The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
LABOUR officers and trade unionists from across the country have started receiving training on operating the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) in preparation for the full operationalisation of the new paperless court system.
The system is expected to go live on February 1, 2023.
IECMS is a web-based case management system that automates and tracks all aspects of the case life cycle, from initial filing through disposition, appeal and judgement.
The training programme is being led by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Speaking during the train-the-trainer workshop in Harare on Tuesday, JSC head of corporate services Mr Daniel Nemukuyu said the IECMS will enable courts to enter the digital age.
“This innovation will not only reduce physical contact but will also increase efficiency in the judiciary and ensure that the Judicial Service Commission lives up to its vision to provide world-class justice for all,” he said.
“As this system comes into full operation on February 1, it is important for Government labour officers and trade unionists alike to be equipped with adequate ICT skills that will allow them to utilise the Integrated Electronic Case Management System with ease.”
Mr Nemukuyu said the digitalisation programme is being executed in phases, with the first phase having been launched in May last year when the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court and the Commercial Division Court were integrated within the system.
Medical Professional and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Mrs Tecla Barangwe commended the development.
“We are happy to be part of this training. As Zimbabwe, we were quite backward in terms of technology, and the introduction of e-filing is a welcome development,” she said.
“is no longer need for one to travel whenever they want to file their court cases for this is now possible from everywhere you are.”
National Employment Council for the brickmaking industry general secretary Mrs Tendai Makavani said the old system left room for people involved with the cases to temper with the files and destroy evidence.
“We applaud the introduction of the IECMS. It was long overdue.
“The world is moving towards digitalisation. Work is going to be made easier as the click of a button gives access to everything you need,” she said.
“Above all, we had cases whereby papers get lost and people would end up losing trust with the judiciary system.”
