Magistrates call on Ramaphosa to fast-track review of their salaries

The country's magistrates are calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to fast-track the review of their salaries.

The Judicial Officers Association of South Africa (JOASA) said the president and the Independent Remuneration Commission were the only ones who are able to adjust the salaries, which they say had been delayed by 17 years.

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On Wednesday, they demonstrated outside Parliament to highlight salary disparities between them and high court judges, despite having the same training and qualifications.

The magistrates want the same benefits as judges, such as lifelong salaries, adequate state medical aid, and proper security.

The country's magistrates have also raised concerns about the workload and vacancies not being filled.

Magistrate Denni Leppan said they were constantly under a lot of stress.

"We do not have judges' assistants or registrars to help us research our cases or write our cases. At the moment, nationally, our computers are down, and we work on our private computers to draft our judgements, and we work after hours."

The magistrates are also calling for the introduction of legislation to implement a single judiciary, where judges and magistrates will be equal.