PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

                                ____

                               VACANCY

                 INVITATION TO ADDRESS JOINT SITTING

That the House, subject to the concurrence of the National Council of
Provinces, resolves to invite Mr Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the
United Nations, to address a joint sitting of the Houses on 14 March
2006.

            ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS


                     THURSDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2006

 (1)    The Minister of Finance


      i) Addisionele Aansuiweringsbegrotingswetsontwerp (Finansiële Jaar
         2005/06 [W 4 – 2006] (National Assembly – art 77)


     This is the official translation into Afrikaans of the Additional
     Adjustments Appropriation Bill (2005/06 Financial Year) [B 4 –
     2006] (National Assembly – sec 77).

  The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has scrutinised the
  Annual Report of the Department of Correctional Services for 2004/05,
  including the Report of the Auditor General.

  On 28 October 2005, the Committee met with the Deputy Minister of
  Correctional Services and representatives from the Department of
  Correctional Services (DCS) to discuss the 2004/05 Annual Report and
  Financial Statements of the DCS.

  In terms of the Annual Report, the Portfolio Committee notes the
  following key issues:

  1.    The Annual Report 2004/05 provides a clear overview of the
      functioning of the DCS for the financial year 2004/05.
  2.    Targets are clearly identified and reasons have, for the most
      part, been provided in instances where targets have not been met.
  3.    Key targets that were not met during this period, which include:


       a.    Underspending in the programme of Administration.
       b.    Number of assaults on prisoners and staff.
       c.    Number of unnatural deaths in prison.
       d.    The assessment and profile of offenders as part of its
           risk management strategy.
       e.    The training of 41 000 offenders as HIV/AIDS peer
           educators, volunteer care givers and lay counsellors.
       f.    Number of offenders participating in formal education
           programmes.
       g.    Number of offenders participating in skills development
           programmes.
       h.    Number of probationers and parolees per supervisory
           officer.
       i     Building/ Procurement of New Generation Prisons.
       j.    Number of prisons being renovated.

  In terms of the Report of the Auditor General the Portfolio Committee
  notes the following key issues:

   1. The Committee is concerned that once again the DCS has received a
      qualified audit opinion by the Auditor General.
   2. Key areas of concern include:


       a. Control Assets – Instead of zero balances reflected at the
          end of the financial year, significant balances were still
          reflected at year-end.
       b. Compliance with laws and regulations - The AG reports non-
          compliance by the Department with laws and regulations
          relating to overtime and the reporting of financial
          misconduct to the National Treasury and the AG.
       c. Internal audit - The Department did not submit quarterly
          reports as required by Treasury Regulation No. 3.2.7.
       d. Information systems audit - The AG reports that the
          Department’s security systems are inadequately protected and
          the system of internal control and data integrity could be
          seriously jeopardised due to a number of weaknesses in the
          system. The weaknesses exist because the Department either
          does not have standardised security procedures, or its
          security procedures are not comprehensive.
       e. Medical expenditure - The Department could not provide the AG
          with membership records that indicate Members’ number of
          dependants and benefit options for January, February and
          March 2005.

  Areas of Improvement

  The AG has concurred with the following areas of improvement
  (progress) reported by the accounting officer:

  1.    The AG reported no unauthorised expenditure by the Department in
      the 2004/05 financial year.
  2.    The Department has effected normal employer’s medical expense c
      ontribution (2/3) in line with the rest of the Public Service,
      with effect from 1 January 2005.
  3.    All regions and branches have developed action plans to improve
      compliance with internal control measures.
  4.    Performance contracts of senior managers have been reviewed to
      include risk management and compliance with policies. This should
      address the problem of lack of commitment by management to
      exercise internal control identified by the AG.
  5.    A Master Information System Plan will be completed soon and
      measures are taken to improve security and backup capacities.
  6.    The Department has started phasing in the 7-day working week
      system  substantially.
  7.    Measures are currently put in place to improve personnel well-
      being to reduce current levels of disability leave.

  The DCS made a formal presentation on the Report to the Committee. The
  Annual Report of the Department is structured into five parts as per
  the guidelines of the Department of Public Service and Administration
  and Treasury Regulations i.e.


  Part 1:     General Information
  Part 2:     Programme performance
  Part 3:     Report of the Audit Committee
  Part 4:     Annual Financial Statements
  Part 5:     Human Resource Management

  The Committee was then briefed on Part 2 of the Annual Report, which
  is Programme performance. The Operational areas of the Department are
  as follows:
  a.    Administration.
   b. Incarceration.
   c. Rehabilitation.
   d. Corrections.
   e. Facilities management and capital works.

  1.    Administration

  The Department has done significant work in this programme during this
  financial year. The development and implementation of the White Paper
  contributed to the successes of this programme. The DCS has interacted
  with Treasury and other government departments in seeking solutions to
  the problem of overtime. Measures have been put in place to ensure
  that overtime is properly managed and an agreement has also been
  signed with the Trade Unions in respect of the movement from a 5-day
  to a 7-day establishment. Certain sections of the Correctional
  Services Act were promulgated in October 2004, except for sections
  that deal with children, as child matters will be addressed in the
  Child Justice Bill. Another highlight was the implementation of
  Section 76 and 77 of the Correctional Services Act and the appointment
  of community members to serve on the Correctional Supervision and
  Parole Boards. The DCS has made headway in exposing corruption amongst
  officials. The DCS has also launched its magazine, SA Corrections
  Today, as well as DCS logo during December 2004. 36 Centres of
  Excellence have been identified during the year and systems for the
  operation of the Centres have been put in place.


  2.    Security


  As a measure to improve security within the DCS, biometric security
  access systems will be installed in 60 Correctional Centres. This was
  prioritised for the bigger Correctional Centres, such as Pollsmoor and
  the Centres of Excellence. The DCS has almost completed the vetting of
  senior managers and will vett operational staff as well, but because
  the DCS is not directly responsible for the vetting of operational
  staff, backlogs are experienced. Marginal progress has also been made
  in curbing the number of escapes from facilities. Most escapes took
  place outside facilities at courts or hospitals. However escapes had
  become very violent. The DCS has also introduced a policy on Minimum
  Security Standards. A classification system for placement of inmates
  in facilities in terms of their security levels has also been
  developed.


  3.    Corrections


  This programme functioned mainly around the development of policies
  and programmes, which will be implemented this financial year
  (2005/6). A training manual for Unit Managers has also been developed.
  The Minister, Deputy Minister and the Commissioner participated in
  many Imbizos to promote corrections as a societal responsibility.


  4.    Care

  The DCS is registered by the Department of Health for compulsory
  community service by psychologists (within the DCS). 24 Hour access to
  comprehensive health services for inmates is also being provided. The
  DCS complies with providing a three-meal system within the required
  timeframes per day. Services, such as psychological, social work and
  spiritual care services, has increased during the year under review.
  In partnership with external service providers, 1086 inmates have been
  trained as HIV/AIDS peer educators.

  5.    Development

  A highlight in this programme is the accreditation of 7 Correctional
  Centres as training service providers in terms of the requirements of
  the National Skills Development Act.  The New Zealand government
  donated funds to the Department of Arts and Culture, which was handed
  over to the DCS to launch a project called arts and culture against
  crime in Kroonstad. INDLELA assisted the DCS with the number of
  programmes that were accredited. National Skills Fund provided funds
  for improving further learning of inmates. This assisted in the
  increase in the average number of offender work opportunities within
  the centres.

  6.    After Care


  This programme’s name will be changed to Social Reintegration. This
  programme facilitates the continued integration of inmates in
  communities and the work and appointments of the Parole Boards. 64% of
  parolees and probationers, who had absconded, had been traced. There
  is also a continued increase in the number of inmates provided with
  material assistance upon release to ensure re-integration.

  7.    Facilities


  During the previous year, the DCS realised it was unable to spend all
  capital funds, because the Department of Public Works does repair and
  maintenance work on DCS sites. Accordingly, a decision had been taken
  to start a programme of building the Departments’ own capacity. This
  was piloted at centres in the Western Cape and the Free State, where
  the inmates did renovations to the facilities. 245 inmates acquired
  critical training and practical knowledge transfer. The DPW upgraded
  10 Correctional facilities. A Transactional  Advisor has been
  appointed to conduct a feasibility study for a new Head Office.

  8.    Annual Financial Statements


  The Auditor General reported no unauthorised expenditure by the DCS in
  the 2004/5 financial year. The Department has effected normal
  employer’s medical expense contribution (two thirds) in line with the
  rest of the Public Service, with effect from 1 January 2005. The
  reason for implementing this only at 1 January 2005 is that the end of
  the Financial year of Medcor ends in December. The DCS determined
  benefits of officials at the end of December. The DCS has also managed
  a significant improvement in Asset Control and Management (98% of
  total assets of DCS was registered). There was also an improvement of
  IT contract management compared to the concern raised by the Auditor
  General in the previous financial year. The DCS also geared up its
  recruitment strategy to fill vacancies. Other issues of security will
  be addressed. The Minister has submitted a report to SCOPA as per the
  recommendation of the Portfolio Committee in which the Committee
  recommends that a report on Programme of Action of the DCS must be
  submitted. Two programmes of the DCS were qualified on two accounts in
  that the DCS, over a period of nine months, took a risk of subsidising
  Medcor, with the knowledge that at the end of the financial year its
  books will not balance. The DCS requested an extension from Treasury,
  which was granted. This was done because of the conversion from the
  financial management system (FMS) to the basic accounting system
  (BAS).
  Departmental Budget

  The table below highlights Appropriation versus Expenditure:

  Parliament appropriated R 8.4 Billion to the DCS in this financial
  year. The actual expenditure was appropriated at R 8.3 billion, which
  accounted for 98% of budget. The Department was not able to spend all
  funds in specific programmes because of the following reasons:
   i) over expenditure in certain programmes, because of inadequate
      control measures
  ii) filling of vacant posts
 iii) inability to work with Department of Public Works to spend capital
      budget.
  However, the DCS undertook alternative ways to spending these funds
      i.e.
  (i)   The DCS procured external services for the implementation of
      biometric access in 60 Correctional Centres, of which a
      substantial amount of work will be finalised during November of
      this year
  (ii)  The DCS also used funds, in consultation with Treasury, for the
      settlement of a tax liability the DCS had because of subsidies for
      medical aid cover of officials.

  1.    Administration

  Corruption: Whilst the Committee notes the Department’s efforts in
  rooting out corruption, it still exists especially in Correctional
  centres amongst inmates and staff. The Committee wanted to know how
  the Department plans to address this.

  The DCS stated that it has strengthened its investigative capacity and
  has identified a number of cases. At a Management Retreat held earlier
  this year, it was determined that there was a need to look at the
  culture of DCS. Whilst the DCS has a code of ethics, it was not clear
  whether officials are familiar with it. The DCS will also look at
  harnessing an organizational culture in support of the White Paper on
  Corrections as well as encourage the revitilisation of batho pele
  within the Department.


  The DCS is aware of misbehaviour and corruption in Correctional
  Facilities and will focus on the detection and follow up of such
  cases. The DCS also urged the Committee to bring such cases to their
  attention.


  The Committee wanted to ascertain what the DCS targeted official to
  inmate ratio is.


  The DCS reported that its Interim Promotion Policy would address the
  ratio of official to inmate. With the movement to a 7-day
  establishment the DCS aims to employ 8300 officials over the next
  three years, and has started this process already. The DCS aims to
  move staff to more supervisory positions, but this is often difficult
  as most of the facilities are old and are not conducive to
  Rehabilitation programmes.

  The Committee was also interested in the Retention strategy of the
  DCS, especially in retaining professionals such as psychologist,
  nurses, social workers and educationists. The Committee stated that
  whilst it is important that the DCS evaluate its services, the DCS has
  a responsibility to retain staff.


  The DCS stated that it was a very difficult process to retain
  professionals. In the past many professionals flocked to the DCS
  because of the overtime benefits, but with the phasing out of
  overtime, staff had started leaving the Department. The DCS has
  advertised positions for doctors on the level of deputy directors with
  a scarce skills allowance, but despite this, the DCS did not receive
  any applications. A discussion was held with Treasury to review these
  packages.


  Whilst the Department of Health advertised scarce skills allowance for
  nurses, the DCS could not register the same need, as scarce skills
  requires nurses to work in theatres. Not all Correctional Facilities
  are in rural areas, but the DCS is in the process of formulating
  policies around scarce skills and rural allowances with the
  Departments of Public Service and Administration and Public Works.
  The DCS upgraded the salary packages of Social Workers during this
  year as part of a retention strategy, aligning these with the rest of
  the Public Service.


  The Committee wanted to know how the DCS planned to boost the morale
  of staff, especially after the phasing in of the 7-day establishment
  and whether the DCS has an Employee Assistance Programme in place, as
  many Correctional Centres experience high numbers of absenteeism and
  sick leave.


  The DCS stated that it is concerned about the low morale amongst staff
  members. Recent research studies had shown that morale of lower level
  staff is not as high expected, especially since staff on these levels
  was mostly affected by the implementation of the 7-day establishment.
  The Department has indeed an Employee Assistance Programme as stated
  on page 30 of the Annual Report. A new project to intensify employee
  assistance has also been launched at the Drakenstein Correctional
  Centre.


  The Committee said that the Estimates of National Expenditure
  indicated that the DCS aimed at filling 1162 vacant positions and
  wanted to ascertain how the recent recruitment drive impact upon the
  realizing this target, addressing staff shortages and the
  implementation of the 7- day establishment.


  The Committee also noted that Recruitment within the DCS has been
  outsourced to external agencies and wanted to know if these agencies
  are being monitored and adhere to the government policies of
  Employment Equity.

  The Committee also wanted to know whether the DCS is managing
  Overtime.
  The DCS has spent R740 million on overtime in this financial year
  whilst an amount of R960 million was projected. The DCS was then in a
  position to advertise vacant positions, but because of the impact of
  overtime payments on the Departmental budget, the filling of these
  posts was delayed. During 2005, the DCS filled 4000 vacant positions.
  Even though the DCS was threatened with industrial action, it had to
  tackle the problem of Overtime and the positive results in its
  expenditure trends, is clearly visible.


  Many challenges are faced with the massive recruitment drive the DCS
  is undertaking, but the DCS reported that it receives regular reports
  from the Recruitment agencies in terms of progress and challenges
  faced.

  2.    Care


  The Committee wanted more clarity on the roll out of Anti - retroviral
  drugs within Correctional Facilities, especially in the light that a
  person receives these drugs in the area that he/she is coming from.
  This is often very difficult for inmates, as many of them are not
  detained in the areas they are coming from, but rather in the area the
  crime has been committed. What is being done in this regard?


  The DCS has difficulty in obtaining accreditation for the roll out of
  anti-retroviral drugs.

   3.   After Care

  The Committee noted that 40% of released inmates receives financial
  and material assistance upon release and wanted to know what kind of
  material assistance inmates are receiving.


  The DCS said that those inmates who participated in specific skills
  related training at Correctional Centres receive basic tools to assist
  them to operate or seek employment opportunities.


  The Committee stated that page 54 of the Annual Report mentions a
  number of work opportunities for offenders and wanted clarity as to
  whether this number represents offenders or work opportunities.


  The DCS responded that the Annual Report set out a target for job
  opportunities for offenders for that specific year. The number relates
  to those doing duty on any given day at a facility. The DCS managed to
  give job opportunities to 65 000 inmates and offered 303 technical
  programmes, but not all the programmes are accredited. However, there
  is an ongoing relationship between the DCS and certain SETAs (Sector
  Education and Training Authorities), FIETA (Forest Industries and
  Education Authorities) and MERSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and
  Related Services Authories), who have accredited many of the DCS’
  programmes. The Department aimed at having all its centres and
  programmes accredited in future.

   4.   Facilities

  The Committee raised serious concerns with regard to Facilities and
  Facility management in the DCS. The DCS was asked to give more clarity
  on:


   a) poor progress made in the building and completion of the New
      Generation Prisons (NGs);
   b) the cost effectiveness of the NGs;
   c) the tender specifications for the NGPs; and
  (d)   what remedial steps have been taken to address the challenges
      faced.


  The DCS responded in writing that it had budgeted R350 million for
  construction of each one of the four planned New Generation Prisons.
  The construction work is planned to commence during the 2005/6
  financial year. In all cases except one, bulk earthworks were
  completed, i.e. Kimberley, Leeuwkop and Nigel. At the last site in
  Klerksdorp, the tendering process combined provision of both
  earthworks and construction.


  The processes of procuring construction for buildings are done by the
  Department of Public Works on behalf of all government departments,
  including the DCS. These processes include bulk works. Currently the
  DCS is aware that tenders were issued and are in various stages of
  adjudication. Therefore until the DPW has finalized the process of
  adjudication and awarded tenders to bidders, the matter remains
  confidential’.

  Pre predictions of the estimated total costs of the NGPs amounted to
  R463 million, but when tenders were put out the total costs came to
  R609 million per NGP. A number of factors contributed to this i.e. the
  increase in the price of steel. The DCS is engaging in discussions
  with the Department of Public Works and Treasury to try and come up
  with solutions. The reality is that contracts for these prisons had
  already been signed and breaching these contracts will impact on the
  DCS’ expenditure.


  The Committee also raised concerns with regard to the Private Prisons
  and asked what the cost differential was between the PPPs and the
  public prisons.


  The DCS confirmed that operating the PPPs is extremely expensive and
  that transaction advisors had been appointed to engage with the two
  PPPs in lowering their costs and to renegotiate a contract. The
  possibilities to reduce operational costs of these facilities are very
  limited. The proposals to recoup some of those expenses included
  increasing the capacity at these facilities, but this is still under
  negotiation.

   5.   Rehabilitation

  The Committee is aware that Cabinet has approved the White Paper on
  Corrections in February 2005 and is interested in whether the DCS has
  made any progress in implementing and prioritizing the aims of the
  White Paper, since rehabilitation is at the core of the DCS’
  priorities.


  The DCS responded that there is no reason why it cannot ensure
  effective rehabilitation and participation programmes. The DCS is in
  the process of harnessing organizational culture in support of the
  White Paper and rewards and recognition will be included in this
  process. The DCS wants to move away from a culture of locking and
  unlocking of facilities. Whilst the ratio of staff to inmates is often
  very high, it is important that rehabilitation is effected. The 7-day
  establishment would create better opportunities to capacitate the DCS
  in realizing this. More time would be spent on working with inmates
  than on administrative tasks.

   6.   Inmate Tracking System (ITS)
  The Committee is extremely dissatisfied with the implementation of the
  ITS, specifically at the Durban Westville Correctional Centre. The
  Committee was of the view that the ITS is for Security purposes, but
  at Durban Westville, it is merely used for identification purposes,
  i.e. fingerprints and photos. Of grave concern to the Committee is the
  lost equipment (8000 tags) that amounted to R7million, and the fact
  that the problem had not been addressed as this loss was reported in
  February this year. The readers placed on the outside walls of the
  facility are often damaged by lightning and these readers are not
  insured, whilst the total cost of this contract amounts to R28million.
  The Committee was informed that the straps are being cut off and
  replaced when detainees go to court and return to facilities. The cost
  per strap amounts to ±R3.50 and can escalate to R700.00 per day for
  200 offenders attending court daily. This is not a very viable
  exercise.


  The DCS responded in writing that ‘the initial cost for inmate
  tracking were estimated at R28 543 438.56. Today a total amount of R27
  193 951.24 has been paid to the Service Provider consistent with
  delivery of services. The remaining total of R1 349 487.32 would still
  be paid to the service provider for maintenance. Inmate tracking
  project is an IJS pilot project aimed at facilitating management and
  movement of Awaiting Trial Detainees (ATD) between facilities and the
  courts. It also facilitates easy location and placement of ATD within
  the holding facilities in the event where they are required for any
  specific reason. Phase one of the pilot project was conducted at
  Medium A of Durban Westville and phase two at the Johannesburg
  management area.
  The project aimed to introduce new technologies in the administration
  of awaiting trial detainees and therefore required strong management
  and focused management change processes. In the case of Medium A of
  Durban Westville both management and change management processes,
  which are critical to the successes of similar projects, were proved
  to have been ineffective. As a result of the staff resistance and
  management incapacity, management of the project resulted in loss of
  tags that compromised the efficiency of the system. The DCS is
  instituting measures to investigate the total impact that poor
  management and ineffective change management process has on the
  project at Durban Westville. The results of the investigation should
  reveal the actual financial loss, the causes of the loss and make
  recommendations of the action taken.

  The Commissioner has approved the appointment of the Evaluation
  Committee whose main aim will be to assess the value of the pilot
  project in both centres and recommend to the IJS whether or not the
  pilot was a success and required to be extended to other management
  areas.


  In terms of the management of the pilot, this project is a project of
  the IJS and the DCS was appointed as the lead department. Accordingly,
  in terms of institutional management of the project, a project manager
  and a Task Team were appointed for effective implementation.
  Accountability for the success of the project is the sole
  responsibility of the Commissioner of Correctional Services.

   7.   Corrections

  The Committee agrees that the high number of ATDs is not the
  responsibility of the DCS alone. The Committee reported that the
  2004/5 Annual Report of the Inspecting Judge reports 9311 ATD’s with
  unpaid bail of less than R1000.00 in Correctional centres. Section 62
  (f) of the Criminal Procedure Act is clearly not implemented and yet
  the Correctional Services Act empowers a Head of Prison to act in this
  regard. What is the DCS doing to ensure the implementation of the
  above-mentioned Acts?


  The Committee is also concerned with the low number of offenders on
  parole and in those sentenced to community corrections.


  The Deputy Minister stated petty criminals often become real criminals
  in the current system. Deterrents need to be brought into the system.
  If this was not possible via the Integrated Justice system, it was
  necessary to start driving the process by setting achievable goals. A
  sentencing framework which supported the minimum sentencing framework
  should be drafted that clearly indicates that a person could not go to
  prison for certain offences. More funds need to be invested in
  community corrections, in order for Magistrates and Judges to sentence
  offenders to community corrections. Harsh sentencing frameworks do not
  reduce crime.

   8.   Auditor General’s Report (AG) and SCOPA Resolutions

  The Committee noted that a substantial amount of staff debt is due and
  requested clarity on the matter. The AG’s report also reflects that
  the DCS has various shortcomings with internal controls despite the
  fact that the accounting officer has a documented system of internal
  control in place.

  The Committee wanted to know what progress has been made in terms of
  SCOPA’s resolutions. At a SCOPA meeting on 10 November 2004, the AG
  noted that taxes were due by the DCS on medical aid contributions in
  excess of R341million. Issues of information technology have also not
  been resolved.


  The DCS responded both verbally and in writing to the above matters. A
  tax liability of R273 821 176.00 was settled by the DCS with the South
  African Receiver of Revenue. It should be noted that at the time of
  settlement, the SARS waived DCS liability in respect of penalties and
  interest to the value of R67 390 281.00. The DCS has ensured
  compliance with Schedule 7 of the Income Tax Act of 1962 since January
  2005.


  Coordination with SITA and Service Level Agreements


  The DCS has monthly meetings with SITA to co-ordinate SITA/DCS
  activities and the Service Level Agreement. The senior manager of the
  two organizations agreed to institutionalize Quarterly Executive
  Meetings to address strategic issues and resolve bottlenecks.


  The DCS has a Service Level Agreement with SITA on mandatory Services,
  as per the SITA Act. This agreement is renewed on an annual basis.
  However, in other instances the department sources services from
  suppliers that participate in existing contracts with SITA. The SITA
  policy obliges individual departments to negotiate their own SLA when
  entering in these specific contracts. The Department does have the
  required Service Level Agreements applicable in these cases. As
  required by the SITA Act, the department has a Business Agreement with
  SITA and this agreement is renewable every second year. The current
  agreement was renewed this year.

   IT and Disaster Recovery Plan
  The Operational Plan has scheduled completion of the IT Plan
  containing Disaster Recovery Plan for January 2006. There is already
  an off- site disaster recovery site that may only need upgrading.

  The monies owed in terms of staff debt are due to the fact that many
  staff members leave the organization without the necessary deductions
  made. The huge amount of monies owed is due to the Judge White
  Commission cases where a lot of irregular promotions took place
  especially in the Eastern Cape and the former Ciskei. These promotions
  had to be rectified and the DCS had to find ways of recovering these
  monies.

  The Committee, having considered the Annual Report of the Department,
  wishes to make the following observations and recommendations:

  1.    Administration

      a.     The Committee recommends that the DCS report back to
          Parliament on progress made with regard to its Retention
          Strategy and Recruitment drive.
       b. The Committee is aware that the DCS will implement its
          Promotion Policy by November 2005 and requests that the
          Committee be kept abreast of all developments in this regard.


      c.     The Committee recommends that the DCS report back on the
          impact the Jali Commission’s report will have on DCS’
          controls and governance.
      d.     The Committee requests the DCS to provide information on
          the Recruitment agencies in terms of implementing Government
          policy and its feasibility.
      e.     The Committee recommends that the DCS’ magazine called SA
          Corrections Today, contain information on all policies and
          programmes the DCS intends implementing.
      f.     The Committee also requests a report on the Centres of
          Excellence and their operation.


  2.    Security

      a.     The Committee requests a detailed report on the
           implementation of the biometric access systems, which will
           be implemented at the seven biggest Correctional centres as
           well as at the Centres of Excellence.
      b.     The Committee notes the marginal progress that has been
           made in terms of curbing escapes, but recommends that the
           DCS implement measures to curb escapes en route to courts
           and hospitals.

  3.    Corrections

      a.     The Committee recommends that the DCS involves members of
           the Committee in its Imbizos as the Committee is committed
           to playing a role in educating communities on the
           reintegration of offenders after release.
           The Committee recommends that a detailed report be provided
           on the DCS’ assessment and profile tools of inmates and how
           this has succeeded.
      b.     The Committee recommends that the DCS report back on the
           impact and efficacy of the parole system after the
           appointment of the new Correctional Supervision Parole
           Boards.
        c. The DCS must also take the initiative in reducing
           overcrowding by ensuring that there are no awaiting trial
           detainees within prison who do not need to be there.
        d. The Portfolio Committee requests a report back from the DCS
           on the results of such an exercise.

  4.    Care

      The Committee recommends that the DCS speedily obtain
      accreditation for the roll out of anti-retroviral drugs at
      Correctional Centres and report back on its successes and
      challenges.


  5.    After Care


      The Committee recommends that more stringent measures be taken
      with regard to the role community supervision officers play in the
      release and reintegration of offenders.

   6. Development


          a. The Committee requests that the DCS speedily obtain
             accreditation for all programmes and courses at
             Correctional centers as these play a major role in seeking
             employment after the release of offenders.
          b. The Committee recommends that the DCS look at measures and
             or policies to use its own capacity in building and
             maintenance projects.


  7.    Facilities


       a. The Committee recommends that the DCS reports back upon the
          finalisation of procurement projects in respect of the New
          Generation Prisons.
      b.      The Committee recommends that feasibility studies be done
          in respect of the building of additional New Generation
          Prisons, which will be situated in Port Shepstone, East
          London, Allandale and Upington and that this be submitted to
          the Committee for its consideration and recommendation.
       c. The Committee recommends that it be provided with the report
          of the transaction advisors who are negotiating the contract
          and costs of the Private Prisons.
       d. The Committee strongly recommends that the DCS considers
          placing juvenile offenders in the Private Prisons, as it is
          more conducive to rehabilitation and education of juveniles.
          It is senseless to place adult offenders with long sentences
          in these facilities.


  8.    Inmate Tracking System


      a.     The Committee requests the DCS to present before it the
          findings of the investigation into the Inmate Tracking System
          as well as the report of the evaluation committee.
      b.     The Committee further recommends that strong action be
          taken against those found guilty, negligent or irresponsible
          in the handling and management of the equipment.
      c.     The Committee recommends that the situation at the Durban
          Westville prison be attended to and progress made be reported
          to the Committee.
      d.     The Committee also recommends that any projects, similar
          to inmate tracking and or electronic monitoring be tabled
          before the Committee for its consideration and
          recommendation.

  The Committee noted that the Annual Report contains a lot of
  unnecessary information. Many of the pages have photographs rather
  than information. The Committee is of the opinion that it is very
  difficult to compare the Annual Report with the Strategic Plan of the
  DCS. What are noted as key departmental objectives in the Strategic
  Plan is reflected in the Annual Report as outputs or indicators. This
  makes it difficult to compare plans against progress and the format
  does not reflect accountability and transparency. The Annual report
  also does not reflect end results and impact of projects and audits
  undertaken by the DCS. The Annual Report of 2004/5 is merely a “cut
  and paste” exercise.


  The Committee commends the DCS on successes attained during the
  2004/05 financial year and recommends that concrete steps are taken to
  address areas, which have been identified as problematic, particularly
  those areas of financial management identified as concerns by the
  Auditor General.

                      FRIDAY, 24 FEBRUARY 2006

 a) Report of the Auditor-General on the findings identified during a
    performance audit of the approval and allocation of housing
    subsidies at Provincial housing departments, January 2006 [RP 13-
    2006].

                      TUESDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2006

(a)     Quarterly Report of the Auditor-General on the submission of
    financial statements by municipalities and the status of audit
    reports as at 31 December 2005 for the financial year ended 30 June
    2005 [RP 16-2006].

(a)     Report and Financial Statements of the South African State
    Theatre for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General
    on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.

_______________________                  ________________________
B MBETE, MP                              M J MAHLANGU, MP
SPEAKER OF THE                           CHAIRPERSON OF THE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY  NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Date: ____________________    Date: ___________________


                        MONDAY, 6 MARCH 2006

 1. The Appropriation Bill [B 2-2006] is referred to the following
    portfolio committees for consideration and report on the relevant
    parts of the Schedule in terms of their mandate:

      a) Arts and Culture;
      b) Agriculture and Land Affairs;
      c) Correctional Services;
      d) Communications;
      e) Defence;
      f) Education;
      g) Environmental Affairs and Tourism;
      h) Foreign Affairs;
      i) Health;
      j) Home Affairs;
      k) Housing;
      l) Justice and Constitutional Development;
      m) Labour;
      n) Minerals and Energy;
      o) Provincial and Local Government;
      p) Public Works;
      q) Public Enterprises;
      r) Public Service and Administration;
      s) Social Development;
      t) Sport and Recreation;
      u) Safety and Security;
      v) Science and Technology
      w) Trade and Industry
      x) Transport; and
      y) Water Affairs and Forestry.

 2. The Appropriation Bill [B 2-2006] is referred to the following
    joint monitoring committees for consideration in terms of their
    mandate:

      a) Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life
         and Status of Women;
      b) Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life
         and Status of Children, Youth and Disabled Persons.

 a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Labour for 2006 to 2009.

 a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Health for 2006/07 to 2008/09
    [RP 29-2006]. 3.    The Minister in The Presidency


 a) Strategic Plan of Government Communication and Information System
    (GCIS) for 2006 to 2009.


                        TUESDAY, 7 MARCH 2006

 (1)    The Joint Tagging Mechanism on 6 March 2006 in terms of Joint
     Rule 160(6)(c), classified the following Bills as money Bills:


        i) Appropriation Bill [B 2 – 2006] (National Assembly – sec 77)


       ii) Additional Adjustments Appropriation Bill (2005/06 Financial
           Year) [B 4 – 2006] (National Assembly – sec 77).

1.      The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and
    Administration:


      a) Government Notice No R 1105 published in the Government Gazette
         No 28226 dated 14 November 2005: Amendment of prescribed fees,
         made in terms of section 36 of the Pension Funds Act, 1956 (Act
         No 24 of 1956).


2.      The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Justice and Constitutional Development for consideration, the
    committee to confer with the Portfolio Committee on Safety and
    Security, if necessary:

      a) Notice of Regulations made in terms of section 44(1)(a) of  the
         Regulation of Interception of Communications and  Provision  of
         Communication-related Information, 2002 (Act No  70  of  2002),
         submitted in terms of section 44(4) of the Act.

3.      The following paper is referred to the Standing Committee on
    Public Accounts for consideration and to the Portfolio Committee on
    Public Enterprises:

      a) Letter  from  the  Minister  of  Public  Enterprises  dated  19
         December 2005 to the Speaker of the National Assembly, in terms
         of section 65(2)(a) of the Public Finance Management Act,  1999
         (Act No 1 of 1999), explaining the delay in the tabling of  the
         Annual Report and Statements of Denel (Pty) Limited  for  2004-
         2005.

4.      The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Education for consideration:

      a) Government Notice No 1056 published in  Government  Gazette  No
         28159 dated 25 October 2005: National Policy regarding  Further
         Education and Training  programmes:  Approval  of  the  amended
         schools policy  document,  namely  a  resume  of  instructional
         programmes in schools, Report 550 (2005/09), made in  terms  of
         sections 3(4)(l) and 7 of the National Policy Act, 1996 (Act No
         27 of 1996), and sections 6(A) and 61 of the Schools Act,  1996
         (Act No 84 of 1996).


      b) Government Notice No 1175 published in  Government  Gazette  No
         28300 dated 7 December 2005: National Policy regarding  Further
         Education  and  Training  programmes:  Approval  of  additional
         Agricultural subjects to be listed in the  National  Curriculum
         Statement Grades 10-12 (General), made  in  terms  of  sections
         3(4)(l) and 7 of the National Policy Act, 1996 (Act  No  27  of
         1996), and sections 6(A) and 61 of the Schools Act,  1996  (Act
         No 84 of 1996).

5.      The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Finance:

      a) Report and Financial Statements of the Financial Services Board
         on the Registrar of Collective Investment Schemes for the year
         ended 31 December 2004.


      b) Report and Financial Statements of the Financial Services Board
         on the Registrar of Pension Funds for 2004.

      c) Government Notice No 1179 published in Government Gazette No
         28306 dated 7 December 2005: Approval of allocations to
         provincial and local government spheres, in terms of the
         Division of Revenue Act, 2005 (Act No 1 of 2005).

6.      The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Public Enterprises for consideration and report. The Report of the
    Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements is referred to the
    Standing Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:

      a) Report and Financial Statements of Denel (Pty) Ltd for 2004-
         2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the
         Financial Statements for 2004-2005.


7.      The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Water Affairs and Forestry for consideration and report. The
    Reports of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements are
    referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for
    consideration:

      a) Report and Financial Statements of Bushbuckridge Water for the
         year ended 30 June 2005, including the Report of the
         Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
         ended 30 June 2005.


      b) Report and Financial Statements of Ikangala Water for the year
         ended 30 June 2005, including the Report of the Independent
         Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June
         2005.


      c) Report and Financial Statements of Magalies Water for the year
         ended 30 June 2005, including the Report of the Independent
         Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June
         2005.

8.      The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Water Affairs and Forestry for consideration:

      a) Government Notice No 1180 published in Government Gazette No
         28307 dated 9 December 2005: Invitation to submit written
         comments on the proposed list of particular trees and
         particular group of trees under section 12(1)(a) and (b) of the
         National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No 84 of 1998).

9.      The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Justice and Constitutional Development for consideration:

      a) Medium-Term Strategic Framework for the Department of Justice
         and Constitutional Development for 2005/06 – 2008/09.

10.     The following paper is referred to the Standing Committee on
    Public Accounts for consideration:

      a) General Report of the Auditor-General on the Audit Outcomes for
         2004-2005 [RP 223-2005].

11.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Sport and Recreation for consideration and report. The Report of
    the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements is referred to the
    Standing Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:

      a) Report and Financial Statements of Boxing South Africa for 2004-
         2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
         Financial Statements for 2004-2005.

12.     The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Communications for consideration and report:

      a) Final Acts of the Plenipotentiary Conference in Marrakesh,
         Morocco in 2002 of the International Telecommunications Union,
         tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.

      b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Final Acts of the Plenipotentiary
         Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco in 2002 of the International
         Telecommunications Union.

13.     The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Safety and Security for consideration and report:

      a) Proclamation No R.65 published in Government Gazette No 28279
         dated 2 December 2005: Notification by President in accordance
         with section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy
         against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33
         of 2004).

      b) Proclamation No R.66 published in Government Gazette No 28279
         dated 2 December 2005: Notification by President in accordance
         with section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy
         against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33
         of 2004).

14.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Housing for consideration and report. The Report of the Independent
    Auditors on the Financial Statements is referred to the Standing
    Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:

      a) Report and Financial Statements of Servcon Housing Solutions
         (Proprietary) Limited for 2004-2005, including the Report of
         the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-
         2005.

15.     The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Transport for consideration and report:

      a) The Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for
         International Carriage by Air, tabled in terms of section
         231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.


      b) Explanatory Memorandum on the ratification and/or accession to
         the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for
         International Carriage by Air.


                       WEDNESDAY, 8 MARCH 2006

1.      The following paper is referred to the Joint Monitoring
    Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Women and
    the Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life of
    Children, Youth and Disabled Persons for consideration of the
    relevant programmes of the Memorandum:


    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 1 - "The Presidency", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.

2.      The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Foreign Affairs for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 3 - "Foreign Affairs", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.

3.      The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Home Affairs for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 4 - "Home Affairs", Main Estimates,
         2006-2007.

4.      The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Provincial and Local Government for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 5 - "Provincial and Local
         Government", Main   Estimates, 2006-2007.

5.      The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Public Works for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 6 - "Public Works", Main Estimates,
         2006-2007.

6.      The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Communications for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 7 - "Government Communications and
         Information        System", Main Estimates, 2006-2007.

    (b)      Memorandum on Vote No 26 - "Communications", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.


7.      The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Finance for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 8 - "National Treasury", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.
    (b)      Memorandum on Vote No 13 - "Statistics South Africa", Main
         Estimates,
         2006-2007.

8.      The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Public Enterprises for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 9 - "Public Enterprises", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.

9.      The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Public Service and Administration for consideration and report:

     a) Memorandum on Vote No 10 - "Public Service and Administration",


       Main Estimates, 2006-2007.


    b) Memorandum on Vote No 11 - "Public Service Commission", Main
       Estimates, 2006-2007.


    c) Memorandum on Vote No 12 - "South African Management Development
       Institute", Main Estimates, 2006-2007.

10.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Arts and Culture for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 14 - "Arts and Culture", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.

11.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Education for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 15 - "Education", Main Estimates,
         2006-2007.

12.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Health for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 16 - "Health", Main Estimates, 2006-
         2007.

13.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Labour for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 17 - "Labour", Main Estimates, 2006-
         2007.

14.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Social Development for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 18 - " Social Development", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.

15.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Sport and Recreation for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 19 - "Sport and Recreation South
         Africa", Main Estimates, 2006-2007.
16.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Correctional Service for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 20 - "Correctional Services", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.

17.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Defence for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 21 - "Defence", Main Estimates, 2006-
         2007.


18.     The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Safety and Security for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 22 - "Independent Complaints
         Directorate”, Main Estimates, 2006-2007.

    (b)      Memorandum on Vote No 24 - " Safety and Security", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.

19.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Justice and Constitutional Development for consideration and
    report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 23 - " Justice and Constitutional
         Development ", Main Estimates, 2006-2007.

20.     The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Agriculture and Land Affairs for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 25 - " Agriculture", Main Estimates,
         2006-2007.


    (b)      Memorandum on Vote No 29 - "Land Affairs", Main Estimates,
         2006-2007.


21.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Environmental Affairs and Tourism for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 27 - " Environmental Affairs and
         Tourism", Main Estimates, 2006-2007.

22.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Housing for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 28 - "Housing", Main Estimates, 2006-
         2007.


23.     The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Minerals and Energy for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 30 - " Minerals and Energy", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.

24.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Science and Technology for consideration and report:
    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 31 - "Science and Technology", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007.


25.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Trade and Industry for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 32 - "Trade and Industry", Main
         Estimates, 2006-2007;

26.     The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Transport for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 33 - "Transport", Main Estimates,
         2006-2007.


27.     The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
    Water Affairs and Forestry for consideration and report:

    (a)      Memorandum on Vote No 34 - "Water Affairs and Forestry",
         Main Estimates, 2006-2007.

 a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Agriculture for 2006.


 b) Strategic Plan of the Land and Agricultural Development Bank for
    2006/7.


 c) Strategic Plan of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights for
    2006/7 – 2008.


 d) Strategic Plan of the Agricultural Research Council for 2006/7 –
    2010/11.


 e) Strategic Plan of the Ingonyama Trust Board for 2006/2007.


 f) Strategic Plan of the Onderstepoort Biological Products Ltd for
    2006 to 2009.


 g) Strategic Plan of the Perishable Products Export Control Board.

 a) Strategic Plan of Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) for
    2006 to 2009.