Corruption Watch (CW) has written to Parliament asking for answers regarding “alleged irregularities” that have been brought to its attention in relation to the recent salary increase of the current Secretary to Parliament (STP), Xolile George.
The letter is addressed to Speaker Thoko Didiza, Deputy Speaker Annelie Lotriet, chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane and NCOP deputy Les Govender, and Molapi Lekganyane, chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament (JSCFMP).
Says CW: “The STP position was offered on a five-year performance-based contract with an annual salary of R2 457 227.00 and was first advertised on 21 February 2020. A subsequent advertisement was published on 20 March 2022 and closed on 1 April 2022, reflecting an updated remuneration package of R2 604 661.00 per annum.”
George was appointed with effect from 1 June 2022 for a term ending on 31 May 2027. However, says CW, in three short years he has enjoyed some hefty salary increases, first from R2.6-million to over R4-million and then from R4.5-million to R6.1-million.
“This situation has persisted without intervention by your [Didiza’s] office, and we believe that consistently increasing the salary of the STP to such an exorbitant level constitutes not merely a minor breach but a serious abuse of power.”
CW wants answers to the following questions:
- Was the salary increase for the STP based on a formal job evaluation? If so, Parliament is requested to provide the complete job evaluation report.
- Was the STP’s salary determined through review and recommendation processes conducted by Parliament’s Human Resources Department? If so, Parliament is requested to provide the complete report detailing the review and recommendations.
- Was the implementation of the STP’s salary increase formally approved by the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces?
- Was there transparency and proper oversight in implementing the STP’s salary increase? If so, Parliament is asked to confirm whether the JSCFMP provided oversight on this matter, and to provide the relevant report, briefing statement, and meeting minutes.
- Has the office of the Speaker reviewed and implemented the recommendations made by Adv Karrisha Pillay SC, who was commissioned to investigate the unlawful conduct of the former Speaker of Parliament regarding an irregular salary increase?
- Has the office of the Speaker initiated an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the STP’s salary increase, and if so, is the investigation ongoing or has it been concluded?
The organisation has asked for a response within 30 days.
Download the full letter or read it below.
