Rule of law, justice integral to thriving society
Veteran lawyer (VN) was recently appointed by President Mnangagwa the new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. She replaced Mrs Virginia Mabiza, who became the country’s first female Attorney-General. (TR) spoke to Mrs Nyemba about her appointment and plans going forward.
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TR : You have been appointed Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary. What does this appointment mean to you? VN
: Assuming the role of Permanent Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs is a profound honour, as this is a position of great responsibility. This appointment signifies a recognition of my expertise, dedication and commitment to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law. It also represents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the legal and parliamentary systems of our nation. It is a chance to make a lasting impact by ensuring that justice is accessible to all, that the legal framework is robust and fair, and that our parliamentary processes are transparent and accountable.
As the Permanent Secretary, I see myself as a guardian of justice, entrusted with the task of fostering a legal and parliamentary environment that safeguards the rights and interests of our citizens. It is a chance to shape policies, enact reforms and champion the values that underpin a just and equitable society.
This appointment also brings with it a sense of humility and a deep understanding of the weight of responsibilities bestowed upon me.
It is a calling to serve the people, to ensure that their voices are heard, and to uphold the principles of justice without compromise.
I am committed to working diligently with my colleagues, legal professionals and stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the legal and parliamentary landscape. Together, we will strive to build a system that instils confidence, promotes accountability and protects the rights of all individuals. In essence, this appointment is a testament to my lifelong commitment to the pursuit of justice and betterment of our legal and parliamentary institutions. I am eager to embark on this journey, ready to face the challenges ahead and determined to make a positive and lasting impact on our justice system and the lives of our fellow citizens.
TR : Can you outline the significance of your appointment? VN
: My appointment as the Permanent Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs carries immense significance on various levels.
Allow me to outline the key aspects that make this appointment significant:
As the Permanent Secretary, I become a central figure in the leadership and governance of the justice, legal and parliamentary systems. This appointment signifies the trust and confidence placed in me to guide and steer these crucial sectors towards achieving their objectives effectively.
1. Leadership and governance: 2. Policy formulation and implementation:
I am entrusted with the responsibility of formulating and implementing policies that shape the legal and parliamentary landscape. This allows me to influence the direction and development of legal frameworks, ensuring they align with the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law.
3. Access to justice:
One of the primary goals of my appointment is to enhance access to justice for all individuals. I have the opportunity to implement measures that ensure equal access to legal services, promote legal aid initiatives and strengthen the judicial system. This is particularly significant as it contributes to a more equitable society.
4. Institutional reforms:
As the Permanent Secretary, I can initiate and oversee institutional reforms within the justice, legal and parliamentary sectors. This involves bringing about changes that improve efficiency, transparency and accountability, as well as fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
5. Collaboration and stakeholder engagement:
My appointment provides a platform to foster collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders, including legal professionals, Government agencies, civil society organisations and the public. By working together, we can collectively address challenges, develop effective solutions and ensure the interests of all stakeholders are represented.
6. Promoting the rule of
Upholding rule of law is a fundamental aspect of my role. By
law:
enforcing and promoting the rule of law, I can contribute to a just and orderly society where rights are protected, disputes are resolved fairly and institutions function in accordance with established legal frameworks.
Overall, the significance of my appointment lies in the opportunity it presents to make a lasting impact on the justice, legal and parliamentary systems. By exercising effective leadership, implementing strategic policies and fostering collaboration, I seek to contribute to a society where justice prevails, the rule of law is upheld and the rights of individuals are safeguarded.
TR: Which areas of the legal fraternity will you lend urgent attention to as you commence your new duties? VN
: As I commence my new duties, I will direct my urgent attention to several key areas within the legal fraternity. These areas require immediate focus and action to address pressing issues and bring about positive change. Here are the areas that will be at the forefront of my agenda:
1. Access to justice:
Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, have equal access to justice is of paramount importance. I will work towards enhancing access to legal services, promoting legal aid initiatives and exploring ways to streamline and expedite the judicial process. This includes addressing issues such as case backlog, court congestion and the availability of legal resources.
The legal landscape is ever-evolving and it is crucial to constantly review and update our laws to keep pace with societal changes and emerging challenges. I will prioritise legal reforms, focusing on areas such as human rights, criminal justice, commercial law and family law. These reforms will be aimed at enhancing efficiency, fairness and effectiveness within the legal system.
2. Legal reforms: 3. Justice sector administration:
Efficient administration is vital for the smooth functioning of the justice sector. I will pay particular attention to the administrative aspects — including court management, technological advancements, capacity-building and professional development for legal professionals. By strengthening the administrative framework, we can enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the justice system.
4. Alternative dispute resolution:
Exploring and promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration are crucial to relieve the burden on courts and provide a more accessible and timely resolution of disputes. I will encourage using these mechanisms, develop frameworks and collaborate with stakeholders to establish effective alternative dispute resolution systems.