By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Newly appointed leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Geordin Hill-Lewis has stated that he sees no issue with senior DA officials receiving a pay raise after a leaked report last month.
The report was made by the party’s former federal finance chairperson, Dr Dion George, who resigned from his post in January following a public dispute with former party leader John Steenhuisen.
In his report he noted that the Federal Executive (FedEx) requested a report in December 2025 detailing any payments or any pay raises that are currently paid by the party to any public representatives.
The pay raises are considered by the Remuneration Sub-Committee “where it is approved or not” and if it’s found non-approved, the Federal Finance Committee will consider a request.
“Any approval is reported to the Federal Finance Committee and to the Federal Executive. The Federal Executive can agree to end any top-up payment,” said DA. The pay raises were made to senior officials such as Steenhuisen, deputy finance minister Ashor Sarupen and local government leaders Cilliers Brink and Chris Pappas.
Brink is paid a gross amount of up to R62,386 per month, which was effective from 1 October 2024. That distinguishes the difference between the salary of a part time councillor in the City of Tshwane and that of the Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, this amount is payable until 2026 elections.
It also notes that John Steenhuisen received R39,560 per month from the party, which includes unlimited access to the party’s credit card.
Sarupen and DA National Assembly House Chairperson, Werner Horn received an additional R50,000 per month for their duties as national and deputy elections campaign managers, respectively, which is expected to continue until the 2026 municipal elections.
Hill-Lewis spoke on the sidelines during the announcement of the Western Cape Mayoral candidates and was asked about the salary top-ups and said that it would be discussed at an upcoming FedEx meeting.
“But I don’t see it as a problem at all, it’s the DA’s money that we’ve received through fundraising. It’s not, we would never, ever abuse state resources. And what we do with and how we choose to remunerate our senior office bearers is entirely a DA internal matter. It’s actually not an issue for public ventilation.” Hill-Lewis.