Remuneration of the lower courts
The figure in force, and the consultation that has not yet become a Gazette.
The Union Buildings, where the remuneration of public office-bearers is considered.
“An officer should not have to choose between the roll and a decent living.” On the lower courts
The salaries presently in force were determined with effect from 1 April 2025 and published in Government Notice 7203, Government Gazette 54270. On that determination a magistrate’s annual package is R1 209 303; a senior magistrate’s is R1 308 453; a chief magistrate and a regional magistrate stand at R1 578 535; and a special-grade chief magistrate and a regional court president stand at R1 759 270. The package applies to permanently appointed magistrates, including those on probation.
Consultation on the next adjustment is under way. The Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers indicated a preliminary recommendation of 3.5 per cent. The Minister of Finance asked that the adjustment be capped at 3.4 per cent, aligned with the Treasury projection for 2026/2027. The Lower Courts Remuneration Committee rejected the preliminary figure. It complained of inadequate time to consult, of the failure to implement earlier major-review findings, and of a proposed adjustment below that afforded to the public service. It asked for 4.5 to 5 per cent, over and above the major- review recommendations.
Magistrates exercise judicial power under section 165. Their remuneration is dealt with under section 12 of the
www.judicialalliance.org · president@judicialalliance.org · 031 209 1555 Page 6 of 9
JASA · Judicial Officers Alliance of South Africa The Bench · Sixth Edition · October 2026
Magistrates Act 90 of 1993. Affordability is a relevant consideration. It is not the only one, and it is not an answer to a major review that has been completed and not carried out. This edition does not predict the figure that will be gazetted. Members are asked not to treat rumour of a percentage as authority for a personal financial commitment.
A note from Neelan Karikan. We will write again when a determination is published. Until then, the 2025 Gazette remains the figure in force. Colleagues are asked not to treat a rumoured percentage as settled.