Vice President Dr Philip Mpango issued this appeal in opening remarks to the 12th annual general meeting of the Tanzania Association of Personal Secretaries and Executive Assistants (TAPSEA) here yesterday.

He instructed that institutions like the Public Service College revise curricula to match current technological and workplace demands, preparing graduates to operate in diverse environments with integrity.

TAPSEA needs to establish confidential reporting channels for members facing abuse for disciplinary and legal action against offenders, he said, pointing at habits of withholding training and allowances in pursuit of illicit favours.

He urged sector ministers and permanent secretaries to ensure that office management professionals receive short- and long-term training to keep pace with digital advancements.

There is need for the full digitalization of public offices, he said, urging institutions to invest in enhanced capacity building, as administrators need to adapt to technology and AI.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in a telephone call to the VP that was used to address the annual gathering, urged members to uphold professionalism, embrace innovation and work diligently to enhance national development and service delivery.

The remarks resonated with the conference theme, "A skilled office administrator with a spirit of change as a bridge between technology and institutional efficiency."

The president encouraged the TAPSEA members to contribute meaningfully to public service, as sustained effort would justify improved pay and career advancement.

“Work hard to grow the economy—only then can your calls for better salaries be met,” she said, renewing appeals for the wider public to take part in the ongoing voter registration updates ahead of elections. 

“This is an election year—register to vote and fulfill your civic duty,” she stated, while George Simbachawene, the Public Service and Good Governance state minister in the President’s Office, said 1,018 new posts have been approved for fiscal 2024/2.

These openings include 686 positions for office administrators with an additional 1,518 posts expected next year, he said, noting that the government had resolved salary arrears and promotion issues, partnering with NACTVET to expand academic pathways for administrators.

Haroun Ali Suleiman, his Zanzibar counterpart, commended TAPSEA for promoting workers’ rights and strengthening union ties.

Zuhura Songambele, the TAPSEA chairperson expressed gratitude to President Samia for salary adjustments and training opportunities, highlighting that 1,045 association members had received Swahili language training via the National Language Council (BAKITA). Land had been allocated in Zanzibar for the association’s future offices, she stated.