DA wants probe into Mapisa-Nqakula over George salary hike
The DA has accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and the Chairperson of the National Council of Province Amos Masondo of misleading Parliament.
The Sunday Times reported that the two allegedly misled Parliament over the salary of the legislature's secretary.
According to the newspaper, the incumbent Xolile George earns over R4 million, despite the position being priced at a maximum of R2.6 million.
"This is almost double what Mapisa-Nqakula personally committed to in the National Assembly when the appointment was made, and the decision was brought before the House," says the DA's Chief Whip, Siviwe Gwarube.
"The DA will be lodging an urgent complaint with the Powers and Privileges Committee to investigate the Executive Authority for this breach of their oath of office and the betrayal of the principles of transparency and accountability.
"There are glaring breaches of their Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics for Members of the Executive Authority and their responsibility for the financial management of Parliament by both Mapisa-Nqakula and Masondo.
"More importantly, they have violated the trust that is placed on them to act in the best financial interest of an institution that is battling to fulfil its constitutional obligations due tight financial constraints.
Gwarube says the revelations of George's salary hike comes as Parliament is struggling to finance the rebuilding of its fire-damaged buildings.
"To rebuild this institution will require a secretary to Parliament and an executive authority that is committed to the healthy financial management of Parliament.
"The allegations that face Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula and Chairperson Masondo suggest that they are not suited for the task ahead.
"They have not conducted the recruitment of the secretary to Parliament in an open and transparent manner.
"The actions of the speaker do not instil any public confidence and now cast doubt on the institution’s own financial management."
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