Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
THE country etched another milestone into its history books this week after President Mnangagwa appointed Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the country’s first-ever female Chief Justice, a development widely celebrated as a major victory for women’s empowerment and gender inclusion in leadership.
Posting on his official X handle on Thursday, President Mnangagwa said: “I have officially appointed Constitutional Court judge Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
“She succeeds Chief Justice Luke Malaba, whose dedicated service on the bench concluded yesterday after an illustrious 45-year judicial career. Having served with distinction as our Deputy Chief Justice since 2018, Justice Gwaunza takes over the leadership of the judiciary with immediate effect.
“Today, she breaks new ground as the first female Chief Justice in the history of Zimbabwe. Joining her in this leadership chapter is Justice Paddington Garwe, whom I have appointed to serve as the new Deputy Chief Justice. Both appointments, executed in terms of Section 180(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, bring unparalleled legal expertise and decades of judicial experience to our apex courts.
“Let us congratulate Justice Gwaunza and Justice Garwe as they lead our justice delivery system forward.”
The appointment has sparked applause from across society; from legal experts and politicians to international figures and ordinary citizens, with many describing it as a defining moment for the country’s judiciary and a strong statement on the role of women in nation-building.
For many observers, the rise of Chief Justice Gwaunza to the apex of the judiciary is not merely symbolic.
It reflects a broader transformation that has gathered pace under the Second Republic, where women are increasingly being entrusted with influential positions in Government, the courts and public institutions.
Chief Justice Gwaunza now joins a growing list of women occupying top offices within the country’s justice delivery system.
These include Prosecutor-General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, Attorney-GeneralMrs Virginia Mabiza, High Court Judge president Justice Mary Zimba-Dube and Chief Magistrate Mrs Vongai Guwuriro.
The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs is also headed administratively by Permanent Secretary Mrs Vimbai Nyemba.
Analysts say these appointments reflect a deliberate push to mainstream women into spaces that were historically dominated by men.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Mr Nick Mangwana, was among the first public officials to openly commend President Mnangagwa for the appointment.
“Let’s give him his flowers. Under ED (President Mnangagwa) we got; The First Female PG; The First Female AG; The First Female CJ,” he wrote on social media platform X.
Chief Justice Gwaunza’s elevation is also being viewed as a triumph of merit, experience and seniority within the judiciary.
Constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku said the appointment was both appropriate and reassuring for the country’s judicial system.
“Firstly, it is a very appropriate appointment and it is exemplary for the country; in this case, gender has not stood in the way,” he said.
“Secondly, she was the most senior judge of the Constitutional Court and it would appear that seniority has prevailed and in this case, it provides a predictable way of determining who would become Chief Justice without putting in a lot of politics.
“It’s a comforting feature if the appointing feature is going to follow that direction.”
Chief Justice Gwaunza has had a distinguished legal career spanning decades.
Before joining the bench, she built a reputation as one of the country’s accomplished legal practitioners and advocates for women in law.
Her journey through the legal profession mirrors the changing face of Zimbabwean society, where women are steadily breaking barriers in professions once considered inaccessible.
Her appointment also resonated beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Dr Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda described the development as historic for both Zimbabwe and Africa.
“She is the very first female Chief Justice of Zimbabwe. Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza! Ndiri kufara.
“Makorokoto veduwe! Congratulations Zimbabwe. Congratulations Africa. For our daughters and sons, and for humanity,” she said on her official X account.
Dr Gumbonzvanda also shared a personal reflection on Chief Justice Gwaunza’s mentorship and influence on young female lawyers.
“She is my mentor at many levels, since my early professional days as a young lawyer.
“I sat on that table as the youngest, when CJ Gwaunza co-founded the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association, @ZimWomenLawyers.
“Fresh from Uni (university), I was trusted to serve as the founding coordinator. She believed in us, the young lawyers,” she said.
Women leaders and parliamentarians also said the appointment carries immense significance for young girls aspiring for leadership positions.
ZANU PF legislator and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women’s Affairs, Community and SME Development, Cde Gertrude Mutandi, described the appointment as deeply inspirational.
“Heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Elizabeth Gwaunza on her appointment as Chief Justice of Zimbabwe.
“Today, Zimbabwe celebrates a truly historic and inspiring moment as Hon. Elizabeth Gwaunza becomes the first woman to be appointed Chief Justice of Zimbabwe.
“As women, we celebrate you not only for reaching the highest judicial office in the land, but for carrying the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of countless young girls and women who now see that nothing is impossible,” said Cde Mutandi.
Opposition politician and Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats leader, Ms Linda Masarira, also weighed in, saying the appointment transcended politics and represented a victory for women across the country.
“Congratulations to Her Ladyship Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza on her historic appointment as the first female Chief Justice of Zimbabwe.
“The Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) extend its heartfelt congratulations to Her Ladyship Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza upon her historic appointment as the first female Chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
“Your appointment represents resilience, excellence, discipline, and the breaking of barriers in one of the most critical institutions of our nation,” she said.
Political commentator Mr Kudzai Mutisi said the appointment reinforces President Mnangagwa’s consistent emphasis on women’s empowerment.
“It is President Mnangagwa who appointed the first female Minister of Defence in Zimbabwe, who also happens to be the first female ZANU PF National Chairperson.
“The newly appointed Chief Justice is the latest example of the President’s unwavering commitment to women empowerment.
“She joins five other women occupying leadership positions in Zimbabwe’s justice system. In many ways, President Mnangagwa is sending a message to the girl child in Zimbabwe: anything is possible in modern Zimbabwe,” said Mr Mutisi.
For many young Zimbabwean women pursuing careers in law, public administration and governance, Chief Justice Gwaunza’s appointment is expected to become a powerful symbol of possibility.
At a time when countries around the world continue to debate gender equality in leadership, Zimbabwe’s judiciary has entered a new chapter — one that many hope will inspire future generations to dream bigger, regardless of gender.
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