Mapisa-Nqakula no longer has to answer for hiking secretary to Parliament's salary
DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube wanted the committee to probe former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, following secretary to Parliament Xolile George’s salary increase from R2.6 million to R4.4 million not long after his appointment.
National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN - Parliament says former Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula no longer has to answer for hiking the salary of secretary to Parliament Xolile George.
The powers and privileges committee decided on Wednesday when it received an update on the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) complaint against Mapisa-Nqakula.
DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube wanted the committee to probe Mapisa-Nqakula following George’s salary increase from R2.6 million to R4.4 million not long after his appointment.
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The powers and privileges committee received a briefing from legal advisor Andile Tetyana who reminded members that Mapisa-Nqakula was no longer a member of Parliament.
This follows her resignation last week as she made her first appearance to face corruption charges.
"The committee’s jurisdiction is limited to members of the National Assembly. The former speaker resigned both as speaker and member of the [National] Assembly."
Chairperson Manketsi Tlhape said the committee’s powers are limited.
"Let’s put this matter to rest because we don’t have jurisdiction honourable members as you have alluded to."
But the DA maintained that there were prima facie grounds to proceed as the salary issue remains unresolved.