Assessment appraisal, disposal and transfer of neglected rangers’ diaries created from 1926 to 1930: case of the Kruger National Parks of South Africa

2021

RMJ

Self Cite

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of climate change on South Africa’s Mpumalanga Provincial Archives (MPA) and related records management activities. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach/method was used to collect data from the source, including purposive sampling and expert knowledge solicited through semi-structured interviews. A review was undertaken to source climate data and related archival sector literature. Findings Recent extreme weather events in Mpumalanga seem to bear out climate change projections. The current absence of relevant strategies and plans implies that the MPA and provincial departments are not yet prepared for emergencies. The lack of a plan, an implementation strategy and related training may increase the impact of disasters on the provincial archives’ environment. Without disaster plans and robust preparedness, the question of how the MPA is going to preserve archives for future generations is raised. In addition, due to a lack of guidance for registry staff, appraisal is not allowing for identification and processing of archival materials, so combined with a lack of disaster management strategies and plans contributes to the loss of archives. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to the MPA; however, the findings may be extended to other South Africa provincial archives and parts of the world experiencing similar issues. Practical implications When archivists accept holdings into their repositories, they take the responsibility for their archival custody. But, these efforts may come to nothing if the archives are lost. Disaster management is the key to the protection of the archives. This study evaluated the present and future consequences of climate change impacts by assessing the risk to Mpumalanga archives by climate change-related floods. Social implications There is a need to conduct similar research on a larger scale so as to explore the impact of climate change in other provincial archives to provide a wider context of the problem within South Africa. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature on the impact of climate change on archives. The results achieved should be seen as a first step towards identification of the issue.

Section: Resources Available To African Archives In Relation To Disaster Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The full employment of departmental records managers has not been effectively undertaken due to a lack of skilled personnel. Even where records manager vacancies have been established, they have been filled by non-professionals (Netshakhuma, 2019b). This means that limited training and development were delivered.…”

Section: Impact Of Climate Changementioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of climate change on the Mpumalanga Provincial Archives and records management activities

2021

RMJ

Self Cite

“…The lack of appraisal theory based on African archiving has become the problem for the African continent, presumably because many archival and records management professionals view appraisal of records as a challenge to preserve records with archival, historical and cultural value (Netshakhuma, 2019g). African archiving is based on archiving the role played by communities on documenting their stories.…”

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of the appraisal of records: Case of the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Venda

2020

AJIM

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PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the appraisal of records at the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Venda. Furthermore, the study intends to recommend appraisal of records to recognize African culture, reviewing records management policy to include an element on the appraisal of records, raise awareness on the appraisal of records, capacity building and develop electronic records management strategy to appraise records.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on the qualitative research technique. The research approach is a multiple case study comparing the previously advantaged and disadvantaged universities in South Africa.FindingsThe study found that archives and records management legislation, archives and records management policy, re-appraisal of records, capacity building are essential for the appraisal of university records. Lack of appropriate appraisal theory and strategy by the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Venda leads to a loss of institutional memory.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Venda. These two institutions are a sample of the state of archiving in South Africa.Originality/valueThere is very little, if any, research on the appraisal of South African universities' records. The outcome of this research will benefit universities that are seeking to develop and implement appraisal strategies.

“…The study conducted by Kenosi (2011), Netshakhuma (2019i) indicated that the significance of using records to hold a politician to account is gaining significant attention in archival discourse. The lack of records management linked to the persistence of corruption and fraud because of the lack of records transactions Netshakhuma (2019j).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The implications of Political Party Funding Act, No. 6 of 2018 in South Africa on records management

2020

GKMC

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Purpose This paper aims to assess the Section 12 of the Political Party Funding Act No. 6 of 2018 of South Africa with a view of recommending good records management practice. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a literature review and an analysis of political funding access to information and records management literatures. Findings The study found that a lack of good records management practice is hindering transparency in government practice in South Africa. Furthermore, the enactment of the Political Party Funding Act No. 6 of 2018 has created the potential for South Africa political parties to start applying good records management practices. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to Section 12 of the political parties funding Act No 6 of 2018 to promote accountability transparency. Practical implications The effective implementation of the Political Party Funding Act, 2018 will contribute to the preservation of records with financial, historical and cultural values. Social implications The implementation of the Political Party Funding Act No. 6 of 2018 Section 12 is expected to lead an open, transparent and accountable South African society through the establishment of a a records management programme. Originality/value This paper raises important considerations around ensuring compliance and accountability in government recordkeeping within the context of recent legislation. While discussion around the importance and use of records management is not new, the legislation brings an opportunity for fresh discussion within a national political context.