Many Zambians would recognise her name as Kanji back then in her music career, when Mondo Music was the only music label that was active. She was also the best musician, but those who were born after the turn of the millennium to 2008 would not understand.
Her real name stands as Mwizukanji Namwawa who is currently serving in the Zambia Army as Deputy Director, General Army Legal Services Branch, with a title on her name as Lieutenant Colonel Mwizukanji Namwawa.
Today, Colonel Namwawa’s exceptional performance, has earned her the title of best student in the Master of Laws in Constitutional and Administrative Law programme at the National Institute of Public Administration through the Zambia Air Force Centre of Advanced Learning, is a force to be reckoned with.
In addition to possessing a postgraduate diploma in legislative drafting from the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE), Col. Namwawa has fifteen (15) years of experience as a lawyer in good standing.
Aside from that, she was also the first female international student to attend the Joint Senior Command and Staff Programme at South African National War College, where she successfully completed the course with two awards.
During the Combined Joint African Exercise, where Staff Colleges from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa simulate a Peace Support Operation, she was appointed as Team Chief. Col. Namwawa, Team Chief, was given the prize for the exercise’s best syndicate. She was also awarded for writing the best research paper.
Colonel Namwawa is also the Chairperson and Executive Director for the PUSH Women Network. She became the first female and youngest full colonel in the country’s Defence Force after her promotion from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
She graduated from the University of Zambia with a law degree in 2007, and after passing the Legal Practitioners Qualifying Exam, she was admitted to the bar. She then worked as a State Advocate for the Attorney General’s Chambers until 2010, when she enlisted in the Zambian Army.
Prior to her appointment, Col. Namwawa was serving as the Deputy Director of Army Legal Services, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
She is also a devoted and well-known supporter of women’s rights and the creator of the Push Women Awards, a prestigious ceremony honouring women who have excelled in traditionally male-dominated fields.
She started the initiative in order to influence, have an impact on, and pave the way for the recognition and celebration of the numerous accomplishments of Zambian women who have excelled in a variety of professions and industries.
By consistently exemplifying what it means to make a positive impact and enhance the lives of others, Lt. Col. Namwawa is paving the way for breaking down glass ceilings and making Zambia a better place for women and girls.
-NKANI
