Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
FROM the courtroom to the boardroom, and from mentoring aspiring lawyers to influencing regional legal policy, Law Society of Zimbabwe vice president Ms Rachel Chibaya has built a distinguished career anchored on justice, leadership and service.
With more than a decade in private legal practice, Ms Chibaya has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s leading legal practitioners, combining professional excellence with a passion for mentorship, governance and women’s empowerment.
She founded R Chibaya Law Chambers in 2016 and has since developed extensive expertise in corporate and commercial law, banking law, property and real estate law, arbitration, international trade, mining, energy and infrastructure development, conveyancing, notarial practice and civil litigation.
Her academic credentials reflect a commitment to continuous learning. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from the University of Zimbabwe, obtained in 2009, a Master of Laws in Commercial Law from the same institution, completed in 2022, and is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration at Midlands State University.
Beyond private practice, Ms Chibaya has become an influential figure within the legal profession.
Representing the Harare region as an LSZ councillor, she was recently elected to the Southern African Development Community Lawyers’ Association (SADC-LA) Council alongside LSZ president Mr Linos Ncube, expanding Zimbabwe’s influence in regional legal affairs.
She is also a member of the International Bar Association and previously served as vice-president of the Association of European Lawyers in Africa.
Her leadership extends beyond the legal fraternity into higher education and corporate governance.
Ms Chibaya is the immediate past chairperson of the Women’s University in Africa Council, a former vice-chairperson of NatPharm and currently serves as vice-chairperson of the Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking (ZIST).
Away from the courtroom, she is equally passionate about community development.
Through a trust she established, Ms Chibaya supports women entrepreneurs, sponsors education for underprivileged learners and mentors young female law students through internship programmes run by her law firm.
Lasting legacy
A businesswoman with investments in real estate, a devout Christian, wife and mother, she says her greatest ambition is to leave a lasting legacy through leadership and service.
“My journey into law has always been driven by a passion for justice, service and nation-building.
“From the beginning of my career, I believed that the law is one of the most powerful tools for creating order, protecting rights and driving economic development,” she said.
“Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving clients in private practice while also contributing to the profession through the Law Society of Zimbabwe.”
Ms Chibaya says assuming leadership responsibilities within the LSZ was never about personal ambition but about strengthening the profession.
“Leadership within the LSZ was never an end in itself. It grew naturally from a desire to serve fellow practitioners, strengthen our profession and contribute to legal reform,” she said.
“Being elected to the SADC Lawyers’ Association Council alongside our president, Mr Linos Ncube, is both a personal honour and a reflection of the confidence that the region has in Zimbabwe’s legal profession. I see it as an opportunity to contribute to stronger regional legal frameworks.”
As one of the country’s prominent female legal leaders, Ms Chibaya believes women have an important role to play in shaping the future of the profession.
“Women are making progress, but there is still work to do. Women must be encouraged to take up space, to lead with integrity and to mentor those coming after them. Leadership is not about titles; it is about impact,” she said.
Ms Chibaya regards mentorship as critical to ensuring the legal profession continues to thrive.
“Mentorship is the bridge between where we are and where we want to be as a profession. Through my trust and our internship programme, I am committed to ensuring that young women in law have guidance, support and opportunities to thrive.”
Purpose
Balancing the demands of legal practice, business, family and public service is no easy task, but Ms Chibaya says purpose keeps her grounded.
“It is about priorities and purpose. I am guided by faith, family and service. When you know why you are doing what you do, it becomes easier to manage the different hats you wear,” she said.
Ms Chibaya believes the legal profession must remain responsive to a rapidly changing world.
“There is a need to uphold the rule of law, maintain professional ethics and ensure access to justice for all.
“The profession must also adapt to new realities in trade, technology and regional integration,” she said.
To aspiring lawyers, particularly young women, her message is simple.
“The law is a calling. Work hard, remain ethical and remember that, at the end of the day, we are here to serve people and to build our nation.”
