Durban magistrates march to demand fair salaries

MAGISTRATES based in Durban held a placard demonstration this week to draw attention to the longstanding issues regarding their salaries.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

The magistrates, all dressed in their robes, held their picket on Monday, calling for an end to what they described as systematic discrimination within the South African judicial system.

The Association of Regional Magistrates of Southern Africa (ARMSA) said in August that salaries of magistrates' court presiding officers are so low that they are below those of members of parliament, amakhosi, and mayors.

Magistrate Scelo Zuma, who represents the Judicial Officers' Association of South Africa (Joasa), said the demonstration came after the magistrates' concerns regarding their remuneration had been ignored for several years.

He added that while recommendations were made to the president and the Judicial Service Commission regarding the changes that were required, no action was taken.