Hill-Lewis on some senior leaders receiving renumeration: ‘It’s the DA’s money’

The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s new leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, said he sees no problem with some of the party’s senior leaders being remunerated from the DA’s coffers.

Hill-Lewis said the party can spend money it has raised through its own efforts as it sees fit.

In March, a leaked party document that revealed party stipends upwards of R50,000 in some cases set tongues wagging.

Among DA members who have been receiving funds in addition to their public office bearer salaries include former party leader John Steenhuisen, former Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink and Deputy Finance Minister Ashor Sarupen.

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Hill-Lewis said the new federal executive is yet to meet and discuss the matter, but on the face of it, he has no issue with the party rewarding its senior leaders.

“It’s the DA’s money that we’ve raised through fundraising. We would never ever abuse State resources, so what we do and how we choose to remunerate our senior office bearers is entirely a DA internal matter.”

Meanwhile, Hill-Lewis has appointed Leon Schreiber to manage the Cabinet caucus since Hill-Lewis doesn’t plan to enter national government.

“The minutiae of the running of the State and Cabinet, he’s more than capable of showing leadership on that front.”

Hill-Lewis has also confirmed a first meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying that while he won’t be sharing details, the engagement was fruitful and positive.