Online Reporter
Mathew Masinge
THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is equipped to swiftly deal with any misconduct by its members.
The JSC has zero-tolerance on misconduct.
Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza said this during the official opening of the 2025 legal year at the Constitutional Court in Harare yesterday.
This year’s legal year is running under the theme: “Building Public Confidence in the Judiciary through Stakeholder Participation.”
The 2025 main event was held in Bulawayo where Chief Justice Luke Malaba presided while replica ceremonies were also held in Chinhoyi, Masvingo and Mutare.
“The Commission’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct reflects its resolve to safeguard the public trust that is fundamental to the judiciary’s authority.
“Judicial misconduct, if unchecked, threatens to erode that trust and compromise the administration of justice,” she said.
An IECMS review committee composed of all stakeholders will be established in the near future.
The JSC pledged to have all its operations openly debated by introducing its much-improved integrated electronic case management systems (IECMS) at all magistrates courts.
This is for the benefit of the public.
The Deputy Chief Justice said they were committed to fostering great trust, inclusivity and transparency within the justice delivery system.
“This occasion serves as a reminder to the judiciary of its accountability to the public, from whom it derives its mandate.
“That requirement stems from the fact that the judiciary is a public trust. As a result, its operations must at all times be openly debated for the benefit of the public.
“This means that the judiciary’s overall performance is subject to the evaluation of the people of Zimbabwe, we believe that we cannot build public confidence and trust in isolation,” said DCJ Gwaunza.
DCJ Gwaunza urged the judiciary to foster public trust.
“We believe that the 2025 theme will serve to strengthen and refocus the judiciary and all stakeholders in the public sector, urging us to channel our efforts into building public confidence not only in the judiciary but also in all institutions within the justice sector.
“Achieving this goal requires a shared commitment to fulfilling our constitutional obligations that underpin the administration of justice.
“The active participation and collaboration of the judiciary and its stakeholders is essential, as without this collective effort, fostering public trust in the judiciary will remain unattainable,” she said.
The IECMS is now fully operational in all superior courts and has transformed court processes standing as a key milestone in improving access to justice.
The DCJ also announced plans to roll out the IECMS starting in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland.
The JSC also took time to celebrate the work done by Justice David Mangotam who retired as Judge of the High Court on December 31 last year, after serving for 44 years.
A moment of silence was also observed for the late senior judge Justice Moya-Matshanga.
