Issued by: Ministry of Justice
22 December
PROSECUTORS TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INCREASE OF 6% BACKDATED TO 1 JULY 1998 - STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF JUSTICE DULLAH OMAR ON SALARIES OF PROSECUTORS
Prosecutors and state advocates received salary increases ranging from 5 to 8% - in common with the rest of the civil service - with effect from 1 July 1998. In the meanwhile, parliament passed the National Prosecuting Authority Act with a view of creating a different dispensation for prosecutors. This act is now in operation. As a result, negotiations ensued to provide an additional increase for prosecutors. According to the Act, new salary scales should be finalised as soon as possible after the passing of the Act.
We have complied with requirements of the Act and are able to announce an increase of 6% per annum over and above the increases already received in the Central Bargaining Chamber. This additional 6% increase is backdated to take effect on 1 July 1998. The department will process the new salary scales as a matter of urgency.
The 6% increase is the best the country can afford at present taking into account the serious financial crisis which exists in the world and which has also engulfed South Africa.
In the light of the implementation of the national Prosecuting Authority Act, a consultative mechanism will be set up early in the new year in consultation with the national director of Public Prosecutions so that future remuneration matters and conditions of service may be discussed at an appropriate forum. This will also provide an opportunity for unions representing prosecutors to participate in the process. There are a number of unions which represent prosecutors in South Africa. All of them except one have expressed understanding for the need to avoid action having the effect of undermining the functioning of courts and to cooperate to create a new dispensation for prosecutors. The change we desire cannot and will not happen overnight. I express appreciation to those unions for their understanding most prosecutors also have not heeded the call emanating from the ranks of one union for strike action I express my appreciation to them as well. I reiterate my commitment to the transformation of the prosecution service which includes promoting equality, making the service representative at all levels, promoting professionals as professionals in all respects and improving salaries.
I know that prosecutors want greater increases and parity with magistrates. What has now been achieved must be seen as a first step in a process which is the best the country can afford at present.
The plight of other legal professionals must also not be forgotten. It is the same as that of prosecutors. I thank them for their loyalty and dedication. I have endeavoured to advance their position as well. The Mandate Committee established by cabinet is still considering their position together with that of other professionals in government service. I hope to report progress in this regard early in the new year.
The salaries of judges have also been increased by 5% and magistrates by 6% with effect from 1 July 1998.
In the case of all judicial officers, a special consultative mechanism will also be created early in 1999 to deal with future salary matters and conditions of service and also to afford representatives of judicial officers an appropriate platform for consultation and negotiation purposes.
May I take this opportunity of wishing al justice personnel a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Minister of Justice Dullah Omar 22 December 1998
For further information contact - Bennie Bunsee Tel 021 4616520 Cell: 0824621217