Controversy has erupted over the salary of Secretary to Parliament Xolile George, with claims of a secret approval for a 70% salary increase.
The increase has surprisingly increased George’s annual pay to R4.4 million, surpassing even the salary of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Sunday Times made the allegations, stating that National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and NCOP chair Amos Masondo secretly approved the increase and then misled Parliament about George’s salary.
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for an investigation into the Speaker through the Powers and Privileges Committee. The DA alleges breaches of ethics, accountability, transparency requirements, and misconduct by the Speaker.
Parliament has defended its decision to review George’s salary, stating that the process was above board and based on the recommendations of an independent expert.
The reviewed salary is said to be lower than Xolile George previous salary as CEO of the South African Local Government Association (Salga).
While other politicians received a 3% salary increase this year, with an average Minister of Parliament (MP) earning R1.2 million, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Mapisa-Nqakula, and Masondo are now earning R3 million annually.
President Ramaphosa’s salary has not been gazetted yet, but the budget for the Presidency estimates it to remain at R4.2 million, R200,000 less than George’s salary.
It is important to note that in addition to their salaries, politicians also enjoy tax-free benefits and perks, such as private VIP security, free electricity, water, transport, air travel, and multimillion-and state-owned mansions, all paid for by taxpayers.
