Professional secretaries’ duties acknowledged

–Acting Deputy Chief Justice Florence Mumba says professional secretaries play an important role in the judicial process through the management of Judges’ diary and other related duties.

And Professional Secretaries Association of Zambia (PSAZ) Second Vice President Jane Chisonta has disclosed that the much awaited draft Secretarial Act has been sent to the Ministry of Justice before formulation of Act of Parliament.

Justice Mumba said professional secretaries’ mastery skills of office work and other professional attributes are paramount to the speedy delivery of timely judgements in the country.

Justice Mumba said this during the prize presentation of the 2012 Secretary of the Year winner, Mercy Bwembya held at the Judiciary Headquarters in Lusaka today.

Justice Mumba implored the Professional Secretaries Association of Zambia (PSAZ) to empower secretaries by encouraging them to strive for excellence in their professional secretarial work in line with the association’s ethics.

She advised professional secretaries to exhibit a productive and effective work culture if they are to successfully manage busy offices.

Earlier, PSAZ Second Vice President Jane Chisonta disclosed that the much awaited draft Secretarial Act has been sent to the Ministry of Justice before formulation of Act of Parliament.

Mrs Chisonta commended government for responding positively to the Association’s request to have the profession regulated through an Act of Parliament in order to prevent unqualified people who are working as secretaries without proper qualifications.

She observed that despite the judiciary having the highest number of professional secretaries and stenographers working for judges in the country, there was low participation is the affairs of the association.

And speaking at the same function, Judicial and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (JAWUZ) President Peter Mwale appealed to the Judiciary to consider sending professional secretaries for refreshers courses abroad if they are to remain relevant and efficient in their works.

Mr Mwale noted that the ongoing computerisation of the Judiciary requires urgent need for professional secretaries to attain professional qualification in the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) equipment.

Some Supreme and High Court Judges, members of PSAZ attended the colourful ceremony where Ms Bwembya was given her prizes.