DA refers Powers and Privileges complaint over withheld documents on STP appointment

Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Rikus Badenhorst MP.

The DA has requested the Speaker of Parliament refer the Co-Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament (JSCFMP) to the Powers and Privileges Committee for misconduct and contempt. This follows their failure to provide a lever-arch file containing documents related to the appointment and massive salary of the Secretary to Parliament (STP), Xolile George.

On 4 March 2026, the JSCFMP met to discuss the STP's 2022 appointment and remuneration following widespread criticism of the recruitment process and subsequent salary adjustments. During that meeting, a file was presented, but despite DA protests, members were barred from keeping or properly reviewing it. The committee then resolved to make the file available later, following redactions.

Nearly five months later, the Co-Chairpersons have ignored repeated requests for access. This begs the question: what are they hiding? This failure violates the Powers and Privileges Act, which prohibits interfering with parliamentary functions or a member's oversight duties.

Withholding these files is a violation of a lawful decision by a committee, and further prevents a member from conducting their lawful oversight duties.

The Powers and Privileges Committee must now investigate.

The DA will continue to pursue this matter, despite attempts to block attempts to ensure accountability. The DA remains committed to uncovering the truth in the interest of transparency with regard to Mr. George's appointment and salary, ensuring that those guilty of misconduct are held fully accountable.