Executive Management Committee Members 2024/2025
President: Kaday Conteh
Vice President: Ebenezer Assibey-Bonsu
Treasurer: Anu Burayou
Secretary: Georgina Yiannakis
Our Society is run by volunteers who serve on our Management Committee. See all Management Committee Members below.
Kaday Conteh
President
Kaday Conteh is the current President of the Society of African Australian Lawyers Inc and co-founder of the organisation.
She is a dual qualified UK/ Australia practitioner with a broad background in commercial property. She currently works as a Special Counsel at Hamilton Locke where she specialises in energy real estate, assisting developers and investors to secure land tenure and access rights for the construction and development of renewable energy projects and infrastructure across Australia – encompassing wind, solar, BESS and a range of hybrid facilities.
She is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity for ethnic minority professionals across the legal industry and creating opportunity and community.
She is a dual qualified UK/ Australia practitioner with a broad background in commercial property. She currently works as a Special Counsel at Hamilton Locke where she specialises in energy real estate, assisting developers and investors to secure land tenure and access rights for the construction and development of renewable energy projects and infrastructure across Australia – encompassing wind, solar, BESS and a range of hybrid facilities.
She is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity for ethnic minority professionals across the legal industry and creating opportunity and community.
Ebenezer Assibey-Bonsu
Vice-President
Ebenezer Assibey-Bonsu is passionate about giving back to the community and serves on the board for African Professionals Australia and is SAALI’s current Vice President.
As an experienced commercial litigator, focusing on construction disputes, corporate insolvency, and restructuring, Ebenezer has represented and advised clients in a broad range of litigation matters, including large construction defect claims and recovery proceedings, regulatory defence matters (ASIC prosecutions and WorkSafe prosecutions), and general commercial disputes (banking and finance litigation and debt recovery).
Ebenezer was instrumental in establishing the first African Law Student Award in 2024. In 2025 he will again oversee the selection process and head up the selection panel for this prestigious Award.
As an experienced commercial litigator, focusing on construction disputes, corporate insolvency, and restructuring, Ebenezer has represented and advised clients in a broad range of litigation matters, including large construction defect claims and recovery proceedings, regulatory defence matters (ASIC prosecutions and WorkSafe prosecutions), and general commercial disputes (banking and finance litigation and debt recovery).
Ebenezer was instrumental in establishing the first African Law Student Award in 2024. In 2025 he will again oversee the selection process and head up the selection panel for this prestigious Award.
Anu Burayou
Treasurer
Anu Burayou currently serves as the Treasurer of the Society of African Australian Lawyers Inc (SAALI). In this role, he is responsible for managing the club’s finances, assisting in the organisation of events, and fostering meaningful engagement with members. He views this position as an opportunity to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive community that reflects the values he deeply cares about.
Anu is a Law graduate at MinterEllison and completed his Juris Doctor at the University of Western Australia. During his time at UWA, he was actively involved in student life, notably through his leadership role on the UWA African Students Union. This experience nurtured his passion for leadership, community service, and creating inclusive spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive and feel represented.
Anu is a Law graduate at MinterEllison and completed his Juris Doctor at the University of Western Australia. During his time at UWA, he was actively involved in student life, notably through his leadership role on the UWA African Students Union. This experience nurtured his passion for leadership, community service, and creating inclusive spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive and feel represented.
Georgina Yiannakis
Secretary
Georgina Yiannnakis is a Malawian-born law graduate with a double degree in Law and Business. She has been working at Efficient Law Group for the past year, primarily focusing on family and criminal law, and is set to be admitted as a lawyer in June 2025.
As Secretary of the Society of African Australian Lawyers, Georgina plays a key role in the day-to-day functioning of the Society. She is responsible for assisting with administrative tasks and attending member meetings, preparing and distributing the minutes and ensuring effective communication within the board.
She also liaises with external stakeholders and third-party organisations on behalf of the President to support the Society’s events, partnerships and broader initiatives. Driven by a strong passion for justice, Georgina is committed to using her skills and experience to advocate for equity, representation and meaningful change within the legal profession and the broader community.
As Secretary of the Society of African Australian Lawyers, Georgina plays a key role in the day-to-day functioning of the Society. She is responsible for assisting with administrative tasks and attending member meetings, preparing and distributing the minutes and ensuring effective communication within the board.
She also liaises with external stakeholders and third-party organisations on behalf of the President to support the Society’s events, partnerships and broader initiatives. Driven by a strong passion for justice, Georgina is committed to using her skills and experience to advocate for equity, representation and meaningful change within the legal profession and the broader community.
Dalitso Banda
Committee Member
Dalitso Banda and Kaday Conteh are the co-founders of SAALI, establishing the society in July 2020 amid the Covid pandemic.
Dalitso is a Principal of Bennett and a leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution lawyer. He has acted for a broad range of clients including publicly listed companies and proprietary companies involved in industrial sectors such as Mining and Resources, Engineering and Construction, Investments, Information Technology, Professional Services, Property, Agriculture and Transport.
Dalitso is listed by Doyle’s Guide in the Leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers – Western Australia, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Dalitso is a Principal of Bennett and a leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution lawyer. He has acted for a broad range of clients including publicly listed companies and proprietary companies involved in industrial sectors such as Mining and Resources, Engineering and Construction, Investments, Information Technology, Professional Services, Property, Agriculture and Transport.
Dalitso is listed by Doyle’s Guide in the Leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers – Western Australia, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Carmen Maughan
Communication and Social Media Engagement
Carmen is a learning and development specialist with considerable experience within the legal profession across membership associations and legal private practice in a career spanning 25 years.
Carmen joined SAALI in November 2022 and has served on the Management Committee since July 2023. Her responsibilities include Communications and Social Media Engagement through the management of our WhatsApp Group, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts. She is also the liaison person for sponsors.
Her current projects include Law Week 2025 and our Book Club.
Carmen joined SAALI in November 2022 and has served on the Management Committee since July 2023. Her responsibilities include Communications and Social Media Engagement through the management of our WhatsApp Group, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts. She is also the liaison person for sponsors.
Her current projects include Law Week 2025 and our Book Club.
Nelson Chibwe
Committee Member
Nelson Chibwe is the Founder and Managing Director of the Efficient Law Group. He is passionate about finding ways to deliver affordable legal service and maximise access to justice.
As a member of the SAALI Management Committee, Nelson promotes a supportive professional network for African Australian lawyers and law students through his ongoing and strong support of SAALI initiatives and his service on the Management Committee since 2021.
As a member of the SAALI Management Committee, Nelson promotes a supportive professional network for African Australian lawyers and law students through his ongoing and strong support of SAALI initiatives and his service on the Management Committee since 2021.
Nana Kwakwaa Akuoko-Tawiah
Committee Member
Nana Kwakwaa Akuoko-Tawiah is a
practicing lawyer at Women’s Legal Service WA, specializing in Family Law and Care & Protection. With a strong background in the legal, health, and community service sectors, she is dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities through legal advocacy.
As a member of the SAALI Management Committee, Nana Kwakwaa promotes a supportive professional network for African Australian lawyers and law students. Her responsibilities include coordinating events, engaging with community stakeholders, mentoring emerging legal professionals, and supporting initiatives that enhance access to legal information within African communities.
practicing lawyer at Women’s Legal Service WA, specializing in Family Law and Care & Protection. With a strong background in the legal, health, and community service sectors, she is dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities through legal advocacy.
As a member of the SAALI Management Committee, Nana Kwakwaa promotes a supportive professional network for African Australian lawyers and law students. Her responsibilities include coordinating events, engaging with community stakeholders, mentoring emerging legal professionals, and supporting initiatives that enhance access to legal information within African communities.
Hope Matabishi
Committee Member
Hope Matabishi, is currently a third-year Juris Doctor student and serves as a member of the SAALI Management Committee, and works as a liaison between university student bodies and the Society.
One of her key projects is organising the Law Access Walk for Justice SAALI Team and fundraising.
One of her key projects is organising the Law Access Walk for Justice SAALI Team and fundraising.
Taona Maforimbo
Committee Member
Taona Maforimbo is a SAALI Management Committee Member where he focuses on student engagement initiatives and recently developed the Society’s new website to improve visibility and community access.
He is a penultimate year law student at Murdoch University with experience in legal support roles across different areas of law. He also actively participates in Law Society programs and adjudicated in Law Society vs College of Law client interview competitions.
Taona is passionate about increasing representation of African Australian law students and building platforms that foster access, opportunity and professional growth for emerging legal professionals from diverse backgrounds.
He is a penultimate year law student at Murdoch University with experience in legal support roles across different areas of law. He also actively participates in Law Society programs and adjudicated in Law Society vs College of Law client interview competitions.
Taona is passionate about increasing representation of African Australian law students and building platforms that foster access, opportunity and professional growth for emerging legal professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Ishe Potsekayi
Committee Member
Ishe Potsekayi is a final-year Business Law student with a passion for fostering meaningful connections within the student community. As an Ordinary Committee Member focusing on student engagement, Ishe plays a vital role in building inclusive, dynamic spaces where students can connect, collaborate and thrive.
Currently, Ishe is responsible for the Student Engagement Launch, an upcoming event designed to kickstart a new wave of student involvement and energize campus life. Her dedication to student voice and participation reflects her broader commitment to leadership, law and community development.
Currently, Ishe is responsible for the Student Engagement Launch, an upcoming event designed to kickstart a new wave of student involvement and energize campus life. Her dedication to student voice and participation reflects her broader commitment to leadership, law and community development.
Maram Adem
Committee Member
Maram is a family lawyer admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2023, after completing her law degree at Murdoch University. She takes a calm, thoughtful approach to her work and values the opportunity to support individuals and families through challenging times.
Maram has been a member of the Society of African Australian Lawyers since 2022 and previously served as our secretary. She is committed to fostering a more inclusive and representative legal profession. She values community connection, continuous learning, and making a meaningful difference through her everyday legal practice.
Maram has been a member of the Society of African Australian Lawyers since 2022 and previously served as our secretary. She is committed to fostering a more inclusive and representative legal profession. She values community connection, continuous learning, and making a meaningful difference through her everyday legal practice.
Maranata Gebremedhin
Committee Member
Maranata Gebremedhin is a Juris Doctor student at the University of Western Australia. As a member of the SAALI Management Committee, she oversees the SAALI Book Club, where she promotes and celebrates literature by African authors and foster meaningful discussion within our legal community.
Her experience in both state and federal political spheres has equipped her with a deep understanding of advocacy, which she brings to her studies. She is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices in the law and creating spaces for cross-cultural exchange.
Her experience in both state and federal political spheres has equipped her with a deep understanding of advocacy, which she brings to her studies. She is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices in the law and creating spaces for cross-cultural exchange.
