Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of Zimbabwe, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold the country’s highest judicial office. She assumes office with effect from 15 May 2026, succeeding outgoing Chief Justice Luke Malaba, who formally retired following a judicial career spanning more than four decades.
The appointment was confirmed in a government press statement issued by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, in terms of Section 180(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Justice Gwaunza, who has served as Deputy Chief Justice since March 2018, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced jurists in the country’s superior courts. She will be deputised by Justice Paddington Garwe, who now moves into the Deputy Chief Justice role.
Chief Justice Luke Malaba bade farewell at a special sitting of the Constitutional Court, bringing to a close a judicial career that began in the early 1980s and saw him rise through the magistracy, High Court, Supreme Court and ultimately the apex of Zimbabwe’s judiciary.
His departure comes just a day before his 75th birthday, following constitutional amendments that adjusted judicial retirement provisions to allow him to remain in office beyond the previous age limit of 70.
Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza’s elevation represents a significant moment in Zimbabwe’s judicial history, not only for its gender milestone but also for continuity within the senior judiciary.
She has served in various judicial capacities over the years and has been Deputy Chief Justice since 2018, during which she presided over key constitutional and appellate matters.
