Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo and Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writers
THE election of Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) president Mr Lison Ncube to the Executive Council of the Southern African Development Community Lawyers’ Association (SADC-LA) has been hailed as a significant breakthrough that strengthens Zimbabwe’s influence in shaping the region’s legal agenda.
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.
SADC-LA is a voluntary association of law societies, bar associations and individual lawyers from across Southern Africa that promotes the independence of the legal profession, the rule of law, access to justice and regional cooperation.
In an interview, Mr Ncube said the election was not only a personal achievement but also a major victory for Zimbabwe’s legal profession. “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.
Mr Ncube said 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,” he said.
Legal practitioners have welcomed the election, saying it is a recognition of Zimbabwe’s longstanding contribution to the development of law and justice in the region.
Legal expert Mr Godfrey Nyoni of Moyo and Nyoni Legal Practitioners, Conveyancers, Notaries and Administrators of Estates, said the election of Mr Ncube and Ms Chibaya was a source of national pride. “The election of Mr Lison Ncube and Ms Rachel Chibaya, the President and Vice-President of the Law Society of Zimbabwe Council to the Executive Council of SADC-LA stands as a powerful testament to Zimbabwe’s historic and ongoing contribution to the region, the continent and indeed the global community,” he said.
Mr Nyoni said Zimbabwe has consistently produced legal professionals whose expertise is recognised beyond its borders.
“The future remains bright. The Law Society of Zimbabwe has maintained a strong regional presence, and its efforts have certainly not gone unnoticed. This recognition reflects years of commitment to professional excellence and institutional leadership,” he said.
Mr Nyoni said the election comes at a time when the legal profession is responding to the demands of regional integration, digital transformation and increasing cross-border trade and investment.
“Today’s legal landscape is evolving rapidly. Regional integration is deepening while cross-border trade and investment continue to expand. These developments require a legal profession that is innovative, well-connected and capable of responding to emerging legal and commercial challenges,” he said. Mr Nyoni said the achievement builds on the legacy of
distinguished Zimbabwean legal practitioners, including Mrs Vimbai Nyemba, Mr Lloyd Mhishi, Mr Josphat Tshuma and the late Mr Sternford Moyo, whose election as president of the
International Bar Association showcased Zimbabwe’s legal expertise on the global stage.
He said Zimbabwe’s growing international engagement under the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement policy makes strong regional legal representation increasingly important.
“As Zimbabwe positions itself as open for business, attracting growing international interest particularly in mining, infrastructure development and commercial transactions, there is an urgent need for a legal profession that is well-integrated, dynamic and internationally respected,” said Mr Nyoni.
“The Government also requires a strong pool of experienced legal practitioners from whom it can draw expertise on complex international and regional legal issues. Such regional recognition enhances confidence in our legal professionals and ensures that local practitioners remain competitive rather than being sidelined in favour of foreign law firms.”
The election comes as Zimbabwe continues to deepen regional integration through SADC while pursuing investment, trade and economic diplomacy under the Second Republic. A stronger presence within regional professional bodies is expected to enhance collaboration on legal reforms, harmonisation of laws and cross-border commercial transactions, key enablers of the country’s Vision 2030 agenda.
Bongani Ndlovu