By 
Justice Fatima Chakapamambo Maxwell has taken the oath of office before Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza at
the Constitutional Court. She becomes the third judge from the Labour Court to
be elevated to the High Court after Justices Gladys Mhuri and Emilia Muchawa last month
to boost the court’s capacity to deal with the increased workload.
Also in a major milestone for women, last month saw the appointment of Judge President
Mary Zimba-Dube becoming the second woman to occupy the top High Court office after
Justice Rita Makarau, who was first promoted to the Supreme Court and then, in May this
year, was one of the first five judges appointed to the Constitutional Court.
Justice Maxwell could not hide her excitement and thanked President Mnangagwa for
giving her the opportunity to sit on the High Court bench.
“I am humbled by His Excellency’s appointment and am greatly honoured to serve my
country in this new capacity.
“I know it entails more responsibility. I trust God to enable me to execute my duties
efficiently and effectively,” she said.
Women lawyers welcomed the appointment of Justice Maxwell.
“The appointment of women in key decision making positions by the President is a
progressive development towards gender parity and equal representation as enshrined in
our Constitution,” said Ms Meme Rumbidzai Zvimba, a senior partner at Zvimba Law
Chambers.
Another lawyer Mr Itai Ndudzo said: “While the need for gender parity in all spheres of
society cannot be overemphasised, the newly appointed judges are individually endowed
with distinct credentials that make them a most beneficial addition to the bench, gender
aside.”
Women continue to claim their stake in the judiciary with a third female judge, Justice
Maxwell, joining the High Court from the Labour Court in a
progressive development towards gender parity on the bench.
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