The Democratic Alliance (DA) has tabled a motion for the establishment of an ad hoc joint committee to investigate allegations that Secretary to Parliament Xolile George’s renumeration package was inflated by 70%.

Reports that then-Speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula approved the increase, which saw George’s annual package increased from R2.6-million to R4.4-million, prompted the DA to lay a complaint with the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament.

Mapisa-Nqakula has since resigned from her position, following allegations that she accepted bribes during her tenure as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.

The DA, which also lodged a complaint with the Powers and Privileges Committee, said the matter had been met with “roadblocks”.

“Despite the senior counsel appointed by Parliament confirming that the Executive Authority [Mapisa-Nqakula and Amos Masondo] have a case to answer for; the committee ignored that legal advice and opted to not pursue the matter since Mapisa-Nqakula had resigned. The DA believes that this is a terrible decision by the ANC in the committee and once again seeks to stifle accountability,” the party said.

It wants a report on the matter tabled before Parliament ends its term on May 21.