Frustrated magistrates threaten to down tools
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday October 2, 2023 06:00
Information reaching this publication reveals that magistrates across the country feel unfairly treated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) compared to Judges. In their cry for help, the frustrated magistrates wrote a grievances letter to the Chief Justice Terence Rannowane to take the matter to the JSC on their behalf.
This week, sources close to the matter told Mmegi that three years down the line, there has not yet been any response, thus leaving the magistrates irate and contemplating industrial action.
In the letter, the magistrates proposed improvements in various matters including salaries, emoluments, ancillary benefits and privileges such as housing. They want magistrates occupying non-institutional houses to be paid P 7, 500 housing allowance or 50% of the allowance paid to judges, whichever is greater at any given time.
In addition, magistrates seek reimbursement of 90% of all payments they make for water, electricity, telephone and communication charges regardless of whether one occupies own house, is renting a house or whether government has provided the accommodation.
“They are running out of patience and are now resorting to take matters into their own hands,” an insider told Mmegi. “They will do whatever it takes for their concerns to be heard.
“I understand they are even considering taking the legal route to sue the Administration of Justice.” Other highly placed sources revealed that magistrates are disgruntled that judges are enjoying far superior perks, including higher salaries, P12,000 entertainment allowance, drivers, and security personnel, while they are far from such.
“There is a huge disparity between us and judges,” the source said. “Their salaries are more comprehensive. “They are given seven series BMW vehicles and have drivers as well as security personnel at their disposal for both official and non-official events. “Those who are not staying at the residence are given allowances.”
Currently the conditions of service and salary scales of magistrates are determined by the Directorate of Public Service Management which states that magistrates are only entitled to government vehicles for official duties.
“Magistrates’ rental, water, electricity is currently not subsidised and rental is fully paid by magistrates themselves. “Our contracts state that our houses should be walled but mostly this is not the case, which puts our lives in danger because we deal with the most hostile people,” the insider said. While judges enjoy their perks and conditions, magistrates are reportedly barely making ends meet with their housing allowances being two percent of their basic salary whether one is accommodated or is in an institutional house.
Meanwhile, a document leaked to this publication further indicates that magistrates’ meal allowance is P81.95 per day, subsistence allowance is P152.95 per night while motor mileage allowance on tar is P2.75 per kilometre, on gravel is P4.45 per kilometre, and on sand is P 6.00 per kilometre.