Tracing colonial and postcolonial recordkeeping in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The article traces archival development in Zimbabwe from the colonial to the postcolonial periods. Like in many African colonies, the foundations for formal recordkeeping in Zimbabwe were laid during colonial administration and this article argues that there is a direct relationship between what is happening today and the past whether good or bad.  It covers the historical background of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwean government from the colonial to the postcolonial periods. A historical understanding of the country provides a picture of the archival scene for the period under discussion. In addition, it also gives an overview of records management in Zimbabwe from the colonial to postcolonial periods, as well as the role of the National Archives of Zimbabwe. The article analyses the positive and negative aspects of both the colonial and postcolonial recordkeeping periods and brings out the relationship between the two. The article was guided by the stages of the records life-cycle concept and information was gathered through literature review which included annual reports, legislation, archival documents, published and other academic articles and books on Zimbabwe. It is part of a works in progress and methodology for this article is desk research.