Siphosami Malunga, a prominent human rights lawyer and former Programs Director at the Open Society Africa, has received an outpouring of condolences following the passing of his mother.
Malunga is the son of the late national hero Dr Sidney Malunga who was killed in a suspicious car accident in August 1994 when he reportedly tried to avoid hitting “a black dog” along Masiyephambili Drive in Bulawayo.
Siphosami recently laid his mother to rest. He acknowledged the kind messages and condolences, expressing gratitude for the support during a difficult time.
“I’m back at work after laying my wonderful mother to rest,” Malunga posted on his X handle.
“Thank you all for your kind and comforting messages during what has been one of the most difficult periods for me and my family. We continue to move… one step at a time… as she would have wanted us to.”
Numerous individuals, including friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, have offered their sympathies.
Among those who sent condolences were Brighton Mutebuka, a UK-based lawyer and former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi.
Mutebuka posted: “I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your family, my dear brother, on the loss of your mother. I can only imagine your pain and anguish. MHSRIP.”
Mzembi said: “Heartfelt condolences on the loss of a mother and family matriarch. MHDSRIP.”
Another X user, Jabulani Chirinda, posted: “My sincere condolences for the loss of our Mother. May the Good Lord give you love and comfort during this difficult time.”
Malunga is a renowned human rights lawyer and advocate for justice, transparency, and accountable governance. He holds a PhD in International Law from the University of Witwatersrand, as well as an LLM from the University of Oslo and an LLB from the University of Zimbabwe.
Malunga has had a distinguished career, serving as the former Programs Director at Open Society Africa and Executive Director of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA).
He has also held various UN posts focused on democratic governance, development, peacekeeping, post-conflict recovery, justice sector reform, and transitional justice.
As an international criminal lawyer, Malunga has been lead defense counsel in several high-profile cases, including the Special Panel for Serious Crimes in East Timor and the Los Palos Case. He has also defended militia commanders, including Johni Marques.
Malunga is a prolific writer and has published several articles and book chapters on topics such as human rights, accountability, and international criminal law.
His recent publications include “Defending Open Societies in the Context of COVID-19: The role of philanthropic foundations in responding to the pandemic and the case of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa” and “The Killing Fields of Matabeleland: An Examination of the Gukurahundi Genocide in Zimbabwe”.
Malunga is also a prominent farmer.
