Five newly appointed commissioners of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) were sworn into office in Harare, yesterday.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Luke Malaba, who administered the oath of office to Dr Noah Maringe, Mr Valentine Mutatu, Mr Lison Ncube, Mr Bothwell Nyajeka and Ms Alice Chipo Nyamugama.
In a statement, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said the appointment of the five commissioners is expected to bolster the Judicial Service Commission’s ability to discharge both its constitutional and statutory obligations.
“Today, five new JSC Commissioners were sworn in during a ceremony, in Harare, presided over by Chief Justice E. Gwaunza. The appointees are Dr Noah Maringe, Mr Valentine Mutatu, Mr Lison Ncube, Mr Bothwell Nyajeka and Ms Alice Chipo Nyamugama,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry noted that the commissioners will assume responsibilities that extend beyond their statutory functions by serving in an advisory capacity, a move aimed at enhancing institutional effectiveness within the commission.
“In addition to their statutory functions, the commissioners will also serve in an advisory capacity, and this is expected to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to execute its constitutional mandate,” the Ministry said.
The Judicial Service Commission is constitutionally mandated to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the judiciary and the efficient, effective and transparent administration of justice in Zimbabwe.
Among its key functions are advising the Government on matters relating to the judiciary and the administration of justice, managing judicial officers and staff of the courts, and safeguarding the institutional independence of the country’s courts.
The appointment of the new commissioners comes at a time when the judiciary continues to implement reforms aimed at improving access to justice and enhancing the efficiency of the country’s court system.
