Xolile George, Secretary of Parliament. (Photo: Parliament)
The DA says it will continue to press for full transparency about the salary increase, appointment process and management issues regarding Xolile George, the secretary of parliament.
Rikus Badenhorst, DA whip in the National Council of Provinces (NRP) and member of the joint standing committee on financial management of parliament, says it is unacceptable that committee members are still waiting for almost three months for redacted documents which are essential for proper parliamentary oversight.
‘We are kept in the dark’
Badenhorst confirmed that he has now formally written to the co-chairs of the committee to express his displeasure at the delay.
“I also demanded guarantees that the relevant documents are indeed made available to members of parliament who have to supervise this matter. We are kept in the dark.”
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa and Xolile George, secretary of parliament. (Photo: Parliament)
He pointed out that it was already recorded in the officially approved minutes of the committee’s meeting of 4 March this year that the documents had to be provided to the committee.
These minutes were again formally approved by the committee on 26 May.
“The speaker specifically indicated that members will need sufficient time to study the documents before the committee can properly proceed with deliberations on the matter.”
However, according to Badenhorst, this still hasn’t happened.
“Despite the fact that these companies now form part of the officially approved record of the committee, members have not yet received the important documents. There is also no clarity as to when the redacted documents will indeed be made available.”
DA demands answers
Badenhorst says his letter to the co-chairs now requests clear answers about when MPs will get access to the documents.
“We also ask when deliberation on the matter will be scheduled after members have had sufficient opportunity to study the documents properly.”
‘Parliament’s credibility at stake’
According to Badenhorst, the compensation of the secretary of the parliament is a matter of great public interest.
“The DA maintains the position that the remuneration of the secretary of parliament is a matter of significant public interest that affects public funds, management integrity and parliament’s own credibility as an oversight institution.”
He warns that the oversight process loses its legitimacy if MPs are expected to make decisions on the matter without sufficient documentation.
“This matter is not going to be swept under the rug while the DA looks on. The DA will continue to insist on transparency, proper governance processes and meaningful parliamentary oversight regarding the remuneration and appointment of the secretary of parliament.”