Vusumuzi Dube
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
Cabinet has considered and approved the Principles of the National Archives and Records Management Bill as a means of modernisng the operations of the National Archives of Zimbabwe.
In a Post Cabinet Briefing this Wednesday evening the Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said the National Archives needs to also comply with international Conventions standards.
“Cabinet notes that amendment of the principal Act has been necessitated by the need to mordenise the operations of the National Archives of Zimbabwe and for the country to comply with international Conventions standards. Furthermore, the amendments will improve the enforcement capacity of the National Archives of Zimbabwe,” said Dr Muswere.
He also said the name of the Department will be changed from “National Archives” to “National Archives and Records Management Service of Zimbabwe.”
Dr Muswere said the Act will provide for the acquisition, storage, preservation and access to the documentary heritage of Zimbabwe, as well as expand the mandate of the National Archives of Zimbabwe when interacting with other institutions.
He also highlighted that he amendment will make it mandatory for Ministries and institutions in possession of public records to deposit them with the National Archives of Zimbabwe.
Pertaining to access to public archives and public records, the Principles of the ammendment Bill provide for the following: access to archives in line with other relevant Acts.
” The doctrine of confidentiality; access shall not be unreasonably denied, with the Director compelled to give reasons where he or she denies access to archives or public records in possession of National Archives of Zimbabwe; and the National Archives of Zimbabwe Director should have access to historical records that have been declared protected, which may
be in the possession of private collections and public institutions,” reads the Cabinet Briefing.
On the removal and/or exportation of public archives and records, Cabinet
reports that Section 11 of the Principal Act unequivocally prohibits the exportation of public archives and records from Zimbabwe unless for official purposes. The Minister, on recommendation by the Director will issue permits for the temporary removal of archives from Zimbabwe.
Dr Muswere further said the transfer of public archives and public records from an archive to another within Zimbabwe should be done with a permit issued by the Director of the National Archives of Zimbabwe.
The Amendments also provide for the establishment of an Electronic Documents and Records Management System.
@NyembeziMu
Online Reporter