Deputy Speaker, the reply to the question is that the new ranks of lieutenant and major have been introduced as part of the new ranks structure that was promulgated on 1 April 2010 in terms of Government Notice R254, dated 1 April 2010.
No promotion and/or appointment to the ranks of lieutenant and major have been effected, owing to the fact that the promotion criteria, as well as the salary scales of the two new ranks, are subject to collective bargaining. In this regard, a draft collective agreement is on the table of the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council, pending implementation thereof by the parties to council, signing it as a collective agreement.
The proposal by the department regarding the criteria and the salary scale has been tabled with the council, and the unions are consulting around this proposal. They will revert back to us as soon as they have finished their consultation. Thank you.