→ House of Assembly → 1971 → MARCH, 1971 → House of Assembly: Vol35 - FRIDAY 26 MARCH 1971

House of Assembly: Vol35 - FRIDAY 26 MARCH 1971

FRIDAY, 26TH MARCH, 1971

For oral reply:

Applications for exemptions in terms of regulation 3.22 under Mines and Works Act *1. Mrs. H. SUZMAN

asked the Minister of Mines:

  1. (1) (a) How many applications have been received for exemptions in terms of regulation 3.22 under the Mines and Works Act and (b) for how many miners was exemption sought in each application;
  2. (2) (a) how many of the applications were (i) granted and (ii) refused and (b) on what date was each of these applications received;
  3. (3) (a) how many applications are still under consideration and (b) on what date was each of these applications received.
 The MINISTER OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS (for the Minister of Mines):
  1. (1)
    1. (a) Three.
    2. (b) In the first application exemption was sought in respect of six Bantu. In the two later applications the number of Bantu was not specified but, according to indications, about 40 Bantu and six Bantu, respectively, would have been affected initially.
  2. (2)
    1. (a) (i) and (ii) None; the first two applicants decided that their applications need not be proceeded with.
    2. (b) 28th July, 1967, and 5th January, 1968.
  3. (3)
    1. (a) One; this application is being held in abeyance at the request of the mining company concerned.
    2. (b) 12th May, 1970.
 *2. Mrs. H. SUZMAN

—Withdrawn.

 National holiday for the Zulu nation *3. Mrs. H. SUZMAN

asked the Minister of Bantu Administration and Development:

Whether representations have been made by the Zululand Territorial Authority for 23rd September to be set aside as a national holiday for the Zulu nation to be known as Chaka Day; if so, (a) on how many occasions and (b) what reply was given on each occasion.

 The MINISTER OF BANTU ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT:

Yes; but not in respect of the date referred to in the question.

  1. (a) Once; at the recent session of the Territorial Authority.
  2. (b) The motion by the Territorial Authority is still under consideration.
 Land acquired in Stellenbosch for building of dwelling units by Dept. of Community Development *4. Mr. H. MILLER

asked the Minister of Community Development:

  1. (1) Whether his Department has acquired land for the purpose of building dwelling units in Stellenbosch; if so, (a) what land and (b) at what cost.
  2. (2) whether plans have been prepared for the building of dwelling units on this land; if so, (a) how many units are contemplated, (b) for what income group are these units to be provided, (c) what will be the cost per unit, (d) when will building operations commence and (e) when is it expected that such units will be available for occupation;
  3. (3) whether these dwelling units are intended for sale or for letting.
 The MINISTER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
  1. (1) Yes; but land was mainly required with a view to urban renewal, slum clearance and redevelopment.
    1. (a) Properties in a portion of Stellenbosch known as Merriman Avenue Area, which were designated as an urban renewal area on the request of the City Council of Stellenbosch.
    2. (b) R1 318 457.
  2. (2) Yes.
    1. (a) 62 single bedroom and 90 two bedroom flats. 32 existing dwelling units in the process of restoration.
    2. (b) Lower and middle income groups.
    3. (c) Single bedroom flats, R4 800 per unit. Two bedroom flats, R6 400 per unit. Estimated cost of restoration of 32 dwelling units, R243 000.
    4. (d) 56 single bedroom and 83 two bedroom flats are under construction.
    5. (e) Expected date of completion of flats is August, 1973.
      It is expected that the first of the restored dwelling units will be available at the end of 1971.
  3. (3) Dwelling units are earmarked for letting and selling.
 Water supply at Platts Estates, Ixopo area *5. Mrs. H. SUZMAN

asked the Minister of Water Affairs:

  1. (1) Whether any representations have been received from the Department of Bantu Administration and Development in connection with an assured water supply for the projected development at Platts Estates in the Ixopo area;
  2. (2) whether any survey has been made of the water potential of the Ixopo River in view of such projected development.
 The MINISTER OF WATER AFFAIRS:
  1. (1) No.
  2. (2) No; not by the Department of Water Affairs.
 Soil conservation conditions in Black spots in Ixopo area *6. Mr. W. M. SUTTON

asked the Minister of Agriculture:

  1. (1) Whether the attention of his Department has been drawn to the unsatisfactory soil conservation conditions in Black spots in the Ixopo area;
  2. (2) whether his Department has taken any steps to enforce soil conservation measures in these Black spots; if so, (a) what steps and (b) who is locally responsible for enforcing these measures; if not, why not.
 The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BANTU ADMINISTRATION AND EDUCATION (for the Minister of Agriculture):
  1. (1) Yes.
  2. (2) No; it is for practical reasons not possible to carry out the soil conservation measures until the Bantu have been resettled.
 Ixopo magisterial area: Bantu locations, Black spots, influx control, over-grazing, etc. *7. Mr. W. M. SUTTON

asked the Minister of Bantu Administration and Development:

  1. (1) (a) How many (i) Bantu locations and (ii) Black spots are there in the Ixopo magisterial area, (b) what is the estimated population of the locations and Black spots, respectively, and (c) how many of these Bantu work in the Ixopo magisterial area;
  2. (2) whether steps are taken to control influx into these locations and Black spots; if so, what steps;
  3. (3) whether steps are taken to protect the soil from injudicious ploughing and over-grazing in the areas under the control of his Department; if so, what steps.
 The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BANTU ADMINISTRATION AND EDUCATION:
  1. (1)
    1. (a) (i) 4. (ii) 41.
    2. (b) 31 443 and 5 593, respectively.
    3. (c) 4 580.
  2. (2) Legislation does not exist which empowers my Department to control influx into Black spots, but influx into the locations is controlled by the chiefs of the locations and officials of my Department.
  3. (3) Yes; soil conservation planning is accomplished in terms of the regulations issued by virtue of Proclamation R.196 of 1967.
 Chief Gatsha Buthelezi: Representations re behaviour of traffic officer during March, 1971 *8. Mrs. H. SUZMAN

asked the Minister of Bantu Administration and Development:

  1. (1) Whether any representations have been received from Chief Buthelezi arising out of the behaviour of a provincial traffic officer towards him at Mahlabatini during March, 1971; if so, what was the nature of the representations;
  2. (2) whether any steps have been taken as a result of these representations; of so, what steps; if not, why not;
  3. (3) whether he will make a statement in regard to the matter.
 The MINISTER OF BANTU ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT:
  1. (1) and (2) I understand that he has made representations to the local Bantu Affairs Commissioner, who has referred the matter to the Natal Provincial Administration.
  2. (3) I have no statement to make.
 Statistics Council *9. Mr. D. D. BAXTER

asked the Minister of Statistics:

(a) What are the names of the members of the Statistics Council and (b) on what date and (c) for what term of office was each appointed.

 The MINISTER OF STATISTICS:
  1. (a) Members of the Statistics Council have not yet been appointed after the expiry of the term of office on 30th November, 1970, of the previous members of the Council.
  2. (b) Falls away.
  3. (c) Three years.
 Indians training at medical schools without a permit *10. Dr. E. L. FISHER

asked the Minister of Indian Affairs:

Whether Indians are admitted for training at any medical schools without a permit; if so, at which medical schools.

 The MINISTER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS:

Yes; at the Medical School for NonEuropeans at the University of Natal.

 Block AK area of Durban: Cases set down for arbitration *11. Mr. L. E. D. WINCHESTER

asked the Minister of Community Development:

(a) How many cases have been set down for arbitration in the Block AK area of Durban, (b) how many cases have been heard and (c) when is it expected that all the cases will be disposed of.

 The MINISTER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
  1. (a) Seven.
  2. (b) Three.
  3. (c) It is not known how many owners will come to an agreement regarding compensation and how many will proceed to arbitration. Furthermore, the dates of sittings of arbitration courts are determined by the arbitrators in collaboration with the relevant legal representatives.
 Determination of reasonable rents in composite premises *12. Mr. M. L. MITCHELL

asked the Minister of Community Development:

  1. (1) Whether his attention has been drawn to a judgment of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (South African Law Reports 1971 (1)) in which the court made certain remarks on the need of legislation to deal with the problems which arise in regard to the determination of reasonable rents in composite premises, part controlled and part uncontrolled;
  2. (2) whether he proposes to introduce legislation during the current session to meet the situation; if not, why not.
 The MINISTER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
  1. (1) Yes.
  2. (2) No; the remark made by the court is of such a nature that an intensive study must be made of the implications thereof. The matter is already receiving the attention of the Department, and an amendment of the Act, if necessary, can, at the earliest, only be introduced during 1972.
 Permit granted to Robert Sobukwe *13. Mr. M. L. MITCHELL

asked the Minister of the Interior:

Whether the permit granted to Robert Sobukwe during 1971 by the Secretary for the Interior has been withdrawn by him; of so, (a) on what date and (b) for what reasons; if not, why not.

 The MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR:

No, because up to now it was not necessary for me to consider the withdrawal of the permit.

 Interrogation of M. N. Father by Special Branch *14. Mr. M. L. MITCHELL

asked the Minister of Police:

  1. (1) Whether members of the Special Branch interrogated one M. N. Pather in Durban during January, 1971; if so, (a) on which days and (b) for how long on each occasion;
  2. (2) whether the members of the Special Branch were instructed to do so; if so, (a) by whom and (b) for what purpose; if not, for what reason did they interrogate this person;
  3. (3) what is the practice in regard to interrogations by the Special Branch mero motu.
 The MINISTER OF POLICE:
  1. (1) Yes.
    1. (a) On 6th, 7th and 11th January, 1971.
    2. (b) Statistics of this nature are unfortunately not kept.
  2. (2) Yes.
    1. (a) Their commander.
    2. (b) For the purpose of obtaining information in the execution of their duties in terms of the Police Act.
  3. (3) It is not desirable to divulge in detail methods of investigation of the Security Branch of the South African Police.
 Mr. M. L. MITCHELL:

Arising from the reply of the hon. the Minister, I should like to ask him whether he is aware that the person concerned informed the Press that he was doing this with a view to a Minister imposing some restrictions upon that person?

 The MINISTER:

I have learnt that from newspaper reports.

Reply standing over from Friday, 19th March, 1971

Johannesburg abattoir: White and non-White staff

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BANTU ADMINISTRATION AND EDUCATION (for the Minister of Agriculture) replied to Question *12, by Mr. W. G. Kingwill.

Question:
  1. (1) (a) How many posts for (i) Whites, (ii) Coloureds and (iii) Bantu are provided for at the Johannesburg abattoir and (b) how many of these posts are vacant;
  2. (2) whether any of the facilities provided at the abattoir are not being used due to a shortage of staff; if so (a) what facilities and (b) what steps are contemplated to rectify the situation.
 Reply:
  1. (1) (a) and (b) Information is not available.
  2. (2) Yes.
    1. (a) Two floors where cattle are slaughtered and also other slaughter facilities which cannot be used to full capacity.
    2. (b) The following steps were taken during recent years: (i) Wages were increased considerably during recent years namely: (a) The commencing wages for apprentices were increased from R11.63 in 1965 to R29.30 per week during 1970 (that is 150 per cent) and that of grade 1 slaughtermen from R41.25 to R65.81 per week (that is 60 per cent); and (b) a bonus scheme with a maximum of R6 per week was introduced during 1969 in order to improve attendance, (ii) Exemption was obtained from the Minister of Labour during 1970 to employ 85 non-Europeans for unskilled tasks.

Replies standing over from Tuesday, 23rd March, 1971

Immigrants Selection Board

The MINISTER OF IMMIGRATION replied to Question *15, by Mr. W. H. D. Deacon.

Question:

What are the (a) names and (b) qualifications of the members of the Immigrants Selection Board.

 Reply (Laid upon Table with leave of House):

(a) Names

(b) Qualifications

Mr. C. F. Vosloo

Former official of the Departments of Justice and Labour and retired as Deputy Secretary for Immigration.

Brig. P. L. J. Wessels

Former officer in the South African Police.

The Honourable A. E. Trollip

Former Minister of Immigration.

Prof. A. J. Coetzee

Professor emeritus, Witwatersrand University.

Mr. C. H. S. van der Merwe

Under Secretary for Immigration.

Mr. C. P. Beyers

Under Secretary for Immigration.

Mr. S. J. P. Eloff

Administrative Control Officer, Department of Labour.

In order to enable the Immigrants Selection Board to exercise its powers in terms of section 3 (5) of the Aliens Act, 1947, and with a view to expedite the finalisation of certain applications abroad the following officers of the Department of Immigration who are stationed abroad, have also been appointed as members of the Board:

(a) Names

(b) Qualifications

Mr. H. B. du Plessis

Under Secretary.

Mr. G. N. Boonzaaier

Administrative Control Officer.

Mr. W. J. Boyce

Administrative Control Officer.

Mr. M. W. Marais

Administrative Control Officer.

Mr. P. B. Cilliers

Administrative Control Officer.

Mr. A. S. Joubert

Administrative Control Officer.

Mr. J. Olsen

Administrative Control Officer.

Mr. M. A. Weideman

Administrative Control Officer.

Mr. S. J. Grobler

Administrative Officer.

Mr. J. L. Opperman

Administrative Officer.

Mr. E. F. L. Kuschke

Administrative Officer.

Mr. H. J. Botha

Administrative Officer.

Mr. H. T. B. Matthews

Administrative Officer.

Mr. J. H. Cloete

Administrative Officer.

Mr. T. J. M. J. van Vuuren

Administrative Officer.

Mr. F. J. le Roux

Administrative Officer.

Mr. J. H. van der Merwe

Administrative Officer.

Mr. C. J. Joubert

Administrative Officer.

Mr. G. J. van Zyl

Administrative Officer.

Mr. C. L. F. Koch

Administrative Officer.

Mr. J. W. du Preez

Administrative Officer.

Mr. F. A. Wheeler

Administrative Officer.

Mr. B. de la Bat Smit

Administrative Officer.

Mr. J. F. Roux

Administrative Officer.

Mr. J. C. Esterhuyse

Administrative Officer.

Mr. D. J. du Plessis

Senior Administrative Assistant.

Mr. P. W. A. Mulder.

Senior Administrative Assistant.

Mr. P. J. Nagel

Senior Administrative Assistant.

Mr. L. J. Hanekom

Senior Administrative Assistant.

Mr. E. F. van Rensburg

Senior Administrative Assistant.

Mr. P. J. F. Pienaar

Senior Administrative Assistant.

Mr. R. H. Uys

Senior Administrative Assistant.

Mr. W. G. Smit

Senior Administrative Assistant.

Mr. H. D. J. Rossouw

Senior Administrative Assistant.

Mr. P. J. Hamman

Senior Administrative Assistant.
Disturbances at boys’ hostel, Healdtown

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BANTU ADMINISTRATION AND EDUCATION replied to Question *16, by Mr. S. A. van den Heever:

Question:
  1. (1) Whether the recent disturbances at the boys’ hostel at Healdtown have been brought to his notice; if so, (a) what was the cause of the disturbances and (b) what steps have been taken to avoid similar disturbances in future;
  2. (2) whether he will make a statement in regard to the matter.
 Reply:
  1. (1) Yes.
    1. (a) It is not quite clear why the disturbances took place; apparently there was discontent with disciplinary action by the authorities of the church controlled hostel.
    2. (b) The 400 boys were suspended and they will be selected very strictly when they apply for readmission.
  2. (2) No.

For written reply.

Bilbarziosis 420. Mrs. H. SUZMAN

asked the Minister of Health:

  1. (1) What was the incidence of bilharziosis in each race group (a) in and (b) outside the endemic areas of the Republic in each year since 1968;
  2. (2) whether control measures have been applied in any new area since 1967; if so, in what areas;
  3. (3) whether the Department has had any further information from drug manufacturers as to the development of the new single dose drug referred to in the Department’s report for 1968; if so, what information.
 The MINISTER OF HEALTH:
  1. (1) (a) and (b) The disease is not notifiable by Law and no statistics are available.
  2. (2) No fresh endemic areas have developed.
  3. (3) Yes. The drug was tested by means of 6 trial schemes in the Transvaal during 1968-’69. An average of 76 per cent and 83 per cent of the patients treated in the course of four and two trial schemes respectively, were completely cured. Viewed superficially the results are excellent. The drug, however, does not immunize a patient against re-infection, even if the patient was cured completely from the disease. Further tests revealed that re-infection of persons occurs at a rate of 1-2 per cent per week. The drug is, however, used at present in the treatment of patients suffering from the disease.
 Bantu education: Shortage of schools, classrooms, teachers, lecturers, etc. 443. Mr. L. F. WOOD

asked the Minister of Bantu Education:

  1. (1) What is the present estimated or actual shortage of (a) schools, (b) classrooms, (c) White and Bantu teachers, respectively and (d) White and Bantu lecturers, respectively, in (i) urban, (ii) rural and (iii) homeland areas of the Republic;
  2. (2) what is the earliest date at which it is expected that these shortages will be overcome.
 The MINISTER OF BANTU EDUCATION:
  1. (1) It is unfortunately not possible to make a reliable estimation of the shortage of schools, classrooms and Bantu teachers. There is no shortage of White teachers and White and Bantu lecturers. It is policy, however, that the posts which are presently occupied by Whites should gradually be filled by competent Bantu.
  2. (2) It is also not possible to furnish a date at which it is expected that any shortages will be overcome. The Department is doing its best to provide the necessary services.
 District surgeons 444. Mr. L. F. WOOD

asked the Minister of Health:

  1. (1) How many (a) full-time and (b) part-time district surgeons (i) were employed by the State and (ii) undertook their own dispensing in connection with their State services during 1970;
  2. (2) how many patients were treated by district surgeons during 1969 and 1970, respectively;
  3. (3) how many district surgeons are in receipt of a drug allowance.
 The MINISTER OF HEALTH:
  1. (1)
    1. (i) (a) 127. (b) 403.
    2. (ii)
      1. (a) Drugs prescribed by full-time district surgeons, are dispensed by chemists.
      2. (b) Unfortunately particulars are not available in respect of part-time district surgeons.
  2. (2) Statistics are not yet available.
  3. (3) 356.
 Dispensing of medicine by members of Armed Forces 450. Mr. L. F. WOOD

asked the Minister of Health:

How many members of the Armed Forces have been considered by him to be competent to dispense medicines in terms of section 92 (2) of Act 13 of 1928 each year for the last five years for which figures are available.

 The MINISTER OF HEALTH:

It is not possible to furnish figures. The training course is adequate for the purpose of section 92 (2) of the Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Act, 1928 (Act 13 of 1928) in respect of members of the Armed Forces.

 Faculties of medicine and medical students 452. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of National Education:

  1. (1) (a) Which universities in the Republic have faculties of medicine and (b) how many medical students are registered in each year of study at each of these universities;
  2. (2) how many applications for each year of study at each medical faculty were (a) received and (b) accepted for the academic year 1971.
 The MINISTER OF NATIONAL EDUCATION:
  1. (1)
    1. (a) Pretoria, Stellenbosch, Witwatersrand, Cape Town, Natal and the Orange Free State.
    2. (b), (2) (a) and (b) The information is not available yet, because the universities undertake such census on the first day of June in every year.
 Provision of facilities for greater intake of medical students 453. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of National Education:

Whether facilities for a greater intake of medical students are to be provided at existing universities; if so, (a) to what extent, (b) at which universities and (c) when is it hoped that such additional facilities will be available.

 The MINISTER OF NATIONAL EDUCATION:

Yes.

  1. (a) So as to double the intake of medical students.
  2. (b) Pretoria, Stellenbosch, Witwatersrand, Cape Town and Natal.
  3. (c) In the course of the next five years.
 Use of Victoria Embankment line for Bantu commuters 454. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Transport:

  1. (1) Whether further consideration has been given to the use of the Victoria Embankment, Durban, line as a passenger line for Bantu commuters; if so, what steps have been taken or are contemplated;
  2. (2) whether it is intended to establish a station on this line; if so, where.
 The MINISTER OF TRANSPORT:
  1. (1) Yes; the Interdepartmental Committees for the Conveyance of Non-Whites has investigated the matter and supports the proposal. Consultations with the Durban Corporation concerning the financial implications involved are at present in progress.
  2. (2) The matter is still to be investigated.
 Whites and non-Whites serving in certain wars 458. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Defence:

How many (a) White, (b) Coloured, (c) Indian, (d) Bantu and (e) Chinese persons served in a full-time capacity in the South African Forces during (i) the 1914-1918 World War, (ii) the 1939-1945 World War and (iii) the Korean War.

 The MINISTER OF DEFENCE:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(a) Whites

146 897

211 193

818

(b) Coloureds, Malays, Indians and Chinese

15 744

45 892

0

(c) Bantu

82 778

77 239

0

Note: It is not possible to extract separate figures for the four gro ups at (b) from existing records.
Bantu children in need of care and adopted 463. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Bantu Administration and Development:

How many Bantu children were (a) found to be in need of care and (b) adopted in terms of the Children’s Act during 1969 and 1970, respectively.

 The MINISTER OF BANTU ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT:
  1. (a) Details are not readily available and, as it would entail a considerable volume of work to obtain them, it is regretted that the information cannot be supplied.
  2. (b) 214 in 1969, 239 in 1970.
 Illegitimate births 464. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Statistics:

What is the estimated number of illegitimate births in respect of the (a) White, (b) Coloured, (c) Indian and (d) Bantu population of the Republic for 1969 and 1970, respectively.

 The MINISTER OF STATISTICS:

1969

1970

Estimated

(a)

2 647

2 780

(b)

32 273

33 186

(c)

1 675

1 697

(d)

*

*

* On account of the incompleteness of the Bantu birth registrations, the data cannot be compiled.

 Outstanding applications for telephones at 31.3.’71 482. Mr. E. G. MALAN

asked the Minister of Posts and Telegraphs:

What is the approximate number of outstanding applications for telephones expected to be on 31st March, 1971.

 The MINISTER OF POSTS AND TELEGRAPHS:

As indicated in my Budget speech, there will be about 121 000 outstanding applications on 31st March, 1971.