Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE Master of the High Court has opened a new office in Victoria Falls in a historic development that feeds into the transformation of Matabeleland North Province under the Second Republic.
For decades, residents of Matabeleland North had to endure travelling more than 400 kilometres to Bulawayo to access services offered by the Master of the High Court.
That long and costly journey is now a thing of the past, thanks to the government’s inclusive development thrust.
“This office is going to make a big difference. Travelling to Bulawayo was a huge burden. Now we can handle our legal matters right here,” said one resident.
“We are grateful that the government is bringing services to the people. The opening of this office will ease the burden of travelling long distances to Bulawayo, which was straining us financially,” added another.
Another residents said the office would assist vulnerable groups.
“We are especially hopeful that this office will assist the elderly, widows, and orphaned children in our communities and bring other key services to our province.”
Master of the High Court of Zimbabwe, Mr Eldard Mutasa, said the initiative is in line with the government’s decentralisation policy under Vision 2030.
“We should not leave anyone behind. Government services should be brought to the people. In that spirit, it was found prudent to decentralise into all provinces and districts. People in this community and surrounding areas no longer have to travel long distances to get these services. Services should be found at their doorsteps,” he said.
Mr Mutasa revealed that Matabeleland South is next in line.
“Our next target is Matabeleland South, and I’m confident we will be operational there before the end of the year,” he said.
The establishment of the Victoria Falls office is part of the Second Republic’s broader decentralisation plan under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), with a clear focus on inclusivity, quality service delivery and access to justice for all.
The Office of the Master of the High Court plans to cover all 10 provinces by 2026, ensuring no Zimbabwean is left behind.
