ARMSA slams proposed salary increase: “Will exacerbate frustrations”

The Association of Regional Magistrates of South Africa (ARMSA) has officially rejected a proposed 4.1% salary increase for presiding officers in the lower courts.

The recommendation came from the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers (IRC), which suggested a uniform 4.1% raise for all public office bearers. This broad category includes:

The President and Cabinet Ministers

Members of Parliament

Judicial Officers (Judges and Magistrates)

The recommendation currently sits with President Cyril Ramaphosa, who must now decide whether to sign the increases into law or return them to the Commission for redetermination.

ESCALATING JUDICIAL UNREST
This rejection follows a year of unprecedented industrial action. Magistrates across South Africa staged historic walk-outs earlier this year, protesting against what they describe as inadequate remuneration packages relative to their workload and responsibilities.

ARMSA spokesperson Hein Louw emphasised that the 4.1% figure fails to address the coregrievances of judicial officers.

“The recommendation made by the IRC of 4.1% will do nothing to allay the frustrations and anger exhibited on ground level by the magistrates. If anything, it will exacerbate the situation,” Louw stated.

A DIVIDED RESPONSE
While magistrates argue the increase is too low, the proposal is facing pressure from the opposite direction as well. COSATU, the country’s largest trade union federation, has also rejected the 4.1% hike—though for the opposite reason. The federation argues that the proposed increase for public office bearers is too high given the current economic climate.