Purpose -This paper aims to analyse the current Southern African countries' archives and records management legislations to identify the gaps and challenges. It is important to assess the role played by National Archives legislations within the preservation of heritage and history; private archives known as liberation archives; the transfer of archives; the disposal and retention of records, access, copyright management and skills; and development of staff.Design/methodology/approach -The study used a qualitative methodology through document analysis, interviews and observation. The sampling of the study comprised representatives from the selected Southern African National Archives (South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia). Findings -The key findings revealed gaps of the archives and records management legislations in terms of definitions, transfer, disposal and transfer of records and accessibility. Some of the Southern African countries failed to use archives and records management legislation to promote accountability and governance. Research limitations/implication -The research is limited to the following countries: Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. Practical implications -Archive and records management legislation which has gaps creates problems in terms of effective implementation of archives and records management programmes. Social implications -The failure by Southern African countries to revise their National Archives legislations and clarify the role of National Archives will lead to loss of archival materials if not addressed. Originality/value -Updated archives legislation contributes to the development of effective archives and records management programme.
Purpose The purpose of this study to investigate the relationships between South Africa (SA) universities and universities surrounding communities (USC) for preserving community histories and serve the universities’ mandate to support their local communities and support universities’ teaching and scholarship. Design/methodology/approach The study used a multiple case study approach through interviews. The population of the study comprised representatives from selected universities and their USC. Findings The findings revealed a lack of effective relationships between universities and USC to preserve communities’ histories. Hence, the communities’ archives are tools for teaching and scholarship. Relations between universities and USC are to be built on trust. Accountability and transparency are to be considered by both parties. Research limitations/implications The research is limited to selected SA universities, namely, University of Venda, Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Pretoria and SA and USC. The findings are applicable to all SA universities and USC. Practical implications The relationship between universities and USC has a practical impact on the National archives of South Africa (NARSSA) to collect communities archives because it is in conflict with the mandate of NARSSA. The National Archives’ Act 43 of 1996 obliged NARSSA to collect and preserve communities’ archives on behalf of societies. Social implications Lack of universities and USC can lead to the loss of communities histories or archives. Originality/value This paper appears to be the first to research the relationship between SA universities and USC.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the extent to which the Mpumalanga Provincial Archives (MPA) complies with the Mpumalanga Archives Act, 2008 legislative/policy provisions of archives building, capacity building and electronic records management and to suggest recommendations for effective archives and records management (ARM) programme in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a quantitative approach supplemented by qualitative data using document review to collect data and content analysis. Findings The results show that MPA enacted Mpumalanga Archives Act, 2008. However, the challenge is the implementation of such legislation. The findings of this paper would contribute towards the literature in archival legislation in South Africa and other parts of the world. Research limitations/implications Even though the paper was based in South Africa, it was limited to the MPA of South Africa. Practical implications The findings are expected to be instrumental in the implementation of Mpumalanga Archives Act, 2008. Social implications The findings and recommendations will help in guiding MPA on the implementation of an effective provincial archive and records to facilitate the effective management of records to determine those of archival value, to preserve them for posterity and to make them accessible to the public. Originality/value This is an original study using a document review to review the Mpumalanga Archives Act, 1998. The effective archives infrastructure will contribute to compliance with legislative components such as archives building, cooperation, ERMS, appraisal and disposal of records, archives advisory body and access to information.
This study was conceptualised in order to assess the appraisal, disposal and transfer of archival records from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government (MPG) to the Mpumalanga Provincial Archives (MPA) for the period from 1994 to 2013. The study’s specific objective was to investigate the transfer process of archival records in terms of the Mpumalanga Archives Act, No. 14 of 1998. The study used a qualitative method through document analysis, interviews and observation. The sample for the study comprised the MPG and municipality records managers. The Mpumalanga provincial archivists were also interviewed as the custodians of the MPA. The key findings revealed that the MPG and the municipality did not comply with the Mpumalanga Archives Act, No. 14 of 1998 in terms of transferring records with archival value to the MPA as stipulated by the act. This has adverse implications for efficient administration of records in the country.
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