Daily News reports that in an expression of unity to express their frustration, magistrates gathered outside the Durban Magistrate’s Court building on Monday to raise awareness about their dire working conditions and the systemic disparities forced upon them.
Neelan Karikan of the Judicial Officers Association of SA (JOASA) articulated the gravity of their situation. He highlighted that while magistrates were responsible for 95% of the judicial work in the country, they were made to endure significant inequalities compared to high court judges. Their grievances include critical issues such as inadequate remuneration, the lack of essential resources, and insufficient recognition in the judicial system.
The call for reform has been exacerbated by financial disparities, with prosecutors in some instances said to be earning more than magistrates. The reality faced by lower court judges is that their salaries must cover all personal expenses, including housing and vehicle allowances. Magistrate Sicelo Zuma reiterated the sentiments of dissatisfaction, saying: “Every year, recommendations are updated but never implemented.” As the protest unfolded in Durban, magistrates countrywide rallied for urgent attention to their plight. The mobilisation also aimed to garner international support at the upcoming G20 meeting in Joburg.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sipho Jack at Daily News
Read too, Why magistrates are protesting, at GroundUp
Get other news reports at the SA LabourNews home page