Cape Town – Former Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is relieved from facing inquiry over a salary hike for Parliament’s secretary, Xolile George, according to Parliament’s powers and privileges committee.
The decision was made considering Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation from Parliament amid corruption allegations, EWN reported.
Despite the Democratic Alliance’s complaint, the committee concluded it lacked jurisdiction to investigate Mapisa-Nqakula as she is no longer a member of the National Assembly.
“Let’s put this matter to rest because we don’t have jurisdiction honourable members as you have alluded to,” the report quoted Chairperson Manketsi Tlhape as saying.
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But the DA argued there were grounds to proceed with the inquiry, highlighting the unresolved salary issue.
According to SABC News, it was believed that Mapisa-Nqakula unilaterally hiked George’s salary by a whopping 70%, following his appointment in June 2022.
George’s annual salary went up from R2.6million per annum, to R4.4 million per annum, earning more than President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Democratic Alliance (DA) chief whip, Siviwe Gwarube, said this was a serious matter, the report said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
