NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 2207
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2009 [IQP No 28 -2009]
FIRST SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT
Question 2207 for Written Reply, National Assembly: Ms D Carter (COPE) to
ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
(1) Whether she has been informed of problems afflicting the KwaZulu-Natal
department of agriculture for many years; if so,
(2) whether she has taken any steps to deal decisively with corruption,
wastage and maladministration prevalent there; if not, why not; if so, what
are the relevant details;
(3) whether she has investigated or intends investigating the controversy
surrounding the suspension of the chief executive officer (name furnished);
if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2910E
REPLY:
1) As the Minister responsible for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, I
interact with MECs for Agriculture in the various provinces to discuss
among others, policy related issues, challenges experienced in the
different provinces and mapping a way forward. These discussions keep
me updated on all strategic issues in the Provincial Departments.Â
2) The Honourable Member need to take into account that as Minister for
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, my influence over provincial
departments of agriculture is limited to sector policy issues only.Â
The question raised by the Honourable Member relates to issues of
governance and administration which, in terms of the Public Service
Act, 1994 (as amended) are the responsibility (nationally) of the
Minister for Public Service and Administration (MPSA) together with
the relevant Premier of a Province. It is for this reason that the
question concerned needs to be referred to the MPSA and the Premier in
KwaZulu-Natal.
3) No. As above.