Analysis of archives infrastructure in South Africa : case of Mpumalanga provincial archives.

Abstract

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.