Martha Mwangonde is new Ombudsman : Malawi public protector approved by Parliament

Malawi National Assembly has approved the appointment of 36 year old Martha Chizuma Mwangonde as a new public protector the Ombudsman.

The Office of Ombudsman, which is a public watchdog institution against any acts of mal-administration occasioned by public officials, became vacant on 30th June 2015 following the expiry of the term of office for Justice Tujilane Chizumila retired.

It took about 15 months for Chizumila to take the office after former ombudsman Enock Chibwana retired in 2009.

Mwangonde was working in the private sector as a legal counsel at Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company of Malawi Limited until her appointment.

Sources at parliament said Mwangonde was chosen on account of her wealth of experience.

“She has all the necessary experience,” said Fiona Kalemba the new Clerk of Parliament (CoP.)

Mwangonde holds a Master’s of Law degree in International Economic Law from University of East London in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Chancellor College, a constituent college of the University of Malawi. She boasts of 12 years experience in litigation and adjudicating on cases.

Sheserved as deputy chairperson of the Industrial Relations Court, assistant registrar of the High Court of Malawi and Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal, senior resident magistrate and principal resident magistrate.

The news Ombudsman has confirmed receiving her appointment letter, dated November 19 2015, signed by Kalemba.

“I’m looking forward to taking up the post. I hope to build on the successes of my predecessor in ensuring the office provides excellent recourse for service users,” Mwangonde said.

Ombudsman’s office has also teamed up with National Initiative for Civic Education in order to have cases handled with speed.