operator may have to carry both chains and canvas covers on one vehicle, as the cargo, and therefore the type of load securement, may differ at various stages of the same trip.

The policy is that a vehicle needs to be legally loaded in every respect. The vehicle must be roadworthy and have a certificate in this regard, which must be renewed annually. A vehicle needs to be operated in a safe manner and the load must be well secured. Although, it is expected that an operator must apply their minds to ensure loads are well secured, there are standard specifications on "Load Securement", which

were prepared by the Standards South Africa, a Division of the South African Bureau of Standards.

QUESTION NO. 1467 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 August 2008

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

Whether his department has made any progress in coordinating efforts to green the 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament; if not, why not; if so, what efforts are being made (a) by each host city in respect of (i)(aa) waste and (bb) water management, (ii) energy efficiency and (iii) carbon offsets and (b) to appoint green ambassadors for the tournament?

NW2208E

MR G R MORGAN (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1467. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:

Yes.

(a) (i) (aa) The separation of waste streams and its financial implications is being addressed with host cities who have been urged to provide an adequate budget for this. The LOC decision on a bin system (two, three or four bins) once made will be uniform in allnine host cities and surrounding areas in order to maintain a uniform approach and not confuse the tourists.

(bb) Through the process of the green review of the stadia, DEAT has encouraged water conservation from the perspective of applying relevant technology through their procurement of dual flushing systems for ablution facilities, intelligent sensor taps in wash rooms and use of low flow showerheads. Host cities have also been encouraged to apply such technology on revamping of practice stadia and fan parks. (ii) DEAT is working in collaboration with the Central Energy Fund (CEF) and Eskom. Eskom has indicated the availability of packages for stadiums. Eskom is also offering similar packages to the hospitality industry on energy savings. Eskom is also investigating the possibility of use of green energy (generated from wind and solar energy). Host cities such as City of Cape Town will procure green energy from the Darling Wind Farm. Ethekwini Metro will utilize biogas generated from their landfill sites and City of Tshwane will be procuring biogas from Ekhurluleni Metro. In addition, the Central Energy Fund has prioritized the roll out of energy efficient lighting for both residential and street lighting in all nine host cities. Other initiatives being rolled out by the Central Energy Fund include solar powered traffic lights and cameras on freeways.

(iii) This initiative is in place. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with my department on this process. My department is worked quite intensively in securing donor funding for the implementation of the programme. To date, Norway and Germany have expressed their support on the implementation of the programme through donor funding. The Central Energy Fund has agreed in principle, to provide the technical oversight of the programme. A technical Carbon Offset Working Group is also in place. Members include; DEAT, the Organizing Committee, the UNDP, Eskom, SANERI, and CEF. A study to determine the baseline national carbon footprint is currently underway.

(b) My department has given this particular initiative attention. A proposal for the implementation of green ambassadors has been put in place. However, the challenge experienced with the proposal was securing a budget for undertaking expenses for the green ambassadors such as travel and accommodation, security for celebrities, etc. Therefore, my department has further investigated the possibility of partnering with the UNDP Global Ambassador Programme which is current and has a long list of celebrities, including international soccer icons. In addition, the OC has indicated that the South African Football Association has an Ambassador programme which includes several national soccer icons. Both the OC and UNDP are currently looking into the current terms of reference of the ambassadors within their respective programmes.

QUESTION NO. 1468 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 August 2008

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

Whether (a) his department and (b) SA Tourism were involved in any initiatives at the Beijing Olympic Games to promote tourism to South Africa; if not, why not; if so, what (i) was the nature of the event, (ii) was the cost and (iii) are the (aa) names and (bb) designations of personnel that attended the event?

NW2209E

MR G R MORGAN (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1468. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:

(a) No. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism did not attend the Beiing Olympics Games due to limited financial resources at its disposal.

(i), (ii) and (iii)(aa) and (bb) Falls away.

(b) No. There was limited capacity and resources available to host an event aimed at promoting South Africa (SA). Most event agencies were unable to assist due to the high number of events that they were managing for the Olympics itself. Our sources in China confirmed that most media to the Olympic Games were focused on the games itself and would not have been interested in any campaign aimed at promoting SA. Sport & Recreation South Africa together with 2010 SA Local Organizing Committee hosted a media event promoting South Africa's readiness to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup in SA. Two members of our staff in our Beijing office attended the media event namely; Manqoba Nyembezi and Tracy Qi, Country Manager and Marketing Assistant respectively in China. SA Tourism did not make any financial investment.

(i), (ii) and (iii)(aa) and (bb) See above.

QUESTION NO. 1469 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 August 2008

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

(1) What amount was spent on research in the (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08 financial years for each of the fisheries that currently exist;

(2) what are the (a) names and (b) designations of each scientist conducting research currently employed by the Marine and Coastal Management (MCM);

(3) (a) how many scientific posts (i) exist in and (ii) are currently vacant in MCM and (b)(i) what is the title of each post, (ii) the period each has been vacant and (iii) the reason for the previous holder of the post vacating it?

NW2210E

MR G R MORGAN (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1469. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ANSWERS:

(1) The fisheries are defined as demersal including hake, small pelagics including sardine and anchovy, rock lobster, abalone, linefish, seaweed and subsistence fisheries like mussels and oyster. Non-consumptive resource use may also be defined as fisheries and include shark cage diving and whale watching.

The budgets for the various research components for the past two years are described in the table below. These figures represent direct operational costs and exclude support functions like laboratory maintenance, salaries and ships budget. The ships budget is the major cost driver and as an indication, the 2007/8 research ship operation budget which includes fuel, crew, management and harbour fees was R 49 million and in the current 2007/8 year the projected cost is R 77 million with an actual allocation of R 59 million. The Department is currently seeking additional funds before the ships schedule is revised for this year.

Section	2006/7	2008/9
Demersal	R 776 200 (included squid in 2006/7)	R10 080 000
Small Pelagics	R 920 000	R 1 805 000
West Coast rock Lobster	R 2 105 000	R 1 627 750
Abalone	R 477 500	R 410 550
Linefish	R 1 912 000	R 1 694 900
Squid		R 730 000
South Coast Rock Lobster	R 155 000	R 136 000
Seaweed	R 286 000	R 229 500
Subsistence Fisheries (Oysters & Mussels)	R 579 000	R 773 160
Large Pelagics (tuna, swordfish etc)	R 550 000	R 479 400
Marine Protected Areas & Biodiversity	R 1 100 000	R 1 100 000
Ecosystem and non-consumptive resources (sharks)	R 1 300 000	R 1 200 000
Top marine predators (seals, seabirds,)	R 960 000	R 1 000 000

(2)(a) &(b) The list of names of scientists currently conducting research, their levels and sections are attached in spreadsheet No. 1.

(3)(a) i) & ii) The total number of scientific posts, including research managers, and which is a combination of the total of the filled and vacant lists, is: 56 + 15 = 71. (This staff figure excludes technicians and research assistants.)

(3)(b)(i);(ii)&(iii)The details of the current vacant posts are attached in spreadsheet No. 2 and include the reasons for leaving. Besides those scientists who reached retirement age, scientists in the more junior ranks generally leave for positions that afford better pay.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER

QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 1470

1470. Adv H C Schmidt DA to ask the Minister of Minerals and Energy:

(1) Whether her department has considered subsidizing the cost of converting electricity geysers to solar power geysers; if not, if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether her department has been informed of such subsiding by other departments and/ of Eskom; if so, what are the relevant details?

RESPONSES:

(1) Yes. Renewable Energy Funds Subsidy makes provision to subsidize solar water geysers. .

(2) The demand side management programme that is administered by Eskom makes provision of a 30% subsidy for a solar water geyser through suppliers that are listed on their database.

QUESTION NO 1471

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25/2008)

Date reply submitted: 27 October 2008

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

(a) How many police stations in each province (i) were inspected for compliance in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993, in each of the past three years and (ii) were assessed as (aa) compliant and (bb) noncompliant, (b) what were the findings for each police station in terms of each regulation in the Act, (c) what standard procedures are followed if a station is assessed as being noncompliant in terms of the Act and (d) what action has been taken to date to ensure compliance at each of the stations that were assessed as being noncompliant?

NW2212E

REPLY:

(a)(I) The total number of stations that were inspected for compliance in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act are reflected below:

• Eastern Cape 48

• Free State 11

• Gauteng 24

• Head Office 20

• Kwa‑Zulu Natal 23

• Limpopo 35

• Mpumalanga 23

• Northern Cape 110

• North West 121

• Western Cape 54

(ii)(aa)The total number of police stations that were assessed as compliant in each of the provinces are:

• Eastern Cape 1

• Free State 0

• Gauteng 0

• Head Office 2

• Kwa‑Zulu Natal 7

• Limpopo 0

• Mpumalanga 11

• Northern Cape 0

• North West 0

• Western Cape 12

(ii)(bb) Non‑compliant should not be interpreted as totally non‑compliant. During an evaluation it might be found that only one aspect out of a number of aspects is not in place and then that station is indicated as non‑compliant, although it might be 90% compliant in real terms, hereunder find totals referred to as non compliant per province:

• Eastern Cape 47

• Free State 11

• Gauteng 24

• Head Office 18

• Kwa‑Zulu Natal 116

• Limpopo 35

• Mpumalanga 12

• Northern Cape 110

• North West 121

• Western Cape 42

(b) The findings at each of the police station in terms of each regulation cannot be provided at this given time, however the regulations used to assess compliance and non compliance are reflected hereunder together with the generic finding at the police stations, which were as follows:

Regulations:

• Health and Safety organization : Appointments an SHE‑reps, SHE‑Committee

OHS Act, 1993: Sect 14, 17, 18, 19 and 20 in conjunction with General Administrative.

• Regulation 4.

• Electrical Installation Regulations 2,3.

• National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977) (Act No 103 of 1997) Part 2S2.

• Facilities Regulations for Workplaces(9).

• Incident Reporting System (IRS).

• OHS Act, 1993: Sect 24 in conjunction with General Administrative

Regulation 10.

• OHS Act, 1993: General Safety Regulation 3 First Aid.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): OHS Act, 1993: General Safety Regulation 2.

• Fire Safety and Emergency / Escape routes.

OHS Act, 1993: Environmental Regulation 9.

• Health and Safety organization : Appointments an SHE‑reps, SHE‑Committee

• Electrical Installation Regulations 2,3.

• Facilities Regulations for Workplaces(9).

• Incident Reporting System (IRS).

OHS Act, 1993: Sect 24 in conjunction with General Administrative Regulation 10.

• OHS Act, 1993: General Safety Regulation 3 First Aid.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): OHS Act, 1993: General Safety Regulation 2.

• Fire Safety and Emergency / Escape routes.

OHS Act, 1993: Environmental Regulation 9.

• Sanitary Facilities and Hygienic Amenities.

• Buildings and Surroundings Housekeeping: OHS Act, 1993: Environmental Regulation 6.

• Ventilation and Temperature Environmental Regulation (5).

• Lighting: Natural and Artificial: OHS Act, 1993: Environmental Regulation 3 and 4.

Storage facilities: OHS Act, 1993: General Safety Regulation (8).

• Physical Security: OHS Act, 1993: Section 8 .

• Sanitary Facilities and Hygienic Amenities.

• OHS Act, 1993: Facilities Regulations 2, 3 and 4 OHS Act, 1993.

• Buildings and Surroundings Housekeeping: OHS Act, 1993: Environmental Regulation 6.

• Ventilation and Temperature Environmental Regulation (5).

• Lighting: Natural and Artificial: OHS Act, 1993: Environmental Regulation 3 and 4.

• Storage facilities: OHS Act, 1993: General Safety Regulation (8).

• Physical Security: OHS Act, 1993: Section 8.

Generic Findings:

• Leaking roofs and peeling of the paint.

• Inadequate sanitation facilities.

• Rubbish and refuse should be removed.

• A certificate of compliance for the electrical installation or installations of the station must be obtained.

• Entrance to the police station has been adapted to accommodate disabled persons, but not the toilets.

• All prescribed symbolic safety signage must be displayed as required by legislation.

• Insufficient fire extinguishing equipment, but no registers are available at this premise.

• All fire fighting equipment should be maintained annually.

• All injuries / illness on duty have to be recorded on the prescribed Incident Reporting System (IRS) form.

• The Station Commissioner should ensure that health and safety committee meetings take place and that minutes of meetings are kept.

• In the area where the first aid kit or box is kept, a symbolic safety sign should be affixed indicating the first aid kit or box.

• The name of the member responsible for the first aid kit or box should be prominently displayed on the first aid kit or box.

• The first‑aiders must be in possession of a valid certificate of competency in first aid issued by an accredited and registered person or organization and trained.

(c) The standard procedure that is followed after an assessment whereby police stations are found non‑compliant is:

• The inspection report is sent to Facility Section, SCM , NAT Evaluation Services, SC Performance Management and Division/ Provincial Commissioners

• Whilst conducting the audit, advice and guidance is given to ensure compliance with the Act

• Stations/Units are given 3 months in which to comply with legislation as pointed out and then provide this office with a return stating what action steps were put in place to comply . Follow up inspections .

• All stations whom do not respond/comply will be reported to the Provincial Commissioner for further action. In terms of the National Instruction further

non‑compliance can result into disciplinary steps taken.

• Gross violation Department of Labour acts to issue a prohibition/contravention/improvement notices eg, dangerous

goods in use by SAPS.

• In life threatening instances and in situations whereby there would be serious consequences immediate action is taken.

(d) The following actions have been taken to ensure that police stations are compliant with the relevant regulations:

• Repairs and renovation are executed whenever the need arises.

• Buildings are being remodelled to become more accessible to people with disabilities.

• Regular inspections are held.

• On the job workshops and training are given.

• An electronic SHE programme with guidelines are downloaded at the particular workplace as a reference and to provide guidance.

• Follow up inspections by the National and Provincial SHE Management.

It must be noted that the status of these police stations are not constant and changes daily, therefore the totals provided in this report will also not remain constant.

QUESTION NO: 1472

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

(a) In what hospital is a certain person (name furnished) at present, (b) what is he in hospital for, (c) what are the details with regard to the provisions of his hospital stay in terms of (i) the presence of an armed guard, (ii) visiting hours and (iii) any other privileges, special or otherwise, (d) how long is he expected to remain in hospital, (e) for how many days had he been (i) hospitalised and (ii) in prison since the beginning of his prison sentence up to 25 August 2008 and (f) what is the total monetary cost of his hospitalisation to date? NW2213E

REPLY

(a) He is presently in the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital which is a Government Hospital.

(b) He is in hospital for the treatment of cardiac problems.

(c) (i) There are no armed guards guarding him.

(ii) He receives visitors in terms of the Correctional Services Privilege System for offenders which is monitored by the official guarding him and recorded in the visit register that is with the official. Visiting times are those of the hospital visiting times.

(iii) There are no other special privileges except those privileges in accordance with the Correctional Services' Privilege System.

(d) Doctors are presently preparing him for discharge from the hospital which might be next week.

(e) (i) He has been hospitalised for a total of three hundred and four (304) days. Two hundred and twenty (220) days were spent in the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and eighty four (84) days in the St Augustine Hospital at his own cost.

(ii) He has spent three hundred and forty one (341) days in prison.

(f) The total monetary cost of his hospitalisation is R262 713, 00.

QUESTION NO.: 1473 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 AUGUST 2008

Mr L K Joubert (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:

(a) How many (i) permanent and (ii) acting or temporary posts for Sheriff of the court were (aa) filled and (bb) vacant in each court in each province on 25 August 2008, (b) how long has each vacant post been vacant and (c) how many (i) resignations and (ii) terminations for these posts have been received annually in each of the past three years?

NW2214E

REPLY

(a)(i) 546 permanent posts

(ii) 187 acting Sheriffs

(aa) 359 posts are filled

(bb) 187 posts are vacant.

The acting appointments reflect the following:-

o 161 retired Sheriffs have been reappointed as acting Sheriffs

o 26 Sheriffs have been given additional areas to cover.

The deliberate non filling of vacant posts for the past three years was due to the following reasons:

(i) An audit of the entire sheriffs' profession was commissioned to collate accurate and reliable data to guide the Government's intervention to transform the Sheriffs sector. The Sheriffs sector has remained one of the least transformed sector since 1994. (The sheriffs race and gender composition still reflects 74% white and 13 % female); and

(i) The Regulations made by the Minister in terms of the Sheriffs Act of 1986 (made before 1994) were not entirely consistent with the constitutional dispensation, for example they entrusted certain administrative functions (appointment and financial management tasks) to the magistrates. In terms of these Regulations, magistrates are accountable to the Director-General for the performance of these tasks. The Regulations had to be amended to ensure consistency with the separation of powers and judicial independence.

Both the Regulations and the audit have now been completed. The Regulations will be published soon after they have been certified by the State Law Advisers and the vacant posts will be advertised and filled shortly thereafter. The memorandum to affect these far-reaching changes is being processed at present for the Minister's decision.

(b) For the reasons given above, the 187 vacant posts of Sheriffs have remained vacant for anything ranging from a short period to 3 years (since 2005).

(i)(ii) 28 Sheriffs have resigned in the past 3 years. 6 Sheriffs resigned in 2006; 10 Sheriffs resigned in 2007; and 12 Sheriffs resigned in 2008.

Question 1478

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

(1) Whether a review has been conducted of the staff of the lottery distribution agencies; if not, why not; if so, (a) why, (b) what has the progress been and (c) when will this process be completed;

(2) whether the performance of the current and anticipated new staff is to be improved with the introduction of effective performance management systems and targets; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?NW2220E

Response:

(1) Yes, the performance of the staff is evaluated regularly in line with the Board's performance assessment policy.

(2) Yes, the Board has undertaken a re-engineering process and improvements on the management system which will result in improvements in performance.

QUESTION NO. 1479

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)

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

(1) (a) How many cases of extreme drug resistant (XDR) TB have been confirmed in each province at the date of the first recorded outbreak, (b) on what date was each of these cases confirmed and (c) what is the current status of each patient;

(2) whether all of the surviving patients are confined to hospitals; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so what are the relevant details;

(3) whether any doctors working in the public sector have received specialised training in XDR TB; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2222E

REPLY:

Province	Total numbers of XDR-TB	Not started on treatment	On treatment		Defaulted	Transferred	Died		Cured
			In patient	Discharged			Before treatment start	Whilst on treatment
EC	396	6	123	23	0	1 (WC)	123	120	0
FS	14	1	4	0	0	1(KZN)	0	7	1
GP	65	0	23	14	3	4 (KZN=3); (NW =1)	5	16	0
KZN	267	19	83	79	8	0	77		1
LP	8	0	2	1	0	2 (MPU)	0	3	0
MP	14	0	2	1	0	0	7	2	0
NC	22	0	10	3	1	0	3	5	0
NW
WC	107	0	42	12	4	1 (EC)	13	35	0

*Data is for the period January 2007 to November 2008 and based on provincial reports

*The data at national level is aggregated and are not able to provide patient specific data

(2) XDR-TB patients are prioritised for hospitalisation and admitted in the MDR-TB hospital after confirmation of the diagnosis by the laboratory. Not all surviving XDR-TB patients are confined in hospital; the policy allows for hospitalisation of patients who are still infectious to isolate them and minimise risk of spreading infection, to initiate treatment and monitor progress on treatment. All non infectious patients (who are sputum culture negative within the six months intensive phase of treatment) are discharged to continue treatment at home, supervised by the local clinic and followed up at the hospital monthly.

In some provinces such as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Western Cape have patients who have defaulted treatment or refused further treatment/ hospitalisation. These patients are in the communities without treatment, attempts are made to trace all patients who default and restart them on treatment but some patients cannot be found at their addresses.

Some patients are now confirmed treatment failures which mean that after taking treatment for 18 months or more in the hospital they are still infectious (sputum culture positive). Provinces have discharged them home for palliative care because of the pressure of beds for new patients particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and the fact that continuing treatment will not benefit the patients but risks the development of further resistance creating super resistant strains. These patients and their families are counselled, home assessments conducted for both socio-economic and infection control measures. They are followed up by the local clinic or community health workers and monthly at the hospital.

(3) Yes, 15 doctors and nurses from the MDR-TB hospitals were sent to Latvia for training on the clinical management of Drug Resistant TB. Subsequent to this three workshops facilitated by the WHO were held in 2007 with 50 doctors and 50 nurses as well all provincial programme managers trained. The Department of Health together with our partners have trained 844 nurses and 166 doctors on the management of drug resistant TB. The training included health professionals from the mining hospitals and correctional services. Plans are underway to engage other NGOs and medical institutions to develop training programmes for Drug resistant TB.

The National Department of Health develops the information system for drug resistant TB – standardisation of the data collection tools which are patient and clinic/ hospital cards, registers, transfer forms. Training is conducted for all provinces on the use of these tools and ongoing support provided.

The NDOH adopted the standardised WHO indicators for MDR and XDR-TB which the facilities are expected to report on, on a quarterly and annual basis. The treating facilities report to the province where the data is collated and forwarded to the national level. Due to the long duration of treatment the treatment outcomes are only available two years after treatment start.

Since XDR-TB is a laboratory diagnosis, the NHLS reports to the facilities within 24 hours of confirming the diagnosis and monthly to the province and national department. This is to ensure that all diagnosed patients are started on treatment and where this is not the case to investigate.

The NDOH coordinates the training on XDR-TB much as this is supposed to be the responsibility of the provinces. Currently NGOs and Technical agencies such as the WHO have been assisting with rolling out the training. The challenge is that the local training institutions do not offer any specialised TB courses but the DOH is currently working with paediatricians from all the universities to develop a training manual on managing TB and DR-TB in children which can be used by the universities and will be engaging physicians and cardiothoracic surgeons on the same initiative.

In terms of monitoring or assessment, the National Department of Health does not monitor nor assess the numbers of persons who receive training, as this must be the responsibility of the province. The National Department of Health however monitors this to ensure that all health care professionals have been trained and are competent to manage patients with XDR-TB.

QUESTION NO. 1480

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)

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

(a) Where is each of the accredited antiretroviral distribution sites located as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) how many patients (i) are enrolled for ARV treatment, (ii) are on the waiting list and (iii) died while enrolled for treatment?

NW2223E

REPLY:

CCMT Data
Province	Health District	Number of Facilities per district	Cummulative No. of Patients on ART per province June 2008	Number of Patients died per province June 2008	Number of Patients on Waiting list per province June 2008
Gauteng	Metsweding	2	108290	139	0
	Tshwane	10
	JHB Metro	22
	Ekurhuleni	10
	Sedibeng	7
	West Rand	8
	Total Facilities	59
Mpumalanga	Ehlanzeni	10	31840	173	1345
	Gert Sibande	6
	Nkangala	8
	Total Facilities	24
Limpopo	Bohlabela	3	32405	262	0
	Capricorn	10
	Greater Sekhukhune	6
	Mopani	10
	Vhembe	11
	Waterberg	10
	Total Facilities	50
Kwa-Zulu Natal	UGU	4	154611	103	0
	uMgungundlovu	10
	uThukela	3
	uMzinyathi	4
	Amajuba	4
	Zululand	7
	uMkhanyakude	5
	uThungulu	10
	iLembe	6
	Sisonke	6
	eThekwini	22
	Total Facilities	81
North West	Central	6	49095	2449	2351
	Bojanala	9
	Bophirima	4
	Southern	4
	Total Facilities	23
Free State	Motheo	6	25784	117	480
	Xhariep	5
	Lejweleputswa	3
	Fezile Dabi	7
	Thabo Mafutsanyana	7
	Total Facilities	28
Eastern Cape	Amathole	20	55069	179	0
	Alfred Nzo	3
	Chris Hani	8
	Ukhahlamba	4
	OR Tambo	14
	Cacadu	5
	Nelson Mandela Metropolitan	12
	Total Facilities	66
Northern Cape	Francis Baard	4	9801	114	0
	Siyanda	2
	Prixley ka Seme	4
	Namaqua	2
	Kgalagadi	3
	Total Facilities	15
Western Cape	Academic Complex	3	41671	189	0
	Cape Winelands	13
	Central Karoo	4
	Eden	8
	Metro Disrict Health Services	34
	Metro Institutions	2
	Overberg	4
	Westcoast	4
	Total Facilities	72
South Africa		418	508566	3715	4176

PS: Patients on waiting list are those patients that have been through the two to four weeks' preparation and counselling for ART.

QUESTION 1481

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 29/08/2008

(INTERNAL QESTION PAPER 25-2008)

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

Whether her department has any mechanisms in place to punish learners who repeatedly engage in anti-social behaviour such as bullying, physical or sexual assaults or any other behaviour that threatens the well-being of other learners and/or teachers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2225E

REPLY:

Yes, the South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996) requires school governing bodies and school management teams to establish and implement codes of conduct for learners in all educational settings. Codes of conduct for learners are negotiated commitments on the part of all learners and parents to abide by set rules so that effective teaching and learning can take place undisturbed. This implies a commitment from educators to establish discipline as a positive, learning process. In terms of section 8(4) of the Schools Act, learners are obliged to comply with the code of conduct. Section 8(5) makes provision for due process, including a fair hearing before a learner may be suspended by the school governing body or expelled by the provincial head of department. Section 9 prescribes two kinds of suspension: (i) as a correctional measure for a period of up to a week, or (ii) pending a decision from the provincial education department as to whether the learner is to be expelled from the school. These processes should be followed in all cases, including anti-social behaviour as described in the question. Schools may act immediately in such cases to ensure the safety of other learners and/or teachers and have been encouraged to do so.

QUESTION 1482

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

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

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in KwaZulu-Natal as at 25 August 2008?

NW2226E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services were available at each office in the Kwazulu-Natal Province on 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Amajuba Regional Office (R/O)	43	13	16
Chatsworth District Office (D/O)	23	5	1
Commercial Road D/O	43	11	1
Dundee D/O	12	4	0
Empangeni D/O	30	9	1
Eshowe D/O	17	4	1
Estcourt D/O	11	3	0
Ethekwini D/O	61	21	4
Greytown D/O	2	0	0
Howick D/O	0	2	0
Ingwavuma Service Point (S/P)	17	5	1
Ixopo D/O	17	5	1
Jozini D/O	15	5	1
Kokstad D/O	22	6	1
Kwadukuza D/O	22	7	1
Kwamashu D/O	8	2	0
Ladysmith D/O	34	10	1
Maphumulo D/O	8	2	0
Mbazwana S/P	16	5	1
Melmoth D/O	10	1	1
Mpumalanga D/O	8	1	0
Mtubatuba D/O	26	7	1
Ndwedwe R/O	51	15	3
New Hanover D/O	8	1	1
Ngotshane D/O	13	1	1
Nkandla D/O	10	3	0
Nongoma D/O	10	2	0
Nquthu D/O	8	2	0
Phoenix D/O	26	7	1
Pinetown D/O	43	11	1
Prospecton D/O	27	7	1
Richmond D/O	10	3	0
Scottburgh D/O	27	8	1
Tongaat D/O	25	7	1
Ugu R/O	49	15	3
Umbumbulu D/O	8	2	0
Umgungundlovu D/O	16	11	3
Umlazi D/O	37	11	3
Umsinga D/O	14	6	1
Uthungulu R/O	53	15	3
Vryheid D/O	27	7	1
Zululand R/O	25	2	1
TOTAL	932	264	58

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Kwazulu-Natal Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Managers
Ethekwini D/O	24	5	3
Ugu R/O	16	4	1
Umgungundlovu D/O	15	4	1
Uthungulu R/O	20	5	1
Amajuba R/O	12	16	6
Golela PCO	18	6	1
Kosi Bay PCO	8	3	0
Onverwacht Port Control Office (PCO)	5	1	0
Durban Harbour PCO	12	3	0
King Shaka Airport PCO	18	2	2
Sani Pass PCO	3	1	0
Boesmansnek PCO	3	1	0
TOTAL	154	51	15

QUESTION 1483

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

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

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in the Western Cape as at 25 August 2008?

NW2227E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Western Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Cape Town Regional Office (R/O)	124	38	4
Wynberg District Office (D/O)	44	13	1
Bellville D/O	62	21	1
Cape Town International Airport	51	12	1
Cape Town Harbour	11	3	0
Cape Town Refugee Reception Office	16	9	1
Paarl R/O	34	11	2
Worcester D/O	19	7	1
Stellenbosch D/O	6	2	0
Malmesbury D/O	22	7	1
Vredendal D/O	8	2	0
George R/O	35	15	2
Knysna D/O	11	2	0
Beaufort West D/O	14	5	0
Oudtshoorn D/O	12	3	0
Khayelitsha R/O	38	17	2
Caledon D/O	24	8	1
Mitchell's Plain D/O	21	6	1
Nyanga D/O	32	7	1
TOTAL	584	188	19

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Western Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Cape Town International Airport	90	9	2
Cape Town R/O	40	4	1
Cape Town Harbour	10	3	0
Khayelitsha R/O	14	3	1
George R/O	15	3	1
Paarl R/O	15	3	1
Malmesbury D/O	5	1	0
TOTAL	189	26	6

QUESTION 1484

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

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

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Mpumalanga as at 25 August 2008?

NW2228E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Mpumalanga Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Nelspruit Regional Office (R/O)	13	6	2
Barberton District Office (D/O)	5	2	1
Hazyview D/O	7	3	1
Komatipoort D/O	6	2	1
Lydenburg D/O	4	1	1
Mhala D/O	9	6	1
Nkomazi D/O	5	3	1
White River D/O	5	2	1
Witbank R/O	36	16	2
Middelburg D/O	19	6	1
Belfast D/O	5	2	0
Kwamhlanga D/O	10	4	1
Mdutjana D/O	18	7	1
Mkobola D/O	9	3	0
Ermelo R/O	23	8	2
Piet Retief D/O	5	3	1
Evander D/O	22	7	1
Bethal D/O	8	2	1
Standerton D/O	6	2	0
Volksrust D/O	5	2	0
TOTAL	220	87	19

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Mpumalanga Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Nelspruit R/O	10	4	1
Witbank R/O	10	1	0
Middelburg D/O	2	0	0
Siyabuswa D/O	0	1	0
Lydenburg D/O	2	0	0
Hazyview D/O	2	0	0
White River D/O	2	1	0
Nkomazi D/O	2	0	0
Komatipoort D/O	5	0	0
Barberton D/O	2	1	0
Lebombo Port Control Office (PCO)	41	2	0
Mananga PCO	6	2	0
Jeppes Reef PCO	10	2	0
Josefsdal PCO	1	1	0
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport PCO	9	2	0
Mhala D/O	5	1	0
Ermelo R/O	1	1	0
Piet Retief PCO	1	1	0
Bethal D/O	1	0	0
Secunda D/O	1	0	0
Oshoek PCO	31	1	0
Waverley PCO	2	1	0
Nerston D/O	4	2	0
Emahlathini D/O	4	1	0
Mahamba PCO	10	4	0
TOTAL	164	29	1

QUESTION 1485

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Eastern Cape as at 25 August 2008?

NW2229E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Eastern Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
King Williams Town Regional Office (R/O)	24	15	2
Zwelitsha Service Point (S/P)	3	1	0
Alice District Office (D/O)	12	5	1
Fort Beaufort S/P	3	1	0
Middledrift S/P	3	2	0
East London D/O	26	10	1
Keiskammahoek D/O	11	6	0
Mdantsane D/O	9	5	0
Peddie D/O	8	4	0
Queenstown R/O	31	12	2
Whittlesea S/P	3	1	0
Cofimvaba D/O	16	5	1
Tsomo S/P	3	1	0
Cradock D/O	12	5	1
Middleburg S/P	3	1	0
Ngcobo D/O	13	4	1
Cala S/P	3	1	0
Elliot S/P	3	1	0
Lady Frere D/O	10	5	0
Port Elizabeth R/O	33	15	2
Clearly Park D/O	14	4	1
Graaff Reinet D/O	8	4	1
Grahamstown D/O	12	5	1
Port Alfred S/P	3	1	0
Humansdorp D/O	12	5	1
Motherwell D/O	20	6	1
Somerset East D/O	6	3	0
Uitenhage D/O	17	5	1
Mthatha R/O	31	18	2
Mqanduli S/P	5	1	0
Butterworth D/O	12	7	1
Ngqamakhwe S/P	4	1	0
Centane Thusong D/O	2	1	0
Qumbu D/O	10	4	1
Tsolo S/P	4	1	0
Willowvale D/P	17	6	1
Dutywa S/P	4	1	0
Elliotdale S/P	2	1	0
Mount Frere R/O	22	10	2
Mt Ayliff S/P	3	1	0
Aliwal North D/O	6	3	0
Burgersdorp D/O	6	3	0
Mount Fletcher D/O	6	3	1
Maluti S/P	3	1	0
Matatiele S/P	3	1	0
Sterkspruit D/O	14	6	1
Lusikisiki R/O	21	8	2
Flagstaff S/P	3	1	0
Bizana D/O	14	5	1
Libode D/O	14	5	1
Ngqeleni S/P	4	1	0
Port St Johns D/O	12	5	1
Ntabankulu D/O	8	4	0
TOTAL	551	231	31

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Eastern Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
King William's Town R/O	21	5	2
East London D/O	16	4	0
Queenstown D/O	21	6	1
Engcobo D/O	2	1	0
Port Elizabeth R/O	12	5	1
Graaf Reinett D/O	4	1	0
Grahamstown D/O	6	2	0
Butterworth D/O	5	1	0
Mount Fletcher D/O	5	1	0
Sterkspruit PCO	5	1	0
Lusikisiki PCO	16	5	1
Mthatha R/O	19	5	1
Couga PCO	16	5	0
Telebridge PCO	10	1	0
Qachasneck PCO	10	1	0
Ramatisilo PCO	6	1	0
Ongeluksnek PCO	6	1	0
TOTAL	180	46	6

QUESTION 1486

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Northern Cape as at 25 August 2008?

NW2230E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Northern Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Kimberley Regional Office (R/O)	49	22	2
De Aar District Office (D/O)	15	6	1
Prieska D/O	10	4	0
Jan Kempdorp D/O	8	3	0
Upington R/O	43	18	2
Kuruman D/O	24	10	1
Postmasburg D/O	13	5	1
Springbok R/O	23	10	2
Pampierstad D/O	12	6	0
Calvinia D/O	13	5	1
TOTAL	210	89	10

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Northern Cape Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Kimberley R/O	17	6	1
Upington R/O	22	6	1
Springbok D/O	12	4	1
De Aar D/O	5	1	0
Kuruman D/O	11	3	0
Alexander Bay Port Control Office (PCO)	7	1	0
Sendelingsdrift PCO	2	1	0
Vioolsdrift PCO	17	5	0
Onseepkans PCO	2	1	0
Nakop PCO	17	7	0
Rietfontein PCO	2	1	0
Gemsbok PCO	3	1	0
Twee Rivieren PCO	2	1	0
Middelputs PCO	2	1	0
McCarthy's Rest PCO	2	1	0
TOTAL	123	40	3

QUESTION 1487

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Ms H Weber (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Limpopo as at 25 August 2008?

NW2231E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Limpopo Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Giyani Regional Office (R/O)	12	3	2
Tzaneen District Office (D/O)	17	6	1
Phalaborwa D/O	12	3	1
Thohoyandou R/O	27	4	2
Vuwani D/O	12	5	1
Dzanani D/O	14	5	1
Elim D/O	13	6	1
Malamulele D/O	12	4	1
Makhado D/O	20	6	1
Mutale D/O	13	4	1
Musina D/O	6	2	1
Mokopane R/O	27	4	2
Lephalale D/O	12	3	1
Modimolle D/O	8	2	0
Tauyatwala D/O	3	0	0
Thabazimbi D/O	6	0	0
Polokwane R/O	28	6	2
Bochum D/O	9	3	0
Seshego D/O	3	0	0
Mankweng D/O	7	2	0
Lebowakgomo D/O	50	12	1
Molemole D/O	7	3	1
Groblersdal D/O	6	3	1
Sekhukhuni Hospitals	25	9	0
TOTAL	349	95	21

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Limpopo Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

QUESTION 1488

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Gauteng as at 25 August 2008?

NW2232E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Gauteng Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Brakpan District Office (D/O)	19	6	1
Nigel D/O	22	6	1
Kempton Park D/O	30	9	1
Benoni D/O	19	6	1
Springs Regional Office (R/O)	45	14	2
Boksburg D/O	24	2	1
Germiston R/O	31	4	2
Akasia R/O	25	6	2
Centurion D/O	10	3	1
Alberton D/O	23	3	2
Edenvale D/O	17	3	2
Cullinan D/O	14	5	1
Mabopane D/O	18	2	1
Soshanguve D/O	10	3	1
Garankuwa D/O	25	7	1
Pretoria R/O	88	16	2
Johannesburg R/O	20	20	2
Alexandra D/O	4	4	0
Market Street D/O	4	9	0
Randburg D/O	14	6	0
Sandton D/O	6	3	1
Randfontein R/O	9	12	2
Carletonville D/O	5	4	1
Krugersdorp D/O	5	6	1
Soweto R/O	9	9	1
Roodepoort D/O	17	7	1
Vereeniging R/O	19	11	2
Heidelberg D/O	4	2	0
Sebokeng D/O	4	2	1
Vanderbijlpark D/O	11	4	1
Total	551	194	35

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Gauteng Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Springs R/O	18	3	2
Benoni D/O	4	1	0
Kempton Park D/O	3	1	0
Nigel D/O	5	1	0
Daveyton D/O	5	1	0
Tembisa D/O	5	1	0
Brakpan D/O	5	1	0
Carletonville D/O	1	1	0
Krugersdorp D/O	3	1	0
Soweto R/O	5	2	1
Vereeniging R/O	8	1	1
Germiston R/O	16	3	1
Alberton D/O	3	1	0
Boksburg D/O	3	1	0
Edenvale D/O	3	1	0
Randburg D/O	3	1	0
Randfontein D/O	40	2	2
Roodepoort D/O	2	1	0
Marabastad D/O	24	5	2
Akasia R/O	0	1	1
Pretoria R/O	10	6	1
Johannesburg R/O	19	3	0
Lanseria Airport	8	1	0
O R Tambo International Airport	161	17	4
Crown Mines Refugee Reception Office	34	52	9
TOTAL	388	109	24

QUESTION 1489

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Mr T D Lee to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in North West Province as at 25 August 2008?

NW2233E

REPLY

Due to the fact that the Department of Home Affairs has separated its Civic Services and Immigration Services as part of its Turnaround Project, the following number of posts relating to Civic Services were available in the North West Province on 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

North West Province
Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Mmabatho Regional Office	22	6	9
Molopo District Office	14	2	5
Lehurutshe District Office	9	2	3
Ganyesa District Office	9	3	2
Taung District Office	14	4	4
Vryburg District Office	7	3	4
Rustenburg Regional Office	20	6	8
Mankwe District Office	5	3	4
Madikwe District Office	7	4	2
Brits District Office	10	2	4
Garankuwa District Office	7	2	5
Mabopane District Office	8	4	3
Moretele District Office	15	3	2
Klerksdorp District Office	17	5	7
Lichtenburg District Office	12	3	4
Atamelang District Office	6	2	2
Potchefstroom District Office	8	2	3
Wolmaranstad District Office	2	0	1
TOTAL	192	56	72

Due to the fact that the Department of Home Affairs has separated its Civic Services and Immigration Services as part of its Turnaround Project, the following number of posts relating to Immigration Services were available in the North West Province on
25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Mafikeng	0	0	1
Mafikeng RRO	5	2	1
Mmabatho	20	5	1
Klerksdorp	20	5	1
Rustenburg	20	5	1
Brits	5	1	0
Moretele	5	1	0
Lehurutse	5	1	0
Vryburg	5	1	0
Ganyesa	5	1	0
Potchefstroom	5	1	0
Makopong	6	1	0
Bray	6	1	0
Makgobistad	6	1	0
Derdepoort	6	1	0
Swartkopfontein	12	4	0
Kopfontein	24	7	0
Ramatlabana	24	7	0
Skilpadshek	24	7	0
TOTAL	203	52	5

QUESTION 1490

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 29 August 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25 of 2008

Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

How many posts were there for (a) counter staff, (b) supervisors and (c) management at each office in Free State Province as at 25 August 2008?

NW2234E

REPLY

The number of posts relating to Civic Services at each office in the Free State Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

Office	Counter Staff	Supervisors	Management
Bloemfontein Regional Office (R/O)	49	14	2
Botshabelo District Office (D/O)	16	5	1
Zastron D/O	8	2	1
Koffiefontein D/O	8	2	1
Taba Nchu D/O	11	4	1
Phuthaditjhaba R/O	49	14	2
Bethlehem D/O	24	8	1
Harrismith D/O	8	2	1
Sasolburg D/O	12	5	1
Welkom R/O	40	14	2
Kroonstad D/O	17	4	1
Bulfontein D/O	10	3	1
TOTAL	252	77	15

The following number of posts relating to Immigration Services in the Free State Province as at 25 August 2008 – as per the table below:

OFFICE	COUNTER STAFF	SUPERVISORS	MANAGERS
Ficksburg Bridge Port Control Office (PCO)	33	12	1
Maseru Bridge PCO	42	12	1
Caledonspoort PCO	20	4	0
Van Rooyenshek PCO	13	4	0
Monantsapas PCO	3	1	0
Pekabrug PCO	3	1	0
Sepapushek PCO	3	1	0
Makaleng PCO	3	1	0
Phuthaditjhaba D/O	14	4	1
Bethlehem D/O	5	1	0
Bloemfontein R/O	19	5	1
Botshabelo D/O	5	1	0
Welkom R/O	19	5	1
Kroonstad D/O	5	1	0
TOTAL	187	53	5

QUESTION 1491

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 25-2008]

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 AUGUST 2008

1491. Mr A H Nel (DA) to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs:

(1) Whether the land claims registered before the 1998 deadline by a certain community trust (details furnished) have been finalised; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will they be finalised; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the delay in finalising the claims (a) prejudiced the said communities in any way and (b) negatively affected any proposed income generating projects; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether any of the claimants have passed away whilst waiting for their claims to be finalised; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2235E

THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS:

(1) No.

(a) The negotiations and settlement of all claims on commercial forestry land have been delayed as a result of the restructuring of all forestry plantations previously managed by the South African Forestry Company (SAFCOL). This occurred as a result of a decision taken by the Government to withdraw from its direct involvement in commercial forestry management. Negotiations have dragged on in terms of addressing post settlement issues and the share equity structure which will ensure that claimant communities benefit.

The other challenge in settling these claims relates to overlapping land rights between tenure and restitution beneficiaries. Family disputes and community dynamics also affect the settlement of these claims.

(b) The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights is awaiting the final outcome of the negotiations between the Departments of Public Enterprises and Water Affairs and Forestry in relation to the share equity structure, in order to determine the monetary value of the claims, and will thereafter finalise them.

(2) (a) No.

(b) No. The rentals have been paid since 2001, and the money will be released and transferred to the claimant communities upon settlement of the claims and after the establishment of the Communal Property Association (CPA). The rental money collected is kept in an account managed by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The claimants are already benefiting from the short-term and long-term projects implemented by the Singisi Forest Products (Pty) Ltd.

(3) The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights is not aware of any people who may have passed away.

QUESTION 1493

Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) Whether Eskom is seeking a private contractor to build a third base-load power station at a cost of about R80 billion that can produce approximately 4 000 MW; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so;

(2) whether dividends will only be forthcoming eight to ten years after the power station has been built; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(3) whether this is possible in the light of the low electricity tariffs; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(4) whether Eskom will buy the electricity from the Independent Private Producers (IPP) as sole supplier and distributor of electricity; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what incentives will be included in the tender contract to ensure profitability of the project in order to attract a private enterprise and (b) what are the relevant details? NW2237E

Reply:

(1)Eskom is in the process of procuring up to 4500 MW of Baseload Power from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). This could comprise a number of smaller or larger generation plants from 200MW in size upwards. No firm decisions have been made as the procurement is still in progress.

(2) There are no dividends due to the state from IPPs, given that they are privately owned.

(3) At current electricity tariff levels, it is difficult to attract IPPs into the industry. The National Energy Regulator is currently developing a Cost Recovery Mechanism that will allow higher tariffs for IPPs than the current Eskom average price as a passthrough to Eskom.

(4) (a-b) Eskom has been designated as the single buyer of electricity from new privately owned power generators. The power purchase agreement offered to private power producers, with the approval of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa will allow for a price that includes a competitive return. Eskom is not the sole distributor of electricity. The distributors will be the REDS once they are established; interim distribution is the responsibility of Municipalities and Eskom.

QUESTION NO 1494

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: MONDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 05 SEPTEMBER 2008 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 26 – 2008)

Dr S M van Dyk (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

(1) Whether the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had requested the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this year not to downgrade the CAA; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why did the FAA want to downgrade the CAA and (b) what would have been the consequences for the CAA had the FAA downgraded the CAA;

(2) whether the CAA had requested a postponement from the FAA; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why;

(3) which aviation company's planes are serviced by SA Airways Technical (SAAT)?

NW2238E

REPLY:

1.2

The Minister of Transport:

(1)No, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has not requested the United States of America (USA) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) not to downgrade the SACAA.

The FAA conducted an audit on the SACAA in July 2007 in terms of its International Aviation Safety Assessment Program (IASA). A number of findings emanated from this audit, and the Department of Transport and the SACAA were given until 19 December 2007 to provide corrective actions to close out the findings. Failure to carry out the corrective actions would have resulted in South Africa being downgraded to Category II status by the United States FAA. After the re-audit on 19 December 2007, the FAA confirmed that they had determined that the Government of South Africa meets the requirements in regard to safety oversight under the international standards of the Chicago Convention and that South Africa shall remain Category I at this time.

(2) No, the SACAA did not request a postponement of the FAA audit. The reason that the FAA returned for a follow up visit in July 2008, was to determine if the permanent revisions have been completed in the manner represented during the December 2007 meeting and that all of the work completed to date continues to be sustained.

Following the July 2008 follow-up visit, the FAA confirmed that South Africa is in compliance with minimum international standards for aviation safety and will continue to be reported as Category I.

(3) The following information was obtained from South African Airways Technical (SAAT), which carries out a total care maintenance programme for the following airlines:-

South African Airways; Mango; kulula.com; BA Comair; TAAG (B747); and Air Namibia.

SAAT also carries out line maintenance for the following major airlines:-

Qantas; Air Malaysia; China Eastern; Lufthansa; Olympic Airways; TAP (Portugal); British Airways; Air Mauritius; Emirates; Qatar; Air Zimbabwe; El Al; and Seychelles Airlines.

QUESTION 1495

Dr S M Van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:†

(1) Whether two senior managers at SAAirways Technical's (SAAT) most strategic workshops resigned in August 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(2) Whether the reason for their resignations was the decline in technical standards because of a shortage of skilled staff; if not, why did they resign; if so,

(3) Whether the resignation of skilled staff at SAAT impacts on the maintenance of airplanes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2239E

Reply:

(1) No resignations were received from Senior Managers in the South African Airways Technical (SAAT) Workshops during August 2008.

(2) No Senior Managers at SAAT Workshops resigned during the said period.

(3) The resignation of skilled staff does impact on the maintenance of aeroplanes in that lesser-skilled staff may take longer to detect and repair faults and perform maintenance.

The subsequent result could be that any aircraft that does not comply with civil aviation safety regulations will not be released to service. Any such aircraft will be held back in the hangar until fault rectification and maintenance has been completed in full compliance with applicable regulations.

1496. Mr L B Labuschagne (DA ) to ask the Minister of Labour:

Whether he has taken any steps in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993, to provide safety guidelines for children's playground equipment; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW2240E

Minister of Labour replied:

At this stage, there are no safety guidelines for children's playground equipment. The matter will however be placed before the Advisory Council for Occupational Health and Safety at its next sitting for consideration.

QUESTION NO.: 1497 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 AUGUST 2008

Mr L B Labuschagne (DA) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) How many community courts similar to the Hatfield Community Court in Pretoria have been established;

(2) whether this programme has been successful; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether steps are being taken to expand the programme; if not, why not; if so, what steps;

(4) whether these courts are sufficiently funded; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2242E

REPLY

(1) My Department has established 11 community courts throughout the country.

(2) Yes, this programme has been very successful. My Department is continuing with the rollout of community courts in the provinces and on 10 October 2008, an additional community court will be established in Potchefstroom in the North West Province.

In addition, the centres where the community courts have been established have seen a significant reduction in the case backlog. Between April 2008 and July 2008, 4749 cases have been finalised in community courts throughout the country.

(3) Yes. My Department is currently working in close collaboration with the various stakeholders to develop a regulatory and legislative framework for the establishment of community courts in South Africa.

(4) I would like to inform the Honourable Member that the community courts are adequately funded and resourced under the Court Services Programme.

QUESTION NO 1498

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 SEPTEMBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25)

Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry:

(a) Which provinces did not reach the Government's target date of December 2007 to eradicate the bucket system in formal areas, (b) what was the backlog in each of these provinces at that date, (c) what is the new target date for the eradication in these provinces and (d) what is the (i) backlog in existing informal settlements and (ii) the date to eradicate the backlog? NW2243E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(a) Which provinces that could not meet the Government's target date of December 2007 target of formal bucket eradication were:

Free State

Eastern Cape

Northern Cape and

North West

(b) The backlog in each of these provinces at that date was as follows:

Region	Backlog end December 2007	Backlog End September 2008
Eastern Cape	3,234	634
Free State	43,115	9,295
Northern Cape	2,061	1,372
North West	600	0
Total	49,010	11,301

(c) New eradication target date is 31 March 2009

(d) (i) The bucket backlog in informal settlements has not been quantified in this programme as it was targeting buckets in formal areas only.

(ii) The target date for the provision of all basic services, with specific reference to water supply, sanitation services, electricity and the upgrading of informal human settlements has been set for 2014. The emphasis is on an integrated approach when delivering these services as they are not mutually exclusive, for instance, reaching the sanitation target is dependent on making rapid progress with the proclamation and upgrading of informal settlements. Therefore, the upgrading of the informal settlements will be done through the housing delivery programme, whilst the relevant sector departments and Water Services Authorities will ensure that the necessary services like water, sanitation and electricity is integrated in the delivery process and achieved by 2014.

QUESTION NO 1499

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 AUGUST 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25/2008)

Date reply submitted: 21 October 2008

Mr Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) Whether any action has been taken against a certain person (details furnished) after he was found guilty of a criminal offence; if not, why not; if so, what actions;

(2) whether in terms of Section 36 of the SA Police Service Act, Act 68 of 1995, any action against him is being considered; if not, why not; if so, what action;

(3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

NW2244E

REPLY:

(1) No. There is no need to take any disciplinary steps against the officer again. He has already been subjected to a SAPS disciplinary hearing at the instance where the matter was reported to Management. This was done while the criminal case was still being investigated before the Court could arrive at a finding. He was then given a verbal warning in terms of Regulation 9 of the SAPS Discipline Regulations, 2006.

(2) Section 36 is only applicable if a member of the Service is convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment without the option of a fine.

(3) No.

QUESTION 1500

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 29 August 2008

Internal question paper no:

Mr IE Jenner (ID) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) In each province, (a) how many social workers are currently employed, (b) what is the current vacancy rate for social workers and (c) how many social workers are employed in violent-prone communities;

(2) Whether he has any plans in place to train and recruit more social workers; if not, why not; if so, what plans? NW2245E

REPLY:

(1) Information received from the provincial departments of Social Development:

Province	(a) How many social workers are currently employed	(b) What is the current vacancy rate for social workers	(c) How many social workers are employed in violent-prone communities
Northern Cape	160	33.3%	57
Gauteng	701	21.3%	547
Western Cape	355	16.5%	186
Limpopo	509	72.1%	0
Free State	533	61.0%	0
North West	309	31.0%	0
Eastern Cape	1010	56%	403
Mpumalanga	411	86%	113
Kwazulu Natal	681	62%	0

(2) Yes, a Recruitment and Retention Strategy has been developed by the department to provide a framework for the recruitment and retention of more social workers within the profession and the country.

The following are achievements linked to the implementation of the strategy:

Ø The salaries of social workers were reviewed and re-graded in 2004.

Ø A partnership with the SABC was established in 2006 with a view to market the profession. The SABC career education and training is a well established programme that offers employers an opportunity to market careers through direct communication with high school learners who are in grade 11 and 12. Education and Career fairs have since then been conducted annually in all provinces in partnership with the SABC for the recruitment of learners to join the profession.

- 1428 learners were reached in nine provinces for the 2006/2007 financial year.

- 8681 learners were reached in nine provinces for the 2007/2008 financial year.

- 2943 learners were reached in four provinces during the 2008/2009 financial year.

Ø In an attempt to address the shortage of Social Workers in the country, the National Department of Social Development initiated a Scholarship Programme in conjunction with the Provincial Departments. The first group of scholars were sponsored by the Health & Welfare Sector Education Training Authority (HWSETA) in 2006. Owing to limited funds from the HWSETA the Department requested the National Treasury to set aside funds for this Programme. The National Treasury agreed to commit R50 million for 2007/8, R105 million for 2008/9 and R210 million for 2009/10.

Ø In 2007, the Department sponsored 1428 Social Work students.

Ø In 2008 the Department is sponsoring 1917 Social Work students.

Ø The National Department of Social Development has established a forum to strengthen partnerships with all critical stakeholders responsible for the smooth running of the scholarship (Provincial Departments of Social Development, NSFAS, University Schools of Social Work and their Financial Aid Bureaus as well as beneficiaries). The department is continuously engaged with all stakeholders to check blockages that may emanate in disbursement of scholarship.

Ø An Indaba was held in April 2006 and 300 stakeholders were in attendance to facilitate the training of social workers by Institutions of Higher Learning and re-visit the curriculum for their training.

The Department participated and facilitated the hosting of the 34^th biannual Congress of International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) which was held in Durban from the 20^th of July to 24 July, 2008 with the theme "Transcending Local-Global Divides". The key purpose of the congress was to debate the developed global standards for social work education and training which were adopted at the General Assemblies of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) in Adelaide in 2004.