The Democratic Alliance wants Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and the Magistrates Commission to account for the ongoing neglect of magistrates’ welfare and the collapse of support systems within lower courts in KwaZulu-Natal.
This comes after magistrates based in Durban held a placard demonstration this week to draw attention to the longstanding issues regarding their salaries.
The magistrates, dressed in their robes, held a picket on Monday, calling for an end to what they described as systematic discrimination in 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.
In a statement, Mzamo Billy, DA MP and member of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) said he had written to the chairperson of the Security and Justice Committee chairperson, Jane Mananiso in the NCOP to request that Kubayi and the Magistrates Commission be called to the committee to discuss the issues raised by the magistrates.
Billy said magistrates form the backbone of South Africa’s justice system, yet they continue to face unsafe work environments, lack of resources, and unfair remuneration.
He added that these issues have long been ignored by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
“The DA believes that justice cannot stand on demoralised shoulders. When magistrates are overworked, underpaid, and unsupported, justice for ordinary South Africans is delayed and often denied.
“The DA will continue to champion reforms to ensure that magistrates who deliver justice daily in our courts are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Magistrates attempted to take the issue of remuneration to court earlier this year. ARMSA approached the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg division, in August to force President Cyril Ramaphosa to implement the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Commission (IRC) that magistrates be paid according to their status.
However, the matter was struck off the roll as responding papers from Ramaphosa were filed late.
THE MERCURY
