Grace Malera has been sworn in as the new Ombudsman replacing Martha Chizuma who is now serving as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General.

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera appointed Malera to the post earlier this year.

The swearing in ceremony took place today at Kamuzu Palace in the capital Lilongwe and President Chakwera graced the event.

Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has since congratulated Malera for taking up the post.

“MHRC gladly welcomes the Honorable Ombudsman Grace Malera as member of the 7th Cohort of Commissioners after she was sworn it today at a ceremony presided by State President, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe,” reads in part the statement.

Malera is a seasoned Lawyer and Human Rights Expert with 19 years of work experience in Public and Nongovernmental sectors. She is a holder of Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons) from the University of Malawi, Masters in Law (LLM) from the University of Free State, Republic of South Africa. The new Ombudsman was called to the Malawi Bar in 2002 to practice law in both the Supreme Court and High Court of Malawi, and Courts subordinate thereto.

She previously held the positions of: Executive Director of ActionAid International Malawi, 2017 to 2018; Executive Secretary (Chief Executive Officer), of the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), 2012 to 2017, Director of Legal Services and Deputy Director of Legal Services, from 2003 to 2012 in MHRC.