Gertrude Hiwa
Gertrude Hiwa | |
|---|---|
.jpg) in 2018 | |
| Education | University of Malawi's Chancellor College and the University of the West Indies |
| Occupation | lawyer |
| Known for | Solicitor general |
Gertrude Lynn Hiwa is a Malawian lawyer and law commissioner. She was appointed as Malawi's Law Commissioner in 2008 and 2013. She then became the Solicitor general in 2018. She served until 2020 and she was reappointed in 2025.
Life
Hiwa graduated in law from the University of Malawi's Chancellor College in 1992. She then studied for her master's degree at the University of the West Indies which she obtained in 1996.[1]
Hiwa was appointed as a Law Commissioner in June 2008.[1] She was involved with discussions about Malawi's voting system.[2] She was reappointed in 2013.[3] As the law commissioner she served on the Malawi Human Rights Commission.[4] When her contract ended in June 2018 she continued to be employed and some alleged that this was against the constitution.[5]
President Peter Mutharika had appointed Hiwa as Malawi's Solicitor General. She replaced Jane Chikaya Banda who had been named as the new Principal Secretary at the scandal ridden Minister of Lands.[6][5]
In 2018, as a result of a finance scandal known as Cashgate, Hiwa formed an Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) to seek the return of money. Cashgate had lowered the confidence in the country's partners and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs wanted money to be returned. The unit had the power to seize money where if had been obtained illegally.[7] She served as Solicitor General until 2020.[8]
In October 2025 she returned to the role of Solicitor General after the recent election as several new positions were announced.[9] She became the Solicitor General and Secretary for Justice[10] working closely with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Honourable Charles Mhango.[11]
In February she and the Minister for Justice met the United Nations co-ordinator, Rebecca Adda-Dontoh. Funding cuts seemed likely and Hiwa and Charles Mhango emphasised the importance of funding access to justice and the rule of law.[12]
References
- 1 2 "REMARKS BY THE LAW COMMISSIONER, MALAWI" (PDF). Justice.mw and ALRAESA - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE: Crossroads Hotel, Lilongwe, Malawi. November 2011.
- ↑ "Malawi Law Commission backs 50-plus-one electoral system: PAC supports electing a president by majority, with degree but Ntaba says its unrealistic". www.nyasatimes.com. 2017-02-23. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
- ↑ "Breach of Constitution! Muhara illegally 'extends' Hiwa's contract at Malawi Law Commission". www.nyasatimes.com. 2018-08-01. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- ↑ "'Demos not about individuals but issues' – Malawi Human Rights Commission". www.nyasatimes.com. 2013-01-21. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- 1 2 "Hiwa appointed Solicitor General, replaces Janet Banda: Malawi Law Commissioner controversy may end". www.nyasatimes.com. 2018-08-10. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
- ↑ "Chilonga tipped to be Commissioner for Lands: Mangani retires". www.nyasatimes.com. 2018-11-24. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- ↑ "Malawi govt set up unit to confiscate all 'Cashgate assets', recover money". www.nyasatimes.com. 2018-02-09. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
- ↑ "#ZBSNews Breaking: Gertrude Hiwa has finally left her role as Solicitor General..." Zodiak Online (via Facebook). 28 September 2020.
- ↑ "Power Shifts at the Top: Tambulasi Takes Over MRA, Mbeta Named Attorney General". www.nyasatimes.com. 2025-10-28. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- ↑ "Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Justice and Protection of Vulnerable Groups | Ministry of Justice". www.justice.gov.mw. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
- ↑ "DPP Chambers Records 181 Trials, Faces Resource Challenges | Ministry of Justice". www.justice.gov.mw. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- ↑ "Strengthening Ties: United Nations and Malawi Discuss Poverty Reduction, Governance | Ministry of Justice". www.justice.gov.mw. Retrieved 2026-03-29.