Lusaka, August 2024 – The Judiciary of Zambia, on Thursday, 8th August, 2024, held a significant tripartite event at the Supreme Court grounds in Lusaka, bringing together three pivotal initiatives: a Public Open Day, the launch of the 2024 Mediation Settlement Week, and the official unveiling of the Institutional Communications Strategy. Each of these components representing a crucial step towards enhancing transparency, efficiency, and public engagement within our judiciary.
In his keynote address, His Lordship, the Hon. Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila, SC, emphasised the importance of these initiatives, noting that opening the courts to public inspection and actively engaging in the exchange of information were essential pillars of a functioning democracy. He stated, “Much is to be gained, both for the Judiciary and for our democracy, when the institution engages in vigorous and unfettered communication with the public, thereby deepening their understanding of the justice system.”
The Chief Justice emphasized the significance of clear communication, averring that by providing information on issues such as the availability of legal aid and general court procedures, the Judiciary empowers the public to seek justice with a clear understanding of their objectives. “Moreover,” he added, “as an institution, we have a duty to be transparent and open to public scrutiny, like all other institutions and individuals in a democratic society.”
The event also highlighted the 2024 Mediation Settlement Week, which will span an entire month. In many African jurisdictions, including Zambia, the promotion and use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation, have become a constitutional mandate. By promoting mediation, the Judiciary aims to alleviate the burden on our courts and provide a platform for parties to reach mutually beneficial agreements, thereby enhancing the efficiency of our judicial system.
Expanding on the benefits of mediation, Justice Abha Patel, SC, Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Court Annexed Mediation and Delay Reduction, remarked, “Mediation extends beyond merely resolving disputes; it empowers individuals and communities to devise solutions that are both effective and sustainable. Furthermore, mediation upholds confidentiality, protecting parties from the public exposure often associated with litigation. It is also a cost-effective process, mitigating the financial, temporal, and emotional burdens typically linked with court proceedings.”
At the same event, the Judiciary hosted an interactive media briefing with journalists to address various concerns. Notable among the questions raised was the broadcasting of court proceedings, which will be implemented once the regulatory framework is established to allow for the broadcasting of selected cases.
Finally, the official launch of our Communications Strategy underscores the Judiciary’s commitment to improving how we engage with its various publics and stakeholders. The strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to ensuring that information about the judiciary is accessible, clear, and timely, thereby fostering a more informed and engaged public, an essential component for the administration of justice.
