Friday, March 29, 2024

Zambia gets first Female LAZ President, Linda Kasonde wins Election

Share

Linda Kasonde
Linda Kasonde

Lusaka lawyer Linda Kasonde was on Saturday night elected President of the Law Association of Zambia during the association’s fifth annual conference at Livingstone’s Avani Victoria Falls Hotel.

Ms. Kasonde beat two other contenders Sydney Chisanga and Kafula Mwiche to become the first female President of the association.
Eddie Mwiitwa was elected Vice President.

Ms. Kasonde takes over from George Chisanga who has completed his mandate.

She thanked Mr Chisanga for the leadership he provided to the association and she said she is equal to the task.

And in his final address to the LAZ AGM, he said “as this is my last formal report to you as your President, allow me a moment for the record to state what an honour it has been for me to lead this Noble and Dignified profession. My interaction with counsel of different standing and with all other stakeholders in the affairs of this profession both at home and abroad has taught me a great deal and i must acknowledge that I take with me something of substantial value from my Presidency of our Association.”

“As to whether I have discharged my functions well and to the expectations of the membership, that I leave to the judgment of you who the Right Honourable Chief Justice Sir Edward Coke of the celebrated Dr Bonham’s case would describe as “an infinite series of grave and learned men and women” Then my members did what i dreaded and expected. They gave me a standing ovation and waved me goodbye. You don’t easily get that from LAZ.”

He added, “I leave the Presidency of LAZ totally convinced that my successor in office Linda Kasonde and her Veep Eddie Mwitwa are equal to the task to lead us for the next two years. Congratulations to the new president of LAZ and all new Office bearers”

Linda Kasonde and two other contenders for the LAZ Presidency Kafula Mwiche and Sydney Chisenga
Linda Kasonde and two other contenders for the LAZ Presidency Kafula Mwiche and Sydney Chisenga

Linda Kasonde obtained her LLB Degree from the University of Leicester in England in 2000.

In 2007, Ms. Kasonde obtained a commercially-biased Masters Degree in Law (LLM) from the University of Cape Town.

Since her admission to the Zambian Bar, Ms. Kasonde has worked as an Advocate at the National Legal Aid Clinic for Women and was employed at her current firm in 2004 and rose to the position of partner in 2009 and in 2014 became the first female to be elevated to the position of named partner in a top ranked firm in Zambia.

Ms Kasonde is an alumnus of the Harvard University’s Leadership in the 21st Century Executive Programme 2013.
She has also undergone training in law practice management on the IE University’s Lawyers’ Management Programme in Madrid and London in 2012.

Ms. Kasonde is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb) in England and Zambia.

Ms Kasonde is also an officer of the Women’s Interest Group committee of the International Bar Association (IBA) and Convenor of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Committee of LAZ.

She is a former member of the inaugural Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, a 2014 Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow, a 2014 alumni of the United States of America State Department’s International Visitor’s Leadership Programme (IVLP), Director of Fashion Retailers (Zambia) Limited (a member of the Foschini Group), a board member of a Zambian NGO called Alchemy Women in Leadership.

51 COMMENTS

    • Africa’s top 4 economies are in trouble
      Growth in Africa has outpaced most emerging markets in recent years, but that’s changing fast as a slew of problems beset its leading economies.
      Cheap oil, political uncertainty and weak banks are all to blame.
      Here’s what you need to know about sub-Saharan Africa’s big four:
      South Africa
      The prospects for Africa’s most advanced economy are not looking good. The country is set to grow by just 0.6% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. It’s one of the slowest growing countries in one of the world’s fastest growing territories.
      The rand plummeted 30% last year, and not just because of an emerging market sell-off. Political turmoil has also had a big impact.
      Just this month, South African President Jacob Zuma survived…

    • ……Just this month, South African President Jacob Zuma survived impeachment despite the highest court in the land finding him guilty of breaching the constitution over how public money was spent renovating his home. Well known figures from the anti-apartheid struggle are now calling for Zuma to step down.

    • Nigeria
      Africa’s largest economy is buckling under the low oil price.
      Nigeria relies on oil for 70% of government revenue and accounts for 90% of export revenue. That leaves very little room to adjust the country’s budget. For an emerging market that can only mean one thing — slower growth.
      The West African nation is expected to clock in growth of 2.3%, the lowest rate in 15 years, according to the IMF. Its facing a shortfall of $11 billion in its 2016 budget.
      Discussions between Nigeria and the World Bank are continuing on a possible loan or credit facility that would be tied to policy reforms.
      Related: Nigeria cuts 23,000 ‘ghost workers’ from government payroll
      It has drawn down its currency reserves and implemented capital controls, making access to dollars very difficult…

    • …….It has drawn down its currency reserves and implemented capital controls, making access to dollars very difficult. In an economy that relies on imports, the controls have made life difficult for companies and two South African businesses have already pulled out.
      Index compiler MSCI is considering removing Nigeria from its frontier market index because the restrictions have made it harder for investors to repatriate money.
      To make matters worse, the country is facing a fuel crisis. Despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, it has never had enough refining capacity, and the scarcity of dollars is making it harder for importers to bring gas into the country.
      The war against Al-Qaeda linked terror group Boko Haram, which the government has vowed to eradicate, is placing further…

    • It has drawn down its currency reserves and implemented capital controls, making access to dollars very difficult. In an economy that relies on imports, the controls have made life difficult for companies and two South African businesses have already pulled out.
      Index compiler MSCI is considering removing Nigeria from its frontier market index because the restrictions have made it harder for investors to repatriate money.
      To make matters worse, the country is facing a fuel crisis. Despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, it has never had enough refining capacity, and the scarcity of dollars is making it harder for importers to bring gas into the country.
      The war against Al-Qaeda linked terror group Boko Haram, which the government has vowed to eradicate, is placing further strain…

    • Angola
      What was once one of Africa’s fastest growing economies is now on its knees and asking for help from the IMF. Angola is Africa’s second largest oil producer and relies on oil for 95% of government revenue.
      After debuting on the international debt market last year, the country appears unable to meet its budget and debt obligations. It has requested assistance from the IMF in the form of monetary support.
      Angola is also bound to money-for-oil deals with China. It has used oil as collateral for loans from China, and that is further squeezing state finances.
      The country is set to grow by 3.5% this year, down from 6.8% in 2013, according to the IMF.
      Kenya
      Kenya’s economy is more resilient and diversified but there’s trouble brewing in its banking sector.
      Three banks are being…

    • ……..Three banks are being wound down by the central bank. Two of the banks failed last year, and a third was forced into the arms of the lender of last resort this month. A fourth bank is being investigated, and analysts believe consolidation in the industry is inevitable.
      The East African nation has 43 banks, most of which have overstated profits and are buckling under the weight of non-performing loans and a big fall in deposits. A dozen banks may end up under central bank control as it tries to clean up the sector.
      All this is weighing on Kenya’s growth prospects: The IMF has just cut its forecast to 6% for 2016, down from 6.8% previously.

    • I dont like her at all

      She thinks she is all that, well you are not lady

      I just cant stand her , sorry

      Thanks

      Bb2014

    • GOOD DEVELOPMENT. NOW CAN WE HAVE A PROFESSIONAL BIO JUST SO THE REST OF US CAN KNOW MORE ABOUT HER AND WHAT SHE HAS ACCOMPLISHED. WHERE WAS SHE EDUCATED? HOWLONG HAS SHE PRACTICED? WHAT KIND OF LAW DID SHE SPECIALIZE IN? HOW MUCH LITIGATION HAS SHE BEEN THROUGH? WHATS HER POSITION ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN ZAMBIA. MOST IMPORTANTLY WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT ROLE SHE THINKS LAZ SHOULD PLAY IN SAFE GUARDING THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE AS ZAMBIA GOES THROUGH THE CONSTITUTIONAL EVOLUTION PROCESS. ALL IN ALL CONGRATULATIONS MADAM AND WE HOPE YOU SERVE YOUR PROFESSION WELL AND WITH INTELLECTUAL INTERGRITY AND DIGNITY! !!

    • Congrats. Though the Association is no longer as powerful and relevant as used to be. They`ve lost it.

    • @The Trueth:

      What exactly is your problem? Sounds like you are mumbling incessantly and it a quite annoying, you know….

  1. All this thanks to the progressive pro-gender balance agenda of the PF government under our humble president, Edgar Lungu who is from a Law background. In Kaunda or Chiluba days you couldn’t even dream of such. Kudos Mr President.

  2. And Ms. Kasonde, can you now start performing. We all know your achievements in terms of paper qualification. But can you please show us what you can do practically on the job?

    • Immediately she starts making noise the politicians will appoint her to the Judiciary to keep her quiet like what they have done to Ireen Mambilima…she has now turned into a parrot and a tool for the Executive enjoying her salary and allowances.

    • Small question, is LAZ Bemba dominated? Former president=Bemba. New president=Bemba. All aspiring presidential candidates=Bemba. Vice-president=Bemba.

  3. Congratulations Ms Kasonde. I wish you the best. You have paved the way for other female lawyers to aspire to that position and higher offices. We have had two male lawyer Republican Presidents, perhaps a female one isn’t far off.

  4. Is she married?. How many Children does she have?. “Bushe is she contributing Mkuisusha Isonde?”
    She has got all the qualifications. What we need now is her contribution to society.

    Let’s not be buried in qualifications alone. Let’s begin to judge leaders by contribution to society.

    However, congratulations Linda. You have got a point to prove.

    • Marriage is optional. The former acting chief justice Chibesa Kunda never got married. Linda, dont worry, if you dont want to get married just enjoy your profession and long as you can derive satisfaction from it

  5. Ba Lsk Times thanks for the story.. well done and congrats to Linda Kasonde on being voted Laz President, however I wish to take to task all Lawyers in Zambia that some of your conduct has been more of seperating the people from the Law. My advice to you is create a bridge between people and the Law make Law more accessible to ordinary Zambians, why should only rich people like HH and his relatives be the ones to hire Lawyers? Ms Kasonde is a graduate of a prestigious UK University and I know for a fact that even the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) in the UK have taken giant steps to make the involvement of Lawyers, Solicitors and Barristers in cases less by creating a workable framework that allows any individual to defend his or herself in a court of Law. Some ancient practices…

    • Yes you are right access to justice must be improved. But let me assure you that in the UK Judges rarely entertain Defendants or claimants in Person. They go through the motions but will always err towards their own legal kind. You might eventually win after appeals ( they make you earn it) But I suppose the fact you can is better than taking a stick to the Judiciary! Frequently, it’s ethnic minorities that are affected to shabby treatment. The law in Western countries just knows how to lock us up!

  6. In addition to her superior academic and professional credentials, what’s even more important is integrity, ethics and high moral standing for a person in such a position. We don’t want to hear and see, when she decides to venture into politics lots of skeletons come tumbling out of cupboards, as is the case with the current ruler of Zambia.

  7. CONGRATS MAMA YOU HAVE SUPPORT FROM THE HEAD OF STATE WHOSE DESIRE IS TO EMPOWER AS MANY WOMEN AS POSSIBLE MORE STILL WOMEN OF HIGHER CALIBER LIKE YOU.

    ALL WE ASK PLEASE BE PROFESSIONAL AND GUIDE THE NATION ON HEATED CLAUSES SUCH AS GRADE 12 AND ITS EQUIVALENCY RATHER THAN KEEPING QUITE. BRAVO

  8. am re one Tonga is going to cry foul ati another Bemba. So far they are just quiet and just burning inside. But they wont contain it any longer, you will see

    • @Inde
      Shallow minds always find a way of exposing their mediocrity. What has tribe got to do with the topic at hand?

      The amount of trubalism in you is so poisoning your thought processes….if at all any are functioning!

  9. wow great to have a Young woman we a strong background to be in such a high positions…..there a lot of old uneducated dinosaurs that prevent young talented and educated Zambia getting these positions

  10. Ctn…some ancient practices which we inherited from Colonialists must be done away with. Let us have a afrocentric approach to how justice is dispensed by the Legal System. The traditional approach in many African cultures was to let both parties represent themselves before a council of elders. Let us in one way or another try to get back to our roots, after almost 100 years of following blindly a system that even where it is coming from today is being greatly reformed. Adaptation is needed.

  11. Isn’t she the one who as LAZ vice president and chair of some committee ganged up with her tribesmen to try and block ECL’s appointment of current AG Kalaluka for no apparent reason other than tribalism (don’t crucify me, this conclusion was made by one learned Elias munshya is a detailed analysis of LAz’s rejection of kalaluka’s appointment as Attorney General. ). That incidence left a bitter taste in many mouths madam LAZ President and we will be watching your two year reign very closely. Otherwise CONGRATULATIONS

    • Collins – I was waiting for someone to point this out. I am surprised that until you, nobody is talking about this.

  12. Let’s hope she remember to open doors to her female friends where they are deserving. For surely this being Year of Women has helped to propel her forward even with all her Learning it has taken conscious thought to bring her forward.

  13. How many consecutive LAZ presidents have been Bembas? How does this tie in with the lawlessness that has befallen Zambians in general and clients of lawyers in particular? When you have lawyers like Lungu stealing client’s money and such a thief becomes a President, you know the country is finished. This woman and that Mulenga thief on the Constitutional Court are the nail in the legal coffin. Justice is for sale now.

  14. Congratulations to her, although I know nothing of her. She sounds like she has rich academic papers but could the writer please also list her practical experience and achievements. Like what high profile court cases she was involved in and which ones did she win or lose? Law like many other disciplines (I would like to believe) is competence based and demonstrated experience is more important than book smarts unless you want to be a lecturer.

    Anyway good luck to her.

    Mushota jealous now, huh?

  15. ZAMBIA get 1st female LAZ president? Imwe ba LT just say LAZ gets 1st female president. Your heading sounds like we have plenty of “LAZ” beyond Zambia.

  16. It is never too late to say! Congratulations. The Haadinke family wish you the best!
    God guide you as you help to clean the mess in Zambia and don’t forget the less privileged.
    God bless you.
    -Haadinke

Comments are closed.

Read more

Local News

Discover more from Lusaka Times-Zambia's Leading Online News Site - LusakaTimes.com

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading