Analysis of South African universities and communities archives
Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication
ISSN: 2514-9342
Article publication date: 11 September 2019
Issue publication date: 15 November 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study to investigate the relationships between South Africa (SA) universities and universities surrounding communities (USC) for preserving community histories and serve the universities’ mandate to support their local communities and support universities’ teaching and scholarship.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a multiple case study approach through interviews. The population of the study comprised representatives from selected universities and their USC.
Findings
The findings revealed a lack of effective relationships between universities and USC to preserve communities’ histories. Hence, the communities’ archives are tools for teaching and scholarship. Relations between universities and USC are to be built on trust. Accountability and transparency are to be considered by both parties.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to selected SA universities, namely, University of Venda, Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Pretoria and SA and USC. The findings are applicable to all SA universities and USC.
Practical implications
The relationship between universities and USC has a practical impact on the National archives of South Africa (NARSSA) to collect communities archives because it is in conflict with the mandate of NARSSA. The National Archives’ Act 43 of 1996 obliged NARSSA to collect and preserve communities’ archives on behalf of societies.
Social implications
Lack of universities and USC can lead to the loss of communities histories or archives.
Originality/value
This paper appears to be the first to research the relationship between SA universities and USC.
Keywords
Citation
Netshakhuma, N.S. (2019), "Analysis of South African universities and communities archives", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. 68 No. 8/9, pp. 635-651. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-02-2019-0015
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited