Online Reporter
As Zimbabwe celebrates the appointment by President Mnangagwa of Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the first female Chief Justice, Zimpapers Court Correspondent YEUKAI KARENGEZEKA-CHISEPO spoke with Attorney-General MRS VIRGINA MABIZA to get her views. Read the following excerpts of the interview.
Q: As the first female Attorney-General of Zimbabwe, what does the appointment of Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the first female head of Judiciary mean to you personally and professionally?
A: The recent appointment of Honourable Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the first female Chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe marks a significant milestone in our nation’s journey towards judicial equity. This landmark appointment reflects the visionary and progressive leadership of President Mnangagwa, whose unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women and inclusive national development continues to open doors once perceived as unreachable. Under his leadership, Zimbabwe is witnessing the steady transformation of its constitutional institutions through the recognition of capable women who have distinguished themselves through service and excellence.
Q: How significant is this appointment of women in the legal and judicial profession in Zimbabwe?
A: The significance of this appointment for women in the legal and judicial profession cannot be overstated. For generations, many women entered courtrooms, lecture halls and chambers with aspirations that often seemed distant from the highest offices of Government. Today, that barrier has been decisively broken.
Mrs Virginia Mabiza
The appointment of Honourable Chief Justice Gwaunza sends a powerful message to every young woman in Zimbabwe that there is no office beyond her reach.
It demonstrates that excellence, discipline, and perseverance can elevate women to the highest levels of the justice system. More importantly, it reflects a nation increasingly confident in the leadership, intellect and capabilities of women.
Q: Do you believe this marks a turning point for gender equality within Zimbabwe’s justice delivery system?
A: Yes, I believe this appointment marks a significant turning point in the pursuit of gender equality within Zimbabwe’s justice delivery system. It is not simply symbolic; it represents substantive progress in the inclusion of women within institutions that shape the constitutional and legal direction of our country.
It reflects a growing national consciousness that the strength of our institutions lies in their ability to draw from the full talent, wisdom and capabilities of all Zimbabweans, irrespective of gender. Through appointments of this nature, His Excellency the President continues to demonstrate that inclusive leadership is central to national progress and institutional excellence.
Q: As someone who broke barriers yourself, what advice would you give to women aspiring to become judges, prosecutors and senior legal officers?
A: As someone who has also had the honour of becoming the first female Attorney-General of Zimbabwe, my message to aspiring women judges, prosecutors, magistrates and legal officers is simple: never underestimate your worth, your intellect, or your potential.
The legal profession is demanding. It requires discipline, sacrifice, courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice. There will be moments of difficulty and doubt, but women must remain steadfast and refuse to be confined by historical limitations or societal expectations. Excellence will always speak for itself.
Honourable Chief Justice Gwaunza’s journey reminds us that leadership is earned through diligence, character and service. Young women across Zimbabwe must now understand that the highest offices in the land are no longer distant aspirations, but attainable realities.
Q: What impact do you expect Justice Gwaunza’s leadership to have on public confidence in the Judiciary?
A: I have no doubt that the appointment of Honourable Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza will further strengthen public confidence in the Judiciary. She brings to the Office extensive judicial experience, sound wisdom and a distinguished record of service spanning many years within the justice delivery system. Her deep understanding of the law, coupled with her integrity and steady leadership, places the Judiciary in capable and experienced hands.
Her elevation to the highest judicial office in the land demonstrates the confidence reposed by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, in her leadership, dedication and experience within the Judiciary. Most importantly, it reaffirms the Judiciary’s commitment to the core principles of justice, fairness, impartiality, and the rule of law, which remain essential to maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.
Q: Do you think more women will now be considered for top positions within the courts and other constitutional offices?
A: Certainly. The appointment of Honourable Chief Justice Gwaunza marks a significant moment in the continued advancement of women into positions of national leadership. It sends a strong message that women are equally capable of serving at the highest levels of the Judiciary and other constitutional institutions. Above all, this historic development reflects the progressive leadership of His Excellency, the President, in recognising merit, competence, and experience, while advancing the meaningful inclusion of women in key offices of national importance.
Q: How would you describe the relationship between the Attorney-General’s Office and the Judiciary in strengthening the rule of law?
A: The relationship between the Office of the Attorney-General and the Judiciary is founded upon constitutionalism, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the rule of law. While our mandates are distinct, both institutions serve the common purpose of safeguarding justice, protecting the integrity of our legal system, and upholding public confidence in the administration of justice.
As the principal legal adviser to the Government, the Office of the Attorney-General remains committed to advancing a legal and judicial system grounded in integrity, independence, professionalism, and unwavering adherence to the Constitution. Together with the Judiciary, we serve a common constitutional purpose to uphold the rule of law, safeguard public confidence in the administration of justice and strengthen the democratic values of our nation.
Q: As we conclude, tell us in your view the legacy you hope this historic appointment would leave for future generations of Zimbabwean women?
A: I hope this historic appointment leaves a legacy of transformation for generations of Zimbabwean women yet to come. I hope young girls in every corner of our country will look at Honourable Chief Justice Gwaunza and believe, perhaps for the first time, that they too can rise to occupy the highest offices in the land.
Beyond the symbolism, I hope this moment strengthens our collective national commitment to building institutions that reflect inclusion, equality, excellence, and opportunity for all. This appointment will stand as a lasting testament to the progress Zimbabwe continues to make under the leadership of His Excellency the President in advancing women into positions of national leadership and constitutional significance.
