Parliament concerned as DA lodges complaint over appointments, salary hikes and BRICS forum overspending
Parliament has expressed concern after the Democratic Alliance has slammed its top brass over sky-high salary hikes for secretary Xolile George and a R6 million overspend on the 2023 BRICS Parliamentary Forum.”
This comes after the blue party lodged a complaint with the office of the Public Protector against George, former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and former National Council of Provinces Chairperson Amos Masondo.
“Parliament notes the media statement issued by DA MP Rikus Badenhorst regarding allegations of maladministration and abuse of power,” said Moloto Mothapo, Parliament spokesperson.
Mothapo said, as a political party represented on the Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament (JSCFMP), it would have been more appropriate for the DA to raise these concerns within the committee, the designated oversight body for such matters.
“The DA’s media statement follows a letter addressed to the co-chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee, which did not raise any of the issues now contained in the public statement,” he said.
Parliament remains open to addressing matters of concern raised by any political party through proper parliamentary channels.
“In the Seventh Parliament, the JSCFMP has formally requested a comprehensive briefing on all human resource matters, which is scheduled for the committee’s next meeting,” Mothapo said, noting that the DA has confirmed the matter is on the committee’s agenda.
“Parliament will not pre-empt or undermine the work of the committee by engaging in parallel public commentary. The DA and its MPs, as active participants in the committee, are therefore encouraged, like all members and parties, to respect the integrity of the process,” he added.
Badenhorst, the DA Whip in the National Council of Provinces and a member of the JSCFMP, said the party’s complaint urges the Public Protector, the President, and the JSCFMP to investigate serious allegations against Parliament’s top executive.
“The complaint is twofold,” he said.
“Firstly, to determine whether the former Speaker and Chairperson manipulated appointment processes to ensure Mr George was appointed as Parliament’s top executive, whether his annual salary was inflated in a potentially irregular manner, and whether Parliament was misled.”
“Secondly, to investigate whether parliamentary functionaries knowingly and irregularly exceeded the approved budget for the 2023 BRICS Parliamentary Forum by more than R6 million.”
Badenhorst said supporting documents have been forwarded to current Speaker Thoko Didiza and NCOP Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, highlighting potential irregularities.
He questioned the circumstances of George’s appointment and salary increases.
Appointed in 2022 on a five-year performance-based contract with an annual salary of R2,6 million, George’s package was reportedly increased to R4,4 million within six months, and now stands at approximately R4,9 million – significantly higher than his peers in the public service.
“These meteoric raises and the background to his nomination raise serious questions about the regularity of his appointment, the affordability of the increases, and the extent of oversight conducted,” Badenhorst said.
He added that Corruption Watch has also raised concerns with Parliament about George’s salary increases and that the DA possesses documents casting doubt on the conduct of the former Speaker and Chairperson, as well as potential irregularities in the budgeting and procurement processes for the 9th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
Badenhorst stressed that, while Parliament can investigate some administrative matters, serious allegations of maladministration, unlawful expenditure, and irregular acts fall within the remit of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
The DA has therefore requested that President Cyril Ramaphosa issue a proclamation for the SIU to investigate these matters thoroughly.
“As these issues involve the highest echelons of the legislative arm of government and directly impact the functioning of Parliament, it is crucial that investigations are conducted effectively and in the best interests of the people of South Africa,” Badenhorst said.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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