Financial details in a leaked confidential report which reveals monthly “top-ups” for DA representatives has come to light,but the DA is disputing the authenticity of the document.
Graphic: Mihle Mdashe/News24. Image credit: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images; Elizabeth Sejake/Gallo Images; Jeffrey Abrahams/Gallo Images; Misha Jordaan/Gallo Images; Mlungisi Louw/Gallo Images
The DA disputes the authenticity of a leaked report on payments to public representatives,but its author,Dion George,confirmed its validity.The report reveals monthly “top-ups” of over R300 000 for DA representatives,with Cilliers Brink receiving the highest at R62 386.DA leader John Steenhuisen received a leader stipend and a party credit card,which was halted in March 2025 due to misuse concerns.The DA has disputed the authenticity of a leaked confidential report to the Federal Executive on payments to public representatives.
However,the report’s author,former finance chair Dion George,has confirmed to News24 that it is authentic.
The report details how the DA pays more than R300 000 a month to supplement shortfalls in public reps’ incomes with “top-ups”.
According to the December 2025 report,DA councillor and Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink received the largest top-up of R62 386 per month.
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The rest of the top-ups were paid as follows:
Mathew Cuthbert MP and DA head of policy – R50 000 gross per month.
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Ashor Sarupen,who is a deputy minister of finance and DA campaign manager,received R50 000.
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Werner Horn is a house chairperson of the national assembly and a deputy to Sarupen – R50 000 gross per month.
George Michalakis is a member of parliament and the chief whip of the DA – R9 053 gross per month.
Christopher Pappas,Mayor of uMngeni Local Municipality,is paid R44 609 gross per month.
DA leaders' top-up salaries.
Graphic: Mihle Mdashe
According to the report,Pappas requested an additional payment given his relatively low salary and his foregoing an opportunity to take up a seat in the KZN Provincial Legislature. His initial request was not approved by the remuneration sub-committee and subsequently approved by the federal finance committee on appeal.
DA leaders' top-up salaries.
Graphic: Mihle Mdashe
His appeal was later approved after it was supported by the Chairperson of the Federal Council,Helen Zille and the Federal Leader.
Meanwhile,DA leader John Steenhuisen,who is the Minister of Agriculture,was at some point entitled to a clothing allowance. The report states that “at his request for an additional ‘leader stipend’ payment for an amount of R14 584 per month was paid from 1 June 2021 to 31 January 2022.
“This was increased to R16 950 per month from 1 February 2022 to 31 March 2024. From April 2024 to June 2024,it was increased to R58 344 gross per month,equating to his salary being on par with that of a premier.
“After his appointment as minister,R39 560 gross per month is paid.”
Payments made to John Steenhuisen over time.
Graphic: Mihle Mdashe
This equals his total salary to the deputy president’s salary. In addition to the payment,he had access to a party credit card with a monthly limit of R10 000. This was halted by George,chairperson of federal finance,in March 2025 after payments could not be reconciled and purchases were made for which the card was not intended.
DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau told News24 that “the report carries the signature of a former member of the party. Its validity is being disputed. The correct one will serve before FedEx later this month,” she said.
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DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille did not respond to questions sent to her and her comment will be added once received.
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