QUESTION 637
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 12-2008]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 MAY 2008
637. Mr J H van der Merve (IFP) to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs:
(1) What is the total size of the Kruger National Park in hectares;
(2) whether any part of the Kruger National Park is subject to land claims; if so, (a) how many and (b) where are they situated;
(3) whether the (a) land will be returned to the claimants or (b) claimants will receive financial compensation, in the event of successful land claims in the Kruger National Park? NW1323E
THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS:
(1) It is estimated to be 2 million hectares.
(2) Yes.
(a) A total of 15, of which 3 is in the Limpopo portion and 12 in the Mpumalanga portion of the Park.
(b) Vhembe, Mopani, Skukuza, Pretoriuskop, Phabeni, Numbi and Lower Sabie.
(3)(a) Yes. In terms of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Departments of Land Affairs and of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, the land will be restored in title to the successful claimant communities, however the land will continue to be used for conservation purposes.
(b) No.
QUESTION NO. 639
(Internal Question Paper No 12 – 2008)
The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:
(1) What comparative benefits have each node enjoyed under the (a) Urban Renewal Programme and (b) Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme in terms of the (i) provision of water infrastructure, (ii) monitoring of drinking water quality, (iii) strengthening of local and district municipalities and (iv) provision of quality basic healthcare since their announcement in the President’s state of the nation address in 2001;
(2) what are the relevant details regarding the death of 78 infants in the Ukhahlamba District in the Eastern Cape in April, reportedly as a result of diarrhoea that was contracted through impurities in the drinking water which the local hospitals were unable to treat because of the unavailability of basic medication;
(3) whether his department received any instructions or inquiries from the presidency regarding the death of those infants; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether his department took any specific actions to (a) investigate or address the situation in the Ukhahlamba district and (b) hold the relevant officials accountable; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
ANSWER
The question focuses primarily on functional areas which fall outside the constitutional responsibilities which have been assigned to the Minister for Provincial and Local Government, namely water and health. The issues raised in respect of the Urban Renewal Programme (URP), and the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme (ISRDP), and the strengthening of municipalities, are, therefore, purely consequential and subsidiary in nature.
In terms of Chapter 13 of the National Assembly Guide to Procedure, 2004, the issues relating to water and health should have been referred to the relevant Ministers. In fact, the Portfolio Committee for Health in the Eastern Cape has dealt with this matter.
The questions relating to the URP and the ISRDP and the strengthening of municipalities, fall within the Ministry’s mandate. However, the response that may be given in respect of these areas would “require an impractically extensive answer”, and such a response is not permissible in terms of the rules and conventions of Parliament.
These matters are dealt with in the dplg’s Annual Reports, and in reports presented yearly to the relevant Portfolio and Select Committees of Parliament. Thus the question requires “information that is readily accessible”, and is not allowed in terms of the rules and conventions referred to above.
QUESTION NO: 641
MR, J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES:
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Whether a certain person (Mr. Jean Claude LaCote) escaped in March or April 2008 from the Johannesburg Correctional Centre; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,(a) when, (b) from what section,(c) when was his escape discovered and (d) for what charges was he being detained;
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whether his department has investigated or is investigating the circumstances regarding this event; if not, why not; if so, (a) when did the investigation (i) commence and (ii) conclude and (b) which persons or institutions formed part of the investigation;
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whether any officials have been (a) suspended or (b) charged as a result of this matter; if so, how many in each case?
NW1330E
REPLY
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(a) Yes, Inmate Jean Claude LaCote did manage to escape from out of Johannesburg Correctional Centre on 28 March 2008.
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He escaped at the Johannesburg Medium A Correctional Centre from the reception area.
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On 28th March 2008 the SAPS allegedly requested the removal of inmate LaCote per SAP 127 for purposes of a further investigation.
The application was handed in at Johannesburg Medium A Correctional Centre, Reception Office for processing. (DCS policy allows for an inmate to be transferred to the SAPS on request of a SAP 127.
The official at the Admission Unit allegedly accepted the SAP 127 form together with the SAPS ID cards. He confirmed from the Admission and Release System that inmate LaCote was still in custody at the Correctional Centre and inmate LaCote was handed to the SAPS members.
Current investigations revealed that the escape was discovered on 16 April 2008 when the SAPS Investigation Officer responsible for the case, visited the Medium A Correctional Centre where he informed the Management of the Centre that he was not aware of any SAP 127 that was issued with regard to the removal of inmate LaCote.
Two cases were opened at Mondeor SAPS:
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Escape: Mondeor SAPS: CAS no. 382/04/2008,
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Theft and Corruption: Mondeor SAPS: CAS no 391/04/2008,
(d) Inmate Jean Claude LaCote was detained on alleged fraud charges.
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(a) (i) The Departmental Investigation Team was established on 22 April 2008 and commenced with the internal departmental investigation.
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The investigation is not yet concluded.
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The SAPS also established a Special Task team to investigate the matter.
(3)(a) and (b) The investigation is not yet finalised therefore no conclusion could be made at this stage.
QUESTION NO: 641
641.MR, J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES:
Whether a certain person (Mr. Jean Claude LaCote) escaped in March or April 2008 from the Johannesburg Correctional Centre; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,(a) when, (b) from what section,(c) when was his escape discovered and (d) for what charges was he being detained;
whether his department has investigated or is investigating the circumstances regarding this event; if not, why not; if so, (a) when did the investigation (i) commence and (ii) conclude and (b) which persons or institutions formed part of the investigation;
whether any officials have been (a) suspended or (b) charged as a result of this matter; if so, how many in each case?
REPLY
(a) Yes, Inmate Jean Claude LaCote did manage to escape from out of Johannesburg Correctional Centre on 28 March 2008.
He escaped at the Johannesburg Medium A Correctional Centre from the reception area.
On 28th March 2008 the SAPS allegedly requested the removal of inmate LaCote per SAP 127 for
purposes of a further investigation.
The application was handed in at Johannesburg Medium A Correctional Centre, Reception Office for processing. (DCS policy allows for an inmate to be transferred to the SAPS on request of a SAP 127.
The official at the Admission Unit allegedly accepted the SAP 127 form together with the SAPS ID cards. He confirmed from the Admission and Release System that inmate LaCote was still in custody at the Correctional Centre and inmate LaCote was handed to the SAPS members.
Current investigations revealed that the escape was discovered on 16 April 2008 when the SAPS Investigation Officer responsible for the case, visited the Medium A Correctional Centre where he informed the Management of the Centre that he was not aware of any SAP 127 that was issued with regard to the removal of inmate LaCote.
Two cases were opened at Mondeor SAPS:
Escape: Mondeor SAPS: CAS no. 382/04/2008,
Theft and Corruption: Mondeor SAPS: CAS no 391/04/2008,
(d) Inmate Jean Claude LaCote was detained on alleged fraud charges.
(a) (i) The Departmental Investigation Team was established on 22 April 2008 and commenced with the internal departmental investigation.
The investigation is not yet concluded.
The SAPS also established a Special Task team to investigate the matter.
(3)(a) and (b) The investigation is not yet finalised therefore no conclusion could be made at this stage.
QUESTION NO: 642
MR, J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES:
(1) Whether gang-related violence occurred on or around 7 April 2008 in Durban-Westville Correctional Centre; if so, (a) where did the violence occur and (b) how many (i) inmates and (ii) staff members were affected by it;
(2) what steps have been taken by his department to (a)(i) investigate and (ii) deal with the immediate causes of this violence and (b) deal with the underlying causes of gang-related violence in all correctional centres?
NW1331E
REPLY
(1) (a &b) No incident took place on 7 April, however on 6 April 2008 an incident occurred at Durban Medium A Correctional Centre’s dining hall. Four (4) non gang members were assaulted and injured by an inmate belonging to the 26 gang with a sharpened object. No staff members were affected.
(2) (a) (i) Departmental and Criminal investigations were instituted in and are currently in progress.
(ii) The following measures were implemented to deal with the immediate causes of this violence:
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Departmental disciplinary steps were taken against the perpetrators in terms of degrading.
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The victims and the perpetrators were segregated.
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Sentenced perpetrators who continuously assaulted fellow inmates and proved to be hardened criminals have been transferred to Embongweni Closed Maximum Correctional Centre.
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Every effort is being made to identify high ranking gang members, ring leaders and gang members in order to diffuse the present situation.
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Privileges of perpetrators were revoked.
(2)(b) The Department has in place a security plan for the protection of officials, inmates and service providers which is continuously revised according to security trends and threats.
The security plans inter alia focus on the following areas:
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Effective supervision at Admission Sections to prevent vulnerable offenders being assaulted/victimized in admission cells especially at night
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Increased supervision by staff in dining areas, courtyards and housing units especially after hours
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Prevention of dangerous weapons/articles from entering Correctional facilities through increased access control measures
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Effectively dealing with complaints and requests of inmates
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Strict and consequent disciplinary/criminal actions against perpetrators for acts of victimization or violence against fellow inmates
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Ensuring adequate inmate/staff ratios in relation to the safety risks at all areas in- and outside Correctional Centres
The Department is also in the process of increasing its capacity to gather and analyze security information which includes information on gangs and gang activity to be able to deal more effectively with security threats, violence and gang activities in Correctional Centres.
QUESTION NO. 643
(Internal Question Paper No 12 – 2008)
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:
What role does the Local Government Sectoral Education and Training Authority play in the training of municipal police or in quality insurance and the accreditation of trainers in this field?
ANSWER
According to information provided by the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority, their role relates more to fire and emergency service staff than the training of the municipal police service. Most of the quality assurance and accreditation functions relating to the municipal police are dealt withy SASSETA (Police, Private Security, Legal, Correctional Services and Justice Sector Education and Training Authority).
QUESTION NO. 644
(Internal Question Paper No 12 – 2008)
Mr W P Doman (DA) to ask the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:
(a) What amount in the form of bursaries has been allocated by the Local Government Sectoral Education and Training Authority to young learners to provide for scarce skills in local government as at 30 April 2008, (b) how many learners have benefited from these bursaries and (c) what requirements are set for learners to qualify for such bursaries?
ANSWER
According to information received from the LGSETA:
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the amounts appearing below have been set aside for bursaries:
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for property valuation, R4 500 000.00 has been allocated for the 2006/07 to 2009/10 financial year, of which R 555 833.33 has been disbursed;
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for engineering, R1 561 334.00 has been allocated for the 2006/07 to 2008/09 financial year, of which R1 139 665.30 has been disbursed; and
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for internal audit, R3 500 000.00 has been allocated for the 2007/08 to 2009/10 financial year, of which R 525 000.00 has been disbursed.
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the following number of learners have benefited:
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property valuation: 150;
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engineering: 36; and
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internal audit: 100.
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e requirements for the awarding of bursaries, among others, include the following:
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for property valuation:
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a candidate must be permanently employed by a local government entity in the finance, property valuation or built environment sectors;
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a candidate must be a South African citizen; and
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preference is given to the previously disadvantaged, women and disabled candidates. However no candidate is excluded;
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for engineering:
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a candidate must be permanently in the employ of a local government entity;
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preference is given to the previously disadvantaged, women and disabled candidates. However no candidate is excluded; and
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5 years post diploma experience is required; and
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for internal audit:
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the candidate must be a South African citizen;
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the candidate must be currently studying in the internal audit field within a recognised institution of higher learning;
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the candidate should be studying on a full-time basis; and
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preference is given to the previously disadvantaged, women and disabled candidates. However no candidate is excluded.
QUESTION 646
WRITTEN REPLY FRIDAY, 9 MAY 2008
Question 646 for written reply, National Assembly: Mr J P I Blancẻ (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:
(1)(a)(i) Which African countries are mentored by the SA Agreement Board, (ii) at what cost and (iii) for how long and (b) what are the reasons for the SA Agreement Board recruiting staff from Cuba;
(2)whether these jobs can be filled by South Africans; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether the qualifications of the Cuban recruits meet the requirements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1335E
REPLY
(1)(a)(i) None, (ii) Not applicable (iii) Not applicable (b) This is incorrect;
(2) Currently yes they are.
(3)There are no Cuban recruits in Agrément South Africa.
BACKGROUND FOR MINISTER’S ATTENTION REGARDING THE QUESTION
The Agrément human resources strategy is aimed at developing technical competence and skill primarily within the Agency which benefits of the Republic of South Africa. Agrément is tasked with evaluating and certifying non-standard novel innovation building systems and products in terms of fit-for-purpose requirements. The core skill of staff within Agrément are therefore related to building sciences such as civil engineering, quantity surveying, materials physics and chemistry etc.
The HR strategy would therefore promote the upskilling of staff with regard to further technical training in the form of short courses and further degrees.
In terms of recruitment practices, all vacancies are substantially advertised in local media such as Sunday Times, City Press, Weekend Argus, Daily Dispatch, The Tribune, etc as well as internet media to enable candidates throughout South Africa who meet the requirements to apply. General Assessors within Agrément require National Diplomas / Bachelor of Technology (or equivalent) degrees, with further advanced science or technical degrees such as Honours or Masters levels being preferred. Agrément is also subject to competitive drives for these staff as there is a high demand for infrastructure related professionals.
Within Agrément, the recruitment drive and parameters is always to give preference to South African applicants especially those that meet equity requirements. There is no policy or recruitment drive in place which specifically targets any foreign country, including Cuba. In fact, Agrément has no staff which are Cuban, and has never targeted Cuba. However, should a Cuban national or any other foreign national apply and meet the requirements for positions within Agrément, they are subject to same screening and assessment criteria as a South African applicant. Agrément is only able to employ foreign nationals with the permission of the South African Department of Home Affairs who grant work permits to foreign national, subject to stringent criteria being met.
Statements in the previous minutes attributed to the HR Manager for Agrément - Ms Caron Petersen - are also incorrect and correction on this has been requested to the Secretary of the Parliament Portfolio Committee.
Question 647
Written Reply
Mr J P I Blanché (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:
(a) How many properties have been identified by the sale of unidentified public works properties not registered in the assets register and
(b) when will the updated immovable assets register be finalized.
NW1336E
Answer:
(1). (a). One cannot sell unidentified properties not registered in the asset register. In order to sell these properties, a process has to be followed whereby these assets have to be first surveyed and registered.
(b). Asset register is a live data information system therefore its update is continuous, however, data collected by the Asset Register Enhancement Project (AREP) has been captured on the system and furthermore the data on the asset register is currently being verified through the verification of the asset register project.
QUESTION NO 648
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: FRIDAY, 23 MAY 2008
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 09 MAY 2008 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12 – 2008)
Mr S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether any conditions have been included in the 11 toll route concessions for those companies to reinvest any portion of their revenue into (a) repairs, (b) maintenance or (c) recapitalisation of those sectors of road under their control; if so, what portion for each of the 11 concessionaries;
(2) whether the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) receives any portion of revenue from these concessionaires for use on other national road sectors requiring (a) repairs, (b) maintenance or (c) recapitalisation; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1337E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(1) At present there are three routes that are concessioned. The concessionaires are Trans Africa Concessionaires (TRAC ): N4 Maputo Development Corridor; Bakwena: N4 – West Platinum Highway; and N3 Toll Concessionaires (N3TC): N3 Durban to Johannesburg. The remainder of the toll roads is SANRAL roads.
(a), (b) and (c)
The concessioned roads are fully funded by the respective concessionaires. The concessionaires are responsible for the complete “well being” of the roads at no cost to SANRAL and, therefore, Government.
(2) (a), (b) and (c)
As the Honourable Member is aware, the two parts (toll and non-toll) of SANRAL’s business are financially managed as two separate entities. The grant allocation from National Treasury is used exclusively for non-toll roads. SANRAL is not allowed to budget for a deficit for non-toll roads.
Similarly, the monies raised from the capital markets are used exclusively for toll roads.
QUESTION NO: 649
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 MAY 2008
QUESTION PAPER NO: 12
DATE OF REPLY: 5 June 2008
Ms M Smuts (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:
Whether a certain employee of SABC (name furnished) was found guilty of misconduct or any other charges, if so (i) what charges, (ii) by what body or institution (iii) whether action was taken against the employee or (iv) whether he was reinstated, if so, (i) why (ii) on whose instruction (iii) into which job.
NW1338E
REPLY:
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Mr. Motsoeneng was charged with misconduct
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He was found guilty by the Arbitrator appointed in terms of S136 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995; as amended, at the pre-dismissal arbitration hearing.
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The employee was then dismissed.
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Mr. Motsoeneng lodged an appeal submission at the appeal hearing led by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Dali Mpofu.
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The employee won the appeal and he was re-employed with effect from 1 April 2008.
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The decision to re-employ Mr. Motsoeneng was based on his application to the appeal panel, which he had won.
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Mr. Motsoeneng was re-employed into a post of Producer: Radio Current Affairs at Lesedi Radio station.
Question 650
Written Reply
Mr. L K Joubert (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Works:
(1). How many public buildings, including homes, belonging to the State (a) are standing empty at present and (b) have been standing empty for more than six months;
(2). whether her department has taken any steps to protect these buildings (a) from deterioration and (b) against vandalism; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3). whether her department will take any steps to utilize these buildings optimally; if not; why not; if so; what are the relevant details.
NW1339E
Answer:
(1). The Department has appointed two parastatals, namely, Intersite and Servcon, to verify all the information in the Asset Register. This implies that the number of all those State-owned properties that (a) are currently standing empty and (b). have been standing empty for more than six months will be confirmed once the project is completed by the end of March 2009.
(2).(a).The Department has rolled out both the Rehabilitation Programme and National Infrastructure Maintenance Strategy (NIMS) to safeguard buildings from deterioration once identified, and (b). Security contracts are in place to ensure that the identified State properties are prevented from vandalism.
(3). Yes. The Department has developed a Turnaround Strategy that outlines steps to be taken to ensure optimal utilization of State buildings. Again, feasibility studies are conducted to determine the following:-
(i). the optimum use of the asset;
(ii). should NDPW hold or dispose of the asset;
(iii). are there structural problems with the asset;
(iv). what is the cost to reinstate the asset to its original condition;
(v). the current value of the asset in relation to its replacement value.
QUESTION NO.: 651
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