By Nyandema Mhango
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera Thursday conferred the title of Senior Counsel (SC) to 12 distinguished legal practitioners at a ceremony held at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
In his remarks, President Chakwera emphasized that the appointments were based on three key attributes of loyalty, integrity, and ability.
Chakwera stated that loyalty, integrity, and ability are the three attributes that the law demands and the individuals appointed have demonstrated their devotion and professionalism to Malawi.
He said the loyalty found in the 12 is unshakable devotion to the country, its laws and the dutiful discharge of the duties of their profession.
“The fuel that is going to drive our development forward is a decision by every Malawian in every profession to be devoted to the country, to follow its laws and to discharge of the duties of the profession with a sense of duty to both,” he said.
Chairperson for the Malawi Law Society (MLS), Davis Njobvu, praised the appointments noting that they would serve as an inspiration for other legal practitioners to strive for excellence.
“The recognition of these lawyers as SC sets a benchmark for the rest of the legal community to aspire to,” he remarked.
Among those honored are Minister of Justice, Titus Mvalo, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, Marshal Chilenga, Pempho Likongwe, Emily Makuta, Kamudoni Nyasulu, Maziko Phiri, Innocentia Ottober, Ralphel Joseph Mhone, and James Masumbu.
Additionally, Garton Kainja and Alex Nampota were recognized posthumously, with their families present to receive their certificates.
One of the newly appointed SC, Kamdoni Nyasulu, expressed gratitude for the honor, stating that his selection was based on his work, capability, and loyalty rather than personal ambition.
“In the past, I had the opportunity to apply for the SC title, but I chose not to because I wanted to be recognized for my contributions rather than simply applying. Today, I am thrilled to be appointed by the Law Society as one of the SC,” he shared.
In Malawi, the title of SC is conferred by the President upon recommendation from MLS. The President can also confer the title on a sitting Attorney General who has served in that office for at least two years.
