Nuggets from Giants

Dear Rookie Advocate,

In my Chambers (legal parlance for office) I have draped one of my favourite pictures of all times. It’s a picture of my late father, Adada Mkhondo Danwood Lungu- former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Zambia, with the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela- the first black Head of State and Former President of South Africa and the late Rupiah Bwezani Banda- the fourth President of the Republic of Zambia. These men were giants in my life. The picture is in my chambers to motivate me when I have a mental block or low moment at work.  Yes, we all have low moments.

You may wonder why and how the picture motivates me. Well, in my mind I have conserved some advice which they shared, either with me directly or with our community, in the form of quotes. Their words are not only profound but relevant to one who seeks wisdom and success. They are what I term “nuggets of wisdom”. 

When I look up at the picture, I call to mind the quote which is germane to what I need to overcome. In this very short article, I will share 8 nuggets of wisdom from these giants and a few other giants that I have had the privilege to share a moment with.

Challenges in your life are inevitable, whether you allow them to defeat you is your choice.

Hon. Mkhondo Danwood Lungu (Adada)

What I heard: Choose to overcome the challenges and obstacles that you face because you will not be spared a few trials as you navigate through life.

I must not be isolated from the collective who are responsible for the success.

H.E. Nelson Mandela

What I heard: There is no “I” in success. Appreciate those that help you achieve it.

Listen carefully to what is not said.

H.E. Rupiah Bwezani Banda

What I Heard: Sometimes people communicate without speaking. Pay attention to their actions, reactions and your environment.

Procrastination and success do not get along. If I were you, I would not make friends with procrastination. It will come between you and success.

Hon. Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima

What I heard: Do not procrastinate if you want to succeed.

Padoko Padoko

Tumbuka Phrase

What I heard: When translated into English, this means bit by bit or slowly slowly. My Father used to say this to me all the time. He used to discourage impatience in the pursuit of attaining promotion, success, wealth, relationships, or any other outcome. He was of the view that things obtained in a hurry were not as durable or sustainable as those obtained “padoko padoko”.  He impressed it upon me that a deliberate and gradual development was more likely to result in achieving a more sustainable desired result.

If you cry for rain, you have also cried for mud.

(Tumbuka Proverb) – Agogo Hezekiah Mkhondo Gibson Lungu – My grandfather

What I Heard: Be mindful of what you cry or wish for; it will come with some unwanted or unplanned element.  

Shoot Straight as you adjudicate.

Hon. Deputy Chief Justice Marvin Mwanamwmba

What I heard: Be straightforward, fair and honest as you hear and determine matters. Without fear or favour!

You don’t always have to jump the hurdles that pop up along the way, sometimes you should go around them.

Lady Justice B. G. Shonga

What I mean: There is often more than one way to solve a problem.

Finally, as Isaac D’Israeli said, “The wisdom of the wise and the experience of ages may be preserved by quotation.”

I hope I have dropped a few gems which you too will appreciate!

Hon Lady Justice Bubile Grace Shonga

Lady Justice Bubile Shonga serves as a Judge of the High Court for Zambia, in the Commercial Division. She was appointed to the bench in May, 2016, in her 20^th year of private practice at the Zambian bar. During her tenure on the bench, she has enjoyed the privilege of serving as the first resident Judge of the Commercial Court in Kitwe, as Judge in Charge of the district division. She is an executive member of the Zambia Association of Women Judges (ZAWJ). She is also a member of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ). These Associations champion respect for, amongst other things, human rights. Judge Shonga is currently serving as the chairperson of the Education Committee of ZAWJ. She is enthusiastic about sensitizing children and their communities about children’s rights. She has authored two books written to empower children with crucial life skills that may save them from childhood sexual abuse (http://khwimabooks.com).