Retired Magistrates launch first-of-its-kind Judicial Association in South Africa

PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT

Today, 31 May 2025, a group of retired magistrates met in Boksburg for the launch of the Association of Former Judicial Officers of Southern Africa—the first of its kind in South Africa. The association was formed under the auspices of Mr Jonathan Ratshibvumo, a retired Regional Magistrate and former President of the Association of Regional Magistrates of Southern Africa. The new association aims to look after the interests of all those who have retired from active service as judicial officers, and to explore how their wealth of skills and knowledge can be utilised for the benefit of the country.

Front row (left to right): Retired Regional Magistrate NJ Ratshibvumo (Limpopo), Retired Regional Magistrate Delize Smith (Gauteng), Retired Regional Magistrate HS Mashimbye (Gauteng). Back row (left to right): Judge MS Makamu (Gauteng Division of the High Court), Retired Magistrate Adv Letsoalo (Limpopo), Retired Regional Magistrate Mtebele (North West), Retired Magistrate Adv Sebapu (Limpopo).

In addressing this first gathering, the Deputy Judge President of the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Judge Vincent Ratshibvumo, said the formation was a step in the right direction. He noted that the skills of former judicial officers were needed in the mentoring and training of newly appointed magistrates.

DJP Ratshibvumo also lamented the fact that, despite many years of negotiations with the Independent Remuneration Commission for Public Office Bearers—of which he was a part—magistrates’ benefits have not improved significantly. He recalled how, in advocating for a single judiciary, he carried the plight of the Magistracy to the Executive, demanding equal treatment of judicial officers.

“Equal treatment does not mean that Magistrates should receive identical benefits to Judges,” he said. “It means that if a Judge is paid R5 as a salary for life, and a Magistrate is paid R3, then the salary for the Magistrate should also be R3 for life.”

Sadly, he added, this remains a dream for magistrates, many of whom find themselves in worse positions than civil servants. Upon retirement, magistrates—who cannot be members of GEMS Medical Aid as they are not regarded as public servants—often have to give up membership in more expensive medical aid schemes due to little or no state subsidy. Most magistrates only realise this harsh reality upon retirement—just when they need medical aid the most.

Echoing this concern was Mr Modibedi Djaje, Regional Court President for the Gauteng Regional Court and Chairperson of the Lower Court Remuneration Committee, who also addressed the event.

Other speakers in support of the association’s formation included Judge Sam Makamu—formerly Deputy Chairperson of the Magistrates’ Commission until his appointment as a judge in December 2024—and Ms Jakkie Wessels, Regional Court President for the Limpopo Regional Courts. According to both RCP Modibedi Djaje and RCP Jakkie Wessels, there are many areas in which former judicial officers can still make a meaningful contribution.

It is hoped that through this association, all former judicial officers in the country will unite under one formation—not only to have their needs addressed, but also to offer their experience and talents, gained over years on the bench, back to the community.

Released by:
Jonathan Ratshibvumo – Convener
Contact: 082 551 9239