Mumcy Dlamini becomes Eswatini’s first female acting chief justice

Eswatini’s judiciary has marked a new dawn after His Majesty King Mswati III officially appointed Judge Mumcy Dlamini as the country’s first woman to serve as acting chief justice since the office was formed.

Although the role is temporary, many social media users have described Judge Dlamini’s appointment as inspirational, saying it opens up new possibilities for women in Eswatini.

On 9 November 2026, Judge Dlamini was sworn in following the passing of Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala in September 2026. The ceremony was facilitated by Attorney General Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo.

JUDGE MUMCY DLAMINI APPOINTED AS ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE

According to Eswatini Positive News, Prince Simelane, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, formally announced Judge Mumcy Dlamini’s appointment on behalf of the King during a press conference.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including government officials and her husband, Majahenkaba James Dlamini.

He previously served as Attorney General and a Supreme Court judge before retiring.

The South African credits Times of Eswatini for the video below.

JUDGE MUMCY DLAMINI’S RISE TO THE TOP

The rise of Judge Dlamini within Eswatini’s legal fraternity has all the makings of an inspirational story. 

Before becoming a High Court judge, the legal titan served as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in 2002 and later became Director of Public Prosecutions.

In that role, she spearheaded the formation of One Stop Centres at the Lubombo Referral Hospital, Mbabane Government Hospital and Manzini RFM Hospital.

These centres were created to provide a safe haven for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.