President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has said that the conferment of Senior Counsel (SC) to Eight Justices of Appeal is not a political appointment and that he would never entertain the practice of giving positions as political favour.
Dr Chakwera made the remarks at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Friday, when he conferred the SC title upon the eight Justices of Appeal.
“I must therefore make it clear that any practice from the past that gave the title Senior Counsel as a political favour ends with me,
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,” he said.
He said all the processes for their recognition were done with transparency and accountability, based on the accomplishments and achievements they have made in the legal system.
The President also commended the awardees for meeting the standards required by law and urged them to never abuse their position and preserve integrity associated with the title by being impartial and objective, as they have already shown.
Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo highlighted how crucial the development is in recognising the efforts, integrity and abilities of the conferred Justices of appeal in legal affairs of the country.
The eight 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.
Justice Potani SC said this is a motivation to continue serving Malawians and provide the much needed justice to all.
The SC title is given to a senior lawyer in countries which were formerly part of the British Empire.
The honour of SC is conferred by the President on recommendation of the honour committee under Section 52 of the Legal Education and Legal Practitioners Act of 2018.
