IOL News reports that Western Cape magistrates took to the streets of Cape Town on Wednesday, marching to Parliament in an unprecedented demonstration that highlighted growing tensions within SA’s judicial system.
The Judicial Officers Association of SA (Joasa) delivered a strongly-worded memorandum to the Presidency, demanding recognition of magistrates as part of a 'single judiciary’, significant salary reforms, and better and safer working conditions. Joasa’s Rohan Roopnarian pointed out that SA Constitution enshrined the principles of a single, independent and impartial judiciary, however, magistrates “who form a crucial part of the judicial system, face significant challenges that undermine their independence, financial security and overall well-being.”
A key recommendation in the October 2024 report by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers sought to address a shortcoming in the salary structure as raised by magistrates, namely the “huge salary gap” between their salaries and those of judges. However, since the report was gazette more than a year ago, the recommendations have not been translated into action, which Roopnarian lamented as undermining magistrates’ financial security. The magistrates called for a platform to be established where regular dialogue between magistrates, the Chief Justice, the Magistrates Commission and the Ministry of Justice to address concerns and improve working conditions.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chevon Booysen at IOL News
- Read too, Magistrates march to Parliament to protest delays in pay hike, unsafe conditions, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
- And also, Delays in salary increases frustrate magistrates amid protests, at The Citizen
Get other news reports at the SA LabourNews home page