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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.: 1223
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 SEPTEMBER 2009
Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Economic Development:
Whether a time-frame for the implementation of the Stateâs response to the
economic crisis has been formulated; if not, why not; if so, what are the
relevant details? NW1562E
REPLY
The response package consists of a number of different components. Each of
these has its own timeframes. Two processes are taking place in parallel:
while priorities where programmes have been agreed are being implemented,
discussions are taking place in expanding the list of programmes.
For the initial list of priorities announced in parliament on 20 August
2009, the following details are relevant:
a) The training layoff: the scheme is being launched in pilot form during
September 2009. The first applications have now been received and are
being processed. Subject to the progress made in the pilot phase, it
is expected to be fully operational by November 2009.
b) The IDC R6b Fund: this has been implemented and a number of
applications have been approved and details were provided to the
National Assembly on 20 August 2009. The IDC continues to receive more
applications and will consider these on a case by case basis during
the remainder of 2009 and during 2010.
c) Distressed sector interventions: the non-fiscal components of the
programmes are in the process of being implemented and those
components requiring budget allocations will be dealt with through the
Adjustment process. Subject to the outcome of the Adjustment process,
it is planned that most of the programmes agreed to date will be
implemented during the next two months.
d) Customs fraud: the identified action is being implemented and
prosecutions have been initiated in a number of cases. Details of the
state of the process were provided in the Statement to the National
Assembly made on 20 August 2009.
e) Competition investigations in the food supply chain: the
investigations have all commenced and some prosecutions have been
initiated. Each area of the supply chain is at a different stage of
progress.
f) Debt management: Engagements with the banks are continuing. Banks
reported to Nedlac that they have started implementing various
measures to assist consumers in distress and these reportedly include
increasing bridging loans, debt rescheduling, debt factoring,
converting debt into equity and interbank lending guarantees.
In addition, as new areas of the Framework are finalised, they will have
their specific time-frames for implementation. Details of these will be
supplied to Parliament.