By Dickson Jere
She had an illustrious career spanning decades and full of meritorious achievements.
She grew up in Matero as an ordinary girl but yet she conquered the world and became the first female Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia.
Her journey started at Chingwele Primary School in Chingwele area of Matero and later did her secondary school stint at Matero Girls Secondary School where she was Head Girl. She served as Judge of the High Court, Supreme Court and later moved to Electoral Commission of Zambia as Chairperson before moving back to the bench as Deputy Chief Justice. She then broke the record of becoming the first female Chief Justice of Zambia and oversaw reforms in the Judiciary. She was passionate about decongesting the court system and advocated for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – she was Patron of the Chartered Institute Arbitrators (Zambia).
She represented the people of Matero well…
As for me, her name will remain engraved in my memory as my maiden Supreme Court appearance (as a lawyer) was before her and she formally, as per custom, welcomed me to the apex court of Zambia with a small lecture – integrity and integrity in the practice of law!
Rest In Peace – My Lady, Justice Irene Chirwa Mambilima. Surely she deserve to be accorded the honour of Grand Commander of the Eagle of Zambia (second division) for the role played in the country. She was also boss at the Legal Aid Board where she represented the vulnerable in court pro bono…