Just What Does the South African Secretary of Parliament Do For R5 Million?

When one reads the term ‘Secretary’ one traditionally thinks of a woman, in glasses, dressed up, immaculate, eye candy personifying the term ‘wonder bra’, typing, making bookings, fetching laundry, underpaid, walking encyclopaedia, legal secretary, Human Resources wizard and basically a ‘work wife’ to an overpaid, oversexed, overweight, golf and liquor obsessed bum pinching male boss.

Is the Secretary to Parliament the same? For the amount of money paid for the position one would imagine that the Parliamentary Secretary is all the above on STEROIDS.

BUT, the South African Secretary of Parliament holds a crucial position within the parliamentary system, playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the legislative process.

Here is an objective and factual overview of the duties and responsibilities of the South African Secretary of Parliament.

1. Administrative Support and Governance

One of the primary responsibilities of the South African Secretary of Parliament is to provide administrative support to the parliamentary system. This includes managing the day-to-day operations of the Parliament, overseeing the implementation of policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

2. Procedural Advice and Guidance

The Secretary of Parliament serves as a valuable source of procedural advice and guidance to the National Assembly and other parliamentary structures. They provide expert knowledge on parliamentary rules, regulations, and protocols, assisting Members of Parliament in navigating the legislative process effectively.

3. Record-Keeping and Documentation

Maintaining accurate records and documentation is a critical aspect of the Secretary’s role. They are responsible for managing the registry office, ensuring the proper storage and retrieval of parliamentary documents, including bills, motions, and committee reports. This function contributes to the transparency and accountability of the parliamentary system.

4. Strategic Management and Governance

The Secretary of Parliament plays a key role in strategic management and governance. They collaborate with division managers to develop and implement strategic plans, monitor performance indicators, and evaluate the effectiveness of parliamentary programs and initiatives. This ensures that the Parliament operates efficiently and effectively in fulfilling its legislative mandate.

5. Financial Management

Effective financial management is essential for the smooth functioning of the Parliament. The Secretary of Parliament oversees financial matters, working closely with the Division Manager of Financial Services. They are responsible for budget preparation, expenditure control, and financial reporting, ensuring the responsible and accountable use of public funds.

So, almost like the traditional secretary without the undertones of sexuality and explotation then?

The Scorpio investigative unit of The Daily Maverick recently confirmed that South African Secretary of Parliament, Xolile George, now receives a salary of R5 Million – a package that is 92% more than the legal parameters for the position. George was appointed in line with due process on a R2.6-million annual package in June 2022.

Between 2007 and 2022, Xolile George was the CEO of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) – a job with an annual remuneration of R5.8-million.

Ordinary South African Members of Parliament earn around R1.2 Million per annum whilst President Ramaphosa earns around R4.2 Million per annum – HALF of which he donates to Charity.

What this means is that the SECRETARY earns more than his boss – the President – something that almost certainly never happens in normal business and, if truth be told, Xolile George is not the ideal vision of a Secretary either, I doubt, even in his most private moments, that George is tempted to slip into high heels and a mini skirt before rubbing his exhausted boss’ shoulders, neck and temple!

Contrary to the popular understanding of the term ‘Secretary’ the South African Secretary of Parliament holds a pivotal position in the parliamentary system, providing administrative support, procedural guidance, and strategic management. The role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including record-keeping, financial management, and governance. By fulfilling these duties, the Secretary of Parliament contributes to the efficient and effective functioning of the South African Parliament, ultimately serving the interests of the nation and its citizens.

Note: The information provided in this blog post is based on the general understanding of the role of the South African Secretary of Parliament. For more detailed and up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to official parliamentary sources.