Educational Systems, just like other sectors, need motivation in the form of recognition for achieving their goals. A critical aspect of motivation within educational sector is awards and recognitions. While institutions, universities and colleges do have their own internal awards for motivating the students, these awards and recognitions are of higher significance when they are accepted by the industry and improve the overall value of the education. One such award is the Steven Malama award for the law students from ZIALE (Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education). This award is given to the top graduating student from the institute and the student must qualify for bar in his or her first attempt. The award was established by Dr. Rajan Mahtani, a noted businessman, charity worker and philanthropist in Zambia. Dr. Rajan Mahtani established this award in memory of the late Steven Malama who was a visionary in the field of Zambian Law.

Since its conceptualization in 2012 and inauguration in 2013, the Steven Malama award has given opportunities for several deserving students to showcase their talent, knowledge, skills and passion by winning this award. At the same time, the award system has improved the quality of teaching and the dedication of the students who all are eager to win this award, resulting in better ranking of the college. ZIALE is now considered as one of the top law colleges in Zambia. Such is the power of an award system which is transparent, fair, ethical and rewarding. The Steven Malama award honours all those who are dedicated to the field of law and are ready to provide their utmost services for improving the legal and regulatory conditions of the country.

The Steven Malama award carries a plaque, a certificate and a cash prize worth K15,000, which is another major motivation for law students from the institute to work harder. The winner of the award for the year 2018-19 was Emmanuel Bwalya Kaluba.