1. (a)(i) What is the current number of leopard hunting tags in South Africa that has been authorised by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), (ii) when was this number agreed to and (iii) how is this allocation broken down according to provinces, (b) what is the actual number of hunting permits for leopards that was granted in each province in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010, (c) how many leopards were actually hunted in each province on the basis of (i) the CITES system and (ii) for being damage causing animals in (aa) 2009 and (bb) 2010, (d)(i) what is the current estimated population of leopards in each province and (ii) how was this amount arrived at and (e)(i) when was the most recent population and viability assessment for leopards completed, (ii) who was responsible for conducting the study and (iii) when will the next such study be completed;
2. whether she intends making any application to CITES to amend the current number of leopard hunting tags; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. What (a) statutory provisions, (b) regulations, (c) policy instruments and (d) practices govern the (i) classification, (ii) protection against the release or access, (iii) protection for other purposes such as preservation and (iv) release upon request for access of (aa) documented information and (bb) undocumented information held by (aaa) her departments or (bbb) any other entities who receive budgetary transfers from her departments?

1. Whether the Government plans to lead by practical example in respect of unresolved issues regarding climate change in preparation for COP 17 that will be held locally from 28 November to 9 December 2011; if not, why not; if so, what strategy is in place to ensure that South Africa will be seen as the leader on the continent regarding climate change issues?

1. Whether her department is taking any decisive measures to cause a reduction in Cape Town's per capita carbon emissions which are higher than those of London; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. What quantity of Panthera leo was exported in the years (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 under provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live, (ii) skins, (iii) bones, (iv) trophies, (v) specimens, (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls;
2. What quantity of Panthera pardus was exported in the years (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 under provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live, (ii) skins, (iii) bones, (iv) trophies, (v) specimens, (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls;
3. What quantity of Panthera tigris was exported in the years (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 under provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live, (ii) skins, (iii) bones, (iv) trophies, (v) specimens, (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls;
4. What quantity of Panthera tigris altaica was exported in the years (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 under provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live, (ii) skins, (iii) bones, (iv) trophies, (v) specimens, (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls;
5. What quantity of Panthera tigris tigris was exported in the years (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 under provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live, (ii) skins, (iii) bones, (iv) trophies, (v) specimens, (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls?

1. Whether her department has, at any time since 1 January 2010, requested that a certain company (name furnished), an applicant for a boat-based whale watching licence, remove any reference to it being able to conduct boat-based whale watching from its own or any other website; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not;

2. whether her department has permitted the said company to amend any material defects or exclusionary factors in their application after submission of the application during the most recent round of applications; if not, why not; if so, how is this justified;

3. whether any other applicants were permitted to amend any material defects or exclusionary factors in their applications after submission; if not, why not; if so, how is this justified;

4. whether, with reference to her reply to question 1815 on 24 June 2010, and since the application by a certain company (name furnished) during the most recent round of applications, the said company was considered for approval of a licence since one of the owners (name furnished) is an employee of SANParks; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how is this justified?
   
   

1. How many documents have (a) her (i) ministry and (ii) departments and (b) any (i) institution or (ii) agency which receives transfers from her departmental budget classified as (aa) top secret, (bb) secret, (cc) confidential and (dd) restricted under the provisions of the Minimum Information Security Standards that were adopted by the Cabinet on 4 December 1996 in the (aaa) 2005-06, (bbb) 2006-07, (ccc) 2007-08, (ddd) 2008-09 and (eee) 2009-10 financial years;
2. What is the (a) name and (b)(i) rank or (ii) employment level of the official who decided on the classification at each specified public body?

1. Whether her department has approved the use of neonicotinoid insecticides produced by a certain company (name furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether her department has been informed of the research done by a certain person (name furnished) alerting users of the danger of this insecticide to bee colonies in particular; if not, why not; if so,
3. Whether her department will suspend the company’s sale of the product until further research is completed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the further relevant details?

1. Whether her departments have implemented any specific graduate development programmes over the past five years to help improve the supply of (a) climate change specialists, (b) water plant superintendants, (c) engineers and (d) technicians; if not, why not; if so, what (i) success have her departments recorded in respect of each specified category and (ii) percentage of her departments’ critical staff were recruited through these programmes?

1. Whether her departments have implemented any specific graduate development programmes over the past five years to help improve the supply of (a) climate change specialists, (b) water plant superintendants, (c) engineers and (d) technicians; if not, why not; if so, what (i) success have her departments recorded in respect of each specified category and (ii) percentage of her departments’ critical staff were recruited through these programmes?

1. How many African Grey parrots (a) were imported and (b) died during the period 1 January 2010 to 30 January 2011;
2. Whether she intends to restrict or ban the importation of scarce exotic birds in order to stop the illegal trade from countries exploiting and threatening the existence of these species; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

1. On what dates were section 24(G) applications received from Coal of Africa in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, for alleged activities at the Vele Colliery;

2. Whether her department has adjudicated on the section 24(G) applications; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

3. Whether she has received a report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) following its visit to Mapungubwe in November 2010 to assess the impacts that mining at Vele Colliery could have on the World Heritage site; if not, when does she expect to receive the report; if so, what are the relevant details;

4. Whether her department intends commissioning an Environmental Management Framework for the area north of the Soutpansberg in which the Vele Colliery is located; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? 
   
   
   

1. Whether she met with the Minister of Science and Technology about the impact of fracking in the Karoo on the Square Kilometre Array bid; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

2. Whether she will make a statement on the matter?

1. How many environmental impact assessments (EIAs) were outstanding (a) in each province and (b) nationally (i) for less than 6 months, (ii) between 6 and 12 months, (iii) between 12 and 18 months and (iv) for longer than 18 months as at 31 December 2010;

2. what was the total number of (a) posts available and (b) vacancies in the EIA establishment in (i) each province and (ii) nationally as at the latest specified date for which information is available?

1. With reference to her reply to question 589 on 23 March 2010, what is the current status of this project;
2. Whether there have been any changes to the composition of the winning consortium (name furnished); if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether any entities that make up this consortium have taken legal action against the consortium; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. Whether all the entities that make up this consortium are capable of providing equity to the project; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;
5. Whether the adjudication panel that awarded the tender conducted the required due diligence on all the bids before deciding on the winning bid; if not, what steps will be taken to rectify the situation; if so, how was this conclusion reached?

1. Whether (a) her departments or (b) any (i) agency or (ii) institution which receives transfers from her departmental budgets employs staff to perform the duties set out in the Minimum Information and Security Standards (Miss) that were adopted by Cabinet on 4 December 1996 or any subsequent version of the Miss; if not, why not, in each case; if so, in each case, (aa) how many and (bb) what (aaa) is the job title, (bbb) is the employment level, (ccc) are the academic qualifications, (ddd) is the salary and (eee) are the other benefits of each specified staff member?

Whether, in view of the unprecedented species extinction rates being experienced, her department is taking any steps to ensure that all rare indigenous species of plants are being protected successfully; if not, why not; if so, (a) what steps and (b) what are the further relevant details?

Whether her department has implemented steps to protect plant diversity successfully in the face of agricultural and urban development; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Whether her department has taken any steps in the past three years to eliminate the (a) largemouth bass and (b) smallmouth bass to stop their devastating effect on indigenous species; if not, why not; if so, what steps?

Whether the Government is fully prepared to serve as a role model at COP17 in 2011 and to clinch by example and moral authority the agreement on carbon emission that has so far eluded every other COP attempt; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. (a) How many African Grey parrots have been imported during the period 1 January 2009 up to 31 December 2009 and (b) for each consignment of parrots, (i) where they imported from and (ii) what was the name of the importer;
2. Whether her department is taking any steps to restrict the importation of wild African Grey parrots; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether any private sector scientists were consulted in preparation of this claim; if not, why not; if so, (a) who were they and (b) what (i) was the nature of the input and (ii) what amount of money was each of the scientists for their inputs;
4. Whether her department intends to submit recommendation to the next meeting of Cites to strengthen the provisions that govern the capture and exportation of wild African Grey parrots; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
5. Whether her department or any other Government agency has intercepted any illegally imported African Grey parrots; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether her department’s Centres of Excellence have been consulted in preparation of its claim that was lodged with the United Nations to extend South Africa’s seabed (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether any ecologists employed by the State were consulted; if not, why not; if so, (a) who and (b) what was the nature of their input;
3. Whether any private sector scientists were consulted in preparation of this claim; if not, why not; if so, (a) who were they and (b) what (i) was the nature of the input and (ii) what amount of money was each of the scientists for their inputs;
4. Whether she will take any steps to ensure that (a) the Centres of Excellence and (b) other scientists are included in the (i) management of the seabed territory and (ii) evaluation of any applications to explore and exploit the seabed claimed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps;
5. Whether France was consulted with regard to preparing and lodging the claim; if not, what is the position on dialoguing with France about this claim; if so, what input did France make?

1. What is the current status of the ban on driving on the beaches of St Lucia town in KwaZulu-Natal;
2. whether any beach driving is permitted under certain conditions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. (a) Which travel agencies or travel service providers does her department use currently and (b)(i) how and (ii) when were they appointed in each case;
2. What was the (a) budgeted amount and (b) actual amount paid to each specified service provider for departmental travel expenditure in the (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) 2009-10 financial years?       

1. What is the status of the building of the ship that will replace the SA Agulhas;
2. Whether the vessel will be ready for service by February 2012; if not, why not;
3. Whether the cost of the new ship has remained at the initially indicated price of R1,649,825,000; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is the current indicated cost;
4. Whether the list of scientific equipment that will be installed on the new ship has been finalised; if not, why not; if so, what will the cost of this equipment be in addition to the abovementioned amount?

1. How many baboons were killed by SANParks authorities in each of its parks (a) in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010 and (b) during the period 1 January 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
2. Whether SANParks authorities have to apply for any permits from any other conservation authority for the killing of baboons; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. What are the principal reasons why authorities have killed baboons in each specified Park run by SANParks during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

1. (a) What are the locations of the existing marine protected areas (MPAs), (b) what is the size of each of the MPAs and (c) which authority manages each of the MPAs;
2. Whether she intends to declare any new MPAs in the period leading up to 31 December 2012; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether any challenges need to be met in any of the established MPAs to ensure that they achieve their conservation objectives; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details; .
4. Whether there has been a review of the effectiveness of the management of each MPA since its establishment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether (a) her departments or (b) any of its affiliated entities have purchased any tickets for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011; if not, why not; if so, (i) what process has been followed to purchase these tickets, (ii) how many tickets have been purchased, (iii) for which matches, (iv) what has been the total cost of these tickets, (v) what are the reasons for purchasing these tickets, (vi) to whom will each of these tickets be allocated and (vii) on what was the decision for the allocation of these tickets based?

1. Whether, with reference to the Supreme Court of Appeal’s judgment in favour of the appellants in the matter SA Predator Breeders Association v Minister of Environmental Affairs 2010 ZASCA 151, her department has had any engagement with SA Predator Breeders Association since the judgment with regard to her department’s efforts to strengthen regulations pertaining to the breeding of captive predators; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether she has taken any steps to end canned lion hunting; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3)        whether she intends introducing any new regulations in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act 10 of 2004, that will prohibit canned hunting; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. (a) How many environmental management inspectors (EMIs) are there currently and (b) what is the breakdown of this figure according to the organisations they work for;
2. How many qualified EMIs are expected to be attached to organisations by the end of the 2011-12 financial year;
3. Whether any efforts are being made to train more EMIs who focus on compliance and enforcement of waste and air quality issues; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. Whether any special challenges are faced in (a) recruiting, (b) training and (c) retaining EMIs; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether any steps have been taken to bring the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) into the Kruger National Park to patrol the border with Mozambique in an effort to curb rhino poaching; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether the expense for this deployment of SANDF personnel will be fully or partially paid for by (a) the Department of Environmental Affairs or (b) SANParks; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether there are any terms of agreement between SANParks and SANDF to govern the scope of their work in the park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. How will the work of the SANDF in the park be coordinated with the park’s own compliance and enforcement officials?

Whether she, in light of the criminal investigation of a certain company (name furnished) by the Green Scorpions, the pending court case against the said company and community concerns, intends to take any action to prevent harm to community health and the environment until the court pronounces its decision in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what action?

1. Whether a certain company (name furnished) is currently under investigation for its operation and the integrity of its facility; if so,
2. Whether her department intends to allow it to continue its hazardous waste treatment operations that can pose a public health risk; if not, what steps does her department intend to take; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. What is the justification for the two new hotel developments at Malelane and Skukuza in the Kruger National Park;
2. What entity is the competent authority for the purposes of ruling on the environmental Impact assessment (EIA) for the project at Malelane;
3. Whether the EIA for the Malelane development will consider (a) the extent to which the proposed development complies with clause 20 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Act 57 of 2003, and (b) the impact on the (i) environmental, (ii) archaeological and (iii) cultural aspects of the park; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

1. Whether her department intends motivating to the signatories of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) for an outright ban on the trade in cycads from South Africa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. How many (a) cycad plants were exported in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and (b) of these had been propagated artificially;
3. What steps is her department taking to ensure that the critically endangered status of specified South African cycads improves?

1. Whether her department has conducted an investigation with regard to the allegation that the regional manager of SAN Parks' frontier parks (name furnished) had attempted to translocate a leopard (details furnished) without the permission of CapeNature to Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. whether any disciplinary action will be taken against the said official if the allegation was found to be true; if not, why not; if so, what action?

1. Whether an external consultant to her department gained access to the financial management system of the department during or about June 2010 and processed a payment from the department to his/her personal bank account; if so, how much money did the consultant pay him/herself;
2. Whether any investigation has been conducted into this incident; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether (a) the external consultant has been (i) arrested and (ii) charged with misappropriating money from the department and (b) any departmental official has been (i) arrested and (ii) charged for aiding the consultant in gaining access to the department’s financial management system; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. Whether her department is currently writing off the stolen funds on a monthly basis; if not, (a) how and (b) when will these funds be recovered; if so, how can this be justified?

1. (a) Why has the atmospheric emission licence of a certain company (name furnished) for its Howden RD700 incinerator at its Roodepoort treatment facility not been issued, (b) when did the company first apply for this licence and (c) when is it envisaged that such licence will be issued;
2. Why did her department not issue the company with the licence for the new incinerator before the company was expected to close its other two incinerators at the company’s Roodepoort facility which affected the ability of various medical waste service providers to have their collected health care risk waste treated at the facility?

1. Whether her Department continues to pursue the charge that was laid against the directors of a certain company (name furnished) at the Musina police station (details furnished) for various alleged transgressions in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, and the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether her department has provided any representations on the substance of the charge to the investigating officers of the SA Police Service; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether her department is researching if a regulated trade in rhino would serve to protect and expand the current rhino population; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether a regulatory impact assessment will be considered to determine the effect that a regulated trade in rhino horn would have on the health of the rhino population; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. When will the next session of the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) that will discuss measures related to the trade in rhino horn be held;
4. whether her department has had any discussions with conservation representatives of other countries since 1 July 2010 regarding measures to (a) curb rhino poaching and (b) review regulations in the trade of rhino horn; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. With reference to the recent provincial consultations on the National Climate Change Response Green Paper which her Department organised, (a)  how many of the public attended each event and (b) what are the names and (ii) designations of all staff of her department who attended each event;

1. Whether her department has been informed of the latest findings in the United States that fracking could contaminate drinking water supplies with radioactivity; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Whether her department has a plan to ensure that vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, do not spread throughout the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what plan?

Whether a certain company (name furnished) has been found dumping any toxic waste effluent into the sea at Vleesbaai; if so, (a) what is the content of the toxic waste effluent, (b) what degree of environmental damage is caused to the sea and (c) what action will she take to curb this practice?

1. Whether a certain company (name furnished) is (a) receiving and (b) treating any imports of hazardous or persistent organic waste; if not, why not; if so, (i) what is the exact (aa) composition and (bb) quantity of these wastes and (ii) how are they treated?

1. When will she announce the final permit holders for (a) boat-based whale watching (BBWW) and (b) White shark cage diving (WSCD);
2. whether she has completed the appeals process that followed the initial submissions of applications for permits for BBWW and WSCD; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. whether there has been any communication with applicants to inform them (a) when the final decisions will be made and (b) why it has taken so long to announce the decisions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether, regarding the current applications for gas exploration, she or her department has had any formal interactions with (a) Petroleum Agency SA (Pasa) or (b) the Department of Mineral Resources; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether her department has formally registered as an interested and affected party in any of the public consultation processes attached to applications for gas exploration rights; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether her department has undertaken any further studies into the use of hydraulic fracking in the oil and gas industry and its possible effects on the availability and quality of water; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1.   Whether, since the formal establishment of the South African Weather Services (SAWS), (a) any of its employees have visited Libya on official business, (b) it assisted Libya in any way in obtaining radar technology and (c) it contributed financially to Libya obtaining this technology; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;
2. What was the radar technology intended to be used for?

Question 1134

With reference to her reply to question 259 on 11 March 2011, what were the destination countries for the exports of Panthera leo carcasses from the North West province in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010?

How many upper air soundings have been completed since 15 December 2010 at each location where upper air soundings are performed by the SA African Weather Service?

Whether her department have received any applications from the (a) Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) and (b) Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) what is the status of the applications in each case and (ii) when were these applications received?

1. Whether the estuary mouth of St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is currently open to the sea; if not, why not;
2. whether any efforts are being made by park authorities to keep the mouth of the estuary open on a continuous basis; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. What are the effects of the mouth of the estuary not being kept open to the sea on an ongoing basis;
4. Whether efforts are being made to improve (a) access, (b) safety and (c) lighting at the public jetty at St Lucia; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?>

1. Whether her department has investigated any cases of chumming for sharks off the coast of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality during the period 1 March 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, (a) what were the (i) nature and (ii) outcome of the investigation and (b) what are the (i) names and (ii) designations of departmental staff that were involved in the investigations;
2. Whether any action was taken against any person or entity for chumming in this area; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. What (a) is her department’s annual contribution towards the budget of the National Sea Rescue Institute and (b) plans are in place to (i) support and (ii) develop this strategic institution?      

1. Whether, with reference to Part C of a certain document (name furnished), the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is submitting quarterly reports to the Director-General of her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

2. Whether each of the latest ten reports submitted included (a) the (i) type and (ii) number of permits/concessions that were granted, (b) the actual number of vehicles that have accessed the coastal zone in the period under review and (c) the impact associated with vehicles accessing the coastal zone have been included; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

3. On what date was each report submitted?

1. With reference to her reply to question 259 on 11 March 2011, what were the destination countries for the exports of Panthera leo carcasses from the North West province in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010?

1. How many upper air soundings have been completed since 15 December 2010 at each location where upper air soundings are performed by the SA African Weather Service?

1. Whether her department have received any applications from the (a) Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) and (b) Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) what is the status of the applications in each case and (ii) when were these applications received?

1. Whether the estuary mouth of St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is currently open to the sea; if not, why not;
2. Whether any efforts are being made by park authorities to keep the mouth of the estuary open on a continuous basis; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. What are the effects of the mouth of the estuary not being kept open to the sea on an ongoing basis;
4. Whether efforts are being made to improve (a) access, (b) safety and (c) lighting at the public jetty at St Lucia; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?       

1. Whether there is an integrated IT system across all branches within the national Department of Environmental Affairs; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not;
2. Whether there is an integrated IT system covering the national department and the environmental affairs departments in the provinces for the purpose of (a) tracking information on wildlife crimes, (b) hunting permits and (c) pollution incidences; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether IT technology is being used to curb rhino poaching countrywide; if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusion reached;
4. (a) When was the current Chief Director: Information Communication Technology employed, (b) what are his qualifications and (c) what are the details of his previous employment (i) by the government and (ii) in the private sector; (5)        whether the position of Director: IT Development has been (a) advertised and (b) filled; if not, when does she expect it to be done in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

1.   (a) What services has a certain company (name furnished) performed for the Department of Environmental Affairs since 1 April 2009, (b) when was the said company appointed to perform work for the department, (c) until when is or was it contracted to perform the work and (d) what is the value of the contract;
2. Whether the said company commenced work after obtaining the appropriate Government Order from the State Information Technology Agency; if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusion reached; (3)        whether the department paid (a) for accommodation in Pretoria for staff of this Durban-based company while they were working for the department and (b) allowances to the specified staff members; if not, why not; if so, (i) what was the cost in each case, (ii) how are the amounts made up, and (ii) how are such payments justified?

1. Which rest camp in the Kruger National Park has the (a) highest and (b) lowest bed occupancy rate?

1. Whether a rest camp in the Kruger National Park is regarded as a cost centre if it is run at an operating profit; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether she will provide a list a list of the camps that are not making an operating profit; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
3. Whether the subsidy for the park is sufficent to run the park in a sustainable manner as a heritage site for future generations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. What (a) was the estimated or counted seal population at Vondeling Island (details furnished) in (i) 2007, (ii) 2008, (iii) 2009 and (iv) 2010 and (b) optimal seal population can the island accommodate without threatening the bird life;
2. What plans or measures (a) have been put in place and (b) does the department intend taking to (i) deal with the current overpopulation and (ii) control the increase of seals at Vondeling Island to prevent (aa) unbalanced interaction between seabirds and seals and (bb) the further destruction of the seabird population and breeding;
3. By what date will the specified plans or action steps be implemented;
4. Whether she will make a statement on the matter?

1. What is the nature of the relationship between the isiMangaliso Wetland Park Authority and the (a) Mtubatuba Local Municipality and (b) Umkhanyakude District Municipality;
2. Whether the integrated management plan of the isiMangaliso Wetland Park is aligned with the integrated development plans of the (a) Mtubatuba Local Municipality and (b) Umkhanyakude District Municipality; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether the integrated management plan of the isiMangaliso Wetland Park Authority is publicly available, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details,
4. Whether the isiMangaliso Wetland Park Authority sends representatives to meetings of the Mtubatuba Local Municipal Integrated Development Plan Public Representatives Forum; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details,
5. Whether the isiMangaliso Wetland Park Authority is making an effort to assist the Mtubatuba Local Municipality with increasing the number of overnight tourist visitors staying in its town; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?    

1. With reference to the recently completed study commissioned by her department into the impact of emissions from fish factories in St Helena Bay, what were the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide on the days on which measurements were taken;
2. Whether these concentrations are considered toxic to the human population in the vicinity of factories; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what steps will be taken to reduce this threat;
3. Whether the study took into account the findings of other studies into levels of toxicity of hydrogen sulfide on human populations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. Whether any specific actions will be taken to reduce emissions of hydrogen sulfide from these factories, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
5. Whether any further studies will be conducted on the impact of emissions from these factories on human populations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether she has any plans in place to ban the use of ammonia in cold stores; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether she intends introducing legislation and regulations to regulate the use of ammonia in cold stores; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether upper air data is determined by SA Weather Service (SAWS) by any technology other than upper air soundings; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of this technology;
2. Whether upper air data is available from SAWS to clients for a fee; if not, why not; if so, (a) who are the persons responsible for providing the data at SAWS, (b) how many clients are currently purchasing this data and (c) what is the nature of the data available?

1. Whether a national regulatory framework exists with regard to (a) the hunting, (b) the sale, (c) the issuing of various permits related to animal products, (d) the dehorning of rhinos and (e) any other form of trade in animals; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;
2. Whether an inventory of rhino horns kept in safekeeping is held by each conservation agency; if so, (a) by which conservation agencies and (b) how many tons of rhino horn are being kept in safekeeping in each case;
3. Whether the Government will consider legalising the trade in rhino horn in order to control the market and to prevent or limit the current illegal killing of rhinos; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. Whether she intends introducing a central coordinating body to which all instances of rhino poaching can be directed, including the gathering of information by different police agencies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?           

1. Whether SANParks intends moving the railway bridge across the Swartvlei estuary in the Garden Route National Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether SANParks has any plans in place to keep the mouth of the estuary permanently open to the sea; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether there are any concerns about the state of health of the estuary; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. Whether SANParks is taking legal action against a certain person (name furnished) for digging a trench with the purpose of linking two parts of the estuary; if not, why not; if so, (a) how is such action justified and (b) what are the further relevant details?

1. With reference to her reply to question 259 on 11 March 2011, (a) what quantity of Panthera leo was exported in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010 under provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the category of skeletons and (b) what was the destination?    

1. Whether her department is implementing measures to protect the Verlorenvlei estuary in the Western Cape; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether she intends to declare the estuary a protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Amendment Act, Act 31 of 2004; if so, what are the relevant details; if not,
3. To what procedure must local advocates of declaring the Verlorenvlei estuary a protected area adhere when applying that she declare it a protected area?

1. Whether, with reference to the notice that was published by the Minister of Transport in The Mercury on 11 April 2011 regarding his intention to enter into a lease agreement with eThekwini Municipality in terms of Section 4 of the Seashore Act, Act 21 of 1935, for the purpose of leasing the seashore and seabed between Vetch's Pier and the North Pier of Durban Harbour, her department has been consulted on the matter; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. On what legislative grounds will the provisions of the Seashore Act override the provisions of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (NEMICMA), Act 24 of 2008, under any circumstances
3. Whether she intends to exclude the specified land from coastal public property in terms of section 27(4) of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management
4. Whether she stands by the contents of the letter written by the former head of the Office of the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (name furnished) to a certain law firm in Durban (name furnished) on 14 January 2009 stating that Portnet never owned the sea and that areas reclaimed from the sea do not belong to them; if not, what is the position in
5. Whether she will make a statement on the matter?

1. Whether she has been informed of an inventory of rhino horn that is held by conservation agencies in South Africa; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how many tons of rhino horn have been stockpiled (a) in total and (b) by each conservation agency;
2. Whether she has found that legalising the trade in rhino horn will be an effective means of controlling the market and preventing the illegal killing of rhino; if not, what are the relevant details; if so,
3. Whether she intends to legalise the trade in rhino horn; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. Whether she intends to establish a national coordinator to whom national and provincial conservation agencies can submit information on rhino poaching; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
5. Whether the functions of the national coordinator will include working in conjunction with the SA Police Service and the courts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. What is the state of the section 23G application by Coal of Africa for the rectification of alleged environmental transgressions at a certain mine (name furnished);
2. Whether any criminal action is being pursued against the mine; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether Coal of Africa was fined for any environmental transgressions at the said mine; if not, why not; if so, what was (a) the nature of the transgressions and (b) the amount of the fine;
4. Whether the fine has been paid; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether she has found any issues of concern regarding the operations of Buyisa-e-Bag; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether any steps are being taken to wind up this company; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether the waste management license application of a certain company (name furnished) regarding the Vaal Waste Dumping site (details furnished) has been approved; if not, (a) why not, (b) what is the reason for the delay and (c) when will the applicant be informed of the outcome; if so, (i) when was it approved and (ii) what are the further relevant details?

1. (a) How many permits were issued for hunting elephants in the private nature reserves adjacent to the Kruger National Park in 2010, (b) in which nature reserves were elephants hunted and (c) what were the conditions contained in the permits that were issued?

1. Whether her department has issued any rhino-hunting permits during the period 1 April 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available to owners of private land adjoining the Kruger National Park; if so, (a) how many and (b) why?

1. Whether culling of elephants is still part of the SA National Parks (SANParks) programme for curbing elephant numbers in the Kruger National Park; if so, (a) when will the culling start and (b) how many will be culled?

1. (a) How many (i) white rhinos and (ii) black rhinos have been killed by poachers since 1 January 2011 and (b) where were they killed in each case;
2. How many rhino poachers have been apprehended by authorities since 1 January 2011;
3. Whether she has found that the war against rhino poaching is being won; if not, why not; if so, on what grounds;
4. Whether her department has launched any new initiatives to curb rhino poaching since 1 January 2011; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. (a) Why was a certain dumping site (name furnished) that was used by a certain company (name furnished) closed down and (b) when (i) was it closed down and (ii) did the said company submit remediation plans for this dumping site to her department;
2. Whether her department has approved the remediation plan for this dumping site; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was it approved and (b) what are the further relevant details?

1. Whether a decision to close down a certain company (name furnished) has been finalised; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether she has been informed of the forensic investigation into various irregularities at the said company conducted by a certain company (name furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether the board of the said company has responded to the findings of the forensic investigation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. Whether she has identified any problems in overseeing the functioning of the specified company; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1143 on 11 April 2011, there is any scientific study on which she based her conclusion that keeping the mouth artificially open by continuous dredging would probably have a devastating effect on the ecology of Lake St Lucia as it would lead to prolonged hyper-saline conditions; if not, how is this conclusion justified; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether she has found Lake St Lucia to be a natural system considering the high levels of abstraction of water by water users from water courses flowing into the lake; if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusion reached;
3. Whether she has been informed that the closure of the estuary mouth is having a negative effect on various activities that drive tourism revenue in St Lucia; if so, what steps will she take to rectify the situation; if not,
4. Whether she will investigate the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether SA National Parks (SANParks) intends building any new bush camps in the Kruger National Park; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many, (b) where and (c) when?

1. Whether her department has reviewed a new study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) into the possible effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on humans as included in a certain press release on 31 May 2011 (copy furnished); if so, what are the relevant details; if not,
2. Whether her department intends reviewing environmental impact assessment regulations pertaining to the erection of cell phone masts and base stations in light of this study; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. With reference to her reply to question 1129 on 3 June 2011, on what basis may an employee of the South African Weather Services (SAWS) provide commercial consulting services to a private company;
2. Whether a certain company (name furnished) paid for the services of SAWS staff to assist the company as subcontractor in the deployment of a weather radar system for the Libyan Meteorological Service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how much;
3. Whether she has found any possible conflict of interest of SAWS staff working as subcontractors for the company, considering the recent sale of new weather radar systems by the company to South Africa; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what steps will she take to rectify the situation?

1. Whether, with reference to (a) her replies to question 259 on 11 March 2011, 1134 on 11 April 2011 and 1343 on 10 June 2011 and (b) the permits issued for the export of 171 Panthera leo skeletons to the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 2010, these export permits were issued in addition to the permits for the export of the 235 Panthera leo carcasses that were exported in 2010 as stated in her previous replies; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. What quantities of these carcasses in the category of skeletons were exported in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 to all specified states under provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites)?

1. With reference to her replies to question 1134 on 11 April 2011 and 1343 on 10 June 2011, for each export consignment to Lao People's Democratic Republic in 2009 and 2010, what is the name of the (a) exporter and (b) end recipient receiving the goods?

1. Whether she has found that the harvesting of leaves and stems of the rare incema plant in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park for craftwork has had a negative effect on the environment; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the extent of the negative impact of the harvesting and (b) how is this controlled?

1. Whether she has been informed that the Eastern Cape provincial government has implemented a climate change response strategy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,
2. Whether she has been informed of any other provinces that have implemented such a strategy; if so, (a) which provinces and (b) what are the further relevant details?

1. How many (a)(i) foreign and (ii) domestic visitors visited the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the (aa) 2009-10 and (bb) 2010-11 financial years and (b) of the abovementioned visitors spent at least one night in the park;
2. What was the average annual occupancy of (a) each of the lodge concessions in the park and (b) accommodation facilities run by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for each of these years?

1. Whether her department has issued any rhino-hunting permits during the period 1 April 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available to owners of private land adjoining the Kruger National Park; if so, (a) how many and (b) why?

1. How many hunting permits for (a) black and (b) white rhinos were granted in each province (i) in (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (ii) during the period 1 April 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
2. Whether the Department of Environmental Affairs keeps real time data on the state of permit allocation for rhino hunts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether the department has set any national quotas for rhino hunts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. Whether she has identified any shortcomings in the (a) levels and (b) controls regarding rhino hunting; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
5. Whether, with reference to the high levels of rhino poaching, she intends placing a moratorium on rhino hunting as an additional measure to protect the health of the rhino population; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether an official of the Department of Environmental Affairs (name furnished) had approached officials of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality to revoke fines against an operator (name also furnished) for chumming off Hobie Beach; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what grounds and (b) for what reason?

1. What amount of funding have the (a) Department of Environmental Affairs and (b) SA National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) provide to the SA Bird Ringing Unit (Safring) at the University of Cape Town for the purposes of bird ringing (i) in the (aa) 2008-09, (bb) 2009-10, (cc) 2010-11 and (ii) for the 2011-12 financial years;
2. Whether the Department of Environmental Affairs has made a decision to cease funding Safring; if not, what are the relevant details; if so, why;
4. Whether the decision and explanation have been given to Safring; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
5. Whether the Department of Environmental Affairs will reconsider its decision to cease funding Safring; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether her department will prepare the costs of mitigation to be placed before the COP17 that will be held in Durban later this year and put carbon reduction on hold until the world agrees on reducing carbon emissions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether the Predation Management Forum (PMF) has established a scientific subcommittee; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the (i) names and (ii) designations of the members of the committee and (b) who appointed the specified members;
2. Whether any new research has been commissioned into improving the effectiveness of working (a) gin traps and (b) soft traps; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not;
3. Whether she intends commissioning research on improving the effectiveness of working (a) gin traps and (b) soft traps; if not, why not; if so, when,
4. Whether any new research has been commissioned on alternative management methods for damage-causing animals; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not;
5. Whether she intends commissioning research on alternative management methods for damage-causing animals; if not, why not; if so, when?

1. Whether the Government has succeeded in improving South Africa's position regarding carbon emission offenders in Africa and the world; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. With reference to her reply to question 2822 on 1 December 2010, (a) how many (i) white and (ii) black rhinos have been sold by SANParks to private entities or persons (aa) in 2010 and (bb) during the period 1 January 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) who bought the rhinos in each case, (c) what amount was paid with regard to each specified sale and (d) how many rhinos were included in each specified transaction?

1. Whether, with reference to the visit by representatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) in November 2010 to assess the possible effects of coal mining operations adjacent to Mapungubwe on the World Heritage Site, she or any person at the Department of Environmental Affairs has received the report of the Unesco delegation; if not, when is it envisaged to be received; if so, on what date was it received;
2. Whether her department has taken any steps in reaction to any of the recommendations contained in the report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether the report has been given to Coal of Africa Limited (CoAL); if not, why not; if so, why;
4. Whether the report is available to the public; if not, why not; if so, how can a member of the public obtain a copy?

1. How many rhino-hunting permits were issued in South Africa in the 2010-11 financial year?

1. Whether she has found that her departments are proactive in providing local government with the knowledge and tools to assist them to effectively deal with the climate change challenges that are being faced at a local government level; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether she intends reviewing the efficacy and outcomes of the implementation of the SANParks commercialisation strategy ten years after it was finalised; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. What (a) have been the transfers from her department to SANParks in the financial years and (b) are the expected transfers for the (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13;
3. How much of its own income did SANParks generate (a) in terms of the actual amount 2009-10 and 2010-11 and (b) as a percentage of total income received including transfers from her department in the (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11;
4. Whether her department intends establishing an organisation to support the fundraising for SANParks, similar to the National Parks Foundation in the United States of America; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether any officials of SANParks have met with any Chinese nationals since 1 January 2010 to discuss the sale and export of rhinos to China; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether any rhinos from any of the parks run by SANParks have been exported to China; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, (a) how many and (b) what was the value of each transaction;
3. Whether SANParks is currently considering any future sales of rhinos to buyers in China; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether she had consulted with the significantly affected communities before tabling her support for the proposed N2 toll road; if not, (a) why not and (b) how will it affect her decision not to consult if these communities and the SA National Road Agency Ltd (Sanral) are unable to reach agreement; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. (1) This Department is not aware of a cell phone mast policy of 2002. Accordingly, there is no intention of reviewing such policy.
2. (2) As indicated in a previous response, the Department has, to date, not received further communication from the Department of Health in this regard. The Department does not therefore intend, at this stage, reviewing the environmental impact assessment (EIA) regulations pertaining to the erection of cell phone masts and base stations. Depending on further advice from the Department of Health, the Department may in future review the EIA regulations relating to cell phone masts.

1. Whether her department has been undertaking any study of the water off the coast to establish changes in the type of plankton and its effect on fish populations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether the Government has kept meticulous records during the period 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2010 of ocean and land temperatures to ascertain whether any global warming was taking place; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether she has been informed of the environmental impact assessment that has been completed for the purpose of a housing development on portion 26 of Kromdraai in the Mogale City municipal area in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site; if so, (a) what are the outcomes and (b) recommendations of the assessment;
2. Whether there have been any contraventions, in this instance, of the ruling of the High Court (details furnished) that no dwelling may be erected on the property unless it is erected in terms of the applicable laws, by-laws and regulations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether she has been informed that the illegal development of the area could threaten the continued status of the area as a World Heritage Site; if so, what steps have been taken to (a) safeguard the integrity of the site and (b) meet the requirements for the management of the area to ensure its continued status as a World Heritage Site;
4. Whether any plans or programmes have been put in place to provide the illegal occupiers with alternative accommodation in a more suitable environment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in respect of (a) timelines, (b) alternative accommodation and (c) programmes of action;
5. Whether the Department of Arts and Culture has made any representation to her with regard to the application to develop a Community Multi-Purpose Centre; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether, with reference to the public-private partnership opportunity for timber harvesting in the Garden Route National Park as advertised on the SA National Parks (SANParks) website, an environmental impact assessment will be conducted before any harvesting of timber is permitted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. How does her department justify that certain types of trees which are regarded as protected trees in terms of the National Forest Act, Act 84 of 1998, are due to be part of the harvested trees;
3. Whether she has found that the (a) harvesting of trees that are responsible for fixing nutrients will have a negative effect on nutrient recycling and (b) removal of canopy trees will dry out forest areas; if not, in each case, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details, in each case;
4. Whether any new research has been commissioned on alternative management methods for damage-causing animals; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not;
5. Whether the alien trees that form part of the planned harvesting will be entirely eradicated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether (a) she, (b) her deputy minister, (c) any specified officials and (d) any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, what are the relevant details for her, her deputy minister and each holder of a credit card in respect of the (i) name, (ii) job title, (iii) credit limit, (iv) outstanding amount as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (v) monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit card, (vi) reason for such persons being issued with a credit card and (vii) uses that such a credit card is intended for;
2. Whether any such credit cards are over their credit limit; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit cards exceeding the limit;
3. Whether any action has been taken against such persons for exceeding their credit card limits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether her department intends to consult with the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) with regard to the proposed 120-bed hotel in the Kruger National Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. What is the (a) total expenditure, (b) expenditure on fence maintenance and (c) expenditure on other infrastructure for the Highveld National Park in the (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08, (iii) 2008-09, (iv) 2009-10 and (v) 2010-11 financial years;
2. Whether any systems are in place to resolve the problems of the (a) presence of increasing numbers of farmers and livestock and (b) poaching of game in the Highveld National Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether an environmental impact assessment was conducted to determine the impact that the new Eskom infrastructure might have on the Highveld National Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details with regard to the (a) findings of the assessment and (b) recommendations made to minimise the impact on the environment;
4. What was the total game population for the Highveld National Park for the (a) 2006-07, (b) 2007-08, (c) 2008-09, (d) 2009-10 and (e) 2010-11 financial years?

1. Whether (a) her departments and (b) any entity reporting to her was approached by a certain political organisation (name furnished) to contribute to its centenary celebrations; if so, in each case, (i) which entities and (ii) what was the (aa) nature and (bb) value of the contribution that was requested;
2. Whether (a) her departments and (b) any entity reporting to her has a policy that provide for such funding; if so,
3. Whether (a) her departments and (b) any specified entity reporting to her has (i) agreed to the request or (ii) made financial contributions to the said political organisation in the absence of such an approach for funding; if not, why not, in each case; if so, in each case, (aa) who approved the request, (bb) on what grounds was the decision made, (cc) from which budget was it (aaa) agreed to pay the contribution or (bbb) paid, (dd) what amount was paid, (ee) who made the decision to provide the specified funds to the said political organisation and (ff) how is this (aaa) decision and (bbb) amount justified?

1. Whether she has been informed of current ongoing mining of sand dunes along the Umgababa coast, especially the dunes accessible from the Umgababa railway station; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so;
2. Whether any environmental authorisation for the activity on these dunes was obtained; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. What is the name of the entity or individual who owns the property on which these dunes are;
4. Whether her department is liaising with (a) the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs and (b) the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality about the activity on the sand dunes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
5. Whether her department intends investigating the activity on the dunes to determine whether any environmental laws have been transgressed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether (a) her department and (b) the entities reporting to her have implemented any energy-saving (i) practices or (ii) devices for buildings, offices and boardrooms in the 2010-11 financial year; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

1. Whether any efforts are being made by the Department of Environmental Affairs to assist private rhino owners to protect their populations of rhino; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether the Department of Environmental Affairs is engaging with (a) the Department of Transport and (b) the Civil Aviation Authority about measures to prevent civilian aircraft from flying low and slow over private game reserves that are home to rhino populations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether the Department of Environmental Affairs is engaging with the SA Police Service about measures to improve access to semi-automatic rifles for private owners of rhinos who wish to equip their rangers to defend their rhino population; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2822 on 1 December 2010, the SA National Parks (SANParks) consulted the SA Police Service (SAPS) before selling rhinos to a certain person (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether the SAPS has at any time advised SANParks not to sell rhinos to the said person; if not, why not; if so, what was the response of SANParks;
3. Whether SANParks continues to sell rhinos to the said person; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. Whether the said person continues to make requests to SANParks to purchase rhinos; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether, considering the high level of rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park, the park management has a means to determine what the off-take level of rhinos in the park for sale to private owners is; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether, considering that the Associated Private Nature Reserves that border the Kruger National Park had to do an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to determine whether the off-take of animals in their reserves was sustainable, the SA National Parks (SANParks) will also do an EIA on the off-take levels for animals in the Kruger National Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. (a) How many rhinos were killed by poachers in the Kruger National Park from 1 January 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) on what date was this figure determined;
4. Whether SANParks places any restrictions on how soon a rhino sold from one of its parks to a private owner can be hunted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. What large-scale measures is the Government currently implementing to achieve a (a) targeted and (b) time-governed schedule to reduce carbon and methane emissions?

1. Whether there is a financial backlog regarding the management of conservation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the current backlog and (b) measures have been put in place to ensure that the backlog is eliminated?
2. Secure adequate financial resources to meet sector objectives based on a sound understanding of the costs of implementation of environmental legislation at all spheres of government. Increase own sources of revenue from the increased implementation of the polluter pays principle through user charges and other mechanisms.

1. Whether alternative sites have been considered for the Malelane hotel development in the Kruger National Park; if not, why not; if so, which sites?

1. Whether the Kruger National Park and the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe have a corridor opened between them as part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether she has found that Gonarezhou National Park remains a viable component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. (a) How many unresolved land claims exist in each of the parks administered by the South African National Parks (SANParks) and (b) what is the (i)(aa) size of each land claim in hectares and (bb) size of each land claim as a percentage of the total land mass of the relevant park and (ii) current status of each of the claims;
2. Whether any efforts are being made by SANParks to help resolve land claims in a way that maintains the existing integrity of the national parks; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether her department has made any progress with regard to combating the growing trend of non-compliance and non-adherence to the environmental legislative framework as referred to in the 2011-16 strategic plan of the Department of Environmental Affairs; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether SA National Parks (SANParks) consulted all relevant stakeholders regarding the proposed Malelane development; if not, why not; if so, (a) who were consulted, (b) when were they consulted and (c) what was the outcome of these consultations?

1. (a) Who is the preferred service provider that is used by her departments for the hiring of vehicles and (b) why is the specified service provider preferred;
2. Whether her departments have a fixed contract with the specified service provider; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. What is the (a) name of the service provider and (b) reason for using the specified service provider in each instance where vehicles have been hired for use by her or her Deputy Minister since March 2010?

1. Whether there is any risk of the Vredefort Dome being delisted as a United Nations Environment Programme World Heritage Site; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether the area covered by the above world heritage site has to date had any kind of legal status as a protected area; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. Whether there is a management authority in place to manage this world heritage site; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, (a) what are the outstanding issues that need to be resolved before a management authority can be implemented and (b) when is a management authority expected to be in place?

1. (a) In view of the current rate of poaching of (i) white and (ii) black rhino, when is it expected that there will be a net decline in the rhino population, (b) what is the (i) estimated number of (aa) white and (bb) black rhino in South Africa and (ii) total number of (aa) white and (bb) black rhinos in (aaa) State-run, protected areas and (bbb) on private ranches?

1. Whether the hotels and conference venues to be used by the seventeenth Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change were required to use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and demonstrate in other ways how they were actively contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

1. Whether the intention of the former Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to declare the area around the Prince Edward Island a Marine Protected Area (MPA) (details furnished) has been abandoned; if not, (a) why was the Prince Edward Island not included in the list provided in her reply to question 644 on 25 March 2011 and (b) what are the details with regard to (i) submissions received from (aa) the public and (bb) government entities in response to the proposal and (ii) work being done towards declaring the area in question around the island an MPA?

1. With reference to her reply to question 259 on 11 March 2011, (a) what were the destination countries for the export of Panthera leo in all the listed categories from the Free State province in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010, (b) in each case, what is the name of the (i) exporter and (ii) end recipient receiving the goods and (c) what are the quantities and descriptions that was used in respect of each of the specified exporter/importer transactions listed?

1. Whether the Government has conducted any studies into the (a) effect on and (b) extent of plastic nurdles in our marine environment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. Whether she intends to introduce any legislation or regulations to reduce the extent of plastic pollution in the marine environment; if not, why not; if so, what (a) progress has her department made with planning and drafting the said legislation or regulations and (b) are the further relevant details?

1. With reference to her reply to question 1734 on 23 August 2011, what are the (a) quantities and (b) descriptions used in respect of each of the exporter/importer transactions?

1. Whether all vessels that sailed along the coast were requested to collect samples of household and industrial plastics in the oceans surrounding the coast in order to gauge the extent of plastic pollution and its consequences on marine life and our economic prosperity; if so, what are the relevant details; if not;
2. Whether she intends to introduce any legislation or regulations to reduce the extent of plastic pollution in the marine environment; if not, why not; if so, what (a) progress has her department made with planning and drafting the said legislation or regulations and (b) are the further relevant details?