Incorporation of indigenous archives into Limpopo archives repository: a case of Venda indigenous archives
Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication
ISSN: 2514-9342
Article publication date: 14 June 2021
Issue publication date: 12 May 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the Venda indigenous archives incorporation into the Limpopo Provincial archives to promote archives decolonisation.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is based on a qualitative research method. Interviews conducted with the 10 Limpopo Provincial Archivists and 25 community leaders based in the Venda area were conducted. The semi-structured interview was used to collect data.
Findings
It is a South African constitutional mandate for each province to manage its archives. As the former Venda was now part of the Limpopo province, its archives were incorporated into the Limpopo Provincial Archives. The Venda archives incorporation to the Limpopo Provincial Archives did not consider the will of a community member to travel a long distance. Furthermore, challenges faced by archivists such as lack of skills and knowledge to process archival materials, lack of funding and participation in the incorporation of archives materials.
Research limitations/implications
This research confines itself to the Venda indigenous archives created from 1979 to 1993.
Practical implications
This paper addresses archives decolonisation.
Social implications
The paper has the potential to demonstrate the value of the indigenous archive.
Originality/value
The study can be replicated for other research practices. This case study can be implemented in other parts of the world that face similar circumstances so regarding the transfer of archives and the challenges faced to maintain community knowledge and make them accessible.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author acknowledge the Limpopo Provincial Archives, South Africa by providing permission to conduct the research.
Citation
Netshakhuma, N.S. (2022), "Incorporation of indigenous archives into Limpopo archives repository: a case of Venda indigenous archives", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. 71 No. 4/5, pp. 370-382. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-05-2020-0064
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited