Palesa Pitso

Versatile and experienced Administration, Office Support and Customer Service Professional with more than 15 years of professional experience across administration, legal services, debt collection, diplomatic and consular support, reception, customer service and logistics. Strong experience in office administration, data capturing, switchboard management, client communication, document and records management, diary and meeting coordination, travel arrangements, legal documentation, debt collection, account reconciliation and handling confidential information. Currently pursuing a Diploma in Law through UNISA, further strengthening knowledge of legal and administrative processes.

A dependable and adaptable professional who works well under pressure, learns quickly, solves problems effectively and is comfortable working independently or as part of a team.

Office Assistant - MALAWI CONSULATE GENERAL

(2022-06 - 2025-05)

Provided day-to-day administrative and office support to diplomatic and consular officials.

• Managed diaries, appointments, meetings and official schedules.
• Coordinated travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation bookings.
• Organized meetings, official visits and diplomatic events.
• Managed incoming and outgoing correspondence, telephone calls and enquiries.
• Prepared and maintained official documents, reports, correspondence and records.
• Assisted with consular documentation and administrative processes.
• Maintained accurate and confidential records and handled sensitive information with discretion.
• Liaised with government departments, stakeholders and members of the public.
• Assisted with enquiries and provided professional customer service to visitors and callers.
• Maintained organized filing and document-control systems.
• Worked according to diplomatic protocols, office procedures and confidentiality requirements.
• Supported the administration and operational requirements of diplomatic residences.

Head Housekeeper – Consular Residences - MALAWI CONSULATE GENERAL

(2022-06 - 2025-05)

• Supervised daily housekeeping operations across Consular residences and coordinated the work of housekeeping staff.
• Allocated cleaning and household duties, prepared daily work schedules and monitored completion of assigned tasks.
• Performed and oversaw cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom sanitation and general upkeep of residences.
• Maintained high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, presentation and readiness of bedrooms, living areas, kitchens and bathrooms.
• Inspected completed work, identified areas requiring attention and ensured housekeeping standards were consistently maintained.
• Managed linen, laundry, cleaning materials and household supplies, including monitoring stock levels and replenishment needs.
• Supported the preparation and presentation of residences for diplomatic officials, visitors and official functions.
• Trained, guided and monitored housekeeping staff on cleaning procedures, professional conduct and service standards.
• Reported maintenance, repair and household issues and followed up to ensure that operational requirements were addressed.
• Handled household schedules, residence access and other sensitive operational information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Maintained professional boundaries and respected the privacy, security and diplomatic environment of Consular residences.

Administrative Clerk / Receptionist / Debt Collection & Customer Service - MARITZ SCHREURS & DU PREEZ ATTORNEYS

(2015-06 - 2022-05)

• Managed client and debtor information accurately on internal systems.
• Handled high volumes of inbound and outbound telephone calls and resolved client queries.
• Negotiated payment arrangements and arranged debit order and repayment arrangements within authorized mandates.
• Confirmed right-party contact and updated debtor, employment and banking information.
• Loaded and maintained Promise to Pay arrangements and captured detailed system notes.
• Reconciled accounts and followed up on outstanding payments and suspense-account queries.
• Liaised with internal departments regarding unresolved queries and payment allocation.
• Traced delinquent debtors using available tracing tools.
• Prepared and handled legal documentation, including summonses and Section 129 notices.
• Assisted with verification procedures and requests for supporting documentation.
• Explained the legal collections process and consequences of non-payment to clients/debtors.
• Maintained accurate records and followed administrative and quality-assurance procedures.

Sales Agent / Recruiter - CIRCLE FINANCE

(2015-02 - 2015-05)

• Recruited and assisted with onboarding field agents.
• Provided team support and assisted with day-to-day coordination.
• Conducted telemarketing, customer communication and financial-product sales.
• Worked towards sales and performance targets.

Junior Entry Clerk / Data Capture — Logistics & Shipping - SAFCORPANALPINA

(2010-02 - 2012-09)

• Captured and processed logistics and shipment information.
• Processed invoices and supporting documentation.
• Operated the switchboard and handled telephone enquiries.
• Prepared customs-related documentation and assisted with document control and filing.
• Accepted and signed for deliveries and maintained accurate records.

Career Break / Professional Development

(2012 - 2015)

Took time away from formal employment to reset, focus on personal development and reassess long-term career goals before returning to the workforce and progressing into financial services, legal administration and debt collection.

Diploma - Law - University of South Africa (UNISA), ODeL

Freight Forwarding & Customs Compliance — NQF Level 3 - Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)

National Senior Certificate — Grade 12 - Maxeke Secondary School