Public Protector steps back from Xolile George salary investigation amid relationship claims

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has stepped back from all involvement in the investigation concerning the salary of Parliament Secretary Xolile George, citing a perceived conflict of interest.

This decision follows a complaint lodged by the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding a significant salary increase for George, which was implemented by Parliament’s former presiding officers. Reports indicate that his salary has surged by over 80% since his appointment three years ago.

On February 5, 2026, the DA formally submitted their complaint to Gcaleka and other officials, emphasising that George's salary had escalated by more than 88% since 2022.

In correspondence with DA chief whip George Michalakis, Gcaleka disclosed that she had informed her office's chief operations officer and head of legal services about a potential conflict between her personal interests and her official duties.

“In line with sections 3(14) and (15) of the Public Protector Act 23 of 1994, I immediately disclosed to Adv. N. Nkabinde, the chief operations officer, and to the head of legal services, Adv. N. vd Merwe, that I may reasonably be perceived to have a conflict between my private interests and my official duties in this matter,” she said.

To manage this perceived conflict, Gcaleka noted that steps had been taken under section 3(15) of the Act to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation.

“I have recused myself from any involvement in the handling of the complaint or in any decisions arising from it,” she added.

She further indicated that Deputy Public Protector Adv. Dinkie Dube would assume her responsibilities in this matter, in accordance with section 2A(6) of the Act.

“The perceived conflict is therefore being actively managed within the statutory scheme to safeguard the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the process and of the PPSA,” Gcaleka added.

While there are speculations regarding a possible romantic relationship between Gcaleka and George, Michalakis expressed that this did not concern him personally.

“However, it is clearly of such a nature that the Public Protector saw it fit to recuse herself based on her ‘private interests’ in the matter related to him,” he stated.

It remains uncertain whether George has declared a similar conflict to Speaker Thoko Didiza, who has indicated that she is leaving the matter to the Office of the Public Protector.

“The question now is: did the Secretary to Parliament make a declaration to the Executive Authority of Parliament (the Speaker and Chairperson of the NCOP), declaring the same possible conflict of interest?” asked Michalakis.

He emphasised the importance of this declaration, noting, “This is important, since the Public Protector is the head of a Chapter 9 institution that may well in future be called on to investigate matters related to Parliament, of which George is the accounting officer. He therefore has an ethical obligation to disclose such a possible conflict.”

In addition to the salary issue, the DA has requested Gcaleka to investigate alleged irregular expenditure related to the 2023 BRICS parliamentary forum, which also falls under George’s oversight.

Meanwhile, the DA has reached out to National Assembly Speaker Didiza, urging her to intervene in the matter. Michalakis has called on Didiza to verify the facts, including seeking confirmation from the Minister of Home Affairs regarding any alleged personal relationship and whether George has declared such a relationship to the Executive Authority of Parliament.

“Although there is no formal process for declaring such a relationship, I submit that it is indeed a matter of ethics for the Secretary to declare this relationship if it exists, since the Public Protector has already produced at least one report on his appointment,” Michalakis said.

In her response, Didiza stated that she could not comply with the DA’s request.

“The issue you raise in your letter dated 9 February concerns allegations about a personal matter, which, if resulting in a conflict of interest, would fall within the responsibility of the Office of the Public Protector to respond to the Democratic Alliance, as complainant. I can therefore not accede to your request as suggested in your correspondence,” she said.

IOL News previously reported that the DA has questioned the circumstances surrounding George’s appointment and the subsequent salary increases. Appointed in 2022 on a five-year performance-based contract with an annual salary of R2.6 million, George’s compensation reportedly rose to R4.4 million within six months and now stands at approximately R4.9 million, significantly higher than his peers in the public service.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE