The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has escalated its fight over the salary package of Parliament’s top administrator, formally requesting a forensic investigation into the remuneration structure of Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George.
The party has written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, demanding a probe after fresh financial disclosures revealed that George’s total package is nearly double the amount originally advertised for the position.
The controversy resurfaced during a Financial Management Committee meeting, where EFF representatives pressed for answers. According to the transcript of that meeting, the position of Secretary to Parliament was initially advertised at R2.66 million per annum. However, George’s appointment was finalised while an independent panel was conducting a salary benchmarking exercise.
That panel subsequently recommended a salary of R4.4 million. But current financial statements indicate that his remuneration now sits at just under R5 million.
“The issue of a forensic investigation is even much more urgent now,” an EFF representative stated in the committee.
The party pointed to audited financial statements showing additional incentives. “There was a long-term incentive of R2.5 million. There was a short-term incentive of R757,000,” the EFF said, questioning whether Parliament had introduced a share option scheme. “There’s nothing like that in parliament.”
National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane moved to clarify the figures, explaining that no salary increase had been effected for the Secretary in the seventh Parliament as yet. She said the reported R4.9 million related to gratuity accumulated over years, due at the end of George’s contract, and that the declaration was made in accordance with accounting standards.
Mtsweni-Tsipane also called for a legal opinion. “I really feel that we need to get a legal opinion in terms of this process so that we can settle our minds if this is legal or not,” she said.
The African National Congress (ANC) pushed back, accusing the EFF of mounting a personal campaign against George. An ANC representative in the committee argued that the matter had been closed, as reflected in previous minutes, and that the Auditor-General had already made findings on the issue. “An ongoing personal attack… not based in fact… is actually not acceptable,” the ANC said.
While Parliament’s new Chief Financial Officer was present at the meeting, the EFF noted his absence from the platform and requested his direct responses.
The EFF has already lodged a complaint with the Public Protector’s office. Both that complaint and Speaker Didiza’s decision on the request for a forensic investigation remain pending.