Chipo Mahlangu: Emblem of women's success

Audrey Galawu

“Everything we need to succeed is within us. We have the power to determine our destinies.

“Young women are encouraged to work hard and remain focused on their goals. Take no shortcuts even as you see them aplenty along the way.

“It is either the highway or no way and no middle ground. It is not easy,” says Chipo Mahlangu.

Mahlangu was recently appointed as the Chairperson of the Compensation Fund by the Law Society of Zimbabwe, a position which allows her to serve and address issues close to her heart, to restore public confidence in the profession.

Mahlangu said the appointment is an opportunity to serve and ensure that she, together with her fellow Trustees, sustain a credible fund and preserve assets of the Law Society of Zimbabwe Compensation Fund.

“It is also a Fund that guarantees our profession’s unmatched concern for the protection of the public from those members of the profession who fall short of the stringent requirements for running a law practice while serving even the most vulnerable of the Zimbabwean populace.

“Coming from a women-led law firm, I really cherish the advancement of women in all spheres of life and I am sure this elevation is an inspiration to fellow women lawyers.

“Even to the girl child who is not yet a lawyer, I believe my elevation inspires them that it is possible to go as high as you want wherever you are serving.

“Well, we do face challenges every day. They are merely challenges as they are present in private life, public life or even in business,” she said.

Mahlangu is a Partner with Ruzvidzo and Mahlangu Attorneys, an emerging, women-led law firm based in Avondale, Harare.

She is a practicing Attorney, Conveyancer and Notary Public registered with the Law Society of Zimbabwe with vast experience in dealing with Commercial Law, Family Law, Constitutional Law, and Property Law matters.

Chipo graduated from the University of Zimbabwe Law School, with a Bachelor of Laws Honours Degree in 2011.

She also holds a Master of Laws from the Midlands State University.

She is a registered Estate Administrator with the Council of Estate Administrators and Insolvency Practitioners of Zimbabwe, and she sits on several other Boards.