* His Worship Kondani Chinangwa is vice-president; His Honour Montfort Misunje secretary general, Her Worship Linda Chiwanda vice-secretary general; and His Honour Clemence Chamwenda treasurer general
* I am looking forward to discharging my responsibilities diligently and transparently, and shall remain accountable to the MAJAM membership in line with its mandate
By Duncan Mlanjira
Justice Jabbar Alide — the country’s prominent judge serving in the Commercial Division of the High Court of Malawi — has been elected president of Magistrates and Judges Association of Malawi (MAJAM), whose message is; “A new chapter for MAJAM has just opened”.
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He was elected during MAJAM’s annual general meeting (AGM) held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in Lilongwe — along His Worship Kondani Chinangwa is vice-president; His Honour Montfort Misunje secretary general; Her Worship Linda Chiwanda vice-secretary general; and His Honour Clemence Chamwenda treasurer general.
The executive committee members are Honourable Justice Texious Masoamphambe, Honourable Justice Trouble Kalua, His Worship Lloyd Banda and Her Worship Patricia Mtawali — all to lead for a term of three years.
On its official Facebook account, Malawi Judiciary reports that in his acceptance speech, Justice Alide said MAJAM occupies a unique position within the justice system as an association of judicial officers entrusted with one of the most important responsibilities in a constitutional democracy, the administration of justice according to law.
“This is an extraordinary responsibility, and it means that MAJAM must itself aspire to extraordinary standards,” he is quoted as saying, adding that the association must go beyond advancing the interests and welfare of its members but to remain committed to promoting integrity, independence, professionalism and the continued improvement of the justice system.
Justice Alide presenting his acceptance speech
He particularly emphasised the importance of judicial independence, describing it as fundamental to meaningful administration of justice: “There cannot be meaningful administration of justice without judicial independence,” he said.
He added that judicial officers must be able to decide cases according to the Constitution, the law and evidence, without fear, favour, affection or ill-will.
Justice Alide further stressed that judicial independence should not be viewed as a privilege enjoyed by judges and magistrates, but as a right belonging to the people of Malawi and that upon entering a courtroom, the public should be assured that the judicial officer presiding over their case is free to make decisions according to the law and without political, financial, personal or other considerations.
On his LinkedIn profile, Justice Alide announced his appointment with the statement: “A new chapter for MAJAM has just opened!
“MAJAM has been a sleeping giant and it is now time to wake up! This is a very challenging position which involves coordinating all the activities of MAJAM internally and externally.
“Let me thank the membership of MAJAM for having confidence and entrusting me and the newly elected executive committee with a huge task of taking the association forward.
“I am looking forward to discharging my responsibilities diligently and transparently, and shall remain accountable to the MAJAM membership in line with its mandate.”
The new committee takes over from the outgoing team led by Honourable Justice Jack Nriva, and in his farewell address, he highlighted the committee’s work in promoting judicial independence and the welfare, safety and dignity of judges and magistrates, as well as MAJAM’s international engagement.
He urged the incoming leadership to build on these achievements while addressing challenges, including the establishment of a dedicated MAJAM headquarters and strengthening the association’s financial sustainability.
When opening the AGM, Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, SC, said the judges’ caucus provides an important platform for judicial officers to reflect on matters affecting the administration of justice and welfare within the Judiciary.
Chief Justice Mzikamanda
“When we conduct these Judges’ Caucuses, it gives us the opportunity to discuss issues that concern the administration of justice and also the welfare of judges, other judicial officers and the Judiciary in general,” said the Chief Justice.
He emphasised the Judiciary’s responsibility to remain transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of Malawians: “We know that Malawians deserve a transparent, accountable and responsive Judiciary, and when we meet like this, we want to be as responsive, as accountable and as transparent as we can be.
“Today and tomorrow will help us discuss matters that stand in the way of our efficient discharge of the administration of justice,” said the Chief Justice.
He also took the opportunity to highlight the contribution of the Judiciary to Malawi’s democratic governance, and celebrated the growing international recognition of the country’s Judiciary, reports the Judiciary’s media platform.
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