President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed ten new High Court judges and one judge for the Administrative Court.
These appointments were recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) after a thorough selection process, which included public interviews with 39 candidates last month. Chief Justice Luke Malaba will officially swear in the new judges next Monday.
The new High Court judges are:
- Mrs. Faith Mushure
- Mr. Ngoni Nduna
- Mr. Regis Demure
- Ms. Philipa Phillips
- Mr. Gibson Mandaza
- Mr. Joel Mambara
- Mr. Naison Chivhayo
- Mrs. Vivian Ndlovu
- Mr. Sijabuliso Siziba
- Mr. Mpokiseng Dube
- Mr. Maxwell Kaitano will be the new judge for the Administrative Court.
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One of the appointments, Mr. Naison Chivhayo, has sparked a lot of discussion on social media. This is because of leaked audios where businessman Wicknell Chivayo claims to have significant influence over President Mnangagwa’s administration. In the recordings, Chivayo boasts about his close relationship with the President, saying Mnangagwa even called him “his son” and that he saw the President off to Italy.
Chivayo describes himself as an important member of Mnangagwa’s inner circle and suggests that his associates use this connection for financial gain. He also mentions past conflicts with Mnangagwa and the Lacoste faction within ZANU-PF, but claims these issues have been resolved, and he is now back in good standing with the President.
These claims have led some people to question the fairness and independence of the judicial appointment process. Critics argue that such close ties between businessmen and political leaders can undermine public trust in the judiciary’s impartiality.
Chivayo’s wealth, reportedly gained through his relationship with the ruling party, adds to the controversy. His company, Intratek Zimbabwe, failed to deliver on a major solar power project in Gwanda, which further damages his credibility.
