DA petitions President and Public Protector over Xolile George’s salary hike

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa, Parliament, and the Public Protector to investigate the decision-making processes behind the appointment of Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George.

The party has written to the President requesting a proclamation for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe suspected maladministration and abuse of power within the legislature.

Simultaneously, the DA lodged a complaint with the Public Protector regarding approvals made by former presiding officers—Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Amos Masondo—for a salary hike that effectively doubled George’s budgeted pay.

ALLEGATIONS OF PROCESS MANIPULATION
Xolile George’s salary, which now sits at nearly R5 million, has been a focal point of contention since his appointment in 2022.

In a comprehensive 400-page affidavit, National Council of Provinces (NCOP) MP Rikus Badenhorst outlines what the party describes as:

The manipulation of the recruitment process.

The doctoring of an employment contract.

An offer significantly exceeding the R2.2 million originally earmarked for the role.

"At a time when millions of South Africans are battling poverty, it is unacceptable for taxpayers’ money to be squandered on luxury," said Badenhorst.

BROADER FINANCIAL CONCERNS
Beyond the salary dispute, the DA is also seeking an investigation into the 2023 BRICS Parliamentary Forum, questioning whether expenditures exceeded the allocated budget by R6 million.

The controversy follows media reports from 2023, which revealed a 70% salary hike for George. This increase was approved by Mapisa-Nqakula and Masondo just six months into George's five-year term, despite initial assurances regarding the pay scale.