Western Cape magistrates march to Parliament, call for better salaries and benefits
Western Cape magistrates took to the streets of Cape Town on Wednesday demanding swift action on their grievances regarding remuneration and benefits.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Weeks after Durban magistrates held a picket to draw attention to the longstanding issues regarding their salaries, Western Cape magistrates took to the streets of Cape Town on Wednesday demanding swift action on their grievances.
The magistrates, dressed in their robes and holding placards, marched to Parliament.
The Judicial Officer's Association of South Africa (Joasa) delivered a strongly-worded memorandum to the Presidency, demanding recognition as part of a 'single judiciary,' significant salary reforms, and better working conditions.
The memorandum was received by Charles Ford, an official and representative of the Presidency.
Just as their Durban counterparts complained about systematic discrimination in the South African judicial system, Joasa Western Cape secretary, Rohan Roopnarian, said “judges of the lower court (magistrates) face significant challenges that undermine their independence, financial security and overall well-being.”
With regard to financial insecurity, Roopnarian said delays in making recommendations and implementing salary adjustments have eroded their financial security.
“The lack of benefits in line with those of other office bearers include for example official vehicles, petrol cards, tax rebates, spouses benefits, travel, housing, entertainment and medical aid.
“The amendment of the actuarial formula has detrimentally affected magistrates' pension benefits which is in breach of the legislative provision that magistrates' remuneration may not be reduced except by an Act of parliament,” said Roopnarian.
Added to their concerns, the magistrates highlighted that their independence was compromised as they are forced to remain within the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) which “directly conflicts with their independence and creates a perception of bias”.
The magistrates called for a platform to be established where regular dialogue between magistrates, the chief justice, the Magistrates Commission and the Ministry of Justice to address concerns and improve working conditions.
Accepting the memorandum, Ford said it would take between four to six weeks to get a reply.
Terrence Manase, the spokesperson for the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, said significant progress has been made toward placing the Judiciary on a path to full institutional independence.
Manase said a task team comprising representatives from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Office of the Chief Justice, the Presidency, National Treasury, the Department of Public Service and Administration, and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has been established to finalise proposals that will fully realise the Judiciary’s institutional independence.
He said matters related to magistrates and their conditions of service were among the issues being discussed. He said a meeting was scheduled for November to discuss specific matters.