Government says it acknowledges and appreciates the key role social workers play in various sectors of society.

Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba notes that Social Workers have made tremendous contribution in areas such as health, child development, education and most importantly in the social protection sector.

The Minister was speaking today, when she officiated at this year’s commemoration of World Social Work Day, Under the theme “Respecting and Embracing Socio-Cultural Diversity Through Participation and Social Action”

She said it is gratifying to note that the social work profession in Zambia is now legally recognised through and act of Parliament following the signing into law of the Social Workers Association of Zambia (SWAZ) act ,by Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema last year.

Ms. Mwamba said this will therefore promote ethical practice of social work and consequently increase accountability to the profession and users of social work services.

She said this milestone achievement also marks the beginning of an era for regulation of social work practice in order to ensure adherence to ethical principles and values of the professional.

“May I call upon each one of us to play a pivotal role as change agents in promoting the principle of unity in diversity as well as national unity” Ms. Mwamba further stated, and emphasized that together we can co-create a World in which everyone will develop and thrive.

And SWAZ president, Dr Lawrence Mukuka said it is a good time to celebrate this important day when an act of Parliament to promote the welfare of social workers is now in place.

Dr Mukuka said the code of ethics in the profession has to be followed so that there is quality service delivery and professional development.