Elizabeth Gwaunza

Elizabeth Gwaunza (born 15 June 1953) is a Zimbabwean lawyer and jurist who has been Chief Justice of Zimbabwe of the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe since May 2026.

Early life and education Gwaunza was born in 1953. She was one of two black female law students who were the first to graduate in Zimbabwe.

Gwaunza was appointed a Judge of the High Court by Robert Mugabe in August 1998, and then the Supreme Court in November 2002. Her appointment was questioned by the International Bar Association given her ties to Mugabe, including the gift of a farm seized from white owners.

Gwaunza was appointed Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in March 2018. meaning Luke Malaba ceased to be a judge as he turned 70 that week, and the Judicial Service Commission announced Gwaunza was Acting Chief Justice with immediate effect.

Selected publications

Personal life Gwaunza is married and has a son and a daughter. Her youngest son, Musah, a journalist, died from illness at age 33 in 2016.