Beyond the capital: JSC sets example as devolution policy gains momentum

Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub

ONE of the milestones achieved by the Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, was the Devolution and Decentralisation Policy launched in 2020 to spell out the constitutional requirements and strategies for implementation of developmental projects across the country’s 10 provinces.

The policy aims to shift the locus of development from the Central Government to provincial and local levels.

By devolving power and resources to provincial and local authorities, the Government seeks to ensure development initiatives are responsive to the unique needs and priorities of each province.

This decentralised approach fosters greater accountability and transparency in the allocation and utilisation of resources, ensuring that development benefits directly and reaches the intended beneficiaries at the grassroots level.

Chapter 14 of the country’s Constitution emphasises the importance of preserving national unity, preventing all forms of disunity and secessionism, fostering democratic participation by all citizens and communities, and ensuring the devolution of power and responsibilities to lower tiers of the Government.

The ushering in of the New Dispensation, led by President Mnangagwa, brought with it a transformation in governance. For the first time in 2022, the Independence Day celebrations were moved from Harare, marking a significant shift in national celebrations.

Bulawayo Province was the first to benefit from these devolved celebrations, hosting the 42nd Independence Day.

This historic milestone signified a commitment to community development beyond the capital.

In 2023, the celebrations moved to Mount Darwin in Mashonaland Central, further emphasising the Second Republic’s thrust towards devolution and decentralisation while promoting inclusivity and mutual appreciation among provinces.

The 44th main Independence Day celebrations were held at Murambinda B High School in Buhera, Manicaland. This should not be viewed merely as a change of location but as a new normal — a commitment to involving all regions in national programmes, recognising their integral role in the national identity of Zimbabwe.

The implementation of the 2013 Constitutional provision on devolution and decentralisation came with the arrival of the New Dispensation in 2018.

Following the successful decentralisation of the Independence Day celebrations, there is a growing recognition of the need to decentralise other key national events and functions.

This approach not only fosters a sense of inclusivity and national unity but also promotes equitable development across the country.

By bringing national events to different provinces, the Government can showcase the unique cultural and economic strengths of each region while simultaneously demonstrating its commitment to decentralisation as enshrined in the Constitution.

A prime example of this commitment to decentralisation can be observed in the recent move by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

In a historic first, the JSC held its main official opening of the 2025 legal year outside Harare, signifying a significant step towards decentralising key judicial functions.

The historic event was traditionally being held at the Constitutional Court in Harare.

This move not only brings the judiciary closer to the people it serves in different parts of the country, but also highlights the importance of regional representation and accessibility to justice for all citizens.

Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 legal year at the Bulawayo High Court recently, Chief Justice Luke Malaba stated that the JSC’s decision to host this event in Bulawayo reflected its commitment to decentralising access to justice.

He said this aligned with the Constitution and the Government’s National Development Strategy 1, which emphasised the devolution of public services.

“Today’s sitting to mark the official opening of the 2025 legal year is historic. For the first time, the main proceedings of the event are being held outside Harare.

“The Judicial Service Commission’s decision to host this event in Bulawayo reflects its commitment to decentralise access to justice, in line with the Constitution and the Government’s National Development Strategy 1 to devolve public services,” said Chief Justice Malaba.

Chief Justice Malaba’s emphasis on decentralising access to justice underscores the importance of ensuring equal and equitable access to the judicial system for all citizens, regardless of their geographical location.

By bringing the official opening of the legal year to Bulawayo, the JSC demonstrates a tangible commitment to this principle.

This move not only symbolises the JSC’s recognition of the challenges faced by citizens in accessing justice in other areas but also actively works towards mitigating these challenges.

Moreover, by actively participating in the devolution of public services, the judiciary plays a crucial role in strengthening democratic governance and promoting social and economic development.

Decentralised justice systems can also contribute to local economic growth by fostering a more predictable and efficient legal environment for businesses and individuals.

The latest decentralisation step taken by the JSC of bringing the first-ever opening of the 2025 legal year to Bulawayo was also met with excitement from the legal fraternity and the community at large.

It is a tacit fulfilment of the mantra of ensuring that Government programmes are spread across the country.

Lawyers hailed the move as a landmark initiative, applauding its alignment with the Government’s decentralisation and devolution policy.

Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) vice president, Mr Lison Ncube, described the event as a milestone for the justice delivery system, saying it aligns with the Second Republic’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”

“The opening of the legal year in Bulawayo today is a major milestone for the Law Society of Zimbabwe and the justice delivery sector. It enhances access to institutions across the country, bringing services closer to the people,” he said.