Maravi

Masebo calls for appreciation of secretaries

Masebo calls for appreciation of secretaries
By Kabanda Chulu and Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe
Tue 27 Apr. 2010, 03:50 CAT

CHONGWE MMD member of parliament Sylvia Masebo has said there is need to change people’s mindset to appreciate the vital role professional secretaries play in national development.

And Professional Secretaries Association of Zambia (PSAZ) Kitwe branch coordinator Keyna Nkumbula has urged members of parliament and other stakeholders to support the draft submissions that will regulate all secretarial training providers in order to improve standards.

Officiating at celebrations to mark Secretary’s Day on Saturday, Masebo said the theme; “Creating recognition for the secretarial profession in Zambia,” was timely.

“The theme will not only change the mindset of all secretaries in the country but will also help the public to begin to appreciate the important role that secretaries play in national development and I urge you (secretaries) that this day is not for mere matching and merry making but it is a serious and important day to reflect on the vital role that you play to ensure everything is in place,” she said.

Masebo observed that many emerging employers had not time to question the qualifications of some of the secretaries they were employing due to an influx of sub standard training institutions.

“It is pleasing to note that the PSAZ has recognised that there is an urgent need to build new foundations for future secretarial educational strategies in Zambia and I am therefore happy that the association has since made submissions to the ministries of justice, science and technology and other stakeholders and the success of this process will enable the association to start regulating all secretarial training providers in Zambia hence the PSAZ will become an institution with legal mandate to set ethical standards, define professional conduct and disciplinary procedures,” said Masebo.

And Nkumbula said the Kitwe branch invited Masebo because she was their role model and that she would be a platform to create awareness on the importance of having the draft secretarial Bill in place.
She wondered why such a demanding profession had not been recognised like other fields.

“When bosses are not around we sort out some of the issues that come about from customers and we defend bosses no matter what and we even have sharp memories and able to remember things everyone else forgets about,” said Nkumbula.

“That is why bosses must always remember and appreciate our work and there is still a huge need for a secretary hence the profession in Zambia has to be recognised and we urge people to ensure this Bill becomes law to help improve standards.”

Labels: KEYNA NKUMBULA, PSAZ, SECRETARIES, SYLVIA MASEBO

posted by MrK @ 3:12 PM