Chief Justice Peter Shivute has called for strategic directions and forums that will not only influence the operations of the Office of the Judiciary but will also strengthen its capacity to serve as a pillar of constitutional governance.

Shivute was speaking at the opening of the weeklong workshop underway in Otjiwarongo.

 The planning workshop is meant to give reflections on the institution's progress, assessment of the present goals, and definition of the institution's way forward, including adopting the new strategic plan. 

"This workshop has been convened to achieve several interrelated objectives. This includes the terminal review of the strategic plan of the period 2017-2018 to 2021-2022 and its extended implementation through 2024-2025. It also provides an opportunity for an assessment of the institutional mandate and the refinement of direction, including mission and core values. 

Other key initiatives to be addressed are the Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Criminal Justice Sector (Plea Bargaining) and the Integrated Court Case Management System. 

Justice Shivute further called on participants to ensure the judiciary's functions contribute to national priorities related to good governance, institutional performance, and access to justice.