Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
VICTORIA FALLS – THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa says Africa has a duty to tell its story, recount its history and preserve its own culture.
He said this when he officially opened the 28th Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) Conference in Victoria Falls this Wednesday.
“The claim that we are truly an independent and sovereign continent, as well as masters of our own destiny, will be actualised when we close the information gap within our historiography. Africa has a duty to tell its story, recount our history, and preserve our own culture ourselves,” he stated.
President Mnangagwa further highlighted the necessity for the repatriation of cultural artefacts and archives that were removed during colonial times, emphasising that these items are integral to Africa’s identity and dignity.
“This conference must heighten our legitimate demand for the Western world to return the artefacts and archives to us, their legitimate owners.”
In a world that thrives on keeping up with technological trends, President Mnangagwa mentioned the importance of using information technology in archiving the continent’s history for the benefit of future generations.
“As you embrace new technologies to open up your collections, I challenge you to use this conference to come up with additional innovative strategies to address the digital gap and security issues in a sustainable manner. In doing so, also be mindful that while technologies such as Artificial Intelligence offer numerous advantages, associated risks still abound. This requires a paradigm shift among records practitioners, including updating legislation and policy frameworks, in order to safeguard our archives for prosperity.”
The President commended ESARBICA for its efforts in fostering cooperation among archivists in the region since its inception in 1969.
He recognised the organisation’s role in promoting the preservation of archival heritage, facilitating the use of archival materials, and sponsoring professional training of archivists.
“It is pleasing that this body has made significant strides in establishing, maintaining and strengthening cooperation among archivists. The role you all play in promoting the preservation of archival heritage; facilitating the use of archival materials, sponsoring professional training of archivists in the region, is commendable. Through your coordinated collection as well as preservation of both oral traditions and history, we are assured that future generations will continue to have factual and accurate archival records.”
He noted that the conference’s theme “Archives Are Accessible – Archives for Everyone,” aligns with Zimbabwe’s development mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
The SADC Chairperson made a call to journalists and academics to continue interrogating the matter of migrated archives that remain in the hands of former colonial masters until they are all accounted for.
The removal of archives from Africa has created major gaps in the continent’s history, hence the combined efforts to address this challenge.
The conference convened over 500 delegates from 16 countries across Eastern and Southern Africa.
