Film Association of Malawi (Fama) board chairperson Peter Kumwenda has defended the election of socialite Dorothy Kingston as Fama president, saying she was eligible.
Dorothy’s election on Sunday has sparked mixed reactions within the country’s film industry.
The socialite, who is not known to have acting and film production experience, secured 66 votes against 15 for her competitor actress Flora Suya.
But in an interview yesterday, Kumwenda said the association’s constitution does not require a candidate to have a specific period of membership.
“The constitution is silent on that provision. It indicates that as long as one is a member, they can contest for the position. Another thing is that the decision for the candidate to run or not was discussed and concluded, meaning that she was eligible to run,” he said.
Kumwenda added that while in the past elections, committees came up with guidelines to address such issues, there was none this time.
In another interview, filmmaker and Fama member Charles Shemu Joyah acknowledged that it was up to the members to decide.
He said talking about lack of experience is underestimating the skills she may bring to the association.
Observed Shemu Joyah: “Currently, no one can tell whether she is capable of leading Fama or not because she has not led the association before, but time will surely tell.
“She might not have a lot of experience in the industry, but it is a risk the voters were willing to take when they voted for her. If she doesn’t fulfil the members’ expectations, they can always hold her accountable.”
Kingston’s manifesto included proposals to build new offices for the association and establish a proposal writing committee to help source funds for Fama.
In a Facebook post, former Fama president Gift Sukali famously known as Sukez, also argued that while talent and experience are necessary in a leader, they are not the only qualities.
“Leadership demands more than skill in a specific field. It requires humility, patience and the ability to compromise for the greater good. Perhaps this is why Fama members made their decision [to choose Dorothy],” he wrote
Winners
President:Dorothy Kingston
Vice-president: Gilbert Moyo
Secretary: Ignatious Kaphinde
Vice-secretary: Charles Levison
Treasurer: Daud Shaib
Vice-treasurer: Catherine Kawawa
Commitee members
Daniel Quinn
Neria Chikhosi
Chiyembekezo Kalonga
Disiree Namachotsa
