A government salary that more than doubled to R6.1 million within three years has sparked multiple investigations after opposition complaints alleged rigged hiring and unauthorized pay hikes.
Secretary's pay ballooned from R2.6m to R6.1m
Secretary's pay ballooned from R2.6m to R6.1m
- Xolile George snagged the Secretary to Parliament role on June 1, 2022.
- His initial compensation package landed at R2.6 million per year.
- Within six months, the number jumped to R4.4 million.
- George's salary eventually climbed to R6.1 million after three years.
- Democratic Alliance officials filed a formal complaint with the Public Protector.
- Rikus Badenhorst questioned whether Mapisa-Nqakula manipulated George's appointment process.
- Documents totaling 393 pages landed on Ramaphosa's desk demanding an SIU probe.
- Parliament's finance committee received 14 days to reopen the matter.
- Corruption Watch wrote to Parliament in December 2025 seeking answers.
- Speaker Thoko Didiza received their letter alongside two other officials.
- Watchdog officials called the pay hikes a serious abuse of power.
- Unchecked salary increases set a terrible example for public institutions.
