By Mwaka Ndawa
DEPUTY Chief Justice Michael Musonda has described the late chief justice Irene Mambilima as a champion of justice, human rights and good governance who believed in solid institutions of the state and an independent judicature.
He said late chief justice Mambilima has been internationally acknowledged as an international jurist of international stature not only to Zambia but to the Commonwealth for her selfless contribution, dedication to duty and hard work.
Speaking when he opened a book of condolence at the Supreme Court, Judge Musonda said the late justice Mambilima whom he regarded as a true legendary, legal luminary, and iconic speaker, was a bridge between the past and the future for the period she served in the Judiciary.
“She was the first female loyal servant of the law and justice. She represented every good that you can possibly find in the human space. Because of the long period that she spent in the institution, she was the bridge between the past and the future because she was involved in practicing futuristic jurisprudition and she worked tirelessly to modernise this institution (Judiciary),” justice Musonda said.
“This is an exceptional human being, she did not look at how high or low you were, she entertained everybody. She was so humble and unassuming as a leader. It is impossible to imagine this institution (Judiciary) without her because she represented everything good that you can never imagine as a lawyer, judge and human being.”
Justice Musinda said justice Mambilima had been acclaimed internationally.
“I have received messages across the world, all commending and applauding her as an example, as an international jurist of international stature not only to Zambia but to the Commonwealth and the entire humanity through her selfless contribution, dedication to duty and through her hard work,” Judge Musonda said.
He gave a rundown of justice Mambilima’s character.
“It’s difficult to find words for what the Chief Justice meant to this country, our region, the Commonwealth and the world. She was an example of an incredible human being. It’s difficult to go on, I don’t want to show emotions and break down because I worked closely with her and knew that it is difficult to have another human being like her. She educated so many people in the heirarchy of this nation. She was number three or number four but she was so humble, she respected older people in the family and respected tradition,” justice Musonda said.
“I had a chance to travel with her and her husband major Mambilima and we talked about a song which a musician (DRIMZ) did in honour of judge Mambilima and Major Mambilima told me that if that singer behind that song knew what truly this lady means, he doesn’t know what he would have said. He said this (Justice Mambilima) is an extraordinary human being. Many of us have learnt useful things from her the best that a human being can offer. I wish many people could draw lessons from that example. It is impossible but people can just try.”
Justice Musonda said justice Mambilima was a solid rock who subscribed to justice and a well functioning independent judiciary.
“Her experience in this country was not just limited to the corridors of her law court. She spent years at the Electoral Commission of Zambia. She had experience way beyond the confines of law. She found herself dealing with politics and politicians, including governance issues. She (the late chief justice) is a true champion of good governance because of the time she spent at ECZ,” he said.
“She had a versatile and broad legacy, she leaves behind so much good not just to the Judiciary but to the ECZ, the NGO community. Messages have been pouring from every corner and everyone is unanimous that we have lost a true giant of democracy, justice, rule of law and good governance. Without an independent judiciary, the rights of individuals would be in serious jeopardy.
She was very steadfast, completely unmoved, she was a solid rock.”
Justice Musonda emphasized that justice Mambilima’s endowment should be honoured by undertaking the responsibility of saving human lives.
“If there is anything to honour her memory, it is to follow her example on her take on governance, human rights and justice and so many other things because she was so involved in humanitarian causes,” he said.
He hinted that her body would arrive in the country in two days’ time.
“Our colleagues in Cairo must be in the final stages of completing the formalities. I am so certain we will pass the task of having to bring the remains of our chief justice, in a day or two we will have the body of the chief justice,” judge Musonda said.
He disclosed that the chief justice was attending a summit for heads of Judiciary Egypt at the time of her death on Sunday June 20.
“For the past five years, justice Mambilima and judge Chibomba were guests of the Egyptian Presindent who was organising a conference for heads of Judiciary in Africa. It’s a super summit for leaders of institutions. She had gone for a conference which had been happening on a yearly basis. She was accompanied by a High Court judge because judge Chibomba is busy with solving disputes relating to this year’s elections,” said Judge Musonda.
“Farewell my boss, my mentor, our inspiration, our rock, the rock of justice, our role model a legal and luminary. A legendary jurist of global stature. A personification and faithful servant of justice. A selfless, dedicated, unassuming leader, a humble intellectual. We truly thank the Chirwa and Mambilima families for sharing this legal giant with us, this truly extraordinary human being with no comparison. Sincere and heartfelt condolences, go well CJ, we shall miss you sorely,” read his message of condolences.
And Law Association of Zambia president Abyudi Shonga said justice Mambilima would be remembered for her humility and her stance in uniting all sections of the judiciary.
” On behalf of LAZ, we are devasted at the death of justice Mambilima. Her death has come to the entire legal fraternity with a deep sense of shock. We have received messages from lawyers across the country, they are all lamenting at her demise. When you talked to her, it didn’t matter who you were, it didn’t matter that you came with a rank, all she saw was a fellow lawyer and she imbuilt that sense of respect. You respected her just by the way she carried herself,” Shonga said.
“She united the Judiciary. It takes a leader who is respected to hold the Judiciary together. She had a strong drive and pursuit for justice and that’s why we are in this business for justice as lawyers.
“On behalf of LAZ, I offer sincere condolences on the passing of our chief justice hon. Mrs Irene Mambilima. She was a shining example of a good judge. She brought stability to the judiciary. She was respected by the legal fraternity. We mourn with the family and pray that her soul rests in peace,” wrote Shonga.