Archives Awareness Week | Western Cape Government

Archives Awareness Week

Summary

National Archives Awareness Week has been celebrated annually in South Africa since 2004.

The aim of the event is to popularise the archival profession, engage communities on the importance of archives in the preservation of societal memory and promote the importance of good record keeping practices.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s Archives and Records Service is responsible for the management of the Western Cape Archives, and observes the annual celebration by hosting various public events each year.

Archives Awareness Week 2024

Poster for Archives Awareness weekNational Archives Awareness Week will be celebrated from Monday 06 to Friday 10 May, with the theme “30 years of democracy and the state of record-keeping in state institutions: Archives of the Future”. 

 This year’s theme aims to highlight the importance of preserving and using records for a strong democracy, now and in the future. Sub-themes include: digitisation, electronic records management, and public programming as tools for enhanced use. 

Members of the public are invited to participate in the celebration - for free:

Behind-the-scenes tours of the Western Cape Archives and Records Service:  72 Roeland Street, Cape Town, Daily, 6-10 May. Bookings via email. 

Monday 6th May,13:00-14:00: Online talk: Africa Media Online: Practical lessons and considerations for successful digitisation projects.

Sign up here to receive the link: https://forms.gle/Rb8uWVNeKbvEzt3Y8

Tuesday 7 May,13:00-14:00: In-person talk at 72 Roeland Street, Cape Town: Author Joline Young: Uncovering neglected histories at the WC Archives.

Sign up here to book: https://bit.ly/49Zhqoh 

Wednesday 8 May, 13:00-14:00: Online talk: Theewaterskloof Municipality: Use of ICT in preserving municipal records. 

Sign up here to receive the link: https://forms.gle/x6g9ozqGeG1XKMMA7

Thursday 9 May,13:00-14:00: Online talk: Outreach archivist, Helen Joannides: Making archival sources accessible to Grade 10 learners.

Sign up here to receive the link: https://forms.gle/Mjo7yPkZ2SioSs8k7

Friday 10 May,10:00-12:30: In-person Family History Workshop, at 72 Roeland Street, Cape Town.

Sign up here to book: https://forms.gle/1fsEkY3oCzbbM9CCA

 

To sign up, fill in the forms above for each event you would like to attend or contact: Helen Joannides, 021 483 0456 or Helen.Joannides@westerncape.gov.za 

 


More information about the Archives and Record Services is available online:

National Archives Awareness Week connects people, places and cultures. Let’s preserve our rich history for present and future generations.

The content on this page was last updated on 26 March 2024