Story by Wellington Makonese
THE Judiciary has officially opened the 2026 Legal Year, reaffirming its role in safeguarding the rule of law, strengthening governance and supporting economic stability, as it begins implementation of a new four-year strategic plan aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Chief Justice Luke Malaba presided over the national opening ceremony in Harare on Monday, attended by senior judicial officers and key stakeholders from across the justice delivery system.
In his address, Chief Justice Malaba reflected on progress made during the final year of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Strategic Plan 2021-2025, which was aligned with NDS1. He noted that the period had been marked by institutional reforms aimed at improving efficiency, access to justice and service delivery.
“The occasion enables the Judiciary to communicate with the nation, articulate its vision for the administration of justice, and interact with all stakeholders for the first time in the new Legal Year. The year 2025 was marked by significant transformative developments, including the continued decentralisation of the courts, expanded implementation of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), investment in staff welfare and training, and the strengthening of institutional frameworks that support the work of the courts,” he said.
Chief Justice Malaba noted that many of the initiatives outlined under the previous Strategic Plan, such as court decentralisation and the digitisation of processes, had largely been achieved, laying a firm foundation for the new planning cycle.
Anchored on the Judicial Service Commission’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan are objectives of strengthening governance, protecting investments accountability, upholding the rule of law and the adoption of new technology, including Artificial Intelligence.
“The principal question the Judiciary must consistently pose is how judicial service is to be organised and managed so that it meets these standards in practice. Objectivity, measurability, and lawful accountability are indispensable. The quality, inclusivity, and sustainability of judicial services must be demonstrable through verifiable data and transparent processes. Performance management and technology are not ends in themselves but critical tools to achieve these objectives. They will be deployed within strict governance frameworks and constitutional safeguards to protect judicial independence and strengthen public trust,” Chief Justice Malaba said.
Stakeholders in the justice sector have welcomed the reform trajectory, citing that a credible and efficient judicial system is central to economic confidence, social and improved access to justice.
“The major takeaways from this are how he spoke volumes about access to justice and the rule of law being at the core of the new. Improved infrastructure and access to technology,” Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission’s Chairperson, Commissioner Jessie Majome said.
“The ethical functions of the sector were emphasised, justice is delivered without bias, it is a critical issue which will also affect other areas, and how we adapt to new technology. The IECMS, being taken to other areas, will increase access to justice,” Advocate Method Ndlovu said.
“What has been made clear is how the sector ought to operate within the confines of the constitution for the people,” Advocate Joshua John Chirambwe added.
As the 2026 Legal Year unfolds, attention now turns to implementation and measurable outcomes in accordance with the four-year strategy and the National Development Strategy 2, to ensure access to judicial services for all.
