Pay us our dues, say Magistrates demanding salary increases and judicial equality

MAGISTRATES 'swapped the bench for picket lines in Durban to demonstrate against what they describe as systematic discrimination and structural exclusion within the judiciary

- THOBEKA NGEMA

Magistrate Scelo Zuma, representing the Judicial Officers' Association of South Africa (Joasa) president, stated that their historical concerns have been ignored.

He said they went as far as trying to litigate the issues. However, litigation has also proven futile and they have decided to pursue a different course of action to address their concerns.

"There is an outstanding, longstanding issue relating to our salaries. Annually, there are reports which are prepared, and recommendations are then made to the president and the (Judicial Service) Commission," Zuma said.

He said the recommendations have never been implemented.

"This is happening annually. We have tried to litigate. However, our calls and cries are not heeded," Zuma said.