News24 | Inflated salary debacle: Mapisa-Nqakula's resignation lets Parliament's secretary off the hook

Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, a prominent South African politician and former National Assembly Speaker, resigned from her position on March 31, 2023, following allegations of salary irregularities within the National Assembly. These allegations centered around Xolile George, the current Secretary to the National Assembly, who reportedly saw a nearly 70% increase in his salary shortly after his appointment in 2019.

Mapisa-Nqakula, who served as the Speaker from 2014 to 2023, was a key figure in the ANC (African National Congress) and had been a member of parliament since 1999. Her resignation came after a report by the Public Protector, Busiswe Mkhwebane, which found that George's salary increase was irregular and in violation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The Public Protector's report, released on March 15, 2023, stated that George's salary was increased from R1.5 million to R2.6 million per annum without following due process or obtaining approval from the appropriate authorities. The report further stated that this salary increase was granted in 2019, shortly after George took up his position as Secretary to the National Assembly.

The Public Protector recommended that George be made to refund the excess amount paid to him and that parliament take disciplinary action against him for violating the PFMA. However, Mapisa-Nqakula's resignation has effectively let George off the hook, as she was responsible for approving his appointment and the subsequent salary increase.

The Public Protector's report also recommended that parliament take steps to recover the excess amount paid to George and to review its processes for appointing senior officials and setting their salaries to ensure compliance with the PFMA.

The controversy surrounding George's salary increase comes at a time when South Africa is grappling with high levels of unemployment and income inequality, and the issue of excessive salaries for public officials is a sensitive one. The Public Protector's report has sparked public outrage and calls for accountability and transparency in the appointment and remuneration of public officials.

In conclusion, former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula's resignation has effectively ended the investigation into Xolile George's controversial salary increase, which saw him receive nearly 70% more than his predecessor. The Public Protector had recommended that George be made to refund the excess amount paid to him and that disciplinary action be taken against him, but these recommendations cannot be enforced now that Mapisa-Nqakula has stepped down. The controversy highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the appointment and remuneration of public officials in South Africa.