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House of Assembly: Vol7 - WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 1988

WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL 1988 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

†Indicates translated version.

For written reply:

General Affairs:

Charges against Michael Roussos: decision by Attorney-General 305. Mr S S VAN DER MERWE

asked the Minister of Justice:

Whether, with reference to the reply of the Minister of Law and Order to Question No 510 on 7 October 1987, the Attorney-General has reached a decision regarding possible charges against Michael Roussos; if not, when is it anticipated that he will reach a decision; if so, (a) when and (b) what was that decision?

 The MINISTER OF JUSTICE:

The docket referred to in the reply to Written Question No 510 of 7 October 1987 is a docket containing the results of a broader investigation without specific reference to Michael Roussos. It has already been decided to prosecute a number of people on the strength of the contents of this docket. Roussos is not one of these persons.

 Cases of tuberculosis reported 415. Dr M S BARNARD

asked the Minister of National Health and Population Development:

  1. (1) How many cases of tuberculosis were reported in each province in 1987;
  2. (2) how many cases of tuberculosis were hospitalized in each province in that year;
  3. (3) how many tuberculosis patients died in each province in that year?
 The MINISTER OF NATIONAL HEALTH AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT:

(1) Notified cases of tuberculosis in each province in the RSA, 1987. (As at 23 February 1988)

It should be noted that “cases” of tuberculosis refers to notified instances of contact, not patients or people. Repeat notification of individuals per annum is thus possible.

Province

Number of cases

Cape

20 374

Natal (including KwaZulu)

6 537

O.F.S. (including QwaQwa)

3 415

Transvaal (including Gazankulu, Ka-Ngwane, Kwa-Ndebele, Lebowa)

11 705

(2)

Cape

11 064

Transvaal

18 886

Natal

9 564

O.F.S.

1 348

(3) Notified deaths from tuberculosis in each province in the RSA, 1987. (As at 23 February 1988)

Province

Number of deaths

Cape

1 298

Natal (including KwaZulu)

62

O.F.S. (including Qwa Qwa)

74

Transvaal (including Gazankulu Ka-Ngwane, Kwa-Ndebele, Lebowa)

371
Persons killed in Alexandra Township: inquest 545. Mr D J DALLING

asked the Minister of Justice:

Whether, with reference to the reply of the Minister of Law and Order to Question No 9 on 3 June 1986, the inquest into the death of persons killed in or in the vicinity of Alexandra Township during the period 15 to 19 February 1986 has been completed; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) what was the cause of death in each case and (c) what were the findings?

 The MINISTER OF JUSTICE:

Yes. The inquests in respect of 17 persons have been finalized. The records of proceedings are public documents and at the disposal of the hon member. In no case a finding was made that the death was brought about by an act or omission involving or amounting to an offence on the part of any person. The places and dates on which the inquests were finalized and the numbers allocated to the inquest records respectively, are as follows:

Place

Date finalized

Number of record

Magistrate, Randburg

28.11.86

196/86

—do—

17.12.86

223/86

—do—

22.1.87

221/86

—do—

6.2.87

14/87

—do—

6.2.87

15/87

—do—

4.3.87

27/87

—do—

13.3.87

28/87

—do—

13.3.87

29/87

—do—

13.3.87

30/87

—do—

10.4.87

49/87

—do—

14.7.87

69/87

Magistrate, Johannesburg

3.8.87

760/86

Magistrate, Randburg

19.8.87

190/87

Magistrate, Johannesburg

7.3.88

349/86

Magistrate, Randburg

29.3.88

20/88

—do—

29.3.88

21/88

—do—

29.3.88

22/88

The inquest in respect of 1 person has not yet been finalized, since further enquiries were made to the South African Police.

 Overseas visits 579. Mr P G SOAL

asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs:

  1. (1) Whether he or the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs undertook any overseas visits in 1987; if so, (a) which countries were visited and (b) what was the purpose of each visit;
  2. (2) whether he or this Deputy Minister was accompanied by any representatives of the media on these visits; if so, (a) what were the names of the journalists involved, (b) which newspapers or radio or television networks did they represent, (c) to which countries did each of these persons accompany him or this Deputy Minister and (d) why;
  3. (3) whether any costs were incurred by his Department as a result; if so, what total amount in that year?
 The MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
  1. (1) Yes.
    1. (a) I and the Deputy Minister visited various countries in Europe, Africa and the Far East.
    2. (b) The media carried reports on the purpose of visits to some of the countries. In the case of the others it would not be in South Africa’s interest to disclose any particulars.
  2. (2) Neither I nor the Deputy Minister invited the media to accompany us on our visits. Media representatives who covered parts of the visits did so at their own cost.
    1. (a), (b), (c) and (d) fall away.
  3. (3) No.
 Municipal police in Black townships: identification 618. Mrs H SUZMAN

asked the Minister of Constitutional Development and Planning:

  1. (1) Whether members of municipal police forces in Black townships are required to (a) wear some visible form of identification and (b) produce their identification on demand by any member of the public; if so, what form of identification are they required to (i) wear and (ii) produce on demand; if not, why not;
  2. (2) whether any action is to be taken regarding the wearing and production of identification by these policemen; if not, why not; if so, what action;
  3. (3) whether these policemen are allowed to perform their duties in plain clothes; if so, under what circumstances;
  4. (4) whether any complaints have been received regarding the actions of these municipal policemen; if so, (a) how many, (b) what was the nature of the complaints and (c) what action was taken as a result?
 The MINISTER OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING:

The execution provisions of section 34 of the Black Local Authority Act, 1982 (Act No 102 of 1982) in terms of which the municipal police function was assigned to the various provincial governments on 1 October 1986 and according to information received from them, the following replies are furnished:

  1. (1)
    1. (a) Yes.
    2. (b) Yes.
      1. (i) Besides the prescribed uniform, badges are worn by the officers while on duty as prescribed by legislation.
      2. (ii) An appintment certificate issued when appointed; and a document that declares the official as a peace officer.
  2. (2) As answered in question 1(b)(i) and (ii) wearing and produce of identification.
  3. (3) Yes, only in the Cape Province when the commanding officer deems it necessary while the officials execute their duties as peace officers even when they are not on duty.
  4. (4)
    1. (a) No complaints were received concerning the conduct of the municipal police in the Orange Free State and Natal. In Transvaal and the Cape Province 349 complaints were received.
    2. (b) Theft: reckless and negligent driving; unlawful arrest and assault; pointing of firearm; vehicle driven without licence or consent; under the influence of liquor while on duty; pointing of firearm and threatened with death; murder; attempted murder and assault; culpable homicide; serious assault; assault; unlawful arrest; theft of weapon; damage to property and attempted rape.
    3. (c) Each complaint received is investigated by the local authority or the South African Police. Complaints with substance are taken further by the local authority or the South African Police. Upon conviction those concerned are sentenced. Thereafter departmental disciplinary steps are taken in accordance with staff regulations.
 Sectional title properties: purchase by non-Whites in White group areas 810. Mr C J DERBY-LEWIS

asked the Minister of Constitutional Development and Planning:

Whether non-White persons may purchase sectional title properties located in White group areas; if not, why not; if so, (a) since what date and (b) in terms of what statutory provisions?

 The MINISTER OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING:

Yes, with the necessary authorization.

  1. (a) Since the inception of the Sectional Titles Act, 1971 (Act 66 of 1971).
  2. (b) By authority of a permit issued in terms of section 21 of the Group Areas Act.
 Hospitals: cuts in staff establishment 821. Dr M S BARNARD

asked the Minister of Constitutional Development and Planning:

  1. (1) Whether any cuts in staff establishment have been determined at the (a) Bethlehem, (b) Boitumelo, (c) Odendaalsrus, (d) Parys, (e) Pelonomi, (f) Phekolong, (g) Sasolburg, (h) Universitas, (i) Virginia, (j) Voortrekker, (k) Welkom and (l) Harrismith Hospital in any staff category since 31 December 1987; if so, what cuts in each specified category at each of these hospitals;
  2. (2) on what date or dates were the superintendents of the above 12 hospitals advised of the cuts in staff establishment;
  3. (3) whether the withdrawn posts will be terminated with immediate effect as they become vacant; if not, what procedure will be followed?
 The MINISTER OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING:

(1) Cuts have only been effected at the Pelonomi Hospital, in the following staff categories:

Chief Professional Nurse

15

Professional Nurse

23

Nursing Assistant

13

Student Nurse

34

Student Radiographer

5

Senior Provincial Administration Clerk

3

Provincial Administration Clerk

7

100
  1. (2) The medical Superintendent was not advised officially as the posts concerned had first to be abolished by the Commission for Administration.
  2. (3) The posts which have been cut are all vacant and frozen posts which can be abolished immediately.
 Printing contracts awarded to two companies 840. Mr D J DALLING

asked the Minister of Justice:

  1. (1) Whether the Department of Justice awarded any printing contracts in 1987 to two companies, the names of which have been furnished to the Commission for Administration for the purpose of the Minister’s reply, or to their associated companies and printing operations; if so,
  2. (a) in respect of what publications or printed matter, (b) how many copies of each publication or item were ordered from each company and (c) what are the names of the companies concerned;
  3. (2) whether these contracts were put out to tender; if not, (a) why not and (b) what was the total amount paid by this Department in respect of each of these contracts; if so, what was the (i) tender price originally accepted, and (ii) total amount paid out, in respect of each contract;
  4. (3) whether this Department subsidizes any publications published by the above companies; if so (a) which publications and (b) (i) why, and (ii) what is the amount of the subsidy in each case;
  5. (4) what total amount was spent by this Department in 1987 on printing and publishing involving (a) the above companies and (b) any other specified companies?
 The MINISTER OF JUSTICE:
  1. (1) No. The Directorate. Justice does not award printing contracts. All printing matters are referred to the Government Printer.
  2. (2) Falls away.
  3. (3) No.
  4. (4) Falls away.
 Contraventions of Gambling Act: prosecutions 903. Mr J B DE R VAN GEND

asked the Minister of Justice:

  1. (1) Whether, during the latest specified two-year period for which information is available, any (a) persons, (b) welfare organizations and (c) educational institutions were (i) prosecuted for and (ii) convicted of contravening the provisions of (aa) section 2, (bb) section 3, (cc) section 4 and (dd) section 6 of the Gambling Act, No 51 of 1965; if so,
  2. (2) (a) how many in each case and (b) which welfare organizations and educational institutions were involved?
 The MINISTER OF JUSTICE:

The required information is not readily available in the Department. In an effort to be of assistance to the honourable member, the following information in respect of prosecutions and convictions under the Gambling Act, 1965, was obtained from the Central Statistical Services:

Period

Prosecutions

Convictions

1.7.85 — 30.6.86

4 885

4 718

1.7.86—30.6.87

4 453

4 306

Own Affairs:

Overseas visits 48. Mr P G SOAL

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Water Supply:

  1. (1) Whether he or Deputy Ministers attached to his Department undertook any overseas visits in 1987; if so, (a) which countries were visited and (b) what was the purpose of each visit;
  2. (2) whether he or his Deputy Minister was accompanied by any representatives of the media on these visits; if so, (a) what were the names of the journalists involved, (b) which newspapers or radio or television networks did they represent, (c) to which countries did each of these persons accompany him or his Deputy Ministers and (d) why;
  3. (3) whether any costs were incurred by his Department as a result; if so, what total amount in that year?
 The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER SUPPLY:
  1. (1) Yes, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture.
    1. (a) Federal Islamic Republic of the Comores.
    2. (b) As member of a group which visited agricultural development projects.
  2. (2) Yes.
    1. (a) Mr G Roulet.
    2. (b) French Service of Radio RS A.
    3. (c) Federal Islamic Republic of the Comores.
    4. (d) Viewing of RSA involvement in agricultural projects.
  3. (3) No.
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

†Indicates translated version.

For oral reply:

General Affairs:

Questions standing over from Wednesday, 23 March 1988:

Durban: proclamation of Coloured residential area *1. Mr T ABRAHAMS

asked the Minister of Constitutional Development and Planning:

  1. (1) Whether his Department intends identifying additional land situated immediately outside the metropolitan area of Durban for proclamation for Coloured residential purposes; if not, why not; if so, (a) what land is being considered for this purpose, (b) when is it anticipated that this land will be proclaimed and (c) what is the extent of the land in question;
  2. (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
 †The DEPUTY MINISTER OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING:
  1. (1) No. No application to establish a Coloured residential area immediately outside the Durban metropolitan area has been received.
  2. (2) No.
 Deproclamation of Part Sherwood, Durban, as White group area *2. Mr T ABRAHAMS

asked the Minister of Constitutional Development and Planning:

  1. (1) Whether, with reference to the reply of the Minister of Local Government, Housing and Agriculture to Question No 1 on 19 August 1987, his Department has carried out any investigations with a view to deproclaiming the area known as Part Sherwood, Durban, as a White group area and retaining it as a controlled area; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) with what result;
  2. (2) whether any objections to the deproclamation of this area were lodged with his Department; if so, (a) what objections, (b) when and (c) with what result;
  3. (3) whether this area is to be made available as a site for the construction of the new Bechet Teacher Training College; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
 The DEPUTY MINISTER OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING:
  1. (1) No. The Group Areas Act provides that the Group Areas Board should undertake such investigations. This Board conducted an investigation on 11 February 1988, and still has to make its recommendation, which is confidential.
    1. (a) and (b) Fall away.
  2. (2) Yes.
    1. (a) Three objections were received from private persons, one from the City Council of Durban and three from private bodies.
    2. (b) After the matter was advertised on 30 October 1987.
    3. (c) The objections will be taken into account by the Group Areas Board and by the Deputy Minister when considering the matter.
  3. (3) A decision has not yet been taken.
 Additional land for extention of Wentworth *3. Mr T ABRAHAMS

asked the Minister of Constitutional Development and Planning:

  1. (1) Whether, with reference to his reply to Question No 6 on 24 June 1987, any progress has been made in providing additional land for the purpose of extending the Coloured group area of Wentworth; if not, why not; if so,
  2. (2) whether the so-called buffer area situated in Wentworth between Austerville and Brighton Beach is still being considered for this purpose; if not, why not; if so, (a) when is it anticipated that this land will be made available and (b) what is the extent of the area being considered for this purpose;
  3. (3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
 †The DEPUTY MINISTER OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING:
  1. (1) Yes.
  2. (2) Yes.
    1. (a) Cannot be determined at present.
    2. (b) The area has not yet been surveyed.
  3. (3) No, but if and when the area is proclaimed, a statement will be issued by the Department of Development Planning.

Questions standing over from Wednesday, 30 March 1988:

Port Elizabeth/Uitenhage: Black children unable to gain admission to schools *1. Mr W J DIETRICH

asked the Minister of Education and Development Aid:

  1. (1) Whether any Black children of schoolgoing age are unable to gain admission to schools in the Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage area for the 1988 academic year because of a lack of accommodation; if so, (a) why is accommodation not available and (b) how many pupils are affected in respect of education at (i) primary and (ii) senior secondary school level;
  2. (2) whether his Department is taking any action in this regard in respect of (a) providing schooling, (b) making up for lessons missed and (c) preventing a recurrence of this situation; if not, why not; if so, what action in each case;
  3. (3) whether his Department is being kept informed of what the pupils in question are doing in respect of schooling at present; if not, why not; if so, what steps are being taken by these pupils in this regard?
 †The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION:
  1. (1) No, all children who applied in accordance with the stipulated procedures and who qualified for enrolment in a school were accommodated. At 30 schools in the Port Elizabeth area and 6 in the Uitenhage area where a lack of accommodation exists, the platoon system is used.
    1. (a) Falls away.
    2. (b) Falls away.
  2. (2) Falls away.
  3. (3) Falls away.
 Bridge extending Kuils River/Cape Flats freeway across Vanguard Drive *2. Mr P C HARRIS

asked the Minister of Transport Affairs:

  1. (1) Whether his Department intends building a bridge extending the Kuils River and Cape Flats freeway across Vanguard Drive; if not, why not; if so, (a) when is it anticipated that building operations on this stage of the project will be (i) commenced and (ii) completed and (b) what is the estimated cost thereof;
  2. (2) whether the acquisition of land west of Vanguard Drive for the purpose of the completion of this freeway has been finalized; if not, (a) why not, (b) when is it anticipated that this matter will be finalized and (c) what is the projected cost of acquiring the land required; if so, (i) when was the matter finalized, (ii) what was the total cost of acquiring the land in question and (iii) when is it anticipated that building operations on this stage of the project will be (aa) commenced and (bb) completed?
 †The MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AFFAIRS:
  1. (1) No, this is a Provincial responsibility.
    1. (a) and (b) Fall away.
  2. (2) Falls away.
 Mitchell’s Plain: objections to granting of permits *3. Mr P C HARRIS

asked the Minister of Constitutional Development and Planning:

  1. (1) Whether he or his Department has received any objections from persons residing in Mitchell’s Plain to the granting of permits in terms of the Group Areas Act, No 36 of 1966, in respect of that residential area; if so, (a) what was the purport of these objections, (b) when were they received and (c) what was the response thereto;
  2. (2) whether he will furnish the names of the persons who lodged these objections; if not, why not; if so, who were they?
 †The DEPUTY MINISTER OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING:
  1. (1) The Department of Development Planning is only responsible for determining overall policy. The granting of permits in terms of the Group Areas Act, No 36 of 1966, is a function which vests in the different Provincial Administrations and the following information was furnished by the Cape Provincial Administration:
    1. (a) Because the area is earmarked in terms of the Group Areas Act for Coloured ownership and occupation solely.
    2. (b) 12 October 1987.
    3. (c) A permit was issued after the circumstances had been thoroughly considered.
  2. (2) Yes, if the honourable member will give me permission to furnish the name.
 Chatty, Port Elizabeth: provision of post office *4. Mr W J DIETRICH

asked the Minister of Communications:

  1. (1) Whether, with reference to his reply to Question No 6 on 5 March 1986, any progress has been made in the provision of a post office in Chatty, Port Elizabeth; if not, why not; if so, (a) what progress, (b) when is it anticipated that building operations on the first phase of the project will be (i) commenced and (ii) completed and (c) what is the estimated total capital cost thereof;
  2. (2) whether his Department intends providing accommodation for the staff of this post office; if not, why not; if so, (a) what accommodation and (b) when?
 The MINISTER OF THE BUDGET (for the Minister of Communications):
  1. (1) Yes;
    1. (a) although problems were initially experienced in procuring a site this aspect will be finalized shortly whereafter consultants will be appointed to undertake the planning of the project;
    2. (b)
      1. (i) December 1989, and
      2. (ii) December 1990; and
      3. (c) R430 000;
  2. (2) No. Official accommodation is not provided for staff in Port Elizabeth and an exception in this instance would lead to representations from other staff groups. Staff are encourated in their own interest to purchase their own homes by making use of the 100% loans under the existing housing loan schemes offered by the Department.
    1. (a) and (b) fall away.

Own Affairs:

Question standing over from Wednesday, 23 March 1988:

*1. Mr W J DIETRICH

— Education and Culture.

[Reply standing over.]

Questions standing over from Wednesday, 30 March 1988:

Provision of technical college in Extension 24, Bethelsdorp *1. Mr W J DIETRICH

asked the Minister of Local Government, Housing and Agriculture:

  1. (1) Whether any progress has been made in the provision of a technical college in Extension 24, Bethelsdorp, Port Elizabeth; if not, why not; if so, (a) what progress, (b) what is the due date for tenders, (c) when is it anticipated that building operations will be (i) commenced and (ii) completed and (d) what is the estimated total capital cost of this project;
  2. (2) whether his Department intends providing accommodation for the staff of this college; if not, why not; if so, (a) what accommodation and (b) when?
 †The MINISTER OF HEALTH SERVICES AND WELFARE (for the Minister of Local Government, Housing and Agriculture):
  1. (1) Yes.
    1. (a) Sketchplans have already been approved.
    2. (b) If the documentation is completed in accordance with the proposed programme the expected tender dates will be as follows:

Contract 1:

Civil Works (Phase I)

November 1988

Contract 2:

Hostels, administration buildings, library and lecture rooms

February 1989

Contract 3:

Academical buildings

June 1990

Contract 4:

Academical buildings

February 1991

Contract 5:

Civil Works (Completion)

November 1991

Subject to the availability of adequate funds.

  1. (c)
    1. (i) Contract 1: January 1989
      Contract 2: April 1989
      Contract 3: August 1990
      Contract 4: April 1991
      Contract 5: January 1992
    2. (ii) Contract 1: August 1989
      Contract 2: March 1991
      Contract 3: October 1991
      Contract 4: June 1992
      Contract 5: June 1992
  2. (d) R42 million.
  1. (2) No; because it has not been requested by the Department of Education and Culture.
 *2. Mr W J DIETRICH

— Education and Culture.

[Reply standing over.]

 *3. Mr W J DIETRICH

— Education and Culture.

[Reply standing over.]