Question & Replies No 1801 to 1850

Printer-friendly version

Question number:

08/1801

Search this file by selecting Ctrl + F on your keyboard

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

QUESTION NO 1801

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 31/2008)

Date reply submitted: 04 November 2008

Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) Whether a certain officer of the SA Police Service (SAPS) (details furnished), who investigated a certain murder case (details furnished), intimated that there were many leads; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether (a)(i) two suspects were taken into custody and (ii) one of them admitted in detention, to an informer, that they had in fact committed the murder and (b) the case was handed over to another investigating officer (name furnished); if not, what is the position in each case; if so, (i) what are the relevant details in each case and (ii) why were the suspects released;

(3) whether the SAPS knows where the suspects are at present; if not, whether they can be traced once more; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether the case was handed over to the Attorney‑General; if so, (a) when was it handed over and (b) what decision has the Attorney‑General taken; if not,

(5) whether the SAPS is further investigating this case; if not, why not; if so, (a) what progress has been made with the investigation so far and (b) what are the relevant details?

NW2596E

REPLY:

(1) No, the case docket was not investigated by Capt Marè. The case docket in question is Schweizer Reneke CAS 79/02/2007, a charge of murder. The deceased is Mr SP Rademeyer. Only the crime scene was investigated by Capt Jan Marè as he was the standby duty officer at the time of the incident. Forensic evidence was collected at the crime scene during the investigation. Footprints at the scene as well as sweets eaten by the suspects and food left at the scene were analysed for DNA.

(2) (a)(i) Yes.

(ii) Yes. Statements of witnesses to this effect were obtained and filed in the case docket.

(2) (b)(i) No, Inspector Alla Reyneke of the Schweizer Reneke Detective Services investigated the case docket from the beginning. Inspector Reyneke serves under the command of Capt Marè.

(ii) The suspects were released by the Prosecuotr because they were both minors and they were both well known and could be traced again after decision from the DPP’s office was received.

(3) Yes, the whereabouts of one of the suspects is known and can be traced by the investigating officer. The second suspect hanged himself with a rope and is deceased.

(4) Yes.

(a) On 14 July 2008.

(b) The case docket is currently still at the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

(5) Not applicable.

QUESTION NO.: 1802

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 OCTOBER 2008

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

Whether Transnet, SA Airways and Eskom will continue to exist within her department; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW2597E

REPLY

Yes, the abovementioned State Owned Enterprises will continue to exist and report to the Department.

QUESTION: NO 1804

(Internal Question Paper No – 2008)

1804. Mr T D Lee (DA ) to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation:

(1) Whether his department is compiling a report about Team SA’s performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games; if not, why not; if so, when will this report be completed;

(2) whether the report will be made public; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2599E

REPLY:

(1) The Department is not in a position to compile a report on the performance of Team SA at the Beijing Olympic Games as my officials were not part of the team management and only played a support role in terms of the preparation of the team. My officials have, however, requested a report from the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee on the team’s performance which will be discussed in detail with SASCOC and with the relevant national federations if necessary before being submitted to myself.

Sport and Recreation SA has had an Evaluation workshop of the results of Team South Africa at the Beijing Olympics. The findings of the workshop of scientists, administrators and sports activists will be made available to all interested parties.

(2) My Department will also propose to SASCOC that the report be made public as the team is indeed a national asset and significant public funds supported the preparation and presentation of the team.

QUESTION NO. 1805

(Internal Question Paper No 30- 200B)

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

In respect of each of the past three years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, what the total amount of money owed by each state department to the six metropolitan municipalities?

ANSWER

The information available with the department in respect of debt owed to the six metropolitan municipalities is not classified into categories such as government, business and residential customers.

As a result, the dplg have put a request to all the Six Metros to provide with debt break down as it relates to state departments. Full response will be provided upon consolidation of the different responses from the concerned metros.

QUESTION 1806

1806. Ms AM Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(1) Whether he has received the Public Service Sector Education and Training

Authority (PSETA) report (copy furnished); if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether he has taken any action in relation to the findings of this report; if so, (a)

what action and (b) against whom; if not, why not;

(3) whether he will take any action; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant

details? NW2601E

The Minister of Labour replied

(1) I have not received a copy of the PSETA Memorandum as furnished from your office and I want to thank you for bringing it to my attention.

As for the PSETA Annual Report for the 2007/08, the entity has not submitted their audited Financial Statements and Report to me as required in terms of the PFMA. I have formally raised my concern with the entity’s Board in a letter dated 19 September 2008, regarding their failure to meet the said deadline and requesting an indication of the necessary steps in terms of Section 51 of the PFMA against any employee who may have led to the contravention of the provisions of this Act.

(2) I have not yet taken any action regarding matters raised in the report as we are still busy conducting our internal investigation and consulting with our legal advisors including DPSA on some aspects of the Memorandum.

(3) I will certainly act on the outcome of our internal investigation including the advice from my legal team.

QUESTION 1807

1807. Ms AM Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(1) Whether he has been informed of the tensions, grievances and poor working relations of the staff of the Risk Management Unit in the provincial office in Gauteng South; if so,

(2) whether any action has been taken to improve the situation; if not, why not; if so,

(a) what action and (b) what were the outcomes;

(3) whether salary differences between inspectors have been resolved; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will they be resolved; if so, what was the outcome of that process;

(4) whether the matter of contract staff at the office who are unhappy about their contract status has been resolved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether a decision was taken to close this office; if not, what is the (a) current status of the office and (b) plan for the office in the future; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2602E

Minister of Labour replied:

I have not been made aware of the tensions, grievances and poor working conditions of the staff in the said risk management unit.

QUESTION 1808

1808. Ms AM Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

(1) Whether his department has (a) a skills development programme, (b) career pathing, (c) a policy on travel allowances and (d) a leave policy for inspectors; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(2) Whether his department has a policy regarding the job evaluation of inspectors; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) what is the frequency of evaluations for every inspector?

NW2603E

REPLY *1808: The Minister of Labour replied:

It is essential to point out to the honourable member that the Department of Labour does not have a separate and specific set of policies applicable only to Inspectors but has policies dealing with all employees in general. Inspectors are part of the general population of employees in the Department that are affected by such policies and therefore there is no special arrangement for the treatment of inspectors.

The rest of the questions therefore fall away.

1(a).Yes the Department has a skills development programme for all employees employed in the DoL which offers the following skills development opportunities:

Bursaries
Skills programmes
Short courses
Learnerships
Conferences and seminars
Internships

Each employee has a Personal Development Plan (PDP) which forms the basis for the Department‘s workplace skills plan for the year and inspectors are covered under this programme.

1(b) Career pathing is reflected on the job profiles for all employees and employees discuss their career aspirations with their supervisors for them to agree on skills development interventions aimed at addressing identified career aspirations. Such interventions are then captured on the employee’s Personal Development Plan for implementation.

1(c) Inspectors are covered under the Department’s Travel and Subsistence Policy. This Policy is applicable to all DoL Employees and therefore, it was not necessary to develop a policy specifically applicable to the Inspectorate.

1(d) Inspectors are covered under DoL’s Leave Policy which caters for all employees in the DoL. There is therefore no specific policy applicable only to inspectors.

2 (a) The Department has one Job Evaluation policy that is applicable to all jobs in the Department and there is no separate policy for inspectors.

2 (b) All posts at SR 9 upwards are regarded as mandatory posts with regards to the need for job evaluation and are evaluated once every three years in line with Public Service Regulations,2001 IV/B3 mandate. Posts below SR 9 are evaluated only on request in cases where the job content changed or where there is uncertainty with regards to remuneration level.

QUESTION NO: 1813

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 31 October 2008

QUESTION PAPER NO: 29

DATE OF REPLY:

Adv P S Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Whether any disciplinary action was taken against officials in her department (a) in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006 and (iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to 30 September 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how many instances of disciplinary action occurred, (ii) what was the rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken, (iii) what was the transgression and (iv) what disciplinary action was taken?

NW2608E

REPLY

(a) Yes disciplinary actions were taken against officials in my Department in (i) 2005; in (ii) 2006; in (iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to 30 September 2008.

(i) 22 instances of disciplinary action occurred from 2005 up to 30 September 2008.

2005

(ii) rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken	(iii) transgression	(iv) disciplinary action taken
1. Deputy Director	Misuse of state property	Dismissed
2. Registry Clerk	Fraud/theft	Dismissed
3. Director	Unauthorized disclosure of information	Demotion
4. Chief Director	Poor performance	Settlement
5. Director	Dereliction of duties	Written warning
6. Admin Officer	Violent threat	Written warning

2006

(ii) rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken	(iii) transgression	(iv) disciplinary action taken
1. Chief Admin Officer	Fraud	Dismissed
2. Admin Officer	Fraud	Dismissed
3. Admin Officer	Misuse of government transport	Written warning and payment of costs
4. Deputy Director	Gross negligence in the performance of duties	Demotion
5. Assistant Director	Fraud	Dismissed

2007

(ii) rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken	(iii) transgression	(iv) disciplinary action taken
1. Secretary	Theft	Final written warning and counseling
2. Assistant Director	Abuse of state property (pornography)	Final written warning and one month suspension without pay
3. Assistant Director	Abuse of state property (pornography)	Final written warning and one month suspension without pay
4. Driver/messenger	Abuse of state property (pornography)	Final written warning and one month suspension without pay
5. Admin Officer	Abuse of state property (pornography)	Final written warning and one month suspension without pay
6. Admin Officer	Abuse of state property (pornography)	Final written warning and one month suspension without pay
7. Deputy Director	Unauthorized removal of property	Final written warning
8. Assistant Director	Failure to declare personal interests	Final written warning

1 January 2008 to 30 September 2008

(ii) rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken

(iii) transgression

(iv) disciplinary action taken

1. Driver/Messenger

Abuse of position to promote interest of a political party

Withdrawn

2. Deputy Director

Failure to obey reasonable instructions

Written warning

QUESTION NUMBER 1815

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 OCTOBER 2008

Mr S J F Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

Whether any disciplinary action was taken against officials in the National Treasury (a) in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006 and (iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to 30 September 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how many instances of disciplinary action occurred, (ii) what was the rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken, (iii) what was the transgression and (iv) what disciplinary action was taken? NW2610E

REPLY:

(a)(i) Yes

(a)(ii) Yes

(a)(iii) Yes

(b) Yes

(b)(i to iv) Please read detailed spreadsheet attached.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS TAKEN BY NATIONAL TREASURY

BETWEEN 2005 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2008.

(a) (i) 01 April 2005 to 31 March 2006

Total number of cases: 14

No. of cases	Rank/position of each official	Transgression	Disciplinary action taken
(b) (i)	(b) (ii)	(b) (iii)	(b) (iv)
1.	Procurement Specialist	Negligence	Verbal warning issued.
2.	Senior budget Analyst	Unauthorised use of GG vehicle.	Verbal warning issued.
3.	Procurement specialist	Inappropriate behaviour	Written warning issued.
4.	Assistant Director	Inciting other personnel in unprocedural and unlawful conduct.	Written warning issued.
5.	Senior admin Specialist	Insubordination	Written warning issued.
6.	Senior Economist	Unauthorised absence	Written warning issued.
7.	Procurement Specialist	Insubordination	Written warning
8.		Unauthorized absence	Written warning
9.	Deputy Director	Negligence	Written warning
10.	Deputy Director	Conducting an unauthorised meeting.	Written warning
11.	Assistant Director	Insubordination	Written warning
12.		Consistent failure to meet deadline.	Written warning
13.	Assistant Director	Non-adherence to official working hours within the Department.	Written warning
14.	Assistant Director	Poor performance	Written warning issued

(a) (ii) 01 April 2006 to 31 March 2007

Total number of cases: 08

No. of cases	Rank/position of each official	Transgression	Disciplinary action taken
(b) (i)	(b) (ii)	(b) (iii)	(b) (iv)
1.	Director	Alcohol abuse	Referred for correctional counseling.
2.	Facilities	Late coming	Referred for correctional counseling.
3.	Director	Negligence	Written warning issued.
4.	HR Practitioner	Negligence	Written warning issued
5.	HR Practitioner	Unauthorised usage of Departmental resources.	Written warning issued.
6.	HR Practitioner	Negligence	Final written warning issued.
7.	Senior Budget Analyst	Abuse of NT property	Final Written issued
8.	Senior Systems Specialist	Sexual Harassment	Official Dismissed.

(a) (iii) 01 April 2007 to 31 March 2008

Total number of cases: 19

No. of cases	Rank/position of each official	Transgression	Disciplinary action taken
(b) (i)	(b) (ii)	(b) (iii)	(b) (iv)
1.	Senior Security Officer	Absenteeism	Written warning
2.	Senior Economist	Negligence	Written warning
3.	HR Specialist	Negligence	Written warning
4.	Senior Security Officer	Gross insubordination	Final written warning & one month suspension.
5.	Personal Assistant	Unauthorised usage of telephone pin code.	Final written warning
6.	Senior Security Officer	Unauthorised usage of telephone pin code.	Final written warning & one month suspension without pay.
7.	HR Specialist	Negligence	Final written warning
8.	Senior Budget Analyst	Abuse of NT property & time	Final written warning
9.	Director	Unauthorised usage of NT resources	Final written warning
10.	HR Practitioner	Negligence	Final written warning
11.	HR Practitioner	Negligence	Final written warning
12.	HR Practitioner	Negligence	Final written warning
13.	HR Practitioner	Negligence	Final written warning
14.	HR Practitioner	Negligence	Final written warning
15.	HR Practitioner	Negligence	Final written warning
16.	HR Practitioner	Negligence	Final written warning
17.	Director	Incapacity	Case withdrawn (Official deceased)
18.	HR Practitioner	Negligence	Case withdrawn
19.	Director	Negligence, insubordination & absenteeism.	Final Written Warning

(b)

(a) (iv) 01 April 2008 to September 2008

Total number of cases: 4

No. of cases	Rank/position of each official	Transgression	Disciplinary action taken
(b) (i)	(b) (ii)	(b) (iii)	(b) (iv)
1.	Receptionist	Wrongful usage of the NT property.	Disciplinary hearing held matter yet to be finalised.
2.	Procurement Specialist	Negligence.	Final written warning.
3.	Senior Financial Admin Specialist	Unauthorised usage of the telephone pin code.	Disciplinary hearing held matter yet to be finalised.
4.	Director	Poor performance, unauthorised absenteeism.	Settlement reached during the disciplinary process.

QUESTION NO: 1816

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 31 OF 17 OCTOBER 2008

Mr A J LEON (DA) to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs:

(1) Whether any disciplinary action was taken against officials in her department (a) in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006 and (iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to 30 September 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how many instances of disciplinary action occurred, (ii) what was the rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken, (iii) what was the transgression and (iv) what disciplinary action was taken?

REPLY:

(1)(a) (i) Yes, in the 2005/2006 Financial Year, 27 disciplinary actions were taken against officials in the Department.

(ii) Yes, in 2006/2007 Financial Year, 12 disciplinary actions were taken against officials in the Department.

(iii) Yes, in April 2007 to December 2007, 18 disciplinary actions were taken against officials in the Department.

(b) During the period 1 January 2008 up to 30 September 2008, 23 cases were handled as tabulated below:

Number(i)	Rank(ii)	Nature of misconduct (iii)	Disciplinary action taken (iv)
1	Director	Four charges of insubordination, two charges of bringing the Department into disrepute, one charge of disrespectful conduct, one charge of making false accusation and misrepresentation and one charge of dishonest conduct.	Final Written Warning and a recall to Head Office.
2	Assistant Director	Absenteeism	Retired
3	Director	Failure to follow Treasury Regulations and misrepresentation.	One month suspension without pay
4	Corporate Services Manager	Failure to follow Departmental procedures in procuring goods, misrepresentation, and failure to follow instructions	Dismissal
5	Senior Foreign Service Officer	Absenteeism	Final Written Warning coupled with counselling
6	Senior Foreign Service Officer(1st Political Secretary)	Insolent behaviour and abusive language	Final Written Warning and one month suspension without pay
7	Security Officer	Alleged fighting	Written Warning
8	Assistant Director	Alleged domestic violence	Written warning, grounded for 2 years at Head Office and counselling but appeal pending.
9	Assistant Director	Absenteeism	Final Written Warning
10	Driver	Abuse of alcohol	Warning
11	Director	Allegations of insubordination, failure to follow Treasury Regulations and the including insubordination and failure to follow treasury regulations	Found not guilty
12	Deputy Director	Alleged poor performance	Not charged for misconduct, but referred for incapacity.
13	Deputy Director	Alleged Misrepresentation and negligence	Case withdrawn
14	Cleaner	Alleged theft	Not charged for misconduct due to insufficient evidence
15	Cleaner	Alleged theft	Not charged for misconduct due to insufficient evidence
16	Driver	Misuse of government petrol card	Suspension without pay for one month, and repayment of the loss to Department
17	Assistant Director	Failure to follow treasury regulations and other prescripts	Found not guilty
18	Driver	Absenteeism	Found not guilty
19	SASO	Absenteeism	Case withdrawn
20	Security Officer	Absenteeism	Dismissal
21	Cleaner	Assault	Dismissal
22	Security Officer	Absenteeism	Dismissal
23	Senior Foreign Affairs Officer	Alleged insolence or disrespectful conduct towards the supervisor	Dismissed but appeal pending.

QUESTION 1817

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 17 October 2008

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 31 of 2008

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

Whether any disciplinary action was taken against officials in her department (a) in
(i) 2005, (ii) 2006 and (iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to
30 September 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how many instances of disciplinary action occurred, (ii) what was the rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken, (iii) what was the transgression and (iv) what disciplinary action was taken?

NW2612E

REPLY

(a)(i) Yes.

(a)(ii) Yes.

(a)(iii) Yes

(b)(i) A total of 594 instances of disciplinary action occurred in the period
01 January 2008 to 30 September 2008.

(b)(ii) Rank / position of each official – please note that the ranks / positions are stated together with the number of officials in that specific rank against which disciplinary action was taken. As per the table below:

Rank / position	Number of officials
Senior Administrative Officers	42
Vetting Officer	1
Senior Administration Clerks	113
Senior Immigration Officers	10
Senior Provisioning Administrative Officer	1
Administration Clerks	125
Senior Legal Administrative Officer	1
Security Officers	13
Refugee Reception Officers	8
Quality Assuror	1
Provisioning Administrative Officers	8
Legal Administrative Officers	2
Information Technology Specialists	2
Immigration Officers	149
Interns	3
Grounds man	1
Foreign Mission Co-ordinator	1
Fingerprint Comparers	35
Drivers	4
Deputy Directors	6
Control Security Officers	2
Client Service Consultant	1
Cleaners	11
Chief Immigration Officers	18
Casual Workers	4
Assistant Directors	12
Administrative Officers	7
Senior Personnel Officer	1
Chief Administration Clerks	4
Chief Training Officer	1
Control Immigration Officers	3
Data Typist	1
National Youth Service Participant	1
Principle Communications Officer	1
Secretary	1
Total	594*

(b)(iii) The transgressions – as per the table below. Please note that the number of a specific instance/s is only stated:

Transgression	Number of officials
Assault	15
Disrespect and abusive behaviour	33
Aiding and abetting and corruption	209
Theft	10
Fraud / false statements	67
Unauthorised absence / abscondment	98
Discrimination against fellow employees	0
Damage to / loss of State property	8
Unauthorised use of Government vehicles	56
Dereliction of duty	94
Absenteeism / abscondment	45
Total	635*

* More than one transgression by official in some cases, hence the difference in totals.

(b)(iv) The disciplinary action taken. Please note that only the number of actions taken is stated:

· Dismissals: 196

· Suspension without salary: 44

· Demotions: 3

· Written Warnings: 196

· Cases withdrawn /

found not guilty / not finalised: 196

QUESTION NO. 1818

(Internal Question Paper No 31- 2008)

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

Whether any disciplinary action was taken against officials In his department (a) In (i) 2005, (Ii) 2006 and (iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to 30 September 2008, if not; what is the position in this regard: if so (i) how many instances of disciplinary action occurred, (ii) what was the rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken, (iii) what was the transgression and (Iv) what disciplinary action was taken:

ANSWER

(a) (i) Two officials were disciplined in 2005.

1st official

Rank: General Assistant Transgression: Alleged theft Disciplinary action taken: Dismissal

2nd Official

Rank: Chief Admin Clerk Transgression: Alleged theft Disciplinary action taken: Dismissal

(ii) One official disciplined in 2006.

Rank: Administrative Clerk

Transgression: Alleged fraud

Disciplinary action taken: The official resigned during the process of disciplinary enquiry.

(iii) One official was disciplined in 2007.

Rank: Administrative Assistant

Transgression: Alleged fraud

(b) (i) No disciplinary action was taken during the period 01 January up to 30 September 2008.

QUESTION NO.: 1819

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 OCTOBER 2008

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

Whether any disciplinary action was taken against officials in her department (a) in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006 and (iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to 30 September 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how many Instances of disciplinary action occurred, (ii) what was the rank/position of each Official against whom disciplinary action was taken, (iii) what was the transgression and (iv) what disciplinary action was taken?

NW2614E

REPLY

The Information requested by the Honourable Member is contained in the table below:

Description	2005	2006	2007	2008 (Up to 30 September)
Any disciplinary Action?	Yes	None	Yes	Yes
Instances of disciplinary action	One	None	One	One
Rank of each official	Deputy Director (DD) and Chief Director (CD)	None	Senior Administrative Officer	Deputy Director
Transgression	Abuse of State assets	None	Abscondment	1. Poor Performance 2. Verbal Abuse and aggressive behaviour

Description

2005

2006

2007

2008

(Up to 30 September)

Disciplinary action taken

None.

The DD was later reinstated and the CD resigned.

None

Dismissal

1. Written Warning

2. Referred to SOMA Initiative for assessment and

the Department is

awaiting the report

from SOMA.

QUESTION NO 1821

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: MONDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 17 OCTOBER 2008 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 31 – 2008)

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

Whether any disciplinary action was taken against officials in his department (a) in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006 and (iii) 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to 30 September 2008; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how many instances of disciplinary action occurred, (ii) what was the rank/position of each official against whom disciplinary action was taken, (iii) what was the transgression and (iv) what disciplinary action was taken?

NW2616E

REPLY:

1.1

The Minister of Transport:

(a) Disciplinary action taken against officials in the Department of Transport in:-

(i) 2005 - Nine (9)

(ii) 2006 - Three (3)

(iii) 2007 - Five (5); and

(b) during the period 01 January 2008 up to 30 September 2008:-

(i) Five (5) cases finalized and one (1) pending.

(ii)

ü Director: Campaigns and Events Management

ü Deputy Director: Campaigns and Events Management

ü Deputy Director: Driving License Standards

ü Assistant Director: Supply Chain Management

ü Driver

(iii)

ü Director: Campaigns and Events Management – Insubordination.

ü Deputy Director: Campaigns and Events Management – Improper and insolent behaviour.

ü Deputy Director: Driving License Standards – Smoking in the office.

ü Assistant Director: Supply Chain Management – Improper and insolent behaviour.

ü Driver – Failure to comply with road traffic regulations.

(iv)

ü Director: Campaigns and Events Management – Written warning.

ü Deputy Director: Campaigns and Events Management – Written warning.

ü Deputy Director: Driving License Standards – Written warning.

ü Assistant Director: Supply Chain Management – Written warning.

ü Driver – Final written warning.

QUESTION 1822

(WRITTEN REPLY) FRIDAY, 24 October 2008

MR J P I Blanche` (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS

(a) How many positions had to be filled in each province as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) how many Cubans (i) had been recruited to fill these positions and (ii) (aa) qualified to be employed in and (bb) accepted these positions, (c) for how long will they be employed and (d)(i) how many people were part of the team who interviewed the applicants in Cuba, (ii) what are their names and (iii) what organizations, bodies and institutions did they represent? NW2617E

REPLY:

(a) Hundred and seven (107) Cuban Technical Advisors (CTA) were recruited for the purpose of addressing the current skills shortages and to advise and transfer knowledge and skills in the Construction industry and were deployed as follows;

57 CTA deployed to Provinces
34 CTA deployed to National Department of Public Works
19 CTA deployed to Independent Trust Development

(b) (ii)

CUBAN PROFESSIONALS DEPLOYED NATIONALLY

NO	CUBAN PROFESSIONALS	DISCIPLINE/FIELD
	EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
1	Delvis Abad Rodriguez	Architect
2	Jover Prieto Roddriguez	Electrical Engineer
3	Eugenio Torres Sanchez	Architect
4	Javier Amores Perez	Architect
5	Rodolfo Jesus Frias Horta	Civil Engineer
6	Raimundo Antonio Betancourt Herrera	Mechanical Engineer

	NORTHEREN CAPE PROVINCE
7	Roberto Arevalo Valdez	Civil Engineer
8	Jose L Munoz Hierrezuelo	Civil Engineer
9	Enoelvis Jordan Perez	Civil Engineer
10	Hector Lopez Punales	Electrical Engineer
11	Orlando R Gonzalez Verdecia	Mechanical Engineer
12	Virgen Maren Ramirez	Architect
13	Aliuska Mayo Leyva	Architect

	KWAZUL NATAL PROVINCE
14	Fernando Angel Garcia Rubio	Architect
15	Olga Lidia Valenzuela Manzano	Electrica Engineer
16	Xaviera Viciedo Rivero	Architect
17	Albert Gonzalez Pizarro	Civil engineer
18	Jover Prieto Rodriguez	Electrica Engineer
19	Lourdes Margarita Felipe Sosa	Civil engineer
20	Salome Humberto Forcada del Cerro	Civil engineer
21	Yudel Garcia Fuoman	Architect
22	Rudolfo Bienvenido Munoz Machado	Architect
23	Jose Manuel Perez Hernandez	Architect
24	Jorge Humberto Vidal Otero	Civil engineer

	FREE STATE PROVINCE
25	Danis Lima Quesada	Mechanical Engineer
26	Delia Maria Rodriguez Santos	Electrical Engineer
27	Elaine Caridad Verdecia Lopez	Civil Engineer
28	Elio Ricardo Mosqueda	Civil Engineer
29	Frank Ernesto Garcia Rodriguez	Architect
30	Eva Maria Chaviano Alvarez	Civil Engineer
31	Andro Javier Arias Camps	Architect
32	Yoslaine Sanchez Lavielle	Civil Engineer
33	Rider Palmero Zaldivar	Architect
34	Mario Ismael Marquinez Sam	Civil Engineer
35	Mijail Rojas Rodriguez	Mechanical Engineer
36	Zaide Zamora Destrades	Civil Engineer
37	Juan Franciscko Verdecia Cutino	Electrical Engineer
38	Juan Pablo Diaz Guzman	Civil Engineer

	GAUTENG PROVINCE
39	Osmani Artidiello Rodriguez	Civil Engineer
40	Antonio Giron Arista	Civil Engineer
41	Maria E Romero Flores	Civil Engineer
42	Albert Gonzalez Pizarro	Civil Engineer
43	Rolando Ramos Alvarez	Civil Engineer

	LIMPOPO PROVINCE
44	Alexis Ramon Rosales Coll	Architect
45	Jorge Ferreiro Rizo	Civil Aengineer
46	Joaquin Edilberto Fuentes	Civil Aengineer
47	Humberto Varon Tamayo	Civil Aengineer
48	Pedro Vicente Hernandez Maldonado	Electrical Engineer

	NORTH WEST PROVINCE
49	Jose Alfredo Ibanez Mestre	Architect
50	Ana Isabel Pardo Jiminez	Civil Engineer
51	Lisbet Yaumara Leonard Alvarez	Civil Engineer
52	Joan Javier Albo Alonso	Architect
53	Lorenzo Garcia Cuellar	Electrical Engineer
54	Rodolfo Alberto Cuevas Gandaria	Architect

	NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
55	Humberto Rodriguez Iglesias	Hidraulic Engineer
56	Lorenzo Aguila Ruiz	Electronic Engineer
57	Jorge H Vidal Otero	Mechanical Engineering
58	Eric Gil Mayedo	Mechanical Engineering
59	Juan Gongora Mena	Mechanical Engineering
60	RafaelLa FranguiFrancis	Mechanical Engineering
61	Fransisco D Feuntes Cabanas	Mechanical Engineering
62	Alexis Perez cardoso	Architecture
63	NelidaEnca Quesada	Architecture
64	Luis Rodriguez Carmora	Architecture
65	Marcelo A Vitar Garcia	Architecture
66	Tania DLA Mendoza	Architecture
67	Rendol Armas Gonzales	Architecture
68	Leoneris E Nunez Franco	Architecture
69	Olegario Ismael Lami Izquierdo	Architecture
70	Yosniel Hernandez	Electrical Engineering
71	Leoner Chongo Carrero	Electrical Engineering
72	Miguel Zayas Correa	Electrical Engineering
73	Jorge Ponce Tamayo	Civil Engineering
74	ReinaldoRodrigues Bolanos	Civil Engineering
75	William Batista Cruz	Civil Engineering
76	Mario Romero Torres	Civil Engineering
77	Fransisco Chi Rodrigues	Civil Engineering
78	Uber Lopez Isalgue	Civil Engineering
79	Rene Segui Diaz	Civil Engineering
80	Juan Leon Arencibia	Civil Engineering
81	LuisGarciaVina	Civil Engineering
82	Felix Zaldivar Martinez	Civil Engineering
83	Jorge Alfonso Ordaz	Hydraulics Engineering
84	Jorge Munoa Martinez	Hydraulics Engineering
85	Bernito Crespo Hernandez	Hydraulics Engineering
86	Luis Barreras Abella	Geology
87	Dulce M Argudin Marquez	Geology
88	RicardoZaldivar Serrano	Geology

	IDT
89	Josepho N. Atherton Seivewrigth	Architect
90	Adis Cutino Jimenez	Architect
91	Grechetn Pedrianes Gongora	Architect
92	Yeline Cantinero Ferrer	Architect
93	Tania Hernandez Ferragut	Architect
94	Rosa Hecheverria Martinez	Civil Eng.
95	Ana Gilma Fuente Luzua	Civil Eng.
96	rolando Reyes Reynosa	Civil Eng.
97	Yaima Bulte Mora	Civil Eng.
98	Yoan Borbon Tamayo	Civil Eng.
99	Linnet Alvarez Mendoza	Civil Eng.
100	Daniel L. Ibanez Cabrera	Civil Eng.
101	Jose M. Pompa Toledano	Civil Eng.
102	Francisco A. Suarez Palpmino	Civil Eng.
103	Jose R. Cuesta Tapia	Civil Eng.
104	Rolando Moreno Pena	Civil Eng.
105	Noemi Fonseca Merino	Mechanical Eng.
106	Francisco Webb James	Mechanical Eng.
107	Katia Llanes Galvez	Civil Eng.

(c) According to the General requirements for fixed term contracts of employment as contained in the Agreement between the Government of Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Cuba, the Cuban Technical Advisors period of employment is as follows;

A twelve-month (12) period of employment, which may be renewed at the discretion of Public Works and after consultation with UNECA as follows;

(i) If the contract of employment is renewed, it shall be renewed for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months;

(ii) After the lapse of the period of twelve (12) months contemplated in (i), the contract of employment may further be renewed for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months;

(iii) The total contract period shall not exceed thirty six (36) months

(d) (i) Eight (8) officials for the 1st interviews in August 2007

Six (6) officials for the 2nd interviews in April 2008

(ii) 1st delegation to conduct interviews in Cuba in August 2007

Mr. Solomon Malebye – Chief Operating Officer (Dept. of Public Works)

Mr. Sam Vukela – Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services (Dept. of Public Works)

Mr. Bheki Zulu – Chief Executive Officer: (Council for the Built Environment)

Mr. Roderick Arthur Harker – (Engineering Council of South Africa)

Prof. Pragashen Nayagar – (Engineering Council of South Africa)

Mr. Malcolm Ernest Campbell – (South African Council for the Architectural Profession)

Prof. Raymond Nkando – (South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession)

Ms Tebogo Phiri (nee Mazibuko) – (Director Special and Major Projects Dept. of Public Works)

2nd delegation to conduct interviews in Cuba in April 2008

Mr. Solomon Malebye – Chief Operating Officer (Dept. of Public Works)

Mr. Percy Molefe – Chief Director: International Relations (Dept. of Public Works)

Mrs. Thembi Hlatshwayo – Chief Director: Human Resources (Dept. of Public Works)

Dr. Stanley Bhebhe – Executive Regional Operations (Independent Development Trust)

Mr. Sheriff Molefe – Regional General Manager (Independent Development Trust)

Mr. Niraj Naamdhew – Manager Systems Integration (Independent Development Trust)

(iii) Department of Public Works

Independent Development Trust

Council for the Built Environment

Engineering Council of South Africa

South African Council for the Architectural Profession

South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession

QUESTION NO. 1825

(Internal Question Paper No 31- 2008)

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

(a) How many Thusong Centres have been established, (b) from which budget are these centres funded, (c) what is the average number of staff serving at each centre, (d) under whose jurisdiction are they operating and, (e) what is the purpose of these centre?

ANSWER

(a) The Department of Provincial and Local Government is not responsible for the establishment of Thusong Centres.

(b), (c), (d) & (e) fall away.

The member must redirect his question to the relevant authority.

QUESTION NO.: 1826

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 OCTOBER 2008

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) Whether the directors’ valuation on future cash flow in Mango for the 2008-09 financial year is based on (a) the SA Airways (SAA) debiting all the inter-company costs for 2008 to investment in subsidiary or (b) these costs being charged to the Mango loan account; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether all of the said airline’s costs went through its financial statements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the SAA (a) carried any of the losses or (b) will write off any of these losses as “goodwill” on its investment; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW2580

REPLY

(1)(a-b)The Directors valuation of Mango is based on a full cost-absorption basis with the operating entity (Mango) settling its expenditures out of its own generated cash-flows. With regards to expenditure incurred by Mango, it should be noted that the Company operates on an arm’s-length basis from SAA and is responsible for negotiating its own service levels, pricing and payment terms with its suppliers and for the direct settlement with said suppliers of any associated costs. The only exception to the aforesaid is in the case of fuel purchase administration, in which case Mango is responsible for negotiating pricing and contracting with fuel suppliers, however, SAA, due to having the appropriate IT reconciliation systems, fulfills a payment administration and reconciliation function on behalf of Mango (a service SAA also provides to SA Express and Airlink).

In the aforementioned case SAA levies an administration fee against Mango and Mango settles its own fuel charges based on the pricing it has negotiated independently from SAA. In instances where SAA provides a service to Mango (limited to the provision of technical maintenance services through SAA Technical and sub-leasing of aircraft), expenditure is invoiced to Mango and settled through a creditors account by means of actual money flows, as is the case with SAA’s other third party clients.

(2) Yes, all of Mango's cost have gone through the Mango Annual Financial Statements.

(3)(a-b)SAA did not carry any of Mango’s losses neither did SAA write-off any of Mango’s losses as goodwill on investment.

QUESTION NO. 1827

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32)

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

(1) Whether the widely-advertised products claiming to enlarge penis size and improve erectile function will be controlled and regulated by the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to be established; if not, why not; if so, in what way;

(2) whether the facilities where these products are produced will be licensed according to good manufacturing practice by the SAHPRA; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2581E

REPLY:

(1) The Medicines Act, the Medicine and Related Substances Act, 1965, (Act 101 of 1965) requires that all medicines be registered with the Medicines Control Council (MCC) for safety, quality and efficacy. The MCC also evaluates and registers medical devices that are incorporated with an active pharmaceutical ingredient which will have a pharmacological effect on men. At this stage the products referred to are not yet registered as the MCC has not made the call for registration.

The proposed amendment to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 makes provision for the registration and control of medical devices. In accordance with the proposed amendment to the act, the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) by notice in the Government Gazette, with the approval of the Minister, will determine which medical devices shall be subjected to registration. This may well be that the devices the honourable member is referring to will be among those.

The proposed amendment to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 will be supported by enabling Regulations that will be published for a comment period as determined by the Minister. After all comment has been processed the amended Regulations will be enacted by the Minister on a date as determined. The Department of Health is currently in the process of drafting these Regulations.

(2) In terms of the provisions of Section 22C of the proposed amendment to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 all manufacturers of medical devices will be issued a Manufacture license provided that the company comply with the provisions of Good Manufacturing Practices as determined by the Authority. The Authority, once established, will need to prepare Guidelines for Good Manufacture Practices of Medical Devices and publish the same for a comment period prior to implementation. These guidelines will take into consideration National as well as International standards relating to the manufacture of Medical Devices.

QUESTION NO.: 1828

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 OCTOBER 2008

Dr R Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) Whether (a) the role of district surgeons in evaluating rape cases and (b)(i) dedicated sexual offences courts and (ii) special children’s courts have been effectively replaced; if so, (aa) by whom and (bb) with what in each case;

(2) whether courts have an intermediary service for child rape victims; if not; in which courts do child rape victims appear together with the perpetrator; if so, what are the relevant details in each case in respect of each court concerned;

(3) whether his department provide psychosocial support for rape victims; if not; why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether the redeployment of Child Protection Units has hampered National Prosecuting Authority service delivery; if so, how;

(5) whether he will take any steps to amend and improve the laws governing child rape cases; if not; why not; if so, what steps? NW2582E

As the Honourable Member should be aware, after being a Member of Parliament for so many years, the provision of district surgeons lies within the mandate of the Department of Heath. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 provides for the integrated approach to the implementation of the National Policy Framework (NPF) which will provide the much needed guidance on service levels expected of the different role players in managing sexual offences. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD) has initiated the development of the NPF which includes operational policy guidelines and will propose measures intended to promote integrated, comprehensive and cross-departmental responses to sexual offences. This will be informed by coordinating the existing fragmented guidelines. Thus, there will be alignment and synergies created between the different departmental guidelines which exist in relation to services provided to victims of sexual offences.

Furthermore, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has piloted the Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) which are aimed at ensuring that there are available, appropriately trained personnel, including medical examiners to deal with all victims of rape (sexual offences). Further details on the TCCs are attached in Annexure A.

aa) The issue of specialized courts was considered at length by the Department. From the information available at our disposal, concerns were raised about the manner in which cases involving sexual offences were dealt with in the dedicated courts and in the ‘normal’ courts. The Department noted that more resources were allocated to the dedicated courts than in the ‘normal’ courts. This raises serious concerns because of the differences in outcomes that were observed. It became clear that cases of victims of sexual offences were not receiving the same treatment in the courts. Those cases that were prosecuted in the dedicated courts were likely to result in a conviction than those prosecuted in the ‘normal’ courts. Whilst the high conviction rate of dedicated courts serves the administration of justice well, it is important that government ensures that all sexual offences result in a conviction. Therefore, government needs to put more effort in ensuring that all prosecutors and magistrates undergo specialized training on sexual offences. It is important that resources in all courts are allocated evenly so that other victims of crime of a sexual nature receive appropriate care and attention.

bb) The DoJCD is also in the process of developing a policy discussion document with regard to mainstreaming/integration of sexual offences courts. This policy will be discussed and workshopped with relevant stakeholders.

(2) Whether courts have an intermediary service for child rape victims; if not; in which courts do child rape victims appear together with the perpetrator; if so, what are the relevant details in each case in respect of each court concerned;

Section 170A of the Criminal Procedure Act provides that where the court is of the opinion that a child witness under the age of 18 would be exposed to undue mental stress or suffering if he or she testifies in court, the court may appoint a competent person to act as an intermediary in order to enable the child witness to give evidence through the intermediary.

There are approximately 203 intermediaries appointed countrywide by the DoJCD, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Non-Governmental Organisations.

National audit of Intermediary in the Regions

Province	Number of Intermediaries	Justice Contract Appointments	Other (Social Development, Ad Hoc, NPA & NGO Appointments)
Kwa- Zulu Natal	17	11	6
Limpopo	10	4	6
Northwest	11	5	6
Free State	30	15	15
Northern Cape	14	4	10
Gauteng	25	6	19
Eastern Cape	44	3	39
Western Cape	27	10	17
Mpumalanga	25	2	23
TOTAL	203	60	141

In order to avoid a situation where a child witness has to give evidence in the same court room with the alleged perpetrator, Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) and One Way Mirrors are installed in the special sexual offences courts and dedicated courts. There are approximately 193 courts with CCTVs and 78 with one-way mirrors.

(3) Whether his department provides psychosocial support for rape victims; if not; why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

The Department of Social Development is responsible for providing psychosocial support for rape victims and it is proposed that the Honourable Member approach that Department for further information.

(4) Whether the redeployment of Child Protection Units has hampered National Prosecuting Authority service delivery; if so, how;

The closing of the SAPS specialized units has not had a significant impact on the prosecution of sexual offences cases brought before the courts. As indicated in part (aa) above, sexual offences are prosecuted in a dedicated sexual offences court (referred to as a Sexual Offences Court) and in the Regional Courts. At all material times the prosecution, in either court, conducts a thorough prosecution based on the evidence provided. The conviction rate in the dedicated courts remains high because of the specialists skills of the prosecutors. They Department therefore supports the continued specialization by prosecutors and magistrates dealing with sexual offences. This will ensure that we maintain a good conviction rate at all times.

(5) Whether he will take any steps to amend and improve the laws governing child rape cases; if not; why not; if so, what steps?

The coming into effect of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 (the Act) on the 16th December 2007 is aimed at addressing, in a comprehensive manner, the rights of victims of sexual offences. The Act has provisions specifically aimed at protecting children and the mentally disabled.

Section 42 of the Act provides for the establishment of the National Register of Sexual Offenders (NRSO). This requires the creation of a register with details of persons convicted of sexual offences or alleged to have committed sexual offences against a child or mentally disabled person. The Act further requires employers to obtain a certificate from the Registrar of the NRSO detailing whether or not; an employee who applies or is employed to work with children, has been convicted or alleged to have committed a sexual offence against a child or mentally disturbed child. This provision prevents children from exposure to sexual predators. A process has been initiated for the establishment of the National Register of Sexual Offenders (NRSO) in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO 1828

ANNEXURE A

The Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) seeks to introduce a victim centered approach in a manner that allows for reporting of the crime and initial interventions in rape cases to be shifted away from police stations to a victim-friendly centre situated within a hospital. In this way, the victim is in a position to receive assistance from medical staff, investigating officers and counselors all in one place. The aim is for the TTC`s to be a “one-stop-centre” of rape care management, also providing for follow-up medical treatment, counseling and communication with the victim regarding the progress of the case.

There are currently 10 TCC’s located nationally, established to a large extent with donor funding.

An evaluation study on the implementation of the TTC’s revealed that the concept of survivors being comforted and supported is good in practice and ensures in a reduction in secondary victimization. The UN General Assembly has recognized the ‘Thuthuzela model’ of multidisciplinary care centers as a ‘world best practice model’ in the field of gender violence management response.

Victim Assistant Officers, Site Coordinators and Case-flow Managers are attached to the centre with all role-players including NGO’s readily available. The TCC model entails, that:

a) A trained counselor/Victim Assistant offers initial containment and support to the child where-after the victim is examined by a specially trained medical doctor or forensic nurse. Both these medical practitioners should have received extensive training on inter alia, sexual assault examination, rape care management, post exposure prophylaxis and criminal trial exposure.

b) After the examination the child is given an opportunity to bathe or shower and is then provided with clean clothing as well as refreshments and or meals.

The TCC-approach has not been implemented in all areas where sexual offences cases against children are heard although the concept is being rolled out throughout the country.

QUESTION 1830

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 October 2008

Internal question paper no: 32

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

(1) Whether a national strategy has been drawn up for the implementation of the Children’s Act, Act 38 of 2005, if not, when will it be done; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether poor communities who require prevention and early intervention services have been identified in each province as required by the said Act; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) What is the current level of funding being given by Government to non-government organisations and Community Based Organisations working in the children’s sector and what are the relevant details;

(4) Whether Government will increase this level of funding; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2622E

REPLY:

1. Yes, the Department is in the process of finalizing a national implementation plan to implement the Children’s Act.

The implementation plan focuses on the inter-sectoral collaboration efforts which bind all organs of state and civil society structures to form a partnership in implementing the Act. The implementation plan is still in a draft form and will be finalized in January 2009 after consultation with other national and provincial departments, as well as the national Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).

The content of the implementation plan addresses the following:

- Situational analysis.

- Demand for services vs existing services.

- Existing personnel.

- Expenditure on services to children.

- Priorities.

The following priority areas were agreed upon nationally:

- Services to children as wards of the state.

- Services to children in need of care and protection.

- Services to children in Early Childhood Development Programmes.

- Management processes.

- Human Resources.

- Infra-structure.

2. Yes, provinces identified the following poor communities that require prevention and early intervention services. These areas will be confirmed in the final draft of the implementation plans of the provinces:

Mpumalanga

Ehlanzeni district:

Mbombela, Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge, Thaba Chweu and Umjindi.

Gert Sibande district:

Albert Luthuli, Dipaleseng, Govan Mbeki, Lekwa, Mkhondo, Msukaligwa and Pixley Ka Seme.

Nkangala district:

Delmas, Dr J.S. Moroka, Emakhazeni, Emalahleni, Steve Tshwete and Thembisile.

North West

Mafikeng extension 2, Rustenburg, Delareyville, Ganyesa, Setlagole, Christiana, Huhudi, Schweizer- Reneke, Taung, Moretele, Kgetleng, Stillfontein, Potchefstroom and Orkney.

Municipalities in North West are as follows:

Moretele, Kgetleng and Moses Kotane, Ditsobotla, Mafikeng, Ramotshere Moilwa, Ratlou, Tswaing, Kagisano, Taung, Matlosane, Maquasie Hills, Merafong, Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp.

It should be noted that 75% of North West province is predominantly poor hence all the areas are included here.

Gauteng

Attridgeville, Boipatong, Bophelong, Daveyton, Duduza, Kagiso, Katlehong, Khutsong, Kwa-Thema, Mamelodi, Mohlakeng, Munsieville, Rantanda, Refilwe, Rethabiseng, Saulsville, Soshanguve, Soweto, Tembisa and Wattville.

Free State

Thabomufutsanyane and Xhariep.

KwaZulu-Natal

Ugu, Umkhanyakude, and Zululand.

The following urban areas have been identified as poor communities:

Inanda, Nuzuma and Kwamashu.

Western Cape

Bishop Lavis, Delft, Elsies River, Cedarberg, Matzikama, Beaufort West, Manenberg, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Hanover Park, Kannaland, Oudtshoorn, Khayelitsha, Kleinvlei, Phillippi, Mitchell’s Plain, Muizenberg, Paarl, Theewaterskloof, Vredenburg and Witzenberg.

Eastern Cape

Nyandeni, Qaukeni, Ngqushwa, Mbhashe, Mnquma, Intsika yethu, Ngcobo, Elundini, Mzimvubu, Ntabankulu and Mbizana.

Northern Cape

Namaqua district:

Poffader, Port Nolloth, Garies, Calvinia and Steinkops.

Francis baard district:

Fitchie,Greenpoint,Roodepan,Transiet Camp,Phuthanang,Plaatfontein,Club 2000, Donkerhoek, Jan Kempdorp, Hartswater, Pampierstad, Warrenton, Barley West, Longlands, GongGong, Griekstad, Koopmansfontein, Oliefontein, Douglas, Soutlake, Campbell and Smithdrift.

Pixley kaseme district:

De Aar, Colesburg and Carnavon.

Kgalagadi district:

Seobing village, Olifantshoek and Dithakgong.

Limpopo

Sekhukhune, Mopani and Vhembe.

Prevention and early intervention services rendered in poor communities include the following:

· Preventing the neglect, exploitation, abuse or inadequate supervision of children and preventing other failures in the family environment to meet children's needs.

· Preventing the recurrence of problems in the family environment that may harm children or adversely affect their development.

· Avoiding the removal of a child from the family environment.

· Assisting and empowering families to obtain services such as social assistance.

· Supporting and assisting families with a chronically ill or terminally ill family member.

· Early childhood development.

· Support to orphans and child headed households.

3. The current level of funding being given by Government to Non-Government Organizations and Community Based Organisations working in the children’s sector is as follows:

The national department is funding eighteen (18) national bodies to the amount of R8 574 000 for the financial year 2008/09.

The funding by provincial departments differs from province to province. Provinces are funding NGOs who deliver social work intervention and statutory services to children and their families. The NGO’s applications for funding are costed in terms of a set of criteria based on provincial priorities, information from their business plans and audited statements.

The level of funding can be estimated at approximately 65% of the NGOs budget and provision is made for annual increases.

4. Yes, Government intends to increase the level of funding to service providers.

The report on the Costing of the Children’s Act has indicated that services to children are underfunded; as a result provincial departments have been requested to increase their funding to NGO’s. This has already been effected in the allocation of funding to NGO’s managing Child and Youth Care Centres and Early Childhood Development sites.

In addition, government is currently implementing the Policy on Financial Awards to fund service providers. The aim of the Policy is to provide guidance on funding of service providers and to transfer the payments to them.

The intention of the Department is to review current policies that govern the partnership between government and civil society organizations to facilitate optimal service delivery. Currently the Department is also developing norms and standards for welfare services, to make it possible for the sector to improve its understanding of the nature of resources that are required to deliver services. It is expected that having norms and standards will revolutionalize the funding of welfare services in this country and this could bring an end to the chronic underfunding of NGOs.

QUESTION NUMBER 1831

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 OCTOBER 2008

MR L W GREYLING (ID) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FINANCE:

(1) How much tax revenue is currently derived from alcohol sales;

(2) whether this revenue will be directed towards alcohol rehabilitation programmes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? N2623E

REPLY:

(1) Specific excise tax revenue derived from alcohol sales:

	2007/08	2008/09
R millions	Actual Audited outcome	Estimate as at 2008 MTBPS	Actual to end Sep 2008 (six months)

Beer	5 142	5 640	2 433
Sorghum beer	35	40	19
Wine	1 254	1 365	516
Spirits	2 364	2 630	1 111
TOTAL	8 795	9 675	4 079

(2) There is no direct or explicit earmarking of excise tax revenue. The above-mentioned revenue flows to government’s National Revenue Fund, from where it is allocated to general government expenditure programmes. As such, alcohol excise tax revenue, together with other general government revenue, indirectly forms part of meritorious expenditure programmes aimed at addressing the health and social impact of alcohol abuse. Allocations for such interventions are on the budgets of the Departments of Health and Social Development.

QUESTION NO 1832

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32/2008)

Date reply submitted: 12 December 2008

Mr M H Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) Whether the Government is considering the adoption of an action plan for implementing the recommendations emanating from the report of the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) (a) what training programmes are there for the police in ensuring that they conform to a human rights culture and (b) what measures will he take to combat violence currently exhibited by police officials?

NW2624E

REPLY:

(1) The recommendations from the Report on the Study of the Violent Nature of Crime in South Africa will be presented to the JCPS Cluster Ministers for discussion and will serve as part of the Cluster’s Plan of Action on approval by Cabinet.

(2)(a) Since 1994, human rights have been comprehensively covered in the Basic Police Training course. In each review of the Basic Training Learning Programme since 1994, human rights were specifically provided for in various modules.

A dedicated programme, Human Rights and Policing, is presented to SAPS members. The content of the programme has recently been reviewed and the new revised version is currently being implemented.

Human rights are incorporated in Module 5 of the Station Management Learning Programme, which is a compulsory course for all Station Commissioners.

Human rights are addressed as a cross-cutting topic in all operational courses dealing with victims, complainants, suspects, colleagues, arrested persons, use of force, etc.

Specific human rights are also addressed in various other courses presented to SAPS members, eg the Victim Empowerment Course, Youth and Children at Risk Learning Programme and the Domestic Violence Course.

(2)(b) The following measures will be taken to combat unwarranted violence displayed by police officials:

- Constant formal, informal and in-service training at all levels of the organization to instill a culture of human rights among all police officials

- Proper command and control, especially at operational level, to ensure that instructions and regulations are carried out

- Strict, consistent and decisive disciplinary action in cases where laws and rules are transgressed

- Immediate criminal prosecution when warranted.

QUESTION NO 1833

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32/2008)

Date reply submitted: 20 November 2008

Mr M H Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

How many crimes were committed in the past 12 months up to the latest specified date for which information is available, where firearms (a) were used, (b) were brandished or (c) formed part of the crime?

NW2625E

REPLY:

1 January to 31 December 2007.

(a) 87 614

(b) 14 592

QUESTION NO 1835

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32)

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

Whether the (a) Bushbuckridge and (b) Ikangala Water Boards have been disestablished; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

NW2627E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(a) Bushbuckridge Water Board

The Department has recently undertaken a study to investigate the future role of water boards and other water institutions like Catchment Management Agencies (CMA’s) under a project called Institutional Re-alignment Project. The aim of this investigation is to restructure and rationalize the number of water institutions for the department to play more effective oversight role. Restructuring these institutions must also improve efficiency in service delivery and more importantly affordability of water to the customers. The Bushbuckridge water board’s future role is also being investigated in the above context. Regarding the future of the Bushbuckridge Water Board will be guided by outcome of this study.

(b) Inkangala Water Board

The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry took a decision to disestablish Inkangala Water Board due to major problems it was experiencing in its operations. The final disestablishment anticipated for completion by 30 November 2008. The Water Boards assets will be taken over by the Director-General until the new regional entity is in place to take them over.

QUESTION NO 1836

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32)

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

(1) Whether there are any plans in place in respect of the Inkangala Water Board staff whose term expired in December 2007; if not, why not; if so, what plans;

(2) whether any of these staff members have been seconded to municipalities; if so, (a) to which municipalities and (b) to what positions;

(3) whether there are any plans in place to pay the moneys owed to auditing companies and for the rental of offices; if not, why not; if so, (a) who will pay the outstanding debt and (b) when;

(4) what will happen to the water board’s assets?

NW2628E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1) Yes; a plan is in place to transfer Inkangala Water Board staff to Department’s Bronkhorstspruit office with effect from 1 December 2008. The staff is still working in Inkangala Water Board and salaries are paid.

(2) None have been seconded to Municipalities.

(a) Four staff members have been absorbed within the Department’s Mpumalanga Regional office structure and establishment.

(b) Maintaining their original positions as stated below:

No	Names	Positions
1.	Ms R P Mthimunye	Accountant
2.	Ms C S Sibiya	Executive Secretary
3.	Ms N M Kgosana	Administration Clerk/ Receptionist
4.	Ms R M Xaba	Cleaner

(3) Yes; settlement costs for termination of contracts have been discussed with all the creditors and total cost of R1 294 973, 44 will have to be paid. The remaining assets of the board have been gazetted.

a) Thereafter, the Department’s Director-General will settle all outstanding debts and take over the ownership of assets; and

b) Our target date is 30 November 2008.

(4) The Water Boards assets will be taken over by the Director-General until further decisions are made with regard to water management entities.

Question 1837 (Written Reply) Friday, 24 October 2008

Mr LK JOUBERT (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS

How many new job opportunities were created through the Expanded Public Works Programme in each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW2629E

REPLY

Number of Work opportunities created through EPWP from April 2004 – June 2008.

Sector	5-yr Targets	Job Opportunities created
Infrastructure	750 000	685 694
Economic	12 000	14 133
Environment and culture	200 000	386 366
Social	150 000	142 223
*Overall*	*1 112 000*	*1 228 416*

QUESTION NO 1838

DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 02 DECEMBER 2008

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 24 OCTOBER 2008 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32 – 2008)

Mr L K Joubert (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:

For each of the past five years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, how much has been invested by (a) the Government and (b) state-owned enterprises for the improvement of (i) roads, (ii) railways and (iii) air transport?

NW2630E

REPLY:

The Minister of Transport:

(a) Government

	2004/05 R’000	2005/06 R’000	2006/07 R’000	2007/08 R’000	2008/09 R’000
(i) Roads
Local Government:
Metro roads infrastructure	1,626,169	1,440,655	1,571,748	2,502,567	2,890,456
Metro roads maintenance	1,004,415	958,771	929,524	1,130,383	1,303,726
Secondary cities road infrastructure	469,072	534,386	651,408	962,303	1,121,392
Secondary cities road maintenance	240,277	260,554	338,656	363,703	359,459
Total Local Government	3,339,933	3,194,366	3,491,336	4,958,956	5,675,033

Provincial Government:
Eastern Cape	1,282,252	1,352,575	1,473,542	1,606,268	1,556,158
Free State	320,522	331,655	799,096	748,151	978,198
Gauteng	436,853	550,201	577,101	1,022,791	1,401,161
KwaZulu-Natal	1,235,766	1,576,042	1,782,736	2,281,429	2,866,788
Limpopo	952,449	1,152,058	1,138,906	1,480,389	1,425,371
Mpumalanga	597,811	722,561	687,234	992,880	1,013,166
North West	392,977	599,680	683,958	669,838	704,952
Northern Cape	185,902	175,672	235,063	370,307	417,922
Western Cape	662,693	946,839	1,266,027	1,325,653	1,353,506
Total Provincial Government	6,067,225	7,407,283	8,643,663	10,497,706	11,717,222

(ii) Railways – since the 2004/05 up to the 2008/09 financial years, Government has invested as follows in the passenger rail sector:-	R605,000	R688,003	R1,208,000	R2,172,000	R2,577,000
(iii) Air Transport	-	-	-	-	-

(b) State-owned Enterprises

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)

Toll: Direct Spending on Roads

(i) Roads	2003/2004 R’000	2004/2005 R’000	2005/2006 R’000	2006/2007 R’000	2007/2008 R’000
Routine Maintenance	188,077	193,641	202,952	277,496	321,726
Periodic Maintenance	71,061	110,855	104,057	82,556	16,635
Special Maintenance	-	-	29,845	56,416	2,473
Opex	259,138	304,496	336,854	416,468	340,834
Strengthening	108,473	2,478	4,245	8,777	98,381
Improvements	140,266	42,188	12,146	65,712	530,813
New Facilities	89,654	11,769	2,270	110,581	164,118
Capex	338,393	56,435	18,661	185,070	793,312

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)

Non-Toll: Direct Spending on Roads

(i) Roads	2003/2004 R’000	2004/2005 R’000	2005/2006 R’000	2006/2007 R’000	2007/2008 R’000
Routine Maintenance	216,280	392,085	764,804	693,988	672,818
Periodic Maintenance	155,742	151,122	324,160	503,228	683,513
Special Maintenance	122,725	110,669	120,276	151,024	118,801
Opex	494,747	653,876	1,209,240	1,348,240	1,475,132
Strengthening	394,193	222,750	288,210	503,336	886,375
Improvements	77,548	49,446	98,651	291,293	570,631
New Facilities	79,963	64,792	49,543	110,975	132,851
Capex	551,704	336,988	436,404	905,604	1,589,857

The South African Rail Commuter Corporation Limited (SARCC)

(ii) Railways	2003/2004 R’000	2004/2005 R’000	2005/2006 R’000	2006/2007 R’000	2007/2008 R’000
Opex	1,678,840	1,715,910	1,619,466	2,751,274	2,259,119
Capex	665,000	782,640	980,247	1,029,598	1,696,078
PTIS	-	-	-	179,000	476,000

The Airports Company South Africa Limited (ACSA)

(iii)

Air Transport

2003/2004

R’000

2004/2005

R’000

2005/2006

R’000

20062007

R’000

20072008

R’000

Capex

473,462

491,783

1,259,355

1,642,259

5,171,839

The Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company Limited (ATNS)

ATNS has since 2003 renewed, improved and extended the national infrastructure related aeronautical communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems and in so doing has met the demands placed on it by the air traffic movement growth experienced over the period and also achieved the operational objectives set at that time.

The Capital investments associated with all infrastructure projects can be summarized as follows:-

(iii)

Air Transport

2003/2004

R’000

2004/2005

R’000

2005/2006

R’000

2006/2007

R’000

2007/2008

R’000

Capex

149,400,000

105,433,887

131,974,155

218,657,566

236,324,281

QUESTION 1839

1839. Mr L K Joubert (DA) to ask the Minister of Labour:

Whether unemployment has been reduced since 2004 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, to what extent?

REPLY: The Minister of Labour replied:

According to the Labour Force Survey unemployment levels declined from 4 611 000 in March 2004 to 4 191 000 in March 2008, representing a decline of about 9.1% (i.e. 420 000. The official rate of unemployment has also been going down from 27.8% in March 2004 to 23.5% in March 2008.

QUESTION NO.: 1840

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 OCTOBER 2008

Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(a)(i) What is the expected total cost of the environmental impact assessment process for Nuclear 1 and (ii) what is the breakdown of the figure and (b)(i) what is the expected total cost of the environmental impact assessment process for the demonstration power plant of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor and (ii) what is the breakdown of the figure?

NW2632E

REPLY

(a)(i) The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Nuclear-1 project is expected to cost approximately R 18.0 million. The Scoping Phase of this EIA investigated five (5) different sites. The detailed Impact Assessment phase of this EIA is currently being undertaken on three (3) of the original 5 sites.

(ii) Different activities are undertaken at different times during the full EIA process; for example the public participation takes place throughout the process, some of the specialist studies commence early in the process and continue into the detailed assessment phase, whereas other specialist studies are only performed in the second phase of the project. The final reconciliation of costs to each component of the full EIA process will thus only be possible once the EIA has been completed.

(b)(i) The EIA for the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) project is expected to cost approximately R 6.5 million. The Scoping Phase of this EIA investigated four (4) different sites. The detailed Impact Assessment phase of this EIA was undertaken on the preferred site (Koeberg).

(ii) The final reconciliation of costs to each component of the full EIA process will thus only be possible once the EIA has been completed.

QUESTION NO 1842

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 OCTOBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32/2008)

Date reply submitted: 12 December 2008

Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) Whether the police service members of the Edenvale Police Station were called out to the Sizwe Hospital (a)(i) in 2005, (ii) in 2006 and (iii) in 2007 and (b) during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) how many times in each year or period and (ii) what were the reasons for the call-out in each case;

(2) whether the police members are provided with face masks and gloves when they are called out to the Sizwe Hospital; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether his department is obliged in terms of any Act or regulation to provide the police service members with face masks and gloves; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) why is the Sandringham Police Station not responsible for the Sizwe Hospital, given their close proximity and the fact that both the Sandringham Police Station and the Sizwe Hospital fall within the Johannesburg Metro area?

NW2634E

REPLY:

(1) (a)(i) No

(ii) No

(iii) No

(1) (b) No

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(2) The police members at Edenvale SAPS do have access to face masks and gloves at their station.

(3) In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993, Sizwe Hospital will provide members with the above equipment if they are called out because they are not allowed to enter the hospital without this essential equipment.

(4) Sandringham SAPS is not responsible for the Sizwe Hospital because of the demarcation of station boundaries.

QUESTION 1844

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 24/10/2008
(INTERNAL QESTION PAPER 32-2008)

Mrs D van der Walt (DA) to ask the Minister of Education:

(1) In respect of each province, (a) how many public schools are there, (b) how many of these schools do not have (i) classrooms, (ii) toilets (iii) fences, (c) how many posts for (i) maths and (ii) science teachers are vacant, (d) how many such teachers are needed to meet the current demand, (e) how much has her department spent to produce such teachers in each of the past fours years up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (f) what is the current teacher/ pupil ratio in public schools in each province,
(2) whether this figure improved in comparison to the same in 2004, if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details? NW2636E

REPLY

1(a)

Table 1: Number of public schools

Provinces	Schools
Eastern Cape	5,686
Free State	1,614
Gauteng	1,989
KwaZulu-Natal	5,783
Limpopo	4,023
Mpumalanga	1,873
North West	1,730
Northern Cape	602
Western Cape	1,451
Total	24,751

Source: EMIS School Realities, 2008

1 (b) (i)

Table 2: Number of schools using facilities of other schools, as at 29 July 2008.

Province	Schools
Eastern Cape	16
Free State	10
Gauteng	8
KwaZulu-Natal	43
Limpopo	17
Mpumalanga	22
North West	12
Northern Cape	3
Western Cape	7
Total	138

Source: NEIMS

1 (b) (ii)

Table 3: Operational schools without sanitation facilities, as at 29 July 2008

Province	Schools
Eastern Cape	527
Free State	55
Gauteng	6
KwaZulu-Natal	169
Limpopo	75
Mpumalanga	72
North West	73
Northern Cape	5
Western Cape	22
Total	1,004

Source: NEIMS
Note: These schools also include the platoon schools. These schools will be provided with sanitation either by provincial education departments or the DWAF programme.

1 (b) (iii)

Table 4: Operational schools without fencing or fencing in poor condition, as at 29 July 2008.

Province	Schools
Eastern Cape	1,132
Free State	146
Gauteng	64
KwaZulu-Natal	359
Limpopo	364
Mpumalanga	407
North West	125
Northern Cape	18
Western Cape	108
Total	2,723

Source: NEIMS

1 (c & d) I refer the Honourable Member to the answers I have already provided to questions NA 1560 (12 September 2008), NA 849 (30 May 2008), and NCOP 6 (26 February 2008).

1 (e)

Table 5: Funza Lushaka bursars and costs :

Year	Bursars	Rands
2007	3,360	110 528 265
2008	4,974	164 466 668

1(f)

Table 6: Teacher/pupil ratio in public schools

Province	Learner-Educator Ratio (Teacher/Pupil Ratio)
Province	State-paid and SGB-paid educators	State-paid educators
Eastern Cape	31.7	33.5
Free State	28.9	30.4
Gauteng	32.4	36.4
KwaZulu-Natal	32.5	34.5
Limpopo	31.2	32.1
Mpumalanga	31.6	33.0
North West	29.8	31.4
Northern Cape	29.8	31.7
Western Cape	30.0	35.7
National	31.4	33.7

Source: EMIS School Realities 2008

2.

Table 7: Projects completed by provincial departments from 2005 to July 2008.

Province	Number of classrooms completed	Schools provided with sanitation	Schools provided with fences
Eastern Cape	412	396	101
Free State	132	197	6
Gauteng	199	33	24
KwaZulu-Natal	4,818	1,158	101
Limpopo	3,494	1,672	17
Mpumalanga	657	1,178	4
North West	975	261	124
Northern Cape	92	20	5
Western Cape	1,122	65	32
Total	11,901	4,980	414

Source: NEIMS
Note: Since 2007 DWAF has provided another 67 schools with sanitation. The EU donor programme has also funded 141 new classrooms, sanitation for 27 schools and fencing for 9 schools.

Table 8: The teacher/pupil ratio in public schools in each province in 2005

Province	Learner Educator Ratio (Teacher/Pupil Ratio)
Province	State-Paid and SGB -Paid Educators	State-Paid Educators
Eastern Cape	33.0	34.8
Free State	29.4	30.6
Gauteng	31.6	36.7
KwaZulu-Natal	34.3	36.7
Limpopo	34.1	34.7
Mpumalanga	33.5	35.4
North West	31.1	32.4
Northern Cape	31.9	34.2
Western Cape	31.5	37.2
National	32.8	35.2

Source: EMIS School Realities 2005.
Note: In 2005 the teacher/learner ratio in public schools was 35.2, while the current teacher/learner ratio in public schools is 33.7. This translates into 15,582 additional educators. There were 362,478 state-paid educators in public schools in 2005, while in 2008 there are 378,060 state-paid educators.

QUESTION 1846

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 24/10/2008

(INTERNAL QESTION PAPER 32-2008)

Mr GR Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Education:

(1) Whether her department is investigating the incident that occurred on 17 September 2008 at Xolobeni Junior Secondary School where members of the SA Police Service are alleged to have administered corporal punishment to learners; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details,

(2) whether the principal of the school will be removed if he/she is found to have been complicit in the incident; if not, why not; if so, what are relevant details;

(3) whether her department will offer counselling services to the affected learners, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether she will visit the school to assure learners that the matter is being dealt with and it will not recur; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2638E

REPLY:

(1) The Eastern Cape Education Department’s preliminary report indicates that there are differences of fact and opinion in the statements made by the members of SAPS and the principal of the school. SAPS members say they searched for dangerous weapons and in the process forced those who resisted against the wall. The principal says the learners were beaten because they were violent and did not take instructions from him. The provincial authorities are conducting further investigations.

(2) The principal will be removed if he is found to be in contravention of the relevant legislation governing educators and schools.

(3) The Department will offer counselling services if there is a need to do so. However, a circuit manager visited the school on 24 October 2008 where she had an open session with the learners. There were no indications of traumatized learners unless they were absent from school on that day.

(4) I have delegated officials to visit the school.

QUESTION NO 1847

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 NOVEMBER 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32/2008)

Date reply submitted: 12 December 2008

Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:

(1) Whether the Independent Complaints Directorate are investigating the incident that occurred on 17 September 2008 at a certain school (name furnished) where members of the SA Police Service (SAPS) are alleged to have administered corporal punishment to learners; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether action will be taken against any SAPS members who have been found to have administered corporal punishment to the learners; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether action will be taken against the station commissioner under whom the above SAPS members serve; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) Whether he will publicly condemn the actions of the SAPS members; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2639E

REPLY

(1) The ICD conducted investigations into the alleged assault of pupils on 17 September 2008 at Xholobeni Junior Secondary School. The investigation confirmed that the principal summoned the help of the police stationed at Mpisi Police Station after the pupils were allegedly unruly and had howled at him when he banned the charging of mobile phones using the school’s solar powered energy. It is alleged that three members of the aforesaid station proceeded to the school where they conducted a search on the pupils. The search yielded mobile phones and chargers. It is further alleged that the three members ordered the pupils to line along the wall with their hands high against the wall. It was during this time that corporal punishment was allegedly administered.

(2) The ICD has made recommendations to the Senior Public Prosecutor to take action against members involved on charges of assault and at the same time made recommendations to SAPS management for disciplinary action against the said members.

(3) Nothing implicates the involvement of the station commissioner in the alleged incident.

(4) The investigation on the matter has not yet been concluded

QUESTION 1849

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 24/10/2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 32-2008)

Ms M Smuts (DA) to ask the Minister of Education:

(i) In respect of each province (a) what is the total number of (i) public schools as defined in the South African Schools Act, Act 84 of 1996 and (ii) Further education and training institutions as defined in the Further Education and Training Act, Act 98 of 1998 and (b) how many (i) public schools and (ii) FET institutions have computer laboratories or facilities for learners, (aa) with (bb) without internet connection,

(2) Whether any schools are making use of the facilities or assistance of Sentech (Pty) Ltd or the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA); if not, why not; if so, which school in each province?

(3) Whether she has taken any steps to (??) electronic communications by these schools and institutions; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW2641E

REPLY:

(1)

Table 1: Schools with computer laboratories and internet connections

	Public Schools	FET Colleges
Total Number	24 751	50
Institutions with computer laboratories or facilities for Teaching and Learning	3 366	50
Institutions with Internet Connections	1 768	50 (There is a mix of campuses/college that have internet, and data is not available for those that do not)

(2) Only 3 schools in South Africa currently receive services from Sentech (Pty). Mpumalanga has procured the services of Sentech (VSAT) to connect all secondary and combined schools (525) in the province. No implementation has yet taken place. In 2007/8 the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) provided 241 computer laboratories/cyberlabs in schools. The majority of these schools are in under-serviced areas. USAASA is currently installing 20 computer laboratories/cyberlabs as part of the APEX 3 Project (FOSAD ISAD Dinaledi Connectivity Project).

(3) We communicate with schools, teachers and learners both through the post and digitally. In particular, we make use of the Thutong portal (www.thutong.org.za) to communicate with schools, teachers and learners on various topics, for example, matric examinations.

Additional information

Table 1: Data on provincial distribution of ICT facilities

Province	Total number of Schools	Number of schools with computer rooms 1	Number of schools with Internet connectivity2	Number of schools with electronic communication abilities3
EC	5686	275	72	784
FS	1614	290	199	219
GT	1989	668	374	1601
KZN	5783	583	239	247
LP	4023	237	24	171
MP	1873	119	31	952
NC	1730	286	92	200
NW	602	265	17	600
WC	1451	643	720	720
Total	=SUM(ABOVE) 24751	=SUM(ABOVE) 3366	=SUM(ABOVE) 1768	=SUM(ABOVE) 5494

1 EMIS 2008 Annual survey of schools

2 ICT in Education Audit conducted by SITA 2007/8

3 Provincial Departments of Education, as supplied to National for 2007/8

Table 2: SENTECH in Schools

Province	Total number of Schools	Number of schools that are making use of SENTECH services4	Notes
EC	5686	1	NEPAD e-School from the ORACLE Consortium
FS	1614	1	NEPAD e-School from the ORACLE Consortium
GT	1989	0	Gauteng OnLine (GOL) schools were serviced through a 3-year contract with Sentech. The contract was not renewed. GOL’s connectivity has subsequently been placed in a bigger Gauteng network by GSSC that made use of iBurst.
KZN	5783	1	A project school installed by the DOC as part of their Cyberlab project
LP	4023	0
MP	1873	525	Mpumalanga has procured the services of SENTECH VSAT to connect all secondary and combined schools in the province. No implementation has yet taken place.
NC	1730	0
NW	602	0
WC	1451	0
Total	=SUM(ABOVE) 24751	3 (+525)

4 Information provided by ICT Provincial Representatives on the ICT Inter-Provincial Working Group

Table 3: USAASA in schools

Province	Total number of Schools	Number of schools that have facilities provided by USAASA5
EC	5686	41
FS	1614	20
GT	1989	2
KZN	5783	43
LP	4023	36
MP	1873	37
NC	1730	23
NW	602	29
WC	1451	10
Total	=SUM(ABOVE) 24751	=SUM(ABOVE) 241

5 Information provided by USAASA

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}

QUESTION NO: 1850

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 31 October 2008

QUESTION PAPER NO: 29

DATE OF REPLY: 3 December 2008

Ms M Smuts (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

How many (a) public schools, (b) further education and training institutions and (c) independent schools and institutions as defined in section 88 of the Electronic Communications Act, Act 36 of 2005, have (i) applied for, (ii) been offered and (iii) received subsidies from the Universal Service and Access Fund?

NW2642E

REPLY:

I have been advised by USAASA as follows:-

Herewith a list of the number of Public Schools, per Province, with Computer Labs and Internet Connectivity which is being subsidised by USAASA through the Universal Service and Access Fund:

Province	Computer Labs	With Internet	Without Internet
Limpopo	36	16	20
Mpumalanga	36	10	26
Gauteng	2	2	0
North West	29	3	26
Free State	17	5	12
Kwazulu-Natal	40	16	24
Eastern Cape	42	23	19
Western Cape	8	6	2
Northern Cape	23	8	15
TOTAL	233	89	144

Herewith a list of the number of Further Education and Training Institutions (FETs), per Province, that do have Internet Connectivity which is being subsidised by USAASA through the Universal Service and Access Fund in partnership with DoC and ISSET SETA. These institutions already have computer labs, which were not subsidised through the Universal Service and Access Fund:

Province	Internet Connectivity
Limpopo	2
Mpumalanga	2
Gauteng	2
North West	2
Free State	2
Kwazulu-Natal	2
Eastern Cape	2
Western Cape	2
Northern Cape	2
TOTAL	18

In the 2007/08 financial year, USAASA signed agreements with three (3) operators (WBS, MTN and Cell C) to pay for connectivity at schools through the e-Rate system.

WBS indicated that they have connected forty (40) schools, of which USAASA has paid for seven (12) [7 in Gauteng and 5 in North West].

MTN and Cell C have not indicated to USAASA the number of schools they have connected. MTN however did indicate plans to connect fifty (50) schools in the current financial year.

USAASA currently has ten (10) requests for computer labs from schools. These are going through internal processes. As part of the Dinaledi Programme, USAASA will deploy twenty (20) new computer labs, concentrated in the province of North West.

Question & Replies No 1801 to 1850

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 31 of 2008

QUESTION NO.: 1828

QUESTION NUMBER 1831

REPLY:

More like this