Judiciary, Zimbabwe has successfully launched the digitalization of all 16 magistrates’ courts in Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces under Phase 4:2 of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS).

This transformative initiative, which builds on the success of earlier phases, promises to revolutionize the nation’s judicial system by enhancing efficiency, reducing corruption, and making justice more accessible to all citizens through cutting-edge digital solutions.

“The IECMS is designed to streamline case management processes, reduce delays, and ensure secure, accessible court records,” said the Judicial Service Commission.

By transitioning to a paperless system, the initiative eliminates printing and photocopying costs, reduces travel expenses through virtual civil court sessions, and saves time by improving communication.

Court users will receive real-time updates on case progress via email or text messages, ensuring greater transparency and engagement. This system is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s judicial landscape.

The IECMS not only accelerates judicial proceedings but also provides critical data analytics to inform policy and decision-making, while significantly reducing opportunities for corruption,” said the Judicial Service Commission statement

Key features of the IECMS include e-payment of court fees, e-filing of case documents, online case tracking, virtual court hearings, and accessible judgments.

“To maintain professional integrity, lawyers must be cleared by the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) to register on the platform, ensuring that only verified legal practitioners can participate,” mentioned in the statement.

The digitalization effort follows the successful implementation of Phase 4:1 on July 1, 2025, which brought magistrates’ courts in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North online.

With this launch, ten court stations in Masvingo and six in Matabeleland South are now fully digital. The initiative is set to expand to Mashonaland East and Manicaland under Phase 4:3, with plans to cover all remaining provinces in the near future.

This milestone reflects the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ), Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission(ZPCS). Their collective commitment has been instrumental in driving this ambitious project forward.

“The digitalization of our magistrates’ courts is a testament to Zimbabwe’s dedication to building a modern, transparent, and accessible justice system.

We are confident that the IECMS will continue to deliver tangible benefits to court users and the public at large,” the JSC added.

As Zimbabwe progresses toward a fully digital judicial framework, the IECMS is poised to set a new standard for efficiency and accountability, ensuring justice is more accessible to all citizens paving way for a future where technology and justice work hand in hand to serve all its people.

The successful rollout of the IECMS signals a brighter, more accountable era for the nation’s courts, fostering trust and accessibility for generations to come.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday presided over the fourth graduation ceremony of Gwanda State University (GSU), held at the institution’s Epoch Mine Campus in Matabeleland South Province.

A total of 69 students graduated under the theme “Skilled Human Capital Development: A Catalyst for Innovation, Industrialisation and Commercialisation.” Of these, 51 were male and 18 female, drawn from the Faculties of Engineering and Environment, and Natural Resources Management and Agriculture.

GSU was granted university status through an Act of Parliament in 2016 after operating as a college under the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). Since then, it has expanded to three faculties: Engineering and Environment, Natural Resources Management and Agriculture, and Business Science and Management.

The university’s growth aligns with the government’s Education 5.0 policy, which seeks to transform higher education into a driver of innovation, industrialisation and commercialisation. Officials say the institution continues to play a key role in producing skilled graduates for the country’s economic development.

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Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has warned local authorities against using proceeds from the sale of residential stands to pay salaries without government approval.

Addressing a meeting in Marondera attended by chief executive officers, councillors, traditional leaders, District Development Coordinators (DDCs), and Rural District Councils, Minister Garwe reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening governance.

He stressed the need to prioritise service delivery and collaboration across all tiers of local governance.

“Our communities look to us for leadership, accountability, and solutions. This meeting is about strengthening our collective resolve to deliver clean water, modern infrastructure, effective waste management, and functional service delivery systems that transform livelihoods,” he said.

Minister Garwe expressed concern over the misuse of state funds, cautioning councils against diverting stand proceeds towards salaries without ministerial approval. He emphasised that such resources should instead be channelled towards essential services such as road construction, water supply, and other basic needs.

“Our people continue to live in settlements with dusty roads instead of tarred ones because resources meant for development are being misused,” he added.

The Minister also warned against corruption involving councillors and executives, noting that unethical practices erode public trust. He called for integrity and accountability, urging stakeholders to shun the abuse of power and resources.

He condemned the unauthorised publication of council documents on social media, stressing that such actions compromise the integrity of council operations.

“The Government will not tolerate such behaviour in public offices. All communication must be done through appropriate channels,” said Minister Garwe.

He further highlighted that chiefs are the custodians of all communal land and must be consulted and involved in decision-making whenever development projects are undertaken.

The Minister urged councils to embrace transparency and uphold prudent financial management, reminding them that service delivery must always be people-centred. He also commended traditional leaders for their role in preserving culture, promoting social cohesion, and ensuring peace within communities.

Traditional leaders expressed gratitude to the Government for including them in decision-making platforms and reaffirmed their commitment to working with councillors and DDCs in resolving land disputes, safeguarding the environment, and supporting rural development projects.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for councillors and DDCs to share the challenges they face, ranging from limited financial resources to the need for improved road networks, schools, and health facilities.

Minister Garwe assured stakeholders that the Government was attending to their concerns and reaffirmed its support through the devolution fund and other infrastructure development programmes.

He urged civic leaders to mobilise communities to pay their dues, emphasising that revenue generation is key to sustaining quality services. “It is the responsibility of all of us here to ensure communities support councils by paying what is due,” he said.

The Minister directed councils to complete outstanding projects before embarking on new ones and to ensure equity in project identification by prioritising marginalised wards.

Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA) president, Cde Aaron Shamu, welcomed the renewed momentum brought by the Ministry’s drive for quality service delivery. He added that a review of councillors’ allowances would boost morale and effectiveness, ultimately empowering communities.

By the close of the meeting, a renewed sense of cooperation and shared responsibility was evident among all attendees. Minister Garwe urged leaders to return to their communities with a “spirit of action and accountability,” noting that the success of local governance directly impacts the prosperity of the nation.

The Marondera interface was hailed as a milestone dialogue, reaffirming the central role of councils, administrators, and traditional leaders in building resilient, inclusive, and prosperous communities across Zimbabwe.

Also present at the event were the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Province, Mr Tavabarira Kutamahufa; Chief Director of Local Authorities and Inspectorate, Ms Khonzani Ncube; Acting Chief Director of Traditional Leadership Support Services, Mr Fungai Mbetsa; mayors, town clerks, CEOs, DDCs, councillors, traditional leaders, and other senior government officials.