About Us
Background
The Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC) is a Statutory Body established by the Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication Act, 2022 (Act No. 11 of 2022), which was assented into Law by the President of the Republic of Zambia on 9 August 2022 and consequently published and took effect on 11 August 2022.
The mandate of the Institute is to coordinate the registration of public relations and communication professionals and regulate public relations and communication professionals’ conduct. The Institute, formerly called Zambia Public Relations Association (ZAPRA), is a professional body representing the interests of Public Relations and Communication practitioners and all other professionals who are engaged in related work in Zambia.
History
The institute was established in 2008 as the Zambia Public Relations Association (ZAPRA) a professional body representing the interests of Public Relations and Communication practitioners,engaged in related work in Zambia. This was with the conviction that the establishment of such a body was vital for the regulation and promotion of ethical functioning of the Public Relations and Communication practice in the country. the ZIPRC Act No. 11 of 2022 was assented into Law by the President of the Republic of Zambia on 9th August 2022. It was published and became binding law on 11th August 2022. Forthwith, the Association became an Institute with a mandate to foster, promote, and enhance professional development of the public relations and communication practice in general.
To promote excellence, professionalism and ethical conduct in the public relations and communication practice through accreditation, strategic networking and partnerships, and continuous professional development.
To achieve ‘a cadre of dynamic and professional public relations and communications institutions in Zambia, the Southern African region and beyond.
- Integrity
To conduct our mandate with integrity and observe the principles of the Act in a way that our own personal reputation and that of the public relations and communication professions is protected.
- Advocacy
To serve the public interest by acting as responsible advocates for those we represent ( public relations and communication profession ) and to provide a voice in the market place of ideas, facts and viewpoints to aid informed public debate.
- Expertise
To acquire and responsibly use specialised knowledge and experience, actively promote and advance the profession and build mutual understanding, credibility, and relationships among a wide array of stakeholders.
- Honesty
To adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in advancing the interests of those we represent and in communicating with the public.
- Independence
To provide objective advice/counsel to those we represent and be accountable for our actions.
- Loyalty
Members shall be faithful to those they represent, while honouring their obligation to serve the interest of society and support the right of free expression.
Ethics
They are a set of moral principles, rules of conduct, truth, respect and responsibility. Public relations and communication practitioners are often seen as the “social conscience” of the organization, playing a role in the development of ethical standards within institutions. They are the custodian of the message and information which is disseminated about an organization. It is therefore essential that they commit to a code of ethics as defined by ZIPRC and other codes as outlined by global public relations and communication management bodies.