[pic]
Ref:02/1/5/2
MINISTER
QUESTION NO. 641 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
A draft reply to Ms P Ntobongwana (EFF) to the above-mentioned question is
enclosed for your consideration.
MR ALF WILLS
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)
DATE:
DRAFT REPLY APPROVED/AMENDED
MRS B E E MOLEWA, MP
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
DATE:
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
(For written reply)
QUESTION NO. 641 {NW754E}
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 of 2016
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 March 2016
Ms P Ntobongwana (EFF) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs:
(1) With reference to her reply to question 163 on 18 June 2015 and in
view of consistent and regular allegations of racism experienced by
black employees at the SA National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), with
the latest victim being a certain person (name and details furnished),
what further steps does she intend to take to ensure that SANBI welcomes
talented black persons;
(2) whether her department has assessed the exit interviews of black
employees who have left SANBI; if not, why not; if so, what steps has
she taken with regard to the concerns that the specified persons have
raised?
641. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:
(1) One of the key performance indicators (KPI) and targets in SANBIâs
approved Corporate Strategic Plan is the development of black
biodiversity professionals. By the year 2019/2020, SANBIâs target is to
develop 140 black biodiversity professionals which is on track and
consistently monitored and reported on.
⢠Recently SANBI, together with partners in the biodiversity sector,
has just included implementation of the Groen Sebenza Programme
which is a pioneering and innovative initiative that has developed
854 young black biodiversity professionals.
⢠Career ladders for scientists and horticulturists were introduced
in order to attract, develop and retain black biodiversity
professionals.
⢠In addition, the following interventions are being implemented to
ensure that our black scientistsâ careers development paths are
supported:
o Staff bursaries towards higher degrees;
o Scientific writing training courses;
o Studentships and Internships programmes;
o Mentorship/coaching; and
o Participation in workshops and conferences (local and
international).
(2) The Board of Directors appointed by the Minister provides oversight
to SANBI on all organisational matters including human related matters
(NEMBA Section 13). The department through its governance protocol with
its entities (including SANBI), provides support for the
operationalisation of the business processes. In terms of the
established governance practices, the current institutional arrangements
suffice to enable SANBI to discharge its operational duties including
the analysis of the outcomes of exit interviews. The specific matter of
Mr Qwede is being addressed by SANBI Management and the department will
address the same when it is raised through proper channels.
---ooOoo---