Public Protector says senior staff will investigate Gcaleka&#x2019s &#x2018romantic partner&#x2019

Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka says the distance between her and any investigation in which she may have a personal interest “is as clear as day”.

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Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has recused herself from a complaint involving Parliament secretary Xolile George,citing a perceived conflict of interest linked to their alleged romantic relationship.The DA’s complaint relates to George’s salary increase of more than 88% since 2022 and alleged misappropriation of funds tied to the 2023 BRICS Parliamentary forum.Gcaleka’s office says the matter will be handled by Deputy Public Protector Dinkie Dube,with investigations conducted independently by senior managers under established institutional safeguards.Public Protector and advocate Kholeka Gcaleka says the distance between her and any investigation in which she may have a personal interest “is as clear as day”.

According to Gcaleka’s office,investigations are led by senior managers.

The matter comes as Gcaleka’s alleged romantic relationship with Parliament secretary Xolile George – and the alleged conflict of interest arising from it – has been highlighted amid a complaint to her office over George’s salary,which has increased significantly since 2022.

Earlier this month,the DA lodged a complaint with Gcaleka’s office about,among other things,George’s salary increase of more than 88% since 2022,and the alleged misappropriation of funds relating to the BRICS summit at Emperor’s Palace in 2023.

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The DA also wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa,requesting that he sign a proclamation for a Special Investigating Unit probe into the matter.

In a letter to Ramaphosa,the party recently said George was appointed in 2022,“ostensibly on a five-year performance-based contract with an annual salary of R2.6 million,his package was swiftly increased to R4.4 million – a more than 70% increase – not six months into his position”.

READ | Public Protector recuses herself in probe into Parly secretary over ‘romantic’ relationship 

After an enquiry from the DA about whether the relationship was disclosed,Gcaleka wrote to DA chief whip George Michalakis,stating that the disclosure was made to senior officials in her office when it became clear there was a complaint about George.

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In response to News24 questions on Tuesday,Public Protector spokesperson Ndili Msoki said: “In accordance with Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) operating procedures and protocols on categories of complaints emanating from members of Parliament,on 9 February 2026,the Public Protector,advocate Kholeka Gcaleka,was appraised of the complaint lodged with the PPSA on 29 January 2026,concerning alleged improper conduct and maladministration relating to the appointment,remuneration and benefits of the secretary to Parliament,as well as the financial management of the 2023 BRICS Parliamentary forum.”

Parliament Secretary Xolile George.

Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas

Msoki added: “As is practice within the PPSA,investigations are conducted at arm’s length from the public protector and managed by professional investigators within established institutional frameworks.

“Investigations are led by executive managers who report to the chief operations officer,ensuring appropriate oversight and professional independence.”

Msoki said the Public Protector’s office operates under serious institutional safeguards that see to it that there is independence and impartiality in all complaints management and investigations.

He added:

In order to manage this perceived conflict,and in line with the act’s framework,which permits the delegation of functions and powers,the necessary steps have been taken in terms of section 3(15) of the act to ensure a fair,unbiased and proper investigation.

Msoki said Gcaleka had “proactively recused” herself from any involvement in the handling of the complaint or in any decisions arising from it.

“The Public Protector’s functions under the act and the Constitution will,in respect of this matter,be performed by the Deputy Public Protector,advocate Dinkie Dube,in accordance with the provisions of section 2A(6) of the act.”

Msoki said any perceived conflict is “being actively managed” within the rules to safeguard the independence,impartiality and integrity of the process and of the office.

“In line with section 3(14) and (15) of the Public Protector Act 23 of 1994,advocate Gcaleka immediately disclosed to the chief operations officer,and the head of legal services that she may be reasonably perceived to have a conflict between her private interests and her official duties in the matter,” Msoki said.

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READ | DA asks Public Protector,SIU to investigate Xolile George’s appointment and salary hike

Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo told News24 on Monday night that the institution would not entertain “personal slander,speculation or reflections” directed at officials,especially where such commentary “descends into intrusion on private personal relationships.”

Mothapo said there is no law or regulatory framework that requires officials to disclose personal relationships.

He added that attempts to demand such disclosures fall outside the scope of legitimate public accountability.