Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has applauded the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Competition and Tariff Commission of Zimbabwe (CTCZ) as well as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) for the decision to capacitate judicial officers.

The President’s commendation was done at the ‘End of Second Term Judges Symposium’ held in Victoria Falls today.

“Legal instruments are in themselves, a vital cog and essential pillar towards driving sustainable socio-economic development of our great motherland, Zimbabwe and the region as a whole.

“I applaud the Judicial Service Commission, Competition and Tariff Commission of Zimbabwe as well as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa for the decision to capacitate judicial officers on the ever evolving nature of competition law and related policies,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude over the judicial sector highlighting that the later continues to comply with the constitutional requirement through the symposium.

He further said that the retreat provides the judicial sector an opportunity to review court operations and proffer solutions to the challenges affecting the courts in line with Sections 165; Subsection 7 of the Constitution.

“The retreat provides the judicial sector an opportunity to review court operations, proffer solutions to the challenges affecting the courts, as well as capacitating the judges on the ever evolving judicial and law ecosystem.

“This is in keeping with the provisions of Section 165; Subsection 7 of our national Constitution which requires the judiciary to take reasonable steps to maintain and enhance their professional knowledge, skills and leadership qualities,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa said that competition law was now essential in all sectors of the economy as it encourages competition and creates opportunities for every citizen to participate in the economic activities.

“As you are aware, Competition law is meant to encourage and promote competition in all sectors of the economy. It creates opportunities for every citizen to participate in the economic activities of our country.

“Competition and consumer protection laws are, therefore, key enablers of free, open and liberalized trade between countries and for regional integration,” said the President.

Competition law is important in the nation`s drive towards the speedy realization of Vision 2030 of becoming a prosperous and empowered upper middle income economy.