Times Of Swaziland: Judge Qinisile goes international

Judge Qinisile goes international
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 MDUDUZI MAGAGULA on 10/03/2013 00:00:00


BY MDUDUZI MAGAGULA
MBABANE - Justice Qinisile Mabuza has been elected as a Commissioner of the
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
She was elected into the judicial club in a special ballot that was conducted by
the organisation in January and February 2013.
The judge of the High Court of Swaziland will serve as an ICJ Commissioner for a
five-year term that began on March 1, 2013 and ends on February 28, 2018.
Her appointment does not mean though that she would leave the country or her
post at the High Court where she serves as a judge.
She joins 60 commissioners pooled by the ICJ from across the world and their
president is Proffesor Sir Nigel Rodley from the United Kingdom. The
commissioners comprise lawyers, senior judges and academics; all dedicated to
ensuring respect for international human rights standards through the law.
This elite club of legal minds has only nine members from the African continent,
who include, the newly elected member, justice Mabuza. Commissioners are known
for their experience, knowledge and fundamental commitment to human rights. The
composition of the Commission aims to reflect the geographical diversity of the
world and its many legal systems.
According to Mabuza’s letter of appointment dated March 1, 2013, the position
of Commissioner involves active participation in the programmes of work of the
ICJ. The letter was signed by Wilder Tayler, Secretary General of the
organisation.
"Article 4 (2) of the ICJ Statute explains that Commissioners are expected to
work actively towards fulfillment of the aims and objectives of the Commission
and to assist in the implementation of its programmes, especially for such
programmes related to the specific expertise of the Commissioner," reads the
letter. These programmes include among other things, country missions or trial
observations, representing the ICJ at conferences, speaking to the media on
behalf of the ICJ.
They also include providing expert advice to staff of the ICJ particularly in
relation to their region and areas of thematic expertise.
Judge Mabuza is a holder of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University
of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland.
She also has a Master of Laws (specialisation in Criminal Law and Criminal
Procedure) from the University of South Africa. She was appointed as a Judge of
the High Court of Swaziland in 2005.
Prior to her appointment to the High Court, Judge Mabuza was a Founding Partner
and Attorney at Q.M. Mabuza and Associates.
In 1978, Judge Mabuza became the first Swazi woman to be admitted as an attorney
of the High Court of Swaziland.
Between 2002 and 2005, she worked as a Lecturer in Law at the University of
Swaziland. Judge Mabuza has also served as a Non-Executive Director of the
Central Bank of Swaziland (1994 – 2005) and as Chairperson of the Swaziland
Road Transportation Board (1994 – 1997).
Commenting about her appointment, Mabuza said she was elated, honoured and
humbled by her new appointment.
She said all gratitude should go to His Majesty the King who recognised her work
and appointed her to the post of judge of the high court.
"I am extremely grateful to the king for having appointed me, otherwise the
international community would not have realised and recognised my work," she
said.
She further said the appointment was not only important to her but the country
at large. "It means we are on track with His Majesty’s dream of attaining
First World status in terms of the rule of law. For me, it means I have to work
hard and do my part in the country’s quest for First world status," she said.
Mabuza also said she had reported her appointment to Chief Justice, Michael
Ramodibedi, who was equally elated about it. "The CJ was happy for me. He said
he was grateful that I was raising the country’s name globally in terms of the
judiciary," she said.
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COMMENTS:
As Swazis we must celebrate this appointment. I know gov't won't even buy a
quarter page in the Times to congratulate this outstanding Judge who qualifies
to the next CJ. Qinisile, we are proud of you madam. We are proud of your
judicial ethics and independence of mind; everyone is equal in your court and
you don't take directives from somewhere else before deciding on a court
verdict. The international law community has spotted this great virtue in you
and have uplifted you into the global arena. We say Halala Legal Eagle, you
deserve it after all these frustrations you are being subjected to. You make us
all proud and the enemies in sheep's clothing very angry!
March 10, 2013, 3:50pm, Lomangwane ka Hhhohho