DA Files Court Bid to Overturn Parliament Secretary Xolile George's Appointment - Inside Politics
The DA has filed papers in the Western Cape High Court seeking to have the appointment of Parliament Secretary Xolile George declared unlawful and set aside, alleging Parliament was misled into approving a 70% increase in his salary.
, alleging Parliament was misled into approving a 70% increase in his salary. DA parliamentary leader Michalakis told reporters in Cape Town on Friday that George’s remuneration was unlawful and irregular, rendering his appointment invalid. He alleged that former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and former National Council of Provinces Chairperson Amos Masondo misled lawmakers when they approved George’s appointment. ALSO READ:Transport Department: Continue renewing licences until 10-year validity comes into force“Mr George is known for having received a salary increase of 70% – from R2. 6 million to R4. 4 million within months of starting his work at Parliament,” Michalakis said. He said the salary for the position had been capped at R2. 6 million following a review of Parliament’s wage bill and that George had not been among the 81 applicants or the nine candidates shortlisted during the second round of recruitment at that remuneration level. “Despite then having been appointed, Mr George was left without an employment contract between assuming office in June 2022 and September 2022. “In January 2023, the Speaker and Chairperson instructed that Mr George’s salary be increased to R4,428,315, with back pay to June 2022,” Michalakis said. He said these circumstances formed the basis of the DA’s court application to have the appointment declared unlawful, invalid and set aside. The DA previously lodged a complaint with Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, requesting an investigation into the appointment. Gcaleka later recused herself from the matter, citing a romantic relationship with George. The Public Protector’s office has not yet released the findings of its investigation. INSIDE POLITICS