{"id":34080,"date":"2025-10-14T18:12:52","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T16:12:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/?p=34080"},"modified":"2025-10-14T18:12:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T16:12:52","slug":"cash-crunch-threatens-judicial-independence-judges-matter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/2025\/10\/14\/cash-crunch-threatens-judicial-independence-judges-matter\/","title":{"rendered":"Cash crunch threatens judicial independence: Judges Matter"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo credit: AFP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Judicial transparency group, Judges Matter, says the financial challenges plaguing the sector pose a serious threat to judicial independence.<\/p>\n

The group says the underfunding leaves judicial officers vulnerable to bribery and corruption.<\/p>\n

This comes as regional and district court magistrates staged a picket outside the Durban Magistrate\u2019s Court this week, demanding equal pay, medical aid, and mental health support.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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

“Over the last 10 or so years, magistrates have not had a substantial increase in their salaries,” Benjamin said.<\/p>\n

“The few increases that they have received have been far below inflation and definitely below the cost of living.”<\/p>\n

He adds that the IRC has not conducted a major review of magistrates\u2019 salaries and working conditions, meaning legally entitled cost-of-living adjustments have not been implemented.<\/p>\n

Benjamin stresses that judicial officers must be able to handle cases and make decisions without financial pressure or influence.<\/p>\n