Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has recused herself from the investigation into Parliament Secretary Xolile George’s controversial salary increase after it emerged she may be in a romantic relationship with him.
The move follows Democratic Alliance (DA) complaint about George’s salary, which has ballooned by more than 88% since his 2022 appointment to approximately R4.9 million annually.
In a letter to DA Chief Whip George Michalakis, Gcaleka confirmed she had disclosed the potential conflict to her office’s legal head, stating she “may reasonably be perceived to have a conflict between my private interests and my official duties.” Deputy Public Protector Dinkie Dube will now oversee the probe.
The DA’s complaint also raises concerns about irregular expenditure at the 2023 BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which reportedly exceeded its budget by R6 million.
Michalakis has questioned whether George declared this relationship to Parliament’s Executive Authority, noting the Public Protector “may well in future be called on to investigate matters related to Parliament.”
The Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament will consider the allegations on 25 February 2026.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
