27 Jan 2019

The Chief Justice (CJ), Mr Terence Rannowane has implored judicial officers to act in a manner that preserves public confidence.

Speaking at a one-day retreat on the overview of organisational blue print for chief magistrates, magistrates and heads of stations in Palapye, Justice Rannowane said the judicial conduct was central to preservation of public confidence.

Their conduct inside and outside the court, he said, must be in a manner that preserved public confidence.

Justice Rannowane said officers should  give their judicial duties precedence over all other activities and not to engage in any actions, which could interfer with or compromise their duties.

“You must be perceived to be honourable individuals throughout your judicial careers as public confidence in the judiciary is undermined whenever judicial officers are perceived to have been handicapped in their ability to decide matters independently and impartially,” he said.

Justice Rannowane said officers should respect time and be on duty for the stipulated hours and also to respect court schedules pronounced in court, delivering well-reasoned and researched judgements within the set turnaround times.

He further said the judicial commission had taken a decision that the progression of magistrates be based on performance agreements or contracts fully reviewed and not just on confidential performance report.

“We believe this approach will engender the implementation of our organsational strategy and the realisation of our vision. I have spent all my professional life within the administration of justice and believe this puts me in a better stead of appreciating the fundamental issues and how they can be tackled in the quest of achieving a world class judiciary by 2036,” he stated.

With regard to the condition of service and remuneration, housing, promotions, progressions, training, transfers and dilapidated court facilities together with worn out furniture, Justice Rannowane said he would ensure that they were given priority and addressed during his tenure.

He said that restructuring ensured that the organisation met emerging demands and trends of the 21st century, adding “We intend to compliment and refine the restructuring architectural model.”

He also said they were considering the enhancement of jurisdiction by creating two more regional magistrate positions and one chief magistrate position to enhance efficiency and service delivery. ENDS