Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
Victoria Falls Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is today expected to officially open the 28th edition of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) conference in Victoria Falls.
The conference, which started on Monday, is set to shape the future of archival science in Africa and is running under the theme: “Archives are Accessible — Archives for Everyone”.
In an interview, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Permanent Secretary Ambassador Raphael Faranisi said the President’s presence will signify the Government’s commitment to preserving and modernising national archives.
“His Excellency President Mnangagwa is set to officially open this ESARBICA conference here tomorrow (today). His presence here will signify the Government’s commitment to preserving and modernising our national archives. The opening ceremony will begin at 9:50am with a briefing by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe before the main event commences. We expect President Mnangagwa to give the keynote address, marking a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s archival sector,” said Ambassador Faranisi.
Hosted by the National Archives of Zimbabwe in partnership with the International Council on Archives, the ESARBICA conference has brought together archivists, researchers and policymakers from across Africa to discuss pressing issues such as digital transformation, climate resilience and community engagement in archival practices.
With over 50 presentations scheduled across four days, the event covers themes like disruptive technologies, AI in records management and the repatriation of migrated archives.
Notable sessions include discussions on cloud-based digital preservation, ethical AI use and strategies for inclusive archival access.
The conference kicked off with a pre-conference workshop focused on training junior archivists on disaster and risk reduction strategies in libraries and archives and addressing climate change challenges.
Dr Thatayaone Segaetsho, a lecturer from the University of Botswana, led the session, equipping junior archivists with critical skills to safeguard archival materials against environmental threats. This saw a new generation of archivists taking up the challenge to protect Africa’s priceless cultural heritage through specialised training.
On Tuesday, the spotlight shifted to the application of ICTs in records management with Dr Segomotso Keakopa, an EDRMS consultant from Botswana, guiding participants through automation and digitisation strategies.
These workshops laid the groundwork for the main conference which commences today emphasising the region’s push towards technological advancement in archival practices.
In an interview, the National Archives of Zimbabwe Director, Ms Brenda Mamvura, said the country has made strides in modernising its records management systems.
“This year, we will embrace this technology, piloting it in three key ministries: the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Service and the Office of the President and Cabinet,” said Ms Mamvura.
