A report from MS Jessie Duarte
1376. Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
1) Whether he has received a certain report (Through the Eyes of IDC
Employees from Ms Jessie Duarte); if so, (a) when and (b) what steps
has he taken since then with regard to the contents of this document;
2) Whether he has been informed regarding a party which the Industrial
Development Corporation (IDC) held in honour of the chairperson of
that council (Ms Wendy Luhabe); if so, (a) when was this party held
for her and (b) what did the costs amount to;
3) Whether it was decided before the party to renew her contract; if so,
why was the party proceeded with;
4) Whether he regards the expenses for such a party as a waste of IDC
funds; if not, why not; if so, what step will he take to recoup the
money? NW1732E
The MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY
(1) The Minister was made aware of anonymous allegations concerning
industrial relations at the IDC. This was brought to the attention of
the IDC and is being dealt with.
(2) the dti is aware of the farewell function for five directors
including Ms Wendy Luhabe. The terms of office for these 5 directors
were due to come to an end.
(a) The function took place on 11 September 2008 at the Industrial
Development Corporation (IDC).
(b) The function was funded by the IDC and its total cost,
including VAT was R447 252.03.
(3) The decision to renew Ms Luhabeâs contract was made after the
farewell function, therefore the IDC was unaware of the decision to
renew Ms Luhabeâs contract on the day of the farewell function which
took place on 11 September 2008. The IDC was informed of this decision
on 29 September 2008.
(4) the dti regards the purpose for which this particular farewell
function was held as valid, namely to honour the five directors whose
terms of office on the IDC board had come to an end.