ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi on Friday swore in newly appointed High Court judges and the Chairperson of the Public Leaders’ Ethics Commission, who vowed to uphold justice, integrity and accountability in serving the public.
The officials made the commitment shortly after taking their oaths at a ceremony held at State House in Zanzibar, where they thanked Dr Mwinyi for entrusting them with the responsibility of serving the people.
Those sworn in were Mr Valentine Andrew Katema and Mr Khamis Ali Simai as Judges of the High Court of Zanzibar, Ms Josephine Rogate Kimaro as Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, and Dr Mahadhi Juma Maalim as Chairperson of the Zanzibar Public Leaders’ Ethics Commission.
The ceremony was attended by senior government leaders, including Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Clerk of the House of Representatives Zubeir Ali Maulid, Chief Secretary and Secretary to the Revolutionary Council Mansura Mossi Kassim, Attorney General Talib Mwinyi Talib, Chief Justice Khamis Ramadhan Abdalla, religious leaders and security officials.
Dr Mahadhi said the Ethics Commission would focus on ensuring public leaders adhere to professional and ethical standards while carrying out their duties.
He said the commission would prioritise public awareness on leadership ethics, strengthen monitoring systems and promote compliance with laws, regulations and public service values.
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“As part of my initial steps, I will engage key stakeholders to gather their views and deepen my understanding of the institution through official documents and reports,” he said.
Dr Mahadhi said the consultations would help the commission develop an effective implementation plan while ensuring strict adherence to legal requirements.
Meanwhile, High Court Judge Mr Khamis Ali Simai pledged to promote timely justice delivery, saying delays in handling cases can deny citizens their fundamental rights.
“The courts remain the last refuge for citizens seeking justice. It is our duty to ensure cases are handled expeditiously and decided within a reasonable time,” he said.
Judge Simai said the judiciary was working to improve efficiency through the introduction of the e-court system, which has enhanced service delivery and widened access to justice.
He added that cases involving abuse require special attention to ensure victims receive timely justice.
“There is no room for favouritism in the delivery of justice. Our duty is to uphold the law fairly and impartially, as society has placed great trust in us,” he said.
For his part, Judge Valentine Andrew Katema pledged to uphold professional ethics and legal principles, emphasising that courts must operate within established legal procedures.
“You cannot act outside established procedures. Justice is upheld by following the law, and that is what protects the fundamental rights of citizens,” he said.
He urged citizens to use legal channels when seeking justice and encouraged witnesses to participate in court proceedings by providing evidence.