Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, Deputy National Editor
CHIEF Justice Luke Malaba has extended his deepest condolences to the family of the country’s first female judge Justice Mavis Dorothy Gibson (née Gumede) following her death in the United Kingdom.
Justice Gibson died last Wednesday in London following a long battle with cancer.
She was 85.
In a statement, Chief Justice Malaba who also chairs the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), described Justice Gibson as a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the country’s legal system.
“Justice Gibson dedicated her esteemed career to the pursuit of justice. She was known for her unwavering commitment to fairness and equity in the courtroom. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” he said.
In its condolence message, the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) described Justice Gibson as a pioneering figure whose legacy will forever shape the judiciary and inspire future generations of legal practitioners.
“Council of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, members and Secretariat express their deepest condolences following the untimely passing of Justice Mavis Dorothy Gibson,” read part of the statement.
LSZ said Justice Gibson will be remembered, not only as a legal icon, but also as a courageous and compassionate individual whose influence transcended national borders.
“Justice Gibson leaves an indelible imprint on the judiciary and legal landscape both in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Her pursuit of justice, fairness and equity being the hallmark of her legacy,” the LSZ noted.
The organisation said Justice Gibson’s exemplary service would continue to serve as a beacon for women in the legal profession and for all who value justice and equity.
“Her commitment to justice will continue to inspire those of us in the justice sector and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues at this very sad moment. May her dear soul rest in peace,” added LSZ.
Justice Gibson broke new ground in 1984 when she was appointed to the Administrative Court on 1 March before being elevated to the High Court on 15 May of the same year, becoming the first woman to sit on the bench in Zimbabwe’s history.
She served the judiciary with distinction for 12 years before resigning on 31 March 1996. Her legal journey, however, did not end there. She went on to serve in Namibia’s judiciary until her retirement in 2001. Justice Gibson then relocated to the United Kingdom where she lived until her death.
Born on December 5, 1939, in Bulawayo’s Makokoba suburb, Justice Gibson was the third born in a family of 15.
Her father, Benjamin Gumede, worked as a clerk for the Southern Rhodesia Post Office.
Justice Gibson’s early education began in Bulawayo, continued at St Augustine’s Mission in Penhalonga and culminated in her A-levels at Goromonzi High School.
Her professional journey began in broadcasting as a Ndebele newscaster for the Rhodesia Broadcasting Services. She was soon selected to serve as a secretary at Rhodesia House in London, which marked a turning point that led her to pursue legal studies.
Eventually, she established her own law offices in Lincoln’s Inn, Holborn and worked alongside prominent legal minds.
Judge Gibson’s legal and judicial contributions spanned Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. She served with distinction on the High Court benches in Zimbabwe and Namibia, working alongside notable jurists including Justices Simpson Mtambanengwe, John Manyarara and Wilson Sandura.
Following the death of her husband, Stuart Gibson in 2001 while she was serving in Namibia, Judge Gibson retired and returned to live in the UK where her husband’s ashes were laid to rest.
Family spokesperson and niece, Ms Thandie Mambo, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late judge.
“As a family, we would like to notify the nation of Zimbabwe of her passing at the age of 85 after a long illness. She served as a High Court judge, both in Zimbabwe and Namibia along with her brother judges Justices Simpson Mtambanengwe, John Manyarara and Judge Wilson Sandura among many others,” she said.
“It would be an honour for the family that she is remembered as other former judges who have all passed on.”
Ms Mambo also reflected on Justice Gibson’s influence on her family and society at large.
“While saddened to lose such a force of nature in the family, we are grateful that my aunt has served as a beacon of light for the girl child in Zimbabwe. The legacy she leaves behind is that no matter who we are, we are not defined by gender, colour, status or station in life, but the effort we put into becoming who we want to be,” she said.
Burial arrangements are expected to be announced soon.
derick.khumalo