Zambian filmmaker Chansa Tembo has been named a finalist in the U.S. Embassy’s inaugural Democracy Video Challenge online film contest. Mr. Tembo will compete with two other African filmmakers for the chance to win an all-expenses trip to Washington, DC, New York, and Hollywood to represent the continent of Africa in the worldwide contest.

The Democracy Video Challenge is a combined initiative between the U.S. State Department and the on-line video sharing site YouTube. Filmmakers from around the world were asked to submit films that answer the phrase “Democracy is…” Films could not exceed three minutes or use copyrighted material, but there were no other limits to filmmakers’ visions.

Mr. Tembo beat long odds to become a finalist. The contest received more than 900 submissions from 95 countries. Zambia led Africa with nine original entries.

Mr. Tembo’s film, entitled “Democracy is like a smoothie,” shows a variety of fresh fruits being blended together. The film asserts that “democracy is like a smoothie of blended philosophical ideas, ideologies, cultural norms and aesthetic values.”

Winners will be determined by a public vote which is underway now at http://www.youtube.com/democracychallenge. The public can vote for videos by giving them a thumb’s up.

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Press Releases

Lusaka Filmmaker Named Finalist In Worldwide Democracy Video Challenge – Zambians Encouraged To Vote Online To Determine Winner
Tuesday, May 2009. Lusaka.
http://zambia.usembassy.gov/pr05192009.html

hearing former Transport and Communications Minister Dora Siliya’s application for judicial review into the findings of the Judge Dennis Chirwa Tribunal.

The matter will be heard before High Court Judge Phillip Musonda.

Ms. Siliya applied for judicial review last week.

Her lawyer Eric Silwamba filed the application for judicial review in the Lusaka High Court.

Mr. Silwamba argued that the decision by the tribunal that his client breached the provisions of the constitution was in excess of its jurisdiction as stipulated by the provisions of the parliamentary and ministerial code of conduct.

He further contended that the tribunal erred in law when it purported to adjudicate constitutional matters and pronounce itself on the provisions of the constitution.

Mr. Silwamba stated that the Judge Dennis Chirwa Tribunal also erred in law when it misconstrued the interpretation of the provisions of article 54(3) of the constitution.

He argued that the purported breach of the provisions of the constitution was not one of the allegations levelled against his client.

Mr. Silwamba states that in doing so, the tribunal exceeded its limit and statutory jurisdiction.

The Judge Dennis Chirwa tribunal cleared Ms. Siliya on three allegations.

The tribunal found that Ms. Siliya did not breach part II of the Parliamentary and Ministerial code of conduct Act.

The tribunal however found that the former minister breached the provisions of the constitution and ignored the attorney general’s advice.

[ZNBC]

The MMD in Livingstone has decided to endorse President Rupiah Banda as the ideal candidate for the 2011 general elections. MMD Provincial Chairman, Sol Muzyamba said President Banda would be maintained as the sole candidate to represent the party in the 2011 general elections since the party wanted continuity.

Mr Muzyamba was speaking when he welcome President Banda in Livinstone this afternoon.

President Banda urged MMD officials in the Province to work hard in order to gain more support in Choma, Monze, Kazungula and other districts in the province that are still opposition strongholds.

He pledged to work extra hard to deliver on his promises to the nation so that he could merit being the sole MMD Presidential candidate following the resolution by the MMD in Livingstone to endorse him as the ideal candidate for the 2011 general elections.

The President said he would work extra hard so as not to embarrass and let down the rest of the country.

The President is in Livingstone to officiate at a two-day 6th Zambia International Business Advisory Council (ZIBAC) conference at Zambezi Sun hotel.

Mr. Banda said the ZIBAC conference would help him and his cabinet to get better ideas on how the country could survive the global economic crunch.

ZANIS

Speaking when Kasama Mayor Fidelis Chishoma and newly elected Mungwi District Council chairperson Francis Musonda paid a courtesy on him, Mr. Shawa said he was saddened to hear that Mr. Sata’s opted to attack him and provincial permanent secretary Mwalimu Simfukwe during the recent public rally in Kasama.

The Minister said while he respects the PF leader, there was need for him to exhibit political maturity by discussing developmental issues instead of engaging in character assassination of innocent individuals.

Mr. Shawa said the fact that President Rupiah Banda appointed him as Northern Province Minister does not mean that the Head of State had marginalized the local people from the realm of power.

He vowed not be distracted from spearheading development in the region by selfish individuals who have nothing better to offer the people .

The Minister said he is in the province to serve everyone regardless of their tribal inclination.

Mr. Shawa stated that President Banda’s administration wants to work with the opposition and other interests groups in developing the country and urged well-meaning Zambians to fully support the move.

The Minister praised Mr. Chishoma and Mr. Musonda, who are both PF councillors, for showing interest to partner with the provincial administration in accelerating development in their respective Districts.

Mr. Chishoma has advised Zambians not to listen to Mr. Sata’s alleged divisive politics, as they do not add value to the development of the country.

Mr. Chishoma accused Mr. Sata of allegedly specializing in politics’ of division in order to win political mileage instead of fostering unity in the country.

The Mayor however assured the provincial minister that he and Mungwi District Council chairman were ready to work closely with the government in order to enhance development in their areas.

Mr. Chishoma further said as PF councillor, he would consult widely with everyone on matters of development in Kasama District unlike taking a partisan stance.

Recently, PF leader Michael Sata told a public rally in Kasama that the people of Northern Province have been marginalized because they were being governed by ‘imported’ people, citing Provincial Minister Charles Shawa and his permanent secretary Mwalimu Simfukwe respectively.

ZANIS

The three Investigating wings, probing the Zambian airways saga have refuted media reports that they have hit a snag.

The Zambia police Service, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are investigating operations at the closed airline.

Inspector General of Police Francis told journalists at a media briefing that reports in Monday’s edition of the Post Newspapers that the probe had stalled are untrue.

He said the joint team has instead broadened its investigations.

Mr. Kabonde said it is also NOT correct that the Police Service is the only one investigating the operations of Zambian Airways.

He said the Police, DEC and ACC want to ensure that every case being handled is thoroughly investigated within the context of justice, professionalism and fair play.

Mr. Kabonde said when the Director of Public Prosecutions advises the joint investigation team it does not imply that the matter has been halted.

He explained that it is common practice to consult the DPP on various legal issues before official arrests are made.

The Post reported that investigations into the operations of the airline had hit a snag and investigators are now probing officers at the Development Bank of Zambia.

And ACC Acting Director General Rosewin Wandi said members of the public have come forward with more information in the ten billion kwacha saga at the Ministry of Health.

Last week the ACC exposed a scam in which billions of Kwacha have been misappropriated by some workers at the ministry.

[ZNBC]