The Judiciary of Eswatini, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), continues to strengthen access to justice through the implementation of digital innovations in court processes. On [insert date], the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Henrik Franklin, and his delegation, accompanied by judicial officers, attended virtual remand court hearings at the Mbabane Magistrates Court.

The Mbabane Magistrates Court is equipped with modern digital infrastructure, including audio-visual screens, cameras, and secure digital links connecting directly to the Sidvwashini Remand Centre. This technology enables accused persons to appear before the court remotely while preserving the solemnity of judicial proceedings.

During the session, Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi presided over 14 cases. The accused, appearing virtually from the Sidvwashini Remand Centre, were informed of their next hearing dates, given an opportunity to raise health-related concerns, and heard bail-related applications. Proceedings were conducted professionally, with the same judicial standards as in-person appearances.

The virtual remand system has significantly enhanced efficiency. On average, the court processes between 50 and 60 cases weekly. Between January and June 2025, approximately 1,500 cases were heard using the system, contributing to notable reductions in time, costs, and security risks associated with the physical transfer of accused persons to and from court premises.

Following the proceedings, the UNDP delegation also visited the Sidvwashini Correctional Centre to assess the operational effectiveness of the virtual system and to explore opportunities for its further expansion.

UNDP has been instrumental in supporting this innovation, providing the technical and digital assistance required to establish the country’s first remote remand system in 2022. Since its inception, the Government of Eswatini has expanded the system to Manzini (Manzini Region) and Nhlangano (Shiselweni Region) in 2024, with further expansions planned for the Lubombo Region (Siteki and Big Bend) and Mawelawela.

This initiative demonstrates the Judiciary’s commitment to modernizing court processes and underscores the importance of collaborative partnerships with stakeholders such as UNDP and His Majesty's Correctional Services. The integration of digital systems into judicial operations continues to enhance efficiency, strengthen security, and improve access to justice for all.