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Journal of the South African Society of Archivists
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ISSN (Print) 1012-2796
Published by African Journals Online

[261 journals]

The Role of the South African Human Rights Commission to Records
Management in the Public Sector in South Africa
- Authors: Makutla Mojapelo, Mpho Ngoepe
  Abstract: Records management plays a significant role in ensuring accountability, transparency and good governance. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is a democratic institution responsible for the promotion of accountability, transparency and good governance in the public sector through various forms such as investigation, reporting, and recommendations. While the regulatory role of records management in the public sector is the responsibility of the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA), it would seem this responsibility is cumbersome for the organisation as several scholars concur that the public sector is characterised by poor records management. As a result, NARSSA is unable to support governmental bodies on managing records properly. Given the position of SAHRC in government and its mandate as set out by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, this institution is able to hold the state accountable for their actions, unlike NARSSA. This study investigates the role of SAHRC to records management in the public sector. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with purposively selected participants from SAHRC, as well as content analysis of documents such as strategic plans, operational plans, and annual reports. The study established that SAHRC can play a role in records management through regulating access to information legislation. Although the study established that records management is a key enabler to information access, the SAHRC had little or no interaction with the NARSSA. The study concludes that there is a need for SAHRC to develop a memorandum of understanding with NARSSA for the purpose of fostering proper record-keeping in the public sector.
  PubDate: 2018-06-01
  Issue No: Vol. 50 (2018)
Making a Case for the Development of a University Records and Archives
Management Programme at the National University of Science and Technology
in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Njabulo B Khumalo, Dickson Chigariro
  Abstract: The importance of institutional archives cannot be denied especially where institutions of higher learning are concerned. Universities generate a lot of records, which are at the heart of their administrative and academic activities. Due to the importance of records in institutions of higher learning, universities all over the world have established institutional archives to manage a plethora of recorded information which document their daily activities, transactions, culture and history. The National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe currently has no dedicated records and archives management staff committed to managing records which are key to the survival of the university. Universities that have established records and archives management programmes are benefiting from such establishments and NUST can learn from such universities. This article makes a case for the need to establish a university records and archives management programme at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe.Literature has been reviewed to show how university records and archives management programmes have proved to be important in other institutions of higher learning around the world.
  PubDate: 2018-03-07
  Issue No: Vol. 50 (2018)
Preservation of Audio-Visual Records at the National Archives of Namibia
- Authors: Hertha Lukileni-Iipinge, Nathan Mnjama
  Abstract: The study investigated the preservation strategies of audio-visual (AV) records at the National Archives of Namibia (NAN). Data for the study was collected through questionnaires, interviews, observation and a review of documentary sources. The study also found that the legal deposit for AV records has been ineffective because officials responsible for transferring AV records to the National Archives were not aware of the requirement of the Archives and the Namibia Film Commission Acts to transfer records immediately. The study found out that there is no awareness on depositing AV records from the accountable institution, the National Archives of Namibia NAN. The study also found out that the Namibia Film Commission Act, No. 6 of 2000 has not been implemented at all, as there are no audio-visual records from the National Film Commission deposited at the National Archives.The findings also established that there is no single trained AV archivist at NAN, which critically hinders the collection, preservation of records. The study found out that the current legislative arrangements are not relevant to the contemporary needs of audio-visual records preservation and it needs revision. The recommendations arising from the study are that there is a need to amend the Archives Act, No. 12 of 1992, to accommodate the current trends and international standards; develop a national policy and guidelines on audio-visual records; The study recommends for the implementation of training for AV archivists in Namibia; recruitment of staff with expertise in preserving audio-visual archives held at the National Archives.
  PubDate: 2018-03-07
  Issue No: Vol. 50 (2018)
Preservation of Endangered Archives: a Case of Timbuktu Manuscripts
- Authors: Alexio Motsi
  Abstract: This study seeks to discuss the preservation of archives with a focus on those that are constantly exposed to various threats such as the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu, an ancient city found in the North of Mali in West Africa. The paper will share my experiences working on Timbuktu’s ancient manuscripts and some of the findings in my Master of Science Degree in Archives and Records Management research titled “Preserving Ancient Manuscripts in Hostile Environments, with Reference to The Preservation of the Ancient Manuscripts of Timbuktu”.[1]Traditional methods of preservation have been employed in Timbuktu from the 13th century which is why these manuscripts have survived till today. The study examines the currently accepted international standards and practices used in the preservation of library and archive material and how these fare against the challenges faced by the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu. The use of the Timbuktu manuscripts serves as the worst case scenario that can assist in the better understanding of the unique preservation challenges facing the documentary heritage in Africa and other developing countries. The reality that war has become the worst threat to archives and other cultural heritage must be acknowledged. No one has an answer to how preservation of heritage can be done amidst raging wars and terrorism. The unpredictable nature of terrorism makes it difficult to prepare for it. The nature of war is also changing. In South Africa, demonstrations raged at institutions of higher learning and communities in 2017. Burning of heritage monuments, libraries, schools and destruction of other property has become a common occurrence during protest actions. The paper concludes by identifying the causes of unrest and indicates how archives can be vulnerable.
  [1]This research was done to fulfil the requirements for the completion of the Master of Science Degree in Archives and Records Management with the University of Dundee in Scotland in 2015.
  PubDate: 2018-03-03
  Issue No: Vol. 50 (2018)
Community Awareness for Archives in Tanzania: a Case Study of Zanzibar
National Archives
- Authors: Maximilian Chami
  Abstract: The study focuses on the assessment of community awareness and challenges facing Zanzibar National Archives (ZNA). The study utilised convenient sampling to collect data from the members of the public (93 respondents) in Stone Town in Zanzibar. Data were augmentedthrough interviews with the staff of the Zanzibar National Archives (10 respondents) and the general public from Zanzibar (93 respondents). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and Microsoft excel. The findings indicate that the public has very little awareness about archives and its functions. At the same time the ZNA is facing a lot of challenges, including theft and lack of modern equipment for conservation purposes. The study recommends provision of education programs to the community, allocation of more funds for acquisition of modern conservation facilities, and staff training to ensure better management and conservation of the records in Zanzibar.
  PubDate: 2018-03-03
  Issue No: Vol. 50 (2018)
The 150th - Year Watershed - a Secure Digital Repository Created for
Standard Bank Heritage Centre
- Authors: Letitia T Myburgh
  Abstract: This concept paper provides a historical narrative of Standard Bank through the company’s heritage centre. The study also provides background to the establishment of a secure digital repository at Standard Bank Heritage Centre. The narrative is based on the author’s experience and involvement in the management of Standard Bank Heritage Centre over a period of years. It is concluded that while the journey from paper to digital environment proved successful so far at Standard Bank, the digital world remains problematic especially with regard to skills for preservation. To control the environment, the heritage centre relies on the IT technical experts to handle updates and general maintenance of digital systems while archivists only monitor from the operational side. It is recommended that archivists need to be IT literate in order to take control of digital records.
  PubDate: 2018-03-03
  Issue No: Vol. 50 (2018)