Analysis of the role and impact of the Mpumalanga provincial archives.

Abstract

The aim of the article was to analyse the role of the Mpumalanga Provincial Archives (MPA), South Africa, in society in compliance with the Mpumalanga Archives Act (MAA), 1998 (Act No. 14 of 1998). The qualitative study employed document analysis, interviews and observation as forms of data collection. The population for the study was drawn from a few selected departmental representatives in the province as well as MPA representatives. The key finding was that there was non-compliance with the MAA, which has serious implications on national memory and identity. The key recommendation was for the provincial archives to appoint an advisory council to advise the provincial archives on issues of archives management. The researcher concluded that archives play an essential role in the preservation of history, culture and societal heritage.