Richard Banda

Richard Banda SC is a Malawian barrister and former athlete. He is a judge who formerly served as Chief Justice of Malawi and Eswatini and as Minister of Justice in Malawi. He was president of the Commonwealth Magistrates' and Judges' Association and Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal. As a sportsman, Banda was a track and field athlete and soccer player. He is the spouse of the former president of Malawi, Joyce Banda and, as such, was the first gentleman.

Career Athletic career He played soccer for Malawi, was the captain of the Malawi national team, the Flames, and later was president of the Football Association of Malawi. As a track and field athlete, Banda represented Malawi in the high jump. He later became the president of the Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association of Malawi. He was the president of the Commonwealth Magistrates' and Judges' Association (CMJA) 2000–2003.

He was the Chief Justice of Eswatini. He spoke against corruption and backlogs in the Swaziland Criminal Justice System. Banda was succeeded by Michael Ramodibedi after he retired due to his health.

Honors and awards Chairman of African Parks (Majete), 2003–2007 He is married to Malawi's fourth president, Joyce Banda. He is brother-in-law to Anjimile Oponyo.