Archives: our living past is celebrated

POLOKWANE – The deputy minister for arts and culture, Rejoice Mabudhafhasi and the MEC for sport, arts and culture, Nandi Ndalane launched National Archives Week last Monday.

With the theme: Archives Our Living Past, National Archives Week was held from May 11 to 15 and formed part of Africa Month celebrations.

Africa Month is a celebration of ideas and cultural exchanges and of the power of arts and culture to build a humane, united, peaceful and prosperous African continent. As part of the Africa Month celebrations, 36 archivists from 13 African countries such as Congo Brazzaville, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Ghana, Senegal, Sudan, Burundi, Egypt, Algeria and Western Sahara participated in the National Archive Week’s programme.

The programme came about after a decision was taken at the International Council of Archives’ (ICA) conference that countries should popularise the profession and educate communities about the importance of archives in the preservation of societal memory.

Ndalane said there were four places in Limpopo where archives were preserved: Polokwane, Makwarela, Giyani and Lebowakgomo, and where government departments, as well as municipalities could store documents.

In his message of support, Renato Augusto Pereira, a representative from Mozambique, said he wanted to share the best practises and skills in preserving archives.

Mabudhafhasi told the learners who were part of the launch that they should read more, also in their mother tongue, to broaden their outlook.

She told them that bursaries were available to study as archivists and they should consider this as a career path.

“They should know where they come from and archives are the ideal places where such research can be done, as all important documents are stored there.

“I have been told that provinces such as Limpopo are in the process of establishing oral history associations to step up efforts to collect more oral histories of the communities,” said Mabudhafhasi.

“Records management is one of the most important aspects of archiving. Good record keeping is a must and should be encouraged by all organisations, especially government, as this helps with transparency,” she said.

The day was concluded with a tour of the Polokwane archives, which included presentations on archival functions and panel discussions on records management and preservation of an exhibition.

Mabudhafhasi then invited learners and the public were to visit all the provincial archives during National Archives Week.

“I want to take this opportunity to invite all members of the public and communities to donate oral history collections (in their custody to the national or provincial archives.

“I assure you that your donations will be taken care of by our institutions,” said Mabudhafhasi.

“You as a donor have the right to give conditions for access in consultation with the archives, if you wish so.”