PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
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FOR WRITTEN REPLY
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO: 337
DATE SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENT: Wednesday, 05 September 2012
Mr D V Bloem (COPE-FS) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:
1) Whether he will deal with the (a) scourge of corruption that has
plagued his department, (b) outstanding Special Investigating Unit
investigations even more ferociously than in the past three years and
(c) unresolved renewal and extension of tenders that are specifically
benefiting long standing contracts of certain companies (details
furnished); if not, why not; if so, what can be expected in the first
six months of his tenure in office in this regard;
2) whether he will provide a summary of (a) known and (b) expected
challenges ahead in this matter; if not, what is the position in this
regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
CW439E
REPLY:
(1) (a), (b) and (c)
Yes.
It should be noted that the nutrition contract (HK14/2008) with the
said company was extended (and not renewed).
The surveillance contract (HK2/2005) expired on 31 March 2012 and was
not extended. An open tender process is currently in progress for a
follow on maintenance contract.
The fencing contract (HK24/2005) will expire on 31 December 2012 and a
follow on maintenance contract will be arranged through the open
tender process.
It should be noted that the Special Investigations Unit has concluded
its investigation and the matter is currently with the Hawks. The
matter is thus sub-judice.
(2) (a) and (b)
The following are known challenges:
⢠Capacity of the two specialised units dealing with fraud and
corruption in the Department, in terms of sections 95A (DIU) and
95B (Code Enforcement).
⢠Whistle-blowing is and remains a challenge, but is important in
the fight against corruption.
It is also expected that the turn-around time for investigations and
disciplinary processes will be improved, although it will always be
complicated due to the dependence on law enforcement agencies to get
information.
