NEHAWU throws weight behind Xolile George: ‘We’ve got the best Parliament secretary’
George has been facing backlash over his steep salary increase from R2.6 million to over R4 million in under two years.
Secretary to Parliament Xolile George. Picture: @ParliamentofRSA/X.
CAPE TOWN - Parliament staff members have thrown their weight behind the secretary to Parliament - Xolile George - as he faces backlash over a salary dispute.
George is being investigated after his salary rose from R2.6 million to over R4 million in about 17 months.
ALSO READ: NEHAWU opposes the suspension of Xolile George
Talks of an imminent suspension have since been rejected by some staff members, adding the salary increase was approved by former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) chair Amos Masondo.
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) in Parliament on Monday, briefed the media on George's salary and other issues affecting Parliament.
NEHAWU said it’s unwise to suspend George so close to the 29 May general elections.
Branch chairperson Sthembiso Tembe said they’ve been reliably informed about plans to suspend George, but the reasons aren’t clear.
He said he doesn’t believe George’s 70% salary increase is enough cause to suspend him before the elections at the end of May.
“Other issues, the presiding officers must explain them. But in terms of his performance, we believe we’ve got the best secretary to Parliament.”
Tembe said George was the best candidate during interviews and they supported him as workers.
“From our observation and observation of panel, we are satisfied that Mr Xolile George was the best candidate. In fact, he was the best head and shoulders.”
Tembe said because of George, they also managed to successfully negotiate a multi-year salary deal at the bargaining council.