In addition to the large collection of government records, the Western Cape Archives and Records Service also cares for other collections, such as:
Library
The reference library of the Western Cape Archives and Records Service is in possession of approximately 30 000 publications. These include professional literature on archival science and publications resulting from research conducted in the reading room. The library is not open to the public for browsing, however, publications can be consulted from the reading room, only.
Map collection
The Western Cape Archives and Records Service has a collection of about 16 000 maps (including plans, drawings and sketches), dating from the seventeenth century onwards. This unique map collection illustrates amongst others, the development of Cape Town and the Western Cape Province.
Photographic collection
The extensive collection of nearly 65 000 photographs dated from the 1860s reflects the cultural history of South Africa with specific reference to the Western Cape. The references and descriptions of these photographs can be obtained on the MAN database on NAAIRS, but photographs can be viewed in the reading room, only. Copies of the photographs can be ordered, either in person or via correspondence.
Non-public records collection
The Western Cape Archives and Records Service also endeavors to collect non-governmental records of enduring value to the history of the Western Cape. These are called non-public records and they originate with private persons, charities, NGOs and other organisations.
Members of the public and non-governmental organisations are welcome to donate their papers to the Western Cape Archives and Records Service.
- Microfilm collection
- CD, DVD, Video and Audio collection
- Poster collection
- Oral History collection
