News / National
Zimbabwe's first black female High Court judge dies
6 hrs ago | Views
Chief Justice Luke Malaba has extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Justice Mavis Dorothy Gibson (née Gumede), Zimbabwe's first female judge, who passed away in the United Kingdom on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was 85 years old.
In a statement released on Friday, Chief Justice Malaba, who also chairs the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), hailed Justice Gibson as a pioneering figure whose contributions left a lasting impact on Zimbabwe's legal system.
"Justice Gibson dedicated her esteemed career to the pursuit of justice. She was known for her unwavering commitment to fairness and equity in the courtroom. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations," he said.
Justice Gibson made history with her appointment to the Administrative Court on 1 March 1984, before being elevated to the High Court bench just two months later, on 15 May 1984. Her appointment was a milestone in Zimbabwe's post-independence era, breaking gender barriers and setting a precedent for women in the judiciary. She served on the bench until her resignation on 31 March 1996.
After leaving Zimbabwe's judiciary, Justice Gibson continued her judicial career abroad, serving in the Judiciary of Namibia until her retirement in 2001. She subsequently moved to England, where she lived until her passing.
Details regarding her burial arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.
Justice Gibson's legacy as a trailblazer for women in law remains a beacon of inspiration within Zimbabwe's judicial community and beyond.
In a statement released on Friday, Chief Justice Malaba, who also chairs the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), hailed Justice Gibson as a pioneering figure whose contributions left a lasting impact on Zimbabwe's legal system.
"Justice Gibson dedicated her esteemed career to the pursuit of justice. She was known for her unwavering commitment to fairness and equity in the courtroom. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations," he said.
Justice Gibson made history with her appointment to the Administrative Court on 1 March 1984, before being elevated to the High Court bench just two months later, on 15 May 1984. Her appointment was a milestone in Zimbabwe's post-independence era, breaking gender barriers and setting a precedent for women in the judiciary. She served on the bench until her resignation on 31 March 1996.
After leaving Zimbabwe's judiciary, Justice Gibson continued her judicial career abroad, serving in the Judiciary of Namibia until her retirement in 2001. She subsequently moved to England, where she lived until her passing.
Details regarding her burial arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.
Justice Gibson's legacy as a trailblazer for women in law remains a beacon of inspiration within Zimbabwe's judicial community and beyond.
Source - online
