JSC appeals for more funding

THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has urged the Government to timely disburse funds to ease financial constraints and guarantee an effective justice delivery system.

Th JSC which revealed that it lost several critical staff members last year due to remuneration concerns, said it is yet to complete some key projects such as court buildings across the country.

Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza said the commission wanted to expedite the completion of these outstanding projects hence its appeal to Government speed up the disbursement of funds.

Addressing officials and guests at the opening of the 2024 legal year at the Bulawayo High Court on Monday, Justice Gwaunza said salaries for most JSC workers were below the poverty datum line.

“The JSC’s activities were not smooth sailing throughout 2023. Staff turnover remained a cause for concern. The economic climate adversely affected the remuneration levels for the majority of the members of the judicial service, which fell below the poverty datum line,” she said.

Justice Gwaunza said that inevitably led to a high staff turnover, especially in the lower ranks of the organization.

“Against that background, the Government is implored to continue supporting the JSC’s initiatives to ensure that the conditions of service for members of staff involved in the administration of justice continue to improve,” she said.

Justice Gwaunza said the retention of experienced employees is integral to the efficient discharge of the JSC’s constitutional mandate.

“Whilst the JSC is grateful for the support rendered by Treasury during the period under review, the timeous and consistent disbursement of funds will assist in ensuring effective justice delivery for all and the completion of the outstanding projects,” she said.

Justice Gwaunza said construction of court houses were at different stages of completion at Mutawatawa, Chiredzi, Gwanda and Cowdray Park in Bulawayo.

She said among JSC’s milestones was the construction of the Epworth Magistrates Court, which was officially opened by President Mnangagwa last March.

The project comprises a main court structure with two courtrooms, a cell block, separate ablution facilities, a witness shed and two onsite boreholes.

“Another magistrates’ court house was commissioned at Chikombedzi by the Chief Magistrate Mrs Faith Mushure in October last year to cater for the local inhabitants of the area,” said Justice Gwaunza.

She said it has one main court structure with a single courtroom.

At Chegutu and Mbare, the construction of additional courtrooms is underway, with one of the courtrooms earmarked as a regional magistrates’ court.

“These projects will be completed this year,” said Dr Gwaunza.

She said enhancing the effectiveness of the judiciary was critical as it buttresses constitutionalism and standards of behaviour imposed on every citizen.

“By interpreting and applying the law without discrimination and in a transparent manner, the courts ensure that the fundamental role of the constitution as the driver of a just, harmonious and peaceful society is fulfilled,” said Justice Gwaunza.

She said in order to uphold the rule of law, processes and decisions of the judiciary in dispensing justice must adhere to the principles of fairness, equality, impartiality and legality.

“It must be noted that the relationship between the judiciary and the constitution in this regard is dynamic and evolving process because courts are both a creation of the supreme law and its custodian,” said Justice Gwaunza.

“On the one hand, the courts have procedural and substantive laws that guide their operations in the exercise of the judicial authority yet on the other hand, the courts are ultimately responsible for preserving the sanctity of the supreme law.”