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Memorandum from the Parliamentary Office
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 3396
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04/11/2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 36 OF 2011)
Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and
Training:
1. Whether the chairperson of the board for the Food and Beverage
Manufacturing Industry sector education and training authority has
introduced an anonymous suggestion box at the institution; if so, what
are the relevant details;
2. whether any suggestions that required the attention of (a) the board and
(b) management have been received; if not, what is the position in this
regard; if so,
3. whether these items were placed on the agenda of any board meeting or
passed on to management; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant
details;
4. whether a survey has been conducted to establish whether the
introduction of such a suggestion box constitutes an example of good
governance practice; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant
details;
5. whether such practices will be replicated at other such entities; if
not, why not; if so, which entities?
NW4076E
REPLY:
1. An anonymous suggestion box was suggested by the Chairperson as a means
of communication between staff and the Accounting Authority in order for
the staff to submit any suggestion and/or complaints. The staff welcomed
the idea and is in support thereof.
2. Suggestions and complaints were received which needed the Accounting
Authority's attention.  The Chairperson assured staff members and
management through an open letter that the complaints and suggestions
would receive the necessary attention.
a) Specific suggestions and complaints were referred to the
appropriate sub-committees of the Accounting Authority and will be
addressed accordingly
b) Some matters are in the process of being resolved.Â
3. Certain serious allegations against management were handed to external
investigators for the necessary investigation and recommendation to the
Accounting Authority.
4. No survey was conducted since the suggestion to communicate with the
Foodbev staff through an anonymous suggestion box was to be tested in
order to determine if it will improve communication and governance.
5. The suggestion box can be replicated in other Setas if the Accounting
Authorities of those entities feel they are necessary and would yield
value for them. The Department cannot prescribe what they should do.
Compiler/contact persons: Duma Sibande
Ext: 5341
DIRECTOR â GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
QUESTION 3396 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr B NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE: