Former Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) President and a leading legal mind – Eddie Mwitwa has applauded the appointment of Hon. Justice Dr. Mumba Malila State Council as Chief Justice stating that it is a solid appointment.
Malila who has not just sat on his knowledge and experience has authored an interesting books – The contours of a developing jurisprudence, Imperfect Rumination’s rooted in hope; The law of Business Associations and has also held Africa regional legal roles as one of the 11 Commissioners of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is a renowned legal professional.
Mwitwa said Dr. Malila is vastly experienced having served as attorney general for two different presidents, Chairperson for the Human Rights Commission (HRC) and practiced law for more than 20 years before ascending to the position of Supreme Court Judge – a position he has held for more than six years.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mwitwa expressed delight over the appointment of Dr. Malila and congratulated him noting that he is ably qualified, has the necessary independence credentials for the position and more than deserving of the appointment.
He noted that it is a constitutional mandate that every Chief Justice upholds the independence of the judiciary and it is the obligation of the chief justice to ensure that is achieved, therefore there is no doubt that Malila will ensure that is attained given his vast experience and various capabilities.
He mentioned that this is a huge obligation placed on Dr. Malila’s shoulders as the judiciary requires many reforms and a lot of support in terms of funding and stakeholders doing what they can to ensure that the judiciary operates independently, efficiently and effectively and achieves the mandate placed on it in the constitution.
Mwitwa said he was hopeful that under the reign of Dr. Malila, what the constitution sets out for the judiciary to achieve will be achieved adding that that requires cooperation from all stakeholders including the other two arms of the government, which are the Executive and the legislature.
The appointment of Mumba Malila has been hailed as one of the positive and merit based appointment by President Hakainde Hichilema – HH. Even key opposition figures have nodded the appointment, perhaps an indication that Malila stands a better chance to uphold independence of the Judiciary, a key requirement is sustaining Zambia’s established peace and democratic credentials.
Malila is a University of Zambia law graduate and has a masters in law from Cambridge among his academic credentials.
The Judiciary is a key governance arm of government that ensures that an avenue is provided for individuals and body corporates to seek Justice whenever they are aggrieved. It is said that the absence of an independent judiciary is usually a predecessor to chaos and socio-economic failure.
