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CCZ hails the decentralisation of the small claims courts
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ)
August 22, 2006

The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) would like to applaud the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in the decentralisation of the Small Claims Courts to all provinces in the country.

As a consumer watchdog we believe this move will go a long way in making consumer redress mechanisms accessible to consumers throughout the country. Consumers have been suffering at the hands of unruly elements in the absence of courts to mitigate in small claims disputes. The decentralisation of the Small Claims Courts is a positive development which will aid consumers in having their disputes resolved.

Since the inaugural opening of the Small Claims Courts, CCZ had been lobbying the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to decentralise the Small Claims Courts and make them accessible to all consumers throughout the country. Small Claims Courts had been initially established in Bulawayo and Harare, and were recently decentralised to the remaining provinces.

CCZ urges consumers to fully utilise these courts for their protection. It would be a shame for CCZ as consumer representative, to have succeeded in the lobbying for the decentralisation and only have a few consumers making use of them. The Small Claims Courts handle disputes involving small amounts with the maximum being $15 000.00 (revalued). CCZ successfully lobbied for the establishment of the Small Claims Courts in the early 90s (established in 1992).

Consumers can contact CCZ to find out more details on how they can access the Small Claims Courts and how they will help them.

Consumers should make use of the courts as these compliment the CCZ’s mandate to ensure that consumers are represented and the complaints handling done by the watchdog. Consumers can report any abuse of their rights or get to learn more on their rights as consumers by contacting CCZ free of charge on the Consumer Hotline 0801 2222 280

Background information on the Small Claims Court
The Small Claims Courts were established in 1992 through an Act of Parliament. They adjudicate on small civil claims.

They allow for consumers to gain recourse, through the judicial system by asserting their rights without complexities and strict rules and practices associated with and characteristic of legal systems the world over.

The Small Claims Courts has jurisdiction in respect of all persons who carry out business, are employed in or not where the cause of action arose within its province. It has jurisdiction in respect of cases involving:

• Delivery of movable property
• Arrears of rentals for property within the province
• Ejectment proceeding against the occupier
• Proceeds from cheque or acknowledgment of debt

Visit the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe fact sheet

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