Public Protector recuses herself from probe into Parliament's secretary's salary hike

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has recused herself from all involvement related to an investigation into the salary of the secretary to Parliament, Xolile George, over a perceived conflict of interest.

This is in response to a complaint laid by the Democratic Alliance (DA) over hiking George’s salary by Parliament’s former presiding officers by more than 80% since his appointment three years ago.

However, it remains unclear whether George has also declared a similar conflict to Speaker Thoko Didiza, who said she’s leaving it up to the Office of the Public Protector’s to handle.

In a letter to the DA’s chief whip, George Michalakis, Gcaleka said she immediately informed the chief operations officer and the head of legal services in her office of what she said are a conflict between her personal interests and her official duties.

She said while investigations are generally handled at arm’s length from the Public Protector and managed by professional investigators, she’s nevertheless recused herself altogether from the handling of the complaint or any decisions that may arise from it.

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The investigation will be overseen by the new Deputy Public Protector - Dinkie Dube.

While it’s believed Gcaleka and George may be involved in a romantic relationship, Michalakis said this does not concern him.

However, he believes as its accounting officer, George should have made a similar disclosure to Parliament in the event the Public Protector is asked to investigate other complaints involving the legislature.

Besides George’s salary matter, the DA has also asked the Public Protector to investigate alleged irregular expenditure for the 2023 BRICS parliamentary forum - also under George’s watch.

In her response regarding the matter, Didiza said she can’t accede to the DA’s request to determine the status of their perceived relationship.