HON. SEN. KOMICHI: Thank you very much, Hon. Chair. We have listened to what the Minister has just said, but I was struggling to understand the main reason for raising the age from 70 to 75. Is it the shortage of people in Zimbabwe? Is it the shortage of qualified judges in Zimbabwe? Surely, when a person reaches 70 years, he is old, mentally weak and physically weak in terms of undertaking real work.
We know in general people retire at 65 years, simply because they cannot carry out tough jobs. We all know the work of a judge needs a lot of reading and research. It is one of the toughest jobs we can ever have on earth to listen to arguments and cases, to follow arguments. We have had problems with age even at our homes, “kana wana sekuru wakura nanambuya.” It is very difficult for them to comprehend issues.
Currently, the world is under new technology. It is very difficult for old people to follow that. Even young men and women of my age in our 40s and 50s struggle to follow new technology. We know very well these days in the offices we are using these gadgets, computers, laptops, internet and everything else. With age, we have got challenges to comprehend Hon. Chair.
I have not seen or heard from you, Hon. Minister the reason why we should have the age extended for the judges because I am sure and confident that Zimbabwe itself carries a lot of judges highly educated; prominent men and women who can occupy those positions. It would be quite acceptable Minister, that if a person reaches 70 years, he or she packs their bags to the farm and do the farming. Thank you so much.
Amendment Bill No.2: Komichi speaks on Judges issue
Amendment Bill No.2: Komichi speaks on Judges issue