The judiciary is one the key enablers of the economy and a functioning judiciary system provides the foundation for development.
In our independence feature tonight, Crime and Courts Correspondent, Kudzai Gumbo explores some of the major achievements made in the judiciary.
Independence transformed the country’s judiciary service system with more opportunities for Zimbabwean lawyers.
The introduction of more law schools countrywide in independent Zimbabwe has been hailed as a major milestone in the opening up of the legal field.
‘Since independence we had two black chief justices and we now have more black judges on our bench. This is a positive development for plus that we are celebrating. We now have a number of law schools in Zimbabwe that include UZ. MSU, GZU, ZEGU offering LLB. If we are to look at the courts, we now have a number of them and this is increasing access to justice,” said Rodgers Matsikidze.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs Virginia Mabhiza says the judiciary has tremendously improved access to justice through the opening of several courts, the introduction of the Judicial Service Commission as an independent commission and the National Prosecuting Authority.
‘The 2013 constitution is another major achievement that has seen Zimbabwe coming up with its home grown constitution after years of using the negotiated Lancaster house agreement,’ said Virginia Mabhiza.
With the availability of resources and human capital, there is still room for Zimbabwe to achieve a world class standard it term of justice delivery.
