AMA AGM and Elective Conference
The Honourable Chief Justice Rizine Robert Mzikamanda, SC, has called on magistrates to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability and independence as they discharge their constitutional responsibility of administering justice to the people of Malawi.
The Chief Justice made the call today when he officially opened the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Elective Conference of the Association for Magistrates of Malawi (AMA) at Mponela in Dowa District.
In his keynote address, the Chief Justice reminded magistrates that their office carries a responsibility to serve the people with fidelity to the Constitution, loyalty to the law, independence of mind, humility of service and an unwavering commitment to justice.
“The office of a magistrate is a public office. It is an office held in trust for the people,” he said, emphasising that judicial authority must always be exercised in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
The Chief Justice further urged magistrates to remain faithful to their Judicial oath and went further to reaffirm the Judiciary’s commitment to improving access to justice by taking justice closer to people, including those in the remotest parts of the country.
The two-day conference is being held under the theme, “A Decade of Judicial Excellence: Celebrating Our Past, Strengthening Our Future.”
Reflecting on the theme of the conference, the Chief Justice said AMA’s decade-long journey resonated with the transformation and reforms taking place within the Judiciary, and the numerous global recognitions of the Malawi Judiciary as a leader in matters of Justice.
He acknowledged the contributions of successive AMA leaderships and the Association’s collaboration with Judiciary committees, including the Conditions of Service Committee, which he said had contributed to improvements in the conditions of service for judicial officers.
The outgoing AMA President, His Worship Kondani Chinangwa, said the Association’s journey began ten years ago with five magistrates united by a common vision of standing together and speaking with one voice.
He said the Association later grew into an important partner in promoting the welfare and professional development of magistrates and judicial officers.
According to His Worship Chinangwa, AMA’s work over the past decade has extended beyond welfare advocacy to include professional development, capacity building, integrity and commitment to justice. The Association has, among other initiatives, supported countrywide training for magistrates on various areas of law in collaboration with the Malawi Judiciary Training Committee.
His Worship Chinangwa acknowledged that despite the progress made, challenges remain, including inadequate working spaces, shortages of courtrooms, offices and staff, as well as outstanding issues concerning conditions of service.
He called for greater attention to matters affecting the working environment of magistrates, noting that improved welfare and working conditions strengthen the Judiciary, protect judicial independence and contribute to more effective justice delivery.
He also thanked TNM and the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) for their financial support towards the AGM. The AGM brings together magistrates and other stakeholders to reflect on the Association’s achievements over the past decade, and members are expected to vote for and usher in new leaders on Sunday, 06 September 2026.
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