By Dumisani Ndlovu
A crisis is escalating at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in Zimbabwe, as support staff protest against poor working conditions, unfair salaries, and alleged victimization.
Scores of JSC staff have spoken out about the injustices, despite allegedly being prohibited from doing so. They claim that while magistrates and senior managers receive hefty salaries and allowances, support staff are struggling to make ends meet.
The recent resignation of five court interpreters has exacerbated the situation, with many citing poor remuneration as the reason for their departure. Support staff members have shown proof of their meagre salaries, with one official revealing a take-home pay of just ZIG8 (approximately USD 0.08).
“JSC bosses and senior magistrates are ignoring our concerns and threatening us with dismissal if we speak out. Daniel Dube, a court interpreter in Mberengwa, was terminated from his position after he embroiled in a labor dispute, which led to Acting Chief Magistrate Ngoni Nduna ordering an investigation into his conduct. This development comes after Dube’s courageous decision to take the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to court, which led to his unjust termination. This incident is a stark illustration of the struggles faced by court interpreters in Zimbabwe,” said a court official who requested anonymity
The situation has led to a significant decline in morale within the commission, with many employees feeling undervalued and overworked.
In a telephone interview, the JSC Public Relations Officer, Daniel Nemukuyu, claimed ignorance of the developments and promised to investigate, but failed to provide further comment.
The crisis at the JSC highlights the need for urgent attention to the grievances of support staff and the need for fair treatment and better working conditions.
The crisis at the Judicial Service Commission has deepened with the resignation of five court interpreters, who cited poor remuneration as the reason for their departure. The interpreters, Varaidzo Ndlovu, Nontokozo Ndiweni, Samson Majaji, Mable Nyoni, and Shariffa Ndlovu, from Shurugwi, Kwekwe, and Bulawayo, have left their positions due to unsatisfactory pay, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the commission.
This development comes two months after one local newspaper revealed a significant salary disparity between magistrates and support staff, including security personnel and court interpreters.
The support staff claim to be underpaid, while JSC bosses allegedly receive substantial salaries and allowances. A court official, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration at the perceived unfairness, highlighting the professional qualifications and contributions of support staff.
Another support staff member alleges that their concerns are being disregarded, and they are seeking fair treatment and improved working conditions. They shared their payslip as evidence, showing a take-home pay of ZIG8 (approximately USD 0.08) after deductions from a gross salary of ZIG50. The staff member expressed frustration at being expected to survive on this income, which is insufficient to cover basic expenses like rent, children’s fees, and medication.
Another court official showed two doctor’s prescriptions requiring 12 medical items, but they could only afford to buy two due to their meagre salary. They emphasized that support staff are overworked and underpaid, doing “all the donkey work” while being paid “peanuts.
Support staff from various locations across the country, including Kadoma, Chegutu, Mutare,Chinhoyi, Gweru, Beitbridge, Chiredzi, Kwekwe and Inyanga, have spoken out about their grievances. They allege that their concerns are being ignored by JSC bosses and senior magistrates, who have also threatened them with dismissal if they continue to speak out about the labour injustices. The support staff claim that their issues have been neglected, and they are seeking fair treatment and improved working conditions.
Another support staff member alleges that their concerns are being disregarded and is seeking fair treatment and improved working conditions. They shared their payslip as evidence, showing a take-home pay of ZIG8 (approximately USD 0.08) after deductions from a gross salary of ZIG50. The staff member expressed frustration at being expected to survive on this income, which is insufficient to cover basic expenses like rent, children’s fees, and medication. They feel that their concerns are being dismissed by JSC officials, including Secretary Walter Chikwana, who they accuse of making offensive comments that undermine their struggles.
Another court official, who also wished to remain anonymous, showed our news crew two doctor’s prescriptions requiring 12 medication items for themselves and their child. However, due to their meagre salary, they could only afford to purchase two of the prescribed items.
The official expressed frustration at the disparity between their workload and their compensation, stating, ‘We do the bulk of the work, but our pay is minimal. It’s challenging to survive on a take-home pay of ZIG6 (approximately USD 0.06).’ The recent resignations of court interpreters have further highlighted the need for urgent attention to the grievances of JSC staff.
The disgruntled workers revealed that morale within the commission has plummeted, with some employees receiving gross salaries of around ZIG50, while taking home as little as ZIG5 to ZIG10 after deductions, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and demotivation.
Workers expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that morale within the commission has reached an all-time low, with some employees receiving a gross salary of approximately ZIG50, but only taking home a meagre ZIG5 to ZIG10 after deductions, a stark illustration of the unfair compensation practices.
On June 26, 2024, the JSC Human Resources team, led by Manager Samson Mutendamambo, visited the Gweru offices, where they engaged in a heated argument with disgruntled court interpreters, resulting in delayed court proceedings. The team also reportedly confronted staffers at Shurugwi Magistrate Court, sparking further tensions.
