DA Takes Legal Action Over Parliament Secretary’s Salary

What Happened?

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is going to the Western Cape High Court to challenge the appointment and pay raise of Xolile George, who serves as Secretary to Parliament. The party says the process was flawed and that George received a huge salary increase shortly after starting the job.

Why the DA Is Concerned

A Big Jump in Pay

George’s salary was originally set at about R2.6 million a year. Within months it jumped to roughly R4.4 million – an increase of around 70 percent. The DA argues that such a raise was never approved properly.

Questions About the Hiring Process

According to the DA, George was not among the 81 people who applied for the post, nor was he one of the nine candidates short‑listed when the salary was still capped at R2.6 million. The party claims the then‑Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa‑Nqakula and the NCOP chairperson Amos Masondo misled Parliament by presenting a lower salary figure when they asked members to approve the appointment.

Missing Contract and Back Pay

George started work in June 2022 but did not have a signed employment contract until September 2022. In January 2023, the Speaker and the NCOP chairperson ordered his salary to be raised to R4,428,315, with back pay dating to June 2022.

Steps Already Taken

Complaints to the Public Protector

The DA lodged a complaint with Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka against George, Mapisa‑Nqakula, and Masondo. Gcaleka stepped aside because of a perceived conflict of interest, and her deputy Dinkie Dube is now handling the probe.

Auditor‑General’s Review

Audit‑General Tsakani Maluleke examined the salary package and found that the post was advertised at R2.6 million but later increased to R4.4 million within six months of George’s start. She told Parliament’s presiding officers that no irregularity was detected.

Parliament’s Response

Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the institution has only received a notice of the upcoming court application. Once the papers arrive, Parliament will review them and respond through its legal channels.

What the DA Wants the Court to Do

The DA is asking the High Court to declare George’s appointment and salary increase unlawful and to set them aside. Party leader George Michalakis says a court ruling in their favour would promote accountability and transparency in how Parliament runs its affairs.

Broader Political Context

The remuneration and appointment of George have been hot topics in Parliament. Both the DA and the EFF have tried to revisit the discussion, but the ANC has repeatedly blocked those efforts. Earlier, DA MP Rikus Badenhorst asked the Speaker to refer the co‑chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management to the Powers and Privileges Committee for allegedly withholding documents related to the case.

What This Means for Teens and Citizens

When public officials receive large pay raises without clear, open processes, it can erode trust in government. The DA’s court action is an attempt to check that power and ensure that decisions about salaries and jobs follow the rules. If the court agrees with the DA, it could set a precedent for stricter oversight of parliamentary appointments in the future.

Conclusion

The dispute over Xolile George’s role and pay highlights the importance of transparency in government. By taking the matter to court, the DA hopes to reinforce the idea that public offices should be filled and compensated fairly, with full disclosure to the people they serve. The outcome will be watched closely by anyone interested in how South Africa’s Parliament operates.