Rutendo Nyeve in VICTORIA FALLS
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has issued a call to action, demanding the rectification of distorted historical narratives propagated from beyond Africa’s borders and the immediate return of unlawfully appropriated cultural artefacts to their rightful custodians on the continent.
Speaking at the official opening of the 28th Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) General Conference here yesterday, the President said archives are not merely records but are the backbone of national, regional and global heritage, essential for preserving memory, identity and culture.
Held under the theme, “Archives are Accessible — Archives for Everyone,” the conference brought together archivists, heritage experts, and policymakers to discuss the preservation, accessibility and digitisation of Africa’s historical records.
In his address, President Mnangagwa challenged African nations to reclaim their historical narratives and stolen heritage. He called for the repatriation of Africa’s cultural artefacts, many of which remain in Western museums and private collections.
“The claim that we are truly an independent and sovereign continent, as well as masters of our own destiny, will be truly actualised when we close the information gap within our historiography. Africa has a duty to tell its story, recount our history, and preserve our own culture, ourselves,” he said.
President Mnangagwa condemned the continued possession of African artefacts by foreign institutions, saying the narratives peddled from outside the continent must be corrected, while all illegally transferred cultural artefacts returned to their rightful owners.
“It should never be lost to us that culture, in its broad sense, is a critically important pillar of national pride and identity. Properly leveraged, it provides the most reliable and sustainable building block for social and economic development,” he said. “This conference must heighten our legitimate demand for the Western world to return the artefacts and archives to us, their legitimate owners.”
President Mnangagwa expressed satisfaction with the political will among African leaders to push for the repatriation of stolen artefacts, urging conference delegates to amplify the demand for Western nations to return Africa’s heritage.
He said since its formation in 1969, it is pleasing that ESARBICA has made major strides in establishing, maintaining, and strengthening cooperation among archivists. “The role you all play in promoting the preservation of archival heritage; facilitating the use of archival materials; sponsoring professional training of archivists in the region, is commendable.
“Through your coordinated collection as well as preservation of both oral traditions and history, we are assured that future generations will continue to have factual and accurate archival records.”
Turning to the conference’s theme, President Mnangagwa said it is apt and highlights the need to ensure that archives are accessible and valuable to all and not just specialised researchers or historians.
This, he said, aligns with Zimbabwe’s development mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The statement ‘Archives for Everyone’ must, therefore, compel you, as stakeholders in this critical sector, to adopt practices, policies and outreach strategies that engage all people, especially those at the grassroots level. We all have the shared responsibility to manage, preserve and protect our heritage,” President Mnangagwa said.
He noted that Zimbabwe, along with other countries in the region, is reeling under the effects of climate change, which has brought about more frequent and adverse weather conditions such as cyclones, droughts, heat waves and floods, all of which threaten archival repositories.
“Climate change, including adverse weather conditions and other natural disasters, is a reality and one of the greatest contemporary threats to archival repositories and the records in their custody.
“I challenge this conference, as you discuss the specific matters relating to your sector, to equally consider the topical issue of climate change and sustainability measures to mitigate against any adverse conditions to our records,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President said these factors pose risks to archives through damage to buildings and related infrastructure.
To mitigate these risks and address the digital divide and security concerns in a sustainable manner, President Mnangagwa urged member states to embrace new technologies to open up their collections.
“I challenge you to use this conference to come up with additional innovative strategies to address the digital gap and security issues in a manner that is sustainable. In doing so, also be mindful that while technologies such as Artificial Intelligence offer numerous advantages, associated risks still abound.
“This requires a paradigm shift among records practitioners, including updating legislation and policy frameworks, in order to safeguard our archives for prosperity,” he said.
The President urged archivists to walk the talk, embrace and celebrate the incredible potential of archives to preserve and enhance cultural identity and heritage.
“Let us share our successes, learn from each other’s challenges and explore new innovative ways to open the doors of our institutions wider than ever before.
“Above all, let us invest in fostering an understanding of the role archives play in shaping contemporary narratives about the history of our peoples and countries, and what we can achieve, working together, in the future”.
The conference attracted over 500 delegates drawn from 16 ESARBICA member states.
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