NA calls for urgent probe into Xolile George's arguable salary hike before term ends

CAPE TOWN - The National Assembly wants the secretary to Parliament Xolile George’s salary hike investigated before the term ends in a few weeks.

On Friday, the National Assembly programme committee decided at a special meeting as it tries to finalise the house agenda before the next administration.

When George was appointed in June 2022, parties were under the impression he would be paid R2.6 million, but that quickly ballooned to R4 million in a few months.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) called for the matter to be probed including former Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula’s role in the decision.

ALSO READ: DA wants Parliament to investigate Xolile George's 70% salary hike

The powers and privileges committee tasked with investigating the salary increase dismissed it because Mapisa-Nqakula is no longer a member of Parliament following her resignation.

African National Congress chief whip Pemmy Majodina suggests the matter be looked into by the joint committee on the financial management of Parliament.

“This committee should be instructed to meet as soon as possible before we rise. It must meet and check all that is in that motion [of the DA].”

She says the 7^th Parliament should take over the matter if they run out of time.

“Should they not complete the work that matter must be resuscitated in the 7^th term.”

DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube agreed with Majodina, questioning why the secretary's salary was hiked without permission from Parliament.