Spotlight

Mehluli Malisa Batakathi is a trailblazing legal professional whose career exemplifies a steadfast commitment to public interest, human rights, and environmental justice. An alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Centre Southern Africa, Cohort 16 of 2018, Mehluli’s journey in the public management track ignited his passion for public interest litigation, shaping his legal practice into a powerful tool for advancing human rights and good governance.

Inspired by the YALI program, Mehluli set out to make a tangible impact in Zambia. In 2020, he founded Conservation Advocates Zambia, an organization dedicated to environmental protection and climate justice. Under his leadership, the organization has emerged as a key player in advocating for sustainable development and the protection of Zambia’s natural heritage.

One of Mehluli’s most notable achievements is his leading role in stopping the planned mining operations in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Between 2022 and 2023, he spearheaded the legal challenge and played pivotal advocacy and protests, which collectively halted the environmentally destructive project. This victory not only preserved one of Zambia’s most ecologically significant areas but also underscored the power of community-driven legal advocacy in defending vulnerable ecosystems and ensuring the rights of local communities. 

Mehluli’s commitment to environmental justice extends beyond this landmark case. He has taken up other cases involving pollution and health issues as direct consequences of mining operations, as well as land displacement cases on behalf of vulnerable communities. His work highlights the profound connection between environmental protection and the safeguarding of human rights. 

A sought-after speaker, Mehluli has shared his insights on human rights, governance, and environmental justice on numerous local and international platforms. Notably, he addressed a session at the Environmental Protection Dialogue 2024 in Lusaka, where he highlighted the critical intersection of environmental justice and human rights.

Additionally, he was invited to speak at the University of Maryland’s Environmental Law Clinics Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, where he shared Zambia’s experiences in combating environmental degradation and advocating for climate justice. He is also a regular speaker at the Environmental Careers Expo and has addressed public lectures as a guest at Universities in Zambia and the United States of America. 

As the Convenor of the Public Interest, Human Rights, and Criminal Justice Committee of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), Mehluli has led initiatives championing human rights and good governance. His work includes taking up cases on religious freedoms and Zambia’s electoral system, underscoring his deep passion for protecting fundamental rights and strengthening democracy. His leadership within LAZ reflects his commitment to using legal frameworks as tools for promoting accountability and equity in governance. 

Mehluli’s journey demonstrates the transformative power of leadership, vision, and resilience. From his beginnings with YALI to his current role as a leader in public interest litigation and environmental advocacy, he has consistently worked to build a more just and equitable world. His story is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and the pursuit of a higher purpose. 

As Zambia and the world continue to grapple with the dual challenges of climate change and governance, Mehluli Malisa Batakathi’s work stands as a beacon of hope and an example of how determined individuals can drive meaningful change. The ZUEA, YALI network, his professional peers, and communities across Zambia and beyond are fortunate to count him as a champion of justice and sustainability. 

Mwila Mwaba, an alumnus of the YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC), has a powerful story that highlights resilience, growth, and the importance of finding purpose in any situation. Currently working as a District Health Planner in Chinsali District, Mwila’s journey to success began in a place many might consider a setback. 

At just 24, Mwila had big dreams of becoming a lawyer, but life had different plans. Facing unemployment and unsure of where her future was headed, she took a job in Isoka District – a decision she made out of necessity, not ambition. Little did she know that this seemingly unremarkable decision would set the stage for a rewarding and impactful career in public health. 

Seven years later, Mwila looks back with no regrets. Her time in Isoka, and later in Chinsali, has been nothing short of transformative. As a District Health Planner, Mwila plays an integral role in ensuring that healthcare services reach those who need them most. Her work goes beyond planning; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of the people she serves. From seeing children receive the health services they need to witness the improvement of overall community well-being, Mwila finds immense satisfaction in her contributions.

Guided by the mantra, “Bloom where you are planted,” which she adopted during his high school years, Mwila’s approach to her work reflects resilience and a deep commitment to service. Her time with YALI further solidified the importance of self-leadership and resilience, values she now applies daily in her work.

Mwila’s dream has evolved over time, from becoming a lawyer to shaping health policies that are aligned with the realities of local communities. She envisions a future where decisions made at the national level are informed by the needs and experiences of the people on the ground. For those who may feel discouraged by being posted to a remote area, Mwila’s story offers a powerful reminder: it’s not a setback, it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to grow, discover untapped potential, and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. Mwila’s success is a testament to the fact that no matter where life places you, you can thrive, lead, and create positive change.

In the heart of Isoka District, Zambia, Kelvin Nsekwila serves as a dedicated primary school teacher and a YALI Southern Africa 2021 (Business Development and Entrepreneurship). But his story goes far beyond the classroom. Upon his deployment to a rural school, Kelvin witnessed the heartbreaking struggles of children in his community. With only one public primary school and one secondary school for a population of over 4,000 children and youth, education was a distant dream for many. The lack of access led to alarming consequences: child marriages, substance abuse, school dropouts, and other vices that stifled the community’s potential.

Refusing to stand by, Kelvin founded the Phoenix Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a bold mission: to provide quality, equitable, and inclusive access to education, health, and livelihoods for the most vulnerable children and youth. His first major step was mobilizing resources to construct a school, which now serves over 160 pupils from four surrounding villages, offering them a brighter future.

Determined to enhance not just access but the quality of education, Kelvin collaborated with friends in the UK and USA to author Super Better Children, a groundbreaking toolkit designed to improve mental health, build resilience, and empower children in underserved communities. Not stopping there, he launched Playful Learning, an innovative approach combining metacognition, mental health, and play to make learning more impactful. 

This innovation gained international recognition, earning him a spot among the top 10 innovators at the African Union Commission’s event in Accra, Ghana, in October 2024.

In November 2024, Kelvin’s journey led him to Oran, Algeria, where he contributed to drafting the Continental Declaration on Education and Skills Development in the 21st Century.

In a testament to his commitment to sustainability, Kelvin and his team donated the Phoenix Foundation school to the community. The Ministry of Education pledged to adopt and gazette it as a government school, ensuring its long-term operation.

Kelvin’s vision doesn’t stop here. He dreams of building more schools in remote areas, giving every child the opportunity to learn and thrive. His unwavering dedication is transforming lives and inspiring communities across Zambia.