When Chanda Chungu decided to study law, his motivation was simple. Growing up in Zambia, he saw how many people faced legal problems and how difficult it was for ordinary citizens to access justice and enforce their rights. Chanda wanted a career that would allow him to help people while challenging injustice - and law became the vehicle through which he could achieve this. That decision has since led to a career marked by scholarship, public service and a growing contribution to Zambia's legal landscape.

Recently, Chanda - a UCT Law alumnus and current PhD candidate in Public Law - received two awards from the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ). He was presented with the Publication Prize for the most publications by a junior lawyer in the Association's 50-year history, and the Excellence Award for his contribution to Zambia's jurisprudence through his pro bono work. For Chungu, this recognition is both affirming and encouraging.

"It is deeply affirming to have this work recognised, and a real encouragement to keep going," he says.

Chungu completed both his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Laws (LLM) in the Faculty’s Commercial Law Department, before embarking on his PhD in Public Law under the supervision of Emeritus Professor Hugh Corder. Although his master's degree focused on commercial law, he also pursued Administrative Justice because of his longstanding interest in public law. Chungu says he chose UCT because he wanted to study at the best university in Africa and was fortunate to receive an offer based on his academic performance at school.

His doctoral research examines the emergence of constitutional review of executive power and the applicable standard of review under Zambia's amended Constitution. The topic sits at the intersection of constitutional law and judicial review and addresses an area that has received relatively little academic attention. Chungu hopes his research will contribute to the development of both case law and legislation in Zambia, building on work that has already had a tangible impact in practice.

Reflecting on his time at UCT Law, Chungu says the experience shaped him both academically and personally. Beyond the classroom, he immersed himself in student leadership, serving as Head Student of Varietas Residence, International Student Coordinator on the Students' Representative Council, Speaker of Student Parliament, and a member of both UCT Senate and UCT Council for two years. His contribution to student life was recognised through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor's Award and the Kerry Capstick-Dale Award.

Since graduating, Chungu has argued close to 200 matters before Zambia's superior courts. He has authored nine books and 22 peer-reviewed journal articles, with his publications already being cited by the Zambian courts. He credits the knowledge and opportunities he gained at UCT with helping to shape the work that ultimately led to his recent recognition by the Law Association of Zambia.

Looking ahead, Chungu remains focused on strengthening constitutionalism in his home country. He is particularly interested in the limitation of executive power and the role of the Constitutional Court in developing judicial review. As Chungu continues his doctoral research, he hopes to make a lasting contribution to the country's legal system through both scholarship and practice.