President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Elizabeth Gwaunza as the new Chief Justice of Zimbabwe following the retirement of Luke Malaba. The appointment w...
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Elizabeth Gwaunza as the new Chief Justice of Zimbabwe following the retirement of Luke Malaba.
The appointment was announced on Thursday by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, who said the appointment takes effect from Friday, 15 May 2026.
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In a statement, Dr Rushwaya said the appointment was made in accordance with Section 180 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“His Excellency, the President, has, in terms of section 180 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, appointed Honourable Mrs Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the Chief Justice of Zimbabwe with effect from 15 May 2026,” he said.
Justice Gwaunza has been serving as Deputy Chief Justice since March 2018 and is one of Zimbabwe’s most senior judicial figures. Before her appointment to the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court, she also served in various judicial positions within the country’s legal system.
Dr Rushwaya said Justice Gwaunza possesses the qualifications and judicial experience required for the position.
“Honourable Mrs Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza is qualified for appointment, having served as the Deputy Chief Justice since 29 March 2018 and possessing extensive judicial experience,” he said.
Justice Gwaunza now assumes leadership of Zimbabwe’s Judiciary at a time when the justice delivery system continues to undergo reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and access to justice.
As Chief Justice, she will oversee the administration of the courts, supervise judicial operations and play a central role in safeguarding the independence of the Judiciary in Zimbabwe.
Her appointment also marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s legal history as she becomes one of the few women to occupy the country’s highest judicial office.
The office of the Chief Justice carries responsibility for guiding the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court, while also providing leadership on matters affecting the administration of justice nationwide.
Justice Gwaunza takes over from Chief Justice Luke Malaba, who retired after serving in the country’s top judicial position during a period marked by major constitutional and legal developments.
Legal analysts say the transition comes at an important time for Zimbabwe’s courts as the Judiciary continues efforts to modernise court systems, reduce case backlogs and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
The government has in recent years introduced several judicial reforms, including digitalisation initiatives and expanded court infrastructure, aimed at improving access to legal services across the country.
