Infrastructural challenges on archives and recordkeeping at the National Archives of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Infrastructure plays an invaluable role in the preservation of records and archival material. In Zimbabwe, records management services have been decentralised to provinces but the challenge is that most of the provinces are still characterised by poor infrastructural challenges. In light of the afore-mentioned problems, this paper sought to highlight and discuss the challenges that were bedevilling the National Archives of Zimbabwe regarding records and archival infrastructure. The methodology employed in this study involved the use of questionnaires, observation, document analysis and literature on records and archives infrastructure. The study revealed that records centres in Masvingo, Chinhoyi, Gweru and Mutare did not have adequate records management facilities, such as purposely built structures, shelving equipment and preservation facilities. The afore-mentioned records centres still use rented premises which are not designed for keeping records, the study revealed. In Harare and Bulawayo where there were purposely built structures for records and archives, issues of the shortage of shelving facilities, and storage/filing space still required immediate attention. Given the importance of the national memory in the form of archives or records, the paper recommends that records and archival infrastructural issues be given due attention by both the government and the National Archives of Zimbabwe itself in order to ensure sound records management practices.