Cynthia Siyamalila

Legal Practitioner
Harare, ZW.

About

Highly motivated Legal Practitioner with over 9 years of progressive experience in corporate law, specializing in governance, compliance, and strategic legal advisory. Excels at bridging the gap between complex legal frameworks and business objectives, driving effective communication and robust stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to navigate intricate regulatory landscapes and deliver high-impact legal solutions that protect organizational interests and foster sustainable growth.

Work

Old Mutual Zimbabwe Limited (OMZIL)
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Legal and Governance Manager

Summary

Currently leads legal and governance functions at Old Mutual Zimbabwe Limited, providing strategic counsel and ensuring regulatory compliance across diverse corporate operations.

Highlights

Provided comprehensive legal counsel and strategic guidance to senior management and employees on diverse legal matters, ensuring compliance and mitigating organizational risks.

Managed end-to-end contract lifecycle, meticulously reviewing, drafting, and negotiating agreements to safeguard company interests and ensure legal enforceability.

Directed all company secretarial functions, including diligent management of Board and Committee meetings, ensuring strict adherence to corporate governance best practices.

Cultivated and maintained robust relationships with critical external stakeholders, including regulators and government authorities, enhancing organizational reputation and facilitating favorable outcomes.

Provided expert advisory on emerging Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters, guiding strategic initiatives to align with evolving regulatory landscapes and promote sustainable practices.

Cimas Health Group (Private) Limited
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Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager

Summary

Managed legal and corporate affairs for Cimas Health Group, delivering comprehensive secretarial services, legal advisory, and compliance oversight to the Board and Fund Management.

Highlights

Delivered comprehensive company secretarial services to the Cimas Fund Board, coupled with strategic legal advisory and support that significantly informed fund management decisions.

Spearheaded the legal and regulatory compliance function, developing and implementing robust frameworks that ensured adherence to all relevant statutes and industry standards.

Conducted in-depth legal research and provided actionable advisory, proactively identifying potential legal exposures and guiding mitigation strategies.

Optimized legal operations through efficient contract management and proactive risk advisory, enhancing departmental efficiency and minimizing legal liabilities.

Drafted and meticulously reviewed a diverse range of legal documents, including complex contracts and legal opinions, ensuring precision and protecting organizational interests.

Cimas Medical Aid Society
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Legal Advisor

Summary

Provided expert legal advice and support to Cimas Medical Aid Society, focusing on drafting legal documents, contract negotiation, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Highlights

Provided timely and accurate legal advice on a broad spectrum of issues, drafting comprehensive legal opinions, memoranda, and briefing documents to support organizational decision-making.

Ensured the effective implementation of legal advice and opinions across departments, translating complex legal concepts into actionable operational strategies.

Successfully drafted and negotiated a high volume of critical contractual agreements with external suppliers and service providers, securing favorable terms and mitigating risks for the Cimas Group.

Proactively monitored and maintained up-to-date knowledge of legislative changes, providing timely advice to management on evolving legal compliance requirements and industry regulations.

Collaborated effectively with senior Legal Counsel, providing crucial support on departmental legal matters and contributing to the efficient resolution of complex legal challenges.

Mapaya & Partners Legal Practitioners
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Professional Assistant

Summary

Supported legal practitioners at Mapaya & Partners by managing client interactions, drafting legal documents, and assisting with court processes.

Highlights

Managed initial client engagements, efficiently taking instructions and establishing foundational relationships for legal case development.

Prepared and drafted a variety of legal correspondence and essential documents for court processes, ensuring accuracy and adherence to procedural guidelines.

Assisted in the research and drafting of legal opinions, contributing to the formulation of sound legal strategies for diverse client cases.

Supported legal proceedings by attending Labor Disciplinary hearings, gaining practical exposure to dispute resolution and legal advocacy.

Contributed to the drafting and review of various legal agreements, developing foundational expertise in contract law and legal documentation.

Provided comprehensive support during court attendances and performed a wide range of duties incidental to legal practice, enhancing practical understanding of litigation and legal operations.

Law Society of Zimbabwe
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Graduate Trainee

Summary

Generally assisting the Regulatory Manager in enforcing the Legal Practitioner's Act [27:07], processing complaints, and conducting law firm inspections and curatorships.

Education

Bindura University of Science Education

Master

Masters in Business Leadership & Corporate Governance

Grade: Merit

Midlands State University

Master of Law (LLM)

Master of Laws (Constitutional & Human Rights)

Grade: Merit

University of Zimbabwe

Bachelor of Laws (LLBS) Hons

Bachelor of Laws

Grade: 2.1

Skills

Legal Expertise

Corporate Law, Legal Counsel, Regulatory Compliance, Contract Management, Legal Drafting, Legal Research, Risk Advisory, Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law, Litigation Support, Labor Law.

Governance & Secretarial

Corporate Governance, Company Secretarial Services, Board Management, Committee Management, ESG Advisory.

Business Acumen

Business Leadership, Strategic Advisory, Stakeholder Engagement, Operational Efficiency, Problem-Solving.

Professional Skills

Organization, Communication, Teamwork, Meeting Deadlines, Critical Thinking, Client Relations, Negotiation.

References

Mr Hardlife Nharingo

Company Secretary & Legal Executive – Old Mutual Zimbabwe Limited, 100 The Chase Mutual Gardens, Mt Pleasant, Harare. Email: hardlifen@oldmutual.co.zw, Cell: +2637827918666

Mrs Margaret Makanje

Chief of People and Culture Cimas Medical Aid Society, East Block Borrowdale Office Park, Borrowdale Road, Harare. Email: mmakanje@cimas.co.zw, Cell: +263772166798

Miss Tinotenda Mushapaidze

Former Managing Director. Email: mushapaidzet44@gmail.com, Cell: +263718289827