Section 188: Conditions of service and tenure of members of judiciary
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) Judges are entitled to the salaries, allowances and other benefits fixed from time to time by the Judicial Service Commission with the approval of the President given after consultation with the Minister responsible for justice and on the recommendation of the Minister responsible for finance.
(2) An Act of Parliament must provide for the conditions of service of judicial officers other than judges and must ensure that their promotion, transfer and dismissal, and any disciplinary steps taken against them, take place—
(a) with the approval of the Judicial Service Commission; and
(b) in a fair and transparent manner and without fear, favour or prejudice.
(3) The salaries, allowances and other benefits of members of the judiciary are a charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
(4) The salaries, allowances and other benefits of members of the judiciary must not be reduced while they hold or act in the office concerned.
PART 3
JUDICIAL S ERVICE COMMISSION
Insight: Judiciary Financial Independence and Job Security
This section establishes crucial safeguards for judicial independence in Zimbabwe. By having judges' compensation approved through a multi-stakeholder process (Judicial Service Commission, President, and Ministers), placing their salaries as direct charges on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and prohibiting salary reductions during tenure, the constitution creates financial independence that helps protect judges from political pressure. This financial autonomy is a fundamental element of separation of powers, allowing judges to make decisions without fear of economic retaliation.