DA will request investigation of Parliament's job-for-pals scandal

The Democratic Alliance will write to the Secretary of Parliament to request detailed information relating to recent appointments in the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly, since the start of the new Speaker, Baleka Mbete's term. 

We will request a full breakdown of all members of staff working in her office, their names and remuneration package.

According to reports, several party loyalists, including former ANC party leaders and former ANC members of Parliament, have recently been appointed in the Speakers office without any positions being advertised. Reports further suggest that these posts are for special advisors to the Speaker (see M&G report).

It is astounding that the Speaker thinks it appropriate to appoint former ANC cadres to the office of the Speaker - an office that is meant to pride itself on its independence.

It is also extremely concerning that such appointments were apparently made by irregular means and that these individuals will earn obscene salaries at the tax payer's expense. It is frankly unacceptable that members of parliament were not aware of these appointments and have had no oversight of the process.

Allowing the Speaker to surround herself with former ANC loyalists undermines the Speaker's credibility as objective and the confidence of political parties in her as head of the institution. 

The Office of the Speaker is already struggling under accusations of impartiality and these appointments are only going to exacerbate this situation.

The DA will request the Secretary to Parliament to respond this week so that we can take swift action to ensure the integrity of this vital office is upheld. Once we have this information well will take whatever further action is necessary to hold the Speaker to account for undermining the integrity of her office and the independence of parliament. 

Statement issued by John Steenhuisen MP, Democratic Alliance Chief Whip, September 8 2014

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