President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized that the recent conferment of the title of Senior Counsel (SC) to eight Justices of Appeal is a matter of merit, not politics. He made these remarks during a ceremony at Kamuzu Palace on Friday, where he conferred the SC designation upon the distinguished Justices.
In his address, President Chakwera made it clear that under his leadership, the practice of awarding titles as political favors is a thing of the past.
“Any practice from the past that gave the title Senior Counsel as a political favour ends with me,” he stated firmly. “For this is not a political appointment, but a fulfilment of what the law requires of the Honours Committee when it comes to those who have by their accomplishments and credentials in the legal profession distinguished themselves as being worthy of this designation.”
The President underscored the transparency and accountability involved in the process, noting that the selection was based entirely on the Justices’ accomplishments and contributions to the legal system. He commended the awardees for meeting the stringent legal standards required for this honor and urged them to uphold the integrity of the title by maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo also highlighted the importance of recognizing the efforts, integrity, and abilities of the Justices in their legal contributions to Malawi. He described the conferment as a crucial step in acknowledging the significant role they play in upholding justice in the country.
The eight Justices who received the SC title are Justice Healey Potani, Justice John Nelson Katsala, Justice Ivy Chatha Kamanga, Justice Mankhambira Charles Ching’anyi Mkandawire, Justice Dingiswayo Madise, Justice Dorothy nya Kaunda Kamanga, Justice Silvester Augustino Kalembera, and Justice Rowland Mbvundula.
Speaking on behalf of the honorees, Justice Potani SC expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that it serves as motivation to continue their dedication to serving Malawians and ensuring justice for all.
The title of Senior Counsel is an honor traditionally conferred upon senior lawyers in countries that were formerly part of the British Empire. In Malawi, the SC designation is conferred by the President upon the recommendation of the Honours Committee, as outlined in Section 52 of the Legal Education and Legal Practitioners Act of 2018.
