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Peter Matika
Bulawayo Bureau
The Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) Integrated Electronic Case Management Systems (IECMS) has significantly transformed the country’s courts while enhancing legal infrastructure and increasing access to justice, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has said.
The IECMS is among many other initiatives introduced by JSC as part of efforts to achieve accessible world-class justice for all in line with Vision 2030, while upholding and developing accessible, efficient and effective justice delivery.
Following the introduction of IECMS all courts, including the Labour Court and Administrative Court have been digitised as JSC moves to make the courts paperless.
IECMS, which is web-based, automates and tracks all aspects of a case life cycle, from initial filing through disposition, appeal and judgment.
Speaking during the ministry’s strategic planning and review workshop in Bulawayo yesterday, Minister Ziyambi said substantial strides had been made during the course of the year in enhancing the digitalisation of proprietary registration processes.
The workshop was attended by relevant stakeholders who included various Government departments and the private sector.
“By automating the processes for deeds and company registration, we have greatly improved efficiency for our stakeholders. This digital transformation has streamlined operations, making it easier and more convenient to conduct business in our country,” said Minister Ziyambi.
He said in addition to the technological advancements by JSC, the ministry also spearheaded the implementation of the Presidential Title Deeds and Settlement Regularisation Programme.
“This landmark initiative has empowered our most vulnerable groups by granting them property rights. This is a feat that was unprecedented until the inception of the Second Republic,” said Minister Ziyambi.
“Another significant accomplishment of our ministry has been the successful coordination and collaboration with the Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe to raise awareness on property rights issues through the National Real Estate Day,”
Minister Ziyambi said this year marked the third anniversary of the event, which is part of the policies he introduced to educate the nation on issues to do with property rights.
“The National Real Estate Day is not just a day of recognition. It’s a platform for education, discussion, and action, and serves as a reminder of the importance of property rights in our society and our commitment to upholding them,” he said.
“This enterprise is yet another testament to our dedication to promoting property rights and educating our people.”
Minister Ziyambi said Zimbabwe, under the Second Republic, is enjoying major achievements in accessing and delivering justice to all as envisioned in the National Development Strategy 1.
“As we move forward, let us serve as the guardians of our nation’s legal and moral compass, and the work we do has a profound impact on the lives of every citizen and resident in our country. The journey of justice is not an easy one, it is filled with challenges and obstacles,” he said.
“But it is our unity, our shared commitment to justice that serves as our greatest strength.”
Minister Ziyambi said JSC has made noteworthy progress in enhancing infrastructure across the country to bring justice closer to the people.
This includes the construction and opening of new courts, the rehabilitation of existing ones, and the establishment of new courts in remote areas.
Minister Ziyambi said JSC has made inroads to ensure equal access to justice for all by providing free legal assistance and services through the Legal Aid Directorate.
He said the programme bears testimony to the Second Republic’s commitment to social justice and the fundamental principle of equality before the law.
“In our unwavering pursuit of justice for all, we are now in the process of further decentralisation to the district level. The decentralisation of legal aid is a top priority for us during this term,” said Minister Ziyambi.
“By bringing these services closer to the people, we aim to empower our citizens, promote justice, and enhance the rule of law.”
Minister Ziyambi said JSC was entrusted with the task of providing alternatives to the detention of minors.
“We firmly believe that incarceration should be a measure of last resort. This belief is particularly pertinent when dealing with juvenile offenders,” he said.
“Through the implementation of the Pre-Trial Diversion programme, we have successfully delivered counselling services to minors, as well as their parents or guardians. This initiative is aimed at preventing future criminal behaviour and offering a proactive approach to justice.”
Minister Ziyambi said JSC is making significant efforts in the fight against corruption.
“In the past year, we have made significant progress in our fight against corruption through the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Prosecuting Authority. We have tirelessly worked to ensure that justice is served to all individuals, regardless of their status or influence,” he said.
“Furthermore, we have made substantial strides in reforming our criminal justice system, making it more transparent, accountable, and fair.”
Minister Ziyambi said the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has obtained ‘A’ status accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and has since expanded its reach throughout the country.
“The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission has also scaled up resolving the legacy of conflict in our country. It has organised meetings for sub-regional conflict prevention and non-recurrence Thematic Committees and Provincial Peace Committees,” he said.
“It has raised awareness about drugs and substance abuse in schools and communities. Drugs have become an albatross on the necks of our youth and we must take action to eradicate this scourge on our society. Therefore, let me take this opportunity to remind the nation that illegal drugs carry severe penalties, including custodial sentences,” said Minister Ziyambi.
Online Reporter