Issued by: Ministry of Justice
It has come to my attention that a bogus media release is apparently in circulation amongst judicial personnel in Johannesburg and Pretoria purporting that with effect of 1 July 1996, all judicial officers of the lower courts will be renamed as "judges" and that all protocol associated with the office of judge will also apply to them.
This is totally incorrect and highly mischievous. I announced in Parliament we should move towards one judiciary. I also stated that consideration should be given to rename magistrates in the future as judges. I, however, made it clear that such a move is something that will be done in a consultative manner and is not something that can be done overnight. It will be part of a larger process of raising the status and standing of magistrates as judicial officers ad strengthening the independence of the judiciary. It is premature to speak of a name change at this stage. There is therefore no substance to the statement that there is to be an immediate change in name or protocol.
I implore people not to spread false information as it is not in the interest of the administration of justice.
ISSUED BY THE CHIEF LIAISON OFFICER ON BEHALF OF THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
PRETORIA 2 JULY 1996