HARARE – In a historic moment, Zimbabwe’s newly appointed Attorney General, Virginia Mabiza, took her oath of office before President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare, declaring her readiness to serve and ensure the upholding of the rule of law in the country by all arms of the state.
Mabiza, previously the Permanent Secretary for Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, becomes Zimbabwe’s first female Attorney General.
In an interview after her swearing-in ceremony, Mabiza emphasized her commitment to diligently discharging her duties and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld.
She also discussed her role as AG in the context of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, the three arms of the state.
“I am responsible for advising the entire Government. You may have seen that in the past some legal practitioners may have been out-sourced by different Government departments, but let me put it on record that all legal advice is channeled through the office of the Attorney General,” Mabiza said.
“Whoever wants to outsource has to do it with the authority of the Attorney General, bearing in mind that outsourcing is a procurement issue; hence, whatever legal issue it has to come through the office of the Attorney General.”
As the head of the AG’s office, she chairs a statutory body responsible for ensuring fairness, justice for every citizen, and the observance of the rule of law.
Mabiza sees her role as pivotal in maintaining the principles of impartiality and ensuring the balance of power between the three branches of government.
She highlighted her commitment to preserving these tenets and her sense of privilege in holding such a critical office.
Mabiza’s professional background includes significant experience in civil and criminal litigation, making her a well-qualified legal practitioner for her new role.
Her appointment marks a historic milestone for Zimbabwe, as she becomes the nation’s first female Attorney General.
The new Attorney General’s appointment signifies a commitment to advancing the rule of law and justice in Zimbabwe while also embracing diversity in key leadership positions within the government.
