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President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the judiciary to build on the achievements of the late Chief Justice Annel Silungwe to promote public trust and confidence in this crucial arm of government.
Hichilema praised the late Chief Justice for leaving behind a legacy defined by unwavering dedication to justice, establishing himself as a true champion of the rule of law.
The President made these remarks on Monday in Lusaka when he joined mourners at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross to pay last respects to Silungwe, who passed away on June 30, 2024.
He stated that Silungwe’s legacy transcends national boundaries, with his contributions extending beyond Zambia.
“Hon. Justice Silungwe, a legal luminary, had an illustrious career in Zambia and other jurisdictions such as Seychelles and Namibia,” Hichilema said.
The President urged the judiciary to emulate the efficiency of the late Chief Justice by delivering judgments on time, emphasizing that justice delayed was justice denied.
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During the service, Hichilema also called on Zambians to emulate the selfless life of the late Silungwe, who was the first indigenous Zambian Chief Justice.
“His contributions to the country’s jurisprudence, legal system, and the legal profession will remain indelible as they are etched in the annals of history,” he said.
Hichilema extolled Silungwe’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, advancing democracy and advocating for human rights, which saw him appointed as Chairperson for the Technical Working Group that drafted the current constitution.
He also recognised Silungwe’s dedication to promoting access to justice for all without discrimination.
“We also thank the people and the government of the Republic of Namibia, who were represented by the Chief Justice of that country, Hon. Justice Peter S. Shivute, for mourning with us the passing of this legal jurist and luminary,” Hichilema stated.
Earlier, the legal community gathered at the Supreme Court to honor the legacy of Silungwe, celebrating his transformative impact on Zambia’s judiciary.
Chief Justice Mumba Malila, speaking at the valedictory service, praised Justice Silungwe for his unwavering dedication, dignity and humility throughout his career.
Rising from a court interpreter, Silungwe became Zambia’s first indigenous Chief Justice, serving from 1975 to 1992.
Malila highlighted his role in decolonising jurisprudence and nationalising the judiciary during Zambia’s one-party era under President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, noting his unprecedented 17-year tenure.
Lungisani Zulu, President of the Law Association of Zambia, commended Justice Silungwe’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and his legacy of mentoring young legal professionals.
Zulu said Silungwe’s influence on countless lawyers and judges through his imparted knowledge, integrity and compassion.
Annel Silungwe, who passed away, is survived by his wife Abigail Nanyangwe, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage and raised six children.
His illustrious career began in 1958 as a Court Interpreter, followed by his qualification as a Barrister at Law from the Inner Temple, London, in 1966.
He served as a Resident Magistrate, Senior Resident Magistrate, Puisne Judge, and later held ministerial positions before ascending to the Chief Justice role.
In 1999, after leaving Zambia’s judiciary, Silungwe continued his judicial career in Namibia, serving as a High Court judge and later on the Supreme Court.
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