Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Reporter
THE room fell noticeably quieter as Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza departed from the traditional themes of judicial training and turned to a subject that has long lingered in whispers within institutions of power.
Standing before Zimbabwe’s judges at the End of the Second Term Judges’ Symposium in Gweru at the weekend, the country’s new head of the Judiciary confronted sexual harassment and abuse of authority in workplaces.
“There is one aspect of conduct that I must address directly and firmly,” she declared, her words cutting through the formal atmosphere that had characterised much of the gathering.
“Judicial authority is not confined to the courtroom. It also shapes the daily working environment of those assigned to our offices.”
Chief Justice Gwaunza spoke candidly about the imbalance of power that exists between judges and the clerks, researchers, secretaries, drivers and other staff who work closely with them.
“The judicial workplace carries an inherent imbalance of authority,” she said. “Every judge must recognise and manage that imbalance responsibly.”
She revealed that allegations of inappropriate conduct involving judges had already reached the attention of the Judicial Service Commission.
“Allegations of improper conduct by judges towards members of staff, including clerks and researchers, have been brought to the attention of the Commission. This is a matter of serious concern.”
Rather than treating the issue as a private disciplinary matter, the Chief Justice used the national judicial gathering to send an unmistakable institutional message.
“Let there be no ambiguity,” she said. “Sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct are fundamentally inconsistent with the dignity, integrity and values of judicial office.
“They constitute an abuse of authority and a breach of the trust placed in the Judiciary.
“Such conduct cannot be excused, minimised or tolerated.”
Her remarks represented one of the strongest public condemnations yet of workplace misconduct from the leadership of the country’s judiciary.
She announced that the JSC was developing a comprehensive sexual harassment policy that would establish confidential reporting mechanisms, protect complainants against victimisation and provide appropriate corrective action.
Yet, she cautioned that policy alone would never substitute personal responsibility.
“While the policy will provide an institutional framework, it will not replace the need for self-restraint,” she said.
“Every person within the workplace must be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of rank or position.”
It was one of several moments during the address where Chief Justice Gwaunza returned repeatedly to the central idea that judicial office is ultimately about service rather than privilege.
The keynote address, delivered under the theme; “Reinforcing the Core Skills and Values for Quality and Effective Justice Delivery,” outlined what she described as a roadmap for a judiciary capable of delivering world-class justice.
Although it was her first symposium since assuming office as Chief Justice, she made it clear she was building on existing foundations rather than signalling a dramatic departure.
“What I bring to this role is not a desire to undo the foundation that has been built, but a commitment to carry it forward with renewed purpose,” she said.
Throughout the address, she emphasised that legal knowledge alone was insufficient to produce quality justice.
She reminded judges that no member of the bench arrives fully equipped for judicial office.
