Ch i e f Ju s t i ce R i z i n e Mzikamanda has encouraged Malawians to give the Judiciary feedback on their experiences in using courts to help improve service delivery and strengthen confidence in the justice system.
The country’s top judge, speaking yesterday during the Judiciary Open Day at St. Augustine 3 Primary School, Senior Chief Mponda in Mangochi District, said the Judiciary is on a transformational path towards becoming more open, transparent, accountable, independent and people-centred; hence, organising the event.
“We want people to freely express their concerns about the courts because such feedback helps us improve the delivery of justice and strengthen public confidence in the justice system,” said Mzikamanda.
change the narrative.
| Ayamba Kandodo
He said the Judiciary is also using the Open-Days to correct misconceptions about court operations and help people better understand the justice system.
“We want to change the narrative that the Judiciary is a mysterious and secretive institution by showing that everyone has the constitutional right to access justice on the basis of equality before the law,” said Mzikamanda.
He acknowledged the growing case backlog in courts, but said the Judiciary is implementing measures to reduce delays and improve service delivery.
“The Judiciary is expanding court circuit initiatives, promoting electronic courts, constructing new court infrastructure and working with partners to bring justice services closer to rural communities,” said Mzikamanda.
He said the Open-Day programme, launched in October 2023, aims to promote transparency, public participation and awareness of court processes while collecting public views to improve the administration of justice.
Senior Chief Mponda commended the Judiciary for taking the Open- Day to Mangochi, describing it as an important step in helping people understand their legal rights.
“This initiative has opened people’s eyes to their rights and where they should seek justice whenever those rights are violated,” said the chief.
In recent years, the Judiciary has come under scrutiny over case backlogs, allegations of corruption against some judicial officers and delayed conclusion of cases which critics argue undermine justice delivery.
The open day was held under the theme ‘Access to justice: The right
