Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has reached another milestone, with Supreme Court Judge, Justice Lavender Makoni, breaking barriers as she becomes the country’s first female representative at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Court of Justice.
This marks a new chapter for women in the justice delivery system and sets an inspiring precedent for the legal profession.
The brief, yet significant ceremony to celebrate Justice Makoni’s appointment was held at the Constitutional Court, attended by women trailblazers in the Judiciary, including Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, the Judge President Justice Maria Zimba-Dube, female judges, magistrates, and The Herald’s editor, Victoria Ruzvidzo, the first female editor of the national paper.
At the event, Justice Makoni expressed her deep gratitude and reflected on the milestone.
“My appointment to the COMESA Court of Justice is a historic moment for Zimbabwean women. For a long time, male judges dominated such positions, but now, a woman from Zimbabwe is taking that step forward,” she said.
With humility and pride, Justice Makoni credited her success to the support of her late mother and her fellow women judges, emphasising the importance of solidarity among women.
“This achievement is not mine alone. It’s a victory for all women. It’s important that we don’t compete destructively, but instead support and uplift each other. Together, we can achieve so much more,” she explained, eliciting applause from the room.
The COMESA Court of Justice, established in 1994, plays a critical role in adjudicating disputes related to the COMESA Treaty and upholding the rule of law in the 21 member states.
Justice Makoni, appointed for a five-year term, aims to broaden knowledge of the Court’s function in Zimbabwe.
“My priority is to ensure that our judiciary, lawyers, and citizens understand the role of the COMESA Court. There are relatively few cases brought from Zimbabwe, and I hope my tenure changes that. By the end of these five years, I want Zimbabweans to know that they have a regional court they can approach for dispute resolution,” she said.
Chief Justice Gwaunza, speaking with pride and enthusiasm, applauded Justice Makoni’s achievement and its significance for women in the judiciary.
“This is more than a personal achievement. It’s an inspiration to women judges, magistrates, and aspiring judicial officers. Justice Makoni is now a role model and leader who will inspire women in the legal profession to aim higher,” she said.
Justice Makoni’s legal career spans decades of dedication and leadership.
She joined the Supreme Court in 2018, following a 16-year tenure as a High Court judge, where she served as the senior judge in charge of the Civil Division in Harare.
Before joining the Bench, she founded Makoni Legal Practice and worked as a law officer in the Attorney-General’s Office for 12 years.
Justice Makoni’s historic appointment is a moment of celebration not only for Zimbabwe, but for every woman striving to make an impact in traditionally male-dominated fields.
As she carries Zimbabwe’s flag to the regional court, she leaves behind a potent reminder that barriers are meant to be broken, and dreams can be realised through dedication, solidarity, and unwavering belief in progress.
Let’s stop patronizing our women, and our women should not fall into the same trap of thinking that to be appointed to a position has anything to do with gender achievement. Women are human beings like men and their appointments to high positions should NEVER raise eyebrows. This nonsense of seeing women as lesser beings that create a WOW when they do something should stop. Our women must help us eliminate this irritating male chauvinism.