Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula gave Parliament's secretary a pay increase all on her own

• The speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, may be in trouble after she increased the Parliament’s secretary’s salary by almost 70%
• Parliament is giving her until next week, Monday, 4 March, to give written explanations for the increase
• South Africans were not surprised but were nonetheless disappointed and accused Mapisa-Nqakula of corrupt activities

Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, the State Of the Nation Address, politician-related news, elections at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years. Do you have a hard news story you would like to share? Email [email protected] with CA in the subject line.

Nosiviwe Mpaisa-Nqakula greenlit the Parliamentary Secretary’s salary unilaterally. Images: Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images and Kendal Swart Source: Getty Images

CAPE TOWN – National Assembly’s speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, could be in hot waters after she increased Parliament’s secretary, Xolile George’s salary by almost 70% shortly after being appointed.

National Assembly speaker in hot water

According to Eyewitness News, Mapisa-Nqakula increased last year after George worked in the position for less than a year. The salary increase passed the R2.6 million Parliament set aside for the position. Furthermore, Mapisa-Nqauka decided without consulting other political parties.

The Powers and Privileges committee reportedly sent Mapisa-Nqakula a letter informing her they were considering whether she breached her oath when she adjusted George’s salary to R4.4 million.

South Africans condemn speaker’s alleged act

South Africans on Facebook took Mapisa-Nqakula to task for acting unilaterally.

Sothandokuhle Mbaleki Gwele wtote:

“It’s nice to be politicians. They’re busy fighting our mere 7.5% increase while they earn millions.”

Willie Botes asked:

“If the president and ministers steal, why not the secretary, as it’s part of the ANC to steal?”

Mthokozisi Thulas Nzimande added:

“We are led, shame. We’re heading to the state of Zimbabwe under this government.”

Dean Mohale was angry.

“Corrupt fools lead us.”

Paul Marsden added:

“South African taxpayers have become the ATM for corrupt ANC politicians.”

Data scientist trends for not spending previous month’s salary

In a related article, Briefly News reported that a man employed as a data scientist revealed that he hadn’t spent his previous month’s salary.

The man went viral after he recorded himself remembering that he had not touched his previous salary a few days before getting paid.

South Africans praised him for his well-paying job, and women jokingly left flirtatious comments in the comment section.