National Archives Week Promotes Youth Education

On 9 May 2017 the Western Cape Provincial Archive Service of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) launched the 2017 National Archives Awareness Week at the provincial Archives Building in Roeland Street, Cape Town. The theme of this year’s National Archives Week (8 - 12 May) is Archives – Promoting Youth Education.

Archives week offers the public the opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving our documented history and to understand and appreciate its impact on our daily lives. Head of the Department of DCAS, Brent Walters welcomed everyone to this prestigious occasion.

“Archives and records Management give us a sense of where we came from and therefore a sense of where we are going, thereby promoting an inclusive society,” said Mr Walters.

“During this week we will educate the youth about the importance of records and archives for research purposes as well as potential careers,” said Minister of DCAS, Anroux Marais. Minister Marais invited people to come to the archives to explore the history of South Africa and their own family history.

The keynote address was delivered by Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Enver Surty. Minister Surty eluded to the importance of authentic, reliable and accurate information records. “To be a good authentic activist you need to be a good archivist. You must have a clear indication of where you came from in order to know where you are moving towards”.

Other speakers included Professor Mpho Ngoepe from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Sisipho Siko, Mayor of the Junior Council of the City of Cape Town.  Mr Siko focused on how the Archives can contribute towards youth development.

The public is encouraged to visit the Archives daily between 09:00-15:00.  Programmes that will be available during this time include behind-the-scenes guided tours of the historic building, presentations and exhibitions. Group visits may be arranged with Amanda.Mdawe@westerncape.gov.za / Tel: 021 483 0424 / 0400.

Initiatives will also run in rural communities as follows:

10 May at the Hawston Thusong Centre in Hawston;

11 May at the Zwelethemba Community Hall in Worcester; and

12 May at the Wesbank Community Hall in Malmesbury.
 

The Provincial Archives Service connects people to their communities and family histories. By using the opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving our documented history, we understand and appreciate its impact on our daily lives and become BETTER TOGETHER.