MBABANE – While government works on a plan to ensure that politicians and others also get a slice of the salary review cake, a glaring scenario is now playing itself out.
Registrars of the courts, whose functions are mainly administrative, now earn more than some judges.
Even worse, they now earn more than Cabinet ministers.
Registrars also have semi-judicial duties, such as issuing summonses, warrants, subpoenas, etc.
They also compile case lists, arrange available courts, give assistance to judges in general and keep records.
This publication has gathered that the registrars have benefitted from the recently completed review because they fall under civil servants.
On the other hand, the remuneration for the judges is different in that it is prepared by the Royal Commission, which was appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III and is chaired by Standard Bank Chief Executive Mvuselelo Fakudze.
Information gathered by this publication is that following the recently implemented review, the registrars have been put on Notch 1 and now earn a gross salary of E76 000.
On the other hand, some judges, including those of the High Court and Industrial Court, are earning close to E74 000.
This salary is almost similar to the one earned by Cabinet ministers.
This effectively means that the registrars now earn more than both the ministers and some of the judges.
Those close to the matter have said the judges are unhappy with the latest developments.
“This could cause chaos because the registrars might not take instructions from the judges. It makes one wonder if the consultant did do a proper assessment of the situation, including engaging the Royal Commission,” the source said.
However, others are of the view that the judges should not be complaining as their last salary review, effected this year, awarded them sweet benefits, including car and housing allowances.
Notably, the current remuneration for members of the Judiciary, including judges, is provided for in the Prescription of Salaries and Allowances of Judicial Officers Notice 2025.
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Matter being addressed; E3bn extra budget next year – Neal
MBABANE – No need to panic!
Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg has said government is looking into the issue of judges who now earn lower than court registrars.
This publication had asked the minister to shed light on the issue of the judges and Cabinet ministers.
Also, it was brough to the attention of the minister that some emaSwati have raised concerns that government might struggle with paying salaries in the coming years should the review for judges and politicians be implemented.
The minister was made aware that a review for judges could see some of them earning a gross salary of up to E90 000, leading to situation where government will find itself struggling with a budget for salaries.
*Full article available in our publication
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