Mnangagwa Appoints Zimbabwe’s First Female Chief Justice, Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza

Harare - In a landmark development for the nation’s judiciary, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Honourable Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe, succeeding Chief Justice Luke Malaba whose tenure concluded yesterday, May 14.

The appointment, which takes effect today, May 15, 2026, marks a historic chapter in the country’s legal history as Justice Gwaunza becomes the first woman to lead the Zimbabwean bench in a substantive capacity.

Her elevation follows a distinguished career in the superior courts and years of service as the second-highest-ranking judicial officer in the land.

In an official press statement issued yesterday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, confirmed the executive decision, noting the constitutional basis for the transition.

Dr Rushwaya stated that His Excellency, the President, had, in terms of Section 180 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, appointed Honourable Mrs Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe with effect from 15 May 2026.

The statement further stated that Justice Gwaunza is exceptionally qualified for the appointment, having served as the Deputy Chief Justice since 29 March 2018 and possessing extensive judicial experience that spans several decades.

To fill the vacancy created by Justice Gwaunza’s elevation, the President also moved to appoint Honourable Justice Paddington Garwe as the new Deputy Chief Justice.

Justice Garwe, a seasoned jurist who has served as a judge of the Constitutional Court since May 2021, is expected to bring a wealth of experience to the administrative and adjudicative functions of the office.

The official communiqué noted that Justice Garwe is qualified for the appointment, possessing extensive judicial experience within the country's highest courts. 

Justice Gwaunza takes over the helm of the judiciary at a time when the legal system is undergoing significant modernisation and digitalisation.

Her role as the head of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court involves not only presiding over the nation’s highest appellate matters but also overseeing the administration of justice across all tiers of the court system.

Legal analysts have noted that her appointment provides a seamless transition given her close working relationship with the outgoing Chief Justice Malaba and her intimate knowledge of the ongoing judicial reforms.

Outgoing Chief Justice Luke Malaba leaves behind a legacy defined by significant infrastructural development within the courts and the introduction of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS).

Justice Gwaunza is expected to continue the trajectory of reform while bringing her own unique perspectives on justice, gender justice and human rights to the fore.

Her previous work as a founding member of the Zimbabwe Association of Women Judges and her tenure at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia are seen as critical assets that will enhance Zimbabwe’s standing within the global legal fraternity.

The elevation of Justice Gwaunza is being hailed by various legal practitioners and civil society groups as a triumph for constitutionalism and gender parity.

By appointing the most senior and experienced member of the bench to the top post, the President has reinforced the stability and continuity of the crucial judicial arm of the State.