The Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, Mrs. Loveness Mayaka, says the revised Standing Orders are expected to reshape parliamentary oversight, enhance budget scrutiny and improve the quality and effectiveness of Committee work.

Mrs. Mayaka said this in a speech read on her behalf by the Director of Social Committees at the National Assembly, Mr. Charles Haambote, during the official opening of the Retreat to Review the Operations of the Committee Department held on Friday, 7^th August, 2026, at Ciela Resort and Spa Hotel in Chongwe District.

She stated that the reforms introduced through the revised Standing Orders are not merely procedural adjustments, but represent a deliberate effort to modernise Parliament, enhance accountability and ensure that the institution responds effectively to the changing governance needs and democratic aspirations of the country.

The Clerk noted that the theme of the retreat, “Strengthening Parliamentary Committee Effectiveness under the New Standing Orders: Enhancing Budget Scrutiny, Accountability and Reporting Standards,” was timely, as it provided an opportunity for staff to examine the practical implications of the new Standing Orders and align departmental practices with the evolving parliamentary landscape.

“Therefore, I urge you, the Committee Department staff, to align your work with the revised Standing Orders, as this will strengthen your understanding of parliamentary oversight, accountability and the quality of committee work,” she said.

Mrs. Mayaka further urged the staff to actively participate in the retreat by sharing experiences, asking questions and learning from one another.

“The discussions you will have from here are strategic conversations that will shape the future effectiveness of the Committee Department and influence the quality of parliamentary oversight for years to come,” she said.

The Clerk also called on the staff to uphold integrity, professionalism, impartiality, accountability and excellence in their work.

“These values should always guide every report we prepare, briefing we produce, every committee we support and every interaction we have with Members of Parliament and the public,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Mayaka welcomed the newly placed and recruited Committee Clerks to the Committee Department and described their appointment as the beginning of what she hoped would be long and fulfilling careers in parliamentary service.

She informed the new Committee Clerks that their roles demand intellectual rigour, sound judgement, discretion, resilience and absolute political neutrality. She encouraged the new Clerks to embrace the traditions and values of the Committee Department and remain committed to serving the National Assembly with professionalism and integrity.

The three-day workshop was held from Friday, 7^th to Sunday, 9^th August, 2026. Other topics covered included the Calendar of Work in a Session, Organisation and Management of Committee Meetings, preparation for tours and public hearings, types of reports and how they are written, the work of a Committee Clerk and a review of the Committee Operation Manual.