Magistrates demand action from President, salaries commission over 17-year salary stagnation

Magistrates across the country are voicing serious concerns about the continued inaction by the Independent Remuneration Commission (IRC) and the Presidency regarding their long-overdue salary review.

The Judicial Officers Association of South Africa (JOASA) states the last time magistrates' salaries were adjusted was 17 years ago. They argue that the delays are threatening the integrity and independence of the lower courts.

The first major review report, compiled by the IRC in 2008, acknowledged that the remuneration gap between the lowest-paid judge and the highest-paid magistrate was "too wide and unjustifiable". Magistrates now say they find themselves "in limbo", as their remuneration falls exclusively under the IRC and the President.

ALSO READ: Cape Magistrates take grievances to Parliament, demand parity with higher courts

JOASA President Magistrate Neelan Karikan said the President has failed to act and finalise the salary review.

On Wednesday, magistrates staged a protest outside Parliament and handed over a memorandum, giving the Presidency two weeks to fast-track the salary adjustments.

"Our President, wherever he might be, needs to get documents scanned, he needs to sign it off and send it to Parliament, the National Council of Provinces. They need to sign off so we can move forward," a protester said.

Justice Karikan added that the continued delays are undermining the morale of magistrates and the fundamental principle of judicial independence.

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