Bongani Ndlovu
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
LAW Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) president Mr Lison Ncube has described his election to the executive council of the Southern African Development Community Lawyers’ Association (SADC-LA) as a major milestone for Zimbabwe’s legal profession, saying it places the country at the centre of regional legal decision-making.
Mr Ncube was elected to the five-member executive council during the association’s annual general meeting held in Maputo, Mozambique, last week. His deputy at the LSZ, Ms Rachel Chibaya, was also elected to the SADC-LA council, which comprises representatives from all 15 SADC member states.
In an interview, Mr Ncube said his election was not only a personal achievement but also a significant victory for Zimbabwe.
“I was elected to the executive council, which consists of representatives from five member countries — South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. My deputy was elected to the council comprising all 15 member states,” he said.
“What it means for Zimbabwe is that we are now part of the decision-making body that shapes the direction of law societies across the SADC region. We have a responsibility to help steer the legal fraternity in the region towards its intended destination.”
Mr Ncube said Zimbabwe’s presence on the executive council elevates the country’s standing within the regional legal community.
“My election places Zimbabwe firmly on the regional map and gives us a seat at the decision-making table. It means we will now influence policies and programmes relating to the legal profession throughout the SADC region,” he said.
He added that the development would enable Zimbabwe to contribute meaningfully to strengthening legal institutions, promoting the rule of law and advancing regional cooperation among legal practitioners.
“This is a big win for Zimbabwe and for the Law Society of Zimbabwe. It reflects the confidence that our regional counterparts have in the country’s legal profession and its leadership,” said Mr Ncube.
SADC-LA is a voluntary association of law societies, bar associations and individual lawyers from across the Southern African region. The organisation promotes the independence of the legal profession, the rule of law, access to justice and regional cooperation among legal practitioners.
