Malawi leader swears in 4 new judges: JB urges impartiality
Malawi President Dr Joyce Banda has sworn-in four new judges at official Sanjika Palace this Thursday and advised them to ensure that they are guardians of the constitutions by upholding the rule of law.
Taking oath of office were Justices Maxon Mbendera (SC), Anaclet Chipeta and Lovemore Paul Chikopa as Supreme Court of Appeal Judges and Dorothy Kamanga as High Court Judge.
President Banda said her government is committed to respecting the separation of powers between and among the three branches of government.
“The Judiciary is the guardian of our constitution, the protector of our dignity and the guarantor of our freedoms and responsibilities,” said President Banda.
“It is my hope that the Judiciary lives up to its mission ‘to provide independent and impartial justice and judicial services that are efficient and that earn the respect, and trust and confidence of society,” she added.
“The country has huge expectations from you in terms of how you will discharge your duties. At stake is your integrity and our people look up to you for fairness and timely delivery of judgments.”
President Banda also called on the newly sworn judges to help in the fight against corruption.
“We will need to work together to succeed, we will need to work with the courts in the discharge of cases, when the public cannot see the seriousness with which the three branches deal with matters of corruption, they will not heed our call to fight against corruption,” she said.
The Malawi leader has called on all Malawians to continue to uphold and respect human rights, and the rule of law.
In his remarks JusticeMaxon Mbendera SC, who was recently appointed to head the Malawi Electoral Commission, said he was ready and looking forward to the challenge ahead of him.
“I am going to be sitting at the highest court of the land and I do not take it lightly. I will discharge my duties impartially and professionally and I am looking forward to the days ahead,” said Mbendera.
On her part, Judge Dorothy Kamanga said her 10 year service in one of the 3 arms of government had given her the preparation she needed for the task.
Kamanga said, “I am quite prepared for the challenge. I have been in the Judiciary since 2003 working as a magistrate and registrar of the High Court among other duties and I got the right training in readiness for the job.”
Chief Secretary to the Government, Bright Msaka in his opening remarks said Section 111(ii) of the constitution empowers the President to appoint Judges and Section 115 requires the appointed officials to take oath.
The ceremony took place despite protests to the appointment of Justice Mbendera by some judiciary officials who claim he is junior to be promoted. They have given a 14 day ultimatum to the chief Justice to nullify his promotion.
Also in attendance was Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo who is also Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission.
