The Chief Justice is now South Africa’s highest-paid judicial officer, earning more than R3.3-million a year under new salaries effective 1 April 2025.
The Office of the Presidency released updated pay scales for judges, magistrates, justices, and the Public Protector. Constitutional Court and Supreme Court of Appeal judges, along with the Public Protector, will receive just over R2.7-million annually.
The Public Protector, appointed for a single seven-year term, investigates government wrongdoing and makes reports publicly available, though court decisions remain outside its mandate. The office must remain accessible to all citizens.
Judges’ salaries are mostly cash—around 72%—with the remainder covering benefits such as car allowances and medical aid. Pensions are handled separately. Magistrates receive 70% of their package as basic pay, with the remaining 30% allocated to pension and flexible benefits.
Part-time commissioners at the South African Human Rights Commission will earn R5,175 per sitting day.
These changes mark a significant update to the country’s judicial pay framework.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
