Zimbabwe’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPAZ) has hailed Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza’s elevation to the country’s top judicial office as a landmark moment for gender equality and judicial leadership.
In celebratory statements released this week, Prosecutor-General and NPAZ Board chairperson Loyce Matanda-Moyo, together with the authority’s management and staff, described Gwaunza’s appointment as a defining chapter in Zimbabwe’s legal history.
Gwaunza became Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice following the retirement of former Chief Justice Luke Malaba earlier this month.
“The Prosecutor General and National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe Board Chairperson, Hon. Loyce Matanda-Moyo, together with the NPAZ Board, management and staff, extend their warmest and heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza on her historic appointment as Chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” the authority said.
The NPAZ praised Gwaunza’s decades-long legal career, describing her elevation as recognition of “distinguished, illustrious and exemplary service to the judiciary.”
Before assuming the top post, Gwaunza served as Deputy Chief Justice since 2018 and has spent nearly four decades in public service.
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The authority said her appointment reflected merit, competence and experience, while also symbolising progress toward inclusive leadership and women’s empowerment.
“Her appointment stands as a defining milestone in Zimbabwe’s legal history as she becomes the first woman to occupy the esteemed office of Chief Justice,” the statement read.
The NPAZ further linked the development to constitutional values, the National Development Strategy 2 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspirations on gender equality and inclusive governance.
The authority also congratulated Justice Paddington Garwe on his appointment as Deputy Chief Justice, describing him as a seasoned jurist whose experience would help strengthen the justice delivery system.
Garwe has served as a Constitutional Court judge since 2021.
The NPAZ said the new leadership team was expected to play a key role in enhancing access to justice, improving judicial accountability and supporting ongoing court modernisation reforms, including digital case management systems and efforts to reduce case backlogs.