International Men’s Day 2024: interview with Zambian High Court Judge, Kazimbe Chenda
In continuation of our series of interviews with judges from different backgrounds, jurisdictions and from other countries, we interviewed High Court Judge, Kazimbe Chenda, from Zambia, about his career. He also discusses International Men’s Day and what it means to him.
Can you introduce yourself?
I am a Zambian national serving as a judge in the High Court, Commercial Division and I am married with two children. I am also the youngest of the Superior Court judges currently in Zambia and I aspire for service with excellence.
What is your background and your career journey so far?
I was appointed to the bench in 2018 after ten years of private practice in two chambers-ranked law firms in Zambia. In the first firm, my work was predominantly commercial advisory, and banking and finance. In the second firm I did commercial dispute resolution and was made partner at the age of 29 years.
Whilst at the bar, I served the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) in various roles includingon the law reform committee; the Lands Tribunal; and in the mentorship programme.
On the bench, my collaboration with LAZ has continued. I have also been involved in capacity building initiatives. I have sat on various administrative committees and currently serve on the Chief Justice’s advisory committee on performance management. In addition, I am keenly involved in building strategic networks for the judiciary.
I am also a practicing arbitrator and member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. On the international scene, I sit on the Judicial Steering Committee of International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL) International and have been involved in its regional and intercontinental events. I am also privileged to be involved with the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC) and to have attended the 5th observation programme, followed by participation in crafting the extended version of the case management principles.
What made you decide to pursue a career in law?
From far back as primary school, I was interested in being a lawyer which I understood to involve talking a lot to persuade people and solve problems for others and myself. As I progressed through school, my resolve grew stronger as I appreciated that lawyers are required to act in service of others whilst upholding principles of honesty and fairness. I have always found a regulated environment as a safe and enjoyable space; I have treasured the positions of responsibility it has attracted since childhood. After secondary school, I had my eyes set on law school, which I qualified for at the University of Zambia.
Has there been a particular role model who has inspired you throughout your life/career?
Three of them stand out. My father who instilled values of integrity, hard work, service, and foresight. My mother who infused humility, respect for others, generosity and a spirit of gratitude. The late Chief Justice Irene Mambilima complimented that with lessons on self-discipline and emotional intelligence.
Why do you think International Men’s Day is important?
I can speak to the African cultural context where men are expected to be providers in society. The day is important for recognition (of the value men bring); reflection (on the unique challenges they face); and dialogue (on solutions). It is also important for equity given the affirmative action for girl child and women empowerment which (though very progressive) sometimes leaves men (and the boy child) neglected in many spheres of society. It is also an opportunity to celebrate male role models, to inspire others.
The theme for this year’s International Men’s Day is championing men’s health, wellbeing and emotion. What does this mean to you?
From an African perspective, the theme is very important as it recognises that, though society demands that men should soldier on in every situation (and suppress all emotions), if mistreated, men can also break down like a vehicle overdue for service. Hence the need to intentionally create awareness that men’s health, wellbeing and emotional state are critical factors that can either support or hinder the performance of men, thereby affecting women, children and society as a whole.
What advice would you give for any young people who want to pursue a career in law?
A career in law can be immensely fulfilling and it allows one to pick from various options (academia, in-house, private practice, state chambers or the bench).
Key enablers of career success are having a vision, realistic goals towards it, the right mindset and essential qualities like integrity and self-discipline. It also helps to develop your core skills and techniques and to avoid focusing on material trappings.
To achieve sustainable success and true fulfilment, one also has to look after their physical and mental health. Consequently, it is essential to find a balance for the facets of life through constant and conscious effort. The focus being to harmonise work, continuous education, family and social life, treating them as complimentary rather than in competition.