Cash crunch threatens judicial independence: Judges Matter

Judicial transparency group, Judges Matter, says the financial challenges plaguing the sector pose a serious threat to judicial independence.

The group says the underfunding leaves judicial officers vulnerable to bribery and corruption.

This comes as regional and district court magistrates staged a picket outside the Durban Magistrate’s Court this week, demanding equal pay, medical aid, and mental health support.

The magistrates are also demanding a cost-of-living adjustment and a comprehensive review by the Independent Remuneration Commission (IRC), which advises the President on remuneration for all judicial officers, including judges and magistrates.

Judges Matter’s, Mbekezeli Benjamin, says the issues raised by the magistrates in KwaZulu-Natal are national reflect long-standing national concerns.

“Over the last 10 or so years, magistrates have not had a substantial increase in their salaries,” Benjamin said.

“The few increases that they have received have been far below inflation and definitely below the cost of living.”

He adds that the IRC has not conducted a major review of magistrates’ salaries and working conditions, meaning legally entitled cost-of-living adjustments have not been implemented.

Benjamin stresses that judicial officers must be able to handle cases and make decisions without financial pressure or influence.

The magistrates in KZN have vowed to intensify their protests if their demands are not met.

Its my first time seeing Magistrates protest. We live in unprecedented times. pic.twitter.com/xfxVszQBkG

— Vince (@VincexGold) October 14, 2025

I have been in magistrates courts and the working conditions are indeed deplorable and intolerable. I totally support their picket ✊🙌 https://t.co/diy5eJf7Au

— Dr Sheena (@sheena_swemmer) October 13, 2025

The useless magistrates who release criminals on bail only for them to reoffend are picketing outside the Durban Magistrate’s Court over unfair pay they don’t deserve. pic.twitter.com/oqKsD9zsvN

— OnTheGround (@GroundMatters) October 13, 2025